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of Columbus, who attended Western College for women and Wooster College. She has one daughter, Doris Ione, also of Columbus, who is a graduate of Ohio State University and who was youth director in the First Community Church (1946-47). (2) Grace Ione (Bardon) Sommers, of Hamilton, who graduated from American College of Physical Education in Chicago and taught school prior to her marriage. She has two children, Helen Louise, a senior at Ohio State University, and John Robert, a senior at Hamilton High School. ALFRED J. LOUDENSLAGER, retired farmer from Big Island and Salt Rock Townships now residing in Marion, was born in Salt Rock Township Apr. 21, 1881, son of Jacob and Mary Elizabeth (May) Loudenslager. His father was born in Essen, Germany, and came to America in 1858 at the age of ten with his parents who settled on a farm in Wyandot County. The crossing of the Atlantic took forty-two days by sailing ship. Mr. Loudenslager attended school at Carpenters Corners and went to work on his father's farm in Salt Rock Township. He was always a farmer until his retirement in 1937 and still looks after the management of his farms. He is a member of Epworth Methodist Church (trustee and member of official board), Knights of Pythias at Morral, and Marion County Farm Bureau (charter). He is a member of Grand Prairie Grange and he was county chairman for the Rural District for War Bond Drives during World War II, being named "Man of the Month" of Marion County during March 1943, for which he received a certificate of award from the United States Treasury Department. On June 29, 1905, Mr. Loudenslager married Velma L. Reece who was born June 3, 1884, in Tully Township, daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (McKinley) Reece, natives of Marion County. Mrs. Loudenslager was born in the same house in which her father had been born. Her maternal grandfather, Thomas Rickey McKinley, who served in the Civil War, was a second cousin of President William B. McKinley. Mrs. Loudenslager is a member of Epworth Methodist Church, Pythian Sisters, Grand Prairie Grange, Searchlight Literary Club, and Carpe Diem Club for Farm Women (charter member). Mr. and Mrs. Loudenslager are the parents of two children: (1) Forest Don, (see Index). (2) Mildred Iona, born Dec. 14, 1908, who graduated from Harding High School and Ohio State University and taught school for four years prior to her marriage to George F. Kuhn, real estate and insurance broker in Ashville. They have one daughter, Velma Alice. Mrs. Loudenslager is interested in her home and family and needlework. Mr. Loudenslager's interests are feeding livestock and improving his farms. WILLIAM DEXTER HAZEN, Municipal Judge for Marion, was born Oct. 9, 1896, in Paducah, Ky., son of Earl M. and Rachel Catherine (Turner) Hazen. Earl M. Hazen was mayor of Marion from 1925 until his death in 1929. Hon. William Dexter Hazen received his early education in the Marion schools. He was chief deputy sheriff from 1925 to 1927. He was then [50] deputy clerk in Probate Court until 1930, at which time he was admitted to the Bar in Marion County. He practiced law in Marion from 1930 to 1490, when he was elected Municipal Judge for Marion. He was reelected in 1944 and 1947. He is the 8th Ohio District Democratic Candidate in 1950 for the U. S. House of Representatives. He is a member of Trinity Baptist Church, Marion Lodge 70 F. & A. M., Marion Chapter and Council of Masonry, Scioto Consistory (32nd̊), Elks, Rotary Club, Bird McGinnis Post of American Legion, 40 et 8, U. C. T., Eagles Lodge, Kadgar Grotto, and County, State and American Bar associations. He is president of Marion Baseball Club of the Ohio State League. He is a veteran of World War I. On Oct. 9, 1923, he married Ferol Ralston, of Yellow Springs, Green County, daughter of Dr. O. C. Ralston and Jennie (Irwin) Ralston. Mrs. Hazen attended Antioch College and was secretary to the Dean of the College prior to her marriage. She is a member of Trinity Baptist Church and Lydia Chapter O. E. S. HAROLD J. GRIGSBY, Vice President, Division Manager, and a director of The Ohio Public Service Co. with offices in Marion, was born in Prospect Township Apr. 2, 1895, son of John W. and Elizabeth (Biggerstaff) Grigsby, descendents of pioneer settlers of Marion County. His grandfather, Fenton C. Grigsby, a native of Ohio, was a prominent farmer in Prospect Township. Harold J. Grigsby received his early education in the rural schools in Prospect and Waldo townships. He graduated from Delaware High School in 1914. He studied accounting and entered accounting and financial work before becoming associated with The Columbus, Delaware and Marion Electric Co. in June 1921. This company and The Marion-Reserve Power Co. were predecessors of The Ohio Public Service Co. Mr. Grigsby was secretary-treasurer of the earlier companies prior to his appointment as vice president and division manager in November 1945. He is also a director of Marion County Bank and Harding Hotel. He is a member of Epworth Methodist Church, all bodies of Masonry including 32nd degree, Aladdin Temple Shrine, Marion Shrine Club, Marion County Scottish Rite Club 32nd̊ (president), Marion Country Club, Marion Kiwanis Club (past president and director), and Marion Chamber of Commerce (past president). He is a member of the boards of trustees of the Salvation Army,Y. M. C. A., and Harding Memorial Assn. His hobbies are golf, hunting and fishing. On Aug. 22, 1922, Mr. Grigsby married Helen C. Waddell, daughter of Michael and Nettie (Redd) Waddell. Her father was a prominent citizen of Marion and was interested in insurance, banking, and civic projects. He was president of The Home Federal Savings & Loan Co. until his death in 1931. Mrs. Grigsby is a member of Epworth Methodist Church and LeMercure Club. Mr. and Mrs. Grigsby are the parents of one son, Richard Waddell Grigsby, born Dec. 13, 1926. He graduated from Harding High School in 1944 and Miami University in 1948 and did graduate study at Ohio State University. The family resides at 324 Bellefontaine Avenue in Marion. [51] JOHN W. RUTH, farmer in Green Camp Township, was born in Green Camp Township Dec. 14, 1894, son of William S. and Eliza L. Wolfinger Ruth. His grandfather, George Ruth, came to Marion County from Frankfurt, Germany. Mr. Ruth graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a B. A. degree in 1915, and he has since been a farmer in Green Camp Township. He is a director of Prospect Citizens Bank in Prospect. He is a member of: the Methodist church; Marion Lodge 70, Chapter, Council, and Commandery, and Scioto Consistory (32nd̊) of Masonry; Knights of Pythias; Mt. Olive Grange; Phi Gamma Delta; and, Kadgar Grotto. He was a member of the local school board sixteen years and has been a member of County School Board since 1939. He is interested in travel. On June 2, 1917, Mr. Ruth married Vena M. Hughes, of Prospect Township, daughter of David and Nora (Phillips) Hughes. She is a member of Green Camp Methodist Church and W. S. C. S. and is interested in church work. She graduated from Virginia College for Women and attended Ohio Wesleyan University. She taught school for two years prior to her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Ruth have three daughters: (1) Hope (Mrs. John R. Eastman) of Toledo. Mr. Eastman, an attorney, is a veteran of World War II during which he was a lieutenant in the Navy. (2) Virginia, "Billie," of Green Camp, who married William Harrington, superintendent of Morral Schools. (3) Evelyn. She married Merle Lashey, Jr., who is associated with Mr. Ruth in farming. He is an Army veteran of World War II. EVERETT H. MORGAN, physician in Marion and coroner of Marion County, was born in Gallia County Aug. 10, 1876, the fourteenth child of fifteen children of David J. and Mary (Davis) Morgan. Dr. Morgan attended Rio Grande College and taught school in Ohio prior to entering the Spanish-American War in which he served as a first sergeant of infantry in the U. S. Army. He graduated from Starling Ohio Medical College (Ohio State University) in 1903, and practiced medicine in the southern part of Ohio before entering World War I, in which he served as a major in the U. S. Army Medical Corps, with service in France. Dr. Morgan came to Marion in 1919 and has practiced medicine in this city continuously since that date. He is a member of Marion County Academy of Medicine, Ohio State Medical Assn., American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. On October 11, 1905, Dr. Morgan married Elizabeth Bovie, of Gallipolis, daughter of Fred M. and Lucy Bovie. She is a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and has been active in and has served as president of numerous clubs and organizations in Marion. Children: (1) E. Bovie, of Marion, who is associated with Western and Southern Insurance Co. He has two daughters, Hannah and Sarah. (2) David J., who died in 1939. (3) Elizabeth (Morgan) Moritz, of Co. lumbus. She has four sons, Roger, Michael, Timothy and Jeffrey. (4) Roger Gomer Bovie I manager of the Chamber of Commerce in Kennedy, Tex. He served in World War II as a first lieutenant in the U. S. Army [ 52 ] Air Corps. He was a pilot on transport planes which flew from Brazil to Africa, later transporting cargo over the Hump. He has three children, Roger Gomer Bovie II, David J., and Celeste. Dr. Morgan is retiring from outside practice and devoting his time to anaesthesia. GILBERT E. HERR, Vice President and General Manager of Marion Metal Products Co. in Marion, was born in Richland County Feb. 18, 1910, son of Samuel A. and Minnie (Newhouse) Herr. His mother was a native of Crawford County. His father, a farmer in Richland County, moved to Galion in 1896 and purchased the A. D. Schreck dray business which he operated until 1906. He then operated the Hosford Mill. In 1910, he purchased a farm in Tennessee where he farmed for a number of years. He later returned to Galion where he was a carpenter contractor until his death in 1931. Gilbert E. Herr graduated from Galion High School and was employed by Ditwiler Co. (Hercules Steel Products Co.) manufacturing dump bodies. He later was associated with Central Ohio Steel Products Co. where he was engineer, sales engineer, and purchasing agent. He came to Marion in 1941 to accept his present position. He is a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church, Marion Rotary Club, Lodge 1191 B. P. O. Elks, Ohio Society of New York, and Marion Country Club. On Dec. 28, 1934, Mr. Herr married Elizabeth Ann Bruck who was born in Galion, daughter of John P. and Caroline (Rinker) Bruck. She is a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church, Child Conservation League, Women's Missionary Society, Garden Gate Club, and Newcomers Club. Mr. and Mrs. Herr are the parents of one son, Gilbert David, born July 25, 1936, in Galion, a student at Vernon Heights Junior High School. Mrs. Herr enjoys golf and flower gardening. Mr. Herr enjoys fishing, hunting, golf, baseball, and other sports. WILLIAM R. MARTIN, practicing attorney in Marion, was born in Richwood, Sept. 20, 1899, the only child of John W., and Gertrude C. (Bell) Martin, natives of Ohio. His father was a real estate broker in Marion prior to his death in 1929. Mr. Martin attended grade school in Columbus Grove, Putnam County, and graduated from Marion High School in 1917 and Ohio Northern University School of Law in 1920. He was admitted to the Bar in 1920 and started the practice of law in Marion in 1921. He was the first municipal judge of Marion, being elected in 1926 when the office was first created. He was municipal judge thirteen years. On Jan. 1, 1940, he formed a partnership with James E. Reed, known as Martin and Reed. Mr. Martin is a veteran of World War I in which he served with the U. S. Army. During World War II, he was appeal agent for Draft Board 1 in Marion. He was also coordinator for Civilian Defense for Marion County. He is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Elks, Marion Council 671 Knights of Columbus, American Legion, 40 et 8, and Marion County, Ohio State, and American Bar associations. [ 53 ] On Sept. 22, 1920, Mr. Martin married Mildred Lutz who was born in Marion, daughter of Fred L. and Mary J. (Harlowe) Lutz, natives of Marion. Mrs. Martin is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Auxiliary to American Legion, C. L. of Columbia, Tuesday Study Club and Garden Club. She has been on the Girl Scout Board more than fifteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Martin are the parents of one daughter, Mary Marjorie (Mrs. James J. Drake) of Marion. She graduated from St. Mary's High School, St. Mary's-of-the-Springs in Columbus, and School of Nursing at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati. She has one daughter, Dianne. Mrs. Martin's hobbies are fishing and Girl Scout work. Mr. Martin's hobbies include fishing, hunting, and baseball. He is chairman of the American Legion Junior Baseball Association. ROY ABEL, President of Betty Zane Corn Products Co. in Marion, was born Mar. 29, 1890, in Marion County, son of John Christian and Catherine (Issler) Abel. His father came to this country from Germany more than eighty years ago and conducted a buggy and carriage manufacturing company, first in Prospect then in Marion. Roy Abel received his education in the Marion schools. He was in the mercantile business many years and has been president of Betty Zane Corn Products Co. eleven years. He is a member of Kiwanis, Eagles (past president), and Methodist Church. His hobbies are fishing and baseball. On June 25, 1913, Mr. Abel married Hazel E. Fetter, of Marion, daughter of John J. and Mary (Meister) Fetter. She is a member of the Methodist church. Mr. and Mrs. Abel are the parents of two children: (1) Roy, Jr., of Cleveland, who graduated from Ohio State Universty in 1943 and served twenty-six months as a lt. (j. g.) in the Navy during World War II. (2) Ruth Ann, who attended Ohio State University and is now a supervisor at Fulfillment Corp. in Marion. WALTER L. DASHER, farmer and stockman in Grand Prairie Township, was born Oct. 11, 1892, in Peru, W. Va., son of Joseph W. and Kernan (Judy) Dasher who were farmers. Mr. Dasher attended St. Johns Academy at Hickory, N. C., and has been a farmer all his life. He now owns and farms 320 acres of land in Grand Prairie Township. He is a veteran of World War I, in which he served with the U. S. Army for twenty-two months, 17 months of which were spent overseas. He is a member of Epworth Methodist Church, Grand Prairie Grange, D. A. V., and Farm Bureau. On Dec. 24, 1923, he married Mable Fern Miller, of LaRue, born Oct. 2, 1894, daughter of Mathew G. and Ella (Jones) Miller. Mrs. Dasher attended Ohio Northern University and taught school three years. She also was assistant cashier at Campbell National Bank in LaRue for nine years prior to her marriage. She is a member of Epworth Methodist Church, Grand Prairie Grange (secretary), and Farm Bureau. Mr. and Mrs. Dasher are the parents of two sons: (1) Paul L., born Feb. 21, 1926, a graduate of Morral High School. He is associated with his father on the farm. He won the American Farmer Award which was presented Oct. 18, 1947, in Kansas City, Mo. He is a past master of Grand [54] Prairie Grange and is active in church work of Epworth Methodist Church. He was president of the Adult Youth Fellowship three years. (2) Walter Eugene, born Jan. 12, 1937, a student in Grand Prairie School. Mr. Dasher's hobbies are hunting and fishing. The family resides on County Rd. 67. ELMER WILSON IMBODY, doctor of dental surgery in Marion, was born in Marion County Oct. 17, 1890, son of John and Alice (Carey) Imbody. He is the twin brother of William A. Imbody (see Index). Dr. Imbody graduated from Ohio Northern University in 1910, and from the Dental Department of the University of Indiana in 1913. He has been practicing dentistry in Marion since 1913. Dr. Imbody is a member of Marion Lodge 70 F. & A. M., Delta Sigma Delta, National, State and Central Ohio Dental associations, and Marion County Dental Study Club. His hobbies are hunting and fishing. On Jan. 18, 1918, he married Stella May Baker, of Marion. She is a member of First Presbyterian Church, Senior Circle of the Child Conservation League, Marion Sorosis Club, and Women's Auxiliary to Marion Academy of Medicine. Children: (1) John Edwin, M. D. in Marion, specializing in eye, ear, nose, and throat. He graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University and Western Reserve Medical School. He married Ellen Kathleen Moore, of Eau Claire, Wisc. (2) June Louise, who married Robert M. Wills, a captain in the Air Corps now stationed at Weisbaden, Germany. They have one son, Robert M., II (3) Robert Wilson, a student at Bowling Green State University. HARRY L. DOWLER, attorney and formerly Mayor of the city of Marion, was born May 20, 1899, in Marion, son of William and Nancy Lee (Tadlock) Dowler (see Index). Mr. Dowler received his education in the Marion schools, being graduated from high school in 1917. He received his A. B. degree from Ohio Wesleyan in 1924 and his LL. B degree from Western Reserve Law School in Cleveland in 1931. He was admitted to the Bar in 1931 and has practiced law in Marion since that date. He was elected Mayor in 1943 and served until 1949. He is a member of Epworth Methodist Church and the church board, and is superintendent of the church school. He is a member of Marion Lodge 70 F. & A. M., Kadgar Grotto, Eagles, Kiwanis Club, Phi Gamma Delta, and Phi Delta Phi. On June 8, 1929, he married Phoebe Catherine Black who was born in Zanesville, daughter of Frank and Mary Catherine (Drumm) Black. Mrs. Dowler is a member of Epworth Methodist Church. Children: (1) Harry L., Jr., born Aug. 1, 1932, a student at Harding High School. (2) Betty Lee, born Aug. 4, 1935, a student at Vernon Heights Junior High School. (3) Phoebe Anne, born Sept. 11, 1940, a student at Greenwood School. Mrs. Dowler's hobby is raising flowers. Mr. Dowler is interested in civic enterprises, flower gardening, baseball, basketball, football and other sports. The family resides at 196 Greenwood Street in Marion. [ 55 ] THE BOWE FAMILY, owners of Bowe Ice Cream Co. in Marion, came to Marion from Wisconsin in April 1922. Frank J., Clarence M., Mark L., and Helen C. purchased Rockwell Ice Cream Co., in April 1922, and Rogers Ice Cream Co., in September 1922, which they consolidated, forming Bowe Ice Cream Co. Mark L. Bowe married, on Feb. 5, 1940, Marie W. Wagner, a sister of Arthur J. Wagner, a practicing dentist in Marion. Mr. and Mrs. Bowe are the parents of two children, Michael and Mary Pat. The Bowe brothers are all members of the Knights of Columbus, and all three served in World War I. The family are members of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. CARL THOMAS CAMPBELL, manager of Marion Credit Rating Co. in Marion, was born May 9, 1905, in Marion County, son of Frank Thomas and Catherine Susan (Hoch) Campbell. His father was a farmer in Marion County and was postmaster of Marion from 1913 to 1921. He was cashier of West Side Banking Co. in Marion from 1921 until his retirement in 1928. Carl T.'s grandfather, Thomas H. Campbell, was born and lived his entire life in the house on the Campbell Road which is still standing and has been in the Campbell family five generations. His grandmother, Mary T. Walters, was also a native of Marion County. His great-grandfather, Francis Campbell, came to America from Donegal, Ireland, at the age of eighteen and worked on the Erie Canal. His great-grandmother, Elizabeth McWherter, was a native of Ohio. Carl Thomas Campbell, attended the Campbell school. He graduated from Harding High School and attended Capital University two years. He then studied some special courses at Marion Business College. He was associated with the County-Federal Relief Administration with the position of commodity distributor for about eight years before becoming manager of the Marion Credit Rating Co. in January 1942. Mr. Campbell is a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church. He has been superintendent of the Church Sunday School more than twenty years. He has been financial secretary of the church about fifteen years. He is a member of the church choir and is active in work of the Marion Community Foundation. He is president of the Businessmen's Bible Club. His interests are his home and church, gardening and looking after his farm. On Sept. 30, 1930, Mr. Campbell married Irma Louise Broadsword, of Marion, who was born Feb. 4, 1906, in Galion, daughter of Wilbur F. and Philippena (Trodt) Broadsword. Her father was a conductor with Erie Railroad until his death in 1919. Her mother was a charter member of Ladies Auxiliary of B. of R. T. and was treasurer more than twenty years. Mrs. Campbell attended Capital University and graduated from Lutheran Deaconess Welfare Training School in Baltimore. She was assistant cashier of West Side Banking Co. four years prior to her marriage. She is now employed part-time with the Community Foundation Headquarters. She is executive secretary of Marion Community Chest. She is a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church and has taught in the Sunday School since 1926. She is a member of the church choir, Sesame Club, and Good-Cheer Circle of King's Daughters. [56] WILLIAM JAMES GUY, retired harnessmaker and hardware businessman, was born in Leicestershire, England, June 18, 1869, son of William and Mary (Benton) Guy. His father was a schoolmaster at Appleby Magna. Mr. Guy received his education in England and was manager of the large harness factory, Martin and Martin, in Walsall twenty years. He brought his family to America in 1910 and they settled in Marion where Mr. Guy opened a harness and hardware business on North Main Street. He later took his two sons into the business with him, and the company is now operated by his son, William H., and three grandsons. He is a member of Episcopal Church of England and is affiliated with First Presbyterian Church. Mr. Guy married Eliza Horton, who was born in England, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Horton. She died in 1935. Children: (1) John. He married Cleo Miller and they had two children, Geneva (Guy) Carter and Patricia. (2) William H. He married Helen Geddis and they have four children, William H., Jr., Robert L., and Francis, who are associated with their father in business, and Marilyn. (3) Dorothy (Mrs. Paul Lawrence) who died in 1923. She taught school in Marion for several years before her marriage. Children: Jean (Mrs. Royal Fields), and twins, John Paul, who was a paratrooper during World War II, and Dorothy. On Dec. 9, 1939, Mr. Guy married Alice (Ross) Mackintosh who taught school in Columbus for twenty-two years prior to her marriage to Mr. Guy. While in England, Mr. Guy had the distinction of making a saddle to be used by Queen Victoria. He enjoys travel and has crossed the Atlantic nine times. THE ALBERT EDWARD MAUTZ FAMILY of Marion. Albert Edward Mautz was born in Richland Township Aug. 10, 1875, son of Jacob and Margaret (Buehler) Mautz. He attended Capital University in Columbus. For eighteen months he was in the office of Pendergast Lumber Co. and for eight years he was a salesman for Bostwick Braun Co., a Toledo wholesale hardware firm. He returned to Marion Apr. 1, 1910, where he conducted a hardware store until his death Jan. 11, 1942. He was a member of Epworth Methodist Church and all bodies of Masonry, including 32nd degree. On Oct. 10, 1909, Mr. Mautz married Bessie C. Barbeau, of Tiffin. Mrs. Mautz resides in the family home at 360 Lafayette Street in Marion. She is a member of Epworth Methodist Church, Lydia Chapter O. E. S., and Marion Art Club (charter member and past president). Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mautz: (1) Robert Barbeau, a graduate of Miami College and Yale University School of Law. He was attorney for Pan American for their life-line through Africa to Europe in 1941 and 1942. During World War II, he served as a lieutenant colonel in the U. S. Army. He is now in Berlin, Germany, where he is director of the legal division of O. M. G. U. S. He married Esther Guthery, of Marion. (2) James AIbert, business manager of Marion City Hospital. He is a graduate of Miami University at Oxford and served as a [57] major in the U. S. Army Medical Corps during World War II. (3) Margaret Anne, of Marion, a graduate of Miami University. She married Thomas Clark (see Index), and they have three children: Thomas, Jr.; Gary Lee; and, Constance Anne. GEORGE RILEY FLORA, President and General Manager of Arro Expansion Bolt Co. in Marion, was born July 13, 1888, in Roanoke, Va., son of James B. and Lucy (Sink) Flora. His parents moved from Virginia to Springfield when George was seven years old. Early members of the Flora family came from Alsace-Lorraine, France, to America and were pioneer settlers of Franklin County where they remained for five generations. His maternal grandfather was a soldier during the American Revolution. Mr. Flora attended grade schools in Springfield and took correspondence courses in general education, mechanical and metalurgical engineering, and photography, for sixteen years. He became a metal pattern maker, which vocation he followed for about fifteen years. He has worked in thirty different states of the United States, being employed by various manufacturers of operating parts. In 1922, he came to Marion to take charge of American Malleable Castings Co. In 1929, he organized Arro Expansion Bolt Co. and is its President and General Manager. He is a member of Epworth Methodist Church, Marion Lodge 70 F. & A. M., and Marion Country Club. His hobbies are fishing, golf, photography, baseball and other sports. On Jan. 16, 1916, Mr. Flora married Mary Katherine Brush, of Indianapolis, Ind., daughter of John and Ella Brush. She died in 1933. Mr. Flora married, on Apr. 29, 1939, Dessie K. Koskie, of Oklahoma City, Okla. She is a member of Epworth Methodist Church, Child Study Club, and Marion Country Club. Mr. and Mrs. Flora are the parents of one son, James Riley, born Apr. 16, 1944. MILTON MARKEY, farmer in Montgomery Township, was born Nov. 12, 1874, in Macon County, Mo., son of Marshall and Mary (Perry) Markey. His father served as a soldier in the Civil War. His grandfather, John Markey, was a large land owner, money lender, and buyer of bonds and notes in Marion County, and one of his farms has been in the Markey family for more than sixty years. Milton Markey is a brother of John Marshall Markey (see Index). Milton Markey received his early education in Missouri and went to work as a farmer. He came to LaRue in 1896 and farmed until 1909 when he purchased a grain elevator which he owned and operated seventeen years. He then returned to his interest in farming. He is a member of LaRue Lodge F. & A. M. His hobbies are hunting, fishing, and looking after his farms. On Oct. 16, 1915, he married Isa Cora Fox, of Akron, daughter of Dr. George Fox and Mary C. (Darnold) Fox. Dr. Fox was a physician and surgeon in Clendenin, Va., for more than sixty years. Mrs. Markey is affiliated with the Methodist church and she is a member of Mary Lenox Chapter O. E. S. [ 58 ] HAROLD V. ALEXANDER, owner of American Hay and Grain Co. in Marion, was born in Marietta July 3, 1892, son of Frank L. and Frances (Irvine) Alexander. Frank L. Alexander organized American Hay and Grain Co. in 1903 in Marietta, moving the offices to Marion in 1927. Harold V. Alexander graduated from Marietta High School and attended Wooster College. He graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1914 and was associated in business with his father until the latter's death in 1943. Mr. Alexander is a member of First Presbyterian Church, Phi Gamma Delta, Kiwanis Club, Marion Chamber of Commerce, National Hay Assn., Ohio and International Baby Chick associations, Marion Country Club, Marion Hobby Club, and Harding and American Philatelic societies. He is interested in music, antiques, and stamps. On Aug. 29, 1925, Mr. Alexander married Jane Lynch who was born in Grafton, W. Va., daughter of Rev. Frank N. Lynch, a Methodist minister, and Flora (English) Lynch. Mrs. Alexander attended Western College for Women, Chicago University, and Western Reserve University School of Applied Sciences. She is a member of First Presbyterian Church, Century Club, Women's Hospital Board, Marion Country Club, and American Association of Social Workers. Her hobbies are music and antiques. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander are the parents of one son, Harold V., Jr., born Dec. 4, 1934. FLOYD GILMORE BROWNE, consulting engineer and owner of Floyd G. Browne & Associates Consulting Engineers in Marion, was born at Garnett, Kans., Nov. 25, 1892, son of O. B. and Bessie May (Miller) Browne. His father was a farmer and contractor in Kansas. Mr. Browne graduated from Doane Academy in Granville in 1914. He received his B. S. C. E. degree from Denison University, and his M. E. degree, also from Denison, in 1921. He taught school at St. Mary's High School one year. He was then engineering timekeeper, cost accountant, and mechanical engineer for A. Bentley & Sons Co. in Toledo from 1922 to 1924. He was supervising and consulting engineer, on a part-time basis from 1924 to 1931, for the city of Marion. He has been consulting engineer on various water, sewerage and industrial projects and technical advisor to several Ohio municipalities on sewage and water treatment from 1931 to date. He has written many papers on sewage treatment. He is a member of the following: National Society of Professional Engineers; Am. Society of Civil Engineers; A. S. M. E.; American Waterworks Assn.; Marion Country Club; American Legion; Sojourners Lodge and 32nd̊ of Masonry; First Presbyterian Church; Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He is a veteran of World War I during which he served in the 134th Field Artillery of the U. S. Army. His hobbies are fishing and outdoor games. On Nov. 10, 1924, Mr. Browne married Dorothy McNeal who was born in Marion, daughter of L. B. and Alice (Fairchild) McNeal, both descendents of pioneer settlers of Marion. Mrs. Browne is a member of First Presbyterian Church. Children: (1) Marshall G., born Apr. 9, 1926. (2) Eleanor (Mrs. Robert Stafford), born Dec. 17, 1928. (3) Stuart Prescott, born Aug. 8, 1930. (4) Wallace Harper, born Feb. 9, 1939. [59] SANTFORD SECKEL, farmer in Claridon Township, was born in that township July 8, 1877, son of Washington and Sophia (Corwin) Seckel. His grandfather, John C. Seckel, of German descent, and his grandmother, Mary (Mears) Seckel, of English lineage, were natives of Pennsylvania and came to Ohio after their marriage, first to Crawford County and then to Marion County. Mr. Seckel received his education in the country school and has always been a farmer. On Feb. 25, 1903, he married Viola Monnett, of Marion Township, who was born July 15, 1881, daughter of James M. and Martha A. (Markey) Monnett. Her grandfather, John Markey, was of German descent, and her grandmother, Caroline (Wicks) Markey, came to Marion County from Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Seckel are members of the Methodist Church. Children: (1) Wilda, who attended Bowling Green University and taught school four years prior to her marriage to Chester Fulton, a farmer in Claridon Township. They have one son, Loren. (2) Louise, who graduated from Marion Business College and was associated with National City Bank for ten years before her marriage to Darwin Hinamon, a farmer in Claridon Township. (3) Homer Ellsworth, who is associated with his father in farming. (4) Albert Monnett, a farmer in Scott Township. He married Vera Mae Smith and they have two sons, Howard and Gerald. (5) Warren Millison, manager of Lowe Bros. Paint Store in Marion. He married Frances Green and they have one son, Larry Allen, a U. S. Army veteran of four years service during World War II. DAY D. CLIFTON, retired banker, farmer and stockman of LaRue, was born in Ashley Oct. 26, 1872, son of David H. and Demaris (Day) Clifton. His father, a veteran of the Civil War, was a merchant in Ashley and DeCliff and later a farmer and stockman in Marion County, specializing in raising sheep for wool. Day D. Clifton's maternal grandparents, Samuel and Sarah (Morris) Day, were among the most prominent pioneer settlers of Montgomery Township, in which they settled and began clearing the land and farming in 1843. His maternal great-grandfather, Ovington Day, a veteran of the War of 1812, moved his family from Ross County to Big Island Township in 1832. His maternal great-great-grandfather, Samuel Day, who, with his father, had fought in. the American Revolution, brought his family to Ross County from Pendleton County, Va., in 1805. Mr. Clifton attended Marion County Schools and the University of Kentucky. Then he was associated with Pendergast Lumber & Coal Co. In 1895, he returned to the farm where he assisted his father until 1899 at which time he began his banking career. At that time, Mr. Clifton became associated with Campbell's Bank, a private banking institution, and he was one of the organizers when the bank became Campbell National Bank May 23, 1903. He has held various positions with this bank through the years, and retired Apr. 16, 1949. He was councilman of LaRue six years. He is a member of LaRue Lodge F. & A. M., all York Rite bodies of Masonry in Marion, Scioto Consistory (32nd̊) in Columbus, and Matinee Club. His hobby is horses. [60] On Nov. 8, 1899, Mr. Clifton married Claudice Birdell Campbell who was born in LaRue, daughter of Dr. W. J. Campbell and Minerva (Owens) Campbell. Her mother was a native of Marion County. Dr. Campbell was a druggist in LaRue and in 1888 he founded Campbell's Bank which was operated in connection with the drug store. He was an organizer of Campbell National Bank and was its president until his death in 1904. Mrs. Clifton is vice president of Campbell National Bank. She is a member of First Presbyterian Church, Captain William Hendricks Chapter D. A. R., and Mary Lenox Chapter O. E. S. Mr. and Mrs. Clifton are the parents of one daughter, Marie. She attended Dr. Arnold's Physical Culture School in New Haven, Conn., and is cashier of Campbell National Bank. She married D. Eugene English of West Mansfield. Mr. and Mrs. English own and operate Pioneer Stock Farm, west of Marion, where they specialize in raising Shropshire sheep and breeding fine race horses. ORLA E. BARKS, farmer in Marion Township, was born Aug. 5, 1880, on the old Barks homestead on Route 23 which had previously been the old Blue Ball Tavern, son of George F. and Emma Josephine (Epley) Barks. His father owned land in Marion and Pleasant townships. Mr. Barks attended county and Marion Schools and went to work on his father's farm. He also was a rural mail carrier twelve years and was associated with McDaniels Motor Sales six years. He now farms about four hundred acres of land, 275 acres of which he owns and 125 of which belong to his sister, Zoe (Barks) Harriman. Mr. Barks has served as township trustee since 1946. He was a member of the following: Board of Education, twelve years (clerk four years); Marion County Fair Board, five years; and, A. A. A. (committeeman more than ten years). During World War II he served four years checking availability of draft-age farm boys and two years on the farm machine rationing board. He is a member of Calvary Evangelical United Brethren Church, Progressive Grange, and Eagles. He is interested in harness horses. On Feb. 20, 1908, Mr. Barks married Mary Margaret Morris, of Marion, born Mar. 28, 1882, daughter of Albert and Matilda Jane (Rayl) Morris. Mrs. Barks is a member of Calvary Evangelical United Brethren Church, Sans Souci Club, and Progressive Grange. She was chairman of the County Federation of Women's Clubs. She is interested in home economics work and has held many offices in home council work in the county. Children: (1) George Albert, born June 23, 1915, a farmer on the home place. He married June Freeman, of Marion. (2) Matilda Josephine, born Sept. 22, 1917. She married Murray Wainfor, of Prospect, and they have two daughters, Nancy Jo and Connie Kay. PHILIP EARHART GUTHERY, owner and Manager of Marion Auto Finance Co., was born in Marion Sept. 26, 1905, son of Mildred Howard Guthery and the late Frederick Earhart Guthery. He has one brother, Howard Frederick Guthery (see Index) and one sister, Esther Guthery Mautz. [61] Philip Earhart Guthery attended local grade schools, Claremont School for Boys at Claremont, Calif., and Miami Military Institute at Germantown, O. In 1929 he graduated from Kenyon College at Gambier with the degree of Ph.B. While in college, he was affiliated with Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity. After graduation he became associated with The Credit Loan and Discount Co., working in the Findlay and Marion offices. In 1933 he organized his present company. On Dec. 19, 1942, Mr. Guthery was drafted into the U. S. Army and attended the Army Finance School at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Ind. He was then transferred to Hq. Det. 250 Ordnance Bn. at Raritan Arsenal, N. J., and embarked for the European Theater Sept. 5, 1943. He served twenty-six months overseas and was honorably discharged Oct. 19, 1945, with a rating of staff sergeant. He is a 32nd̊ Mason, a past worshipful master of Sojourners Lodge 653 F. & A. M., and a member of B. P. O. Elks 32, Kiwanis Club and Marion Chamber of Commerce.
On Oct. 13, 1934, Mr. Guthery married Mary E. Ewing who was born in Findlay, daughter of William Otto and Clara Huffman Ewing. Mrs. Guthery is a graduate of Ohio State University where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
ZONA B. RAYL is a partner in J. S. Rayl Co. with her sister, Aimee R. Conyers, and her nephew, Rayl B. Conyers. Miss Rayl and Mrs. Conyers were both born in Marion County, daughters of James S. and Mary C. (Rickerson) Rayl. Their father, who was born at Rayl's Corners, opened the J. S. Rayl business selling dairy equipment and supplies in Marion about 1900. He conducted the firm until his death in 1921. Since that time the company has been owned by Miss Rayl and Mrs. Conyers. In 1937, they were joined by Mrs. Conyers' son.
In 1906, Aimee R. Conyers married John B. Conyers who was associated with J. S. Rayl Co. until his death in 1930. Their son, Rayl B., graduated from Ohio State University in 1937. He is a Navy veteran of World War II, having served three and one-half years. He married Mary Gracely who was born in Marion. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University and received her master degree at Stanford University. They have one daughter, Louise.
HENRY CLIFF CASS, general farmer and cattle feeder in Marion Township, was born in Iberia, Washington Township, Morrow County, Aug. 10, 1872, son of Samuel Dixon and Martha Ann (Story) Cass. His mother was a native of Morrow County. His father, a native of New York, was a farmer in Morrow County and taught school nineteen years.
Mr. Cass attended schools in Washington Township, Marion, and Business College in Cincinnati. From 1892 to 1904, he was associated with Wells Fargo Co. and for ten years was shipping clerk, export shipper, and general storekeeper with Marion Steam Shovel Co. In 1914 and 1915 he was director of public service for the city of Marion. Since 1915 he has followed the occupation of farming, specializing in feeding cattle. In 1915 Mr. Cass with his father-in-law, Lenox Reber, built the house where Mr. Cass now resides on the old Reber farm on the Hillman-Ford Rd., northwest of Marion.
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On Oct. 3, 1899, Mr. Cass married Clara Reber, who was born on the old Reber farm, daughter of Lenox and Jennie (McBeth) Reber who were large land owners. Mrs. Cass died Nov. 17, 1930.
Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cass: (1) Reber McBeth Cass who died at two and one-half years of age. (2) Mary Ellen, who married C. W. Frederick, a mail transfer clerk out of Marion Post Office. They have three children, Jo Ann, a student at Ohio University; Eugene Owen, a student at University of Wisconsin; and, Clara Jane, a student at Harding High School. Mr. and Mrs. Frederick and family reside with Mr. Cass.
Mr. Cass is affiliated with the Presbyterian church and is a member of: Marion Lodge 70 F. & A. M. (life member, 50-year, and past master), Marion Chapter (past high priest), Council (past illustrious master), and Commandery, and Scioto Consistory (life member) of Masonry; Aladdin Temple Shrine; Marion Shrine Club; and, Lydia Chapter O. E. S. (past patron) . Mr. Cass in former years did considerable deer hunting as his hobby.
RALPH W. GABLER, owner and operator of Gabler General Store in Waldo, was born Nov. 17, 1878, son of William and Lucinda (Straub) Gabler. His father owned and operated the store for many years prior to his death in 1930.
Mr. Gabler graduated from Waldo schools and was associated with his father in the store until 1930 when he became sole owner. He was postmaster in Waldo for thirty-one years, and assistant postmaster, under his father, for fifteen years prior to that. He is a member of Knights of Pythias Lodge, and is affiliated with the Reformed Church.
On June 29, 1902, Mr. Gabler married Stella Selanders of Waldo, daughter of Meigs and Katherine (Reely) Selanders. She is a member of the Reformed Church and she was formerly a member of Pythian Sisters. Mr. and Mrs. Gabler are the parents of one son, Cecil W., who is principal of Vernon Heights Junior High School in Marion. He graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University and received his master degree at Ohio State University. He married Opal Maynard, of Marion. They have one daughter, Jane Ann, who married Fred Kline, a veteran of World War II, who is now attending Bowling Green University.
ELIZABETH MAUD LOUISE BULL, practicing physician in Marion since 1907, was born May 16, 1872, in Eaton Rapids, Mich., daughter of George B. and Elizabeth Saley (Fisher) Bull. Her father came to America from Canada in 1858 and served in the Civil War. He was in the mercantile business in Detroit, Milwaukee, Sandusky City, and Marion, to which he moved in 1876. Her mother came to America from London, Eng.
Dr. Bull attended Marion schools and Battle Creek College in Michigan. She graduated as a nurse from Battle Creek Sanitarium and from A. N. M. A. Medical College in Chicago in 1901. Later, she took a postgraduate course at Starling Ohio Medical College (Ohio State University) from which she graduated in 1907. She has practiced medicine in Marion continuously since that date. She is a member of Seventh Day Adventist
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Church, Marion County Academy of Medicine, and State, Tri-State, and Northwestern American Medical associations.
Dr. Bull is the only woman physician practicing in Marion. She is also very active in church work.
FRANK M. GARFIELD, owner and manager of Home Print Shop in Marion, was born in Marion Apr. 20, 1892, son of A. W. and Lena (Altenberger) Garfield. His father was a grocer in Marion. His mother was a native of Upper Sandusky.
Mr. Garfield attended grade and high schools in Marion. In 1901, he started a printing shop in his home, later moving the business to its present location on East Court Street. He has devoted much of his time to the study and development of the printing business. On March 15, 1918, he married Jeannette Gibson who was born in Marion, daughter of William and Carey (Coonfare) Gibson. Mr. and Mrs. Garfield are members of Epworth Methodist Church.
Children: (1) Junior Ross, who died at the age of three years. (2) Richard Leroy, born Feb. 16, 1923, who is now associated with his father in the Home Print Shop. He graduated from Harding High School and attended Purdue University. He served with the U. S. Navy four years during World War II. He married Virginia Wertz and they have one daughter, Pamela. (3) Naomi Jeannette, born Aug. 27, 1924. She married William Haberman, of Marion, and they are the parents of one son, David Stewart.
Mrs. Garfield's hobbies are music, painting and needlework. Mr. Garfield's hobbies are flower gardening, fishing, and other sports.
ALVIN MERLE HAMILTON, Manager, Secretary, and Treasurer of J. M. Hamilton and Sons Co. and a partner in ownership of the company and of a five hundred acre farm with his brother, Oliver E. Hamilton (see Index), was born Sept. 29, 1907, in Marion Township, younger son of J. M. and Zymilla (Monnette) Hamilton. His father was a farmer on the Hamilton home place, north of Marion, and opened the stone quarry in 1905, operating it, first alone and then with his sons, until his death, May 29, 1947. Alvin Merle's grandfather, Emanuel Hamilton, was born and died in a log house located at the present site of Oliver E. Hamilton's home.
Alvin Merle Hamilton graduated from Harding High School in 1924 and from Ohio State University with a B. A. degree in 1929. Upon graduation, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U. S. Army Reserve, which rank he held ten years. From the time of his graduation, he was associated with his father and brother in J. M. Hamilton and Sons Co. until he entered service during World War II. He served as lieutenant with the U. S. Naval Reserve three years, with twenty-six months of that time spent in the Mediterranean. He was a member of the staff of Admiral H. K. Hewitt who was U. S. Commander of the Eighth Fleet and he participated in the battles of Sicily, Salerno, and Southern France. He received the Secretary of Navy Commendation Award and is now a lieutenant in the Naval Reserve. Since his return from service, he has resumed his po-
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sition in J. M. Hamilton and Sons Co. He is a member of: Epworth Methodist Church; Official Board of the Church; Demolay (1924-25) ; Marion Lodge 70, Chapter, Council, and Commandery, and Scioto Consistory (32nd̊) of Masonry; Elks; Marion Rotary Club; Marion Chamber of Commerce; Executive Council of Harding Area Boy Scouts of America; Phi Delta Chi fraternity; Scabbard and Blade (honorary military society); and, Marion Country Club.
On Nov. 24, 1929, he married Peg Gray, of Waterville, daughter of C. M. and Isabelle (Baldwin) Gray. Mrs. Hamilton attended Toledo, Bowling Green, and Ohio State universities, graduating from the last with a B. A. degree. She is a member of: Epworth Methodist Church; Official Board of the Church; Lydia Chapter O. E. S.; Marion Assn. of University Women; Marion Pan-Hellenic Assn.; AIpha Delta Pi sorority; Town and Country Garden Club; Marion Country Club; Le Mercure Club; In-As-Much Circle of King's Daughters; Women's Council of Y-Teens; Board of Directors of Junior Service Guild; and, Red Cross Board. From 1938 through World War II, she was chairman of all packing of refugee and military apparel for Marion County Chapter of American Red Cross. Her hobbies are golf and flower gardening. Mr. Hamilton's hobby is fishing. They reside at 671 Vernon Heights Boulevard in Marion.
CLARENCE OSCAR BROWN, Treasurer of Fairfield Engineering Co. in Marion, was born at Bremen, O., June 5, 1890, son of Charles A. and Jennie (Hast) Brown. His father, of German lineage, was a farmer in Fairfield County. His mother, a native of Germany, came to America at the age of seven with her parents, Adam and Katherine (Miller) Hast.
Mr. Brown graduated from Crawfis Collegiate Institute in 1908. He then taught school three years and attended Ohio University at Athens. He graduated from Ohio Northern University in 1914, with a C. E. degree. He was assistant county engineer in Fairfield County until elected county engineer in 1914. He served two terms. While county engineer, he was also resident engineer of the State Highway Department. In April 1920, Mr. Brown became associated with Fairfield Engineering Co. as an engineer. Since then he has worked in various capacities for the firm. He is a member of First Presbyterian Church (trustee), Ohio and National societies of Professional Engineers, Marion Rotary Club (past president), Marion Country Club (past president), and Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
On Aug. 13, 1916, Mr. Brown married Ethyl R. Benidum who was born at Millersport Dec. 23, 1891, daughter of Charles and Flora (Eder) Benidum. Mrs. Brown attended Denison University and graduated from Ohio Northern University with a major in public school music education. She was supervisor of music in the public schools of Walnut Township, Fairfield County, for one year prior to her marriage. She is a member of First Presbyterian Church where she is active in the church circles, Round Table CIub, Marion Country Club, Town and Country Garden Club, and Theta Phi Delta sorority.
Mr. and Mrs. Brown are the parents of one daughter, Bonnie Rebecca (Mrs. Harry Lazear), of Marion. She attended Ohio State University
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where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. She has one daughter, Linda Rebecca.
Mr. and Mrs. Brown's hobbies are golf, bridge, baseball, football, and other sports.
DANIEL L. LA MARCHE, Vice President of American Malleable Casting Co. in Marion, was born Nov. 29, 1895, in Cleveland, son of Charles Louis and Clara Louise (Catoir) LaMarche. In 1905, the LaMarche family moved to Marion from Cleveland and, in December of that year, his father assisted in organizing American Malleable Casting Co., successor to Marion Malleable Iron Co. Charles L. became president and treasurer of the newly formed firm and in 1923, he retired to make his home in Cleveland. Daniel L.'s brother, Carl F. (see Index), is president of the company, and another brother, Robert James (see Index), is secretary.
Daniel L. LaMarche attended Marion schools and graduated from Staunton Military Academy. He then became associated in business with his father. In 1917, he enlisted for service with the U. S. Army during World War I. He was commissioned a second lieutenant at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, Ind. He served overseas with the 83rd Division. He was honorably discharged from the Army Mar. 7, 1919, with the rank of captain. He returned to Marion and was again associated with American Malleable Casting Co. He later became secretary of the company and is now its vice president. He is a director of Arro Expansion Bolt Co. He was appointed chairman of the Selective Service Board of Marion County by Governor John William Bricker Oct. 15, 1940, and later served as chairman of the board. He was also a member of the National Defense Commission of Marion County during World War II. He is a member of: Executive Board of Harding Area Council of Boy Scouts of America; Blue Lodge, York Rite, and Columbus Consistory (32nd̊) of Masonry; Aladdin Temple Shrine; American Legion; The Marion Club (president since 1937); Marion Country Club; and Marion Chapter of the Citizens' Historical Assn. (life member). His hobbies are golf and motion picture photography.
On Jan. 14, 1926, Mr. LaMarche married Mary Pauline O'Keeffe who was born in Marion July 18, 1902, daughter of John Timothy and Elizabeth (Sells) O'Keeffe. She is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church and Daughters of the American Revolution, the Sells family being early settlers of this country as well as of Marion County. Mr. and Mrs. LaMarche are the parents of three children: (1) Jeanne, born Jan. 13, 1927, a student at Ohio State University. (2) David Luther, Jr., born June 18, 1929. He graduated from Staunton Military Academy in 1947 and is now a student at Miami University at Oxford. (3) Claire Ann, born Oct. 24, 1930, a student at Miami University.
HARRY ALFRED LAUCHER, farmer in Pleasant Township, was born in Crawford County Oct. 20, 1892, son of William and Catherine (Aidt) Laucher, both natives of Marion County where his father was a farmer.
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Mr. Laucher attended schools in Crawford and Marion counties and worked on his father's farm. He purchased his present farm in 1925 and now does both general and dairy farming. He is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. He was township trustee for ten years and served on the school board six years.
On Mar. 18, 1915, Mr. Laucher married Genevieve Henrietta Yager who was born in Pleasant Township June 16, 1893, daughter of George and Catherine (Goyer) Yager. She is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and of the societies of the church.
Children: (1) Alfred G., a farmer in Claridon Township. He married Clara Ellen Loyer and they have one daughter, Janet. (2) Ralph W., a farmer in Marion Township. He married Dorine Hensel and they have two children, Carol Ann and Douglas Merle. (3) Leroy H., (see Index). (4) Catherine. She married Harold Denman, a farmer in Waldo Township. They have one son, Thomas. (5) Hazel who is associated with the Jay Maish Co. in Marion. (6) Joan Marie, a student at Pleasant High School. Mrs. Laucher is interested in growing flowers. Mr. Laucher is interested in basketball games and other sports. They reside on State Route 529, southeast of Marion.
CHARLES ELWOOD ALMENDINGER, owner of Almendinger Chevrolet in Prospect, was born in Prospect Township July 23, 1897, son of J. H. and Carrie L. (Randall) Almendinger. His father was a farmer and owned and operated a threshing machine.
Mr. Almendinger attended the country school and became associated with Prospect Fire Engine Co. in 1915. In 1919 he opened the Central Garage in Prospect, changing it to its present name in 1935. This automobile business is the second oldest in the county. He also operates a welding and machine shop and sells Hotpoint appliances. He has owned and operated school buses since 1923. In 1947 he was awarded a certificate of merit from Radio Station WLW in Cincinnati in recognition of his service to American youth and for his heroic action in the blizzard of January 1936. He operated a roadside emergency station for the American Red Cross. He is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Prospect Lodge and Scioto Consistory of Masonry, Aladdin Temple Shrine, and Knights of Pythias. His hobbies are fishing and moving picture and still photography.
On Sept. 20, 1914, Mr. Almendinger married Frances Gabriel who was born in Radnor Township, Delaware County, daughter of John and Sarah (Fryman) Gabriel. Mrs. Almendinger is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Prospect O. E. S., and Pythian Sisters.
There are three children: (1) Velma (Mrs. David Seiters) of Prospect Township. She has two sons, Wayne and Richard. (2) Maxine (Mrs. William C. Miller) of Columbus. (3) Charles Elwood, Jr., who is associated in business with his father. He served forty-three months with the U. S. Army during World War II, and now retains the reserve rank of first lieutenant. He married Naomi Gast and they have one daughter, Cecilia Elizabeth.[
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JESSE PARKER ROBINSON, farmer in Grand Prairie Township, was born Nov. 19, 1871, near Albert Lea, Freeborn County, Minn., son of Rev. J. C. Robinson, a Baptist minister, and Lucy (Ackley) Robinson.
Mr. Robinson graduated from Hillsdale College and was superintend. ent of schools in Athens, Pa., for nine years before he began his career as a farmer in 1905, on the farm where he has engaged in farming since that date. He is a member of First Presbyterian Church and Rural Amity Lodge 70 in Athens.
On Aug. 5, 1902, Mr. Robinson married Effie Brown of Grand Prairie Township. She was born and married in the house where the Robinsons now reside, daughter of Ezekiel and Alice (Bretz) Brown. Her maternal grandparents, Andrew DeTay Bretz and Mary (Seitz) Bretz, built the house in 1876 after Mr. Bretz had purchased the farm from his grandfather, John Bibler, who had bought the land from the government in 1828. The farm has been owned and operated by members of the family continuously for more than one hundred and twenty years. Mrs. Robinson graduated from Hillsdale College and taught in Marion High School for a year before her marriage. She is a member of First Presbyterian Church, Women's Club and Captain William Hendricks Chapter of D. A. R.
Mr. and Mrs. Robinson are the parents of three children: (1) Richard Lee, of Sheridan, Wyo. He married Laura Weddell and they have one daughter, Rebecca Lee. (2) Dorothea Alice, of Columbus. She married Edwin Knight who served as a lieutenant in the U. S. Navy during World War II. (3) Jesse Parker, Jr., Commander in the U. S. Navy, a graduate of Annapolis in 1937 who received his wings in 1940 at Pennsacola, Fla. He has received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with gold star. He married Dorothy Walter and they have three sons, David Walter, Peter Guy, and Jesse Charles.
FRANK MARION KNAPP, general insurance specialist in Marion, was born in Marion July 19, 1884, son of James Andrew and Rose (Tavenner) Knapp. James A. Knapp was well known and prominent in the business world and in the Masonic Orders of Marion, and he was a 33rd Honorary Degree Mason. Lydia Chapter 83 Order of Eastern Star was named in honor of Frank's grandmother, Lydia (Lybarger) Knapp.
Frank Knapp received his education in the Marion schools. He has been in the insurance business since 1904. He is a member of Epworth Methodist Church, Marion Lodge 70, Chapter, Council and Commandery of Masonry, Lydia Chapter 83 O. E. S., Marion Chamber of Commerce and Marion Country Club. He is active in Smart Sunday School Class.
On July 23, 1916, Mr. Knapp married Bess Peavey, of Marion. Her paternal grandfather came to America from England and her maternal grandparents came to America from Germany. Mrs. Knapp graduated from Kent Normal School and taught school in Marion prior to her mar- riage. She is a member of Epworth Methodist Church, the Mothers' Class of the Church School, W. S. C. S., Lydia Chapter O. E. S., Marion County Federation of Women's Clubs, Round Table Club, Garden Club, Red Cross Board, Executive Board of the Federated Clubs, and she is a past president of the Parent-Teacher Council and Greenwood P. T. A.
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Mr. and Mrs. Knapp are the parents of five daughters: (1) Leslie Jean (Mrs. James Scott Fortiner), of Los Angeles, Calif. She has two daughters, Jean Scott and Jerel Scott. (2) Elsie 'Jane, of Brooklyn, N. Y. She married Dr. John Burton Mayes. They have two sons, John Burton, Jr., and Frank Welday. (3) Marjory (Knapp) Maner, of Marion. (4) Peggy Winifred (Knapp) Moyle, of Columbus. She has three children: Laura Lee, David Walter, and Malinda. (5) Frances Marguerite, a student in Marion schools.
CARL H. LEHNER, Commissioner of Marion County, was born Jan. 9, 1908, in Richland Township, son of Frank and Addie (Osborn) Lehner. His maternal grandfather, William H. Osborn, served as a soldier in the Civil War.
Mr. Lehner attended the schools in Richland Township and was then associated with Marion Steam Shovel Co. From 1938 to 1941, he was manager of Marion Feed and Seed Co. He was elected trustee of Marion Township in 1940. In 1944 he was elected County Commissioner and was re-elected in 1948. He also serves as president of the Claridon Community Club and of the Central Northwestern Commissioners Assn. (third term). In 1949 he was elected second vice president of the State Assn. of County Commissioners and vice president of Midwestern County Officials Assn. (forty-five counties). He is a member of First Evangelical and Reformed Church, Elks Lodge 32, Eagles Lodge, Marion County Fish and Game Assn. (past president), United Grange 1904, Republican Club (past president), Marion County Trustees Assn., Marion County Farm Bureau, Fraternal Order of Police, and Hobby Club.
On Sept. 22, 1934, Mr. Lehner married Frances Wentz, daughter of Frank and Jennie (Wilson) Wentz. Mrs. Lehner is a member of First Evangelical and Reformed Church, United Grange, and Good-Cheer Circle of King's Daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Lehner have three children: (1) Thomas Edward, born June 12, 1937, a student in the eighth grade at Claridon School; (2) Patricia Ann, born Aug. 15, 1944. (3) Linda Louise, born Apr. 17, 1948.
Mr. Lehner has many hobbies, among which is a large collection of pencils, old relics, and scrap books. He is interested in his home, flowers, gardening, woodworking, hunting, and fishing. He and his family reside on State Route 98.
KIMBER BARTON MORGAN was born in Glascow, Mo., Nov. 4, 1880, son of Thomas W. and Amanda Lewis (Barton) Morgan. His father was a drygoods and general store merchant in Glascow for many years before moving to Kansas City, Mo.
Mr. Morgan graduated from Kansas City High School. He became a wholesale shoe salesman and was associated with the furniture business more than twenty-five years in Cleveland and Columbus. He is a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Kansas City.
He married Mildred Washburn on Nov. 18, 1916, the twenty-fifth wedding anniversary of her parents, Ozias and Kathryn (Taylor) Washburn. Her grandparents, Elias and Elizabeth (Morral) Washburn, were pioneer
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settlers of Marion County who were active in the settlement and develop. ment of the county. Her mother was the daughter of Amos and Sarah (Martin) Taylor. Mrs. Morgan attended Western College at Oxford. She is affiliated with Morral Methodist Church and is a member of W. S. C. S., Captain William Hendricks Chapter D. A. R. (Regent), National American Iris Society, Women's Club of Marion, and House and Garden Club. She has one brother, Karl Taylor Washburn, of Morral, who graduated from the School of Agriculture at Ohio State University in 1919 and has since been a farmer. Mrs. Morgan's hobbies are growing flowers and cooking. Mr. Morgan's hobbies are sports.
LE ROY RETTERER, Sheriff of Marion County, was born in Marion County Dec. 29, 1898, younger son of Charles W. and Adeline (Beringer) Retterer, natives of Marion County. His father was a farmer and insurance agent and now resides in Marion. His grandfather, George Retterer, was one of the early settlers of the county, at one time driving a stage coach and later owning the farm which is now owned by Charles W. Retterer. George Retterer was one of the three county commissioners holding office at the time the present court house was built. Samuel Mehaffey and Wilson Imbody were the other two commissioners and the names of all three appear on the cornerstone which was laid July 4, 1884.
LeRoy Retterer attended schools in Marion County and took a course in police education in conjunction with the University of Toledo. At one time, he operated automobile service stations in Marion and Prospect, becoming a real estate broker in Marion in 1937. In January 1941, he became deputy sheriff under James W. Harruff. He later was elected sheriff and took office Jan. 1, 1945. He is a member of Epworth Methodist Church, Smart Sunday School Class, Elks Lodge, Eagles Lodge, Marion County Fish and Game Assn. (charter member), and Marion Exchange Club (past president). He is now serving his second term as state treasurer of Buckeye State Sheriffs Assn.
On Aug. 19, 1925, he married Mildred Fletcher who was born in Marion County May 8, 1899, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Fletcher, natives of Marion County. Mrs. Retterer is a member of Epworth Methodist Church, W. S. C. S., and Circle-of-Light King's Daughters. Children: (1) Dorothy Jane who died in 1937 at the age of eleven, and (2) Mary Lou, born July 20, 1929, a graduate of Harding High School.
Sheriff Retterer is interested in fishing, baseball, and other sports. The family resides at the County Jail on North State Street in Marion.
FREDERICK G. SMITH, M. D., specializes in surgery in his practice at The Frederick C. Smith Clinic in Marion. He is also an instructor in the Department of Surgery at Ohio State University Medical School in Columbus.
Dr. Smith was born in Marion Jan. 12, 1911, elder son of Dr. Frederick C. Smith (see Index) and Mary E. Smith. He attended Ohio Wesleyan University and received his M. D. degree from Northwestern University Medical School in 1932. His interneship was served in Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Mich., in 1932 and 1933. In 1937 and 1938, Dr. Smith did
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graduate study in surgery at Graduate School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He received his degree of Master of Medical Science from the University of Pennsylvania in 1943. Dr. Smith is a diplomat of the American Board of Surgery and a member of the Central Surgical Association. He served with the Army Medical Corps from 1942 to 1946 and is now a member of the Officers Reserve Corps with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Dr. Smith married Evelyn M. Kissell, daughter of Dr. V. C. Kissell and Mrs. Kissell. They have one son, Frederick William, born Aug. 20, 1933. Dr. Smith and family are members of Epworth Methodist Church. They reside at 376 Durfee Drive.
JOHN THOMAS BARGAR, former owner of Marion Business College, was born on a farm near Cadiz Mar. 20, 1883, son of Elmer P. and Nancy (Rogers) Bargar.
Mr. Bargar, known to his friends as "J. T.", attended school in Harrison County and Muskingum College in New Concord. After teaching in the public schools five years, he became affiliated with Yocums Business College located at New Philadelphia and Findlay. In September 1909, he was employed as a teacher of commercial and stenographic subjects at Marion Business College.He later assumed ownership of the school which he retained until his retirement Jan. 1, 1948. He is a member of Central Christian Church and, as a member of the Board of Trustees, was instrumental in negotiating the purchase of Etowah (King's Mansion) for the Church. Mr. Bargar is a member of Marion Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Pythias, and civic organizations.
On Oct. 10, 1909, he married Hazel Vivian Shissler, daughter of Jasper E. and Edna (McGowan) Shissler of Deersville. Mr. and Mrs. Bargar are the parents of two children: (1) Dwight Leroy, a graduate of Harding High School and Ohio State University. He is purchasing agent for the Los Angeles plant of the U. S. Rubber Co. He married Martha Mae Falch of Green Camp and they have two children, Nancy Josephine and Phillip LeRoy. (2) Edna Marie, a graduate of Harding High School and Ohio State University, who taught art in the schools at Willard, and later studied, at the University of Texas. She married Lt. Col. H. T. Hill, of Hillsboro, Texas, who died Jan. 6, 1948. They had one son, Thomas Bargar Hill.
Mr. Bargar's hobbies are hunting and fishing. He and Mrs. Bargar now reside at Deersville, O.
IRMA MASTERS WATTRING, librarian of Fred Keller Dix Memorial Library in Prospect, was born in Prospect in the house where she now resides on S. Main St., daughter of Dr. George H. and Mary Elizabeth (Gast) Masters. Dr. Masters was a physician and surgeon. Mrs. Wattring's maternal great-grandfather, Christian Gast, was the founder of Prospect. Her great-great-grandfather, John Chistian Gast, was a soldier during the American Revolution.
Mrs. Wattring graduated from Prospect High School and attended Denison University. On Aug. 2, 1903, she married Dr. Edward E. Wattring
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who practiced dental surgery in Prospect from 1903 until his death, Jan. 17, 1937. Dr. Wattring was the son of William C. and Eliza (Lunger) Wattring, descendants of pioneer settlers of Marion County. William C. served for a number of years as treasurer of this county.
One daughter was born to Dr. and Mrs. Wattring: Mary Elizabeth. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a music major and did graduate study at Ohio State University. She married Hugh K. Clifton, a graduate of Ohio State University School of Entomology who is now doing research for the Federal government at Jefferson, O. Mr. and Mrs. Clifton have two sons, H. Edward and K. Stuart.
Since 1940, Mrs. Wattring has been librarian of this library which was formerly called Prospect Public Library and was renamed in honor of Fred Keller Dix, poet, writer and editor. She is a member of Evangelical Reformed Church where she has been organist since 1920. She is also a member of Prospect Chapter O. E. S. (past matron), Marion White Shrine of Jerusalem, and All Arts Club. Her hobby is music.
KARL W. SCHELL, President and Treasurer of C. Schell Inc., home builder and broker in Marion, was born in Upper Sandusky, Nov. 3, 1892, son of Jacob and Katherine (Ruopp) Schell. Jacob Schell was at one time editor of The Germania, a German language newspaper, and was later associated, for fifty-five years, with the Daily Chief in Upper Sandusky.
Karl W. Schell graduated from Upper Sandusky High School and was reporter and advertising manager for the Daily Chief three years before coming to Marion at the age of twenty. He was advertising manager for Frank Bros. Co. five years. He then became advertising manager of the Marion Tribune and later was associated with The Houghton Sulky Co. in advertising and promotion. In 1918 Mr. Schell owned and operated Marion Auto-Renew Co. In 1919 he became associated with The Jones Realty Co. as its vice president, building homes and sub-dividing, their particular activity being the development of Oakland Heights. Mr. Schell established his own real estate office as home builder and broker in 1924. He is a member of First Presbyterian Church, Marion Rotary Club, Marion Real Estate Board, State and National associations of Real Estate Boards, Marion Chamber of Commerce, and Marion Country Club.
On Dec. 24, 1913, Mr. Schell married Helen Young of Harpster, daughter of David D. and Rachel (Rubins) Young. Mrs. Schell is active in music circles in Marion and was president of Marion Community Concert Assn., 1946, '47, and '48. She is also active in civic and social clubs, and a member of First Presbyterian Church. An only child, Alice Jean, died Sept. 24, 1940 at the age of nineteen while a student at Miami University. Mr. and Mrs. Schell reside at 658 Bexley Ave., Vernon Heights.
WILLIAM E. MARKS, Chief of the Police Department of the city of Marion, was born at Limestone, O., May 14, 1889, son of George H. and Ellnora (Boole) Marks. His father was born in Lewisburg, Union County, Pa., and was brought to Ohio in 1865, at the age of eleven, by covered wagon with his father, John Marks, a native of Germany who had moved to America in 1849. George H., a farmer and jeweler in northern
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Ohio, died in 1945 at the age of ninety-one. Ellnora (Boose) Marks was postmistress at Limestone several years.
Chief Marks attended Ottawa County district schools and Oak Harbor High School. He then enlisted in the U. S. Navy and attended Naval Electric School. He returned home and was engaged in engineering and electrical work. In 1918 he enlisted in the Army Signal Corps and attended Officers Training School. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he went to Fremont where he was in the garage business three years. He moved to Marion in February 1922 and was associated with E. A. Thiel Co. for a time. He then founded Marion Auto Electric Service which he operated eight years. On Jan. 12, 1931, he entered the Police Department of Marion as chief. He enlisted in the Ohio National Guard in 1922 and served continuously until November 1931, holding grades from sergeant to commander of the company with the rank of captain, which post he held the last six years of his service. He is a member of O. H. Perry Lodge F. & A. M. at Port Clinton, Kadgar Grotto in Marion, Commodore Perry Lodge of I. O. O. F. at Put-in-Bay, Marion Eagles, Marion Knights of Pythias, American Legion, 40 et 8, and International and Ohio associations of Chiefs of Police (past president of the latter).
On June 16, 1914, Chief Marks married Erma May Vroman who was born at Put-in-Bay Sept. 8, 1894, daughter of George H. and Mary (Beidka) Vroman, natives of Ottowa County who were of Holland lineage. Her grandfather, Phillip Vroman, came from New York to Put-In-Bay in 1838 and was one of the first permanent settlers. Mrs. Marks is affiliated with the Episcopal Church and is a member of Auxiliary of American Legion Byrd McGinnis Post.
Chief Marks and Mrs. Marks are the parents of four daughters, all graduates of Harding High School: (1) Marian (Mrs. William D. Cochran) of Richwood, born July 4, 1916, a graduate of Ohio State University. She has two children, Carol Lynn and Terry Allen. (2) Rhea (Mrs. Edward Kahle) of Delta, born Nov. 6, 1918. She graduated from Toledo Hospital School of Nursing as an R. N. She has three sons, William George, Daniel Ray, and Paul Charles. (3) Evelyn (Mrs. Earl W. Manter) of Philadelphia, born Oct. 29, 1920, a graduate of Ohio University. She has one son, Robert Alan. (4) Erma W., of Marion, born Aug. 26, 1925. She graduated from National Color Institute in Chicago and is now a colorist at home. She is a member of Byrd McGinnis Post of American Legion Auxiliary.
Mrs. Marks and Erma W. are interested in growing flowers and gardening. Chief Marks' hobbies are woodworking and metal work. Among his designs is the 40 et 8 locomotive for Marion County Voiture 48 American Legion. The family resides at 850 Woodrow Ave. in Marion.
MARY ESTELL PRETTYMAN ARMSTRONG, President of Marion County Democratic Women, was born in LaRue, May 9, 1891, daughter of Alexander and Mary (Annett) Prettyman. Her great-grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Cord Prettyman, settled near New Bloomington in 1831.
Mrs. Armstrong graduated from high school in Bellefontaine, attended Denison University, and took a course in interior decorating at Toledo
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Museum of Art. On Aug. 28, 1909, she married Harry V. Armstrong (see Index) .
Mrs. Armstrong served as president of Marion County Democratic Women from 1946 to 1948. She is a member of Federated Democratic Women of Ohio (publicity chairman, 1946-1947), Mary Lenox Chapter O. E. S., Pi Phi, University Women, W. C. T. U., P. T. A., and LaRue Town and Country Garden Club. She is a patroness of Marion County Federation of Women's Clubs of Marion.
Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong were the parents of one daughter, Mary Eleanor, who was born Oct. 7, 1910. She graduated from Denison University in 1932 with an A. B. and from the University of Illinois in 1935 with an LL.B. She was executive secretary to the director of liquor control for the state of Ohio in Columbus at the time of her death, Mar. 22, 1940. She was a member of Pi Phi, Eastern Star, University Women, and the Presbyterian Church.
Mrs. Armstrong is active in civic affairs and in Red Cross work. Her hobbies are collecting police tags, antiques, and needlepoint.
MARTIN L. BUCKLEY, retired minister of the Christian Church and former mayor of Marion, was born Oct. 24, 1867, on a farm near Napoleon, son of Christian and Grace (Singer) Buckley, both of whom were natives of Wurttemberg, Germany.
Mr. Buckley graduated from Ohio Northern University and from Hiram College in 1894. He spent the year of 1892 travelling in England, Ireland, Scotland and France. Mr. Buckley served the following pastorates in the Christian Church: Harrison; Cleveland; Fort Wayne, Ind.; and, Marion. He was mayor of Marion from 1922 to 1926, during part of which time Warren G. Harding was President of the United States. He is a member of the Masons.
On June 1, 1899, he married Jessie Irick, daughter of Isaac and Deborah (Cowgill) Irick. She taught the Loyal Daughters Sunday School Class of Central Christian Church in Marion more than twenty years. The class is now known as the Jessie Buckley Class, having been named in her honor. She died Oct. 26, 1936. There is one daughter, Dorothy G., of Marion. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan and Ohio State universities, and teaches in Marion public schools.
Mr. Buckley's hobbies are gardening, growing flowers, and archaeology. He is also deeply interested in foreign missions in Africa, and pays the salary of four native helpers in the Belgian Congo Mission Field.
FRANK WIEDEMANN, lawyer in Marion, was born Mar. 14, 1901, in Marion, elder son of Frank E. and Mary P. (Hinds) Wiedemann, natives of Ohio.
Mr. Wiedemann attended grade and high schools in Marion, graduating from the latter in 1919. He graduated from Ohio Northern University College of Law in June 1923, was admitted to the Bar in July 1923, and started the practice of law with J. Wilbur Jacoby (see Index), opening his own law office in November 1923. From 1924 to 1930 he was in partnership with Carter M. Patton. In 1930 he formed a partnership with his
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brother, John Wiedemann, who died in 1933. In 1940, Mr. Wiedemann became a member of the firm of Strelitz, Dowler & Wiedemann, remaining with the firm until June 1945 at which time he opened his own office. In 1924, he was elected prosecuting attorney and served two terms. On Jan. 1, 1934, he was appointed Assistant U. S. District Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio and served in this capacity until October 1940. He is a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church, Sojourners Lodge F. & A. M., Elks, Marion Country Club, Marion County Bar Assn. (past president), Ohio State and American Bar associations, and American Judicature Society. His hobbies are golf and fishing.
He married, first on Apr. 1, 1925, Ellen E. Chaney, of Marion. There are two children: (1) William, a student at Bowling Green State University. (2) Ann (Mrs. William Eikenbary) of Marion, who has one daughter, Nannette.
Mr. Wiedemann married, second, Anna Duma, of Cleveland.
RALPH R. DENIER, farmer and stockman in Waldo Township, was born Nov. 11, 1889, son of William and Margaret (Vaughn) Denzer. His father, of German descent, was a native of Waldo Township where he was a farmer until his retirement, after which he was associated with Dugan Clothing Store in Marion.
Ralph R. Denzer received his early education in the country school and has always been a farmer on the Denzer home farm. He and his two sons are partners in the operation of their farm of more than four hundred acres. They specialize in raising Jersey cattle and have won many awards at Fairs and Jersey Parish Shows. Mr. Denzer is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Waldo where he has served as a deacon and in other offices. He was a charter member of Whetstone Grange. He is a member of Marion County Farm Bureau and has served on the board. He was township trustee two terms and a member of the Waldo School Board four years.
On Apr. 4, 1908, Mr. Denzer married Lela M. Kraner who was born in Waldo Apr. 9, 1888, daughter of John and Hanna (Augenstein) Kraner, native farmers of Marion County. Her twin sister, Lula, married Lloyd E. Moyer (see Index). Mrs. Denzer is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and Whetstone Grange (charter).
Mr. and Mrs. Denzer are the parents of two sons, partners in farming with their father. (1) Ray D., born June 1, 1910, who graduated from Waldo High School and attended Ohio State University School of Dairy Technology. He married Imogene Monnette Lott and they have two daughters, Marilyn Louise, and Carole Sue. (2) Robert J., born June 26, 1912, a graduate of Waldo High School. He married Corrine Seas and they have one son, Douglas Paul. Mr. and Mrs. Denzer and their sons and families have their homes on the Denzer Road, northeast of Waldo.
MARIE V. G. RUEHRMUND, the only representative of the Ruehrmund family now living in Marion, was born Sept. 2, 1870, in Marion in the family home where she now resides, ninth child of Ferdinand C. and Anna Marie (Lobrich) Ruehrmund. Ferdinand C. Ruehrmund was born
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in 1825 in Eckartsberga, Germany, and he came to America in 1839 and settled in Marion, where he was a merchant. At one time, he was master of Marion Lodge 70 F. & A. M. and he was its secretary for many years. He died Oct. 24, 1884. Anna Marie (Lobrich) Ruehrmund was born May 10, 1828, in Huttengesass, Grand-Duchy-of-Hesse, Germany. When she was about five years of age she came to America with her parents who settled in Marion County. She died Jan. 11, 1920, at the age of ninety-one.
Ferdinand C. and Mrs. Ruehrmund were married in Marion Apr. 19, 1849. They had ten children, five of whom were school teachers, and three of whom are now living: (1) Henry L., born in 1850, who died at the age of one year. (2) Alice (Ruehrmund) Merrill, born May 10, 1852. She now resides in Seattle, Wash. (3) Elizabeth, born in 1853, died Apr. 19, 1935. She was one of the two members of the first graduating class of Marion High School in 1872. She taught in the Marion schools for about fifty years. (4) Clara S., born in 1855, died in 1923. She taught school in Cleveland and New York. (5) Flora (Ruehrmund) Rice, born in 1858, died in 1928. She had four children. (6) Dora (Ruehrmund) Wilson, born in 1860, died in 1938. She had one son. (7) Philip F., born in 1863, died in 1926. (8) Emma (Ruehrmund) Herzer, born in 1865. She now resides in State College, Miss. She has one son, Frederick H., who is a professor in State College. (9) Marie V. G. (10) Renate (Ruehrmund) Hinds, born in 1872, died in 1916.
Marie V. G. taught school in Marion for several years. She is a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Lydia Chapter O. E. S., Burroughs Nature Club, and Bay View Club. She is interested in the Red Cross, Girl Scouts, and other civic projects. Her hobbies are gardening and growing flowers. Miss Ruehrmund spends her winters in Seattle caring for her sister, Mrs. Merrill, who is ninety-eight years old.
BEN M. HERBSTER, pastor of Zion Evangelical Reformed Church at Norwood, Ohio, was born in Prospect Aug. 26, 1904, son of Richard W. and Mary E. (Mohr) Herbster. Richard W. Herbster, a leading citizen of his community, was for many years a hardware dealer and was president of Prospect Citizens Bank for fifteen years prior to his death in 1945.
Rev. Dr. Ben M. Herbster graduated from Prospect High School in 1922. He received his A. B. degree from Heidelberg College in 1926, his B. D. degree from Central Theological Seminary in Dayton in 1929, and his honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from Heidelberg College in 1944. He is a member of the General Council of the Evangelical and Reformed Church. He was an Accredited Visitor to the First Assembly of the World Council of Churches in Amsterdam, Holland, in 1948. He has been a director of Prospect Citizens Bank since the death of his father.
In 1929, Dr. Herbster married Elizabeth Beam, daughter of Dr. J. Albert and Lillian (Ebel) Beam, of Tiffin. Dr. Herbster and Mrs. Herbster are the parents of two daughters, Annetta Jane, born Feb. 18, 1932, and Anne Kathryn, born Aug. 15, 1936.
OSCAR MURPHY, general farmer in Salt Rock Township specializing in raising Angus Cattle, was born Jan. 15, 1898, in Pulaski County,
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Ind., seventh child in the family of twelve children of Thomas M. and Frances Elizabeth (Lucas) Murphy. His father, a native of Indiana, brought his family to Ohio in 1905 and to Marion County in 1913 where he purchased a farm in Salt Rock Township.
Mr. Murphy received his education in the country school and has always been a farmer. He is a member of Advisory Board of Producers Live Stock Corp. and Aberdeen Angus Assn. On Dec. 24, 1919, Mr. Murphy married Mildred M. Rhoads who was born Dec. 8, 1895, on the old Rhoads home place where the Murphys now reside, daughter of James Henry and Ida L. (Peters) Rhoads. Her grandfather, Milton Henry Rhoads, was in the Civil War. Her great-great-grandfather, James Rhoads, came to Marion County in 1822 from Pickaway County and entered land from the government in Salt Rock Township. Mrs. Murphy is a member of W. S. C. S. and Salt Rock Joymakers Club.
Children: (1) Howard E., born Aug. 19, 1927, a graduate of Meeker High School now associated with his father in farming. He received the State Farmer degree in 1944 and the American Farmer degree in 1948. (2) Beulah Mae, born June 20, 1929, a graduate of Meeker High School and Marion Business College who is now stenographer in the office of the Clerk of Courts in Marion. (3) Carl E., born Mar. 7, 1933, a student at Meeker High School. (4) Lowell T., born Oct. 3, 1934, a student at Meeker Grade School. The Murphy family are members of Meeker Methodist Church and Mr. Murphy is a trustee. They reside on Meeker Upper Sandusky Rd (County Rd. 25) .
CHARLES F. BALDAUF, retired farmer and contractor, was born in Richland Township, Dec. 24, 1869, seventh child in the family of twelve children of Andrew and Lena (Karst) Baldauf, natives of Germany. His father, who served in the Civil War, was a carpenter in Richland Township and Jay County, Ind.
Mr. Baldauf attended school in Jay County and learned the carpenter trade and worked in Champaign County, Ill., coming to Marion in 1891. He worked at the carpentry trade five years before entering the business of house moving and razing in partnership with his brother, John. They were later joined by another brother, Andrew (see Index) . The house moving business is now owned by Charles F.'s son, Harry F., and grandson. In 1923 Charles F. Baldauf moved to Pleasant Township where he was a farmer until his retirement in 1943. He is a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church.
On Feb. 21, 1893, Mr. Baldauf married Sarah Leffler who was born in Pleasant Township on the farm on the Mautz Owens Rd. where the Baldaufs now reside, Feb. 11, 1873, daughter of Fred and Margaret (Patley) Leffler. Her father came from Germany. Mrs. Baldauf is a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church and Womens Missionary Society.
Children: (1) Harry F. (see Index). (2) Gloyd David, born Dec. 6, 1897, died Mar. 9, 1937. He was married to Martha Behner and they had three children, Josephine (Mrs. John Jewel) of Marion, Phyllis Joan
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(Mrs. Jim Blank), and Donald who died in October 1937. Both Mr. and Mrs. Baldauf are interested in their home and family, in growing flowers and gardening.
GEORGE KIEHL was born in Alsace-Lorraine, France, Dec. 5, 1864, son of Mike and Anna (Kieffer) Kiehl. His parents came to America soon after the Franco-Prussian War and settled in Silver Creek where they built a log cabin. Mike Kiehl, who made seven visits to Germany, was able to speak, read and write English, German, and French.
George Kiehl received his education in Silver Creek, and soon went to work in the coal mines on his father's farm. He started working on the Erie Railroad in 1889 as a brakeman, then as a fireman. He was promoted to engineer in 1902, which position he held until 1936, when he retired to make his home in Marion. He is a member of St. Paul's English Lutheran Church, Divn. 16 B. of L. E., and Sojourners Lodge F. & A. M. (charter). His hobbies are playing cards and listening to the radio.
On Mar. 1, 1893, Mr. Kiehl married Sarah Jane Ledger, of Silver Creek. She was a member of St. Paul's English Lutheran Church, Lydia Chapter O. E. S., and social, church and civic clubs. She died Oct. 20, 1945, two years after she and Mr. Kiehl had celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary. Mrs. Kiehl made a hobby of keeping records of events in scrapbooks.
There are two daughters: (1) Helen Naomi, of Marion, who married Ray A. Reidenbaugh, County Commissioner for Marion County who was in the grocery business with a chain of four stores in Marion for twenty-nine years before his retirement in 1945. They have two children: (a) Donna Ray, of Marion. She attended Virginia Intermont College in Bristol, Va. She married W. E. Walters who was a first lieutenant during World War II, serving as instructor in the U. S. Air Corps. They have one son, Michael. (b) Robert Roy, of Marion, who served twenty-eight months in the U. S. Navy during World War II. (2) Mildred Eleanor, a registered nurse. She married Charles L. Fletcher, of Columbus, superintendent in Cellulose Acetate Div. of Tennessee Eastman Corp. at Kingsport, Tenn. They have two children, Frederick and Sarah.
JOHN GROVER McNAMARA, physician and surgeon in Marion, was born Mar. 6, 1885, in Delaware County, the eldest son of ten children of John and Ella (Hummel) McNamara.
Dr. McNamara graduated from Delaware High School in 1906 and from Starling Ohio Medical College (Ohio State University) in 1910. Since then he has practiced medicine in Marion County. His other interest is harness horses and he has maintained a stable for many years. He is a member of Epworth Methodist Church, Chamber of Commerce, County and State Medical associations, Marion Country Club, and all bodies of Masonry.
On July 20, 1910, he married Lodema Bagley, of Delaware County, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Bagley. She is a member of Epworth Methodist Church, Lydia Chapter O. E. S., D. A. R., Auxiliary to Marion County Academy of Medicine, Marion Country Club, and social and civic
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clubs. Dr. and Mrs. McNamara have one daughter, Ula M. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University and married Ralph M. Watts, general manager and advertiser of Igelhart General Foods in Evansville, Ind., and New York City. They have three sons, John Robert, Terrance, and Michael, and they live in Evansville.
ALBERT ULYSSES CLICK, retired farmer in Marion Township, was born in Pleasant Township Mar. 13, 1879, son of George and Mary (Klinefelter) Click, natives of Pleasant Township. His father was a farmer and he moved with his family to Marion Township when Albert U. was four years of age. Albert U.'s maternal grandfather, Jacob Klinefelter, was a minister of the Evangelical Church who rode the circuit.
Mr. Click attended Shrock school and started to work on his father's farm. He farmed this same land until his retirement in 1943. He is a member of First Evangelical United Brethren Church, Progressive Grange (trustee), and he has been very active in music circles. He was a member of the first old Marion Band. He played in the Dowler Band and Epworth Methodist Church Sunday School Orchestra. He is now a member of Eagles Band.
On Oct. 22, 1903, Mr. Click married Lydia Elizabeth Kaufman who was born in Claridon Township, May 1, 1877, daughter of Daniel and Catherine Ann (Schrote) Kaufman who came to Marion Township in 1878. Her father and her grandfather, Jacob Kaufman, were farmers. Her paternal grandmother, Elizabeth (Schaffner) Kaufman, was a native of Switzerland. Mrs. Click is a member of First Evangelical United Brethren Church and Progressive Grange.
Mr. and Mrs. Click are the parents of three children: (1) Howard Silvester, born Sept. 20, 1904. He now farms for his father on the home place which consists of 199 acres. He married Mary Gertrude Oborn and they have three children, Cora Jean, George Howard, and Kenneth Albert. (2) Hilda Catherine, of Marion, born Aug. 26, 1906. She married Harold Leon Peak and they have four sons: (a) Robert Lewis, who married Mary Alice Estes. They have one son, Robert Lewis, Jr.; (b) Jackie Dale; (c) Harold Richard; and, (d) William Raymond. (3) Alma Marguerete, of Marion, born Mar. 17, 1910. She married John Christopher Creasap and they have one daughter, Nancy Lee.
Mrs. Click's hobby is needlework. She has made numerous quilts and is now making hooked rugs. Mr. Click's hobbies are music and reading. They reside on State Route 529, southeast of Marion.
CLARENCE N. BRIGGS, owner and manager of Waldo Elevator Co. in Waldo, was born Oct. 21, 1883, in Marion County, son of Silas and Charlotte (Shank) Briggs. His father was a farmer in Grand Prairie Township.
Mr. Briggs received his early education in the country school and was a farmer in Grand Prairie Township until June 1932 when he, with W. C. Ulmer, purchased Waldo Elevator Co. which they operated together until Mr. Ulmer's death in October 1947. Since that time, Mr. Briggs has been
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sole owner and manager of the business. They also purchased McKienzie Lumber Co. in Waldo, in 1938, operating it in connection with Waldo Elevator Co. He married, on Mar. 12, 1910, Edith Ulmer who died in May 1935.
He married, on Oct. 21, 1939, Ruth (Corbin) Miley. Mr. and Mrs. Briggs are members of the Methodist Church.
WILLIAM H. LUST, farmer and stockman in Pleasant Township who resides on the Delaware Road, was born Dec. 13, 1875, in Pleasant Township, son of Jacob F. and Carolina (Fetter) Lust. His father came from Germany to America, when six months of age, with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Lust, and, after a brief stay in Crawford County, they settled in Pleasant Township. Mr. Lust received his early education in the Pleasant Township school, has been a farmer all his life and is interested in raising Duroc hogs. He has been a township trustee six terms and a member of Marion County Fair Board twenty-one years.
On Feb. 23, 1899, Mr. Lust married Elnora Kuehner, of Richland Township, daughter of Joseph and Magdalena (Mochel) Kuehner. Mr. and Mrs. Lust are members of the Lutheran Church in Waldo. Children: (1) Marie, who married V. E. Denman, a farmer in Waldo Township. They have four children: (a) Harold, who married Katherine Laucher and they have one son, Thomas Richard; (b) Betty Jean, who married Howard Windom; (c) Marjory Ann; and, (d) Ruth. (2) Paul J., who is general foreman for the Erie Railroad at Jamestown, N. Y. He married Marjory Smithson of Marion and they are the parents of three sons, Charles who is a U. S. Army veteran of World War II, Robert, and Richard. (3) Walter Jacob who is associated with his father in farming.
CHARLTON MYERS, former Probate Judge of Highland County and now a practicing attorney in Marion, was born in Carrothers, Seneca County, Dec. 1, 1910, son of A. E. and Augusta (Pfleiderer) Myers. His father has been a telegrapher for the Pennsylvania Railroad about forty years.
Charlton Myers graduated from Bucyrus High School in 1928. He received his A. B. degree, cum laude, from Miami University in 1932. In 1935 he received his LL.B. degree from Ohio Northern University. He was admitted to the Bar Aug. 2, 1935, and began the practice of law in Greenfield, Highland County. In 1937 he became Probate Judge of Highland County, in which capacity he served until 1944. At that time, he came to Marion and formed a law partnership with Walter D. Moore. Mr. Myers is a member of: Lutheran Church; Greenfield Lodge, Marion Chapter, Council, and Commandery, and Scioto Consistory (32nd̊) of Masonry; County, State, and American Bar associations; and, Marion Lions Club. He is chairman of Marion County American Red Cross and vice president of Harding Area Council of Boy Scouts of America.
On June 13, 1936, Mr. Myers married Sarah Kathryn Lawrence who was born in Salt Rock Township near Morral, Aug. 1, 1909, daughter of Perry and Anna (Taylor) Lawrence. She attended Bowling Green
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University and taught school seven years prior to her marriage. She is a member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Hillsboro Chapter O. E. S. Mr. and Mrs. Myers are the parents of three children: (1) Sarah Ann, born Jan. 22, 1940. (2) Barbara Ann, born Feb. 18, 1942. (3) Rebecca Jane, born Mar. 3, 1947. The family resides in Morral.
HARRY B. PRICE, Manager of Farmers Implement and Supply Co. in Marion, was born in Coshocton County, Oct. 16, 1896, son of Simon P. and Mary Ella (Leavengood) Price. His father was a school teacher who later became a farmer in Coshocton County.
Mr. Price attended grade and high schools in that county. He was then a government employee in Washington about two years and an implement salesman in California two years. He returned to Ohio in 1921, and in March 1923 he founded Farmers Implement and Supply Co. in Marion. On Nov. 3, 1922, he married Nellie Grace Roberts, daughter of William and Ida Mae (Dunfee) Roberts, natives of Coshocton County. Mr. and Mrs. Price are the parents of three children, all of whom graduated from Claridon High School: (1) Richard, born in 1923, a farmer and poultryman on his father's farm. (2) John, born in 1924, who is associated with his father in the store. He married Mary Alice Lanius. (3) Mary Ellen, born in 1925. Mr. Price is interested in sports, farming and poultry raising. The family resides on State Route 95, east of Marion.
J. EDWIN OLIPHANT, owner of J. E. Oliphant & Co., manufacturer's agency in Marion, was born Oct. 13, 1885, in Lima, Allen County, son of A. M. and Charlotte (Bomberger) Oliphant. His father was associated with Lima Locomotive Works.
Mr. Oliphant graduated from Lima High School in 1904 and attended Lima College where he majored in the law course. He spent ten years in Cleveland doing sales work before moving to Marion in 1916. He has been in the refrigeration business since it was in its infancy and has spent twenty years as district manager for major refrigerator companies. In 1938 he started his present company. Mr. Oliphant spent seven years as head of the Community Foundation. He is a member of: Epworth Methodist Church; Marion Chamber of Commerce; Rotary Club; and, Marion Lodge 70, Chapter, Council, and Commandery and Scottish Rite Scioto Valley of Columbus (32nd̊) of Masonry.
On Oct. 4, 1911, Mr. Oliphant married Marie Louise Seiter, born Nov. 24, 1885, daughter of Dr. J. G. Seiter (see Index) and Emma (Albrecht) Seiter. Mrs. Oliphant graduated from Marion High School in 1904 and taught school in Marion seven years. She is a member of Epworth Methodist Church, In-As-Much Circle King's Daughters, Advance Club (president), Girl Scout Council, Senior Circle Child Conservation League, and House and Garden Club. She is a past president of Vernon Heights and Pearl Street P. T. A.'s.
Mr. and Mrs. Oliphant are the parents of two daughters: (1) Dorothy Charlotte, born Feb. 7, 1913, a graduate of Miami University at Oxford. She married Russell A. Jack, vice president of Metal Arts Co. in Rochester
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where they make their home. They have three children: Susan Margaret, Judith Marie, and Russell A., Jr. (2) Margaret Louise, born Oct. 20, 1921, a graduate of Purdue University. She married Kennett W. Yeager, Ph.D., a professor of sociology at George Washington University in Washington, D. C.
Mr. Oliphant's interests include photography and the growing of citrus fruits. He owns a citrus grove near Bradenton, Fla.
FREDERICK TAYLOR MERCHANT, surgeon in Marion, was born in Marion, July 19, 1911, son of Harry J. and Hazel (Taylor) Merchant. His father is associated with Wyandot Popcorn Co. in Marion. His grandfather, Dr. J. B. Taylor (see Index, Mrs. Emma L. Wolford Taylor), was a physician and surgeon in Marion.
Dr. Frederick T. Merchant graduated from Harding High School in 1929, Ohio Wesleyan University with an A. B. degree in 1933, and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine with an M. D. degree in 1937. He did post graduate work from 1937 to 1942 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md., and at Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, Can. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He served four years in the U. S. Army during World War II and was released from service as a lieutenant colonel in the Medical Corps, which rank he holds on reserve status. On Feb. 1, 1946, Dr. Merchant opened his office in Marion. He is a member of Marion City Hospital Staff and surgeon for New York Central Railroad. He is a member of Marion County Academy of Medicine, Marion Cancer Society, Assn. of Railway Surgeons, Military Surgeons, Ohio State Medical Assn., St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Marion Chamber of Commerce (director 1947-1950), Phi Gamma Delta and Nu Sigma Nu fraternities, and Kiwanis Club.
On June 29, 1940, Dr. Merchant married Ethyl Rush, who was born in Columbus, Ind., daughter of Elva and Mayme (Hawthorne) Rush. She graduated from Indiana University with a B. A. degree and Indiana University Nurses Training with an R. N. She is a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Auxiliary to Marion County Academy of Medicine, Women's Club, and Literary Arts Club.
Children: Joan, born Jan. 17, 1942, and Cathy Taylor, born May 8, 1950. Dr. and Mrs. Merchant are members of Marion Country Club and Columbus, Ind., Country Club.
THEODORE BERTRAM OCHS, manager of The City Loan and Savings Co. in Marion, was born Oct. 9, 1905, in Marion, son of Theodore Roman and Josephine C. (Goss) Ochs.
Mr. Ochs graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1923 and Ohio Northern University in 1927 with an LL.B. degree. He was admitted to the Bar in January 1928 and began the private practice of law in Marion. In 1934 and 1935 he was city solicitor in Marion and in 1937 and 1938 he served under Herbert S. Duffey as assistant attorney general of Ohio. He returned to Marion and practiced law from 1939 until January 1941 when he became associated with The City Loan and Savings Co.
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In June 1942, he enlisted in the U. S. Army and, after receiving his commission in January 1943, he was assigned to the legal Department of the U. S. Army Air Corps. In January 1946 he was released with the rank of major. He is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and Elks. He is interested in baseball, football, and other sports.
On Feb. 19, 1936, Mr. Ochs married Ruth Ritzhaupt, born in Marion Apr. 2, 1908, daughter of Frank H. and Ida C. (Yochum) Ritzhaupt. She graduated from Harding High School and attended Sullins College for Women in Bristol, Va. Mr. and Mrs. Ochs have two children: Theodore William, born Dec. 13, 1942; and, Stephanie Anne, born Aug. 16, 1947.
ALVA R. TENNIS, retired Erie Railroad Co. Division Freight Agent, was born Sept. 21, 1876, only child of William H. and Mary Etta Katherine (Bell )Tennis. His father was a general agent for Erie Railroad Co. in Cincinnati.
Mr. Tennis attended grade and high schools in Indianapolis, Ind. He became associated with Erie Railroad Co. in Indianapolis as a stenographer, later becoming chief clerk and contracting agent. He then became a traveling freight agent. In 1911 he was transferred to Huntington, Ind., where he was division freight agent. In 1917 he became division freight agent in Marion, his division covering territory from Wren in western Ohio to Burbank in eastern Ohio. Mr. Tennis retired Oct. 1, 1945, after fifty-two years service with the Erie Railroad. In July 1946, he accepted a position in the advertising department of the Marion Star, which position he now holds. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, Marion Lodge 70 F. & A. M., and Central Ohio and Lima Traffic clubs. He was formerly a member of Ohio Chamber of Commerce and he has served on a special committee on legislative matters.
Mr. Tennis has two daughters: (1) Mary Katheryn (Mrs. Thomas Barrett) . She has three children, Richard, Linda Kaye, and Andrea. (2) Eleanor Fay, of New York City.
On July 26, 1931, Mr. Tennis married Florence Mae Foreman who was born in Cleveland May 18, 1900, daughter of George H. and Anna (Raridon) Foreman. Mr. Foreman was a commercial traveler for National Cash Register Co. with headquarters in Dayton. Mrs. Tennis is a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church, Lydia Chapter O. E. S., White Shrine of Jerusalem, Circle-of-Light King's Daughters, and is active in church work.
ROSE FAHEY BARNHART was born in Marion, daughter of Richard and Catherine (Doran) Fahey. Her father, a native of Marion, was a businessman in this city for many years. Her grandfather, Timothy Fahey, established The Fahey Banking Co. in 1865 (see Index).
On Aug. 18, 1900, Rose Fahey was married to Harry C. Barnhart who was associated with The Marion Steam Shovel Co. (Marion Power Shovel Co.) most of his lifetime. He died Jan. 29, 1926. He was the son of Henry Barnhart, inventor of the Marion steam shovel, and Martha (Mouser) Barnhart.
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Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Barnhart: (1) Henry F. who is vice president in charge of sales of the Shovel and Crane Division of Lima Hamilton Corp., at Lima. He graduated from University of Notre Dame. (2) Richard M., instructor in aviation at Ohio State University. He attended Carnegie Institute of Technology and graduated from Boeing School of Aviation at Oakland, Calif. He married Lydia Snyder, of Harpster, and they have two children, Richard J. and Rosemary. (3) Martha who graduated from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. (4) Charles L. who attended John Carroll University at Cleveland. Mrs. Barnhart and her daughter, Martha, and son, Charles, reside at 343 S. State St. They are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church.
FRANCIS MARION FAIRCHILD, farmer, was born Jan. 23, 1876, in Marion County, son of Daniel and Mary Ellen (Epley) Fairchild.
Mr. Fairchild attended the county schools and has been a farmer all his life. He has owned and farmed his present land on the Edison Rd. for more than forty years, specializing in raising Holstein cattle and Hampshire hogs. He is a member of Central Christian Church (trustee more than ten years), Progressive Grange (charter), and Farm Bureau (twenty-five years).
On Sept. 5, 1900, he married Mildred May Mitchell, of Marion County. She is a member of Central Christian Church, Progressive Grange (charter), and Arbor Vitae and Sans Souci clubs. She has taught Sunday School more than twenty-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Fairchild have spent many winters in Florida. Children: (1) John Daniel, born Apr. 20, 1907, a farmer in Crawford County. He married Orilla Berry, of Marion, and they had four children, Richard Eugene, Daniel John who died at the age of three, Jacqueline Ann, and Larry Jay. (2) Francis LeRoy, born Apr. 12, 1912, who is associated with his father on the home farm. He married Lois Haldeman, of Morrow County, and they have two sons, Gary Francis and Rodney Charles.
ROBERT JAMES LA MARCHE, Secretary of American Malleable Casting Co. in Marion, was born in Cleveland, Mar. 14, 1904, son of Charles Louis and Clara Louise (Catoir) LaMarche. His father moved to Marion in 1905 and in December assisted in organizing American Malleable Casting Co. of which he became president and treasurer. In 1923 he retired from the company to make his home in Cleveland.
Robert James LaMarche attended Marion schools, Lawrenceville Preparatory School in New Jersey, University of Southern California in Los Angeles, and Kenyon College at Gambier, O. He was first employed by Pickands Mather & Co. in Cleveland and in 1927 began to work in his father's foundry in Marion. He was promoted through positions in the various departments and has been secretary of the company since 1932. His brother, Carl F. LaMarche (see Index) is president and treasurer, and another brother, Daniel Luther LaMarche (see Index) is vice president of the company. In 1943 Robert James LaMarche served as chief of the Iron Section of the Steel Divn. of the W. P. B. in Washington, D. C. He is a member of the following: PresbyterianChurch; Marion Lodge 70,
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Cunningham Chapter of Lakewood, Marion Council and Commandery, and Scottish Rite Consistory (32nd̊) of Masonry; Aladdin Temple Shrine of Columbus; Marion Country Club; The Marion Club; University Club in Columbus; Psi Upsilon; Rotary Club; Boy Scouts of America; and Rockwell Trout Club. He is a dog fancier and specializes in breeding Boxer dogs which he has exhibited at dog shows in Cleveland and elsewhere. His favorite recreation is golf.
On Sept. 16, 1930, Mr. LaMarche married Virginia Ante Suckow who was born in Columbus July 18, 1909, daughter of Edward C. and Caroline (Ante) Suckow. Mr. Suckow was a contractor in Columbus and also operated an automobile agency in Miami, Fla. The Suckow family is of Holland Dutch descent, the surname having been Von Suckow. Mrs. LaMarche attended school in Cleveland and Harris School in Miami. She is a member of Women's Hospital Board, Episcopal Church, and Church Guild. Mr. and Mrs. LaMarche are the parents of one son, Robert James, Jr., born June 13, 1933, a student at Culver Military Academy and a member of the Episcopal Church.
WILBUR H. SYMES, President of Symes Motor Sales, Inc., was born in Ryegate, Vt., Mar. 13, 1884, son of John H. and Phoebe J. (Brock) Symes. His father was a farmer in Vermont and was born and died in the same house, which was built in 1795 and is still standing and occupied today. His parents were descendents of a group of Scotch Presbyterians who came from Scotland and settled in Vermont in the late 1700's.
Mr. Symes attended the country schools in Vermont and graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy of Vermont in 1904 and Cornell University in 1909. He came to Marion in 1909 and was employed as an engineer by Marion Steam Shovel Co. about eight years. In 1917 he founded Marion Sand and Gravel Co. where he was in business until 1937. In 1938 he formed a partnership with Roy O. Hensel of the Dodge Agency in Marion, selling his interest in the agency in 1940 and purchasing the Chrysler agency which he has operated as Symes Motor Sales, Inc. He is a member of First Presbyterian Church and Marion Country Club. He is interested in Boy Scout activities and is a member of Harding Area Council and Board (past president) of the Boy Scouts of America.
On Oct. 9, 1912, Mr. Symes married Dessie Gregory, of Marion, daughter of Henry and Anna (Miller) Gregory. She is a member of First Presbyterian Church, Marion Country Club, Current Topics Club, Women's Board of Marion City Hospital, and Town and Country Garden Club.
WILLIAM S. WILSON, farmer and stockman in Grand Prairie Township, was born in that township, Aug. 20, 1886, son of George and Nettie (Landon) Wilson, farmers. His maternal grandfather was a soldier in the Civil War and his maternal grandmother came to America from England.
Mr. Wilson attended the township school and Ohio Northern University. He taught school five years. Since 1915 he has been a farmer and
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stockman. Mr. Wilson is affiliated with the Baptist Church and is a member of the Farm Bureau and Grand Prairie Grange (treasurer more than ten years). He was clerk of the School Board ten years.
On Feb. 25, 1915, he married Orpha Hero who was born Aug. 9, 1891, in Grand Prairie Township, daughter of William and Eva (Campbell) Hero. Her paternal grandparents, Christian and Christina Hero, came to America from Germany and settled in Marion County. Mrs. Wilson is a member of the Free Will Baptist Church and Grand Prairie Grange. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are the parents of one daughter, Wilma Fern, who graduated from Harding High School and attended Ohio University three years. She is now a student at White Cross Hospital School of Nursing in Columbus.
Mrs. Wilson's hobby is making corsages and she is interested in raising White Leghorn chickens. Mr. Wilson is interested in feeding cattle. They reside, with Mrs. Wilson's mother, Mrs. Hero, on County Road 93.
DAVID ELMER MONTGOMERY, owner of Ideal Dairy in Marion, was born Aug. 14, 1888, in Roxabell, Ross County, son of James C. and Laura (Collier) Montgomery.
Mr. Montgomery attended schools in Ross County. He was in the business of manufacturing shoes in Columbus for six years, after which he was in the mercantile business, selling and repairing tires, in Marion for eight years. In 1922, he entered the dairy business and has owned Ideal Dairy since 1928. He is a member of Epworth Methodist Church; Marion Lodge 70 F. & A. M. (past master) ; Past Masters Assn. (vice president); Marion Chapter, Council, and Commandery of Masonry; Kadgar Grotto; and Lydia Chapter O. E. S. (past patron). His hobby is woodworking.
On Oct. 1, 1913, he married Gail Seas, of Marion, daughter of David and Mary (Doebert) Seas. She is a member of Epworth Methodist Church, Lydia Chapter O. E. S. (past matron), Harriet Beecher Stowe Tent D. U. V. (past department president), Past Department Presidents of D. U. V. (past president), Ohio Federated Patriotic Society allied with G. A. R. (past president), Sons of Union Veterans Auxiliary, and House and Garden Club. Her hobbies are her flowers and collecting handkerchiefs
GRACE I. BALDWIN, retired school teacher and principal, was born Sept. 5, 1868, on the old Baldwin homestead in Bowling Green Township, daughter of Charles and Angeline (Clark) Baldwin. Her father, a farmer and contractor in Marion County, served three years as a soldier in the Civil War. Her great-great-grandfather, Capt. John Baldwin, raised a company of volunteers during the American Revolution, paid all the expenses of the company, and loaned funds to George Washington. In repayment for this, he was given land comprising the counties of Madison and Pickaway which extended as far north as Western Reserve. Baldwin-Wallace College was on this survey and it was founded by an ancestor of Miss Baldwin.
Miss Baldwin attended school in LaRue and Marion and graduated from Caledonia High School. At fifteen while still attending school, she
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started teaching. After the death of her father in 1885, the family moved to LaRue where they resided in the house where Miss Baldwin now lives. Her mother died in 1924. Miss Baldwin taught all grades in LaRue schools. She taught two years in Dunkirk, Ind., and began teaching seventh grade in Marion in 1903 at Central Building. She was principal of the following schools: Oak Street, one year; Olney Avenue, two years; David Street, five years; Olney Avenue, six years; Oakland Heights, twelve years.
Miss Baldwin reared a nephew, Charles K. Baldwin. She is a member of First Presbyterian Church in Marion and Captain William Hendricks Chapter of D. A. R. Because of illness, Miss Baldwin has resigned her memberships in the following: Bay View Reading Club (past president), Literature Study Club (past president), and Twentieth Century Club of LaRue. Miss Baldwin's interests are in her home and literature.
HAROLD F. ROBINSON, Mayor of Marion and owner and manager of Robinson Electrical Service, was born in Columbus Jan. 12, 1904, son of Harry E. and Myrtle (Boyer) Robinson. His father owns a plumbing shop in Marion.
Mr. Robinson attended schools in Columbus and Marion and learned the electrician trade. In 1921 he opened Robinson Electrical Service which he operated until 1940 at which time he became maintenance engineer for Huber Manufacturing Co. where he remained until 1943. At this time he re-established his electrical service business. In Nov. 1941 Mr. Robinson was elected councilman for the First Ward of the city of Marion and he served three terms. In 1947, he was elected councilman-at-large, and in 1949 was elected Mayor of Marion. He is affiliated with Calvary Evangelical and United Brethren Church and is a member of Sojourners Lodge F. & A. M. and Eagles. His hobbies are hunting and fishing.
On Apr. 23, 1923, Mr. Robinson married Elma May Sisson who was born in Marion County, daughter of James and Edna (Rider) Sisson. She is a member of Calvary Evangelical and United Brethren Church. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson are the parents of five children: (1) Harold Bernard who is associated with his father in the electrical business; (2) Gerald Edward, and (3) Robert James, both students at Harding High School; (4) Virginia Ann, a student at Central Junior High School; and (5) Mary Elizabeth, a student at Mark Street School.
ARTHUR J. WILLEY, physician and surgeon in Marion, was born in Delaware County, Mar. 1, 1870, son of Samuel and Ella Elizabeth (Silverwood) Willey. His father, a native of Delaware County, was a farmer. His mother was a native of Michigan. His grandfather, Henry Willey, when twelve years of age, came on foot to Ohio from Pennsylvania. The deed to his farm in Ohio was signed by President Andrew Jackson and the deed is now in the possession of Dr. Willey.
Dr. Willey attended Ohio Wesleyan University and received his M. D. degree from Ohio Medical University in 1898. Prior to receiving his M. D. degree, Dr. Willey had received a degree in dentistry. He maintained a general practice in Delaware until 1912 when he began specializing in surgery. In 1906 he founded Jane Case Hospital in Delaware. He
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moved to Marion in 1918 and was the first doctor who did only surgical work in this locality. He specialized in surgery until 1942 when he resumed his general practice of medicine and surgery. He is a member of the following: Democratic Party; Marion Lodge 70, Chapter, and Council of Masonry; American and Ohio State Medical associations; Marion County Academy of Medicine (past president); and Presbyterian Church. He is a fellow of American College of Surgeons and International Academy of Medicine. His favorite recreations are hunting and fishing.
On June 21, 1899, Dr. Willey married Sallie Elizabeth Birch who was born May 5, 1874, in Green County, daughter of John and Anna (Little) Birch. Her father was a merchant in Yellow Springs.
Dr. and Mrs. Willey are the parents of three sons: (1) Eugene Birch Willey, born June 3, 1900. He attended schools in Marion, Columbia, Tenn., Military Academy, and Ohio Wesleyan University. He later was sanitary engineer for Marion County and is now identified with the rice industry. He married Waurena De Bardelabunn and they reside in Stuttgart, Ark. They have one son, Eugene Birch, Jr. (2) Robert Arthur, born Nov. 30, 1905, a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan and Ohio State universities where he majored in chemistry. He is now chemist for Commercial Steel Castings Co. in Marion. He married Harriet Nippert and they have two children, Stephen and Sallie Jane. (3) Walter Herbert, born July 26, 1907, now associated with Commercial Steel Castings Co. in Marion. He served four years with the U. S. Army 9th Air Corps during World War II and was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant in 1945.
MRS. JOHN DICKSON HARRISON, nee Mable Williams, was born in Muncie, Ind., Mar. 29, 1878, daughter of Alcade and Alice Deborah (Fielder) Williams. Her father was associated with New York Central Railroad twenty-seven years, becoming an auditor, and later engaged in the grain business in Caledonia.
Mrs. Harrison graduated from high school in Sidney. She is a member of Memorial Methodist Church, W. S. C. S., Lend-A-Hand Circle of King's Daughters, Marion Country Club, and Board of Marion Symphony Orchestra. On Mar. 21, 1900, she married John Dickson Harrison, of Caledonia, who was born Oct. 22, 1872, son of John V. and Elizabefth (Dickson) Harrison. His grandparents, Rev. Jacob Harrison, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Rachel Harrison, moved from Virginia to Ohio in 1833. John Dickson Harrison was associated with his father in Harrison-Meeks and Co. in Buffalo and later was president and general manager of National Live Stock Co. of Cleveland, after which he was associated with Marion Packing Co. in Marion. He assisted in organizing Marion Abathoir Co. He also was a farmer and was associated with the Caledonia Banking Co. for many years until his death Dec. 6, 1939.
There are two daughters: (1) Martha, a graduate of Lake Erie College at Painesville. She married Dr. Bruce A. Mayer of Springfield. (2) Elizabeth, who attended Lake Erie College two years and received her B. A. degree from Ohio State University. She married Robert Kare Clark, of Rocky River, who was a buyer for Higbee Co. in Cleveland and is now
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associated with Schaffner Furniture Co. They have three daughters, Martha Ann, Deborah Jane, and Elizabeth Harrison. Mrs. Harrison's hobbies are flower gardening and collecting antiques. She is interested in her grandchildren and farming. Her home is in Caledonia.
EDSON L. BUSH, Executive Vice President of Marion County Bank in Marion, was born in Upper Sandusky Feb. 23, 1883, son of E. E. and Margaret L. (Jones) Bush. His father came to Ohio from Pennsylvania in 1882 and was a building contractor and insurance agent in Marion about forty-five years. His mother was a native of Marion.
Mr. Bush attended grade and high schools in Marion and, in 1897, at the age of fourteen, he became associated with Marion County Bank of which he is now Executive Vice President and director. He is Treasurer and a director of Jay H. Maish Co., a director of McDaniel Motor Co., a director of Fairfield Engineering Co., and a director of Wilson Bohannan Co. He has served as trustee of Marion City Sinking Fund for many years. He is a member of Epworth Methodist Church, Marion Lodge 70, and Marion Chapter, Council and Commandery of Masonry. His hobbies are fishing and raising roses.
On June 23, 1908, Mr. Bush married Eudora S. Sifritt who was born in Marion, daughter of J. E. and Elizabeth M. (Wolfinger) Sifritt. Her great-great-grandfather, John Sifritt, served in the American Revolution. Mrs. Bush is a member of Epworth Methodist Church, Federation of Women's Clubs (past secretary), Research Club, House and Garden Club, Y-Teens of Y. W. C. A. (treasurer since 1936), and Captain William Hendricks Chapter of D. A. R.
Mr. and Mrs. Bush are the parents of three children: (1) John E., of Fox Lake, Ill. He served about three years in the Sea-Bees during World War II and he is now in the engineering sales department of the Elmes Engineering Co. of Chicago. He married Roberta Roberts and they have two children, John and Nancy. (2) Dorothy (Mrs. William T. Gallt) of Geneva, O. She graduated from Western College for Women. She has two daughters, Carol and Jean. (3) Robert R., of Marion, who attended Miami University, served four years with the Navy during World War II, and is now associated with Ohio State Life Insurance Co. He married Anna Marie Hastings and they have three daughters, Bonnie, Betty, and Barbara.
GEORGE J. ORIANS, general insurance agent in Marion, was born in Upper Sandusky Jan. 23, 1877, son of George Henry and Caroline (Angst) Orians. His father came from Germany to Wyandot County with his parents when he was eight years old. George J.'s mother was a native of Switzerland.
Mr. Orians attended St. Mary's School and graduated from Marion High School in 1897, after which he learned the machinists' trade at Huber .Manufacturing Co. In 1908, he entered the insurance and real estate business in Marion and now has a general insurance agency. He was a member of the County Board of Elections from 1914 to 1917. He was county recorder from 1913 to 1921. He is a member of Calvary Evangelical
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Church (secretary-treasurer twenty-five years), Ohio and Marion County associations of insurance agents, Marion Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Pythias, and Elks. His hobbies are hunting and fishing.
On June 28, 1898, Mr. Orians married Nettie K. Zachman who was born in Waldo Township Oct. 5, 1876, daughter of Lewis and Catherine (Garman) Zachman. Mr. and Mrs. Orians are the parents of three children: (1) George Harrison, born Apr. 21, 1899, a graduate of Harding High School, North Central College, and University of Illinois, now a professor at University of Toledo. He married Dorothy Schmidling and they have three children, Daryl, Margarite, and George. (2) Howard Lester, born Sept. 27, 1900. He graduated from Harding High School and Northwestern University, and was ordained a minister of the Evangelical Church. He has been minister of Bethel Evangelical Church in Milwaukee, Wisc., since 1935. He married Marian Centy and they have two children, Gordon and Ardeth. (3) Bertha Rosella, born Aug. 19, 1902. She married Fireman A. Brady and they are the parents of two children, Patricia and Connon.
DEAN C. RIDGWAY, owner of Ridgway Duck Hatchery in LaRue, was born Oct. 31, 1870, on the old Ridgway homestead of 360 acres in Grand Township, son of Basil and Rosanna (Hastings) Ridgway. His paternal great-grandfather, Mr. Ridgway, came to America from Scotland. His maternal great-grandfather, Patrick Hastings, came to America from Ireland when Dean C.'s grandfather, Spear Hastings, was twelve years old. Dean C. Ridgway's twin sister is Mrs. Grant Mouser (see Index).
Mr. Ridgway received his early education in the little brick schoolhouse in Grand Township and went to work on his father's farm. He moved to LaRue in 1905 and conducted a loan business for Providence Mutual Life Insurance Co. He also operated his farm until 1919. In 1924, Mr. Ridgway and his sons started the Ridgway Duck Hatchery in LaRue. Mr. Ridgway has also operated hatcheries in Galesburg, Ill., Mt. Vernon, and Bellecentre. His interests are looking after his large farm and raising turkeys. He raised six thousand turkeys in 1947.
On May 16, 1898, Mr. Ridgway married Lilly Mae Benschoter, of Grand Rapids, Wood County, daughter of Jerry and Rachel (Hannah) Benschoter who were of Holland and Irish descent. Mrs. Ridgway died Sept. 7, 1902. There are two sons: (1) Keith B., a graduate of LaRue High School and Ohio Northern University. He is a veteran of World War I. He married Frances Myers, of LaRue, and they have four children: (a) Keith Mae, a graduate of Ohio Northern. She married Paul Capell, a veteran of World War II, and they have one son, Jeffrey Ridgway Capell; (6) John, a veteran of World War II now attending Ohio Northern University. He married Marian Lee Friddell and they have one daughter, Rondalee; (c) Robert, a graduate of Bowling Green University; and, (d) Richard C., a student at LaRue High School. (2) Clair C., of Marion, a graduate of LaRue High School and Ohio State University. He married Ruby Baker, of Grand Rapids, Wood County, and they have one daughter, Rosemary.
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CHARLES P. GROLL, retired furniture dealer and funeral director was born in Richland Township Nov. 13, 1869, son of Charles and Margaret (Acura) Groll. His father came to America from Germany at the age of five years with his parents who settled in Richland Township. Mr. Groll received his early education in Richland Township schools and in partnership with his brother, William F. Groll, he owned and operated a shingle mill for several years. He then attended Cincinnati School of Embalming. After his graduation, he, with William F., opened Groll Bros. Undertaking Parlor in Prospect. In 1895, they moved to Waldo where they operated Groll Bros. Undertaking Parlor and Furniture Store. They also manufactured furniture. After the death of his brother in 1923, Charles P. Groll became sole owner of the business which became known as C. P. Groll Funeral Home and the Groll Furniture Store. In 1944, Mr. Groll discontinued the funeral home. He retired from the furniture business in 1942 and it is now operated by his two sons. Mr. Groll's hobby is woodworking.
On Dec. 18, 1900, Mr. Groll married Nina Elizabeth Weiser of Delaware County, daughter of Philip and Mary (Culp) Weiser. Mrs. Groll died in Oct. 1948.
Two sons were born to this marriage: (1) Roscoe G., born Nov. 6, 1901. He married, first, Iva Dripps. She died in 1932. They had two children, Joan, a bookkeeper in the furniture company, and William Charles, a student in Waldo High School. He married, second, Nida Higgins, of Lima. (2) Leo F., born May 4, 1906. He married Margaret Donithen, of Waldo, and they have one daughter, Cynthia Lee, a student in Waldo School.
FREDERICK WALTER REA, physician practicing pediatrics in Marion, was born Nov. 28, 1907, in New Philadelphia, son of Frank C. and Wilma (Walter) Rea. His father owned and operated Rea's Drug Store in New Philadelphia.
Dr. Rea graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1925, attended Culver Military Academy, and graduated from Cornell University with an A. B. degree in 1931 and with an M. D. degree in 1934. He interned in University Hospital at Cleveland (1934-1937) and was resident doctor in contagious diseases in Cleveland City Hospital (1937-1938). He came to Marion in 1938 to practice pediatrics. From 1944 to 1946 he served as a lieutenant in the U. S. Navy Medical Corps. After being released from military duty in July 1946, he returned to his practice in Marion. He is a member of: St. Paul's Episcopal Church; Marion County Chapter of National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis (chairman) ; Kiwanis Club; Marion County Academy of Medicine; Kappa Delta Rho; Phi Chi; The Symposiarchs; American Academy of Pediatrics; Marion County Crippled Children's Society; Marion Chamber of Commerce; and, The Serenaders. His hobbies are gardening and music.
On June 5, 1937, Dr. Rea married Virginia Custer Cook, of New Philadelphia. She graduated from Sweet Briar College in 1931 and attended Western Reserve, School of Social Science. She worked for Associated Charities in Cleveland until she and Dr. Rea moved to Marion. Dr. and Mrs. Rea are the parents of one daughter, Ann Blackford Rea, born June 28, 1940.
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WILLIAM RAY HEDGES, farmer in Pleasant Township and a seed corn salesman, was born Oct. 7, 1885, in Delaware County, son of George E. and Almira (Russell) Hedges. His father was a farmer in Delaware County before coming to Pleasant Township in 1896, where he settled on the farm which William R. now owns and farms.
Mr. Hedges received his early education in the little red schoolhouse. He has been a farmer all his life and for the past ten years he has also been a salesman of seed corn. He is a member of: Green Camp Methodist Church; Prospect Lodge (past master), Marion Chapter, Council, and Commandery and Scioto Consistory (32nd degree) of Masonry; Prospect Chapter O. E. S.; Knights of Pythias; Marion County Farm Bureau; and, Marion County Milk Producers Assn. On Apr. 8, 1906, Mr. Hedges married Blanche Sifritt, of Green Camp Township, daughter of T. L. and Winona (Cummins) Sifritt. She is a member of Green Camp Methodist Church, Prospect Chapter O. E. S., and Pythian Sisters.
Mr. and Mrs. Hedges are the parents of ten children: (1) Helen (Mrs. Walter Davis), of Morrow County, who has five children: George who is a U. S. Army veteran of World War II, Geneva, Gerald, Ginger Lee, and Gloria. (2) Harold who is associated with his father on the farm. (3) Vena (Mrs. George Schertzer), of Big Island Township. She has two children, Ruth and Donald. (4) Warren who is associated with his father on the farm. He married Ruth Clayton and they have two daughters, Barbara and Joan. (5) Mildred (Mrs. William Burley), of Marion Township, who has two sons, William, Jr., and Larry. (6) Dwight, of Waldo Township. He married Nina Ruth Porter and they have two children, Arlan and Eva Sue. (7) Marilyn, of Pleasant Township, who married Gerald Rasey, a U. S. Army veteran of World War II. They have one son, Allen. (8) Dorothy, a student at Heidelberg College. (9) Lowell who is associated with his father on the farm. (10) Kenneth, a student in Pleasant Township High School.
The old homestead, where the Hedges reside, was built in 1860, and the woodwork throughout is solid walnut. Mr. Hedges is interested in raising Guernsey dairy cattle, Hampshire hogs and Leghorn chickens. He also enjoys travel.
RAY F. MAAG, President and General Manager of Marion Rapid Transit Co. and Marion Machine Tool Co., was born in Marion Aug. 26, 1890, son of John and Mary (Burkepyle) Maag. His father was a blacksmith in Marion.
Mr. Maag attended grade and high schools in Marion. He learned the machinist trade at Huber Manufacturing Co., following which he held various positions as machinist for about ten years. In 1920, he became associated with Marion Rapid Transit Co. in the position he now holds. He is affiliated with Epworth Methodist Church. He is a member of Marion Lodge 70, Chapter, Council and Commandery and Scioto Consistory (32nd degree) of Masonry; Eagles; Moose; and, Knights of Pythias. His hobby is bowling.
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Mr. Maag married, in 1912, Elizabeth Stevens, of Galion. She died in December of 1940. There was one daughter born to this marriage, Florence, who married Sheldon Dodds, treasurer and office manager of Marion Rapid Transit Co. They have two children, Margo and David.
On Dec. 10, 1943, Mr. Maag married Blanche (Crane) Porter, of Marion. She has one son, Robert M. Porter who is Superintendent of Maintenance for Marion Rapid Transit Co.
ALPHEUS GRUBER, farmer and stockman in Marion Township, was born Jan. 11, 1896, in the old log cabin homestead on the farm where he now resides, son of Sidney Wilson and Mary Elizabeth (Heffner) Gruber, native farmers of Marion County. His paternal great-grandparents and maternal grandparents all came to Marion County from Germany.
Mr. Gruber received his early education in the one-room Shrock schoolhouse. He has been a farmer all his life on the farm where he was born. He is a member of Calvary Evangelical Church, Progressive Grange (organizer, charter member, past master and chairman building committee for new Grange Hall), and Farm Bureau. He served on the Marion Township School Board nine years.
On Nov. 29, 1917, Mr. Gruber married Lura Dorothy Chapman, of Richwood, Union County, who was born Nov. 29, 1895, daughter of Charles W. and Lelia (Parish) Chapman. Her father was of Scotch and Irish descent, and her mother was of English and French lineage. Mrs. Gruber graduated from Marion High School and Marion School of Commerce. She is a member of Calvary Evangelical Church, Progressive Grange, National Grange, Emma Berger Sunday School Class (past president), Sans Souci Club (past president), and Arbor Vitae Club (secretary).
Mr. and Mrs. Gruber are the parents of two children: (1) Vernon Chapman, born Sept. 12, 1918, a graduate of Harding High School now a farmer in Marion Township. He married Adeline Cluff and they have four children, Charlotte Ann, Charles Francis, Jack Sidney, and LeRoy Alpheus. (2) Grace Elizabeth, born Apr. 6, 1921. She graduated from Harding High School and was secretary and assistant manager of the Palace Theater for several years prior to her marriage to Clifford L. McMahan, a veteran of World War II during which he served with the 2nd Armored Tank Division of the U. S. Army for three years. He received the Purple Heart. Mr. and Mrs. McMahan reside with Mr. and Mrs. Gruber and farm the home place. They have one son, John Vincent.
Mrs. Gruber's hobby is poetry. Mr. Gruber is interested in raising Aberdeen-Angus cattle and he is a member of the American Aberdeen-Angus Breeders' Association. Mr. and Mrs. Gruber have spent several winters in Florida living in Orange Blossom Trailer Park in St. Petersburg. They have done some deep-sea fishing.
JAY CLINTON THUMA, doctor of dental surgery in LaRue, was born July 22, 1892, in Lexington, son of Frank S. and Eva A. (Thuma) Thuma. His father was a merchant in Mansfield.
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Dr. Thuma graduated from Mansfield High School in 1911 and from Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1914. He has practiced dentistry in LaRue since that date, except for two years while serving with the U. S. Army Dental Corps during World War I, with one year of that time spent overseas. He was released from duty with the rank of captain, Aug. 25, 1919, and has been in the Officers Reserve Corps eighteen years, fifteen years of which he has held the rank of major. During World War II he was director of the Medical Division of Civilian Defense of four townships, Montgomery, Grand, Big Island, and Bowling Green. He has been mayor of LaRue two terms, and a member of the Board of Education eight years, serving as president four years. He is a member of First Presbyterian Church, all bodies of Scottish Rite Masonry including 32nd̊ Consistory, American Dental Assn., Central Ohio Dental Assn. (past president), Psi Omega dental fraternity, and Phillippi-Clements Post of American Legion (charter member and first commander).
Dr. Thuma married Zoe M. Van Arsdale, of LaRue, daughter of Henry and Diantha (Virden) Van Arsdale. She attended Ohio University and taught school for three years prior to her marriage. She is a member of First Presbyterian Church, Mary Lenox Chapter O. E. S. (past matron, two years), Happy Tyme Club (charter member and past president), American Legion Auxilary (past president), and P. T. A. (past president).
Children: (1) Jean Anne, of Phoenix, Ariz., born Apr. 3, 1919, who graduated from LaRue High School with the highest average in her class and from Ohio State University with a B. S. degree and as an R. N. She now teaches nursing. She married William Davidson, an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II. (2) James J., born Apr. 26, 1923, a graduate of LaRue High School and pre-dental school at Ohio Northern University, a veteran of World War II, and now a student at College of Dentistry at Ohio State University. He married Carmen M. Alvarez who graduated from Ohio Northern University and taught high school for two years.
WILLIAM ARTHUR LUDWICK, farmer and stockman in Grand Prairie Township, was born in that township, Mar. 29, 1886, son of Abraham and Agnes (Hill) Ludwick, farmers in Scott Township.
Mr. Ludwick received his education in Scott Township schools and has always been a farmer. He is affiliated with Kirkpatrick Methodist Church.
On Oct. 19, 1909, he married Millie Mae Beers, of Scott Township, who was born Nov. 25, 1887, daughter of J. D. and Emma (Baldinger) Beers. She attended Ohio Northern University and is a member of Kirkpatrick Methodist Church. Children: (1) Helen Margaret, born Aug. 11, 1919. She resides with her parents. (2) Harold Beers, born June 15, 1923. He is associated with his father on the farm and is interested in raising Hereford cattle.
Mr. Ludwick's hobby is hunting. He is interested in raising Shorthorn cattle and Hampshire hogs. He formerly raised Belgium horses. Mr. and Mrs. Ludwick and family reside on State Route 4, north of Marion.
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OLIVER H. NEIMEYER, Game Protector for the state of Ohio and Deputy U. S. Game Warden, was born in Prospect, Sept. 30, 1883, son of Conrad and Sarah (Lake) Neimeyer. His father owned a hardware and sporting goods store in Prospect from 1880 to 1904, after which he was gamewarden until his death in 1916.
Oliver H. Neimeyer graduated from Prospect High School in 1900 and then studied courses in business and civil engineering, played semiprofessional baseball, and rode in bicycle races. He was employed as civil engineer with C. D. & M. Electric Railway until 1904 when he opened a photography studio in Prospect which he operated until 1908. He then trained and exhibited Bird dogs professionally and assisted his father with game propagation and protecton. In 1917 he was appointed game protector for the state by the Civil Service Commission. In 1920 he was appointed deputy U. S. game warden.
Mr. Neimeyer established the first state game refuge in Ohio in 1918 in Delaware County. This refuge contained 2,120 acres. Also in 1918, he established a state game refuge of 2,800 acres in Green Camp and Pleasant Townships of Marion County. He made the first arrests in Ohio of hunters who were apprehended for hunting on a state game refuge. He has written numerous articles on sporting dogs and wild life for publication in magazines. AMERICAN FIELD claims Mr. Neimeyer has judged more recognized field trials and sporting dog shows in the United States and Canada than any other judge. He is a member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Prospect, Durward Lodge Knights of Pythias, Prospect Lodge F. & A. M., Prospect Chapter O. E. S., and numerous sportsmen's clubs. His hobby is Bird dogs with which he has won more than 1600 awards at leading field trials and dog shows in this country and Canada. Another hobby is making and showing a fine collection of colored moving pictures of wild life.
On June 7, 1905, Mr. Neimeyer married Anna Louise Lavender who was born in Delaware County, Oct. 21, 1883, daughter of Reuben and Jane (Curry) Lavender. She is a member of the Methodist Church and and Prospect Chapter O. E. S. Her hobbies are rock gardening and collecting salt and pepper shakers, of which she has about 900 pairs, and antique china and glass. Mr. and Mrs. Neimeyer reside in Prospect.
SAMUEL FREDERICK SNYDER, retired supervisor of construction, was born in Prospect Township, Aug. 29, 1867, son of Frank and Sophia (Strobel) Snyder who were of German lineage.
Mr. Snyder attended country schools and took a correspondence course in building construction. He supervised the building of Sawyer Sanatorium, Marion Children's Home, Waddell Ladies Home (now Marion City Hospital), United Brethren Church, Central Christian Church, and numerous other buildings in Marion, both city and county. He was maintenance director of Sawyer Sanatorium and White Oaks Farm for thirty years, and retired in 1947. His hobby is cabinet making.
On June 2, 1897, Mr. Snyder married Ida Zachman who was born in Pleasant Township, Apr. 26, 1871, daughter of Frank and Caroline (Almendinger) Zachman, of German lineage. Mrs. Snyder attended Ohio
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Northern University and taught school three years prior to her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder are members of Calvary Evangelical United Brethren Church and Mrs. Snyder was pianist at the church seventeen years. She also taught a girl's Sunday School class. Her hobby is music.
Mr. and Mrs. Snyder are the parents of two children: (1) Wilbert Frank, who has been physicist for the Bureau of Standards in Washington, D. C., since 1927. He graduated from Harding High School and Northwestern University, and received his master degree from Illinois University. He married Katherine Miller, of Baltimore, and they have two children, Elise and Tad. (2) Dorothy, of Rochester, N. Y., who married Howard Dygert. She graduated from Harding High School, Columbus School for Girls, and Mt. Holyoke College, and also studied at Columbia University. She was secretary to the president of Hanover Bank in New York one year and investment analyst for the bank two years. She has two children, Nancy and Peter.
MARY ANN RIZOR TRIHAFT, daughter of Elijah and Elizabeth (Dodd) Rizor, pioneer settlers of Bowling Green Township, was born Sept. 1, 1873. On Feb. 28, 1891, she was married to David Trihaft, a native of Hungary who came to America at the age of fourteen. He settled in Bowling Green Township where he made his home with Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Jones for several years. In 1893 Mr. Trihaft purchased what is now the Trihaft home farm which he operated until his death in 1929.
Four children were born to this marriage: (1) Ivah (Trihaft) Owen (see Index). (2) John, born June 29, 1893, who is now farming the home farm in partnership with his brother and their sister, Ollie. (3) William, born July 12, 1898 (see Index). (4) Ollie Ruth, born Aug. 18, 1902. Mrs. Trihaft resides with her son, John, and her daughter, Ollie Ruth, on the home farm on the Winnemac Rd., southwest of LaRue.
CLYDE WELSH HINAMON, farmer and stockman in Grand Prairie Township, was born Mar. 24, 1892, son of Milton J. and Lettie (Welsh) Hinamon who were farmers on the same land which Clyde W. now owns on the Brush Ridge Kirkpatrick Rd. His grandfather, Frederick Hinamon, came to America from Alsace-Lorraine, France, and settled on the farm on State Route 4 in Grand Prairie Township where his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Charles E. Hinamon, now resides.
Clyde Welsh Hinamon attended the township school and Marion High School and graduated from Marion Business College. He has always been a farmer on the same land. He has been a township trustee more than twenty-five years and is treasurer of Marion County Agricultural Society. He is a member of: Kirkpatrick Methodist Church; Grand Prairie Grange; Farm Bureau; Marion Lodge 70, Chapter, Council, and Commandery of Masonry; Kadgar Grotto; and, Lydia Chapter O. E. S.
On June 16, 1915, Mr. Hinamon married Vella Stump, of Dallas Township, Crawford County, who was born Oct. 5, 1893, daughter of William F. and Mary Ellen (Heinlen) Stump. Mrs. Hinamon is a member of Kirkpatrick Methodist Church, Grand Prairie Grange, and Lydia Chapter O. E. S. Children: (1) Howard Clyde, born Nov. 24, 1921. He
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graduated from Harding High School and is now associated with his father on the farm. He is a member of Kirkpatrick Methodist Church and Grand Prairie Grange and was a member of Marion DeMolay. (2) Mary Ellen, born Oct. 2, 1930, a graduate of Harding High School. She is a member of Kirkpatrick Methodist Church, Pi Mu National Society (secretary), Junior Lecture-Recital Club (president), Job's Daughters (musician), Grand Prairie Grange, Older Rural Youth Group, and 4-H Club.
MARK A. ELSEY, veterinarian in Bowling Green Township, was born Sept. 8, 1887, in Plain City, son of Abraham and Adella (Kilgore) Elsey.
Dr. Elsey graduated from Plain City High School and from Ohio State University in 1909. He practiced veterinary medicine in Guernsey County until 1912, when he came to Marion County where he has since practiced. He is a member of LaRue Methodist Church and American Veterinary Medical Assn. His interests are in livestock.
Dr. Elsey married, on April 4, 1912, Ola McKitrick, of Plain City, daughter of Leslie and Laura (Ashbaugh) McKitrick. She is a member of LaRue Methodist Church, Mary Lenox Chapter O. E. S., Sosnowski Rebekah Lodge, and Town and Country Garden Club.
Children: (1) Carroll M., a practicing doctor of physiotherapy in Marion. He married Mary Jane Reansnider. (2) Eunice (Mrs. Earl Farrand) of Albuquerque, N. M., where she owns and operates a beauty shop. (3) Paul, of Marion. He married Jeanne Whitehead and they have one daughter, Pattie Ann.
ROY J. GARCEAU, retired businessman residing in Marion, was born at Red Lake Falls, Minn., Feb. 11, 1889, son of Edward and Bridget (Boyle) Garceau who were of French and Irish lineage.
Mr. Garceau graduated from high school in Tacoma, Wash., attended business college, and went to work in his father's general merchandise store in Tacoma, Wash. He came to Marion in 1919, and opened the store of the Penney Co., being its first manager. He retired in 1936. He is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus.
On June 10, 1913, Mr. Garceau married Monica Katherine Krost who was born in Hammond, Ind., daughter of John F. and Emma Katherine (Kaufer) Krost. Mrs. Garceau graduated from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College in Terre Haute, Ind., and is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. Mr. and Mrs. Garceau are interested in travel and literature.
Children: (1) Mary Lucille, a graduate of St. Mary-of-the-Woods. She married Richard Dore, who served as a captain in the Army during World War II. They have two daughters, Mary Anne and Sally. (2) and (3) twins, Rosanne Patricia and Katherine Elaine, both graduates of St. Mary-of-the-Woods. Rosanne Patricia married Dr. Daniel M. Murphy, a physician in Marion who served as a captain in the U. S. Army Medical Corps during World War II. They have three children, John Martin, Suzanne, and Marilyn. Katherine Elaine married John D. Hanley who is associated with Seiberling Rubber Co. and who was a lieutenant in the U. S. Navy during World War II. They have two daughters, Carol and
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Kathleen. (4) John Edward who graduated from Notre Dame University. He was a lieutenant in the U. S. Navy during World War II. He married Barbara Patterson and they have two sons, John Edward, Jr., and Donald. (5) Richard Joseph who graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1948.
CLIFFORD H. INDOE, heating contractor in Marion, was born Aug. 1, 1901, in Cleveland, son of Harry G. and Mollie (Simon) Indoe.
Mr. Indoe went to school in Ashland, later taking courses in heating at Williamson Training School in Cincinnati and Williams Oil-O-Matic School in Bloomington, Ill. He was foreman of the sheet metal department of F. E. Myers and Co. in Ashland for a number of years and later was superintendent of Aeronautical Corp. in Cincinnati. He was associated with Williamson Heater Company in Cincinnati for a time before coming to Marion in 1938. He now owns and operates Indoe-Williamson Furnace Co. He is a member of Epworth Methodist Church where he is chairman of the board of education.
On Sept. 1, 1923, Mr. Indoe married Geraldine Bentz, of Ashland, daughter of Addison J. and Emma (Phillips) Bentz. Mrs. Indoe attended Ashland College Music Department. She is a member of Epworth Methodist Church, W. S. C. S., Lecture Recital Club, and Research Club (past president and now vice president). Mr. and Mrs. Indoe are active in church work and are counselors for the young people of the Youth Fellowship.
Children: (1) Richard B., born June 22, 1928, who is in business with his father. (2) Thomas C., born Mar. 31, 1932, a student in Harding High School. (3) Nancy Jo, born Sept. 17, 1935, a student at Vernon Heights Junior High School.
HARRY WILHELM, draftsman at Marion Power Shovel Co. in Marion, was born in Marion County, Mar. 16, 1886, son of John A. and Katharine (Hecker) Wilhelm, of German lineage. His father was a farmer in Marion County.
Mr. Wilhelm received his education in the county and Marion schools and, at an early age, he became associated with The Marion Steam Shovel Co. (Marion Power Shovel Co.), where he learned mechanical engineering. He has been associated with the company about forty years. He is a member of Prospect Street Methodist Church and has been a member of the official board for many years. He served as treasurer of the church twenty-eight years. His hobby is gardening.
On Sept. 5, 1911, he married Stella G. Dietsch who was born in Marion County May 7, 1887, daughter of George and Caroline (Schrote) Dietsch, of German descent. Her father was a farmer in Marion County. Mrs. Wilhelm attended Shrocks School and graduated from Marion High School. She taught in the country schools for five years prior to her marriage. She is a member of Prospect Street Methodist Church and W.S.C.S.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilhelm are the parents of three sons, all of whom are graduates of Harding High School: (1) George H., born Dec. 13, 1914. He served with the U. S. Army four years during World War II. He
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is now with Marion Power Shovel Co. as a mechanical engineer. (2) John C., born Oct. 22, 1918, a veteran of World War II, having served with the American Field Service, as a volunteer, for twenty-one months. He is now a public accountant with Danner Buick Co., in Marion. (3) Harry Eugene, born Aug. 21, 1928, a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University.
ALBERT L. HAMBURG, Secretary-Treasurer of Lords Jewelers in Marion, was born in New York, Dec. 24, 1895, son of Lewis and Mildred (Sherman) Hamburg. He attended schools in New York and graduated from Morris High School. He has been in the jewelry business since 1915, coming to Marion in 1941 to accept his present position. He is a member of Marion Congregation of Israel, Marion Lodge 70 F. & A. M., Marion Chapter and Council of Masonry, Elks, Kiwanis Club, and Board of Directors of Marion Baseball Club. His hobbies are baseball, golf, and other sports.
On Apr. 12, 1920, Mr. Hamburg married Lillian Sherman who was born in Toledo, daughter of Jacob and Eva Sherman. She is a member of Marion Congregation of Israel. Mr. and Mrs. Hamburg are the parents of three children: (1) Lowell S., born Oct. 30, 1922, in Detroit. He is vice president of Lords Jewelers. He married Elizabeth Wise, of St. Louis, and they have one daughter, Linda. (2) Evon, born Nov. 16, 1923, in Detroit. She married Louis Browarsky, of Fort Wayne, Ind., a veteran of World War II during which he served about four years in the Southwest Pacific area. (3) Gertrude, born Sept. 7, 1926, in Syracuse, N. Y. She is associated with Lords Jewelers.
WINTHROP P. AMES, manager of Marion Branch of Underwriters Adjusting Co., was born in Franklin, N. H., May 28, 1899, son of Arthur N. and Myra E. (Prescott) Ames. His father was an inventor and manufacturer of hosiery knitting machinery.
Mr. Ames graduated from Franklin High School and attended Defiance College three years. He was then associated with the real estate business and with Western Union and LaSalle Koch Co. in Toledo. In 1930 he became associated with Underwriters Adjusting Co. in Toledo, coming to Marion in November 1941 to open the Marion Branch. He is a member of Marion Lodge 70 F. & A. M. and all bodies of Masonry, including Scioto Consistory. His hobby is photography.
On Oct. 11, 1942, he married Mary R. Mulholland who was born in Hardin County, Dec. 15, 1911, daughter of Robert E. and Bertha (Kepner) Mulholland. Mrs. Ames graduated from Alger High School and Northwestern School of Commerce in Lima. She has been associated with Underwriters Adjusting Co. since 1933 and is now secretary for the Marion Branch. She is a member of Lydia Chapter O. E. S., and White Shrine of Jerusalem. Mr. and Mrs. Ames are interested in travel.
L. ODELL THOMPSON, President and Manager of Thompson Loan and Finance Co. in Marion, was born Dec. 24, 1901, in Union County, son of Lewis M. and Alice A. (Dulin) Thompson, native farmers of Union County.
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