AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 475 County, after which he returned to Covington and entered the Weaver & Mendell drug store as a clerk. Subsequently, in association with L. A. Dollinger, he bought the store and continued to operate it until 1888, when he sold, having been connected with that place either as clerk or proprietor, for a period of ten years. He then accepted a position as traveling salesman, with the Columbus Pharmical Company, of Columbus, and later was connected, in the same capacity, with other concerns. Just prior to the accident which resulted in his death he had accepted a position as mail weigher in the railway mail service and was on his way to enter upon his duties at Napoleon, Ohio. He was struck by a locomotive at Lima arid was hurried to a hospital, but no surgical skill was able to save his life. On June 1. 1871. Mr. Purdy was married to Katherine Darner, who is a daughter of .John L. and Mary (Matz) Darner. John L. Darner was born near Frederick, Maryland. a son of Jacob Darner, and in boyhood accompanied his parents to. Montgomery County. Ohio, and was reared on a farm six miles south of Dayton. In that county he was married, in 1848, to Mary Matz. and they came immediately to Miami County. where he purchased a farm of 160 acres in Newberry Township, three and one-half miles north of Covington. On this farm Mrs. Purdy was reared. She was the eldest of five children, the others being: Mrs. Lucy Bartmess, who died in 1896; Mrs. Laura Reisner, whose husband, James W. Reisner, is connected with the Government service, in the U. S. Pension office. at Washington, D. C.; Mrs. Addie M. Darst. who lives on the old home farm; and Jessie, who is the wife of Dr. William Arthur Minton, of Bradford. The father of this family died in 1884 and the mother in August, 1907. To Mr. and Mrs. Purdy were born four children, namely : Grace, who is the wife of James W. Brandon of Piqua; Lucy E.; Ethel, who is in partnership with Miss Gertrude Whitmer in the conduct of a millinery store at Covington; and John L., who is a. resident of Dayton. He married Nellie Coppock. of Pleasant Hill, and they have one son, Thomas Henry. John L. Purdy is employed in the office of the Barney & Smith Car Company of Dayton. The late Thomas L. Purdy was a man of Christian life and for many years had been a member of the Presbyterian Church. He was identified with the Knights of Pythias. During his many years of travel as a representative of business houses, he had formed many acquaintances and in almost every section had made personal friends. B. W. JONES. D.D.S., the leading dental surgeon of Troy, has been a valued resident of this city for the past nineteen years. He was born in 1869, near West Unity, Fulton County, Ohio, but was mainly reared and obtained his literary training at Hudson, Michigan. After deciding upon dentistry as his chosen profession, Dr. Jones gave considerable attention to preliminary study and then entered the Indiana Dental College, at Indianapolis, where he was graduated in 1890 with his degree. He at once located at Troy, finding here a hearty recognition of his professional skill, and he has never had reason to regret his choice of home and business field. He is a member of the Ohio State Dental Association and he 476 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY keeps thoroughly abreast of the times in the progress made in dental science. His office is conveniently maintained on the Public Square at No. 41714. He has additional business interests but devotes the larger part of his time and attention to his profession. In 1893 Dr. Jones was married to Miss Nora May Lickly, of Hudson, Michigan, and they have one daughter, Josephine. He is a Knight Templar Mason and a Knight of Pythias, and he belongs to the Troy Club and the Troy Business Men's Association. JOHN PENCE STOCKSTILL, a prominent retired farmer. residing on his valuable property of 160 acres, situated in Section 4, Bethel Township, one mile west of New Carlisle, has resided here for the past thirty years. He was born Marsh 20, 1841, in Shelby County. Ohio, and is a son of Elias D. and Elizabeth (Shroyer) Stockstill. Thomas Stockstill, the grandfather, was born in North Carolina, from which State he came to Ohio seeking a home where slavery was not permitted. He reached Dayton and at the one store which was then the only mercantile establishment in the place, he applied for- work and was directed to J. Haines, who lived near Palmer Chapel, which he had built. Mr. Stockstill came up to the requirements of Mr. Haines and after working for him for one year was accepted as a son-in-law, Mr. Stockstill marrying Catherine Haines, the only daughter of his employer. A family of nine children was born to them, namely: Elias D., John, Stephen, Irvin J., Rachel, Sarah, Susan, Katherine and an infant daughter. who died unnamed. After marriage, Thomas Stockstill and wife established themselves on a farm of 130 acres near Palmer Chapel, to which Mr. Stockstill later added eighty acres. He served in the War of 1812 and for a number of months was stationed at the blockhouse at Sidney. He was a man of Christian life and character, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a very earnest temperance worker. The ashes of both Thomas Stockstill and wife rest in the family vault on the old home farm in -Miami County. Elias D. Stockstill settled in Salem Township, Shelby County, Ohio, after his marriage. on land which he secured from the Government and continued to reside on that farm for thirty years, when he retired to Sidney, where the remainder of his life was spent. In his early years of political activity, he voted with the Democratic party, but for the twenty years preceding his death be was a Prohibitionist. Both he and wife were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Sidney and they were buried in the cemetery belonging to that church. He married Elizabeth Shroyer, a daughter of Thomas Shroyer, and they had four children—Thomas, Elizabeth, David W. and John P. John P. Stockstill went to school in his boyhood in Salem Township and he remembers the little log structure with its slab benches and its poor accommodations. He attended one term of school at Fort Jefferson, but just at that time the Civil War began and he determined to be a soldier. He enlisted in Company I, 118th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served from August, 1862, until the close of the war. being mustered out at Chicago, Illinois. He took part in many hard fought AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 477 battles and endured many of the hardships of military life, but survived them ail. After the war he returned to Shelby County and then worked at the tinner's trade for ten years, at Sidney. after which he engaged in bridge-building for six years for the Chicago Dayton Railroad. Shortly after his marriage he decided to settle on his present farm. which was then uncleared and unimproved property. In addition to clearing the land and putting up all buildings, he had to drain 200 rods. He retained four acres as a timber tract but put all the rest of the land in tillable shape and continued to cultivate it himself until others were able to assume the responsibility, when he retired from active labor. He first married :Mary L. Miller and they had two children—Carrie, who died at the age of eight years : and Bessie. who married O. B. Key. resides in Shelby County, and has three children. Frederick. Oat, and Allen. On October 30. 1879, Mr. Stockstill was married, second, to Miss Jennie Varner, a daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth Varner, and they have had two children : Varner, and W. N. Stockstill. In politics Mr. Stockstill is a Democrat and for one year he served as assessor of Bethel Township. He is a member of Palestine Commandery in the Masonic fraternity and belongs to the Odd Fellows and order of Rebecca. at New Carlisle. J. WILLIAM NORRIS. a representative business man of Troy. who has been engaged in merchandising in this city almost since boyhood, occupies his handsome residence at No. 444 South Mulberry Street, and carries on his grocery at No. 449 South Mulberry, which modern structure he put up in 1S90. He was born in in Indiana, and was only six months old when his parents came to Troy, where his father, H. P. Norris, died in 1895. Mr. Norris was reared and educated at Troy and when only twelve years of age was already providing for his own support. serving as a clerk in a grocery store. In a few years he embarked in business for himself and since 1890 has been established at his present location. His business interests are confined to his own line, but all matters of public moment claim his attention and he is in every way a representative citizen. In 1887 Mr. Norris was married to Miss Nannie Curtis, of Miami County, and they have two children, Carl and Robert, the older son being in his father's employ. Mr. Norris and family belong to the Christian Church. HARRY E. COOMBS, one of Bethel Township's representative citizens and for thirteen years a member of the School Board, carries on general farming on his two tracts of land, both lying in Section 16. one of thirty acres and the other of 1741., acres. He was bon. September 20, 1863, near Morgantown, in Monongalia County, West Virginia. His father was George Valentine Coombs and his grandfather was Elisha Coombs. Elisha Coombs was born in Maryland, where he married Elizabeth Wright, and they had five children: George V., E. H., Frank, Emma W. and Harriet. About 1870 they came to Miami County and resided in the home of a daughter, at Troy, during the remainder of their lives. Elisha Coombs was a very earnest and active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church, 478 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY a leader in prayer meetings and experience meetings and served for years as a class leader. In politics he was a Whig and was opposed to slavery and on many occasions he assisted negroes to reach freedom. George Valentine Coombs was born in Allegheny County, Maryland, where he lived until he was forty years of age, except for the time he spent in West Virginia. When he came to Ohio during the childhood of his son, Harry E., he settled on the farm of 174 1/2 acres in Bethel Township, Miami County, which is now the property of his son. All the land had been cleared except ten acres and all the buildings with the exception of the barn were in good condition, but he found it necessary to drain eighteen acres. During the Civil War he was captain of a company in the 100-day service in West Virginia. In Bethel Township he took an active part in public matters, voted with the Republican party and served- acceptably in a number of township offices. Late in life he retired to Troy, Miami County, Ohio, where he died in April, 1892. He belonged to an Odd Fellow lodge at Morgantown, West Virginia, and when he left West Virginia transferred to New Carlisle Lodge and was in good standing at his death. He was a charter member of Hickory Grove Grange, Bethel Township. Both he and wife were members of Pisgah Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he was a trustee for years. He married Sarah Anderson and they had seven children—Scott, Flora, two that died young, Frank, Harry E. and Emma. the survivors being Flora and Harry E. Harry E. Coombs enjoyed excellent school advantages, attending the New Car lisle High School and Springfield College, after which he returned to receive practical farm training from his father, and this he has put to excellent use. When the homestead became his own property he added thirty acres to it, which he purchased from Frank Judd. He carries on extensive farming and fattens for market about two carloads of cattle every year. Mr. Coombs was married October 1, 1889, to Miss Mary S. Johnston. a daughter of David A. and Abarilla E. (Stafford) Johnston, and they have three children: Howard J., Emma L. and Lois Elizabeth. The eldest was a member of the graduating class of the Bethel High School of 1909, the second, of the class of 1911, and only her tender years has kept the, youngest yet in the Glenwood School in District No. 9. In their intellectual attainments and social qualities they are credits to their parents and the community. Mr. Coombs completed a very fine residence in 1896 and has improved all his buildings with paint, making the whole place exceedingly attractive. He is a member of Hickory Grove Grange, of Bethel Township. With his family he attends the Presbyterian Church at New Carlisle. SPAFFORD WOODHULL MAXWELL, a representative retired citizen of Staunton Township and a veteran of the Civil War, resides on his valuable farm of 102 1/2 acres, which lies along the Troy and Piqua Turnpike, with the Dayton & Miami Railroad passing through it. He was born on his father's farm, near Franklin, Ohio, October 20, 1836, and is a son of Thomas and Susanna (Jones) Maxwell. The paternal grandfather of Mr. Max- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 481 well, Thomas Maxwell, was born in Scotland and came to America and settled in Monmouth County, New Jersey, prior to the Revolutionary War, and died in Ohio when aged eighty-two years. His family consisted of seven sons and two daughters. Of the sons, Thomas was one of the first born, in 1880, and he was six years old when the surviving members of the family decided to migrate to Ohio. The trip on the river was made on a flat-boat and landing was effected at Cincinnati. A few years later the family settled at Franklin, in Warren County, and there Thomas followed chairmaking for some years, and then bought a farm in Warren County, which he sold in 1839 and purchased the farm which his son, Spafford W., now owns, in Miami County. Its former owner was Caleb Hathaway, who had entered the land from the Government, and Mr. Maxwell has the old deed, which bears the signature of Thomas Jefferson, then President of the United States. Thomas Maxwell the second spent the remainder of his life on this farm, his death occurring in October, 1881. He was twice married, (first) to Susanna Jones, who died on the present farm, in the fall of 1839, and (second) to Anna McCurdy, who came to Miami County from Lancaster. County, Pennsylvania. She died in 1872, leaving no issue. The four children born to the first union were : Stephen J., who is now deceased ; Martha, deceased, who married William Duncan, also deceased ; Rachel, deceased, who married J. Rowlands, also deceased ; and Spafford Woodhull. The name borne by Mr. Maxwell was bestowed on him by his grandmother, in memory of a distinguished minister of New Jersey. Spafford W. Maxwell was too young to remember the overland journey from Warren to Miami County, but he has very vivid recollections of his boyhood, which was spent in assisting his father to clear the farm and in attending school in the log structure provided for that purpose. He continued to live at home until 1864, when he entered the Federal army as a member of Company K, 147th Pennsylvania Infantry, under Capt. J. F. Counts. When the regiment reached Washington City he was promoted to be corporal of his company, and served in that rank until the close of the war. In the present year of universal commemoration of President Lincoln, he recalls with pleasure the time when he saw him, at Arlington Heights, in the last year of the war. Upon his return to private life, Mr. Maxwell resumed farming with his father, and in 1872 he purchased the place and for many years continued agricultural pursuits. He has done a large amount of improving. His commodious nine-room house is mainly of frame, but one part of it is a hewn-log structure, which was put up in 1818. On January 8, 1868, Mr. Maxwell was married to Miss Rachel Devol, a daughter of Harrison Devol, an old poineer, and they have had seven children, namely: Minnie, who died in 1905, was the wife of Edwin Foster ; Walter, who resides at Troy, Ohio, married Carrie Millhouse ; Sallie, who married Frank Kendall, resides with her parents ; Anna, who resides at Troy, married James Gunder ; Bertha and Merta, twins, the former of whom is the wife of Harry Morrow, of Piqua, and the latter of whom died when aged eighteen years ; and Wilber D., who resides on a farm near 482 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY Casstown, Miami County, and married Gertrude McDowell. Mr. Maxwell and family belong to the Presbyterian Church, in which he has been an elder for some forty years. In his younger days he was a great Sunday School worker and served for a long time as superintendent of the school. In politics he is a Republican and has always taken much interest in public matters and at various times has acceptably served in. township offices. He is a member of Coleman Post, G. A. R., at Troy, Ohio. SAMUEL F. BERRYHILL, senior member of the firm of S. F. Berry hill & Son, dealers in poultry, eggs, produce and coal at Covington, was born on a farm in Brown Township, Miami County, Ohio, May 29, 1860, and is a son of A. M. and Catherine (Brelsford) Berryhill. The parents of Mr. Berryhill are both deceased. The father was a farmer and well-known stock dealer and trader, passing the larger portion of his life in the neighborhood of Fletcher, Ohio. Samuel F. Berryhill was educated in the schools of Brown Township and engaged in farming until 1887, when he started in the poultry business at Fletcher, where he continued until he came to Covington, in 1906. For three years he was engaged in the clothing business at Enid, Oklahoma, in partnership with his son. Mr. Berryhill purchased a farm of 140 acres in Brown Township, on which he raises cattle and hogs and has the land under rental. He has been in his present business for twenty-two years and has associated his son Carl with him, under the firm name of S. F. Berryhill & Son. In March, 1909, a stock company was formed for the manufacture of ice, known as The Covington Artificial Ice Company, with a capital stock of $15,000 and with the following officers: S. F. Berryhill, president; J. W. Ruhl, vice-president; C. C. Shuman, secretary and treasurer. The plant will have a capacity of fifteen tons per clav. Mr. Berryhill was married in 1t480 to Miss Jennie E. Smith, who was reared at St. Mary's, Ohio, a daughter of James B. Smith. They have one son, Carl A.. who married "Miss Cora Shaw, of Oklahoma. Carl A. Berryhill belongs to the Elks and both he and father are members of the Knights of Pythias. The firm of S. F. Berryhill & Son is a representative one in Covington business circles. REV. GOSWIN B. MENGE, the present assistant at St. Boniface Church, Piqua, Ohio, has accomplished much for the good of the church and its members, in spite of the fact that he is the youngest clergyman ever stationed in this county. Born at 952 Hatch Street, Mt. Adams, Cincinnati, Ohio, on February 3, 1883, he received his primary schooling at the Immaculata. Completing the course in 1896, he entered St. Xavier College, the most famous Roman Catholic institution for higher education throughout the Ohio Valley. Seldom meditating on a future career, with but one end in view, the obtaining of a thorough college education, Father Menge devoted much time to particular studies, receiving special instructions in various branches. Under the direction of Rev. James Shannon, S. J., he obtained a special course in electricity, which has proven of much advantage to him even in his ecclesiastical career. De- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 483 termined to obtain a knowledge of the people in general he plunged into politics and frequently assisted at primaries and conventions. In .June, 1903, he graduated from St. Xavier, obtaining the degree of Bachelor of Arts. The future was a matter Father Menge seldom considered, but his thoughts were turned in this direction by the death of his brother Lawrence. After mature deliberation, and seeking counsel from both friends and foes, he chose an ecclesiastical career, entering Mt. St. Mary's Seminary of the West the September following his graduation from St. Xavier. Being ordained priest by Archbishop Moeller in June, 1907, he was assigned to Rev. George P. Steinlage as assistant. Father Menge is a devoted son of his Alma Mater, a member of its Alumni Association, and of the Xothree Club, a society composed of the members of the Xavier Class of '03. He is the first assistant sent to St. Boniface Church direct from the Seminary, and his motto, "Bigotry is ignorance," has gained for him many non-Catholic friends. REV. JOHN H. SNELL, general farmer and representative citizen of Bethel Township, residing on his valuable estate of eighty-one and one-half acres, was born in Bethel Township, Miami County, Ohio, November 3, 1849, and is a son of Daniel and Susannah (Detrick) Snell. Daniel Snell was born in 1814, in Rockingham County, Virginia, and was twenty-five years of age when he came to Miami County and took up his residence in Bethel Township, from which he later moved to Clark County, where he died in August. 1893. In politics he was an old-time Democrat. He married Susannah Detrick, who died February 2, 1895, and both were buried in a cemetery not far from Springfield, Clark County. They were worthy members of the German Baptist Church. They had eight children, namely: Barbara, Elizabeth, Catherine, Jacob, Daniel, Philip, John H. and Abraham. John H. Snell was afforded excellent educational advantages and made good use of them. For several years he attended school at Lawrenceville, Clark County, then spent two terms in Springfield College, after which he embraced teaching as his profession, devoting himself to this for the succeeding thirteen years, three of which were spent in Kansas. After he married, in 1877, he had settled in Clark County, where he taught school and also engaged in farming, after which he visited Kansas, where he lived on a farm for six years, being recalled to Clark County on account of his father's failing health. He remained there for two years and then purchased his present fine farm in Bethel Township, Miami County, from Milton Sensman. This farm is favorably located, being situated four and one-half miles west of New Carlisle and reached by the Studebaker Turnpike Road. He found all the present buildings standing, but repairs were needed, and he has done considerable improving since taking charge of his property. Grain, hay, fruit and stock are the products of his farm. On December 2, 1877, Mr. Snell was married to Miss Susanna Neher, a daughter of Adam Neher, and they have had two children: Edgar A., who died October 25, 1900; and John D., who married Media 484 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY Chalk, a daughter of William Chalk. They have two children, Milo and Thelma. Mr. Snell and family are members of the old German Baptist Church of Bethel Township, in which he has been a minister for the past five years. Like his father. he is a Democrat. LEWIS C. GESSAMAN, one of Bethel Township's substantial citizens, engages in general farming on his ninety acres of valuable land, which is situated not far from the village of Phoneton. He was born on this farm in Miami County, November 8, 1856, and is a son of George J. and Malinda (Fluke) Gessaman. The Gessaman family is numbered with the old representative ones of Bethel Township. The grandfather, George Gessaman, came to Ohio from Pennsylvania, accompanied by his wife, and reached the little frontier town of Dayton in 1811. There they were directed into the great wilderness where they had located a claim of 160 acres in the forests of Bethel Township, and their grandson, Lewis C. Gessaman, has the old sheepskin deed from the Government, which cemented the contract. George Gessaman was a typical pioneer, and before his strong arm the giants of the forest fell to make room for the building of his first cabin. On his cleared laud he carefully planted the cherry stones he had thoughtfully brought from his old Pennsylvania home, and these transplanted seeds in the course of years produced the fine cherry orchard which his descendants now enjoy the fruit of. No trace is left of the buildings he put up, but it was his industry and strength that cleared up the larger part of the original farm. It is certain that at one time he was a soldier and in all probability he fought in the War of 1812. He died in 1839, his wife a few years later, and their burial was in Bethel Cemetery. They were among the founders of the German Reformed Church in this section. George J. Gessaman, father of Lewis C.. was born March 19. 1819. on the farm which is now owned by the latter. He was twenty years old when his father died and lie took charge of the home farm and also of two eighty-acre farms in Indiana, which had been willed to his two sisters. He gave filial care to his mother as long as she lived. He acquired other land in addition to the homestead and at the time of his death owned 182 acres, which he divided among his children. He erected the substantial buildings now in use, including the fine brick residence. He was never a politician, but he always took an interest in public affairs, especially those in connection with the good government of the township, casting his vote with the Republican party. Both he and his wife were worthy members of the German Reformed Church. During the Civil War he was twice drafted ; on the first occasion he paid a substitute, and on the second he was found to have passed the age limit. He died March 9, 1894, his wife having passed away February 13, 1882. and both were buried in the Bethel Cemetery. He was married in early manhood to Malinda Fluke, a daughter of John Fluke, and thirteen children were born to them, all of whom reached mature years with the exception of the four eldest—John George, John Peter, David and Margaret. The others were named respectively: Sarah, Harriet, Lavina, Martha, Charlotte, Lewis C., William L., Sylvester G., and Grant. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 485 Lewis C. Gessaman first attended the Poplar Grove school near his home and had only the educational chances which came to country boys in more or less isolated regions in his youth. He worked for his father until he purchased the farm, and has spent his whole life on the old place. The land was all cleared when he came into possession and all the improving he has found necessary has been the putting, up of a few buildings, with a little repairing and draining. The land has been well fertilized and carefully cultivated by its three owners and if placed on the market would bring a large price per acre. Mr. Gessaman is a stockholder and one of the directors of the City National Bank of Tippecanoe City. On December 2, 1888, Mr. Gessaman was married to Miss Margaret E. Warner, daughter of Amos Warner. Mrs. Gessaman died February 15, 1903, and was interred in the new cemetery at Bethel. She is survived by one son, Ernest L., who attends school. Mr. Gessaman was married (second) December 27, 1905, to Miss Luella Perry, a daughter of Cyrus Perry. They are members of the Reformed Church, of Bethel, Mr. Gessaman being an elder. In his political sentiments he is a Republican. At one time he was identified with the Grange and also with the Odd Fellows. WILLIAM HARRISON HELMER, a representative citizen of Lost Creek Township, residing on a tract of ten well improved acres, situated on the Troy and Urbana Turnpike Road, about nine miles northeast of Troy, also owns a fine farm of sixty acres in this township, which is now operated by his son. He was born August 14, 1860, on his father's farm in Concord Township, Miami County, Ohio, and is a son of William Jasper and Sarah Elizabeth (Reeder) Helmer. William Jasper Helmer was born in 1828, in Green County, Ohio, and was a son of Peter and Mary (Yates) Helmer, the former of whom was born in Germany and the latter in the State of New York. Peter Helmer and wife came to Ohio when all this section was a wilderness, journeying down the river to Cincinnati in a flatboat and settling near Osborn, in Green County, where both died when advanced in years. Their ashes rest in the old Helmer family graveyard there. All their seven children have also passed away: Arthur, Solomon, William J., Elmira, Ellen, Sarah and Minerva. William Jasper Helmer spent his entire life in Ohio, during his earlier years operating a farm near Osborn. In 1870 he moved to Miami County and purchased a farm near the Studebaker Woolen Factory in Elizabeth Township and for some ten years carried on the farm and worked with his sous in the factory. He died on that farm in February, 1900. In 1854 he was married in Greene County, to Sarah Elizabeth Reeder, a native of Clark County, Ohio. She still survives and resides one-half mile east of the Orphans' Home, on the Troy and Springfield Turnpike. To William J. Helmer and wife were born the following children: George Washington, who lives in Elizabeth Township; Belle, who is the wife of Albert Gabriel, of Lost Creek Township ; William Harrison ; Dora, who is the wife of William Barr, of Missouri ; Minnie, now deceased, who was the wife of Isaac Dye ; Ellen, who is the wife of Thomas Dewey, of Elizabeth 486 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY Township ; Mary, who is the wife of Samuel Stoner, of Texas ; Harriet, who is the wife of Samuel Harris, of Springfield, Ohio ; and Blanche, who is the wife of Charles Folkerth, of West Milton, Ohio. William J. Helmer served in the Civil War and was honorably discharged. William H. Helmer attended the district schools in his youth, helped his father on the home farm and continued to live at home until his marriage. For ten years he worked in the Studebaker Woolen mills, and in November, 1883, bought his farm of sixty acres, in Lost Creek Township. It was known as the old Rev. Rapp farm and was then owned by Daniel Flook. He continued to work that farm until July, 1907, when he turned it over to his son and retired to his present small place, which contains enough land to keep him busily employed without making any heavy demands on his strength or time. Mr. Helmer was married (first) on January 16, 1884, to Miss Mary Eddy, who died May 31, 1892. She was a daughter of William and Emeline Eddy. Two children were, born to that marriage: Bessie, who married Carl Thackara, and lives in Champaign County ; and Charles, who resides on his father's large farm, married Lillian Bair, and has one child, Reeva. On June 3, 1893, Mr. Helmer was married (second) to Miss Josephine Weatherhead, a daughter of John and Mary Weather-head. In politics Mr. Helmer is a Democrat. He has served frequently in township offices and for ten years was road superintendent. DAVIS MARTINDALE, owner of a well improved farm of 104 acres in Staunton Township. Miami County, Ohio, comes of a prominent and influential family of the county. He was born on the home farm in Monroe Township, August 2, 1861, and is a son of John and Delilah (Macey) Martindale. His grandfather, John Martindale, Sr., came to Ohio from the East at an early date and settled in Montgomery County, near the Miami County line. There he resided until his death at a ripe old age. John Martindale, Jr., was born on the old home place in Montgomery County, and was one of the following children born to his parents : Robert, Martin, William, Jessie, Samuel, Stewart, Martha, Rachel, Rebecca, Mary, Cynthia Ann, and John. He spent his boyhood in helping to clear the old farm, and received a very limited schooling. Farming continued to be his occupation throughout his active career, and he achieved a higher degree of success than the average. After his marriage he purchased eighty acres of land in Monroe Township, Miami County, and to this later added eighty acres, and this continued as his home until he and his wife moved to Tippecanoe City, where they are spending the twilight of life in the peace and comfort of retired life. He became the owner of many valuable tracts in various parts of Miami and Montgomery Counties, aggregating hundreds of acres. He sold each of his sons good farms and still retains more than 500 acres. The foundation of his fortune was two thousand five hundred dollars, and his rise to affluence came through hard work, foresight and good business judgment. He was united in marriage with Delilah Macey, who also was born in Montgomery County, and their children are as follows: Henry Davis, subject of this record, who has 104 acres located in Staunton Township, two and a AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 487 half miles southeast of Troy ; William, who is the owner of 103 acres in Butler Township, Montgomery County ; Warren, who has 111 acres in Monroe Township, Miami County; Edward, whose farm of eighty acres is also located in Monroe Township ; and Ella, who is the wife of Samuel Near, of Miami County. Davis Martindale spent his boyhood days on the home farm and, being the eldest child, started in to work for his father when quite young. He started operating his present farm as early as the spring of 1883, but did not purchase it until 1893. He has spent about $4,500 in improvements and has a very desirable property in all its appointments. He has always followed general farming along modern ideas, and takes rank among the progressive citizens of the township. He was elected to the Miami County Fair Board in 1907, and has since served capably in that capacity. February 26, 1887, Davis Martindale was united in .marriage with Miss Laura Ella Eidemiller, a native of Monroe Township, and a daughter of John and Augusta Eidemiller, who came to this county from Germany. Three children are the issue of this union : Edith, Vernon and Blanche. The subject of this sketch is a Republican in politics, has been a member of the Central Committee since 1908, and has served as school director. SAMUEL ZOLLINGER, president and treasurer of The S. Zollinger Company, wholesale grocers, at Piqua, vice-president of the Citizens' National Bank, of Piqua, and financially interested in other large enterprises, stands among the leading business men of this city. Mr. Zollinger was born in Licking County, Ohio, August 22, 1838, and is a son of John and Susanna (Whitmore) Zollinger. The father of Mr. Zollinger was a prominent citizen of Piqua for many years. In 1848 he established himself here in the retail grocery business, in which he continued until 1881, his active career closing only with his death. For a number of years he served the township as trustee and his good judgment and thorough and practical methods were beneficial to his community as long as he lived. He married Susanna Whitmore and they reared a family of two sons and two daughters, namely : Samuel, the subject of this sketch ; J. W., who died in 1905 ; Mary C., residing at Piqua, who is the widow of Dr. Knouff ; and Matilda, who also resides at Piqua. Samuel Zollinger became a clerk in his father's store after his education was completed in the Piqua schools, and continued there until 1860. He then went to California, remaining in that State until 1863. When he came back to Piqua he entered into partnership with his father and ever since has been identified with the leading interests of this city, and succeeding his father as treasurer of Washington Township, an office held by John Zollinger at the time of his death, in 1881. The son has served in this office ever since. Mr. Zollinger continued in the retail line until 1890, when the present company was formed by S. and J. W. Zollinger and the business ever since has been exclusively wholesale and conducted under the name of The S. Zollinger Company. Mr. Zollinger has other important business interests, including a large interest in the Cron-Kills Company, manufacturers of furniture. 488 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY In November, 1871, Mr. Zollinger was married to Miss Dora Dye, a member of one of the pioneer families of Miami County, and they have two children: Susan, who is the wife of J. P. Spiker, a manufacturer at Piqua ; and Mary C., who is the wife of Frank McEwan, a resident of Madison, New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Zollinger are members of the Green Street Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is treasurer. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council at Piqua, to Troy Com- mandery and Dayton Consistory, and he has been treasurer of the Chapter since 1871. He is also a member of the Piqua Club and is one of the directors of the Memorial Hospital. O. T. ROSZELL, grain dealer, with business quarters on South Mulberry Street. Troy, was born In 1858, near Tippecanoe City, Miami County, Ohio, and is a son of Rev. Joseph Roszell. The father of Mr. Roszell was born in 1822, in New Jersey, and was nine years of age when he was brought to Montgomery County. Ohio, and sixteen when he came to Miami County. He was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. O. T. Roszell obtained his education in his native township and also at Tippecanoe City, and followed an agricultural life until he was about twenty-four years of age. After his marriage he came to Troy and at first engaged in a grain business, but shortly afterward sold out and for a few months was interested in furniture manufacturing. Deciding that Tippecanoe City at that time offered a better field for that business. he moved there and continued in the manufacture of furniture for ten years. He then carried on a milling and • grain business at New Carlisle for three years, after which he came to Troy and established his present enterprise, first under the style of Roszell & Hale. On account of poor health, Mr. Hale withdrew, and since then Mr. Roszell has been sole proprietor under his own name. He deals in grain, seed, feed, etc., and is a representative business man of the city. In 1887 Mr. Roszell was married to Miss Blanche Hale, a daughter of John Hale, of Miami County. They have five children, namely : Mabel, who is a member of the graduating class of 1909 at the Troy High School ; Clarence, Earl and Ralph; all students ; and Dorothy, the youngest. Mr. Roszell is identified with both the Masons and Odd Fellows. LEWIS EDWARD SIMES. postmaster at Covington. Ohio, and president of the Covington Tribune Company and secretary of the Covington Home Telephone Company, is one of the prominent and representative citizens of Miami County, Ohio. He was horn at Covington, May 7. 1873, and is a son of E. D. and Margaret (Stailey) Simes. The late Edward D. Simes, whose death occurred at Covington, March 6, 1909, was a hero of the Civil War, and for years thereafter was engaged in business at Covington. He was born in Juniata County, Pennsylvania, March 3, 1340, and in early boyhood accompanied his parents to Miami County, spending almost his entire after-life at Covington. In response to President Lincoln's call for soldiers in 1862, he enlisted in Company G, 110th Regiment O. Vol. Inf., and gained promotion from rank to rank until he was com- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 489 missioned first lieutenant. For several years he escaped the more serious hazards of war, but in 1864, in the Shenandoah Valley, while on duty, he was so seriously shot that he was taken first to a hospital at Winchester and subsequently sent home on sick leave, and before he had sufficiently recovered the war was over. He had two brothers in the army, one of whom died in the Wilderness and the other after the war. Mr. Simes assumed business responsibilities at Covington, in the course of time, and these he fulfilled carefully and effectively until failing health caused his withdrawal from active life. At times he served both on the City Council and the School Board. He was married April 14. 1868, to Miss Margaret Stailey, who died May 1, 1893, this domestic affliction being one from which he never recovered. Their three children are two sons, Lewis Edward and George Miles, and one daughter, Mrs. May Simes Rothermel. Mr. Simes was a consistent member of the Christian Church and very active in all its avenues of use- fulness. He was a member and frequently an official of Covington Lodge. No. 168. F. & A. M. Lewis Edward Simes was educated in the Covington schools and for eleven years was associated with his father in a retail grocery business. after which he entered the telephone business, and since the Covington Home Telephone Company was first organized has been its secretary. He is identified with other interests and is president and one of the organizers of the Covington Tribune Company, successors to the Tribune Printing Company. Mr. Simes was married to Miss Irene Edge, daughter of W. W. Edge, of Troy, Ohio, where Mrs. Simes was born and reared. They have two children, Margaret and Mary. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, an Elk, a Knight of Pythias, and also a member of the Ancient and Honorable Order of Gobblers. In politics Mr. Sillies is a Republican and is serving his first term as postmaster, his administration meeting with the approval of his fellow citizens. ORIN A. and BERT ESTEY, who farm the old Jotham Estey place of 243 acres, located in Staunton and Lost Creek Townships, are industrious and prosperous young business men, with a wide acquaintance through this section of Miami County. They are sons of Jotham S. Estey, who is now living in retirement on the old homestead in Lost Creek Township. The first of the Estey family to locate in Miami County, Ohio, was David Estey, grandfather of the subjects of this sketch, who was born in New Brunswick, July 31, 1792. He was there married, on September 30, 1813, to Ann Knoop, and after the birth of their first child they moved to Miami County, Ohio, where he was among the pioneers. He settled on a wild and uncleared piece of land in Lost Creek Township, for which he subsequently got a deed from the United States Government, signed by President Andrew Jackson. He had followed lumbering in New Brunswick, and upon locating here erected water sawmills along Lost Creek, finding a ready market for his lumber in Dayton and Cincinnati. He prospered in a business way and added to his possessions until he had 300 acres of very desirable land. He continued to reside here until his death, in November, 1874. His wife, who was born March 19, 1791, died in 1873. They were parents of eleven children, as follows, all 490 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY but the eldest of whom were born in Miami County : James ; Michael ; Eunice, who was the wife of A. Deffenbaugh ; Charles ; George ; Simon ; Mary, who was the wife of J. U. Eyer ; William; Lucy, who married Henry Dew. eese ; Jotham ; and Maria, who is the wife of James Dickson and lives in Iowa. The two last named are the only ones living. Jotham Estey was born on the old homestead in Lost Creek Township, October 5, 1833, and spent his boyhood days working in the woods and fields. His education was limited to the "three R's." He was eighteen years of age when the Gold Fever carried him across the plains to California, where he remained for five years, his time being mainly devoted to lumbering. He went in 1852, and in 1857 returned to Ohio, bringing with him $3,000 in gold dust. He then purchased eighty acres in Lost Creek Township, where he still lives. It was then mostly swamp and timber, and it took some years of hard work to clear and tile it, many miles of tile having been used. He now has 243 acres, of which 180 lie in Lost Creek Township and sixty-three in Staunton Township. In January, 1858, Mr. Estey was united in marriage with Miss Mary Jane Hosier, who, after a little more than half a century of wedded happiness, passed away on February 23, 1908, at the age of sixty-seven years. They brought into this world five children, namely : Clara, deceased wife of Sylvester Robbins ; Orin A.; Elizabeth, wife of Lavell Williams ; Grant, whose home is in Kansas ; and Bert. Jotham Estey is a Republican in politics. He is a member of the Union Baptist Church, to which his wife also belonged. Orin A. Estey, who lives on the sixty-three acres of the farm lying in Staunton Township, was born on the home place in Lost Creek Township, Miami County, Ohio, June 15, 1861. He spent his boyhood in working on the farm and in attending the public schools. Being the eldest son, the care of the farm fell upon his shoulders while quite young. He follows general farming and is meeting with much success. October 28, 1885, he was united in marriage with Miss Mattie Small, a daughter of David Small, and they have two children. Mary Ellen and James. He has always taken a deep interest in the affairs of Staunton Township, and at one time served as township trustee, to which office he was elected on the Republican ticket. He and his wife are members of the Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church. Bert. Estey was born on the old home farm in Lost Creek Township, September 28, 1878, and resided there until his marriage on December 19, 1900. He then rented land and engaged in farming for seven years. After the death of his mother, he in the spring of 1908 returned to the old farm in order to provide a home for his father. In January, 1907, he embarked in the threshing business, which he has since followed with good results, having a complete threshing outfit ; and during the winter he operates a feed mill. He is a Republican in politics. Mr. Estey's marriage was with Miss Elizabeth Viola Studebaker, a daughter of Joseph M. and Mary Ann (Clyne) Studebaker, of Elizabeth Township, and four children were born to them : Mary, who died at the age of one year nine months and eighteen days : Olivene C., Jay S., and Alva G. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 491 WILLIAM H. CROMER , who is engaged in general farming and tobacco raising on a tract of 120 acres, located about six and a half miles east of Troy, in Lost Creek Township, has been a lifelong resident of Miami County. He was born June 10, 1848, at Casstown, Miami County, Ohio, and a son of Eluathan and Mary (Garver) Cromer. Elnathan Cromer was a native of Virginia and when a young man came to Ohio with hi, father, who located at Casstown, Miami County, and here engaged in agricultural pursuits for a number of years. He was first united in marriage with Sarah Cavault. who died leaving four children, namely : Catherine. who married Saben McDowell. and both are deceased: Albert, and two who died young. Elnathan subsequently married Mary Garver, a native of Ohio and the mother of our subject. and of this union were born the following children: 'William, the subject of this record; Eliza. widow of Mathias Dye: Harriet, wife of Benjamin Morgan; and Caroline, who is the wife of B. F. Smith. Mr. Cromer formed a third marital union With Catherine Beer, who is still living at the advanced age of eighty-five years. and resides at the home of our subject. Mr. Cromer died in 1893, aged eighty-five years. William H. Cromer was but a small child when his parents removed from Casstown to the farm on which he now resides, and where he was reared and attended the district schools of the township. At an early age he turned his attention to farming and when about twenty years of age took entire charge of his father's farm, of which he became possessor after the death of his father. Here he has always followed farm- ing in a general way, making a specialty of growing tobacco, of which he raises from ten to twelve acres yearly. The large brick house which Mr. Cromer and family occupy was erected during his father's lifetime, but the greater part of the improvements on the farm were made by him. Mr. Cromer was united in marriage March 27, 1870, with Mary Jane Harvey, who is a daughter of William and Ruth (Brown) Harvey, well known residents of Champaign County, Ohio, and of their union were born the following children: Clara, Howard B., Hettie C., Clyde R., and Eddie. Clara resides at home. Howard B., an enterprising young attorney, of Dayton, Ohio, has offices in the U. B. Building on Main Street. His primary education, which was obtained in the district schools of Lost Creek Township, was supplemented by a course of study at the Fletcher and Piqua High Schools, of both of which he is a graduate. He then took a seven-years' course in law at the Ohio State University, at Columbus, and is one of the only three who ever completed the course in a period of five years. He graduated in 1907, and shortly afterward embarked in the practice of his profession at Dayton, where he has been eminently successful. Hettie C. Cromer died in infancy, as did also Clyde R. and Eddie, who were twins. Mr. Cromer is a man of public spirit and enterprise and is ever ready to support those measures which tend toward the advancement of the community in which he lives. He is politically a Democrat. FRANKLIN A. DEWEESE, the well known florist and horticulturist of Staunton Township, Miami County, Ohio, has a 492 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY tract of nineteen acres, on which he has three large and modernly equipped greenhouses. He has lived all his life in the county, except for a brief period in Indiana, and has been closely identified with the affairs of Staunton Township, being at the present time a member of the School Board. He was born on his father's farm in Staunton Township, September 19, 1854, and is a son of Henry G. and Lucy (Estey) DeWeese, and a grandson of Joshua DeWeese. Joshua DeWeese, the grandfather, was born in Virginia and was a young man when he settled in the woods of Miami County, living the remainder of his days in Staunton Township. He died in middle life as the result of a kick from a horse. In June, 1818, he was married to Polly Gerard, who was the first white child born in Miami County. She survived her husband many years and died at the home of one of her children. Henry G. DeWeese was the third of his parents' fourteen children, and was a native of Staunton Township, being born on the old home place, January 8, 1826. Although he did not have the advantage of schooling, he acquired a superior education and was a broad and liberal-minded man. He was a Republican in politics and served the township efficiently as trustee for many years. He was reared to farming, and after leaving the home place purchased the Edward Harter farm in Staunton Township, later buying what became known as the Defrese farm. On this property he conducted a stone quarry, and on October 19, 1874, was seriously injured while blasting. He never recovered from his injuries, almost losing his eyesight, and from that time on lived in practical retire ment. His death occurred at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Arminta Moore, May 28, 1904, at the age of seventy-eight years. He was married August 26, 1848, to Miss Lucy Estey, who was born in Miami County, February 22, 1830, and died at the age of sixty-eight years. They became parents of the following children: Arminta, wife of Theodore Moore ; Zelia, wife of William Loy ; Jotham G. W.; Franklin A.; Henry H.; Maggie, deceased wife of A. Beedle; Florence, deceased wife of George McKaig ; Docia E., wife of Charles Wilson, residing in California ; and Alva Watson, of Piqua. Franklin A. DeWeese spent his boyhood days on the farm and when he could be spared from the farm work attended the district schools, his school days being very limited. After his marriage he went to Shelby County, and ran his father's farm at Anna Station one year, after which he took charge of the stone quarry for his father for two years. He rented a farm from his father a few years, and in 1882 bought his present farm from his brother, Harry DeWeese, the house on it having been completed the year previously. He farmed this in connction with the farm of his uncle, Simon Estey, and later he erected a small greenhouse, 60x12 feet, which he heated by furnace. He later erected a hothouse 72x20 feet, another 72x25 feet, and still later a third one,12x72 feet. He makes a specialty of lettuce and spring flowers, and has built up a large and well paying business. He puts out about 2,000 or 3,000 geraniums each year, which he sells to the citizens of Troy, and he also raises many plants. November 20, 1879, he was united in marriage with Miss Nettie Small, a daugh- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 493 ter of David B. and Ellen (Conklin) Small. Her father was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, and was a mere baby when they came to Miami County, one of his treasured possessions at the present time being a little rocking-chair they had for him at the time of his arrival here. Mr. Small was born in New York State and was three years of age when the family moved from there to Miami County. The Small family in generations back were all great hunters, and Mrs. DeWeese is an expert in the use of firearms. Mr. and Mrs. DeWeese are parents of the following children: Lester, who married Nellie Knoop and has a daughter, Virginia ; Clyde, who married Mary McClung and has a son, Orville; Mattie, wife of George Shroyer; Elwood, who assists his father at the hothouses; and May, who is a freshman in Piqua High School. Religiously they are members of the Christian Church. He is a Republican in politics and formerly served as pike superintendent. He is at the present a member of the School Board. Fraternally he is a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. J. W. SIMMONS, an extensive grower of fruit and vegetable plants. is a substantial citizen and business man of Casstown, Miami County, Ohio. From a small and unassuming start, he has built up a large business and has a larger demand for his products than he can fill. He was born at Panola, Mississippi, March 25, 1844, and is a son of John and Agnes (Patterson) Simmons. John Simmons, father of the subject of this sketch, was born near Huntsville, Alabama, and when a young man went to Columbia, Tennessee. There he was mar- ried to Agnes Patterson, who was born within the shadow of the Natural Bridge in Virginia. After marriage they moved to Panora, Mississippi, where they remained for a time, and then located on a plantation in that vicinity, Mr. Simmons becoming a large cotton raiser. He was a strong Democrat in politics, and stumped his county for James K. Polk for president. It was his desire to name the subject of this sketch and his twin brother, Polk and Dallas, respectively, in honor of the president and vice-president who had been recently elected. He died in 1850, while in the prime of life. He and his wife were parents of the following children: William J., deceased; James F., deceased; Virginia. E., wife of George Rutledge, of Dayton, Ohio; Charles, a twin, who died at the age o nine months; and John Woodruff, a twin to Charles. Ten years after the death of her first husband, Mrs. Simmons formed a second marital union with James McCandless, who died in 1879. She survived him until 1892, when she, too, passed away. John W. Simmons was a mere child when his parents moved from Panora to the plantation, and was six years old at his father's death. The year following the family moved to Dayton, Ohio, where he lived until his seventeenth year. At the time of his leaving, that city had a population of about 22,000, and was without water works, steam engines in connection with the fire department, a police force, or the various other departments which now characterize a city of that importance. He went to live upon the farm of his stepfather, James McCandless, in Lost Creek Township, Miami County, Ohio, which the latter had settled upon as early as 1828. 494 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY He always had the greatest respect for Mr. McCandless, who treated him with paternal kindliness. He remained on that place until he entered the army during the Civil War. He entered the state service in 1863, and in May. 1864, became 100-day man in the regular service, being. on duty in the vicinity of the City of Washington. Upon receiving his honer-able discharge he returned to Miami County, and was married the following year. He then located at his present place in Casstown, but continued to farm until 1874. He then began raising. small plants. at which he has been so successful. He first bought two acres of land here at $200 per acre, for which he went in debt, and he now owns three good residence properties in addition to his garden plot. He began without a dollar he could call his own and no experience, and the progress made by him is best shown by a partial statement of his products in 1908. He raised 35.000 cabbage, 25,000 tomato. 8,000 mango and 45,000 sweet potato plants. He also shipped 240,000 strawberry and 54,000 raspberry plants. He has fourteen beds. all under glass, and equipped in the most modern fashion. In thirty-four years he has never failed to have a crop. In 1865 Mr. Simmons was united in marriage with Miss Effie Yaste, who was born in Maryland and was six years old when brought by her parents to Miami County. Ohio, making the trip in a carriage. She is a daughter of Colonel Samuel and Mary (Youtsey) Yaste, her father having been colonel of a regiment organized during the War of 1812. They have one son, Frank Simmons, who is in partnership with his father in the horticultural business. Frank was first married to Myrtle Jones, who died six years later, and he subsequently formed a second union with Miss Alta Everingham by whom he has a son, Paul. J. W., Simmons has always been as staunch. a Republican as his father was a Democrat before him. He served two terms capably as township treasurer. in 1892 and in 1894. He is a member of Coleman Post, G. A. R. at Troy. CHARLES E. GAINES, M. D.. a well knewn physician and surgeon of Covington. where he has been located since 1898, serving his second term as coroner of Miami county. Ohio. He was born on a farm in Champaign County, Ohio. October 2l, 1858, and is a son of Moses T. and Ann (Grafton) Gaines. Dr. Gaines was reared on the farm and attended the district schools and Urbana High School. from which he was graduated in 1875. He then returned to the farm for time. and later entered Oberlin College. He in 1878 began teaching school, at which he continued for two years, and during this time began the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. B. F. Baker, of St. Paris. He represented a drug house on the road for some years in order to secure the means of completing his professional training, and later attended the medical department of the University of Kentucky, from which he received the degree of M. D. in 1890. He moved to Covington in 1898 and soon gained a high position in the profession of the county. In 1905 he was first elected county coroner, and in 1903 was re-elected for a term of three years. He has proved a man of exceptional ability. and in his conscientious discharge of his duties of of- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 497 fice has gained the commendation and high esteem of the public. Charles E. Gaines was united in marriage with Miss Laura Stevens. and they have three children, namely : Dr. Waldo Gaines, who is in partnership with his father in practice and is a graduate of Central College of Physicians and Surgeons at Indianapolis. Indiana: the wife of Clifford Townsend, who has a daughter. Virginia Ann : and Thaddora. who is the youngest and unmarried. Doctor Gaines is a member of the Miami County Medical Society. and of the Knights of Pythias. In politics he is consistent in his advocacy and support of Republican principles. Religiously he is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Covington. RALPH H. GIBSON. The efficient sheriff of Miami County and is citizen held in high estimation throughout the county. was born in Noble County. November 23. 1874. His parents were Charles T. and Aminervi (Reed) Gibson. the former of whom followed the occupation of salesman. The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools and when old enough to begin industrial life. took up railroading, soon after being appointed freight agent. He came to Miami County in 1880 and for some time was in the em ploy here of the Cincinnati. Hamilton and Dayton Railroad. Then, giving up railroad work, he went on the road as a traveling salesman, in which occupation he continued four years. at the end of that time becoming department recorder of Miami County. He was elected sheriff of the county, on the Republican ticket. November. 1905, entering upon t duties of the office in the following January. In 1908 he was re-elected without opposition. He has made a very capable official and has won the regard of the voting population without distinction of party. Sheriff Gibson is well advanced in Free Masonry and is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Elks. He married Miss Nellie Deeter, a daughter of Fred Deeter. of Pleasant Hill. Mrs. Gibson was a member of the Christian Church, but since her marriage has become a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Gibson was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but at present does not belong to any. They have many warm friends throughout the county. Their home is in Troy, where they occupy a pleasant and commodious residence. THE PECKHAM COAL AND ICE COMPANY. a large business enterprise of Miami County. which is carried on both at Piqua and at Troy. under the same name and management, was established at Troy in 1900. and incorporated with the following officers: Frank J. Peckham, president: Charles Peckham, secretary; and David Peckham. treasurer. In both cities large ice plants have been erected and all facilities have been provided for the carrying on of a business of large proportions according to modern methods. Frank J. Peckham. the president and leading spirit of this important business concern, is yet a young man, born in 1877, at Troy, Ohio. a son of George W. Peckham. of that city. He obtained his education in the schools of District No. 4, Concord Township. and in the Troy High first work was done at Day- 498 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY ton, where be filled a position as bookkeeper for six: months, after which he returned to Troy and went into the coal business, later establishing an ice plant and conducting a successful business in both necessary commodities, and in 1900 entering into the present corporation. In October, 1906, Mr. Peckham was married to Miss Florence Hawley, of Troy. They are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Peckham belongs to the National Association of Engineers. VAN SHEARS DEATON. M. D., is a prominent member of the medical profession of Miami County, located at Miami City, and is one of the foremost citizens of that locality. Progressive and public spirited, he has always been closely identified with the affairs of the community, and has often been called upon to serve in offices of high public trust. The Doctor was born near Addison, in Jackson Township, Champaign County, Ohio, August 1, 1847, and is a son of Nathan and Sarah (Scoby) Deaton. George Deaton, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a resident of Virginia and died in that State. He married Susan Ream, who was born in 1787, and their offspring were William, Andrew, Samuel, George, Nathan, Levi, Mary, Martha and Susan—all deceased but Susan. Nathan Deaton was joined in marriage with Susan Scroby, a daughter of William Scroby, of Champaign County, and their children were as follows : Van Shears ; Lydia A., wife of Jason Cutler, of St. Paul, Kansas ; Emory G., who married Ellen Hackett, and was a neighbor to the famous John Brown, in Kansas ; Emma D., wife of John McMorran, of St. Paris, Ohio ; William Dyke, who married Mary Stafford, of New Carlisle; and Charles, who died in infancy. Van Shears Deaton became an orphan at the age of nine years. He was educated in the public school at Christiansburg and the Honey Creek school, leaving the latter in 1864 to enter the army. He served with credit until near the close of the Civil War, when he returned to the home farm of Levi Deaton, in Clark County, Ohio. He worked on a farm, and for two years attended school in Lebanon, after which he engaged in teaching for several years, at the same time pursuing the study of medicine under Dr. Jonathan Thatcher, of Alcony. He taught the Hickory Grove School in Bethel Township, Miami County, two terms, and in Elizabeth Township two terms. He was graduated from the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery in 1873, after a three years' course, and immediately thereafter engaged in practice at Addison, where he continued for a period of four years. He then moved to Miami City, or Alcony Postoffice, where he has been engaged successfully in practice for thirty-one years. He is a thorough student and has kept abreast the rapid advancement made in the science of medicine, and has met with good results in the treatment of the many complicated cases which have come under his care during his long practice here. Although his profession has always been first and foremost with him, he has given much of his time to public service. He was coroner of Miami County two years justice of the peace six years ; a member of the Board of Education under the old law for sixteen years; and a member of the State Legislature AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 499 two terms, from 1894 until 1898, serving during his second term as chairman of the Committee on Common Schools. He has been a member of the Board of Education four years under the new law, and is serving his second term as president of that body. He is now president of the Board of Pension Examiners, and formerly was a member of that board for four years during the administration of President Harrison. In addition to his property in Miami City, Dr. Deaton is the owner of a fine farm of 115 acres in Pike Township, Clark County, farmed by his son, Ross. Van Shears Deaton was married March 6, 1873, to Miss Laura E. Shidaker, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Shidaker, of Elizabeth Township, and they have two children : C. Ross, who married Loretta Moses, daughter of the late Samuel Moses, of Champaign County, by whom he has a son, Cecil Aquila, named in honor of Gen. Aquila Wiley, of Wayne County ; and Dr. Ernest Heber Deaton, who married Mayme Deaton, daughter of Thomas Jefferson Deaton, of St. Louis, and is engaged in practice in that city. Fraternally the subject of this record is a member of Casstown Lodge, I. O. O. F., and has passed through all the chairs of that lodge. He also is a member of Coleman Post, G. A. R., at Troy. In politics he is unswerving in his support of Republican principles. Dr. and Mrs. Deaton attend the McKendree Methodist Episcopal Church of Elizabeth Township. JOHN McCLAIN, proprietor of the U. S. Auction Syndicate, doing business as a department store at Troy and handling almost every commodity, has been a resi dent of this city for the past twenty-two years. He was born in 1838, at Alliance, Ohio, where he was reared and educated. Mr. McClain started into business as a traveling salesman and for ten years he represented commercial firms on the road, but after he came to Troy, in 1887, he embarked in business for himself, establishing here the Ti. S. Auction Syndicate and investing in other enterprises. He is a director in the First National Bank and is treasurer of the Troy Telephone Company and has stock in other business houses. He is a very active and public-spirited citizen and is serving as president of the Board of Public Service, this being his fourth year, and has also been a useful member of the City Council. Mr. McClain married Miss Lois Liddell, of Cleveland, Ohio, and they have five sons and one daughter : John W., of Detroit ; William H., a high school student; Harold; Carroll ; and Howard and Hellen, twins. Mr. McClain is a member of the Catholic Church and, fraternally, he is an Elk. JOHN McCANDLISS, who has always lived in Miami County, Ohio, is one of the progressive citizens and farmers of Staunton Township, where he has 140 acres of good land, and is at the present time one of the trustees of the township. He was born in Washington Township, Miami County, May 4, 1849, and is a son of James and Mary (Abbott) McCandliss, and a grandson of James McCandliss, Sr. James McCandliss, Sr., was born in Pennsylvania, and after his marriage came to Miami County, Ohio, where he followed his trade as a carpenter. After a time he purchased a farm southwest of Piqua, in this county, where he resided at