500 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY the time of his death. He and his wife were parents of the following children: John, James, mo s, William, Mary, Sarah, Rebecca, Nancy and Ann. All are now deceased but the last named, who is the wife of David Mitchell. James McCandliss, father of the subject of this record, was born in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, and was a young man when he accompanied his parents in wagons across the country to Miami County, Ohio. He was a miller by trade, and for a time was identified with the mills of a Mr. Allen and Dye & Culberson. He later conducted the Sheets mill for a period of thirty years, and continued until his death in 1899, at the age of seventy-two years. He married Mary Abbott, who was born in Lost Creek Township, Miami County, Ohio, and is now living at an advanced age.. The following were the issue of their union : John ; James ; Nancy, widow of Charles Rosser ; Melia. wife of George Wolfe ; Isaac; Charles ; May Bell, wife of Albert Carnes; and Crosier. John McCandliss spent his youth on the farm, and being the eldest, had to go to work when young. His schooling was very limited, but he is a man of fair education, almost wholly self-acquired. At the age of ten years he went to live with Isaac Sheets in Elizabeth Township, and after growing up, conducted the latter's farming operations, remaining with him in all about forty years. In 1903 he purchased his present farm in Staunton Township of B. F. Smith, and replaced all the old buildings with new and modern structures. He conducted a dairy in years past, but now devotes his time to general farming. He has a fine home and a well improved and fertile farm. In 1867 Mr. McCandliss was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Heiner, who died February 25, 1905, leaving a daughter, Bertha, who is the wife of Clinton Trucksis and lives near Youngstown, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Trucksis have six children—Melvin, Mary, John, Raymond, Harry and Margaret. Fraternally the subject of this sketch is a member of Casstown Lodge, No. 426. I. O. O. F. He is a Democrat in politics. and for many years served as supervisor in Elizabeth and Staunton Township,. In 1908 he was elected trustee of the latter. In 1909 Mr. McCandliss, accompanied by Mr. Lincoln Cyrus, made an extended and pleasant trip to Texas. JESSE SHILLING, superintendent of the engineering and electrical works in connection with lighting and heating the Miami County Court House at Troy and the jail and infirmary. having charge of the county electrical plant, was born at Troy, in 1857. and is a son of the late Jesse Shilling, who was a pioneer in Miami County. Jesse Shilling. Jr., was reared and educated at Troy, where he went to the high school, after which he entered the Troy Fire Department, where he remained for ten years and operated one of the engines. He then left home and went as far south as Texas, and during the eight months of his stay there acted as a fireman on the Texas & Pacific Railroad, and later also ran an engine. After he returned to Troy he was in the employ of the manufacturing firm of Child's Catarrh Specific, where he continued for about eight years. In 1887 he became connected with his present work, of which he is now the capable superintendent. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 501 In 1879 Mr. Shilling was married to Miss Dora Hickerson, who was born and reared in Troy and is a daughter of James Hickerson, who was one of the pioneer furniture dealers in this place. Mr. and Mrs. Shilling have two children: Harvey, who is a student in the Ohio State University; and Leah, who resides at home. Mr. Shilling and wife are members of the Baptist Church. He is a Knight of Pythias and is ex-president of the local lodge of the National Association of Stationary Engineers. WILLIAM W. WHITMER, one of Covington's representative business men. conducting a furniture store and undertaking business. was born at Covington. Ohio, January 4. 1854. and is a son of John and Sarah (Lenhart) Whitmer. John Whitmer was born, reared and married in Pennsylvania. In 1840 he settled at Pleasant Hill, Ohio, where he established a general store, conducting it for a time and then selling out in order to locate at Covington. Here he entered into partnership with John Mikesell and Col. J. C. Ullery and conducted a general store until 1860, when he returned to Pleasant Hill, and until he retired in 1873, was interested in a general store at that point. He lived into advanced age, his death taking place January 2, 1907, when he had almost reached his ninety-fifth birthday. He married Sarah Lenhart, who died December 1, 1905, aged eighty-six years. They had eleven children. William W. Whitmer was reared at Pleasant Hill. In 1886 he first engaged in the undertaking business, and in partnership with his brother-in-law, J. A. Yount, bought out Fred Deeter, at Pleasant Hill. The partners continued together for four years in that line and then traded for a tract of land in Mercer County, Ohio, which they later sold. In June, 1891, he embarked in the undertaking business at Covington, and in 1902 added furniture dealing, having a partner in his nephew, R. R. Whitmer, although the business style continues Whitmer Bros. The firm carries a fine line of furniture, and for its undertaking business has every necessary equipment. Mr. Whitmer married Miss Flora A. Shephard, a daughter of David C. Shephard, of Darke County, Ohio, and they have four children. namely : Cora B., who married W. B. Lyle: Gertrude, who carries on a millinery business at Covington: J. D., who is a graduate of the Ohio State University at Columbus and is in business in Oregon; and Margaret, who resides at home. Mr. Whitmer and family are members of the Christian Church, in which he is a deacon. He is one of the active members of this body and for ten years served as church clerk. His fraternal connections include the Masons. both branches of the Odd Fellows. and the Red Men. GEORGE WASHING, who is engaged in the grocery business at Piqua, was born in 1872, at Piqua, Ohio, and is a sou of George Washing, a native of Germany, who died at Piqua in 1874. Ueorge Washing. the younger, grew to manhood in his native city and was educated in her excellent schools. Early in life he began to take care of himself, and engaged in clerking in grocery stores, which naturally led him into embarking in the business for himself. In 1900 he opened his own store and now has an ex- 502 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY cellent line of trade, having won the confidence and esteem of the public through his honesty and courtesy while working for others. He also handles feed of all kinds and has an up-to-date meat market, carrying a a full line of fresh and salt meats. In 1898 Mr. Washing was married to Miss Margaret Weishardt, and they have four children, Frances, George, Margaret and Ray. Mr. Washing and wife are members of the German Methodist Episcopal Church at Piqua, he belonging to the official board. He is an active and useful member of the Retail Business Men's Association. JOHN LAMKA, general farmer and respected citizen of Elizabeth Township, Miami County, resides on his valuable property, which consists of fifty-five acres of land, situated in Section 20 and lying along the lower Troy and Springfield Turnpike Road. He was born in Germany, June 20. 1843, and is a son of William and Sophia (Huptner) Lamka. The parents of Mr. Lamka never came to America, and only two of their family of fourteen children have made their homes in the United States. The father of Mr. Lamka died in Germany in 1881. When John Lamka came to this country, in 1882, he was accompanied by his wife and children. He settled first near Pleasant Hill, Miami County, Ohio, and worked by the day at farm labor, and then rented a farm in Newton Township from Dr. Keister. He rented his second farm from Levi Barnett, in Elizabeth Township, and after living there for eight years purchased the farm he now owns, on which he has lived since 1899. He bought forty acres of it from Mrs. Brier and fifteen acres from the Harter estate. The purchase of this farm was the result of years of in- dustry and good management. He devotes all of his land to grain, except six acres, on which he grows tobacco. The only farm building he had to put up was his tobacco shed. He is a hard worker and takes a great deal of pride in keeping up the appearance of his farm and in making every part of it a paying proposition. In Germany Mr. Lamka was married to Marie Prolo, a daughter of Joseph H. and Louisa (Holtz) Prolo. and they have four children, all of whom have domestic ties of their own. William married Anna Lamka, a. daughter of Henry Lamka, and they have four children, Edward, Carl, Herman and Charles. John married Marie Knoll, a daughter of Lawrence Knoll, and they have one child, Marie. Fred married Mary Smith, a daughter of Joseph Smith, and when she died she left two children, Leo and Grace. Charles married Maude Drury, a daughter of James Drury. Mr. Lamka and family are members of the German Lutheran Church at Troy. With his sons, Mr. Lamka votes with the Democratic party. ALBERT KINDER, general farmer and tobacco grower, owns eighty acres of farm laud in Lost Creek Township, Miami County, which lies on the Addison and Casstown Turnpike and on the Springfield and and Troy Electric Railroad, about six miles west of the latter city. Mr. Kinder was born on a farm in Warren County, Ohio, April 3, 1848, and is a son of John and Sarah (Maxwell) Kinder, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Ohio. He is a grandson of Abraham Kinder, who settled in Warren AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 503 County, Ohio, in 1800, and the farm is still in the Kinder name, belonging to a brother of Albert, named John. Albert Kinder was left an orphan in boyhood, losing his mother when he was only five years old, and his father two years later. He was reared in Warren County and trained to be a farmer. He moved from there in February, 1872, and settled on a rented farm in Staunton Township, Miami County, and in 1886 he came to his present place, finding it in great need of improvement. He erected his residence, his substantial barns and his commodious tobacco sheds and now has a very valuable and desirable property. He gives considerable attention to producing tobacco. In January, 1878, Mr. Kinder was married, in Miami County, to Miss Lettie Rusk, who died October 12, 1907. She was a daughter of William Rusk. Five children were born to this union, namely : William, who graduated in civil engineering in the Ohio Normal University, at Ada, in 1904, and is engaged in professional work in Montana ; Effie ; Albert, who is filling a position as bookkeeper in a business house in Texas ; and John and Mary. Mr. Kinder takes no very active part in politics, although he is ever ready to perform every duty of good citizenship. O. W. RICHARDSON, one of the leading contractors and builders of Piqua, Ohio, has been a resident of this city since July, 1889, and has erected some of the prominent buildings here. Mr. Richardson was born in Darke County, Ohio, August 26, 1874, and there he attended the public schools. After coming to Piqua, in 1889, he attended Piqua High School one term. Upon leaving that institution he learned the trade of a carpenter, serving a thorough apprenticeship, and followed that occupation continuously until 1897. He then engaged in general contracting in partnership with his father, but during the past seven years he has conducted operations alone. He has erected many fine buildings, among which may be mentioned that of Piqua -Central Fire Department, the Boal Flats and the United Brethren Church. He added the third story to the Glencoe Hotel and remodeled the remainder of the building. He has taken an active part in political affairs, being a Republican, and has served as central committeeman and as delegate to congressional and county conventions. June 20, 1900, Mr. Richardson was united in marriage with Miss Electa B. Davis, of Piqua. Both are members of the Church of Christ and are enthusiastic church workers. He has been superintendent of the Sunday School for seven years, and has seen its growth from ninety scholars, with an average attendance of sixty, to an enrollment of 240, with an average attendance of 150. Mrs. Richardson also has been an active Sunday School worker and teacher, and has seen many of her class of infants grow to be useful members of the church congregation. Mr. Richardson is a member of Warren Lodge, No. 24, F. & A. M., of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. and also of the Piqua Club. S. M. ALLISON, secretary, treasurer and general manager of the Cron-Kills Company, manufacturers of wardrobes and ladies' desks, a very large business enterprise of Piqua, with the largest and 504 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY best equipped plant of its kind in this section of the State, was born in 1863, in Preble County, Ohio. Mr. Allison has been a resident of Piqua since he was thirteen years of age, and received a public school education here. He was nineteen years old when he entered the business with which he has been identified ever since. The' Cron-Kills Company was established in 1881, by A. J. Cron, R. B. Kills, Samuel Zollinger and Henry Flesh, as Cron, Kills & Co., which style was continued until 1904, when the business was incorporated witha capital stock of .250,000, and the present style adopted. The officers are: Henry Flesh, president; Samuel Zollinger, vice-president; S. M. Allison, secretary, treasurer and general manager ; and W. Bamber, superintendent. The plant includes five large buildings, covering twenty-five acres of floor space, and employment is given to 200 men. Goods are shipped all over the United States and to some foreign. countries. Prosperous conditions exist and the business is on such a firm basis that no changes in the tariff system of the country would cause any reduction in its output. Not only is a large amount of capital behind it, but its officers are men of personal as well as financial stability. In 1892 Mr. Allison was married to Miss Frances Culbertson, of Piqua, and they occupy one of the fine homes of this beautiful city. Mr. Allison is an active and useful citizen and for a number of years served with public efficiency in the city council. He is a Mason of advanced degree and for a quarter of a century has been identified with the Odd Fellows. Other organizations in which he has membership are the United Commercial Travelers and the Piqua Club. JAMES DRURY, who devotes his farm of twelve and one-fourth acres to growing grain and tobacco and raising hogs for market, is a well known citizen of Elizabeth Township, Miami County, having resided on his present place for a number of years. He was born October S. 1549, in Perry County. Ohio, and is a son of Eli Harrison and Mary Ann (Stourtts) Drury. The first member of the Drury family to establish in Miami County was John Drury. the grandfather, who came from Cumberland County. Pennsylvania, first at Columbus. but later opened up 21 boarding house in Miami City, where he subsequently died. He married Anna Pinkerton. who also died at Miami City, and both of them were buried in the McKendree Cemetery. They had the following children : James, Eli H., Harman, Elizabeth. Eliza Ann and Susanna. Eli Harrison Drury is a retired farmer and makes. his home with his son. George G. Drury. In his earlier years he was a dry goods merchant and later engaged in agricultural pursuits. He married Mary Ann Stourtts, a daughter of John Stourtts, and they had the following children: James ; John, deceased; Alice Ann, who was. married (first) to Joseph McGraft, and ( second) to James Snyder ; Thomas Jefferson: George Grant ; and Mary Effie. who married William Beck. The mother of this family is deceased. James Drury obtained his education in a country school not far from Miami City and then went to work on the farm and has followed farming ever since. After his marriage he rented a number of farms in AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 305 Miami County, living on each one as long as he found it profitable. For fifteen years before coming to his present farm he operated the Shellenbarger farm in Bethel Township. All the buildings now standing on his place he either remodeled or entirely constructed. He has made many improvements, one being the setting out of a fine orchard of some forty trees. Mr. Drury has had so long an experience as a farmer that all methods are known to him and his judgment enables him to get more substantial returns from his small farm than d many on much larger acreage. His farm lies on the McNeal Turnpike, .southeast of Troy. On October 3, 1871, Mr. Drury was married to bliss Margaret Nothstine, a daughter of William H. and Mira (Swager) Nothstine, and they have had eleven children born to them, namely : Charles E.; Mary A.. who is now deceased; Nora Viola, who married John 'Williamson, and has had four children—Ruth, Andrew. Minnie and Edna. deceased; Lydia Jane, who married Oscar J. Bowers, and has two children. Ralph M. and Carl F. (they live near Christianburg); William H.; Lulu, now deceased; John J., who is a student in the class of 1909 in a commercial college at Dayton ; Bessie Lavina, who married Fir-man C. Jenkins. of Bethel Township, and has one child. Goldie Leona ; Amanda May. who married Frank 'AIM, and has two children. Carl E. and Mabel M.; Maude Effie, who married Carl M. Lamka, and Harry. who died in infancy. Mr. Drury, like his father, is a stanch Republican. He has always taken a good citizen's interest in public matters and at different times has served as school director. S. J. RUDY. proprietor of the Farmers' Complete Elevator, has been established in business at Covington, Ohio, for some ten years and is one of the representative citizens. Mr. Rudy was born in Newton Township, Miami County. Ohio, April 18, 1868, and is a son of William and Mary (Shaffer) Rudy. Mr. Rudy was reared on a farm and followed agricultural pursuits until he embarked in the elevator business, the family having been farmers away back to his grandfather, Samuel Rudy, who came in early manhood to Miami County and settled first in Newberry and later in Newton Township. William Rudy was a life-long resident of Miami County and during the whole of his active life engaged in farming. retiring to Covington but shortly before his death, which occurred on October 8, 1908. His widow still survives. About 1899, Mr. Rudy came to Covington and began his elevator business, in the meanwhile purchasing his farm of 132 acres, in Newton Township, which he still retains. He met with misfortune after two years in Covington, his elevator near the hotel burning clown, but he showed his business enterprise by building his present one, known as the Farmers' Complete Elevator, in 1901. He does a very satisfactory business and is one of the city's substantial business men. Mr. Rudy married Miss Dora Kendell, a daughter of Ezekiel Kendell, and they have had twelve children, the survivors being Nellie, Ethel, William, James, Albert, Alvie and Alice (twins), and Dora. Those who died were Glenna, Bessie, Ezekiel, a twin of William, and an infant. Mr. Rudy and wife are members of the Brethren Church. 503 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY AUGUST S. CLOUSE, a representative business man of Piqua, who is teller of the Piqua National Bank and secretary of the Stuart & Brown Underwear Company, was born in this city in 1876, and is a son of Joseph (louse, a native of Somerset. Ohio, who for years was identified with the man and also the substantial barns near the old ufacturing interests of Piqua. August S. Clouse was reared and educated in his native city, graduating from the Piqua High School in 1894. He immediately went to work in the Citizen's National Bank, where he continued for seven years. In December, 1901, he came to the Piqua National Bank in the capacity of bookkeeper, afterward being made teller, and remains associated with this financial institution. He has other business interests and an important one is his official connection with the Stuart & Brown Underwear Company. Mr. Clouse is one of Piqua's most active and earnest citizens. He is serving as clerk of the Board of Public Safety and has been tireless in his efforts to promote the general welfare. In politics he is a leading Republican of this section, being treasurer of the Republican Central Committee, of Miami County, and a member of the County Central Committee from the Third Ward of Piqua. He is a consistent member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Columbus and is a past grand knight of that order. Socially he is identified with the Piqua Club. E. B. PENROD, general farmer and dairyman. residing on his excellent farm of 1071',2 acres, which is situated one and one-half miles north of Piqua, in Spring. Creek Township, was born in Shelby County, Ohio, not far from Newport,. August 22, 1856, and is a son of Levi and Martha (Irwin) Penrod, and a grandson of Samuel Penrod. Samuel Penrod was a pioneer settler and preacher in Shelby County. He was born in Pennsylvania, of German ancestry, and during the whole of his mature life he engaged in farming and in serving as a minister in the Christian Church, and in the latter capacity he visited different points in the county and was a revered and beloved man. The old church near Newport that he was instrumental in building still stands. His wife was a native of New Jersey. They had six children, namely Jacob and Mary Jane, both deceased; Phebe Ann ; Levi; and William, who died from starvation and inhuman treatment while held a prisoner of war at Andersonville, during the Civil War. Samuel Penrod died in Shelby County, March 17, 1879, his wife having passed away June 22, 1864. Levi Penrod, father of E. B., was born in Shelby County, Ohio, in the old log house that was built by his father, and in which his own sons were also born. He owned an adjoining farm to the homestead and there his death occurred. He married Martha Irwin and they had seven children born to them, as follows: E. B.; Rachel Anna, who died when aged nine months ; James S.; Emma Jane, who married James Caldwell and lives in Shelby County ; Lucy Ellen, who married William Peters and lives at Piqua, Ohio; Etta, who married Levi Border, lives in Shelby County ; Eliza, married, who lives at AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 509 Cleveland and Justice, who works the home farm in Shelby County. E. B. Penrod obtained his education in the schools of Shelby County and remained at home with his father until his marriage, after which he moved to Miami County and rented land until April 11, 1904, when he settled on his present farm. He here carries on a general agricultural line and gives considerable attention to the milk industry, operating a route to Piqua. Mr. Penrod was married (first) April 29, 1877, to Miss Rosella Kuhn, who died October 20, 1888, a daughter of Gabriel Kuhn. She was survived by three children: Maud. Myrtle and William Arthur. Maud married Charles Rummel and they live in Shelby County and have two children—Walter and Opal. Myrtle adopted the noble profession of trained nurse and resides at Brooklyn, New York. William Arthur assists his father at home. Mr. Penrod was married (second) August 22, 1890, to Miss Sarah Ellen Furman. who was born July 10, 1856, a daughter of William and Tacy (Stoker) Furman, who came from the State of New York to Shelby County and went from there to Iowa, where he was accidentally killed while operating a saw-mill, when Mrs. Penrod was only nine months old. His widow returned to Ohio, settling at Houston, later removing to Piqua, Miami County, where she died January 20, 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Furman had six children, all of whom survive. Mr. and Mrs. Penrod have two children : Elva and Opal, both attending school. In politics Mr. Penrod is a Republican, all members of the familv be- ing of that political faith. With his fam- ily he belongs to the Christian Church. JESSE FUNDERBURG, M. D., physician and surgeon, maintaining his summer office at No. 212 West High Street, Piqua, Ohio, and a winter offrce in Florida, is one of the best known specialists in the diseases of women, in this section of the state. He was born in Greene County, Ohio, in 1862. Dr. Funderburg attended the Greene County public schools and Antioch College and then entered Columbus Medical College, where he was graduated March 4, 1886. He practiced for a short time at Houston and at Fletcher and then came to Piqua. On December 9, 1893, he was commissioned county coroner by Governor McKinley and served in this office for four years. When the board of pension examiners was reorganized, Dr. Funderburg was appointed a member and during the eight years that he served on this board he gained the appreciation and esteem of the old soldiers, to whose interests he gave close and careful attention. For the past four years Dr. Funderburg has spent his winters as a practitioner in Florida, where his medical and surgical skill are valued as they are at Piqua. He keeps fully abreast of the times, taking post-graduate work at intervals in the great colleges of Columbus and Chicago, and closely investigating for himself many of the new scientific theories of his profession. He is a valued member of the Miami and Shelby County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society and the International Congress of Medicine. Dr. Funderburg was married (first) May 20, 1886, to Miss Ella Doup, of Fletcher, who died May 22, 1900, leaving two children, William Roscoe and Cloyd. He was married (second) to Miss Lillian Myr- 510 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY tle Tyson, of Fletcher, Ohio. Dr. Funderburg is a member of the Odd Fellows, the Knights of the Golden Eagle and the Knights of Pythias of Piqua. ALBERT KNOOP. a representative of one of the oldest and most substantial families of Miami County. owns 216 acres of land in one body, fifty-five of which lies in Elizabeth Township and the remainder in Lost Creek Township. Mr. Knoop was born on this farm. in December, 1849, and is a son of Daniel H. and Cassie (Jackson) Knoop. Daniel Knoop was born in Pennsylvania and was a son of Jacob Knoop, the latter of whom died in that state. Daniel came to Ohio prior to his marriage, in company with his mother, and they settled on the farm which is now owned by Albert Knoop. The mother of the latter was born on the old Jackson farm in Elizabeth Township, one which has been in the family for over 100 years and on which the Jacksons celebrated recently a centennial anniversary. Daniel and Cassie Knoop had five children, namely: Henry. residing at Casstown ; Josiah, who died in 1904; George, who died in 1862; William, who died in 1901; and Albert. Albert Knoop has spent his whole life on the old home farm. which is endeared to him as no other place ever could be. He has taken pleasure in developing the different resources of the property and in adding to its comforts and conveniences. In 1902 he erected his large frame residence, standing in the limits of Casstown, house about one-eighth of a mile south of Casstown. He engages in general farming and stockraising. On February 18, 1550. Mr. Knoop was married to Miss Mary Jane Stewart, a daughter of William Stewart, and they have had four children, namely: Wilbur, who died aged four years; and Walter, Lauren and Albert K. D. C. MEEKS, president of the School Board of Lost Creek Township, is a prominent farmer and the owner of eighty-two acres of land which has been in the family name since title was acquired from the Government in pioneer days. He was born in this township January 13, 1831, and is a son of David and Eliza (Knight) Meek, his father not using an s" in the spelling of his name. Bazel Meeks, the grandfather. was born and reared in Pennsylvania and came to Ohio in the pioneer days. He acquired of the Government a large tract of land in Miami County, some 800 or 900 acres in all, for which he paid $1.23 per acre. He was blind during the last forty years of his life, and died at the home of his son. David, at the age of ninety years. David Meek was born near New Lancaster. Ohio, and came with his father to Miami County, when quite young. He lived at home until his marriage, then purchased 213 acres in Lost Creek Township, where they began housekeeping. He finally had 427 acres in one block, a tract of 186 acres north of Addison, and a quarter section of coal land in Perry County, Ohio. The last nine years of his life were saddened by the same affliction which had affected his father, that of blindness, and his death occurred in a little house which the subject of this sketch built for him on the home farm. He died January 3, 1896, aged eighty-nine years, and his widow survived him about fifteen months, dying at the age AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 511 of eighty-five years. She was Eliza Knight in maiden life and was born on what is known as the Theodore Rogers farm in Lost Creek Township. Her father, David Knight, was one of the pioneers of this community. Mr. and Mrs. Meek became parents of the following children : Martha, Isaac, Louisa, and Diana, all deceased ; Watson ; Johnson K., who was drowned near Troy, at the age of forty-seven years ; Emma, wife of R. D. Evans of Columbus, Ohio ; David Corbly, whose name heads this record; Washington Riley of Columbus, Ohio ; and Louisa. Isaac, Martha and Watson died of diphtheria about four days apart. David C. Meeks attended the school in the home district, which was badly crowded with its eighty pupils. Later the family moved to Troy in order to afford the children better educational advantages, and Diana Meeks was one of the four who formed the first graduating class of the Troy High School. David C. also attended the high school, and later the Nelson Business College at Cincinnati, Ohio. He continued to live with his parents until his marriage, then for a period of ten years rented and farmed land. Then he purchased of his father 213 acres, on time payments, and as the tract was heavily timbered it was necessary to make a clearing before he could erect a home. He sold off 130 acres, of which he had cleared all but sixteen acres. He has always followed general farming and has been very successful ; he is progressive and public spirited, and by employing modern and approved methods in his work has met with exceptional results. In politics, he is a Republican and for fifteen years served as township trustee. He has been presi dent of the school board for the past five years. October 10, 1875, Mr. Meeks was united in marriage with Miss Lydia McGalliard, a daughter of Isaac and Mercy (Fuller) McGalliard, and their children are as follows : Cora F., who died at three years; Earl A., who married Orma Haulman and has a son, Lloyd; Venna Pearl, wife of H. A. Smith, by whom she has a daughter, Madge Aileen ; Riley 0., a landscape gardener at Columbus ; Forrest D.; and Ruby C. Religiously, the family belongs to the Baptist Church. CONRAD WILLIAM BREIDENBACH, a prosperous business man and well known citizen of Piqua, Ohio, is a practical piano-forte, pipe and reed organ builder, which business he has followed in that city continuously since his removal there, September 3, 1877. Mr. Breidenbach was born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1853, and was reared and educated in that city. In early life he worked at carriage making for a time, then for three years was employed in an organ factory. In 1877 he came to Piqua and began work as a practical piano-forte, pipe and reed organ builder, also tuning and repairing instruments. He also makes and remodels violins to order, and has been highly successful in all branches of his business. He has real estate interests in Dayton, where he is also stockholder in a bank. July 6, 1880, Mr. Breidenbach was united in marriage with Miss Louise Bertling, who died in 1883 and left a daughter, Helen Louise. In 1891 he formed a second union at Philadelphia with Miss Eliza C. Steller and they have a son, Warren C., 512 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY who is a student in Piqua High School. Fraternally Mr. Breidenbach is a Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge and Chapter also a member of the Order of Elks; the Knights of Pythias, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. C. W. NETTLESHIP, a substantial business man and representative citizen of Piqua, Ohio, conducts a grocery at No. 827 West North Street, and has been engaged in business in this city since May 1, 1902. Mr. Nettleship was born in Shelby County, Ohio, in 1865, and was there reared to maturity and received his training in the grocery business, with which he has always been identified. He remained in his native county until 1894, then moved to Dayton, where he successfully conducted a store until 1902. On May 1st of that year, he moved to Piqua and established the store which he has since conducted. He is a man of tireless energy and good business judgment and his progress in the business world has been steady. He erected the store building occupied by his grocery on West North Street, and is also the owner of two other good buildings which he erected. Mr. Nettleship was married May 1, 1902, to Miss Bertha Schemmell, who was born in Newark, New Jersey, and came west to Piqua with her parents when quite young. Religiously, she is a member of St. Paul's church. Mr. Nettleship is a man of wide acquaintance and is most highly esteemed by his fellow citizens. JOHN W. LYLE, one of the representative business men of Covington, who has been engaged in the grocery line here for over twenty-two years, was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, October 21, 1857, and is a son of Robert and Hester (Ford) Lyle. Mr. Lyle was reared on his father's farm and was educated in the country schools. When he was eighteen years of age, his parents moved to Logan County and he accompanied them and shortly afterward accepted a position as clerk in a general store at Belle Center, where he remained for five years. In 1885, deciding to invest his capital of $400, in business for himself, he came to Covington and purchased a small store, and from that time until the present. with the exception of eight months, he has been engaged in business here. He bought a farm of 120 acres near Troy, in Concord Township, and occupied it for eight months and then returned to Covington and bought back his old store. February 6, 1902, Mr. Lyle bought Mr. Ratcliff's interest in the firm of Kreighbaum & Ratcliff, the firm becoming J. W. Lyle & Co. The following June this firm sold out to Everleigh & Utter. On September 2d of the same year Mr. Z. L. Ram- sey and Mr. Lyle purchased the business of Everleigh & Utter, the firm being known as Lyle & Ramsey. This firm continued until January 1, 1905, when Mr. Lyle became sole owner and he now conducts the business under the name of J. W. Lyle. He is doing a highly satisfactory business, his long experience in this line enabling him to note the details which are necessary for success. He carries a large and complete stock of staple and fancy groceries and among his customers may be found those who have been such for years. Mr. Lyle was married at Belle Center, Logan County, to Miss Emma Pearson, a daughter of William Pearson, and they AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 513 have one son, W. Boyd, who assists his father in the store. He married Miss Cora Whitmer. Mr. Lyle is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He is not active as a politician, but he is a good citizen and takes an interest in the public matters which concern the welfare of Covington. Although he does not occupy his farm, he still retains possession of it. W. H. FRANCIS, one of Troy's representative business men and president of the Francis & Clemm Company, dealers in lumber, has here been identified with this line of trade for the past nineteen years. He was born in 1848, in Butler County, Ohio. The early life of Mr. Francis was passed on a farm and his education was obtained in Butler County, with two years at the National Normal, where he taught school at Lebanon, Ohio, for some five years. In 1876 he embarked in a lumber business at Arcanum, in Darke County, where he continued until 1889, when he came to Troy. He started into business in this city under the style of W. H. Francis & Co., which later became Francis & Clemm, and the latter firm was succeeded by The Francis & Clemm Company, with location on South Walnut Street, on the corner of Race. Time range of his activities is not confined to the business over Which he presides here, he being interested also in lumber enterprises in other places and he is also one of the board of directors of the Troy National Bank. In 1876 Mr. Francis was married to Miss Ella Gifford, of Preble County, Ohio, and they have two children ; Jesse B., who is engaged in the practice of medicine in Chicago ; and Opal C., who is a member of the graduating class of 1909, at Oberlin College. Mr. and Mrs. Francis are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he belonging to its official board. ADAM M. STRUCK, V. S., who is recognized as one of the leading veterinary surgeons in Western Ohio, has been a resident of Troy for the past sixteen years, but was born in Clark County. Ohio, in 1850. Dr. Strock was reared on the home farm near Christiansburg and obtained his education in the common schools, at Lincoln Hill Academy, and at New Carlisle, and later received his diploma from the Ohio State University at Columbus, when thirty years of age. He then purchased the farm of James Kincade. situated one mile east of Casstown, in Miami County, and resided there until the spring of 1893, when he gave up farming and came to Troy to engage in the practice of his profession. He still owns his farming land and keeps things moving there, but for the past twenty years his greatest interest has been in the line of professional work. In this connection he is known all through the western part of the state. Dr. Storek was married (first) to Miss Rosetta Wrigley, of Elizabeth Township, and six children were born to this union, namely : Clara ; Lillie, who is the wife of John Bates, of Dayton, Ohio ; Minnie, who is the wife of James Bingham, of Casstown, now a resident of Indianapolis, Indiana ; Nellie, who is the wife of Edward Lauber, of Troy ; Glenn, who is engaged in business at Troy ; and Anna, who resides at home. Dr. Strock was married (second) to Mrs. Nellie Beedle, of Greenville, Parke County, Ohio. For forty years 514 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY Dr. Strock has been a member of the Christian Church. He is an Odd Fellow and has membership in the lodge at Christians-burg, Champaign County, Ohio. LOUIS O. SHILLING, secretary of The People's Building and Savings Association Company at Troy, Ohio, is a native of this city and son of the late David Shilling, one of Troy's leading citizens for many years. David Shilling was born September 16, 1814, in Frederick County, Maryland, and when fourteen years of age went from there to Columbus, Ohio, where he lived until his marriage to Miss Mary Waite in 1836. Shortly after his marriage he moved to Troy, and formed a partnership in the foundry and plow business near the canal on West Main Street with the Rev. Richard Brandriff, a Wesleyan Methodist minister. Afterwards the foundry was moved to the extreme end of the then West Main Street, and a partnership formed under the name of Shilling Brothers, and later in life David Shilling succeeded to the entire interest of the business. He was senior deacon of the First Baptist Church of Troy, Ohio, for over forty years, and up to the time of his death, which occurred August 14, 1888. He was an active citizen and served a number of terms as a member of the City Council, his public spirit at all times being shown in the efforts to increase the city's utilities. It was during this period the mill-race was walled and placed in a sanitary condition to afford a healthy drainage through the town. Louis O. Shilling was born October 25, 1857. In early youth he attended the country school, then known as District No. 4, in the McClung neighborhood. At the age of fourteen he entered the grammar grades in the Troy schools, and about the same time united with the First Baptist Church under the ministry of Rev. M. H. Worrell. While attending school he was employed at odd times in his father's foundry and machine shop. On leaving the high school he entered the law office of J. A. Davy, where he read law and engaged in the business of abstracting of land titles. He afterwards became associated in business with the law firm of Williams & Gantz, and with Hon. M. K. Gantz when the latter was elected Mayor of Troy, and afterward to the United States Congress. During this time Mr. Shilling was engaged in literary pursuits, and acted as reporter and writer for several papers in other cities. In the year 1891 Mr. Shilling started a free circulating library at his home in the interest of his Sabbath-school class, which enterprise rapidly developed until many other boys of the town (some now grown to mature manhood) became welcomed beneficiaries to his library, which, at the present writing consists of over 3,000 volumes, and where the boys of the city are still welcome to go each Sunday afternoons and enjoy the treasures there freely given in reading and study. In the year 1892 Mr. Shilling entered the law office in business with Hon. George S. Long, who, at that time was the attorney for The People's Building and Savings Association Company of Troy, and in 1893 Mr. Shilling was elected the secretary of that institution, which at that time, had assets amounting to $66,000, with two hundred or three hundred members. This has expanded into the present capital of over $396,800 and the membership increased to over fifteen hundred people, while there is surplus of over $20,000. Mr. Shilling AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 515 with the efficient members of the Board of Directors, has been untiring in his efforts to make this organization a model one as well as the largest fiduciary institution of its kind in the county. WILLIAM J. MEREDITH, who has had a wide and varied experience in business affairs, is a well known resident of Staunton Township and has been a resident of Miami County, Ohio, since 1872. He was born in Lafayette, Indiana, in October, 1843, and is a son of John L. Meredith, a well remembered business man and banker of Troy. John L. Meredith was born in Warren County, Ohio, and passed his early boyhood there. When sixteen years old he went to the northern part of Indiana to take charge of an Indian station, and in 1840 located in Lafayette, Indiana. He later engaged in the banking business there and became the head of the banking establishment of Barbee, Brown & Company. About the year 1863, he moved- to Troy, Ohio, and was instrumental in the reorganization of the old State Bank into the First National Bank of Troy. He was made cashier and served capably in that capacity until his death in 1880, at the age of sixty-one years. He was married in Indiana to a Miss Margaret Carr, who died one year afterward. William J. Meredith was reared in his native city and attended Hanover College until his junior year, When he left that institution to enter the army. In 1863 he was appointed on the general staff of the commissary department, and served with credit until May, 1865. At the close of the war he engaged in lumbering on the Chippewa River in northern Wisconsin, and later lost everything by fire. Then he engaged in the retail boot and shoe business at Milwaukee, and after a time acted as treasurer for a company for the construction of a railroad in Kentucky. He moved west to Lincoln, Nebraska, and became assistant cashier of the First National Bank, a position he resigned to become secretary of the old Troy Wagon and Spring Works at Troy, Ohio. He was identified with that company a period of twenty-five years, and was one of its largest stockholders. After the death of his father he bought the interests of the other three heirs in the farm in Staunton Township, and for a time had it farmed, but has disposed of most of it to good advantage. In January, 1873, Mr. Meredith was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Coles, who died in 1905. One son was born to them, namely, John C., who conducts one of the largest music stores in Dayton. Politically, Mr. Meredith is a Republican, and takes a deep interest in the success of the principles of that party. MELVILLE W. ALEXANDER, residing at No. 216 Chestnut Street, has been a resident of Piqua, Ohio, continuously since March, 1869, and is now living in retirement after many years of business activity. He was born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1845, and is a son of Henry and Catherine (Wise) Alexander. Henry Alexander was a carpenter by trade and in early life worked at lock building on the canal. After coming to Miami County, he worked at his trade and followed farming until his death, which occurred in the middle eighties. He was a stanch Republican in politics, whilst religiously he was a devout Methodist. His 516 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY wife was born near Newport, Ohio, and is now living with the subject of this sketch at the ripe old age of eighty-six years. Mellville W. Alexander was a baby in arms at the time of his parents' removal from Dayton to Miami County in 1845, and here he was reared to maturity. He attended the district schools and worked on a farm until August, 1862, when he enlisted as a member of Company A, 110th Regiment. Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He participated in much hard fighting and was captured at Winchester, Virginia, June 15, 1863. He was then imprisoned at Belle Isle, Richmond, Virginia, until paroled on July 10, 1864. He was honorably discharged in August, 1864, for disability as a result of gunshot wounds received in the battle of Mine Run. He was a very efficient soldier and took part in all of the engagements of his company while in the service, except during the period of his incarceration and disability. His company was accorded the post of honor in the Grand Review at Washington. Upon leaving the army he resumed farming operations and continued for two years after his Marriage. Then in the spring of 1869, he moved to Piqua, where for a period of twenty-five years he engaged in the transfer business. At the end of that time he embarked in the grocery business in partnership with his youngest son and continued several,years, since which time he has lived a retired life. His three sons have continued the grocery with good results. December 6, 1866, Mr. Alexander was married to Miss Frances E. Aspinall, who was born at New Lisbon, Ohio, and is a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Brown) Aspinall, natives of England. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander have three sons and one daughter, namely : Elmer E.; Mattie B.. wife of C. D. McCoy of Piqua; Walter W.; and John W. Religiously, they are members of the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a member of the official board. He is an active member of the Mitchell Post, G. A. R., of Piqua. ISAAC KNICK, a veteran of the Civil War, and a well known retired farmer, owns and resides upon a farm of seventy-seven acres in Staunton Township, Miami County. Ohio, on the eastern line of the township. He was born in Lost Creek Township, Miami County, October 18, 1829, and is a son of William and Rachel (Armstrong) Knick. William Knick was born at Rock Bridge, Virginia, and after his marriage moved to Miami County, Ohio. His first purchase of land was forty-seven acres in Lost Creek Township, and to this he later added. The property was well improved at the time of its purchase and he continued to reside upon it until his death, although he was practically retired for some years. He was survived by his wife for a number of years. They were parents of the following, children : John, William, James, George, Harrison, Thomas, Rebecca, deceased wife of Samuel Cavender; and Isaac. All ae now deceased except Thomas and the subject of this record. Isaac Knick spent his boyhood days on the farm in Lost Creek Township and received his education in the district schools. He was in the state service for a time before going to the front, and in May, 1864 AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 517 enlisted as a member of Company I, One Hundred and Forty-seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Glass. He served until the close of the war without injury or sickness. Upon his return from the front he resumed farming operations, at which he has since continued, although he is practically retired at the present time, the farm being conducted by his son-in-law, Walter Gray. He purchased his farm from the other heirs of his father's estate, and has a well improved property. He receives a pension of $20 per month from the United States Government. September 23, 1871, Mr. Knick was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Roselle Kreglow, who was a daughter of George Kreglow. She died in October, 1908, at the age of fifty-nine years. They became parents of the following: George, of Casstown, who married Julia Biser and has a son, Leonard; Glen, of Casstown, who married Lillian Mott ; Daisy Dean, wife of John Herbert Colebaugh, of Casstown, by whom she has two children, Harold and Helen ; Alice May, wife of Irwin Knick, who lives east of Casstown ; Emma, wife of Walter Gray; and Flossie Fern, who died in infancy. Politically, Mr. Knick is a Democrat. He is a member of Coleman Post, G. A. R. of Troy. GEORGE FAVORITE, the late proprietor of the George Favorite stock farm, which consists of 505 1/2, acres of land in Miami County, 180 acres on which Mr. Favorite lived being situated three and one-half miles northwest of Troy, in Concord Township, 133 acres in Brown Township and the remainder in Concord Township, was one of the most substantial men and progressive farmers and stockraisers of this section of Ohio. Mr. Favorite had the distinction of being the oldest man in Concord Township in point of continued residence, never having lived farther than one mile from his home. He was born in Concord Township, Miami County, Ohio, June 20, 1857, a son of Daniel and Sarah (Eppert) Favorite, and died May 24, 1909, when nearly fifty-two years of age. Daniel Favorite was born on the site of Tippecanoe City, where his father was an early settler and reared a large family, Daniel being one of the older members. Daniel Favorite married Sarah Eppert, a native of Pennsylvania, who died in 1889, aged sixty-seven years, surviving her husband for twelve years. They had eight children: William, Jonathan and John, all deceased; Henry, Elizabeth, now deceased, who was the wife of Casper Longendelpher ; Daniel; George; and Albert, deceased. Daniel Favorite was a self-made man, a hard worker all through his active life. Before moving from Tippecanoe City he owned 100 acres of land and when he died he left 344 acres, which he had already divided with his children. His death was somewhat sudden, occurring at the office of his physician, Dr. Harrison, of Covington, July 9, 1877, at the age of sixty-one years. He was a kind, good man and was respected and esteemed by his family and neighbors. George Favorite took so much interest in helping his father on the farm that the latter gave him a share in its products from the time he was twelve years old. The father desired the son to go to school but the latter knew he was needed on the 518 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY farm and took little advantage of his edu eational opportunities. His first purchase of land was made when he was seventeen years old, when he paid his brother John the sum of $5,500 for eighty acres of the farm on which he afterwards resided, adding more land as he had capital for investment. The George Favorite stock farm is one of the best located and best kept in all this section. Mr. Favorite never had a school education but he was a remarkably well informed man and possessed great business qualities. He traveled over the country when he wanted stock, purchasing at Chicago and other cattle marts. He made his own improvements on his lands, including tiling, fencing and buildings. When he took charge of his home farm he found the land poor and requiring much attention, producing as its best crop forty bushels of corn to the acre, which yield he increased to about ninety bushels. He carried on all his business dealings in a practical way, making use of the best machinery, and adopting many modern- methods, the result being that he was more than usually successful. In December, 1870, Mr. Favorite was married to Miss Sarah Graham, a daughter of James Graham, and they became the parents of three children : Bert, who married Nora Wilhelm, and has one son, Leonard; Emory, who resides at home and operates the farm; and Laura. Mr. Favorite has given his children many advantages and they are all representative young people of the neighborhood. Mr. Favorite voted with the Republican party but never took any great interest in politics. His death, above recorded, deprived the township of one of its most industrious and worthy citizens. O. L. HARTLE, manager of the Covington Lumber Company of Covington, Ohio, an important business combination dealing in lumber, coal, oils, paints and cement, is one of the progressive and enterprising citizens of this place. He was born on farm in Newberry Township, Miami County, Ohio, in 1872, and is a son of James and Catherine (Lehman) Hartle. Owing to the death of his father when the subject of this sketch was but twelve years of age, the latter was very early left to provide for his own necessities and to make his own choice of a business career and his preparation for it. To secure a comprehensive education was his first ambition and in 1893 he graduated from the Covington High School and then entered Juniate College at Huntington, Pennsylvania, where he was graduated in 1895. In the meanwhile he had taught school and also engaged for a time in a dry goods and grocery business at Bradford. Mr. Hartle came to Covington to engage in the lumber business in connection with Joseph Murphy, February 17, 1901, the yards being at the location on Piqua Avenue now utilized by the Covington Lumber Company, organized on April 1, 1906. Mr. Hartle is a stockholder in this concern and is both manager and treasurer. A large business is done and a considerable force of men kept at work. Mr. Hartle married Miss Margaret Mikesell, a daughter of Jacob Mikesell, of Covington, and they have had two children : Mellie, who died when aged eighteen months ; and James Lowell. Mr. and Mrs. Hartle are members of the Brethren Church. Mr. Hartle is known as an honorable, upright business man and good citizen. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 521 FRANCIS M. BERRYHILL, deceased, was one of Brown Township's prominent and substantial citizens, for over thirty years being identified with its best interests. He was born June 17, 1838, in Greene County, Ohio, a son of Archibald Berryhill. Through some of his progenitors he was connected with Hon. Charles Thompson, who was one of the early men of public affairs at Washington, D. C. Mr. Berryhill remained in Greene County until 1864, coming then to Miami County and locating on a farm north of Conover, on which he resided until 1883 and which belongs to his widow, and then came to the present place, on which he erected a commodious residence, which is one of the largest and most comfortable in this section, all the lumber used in its construction having been taken off his farm. Here his death occurred November 13, 1898. He was engaged throughout the whole of his active life in farming and livestock dealing, and being a man of excellent business abilities, acquired an ample fortune. February 27, 1879, Mr. Berryhill married Miss Mary J. Hill, a daughter of Samuel T. and Eliza J. Hill, of Spring Creek Township, and they had two children, Cecil Laverne and Ethel Erma. The former was born February 29, 1880, and has made himself felt in township politics. at present serving in the office of township clerk. He resides at home and teaches school in Brown Township. Ethel Erma married Harley Bowne, November 26, 1903, and they have one child, Francis Thomas, a bright little lad of three and one-half years. The late Mr. Berryhill was a member of the Presbyterian Church at Fletcher. In politics he was a Democrat and for a number of years he served in the office of township trustee. He will long be remembered for his many personal traits, his kindness to his family, his friendly assistance given to his neighbors, and also for his honesty and integrity as a citizen. He was one of the men whose word was always as good as his bond. H. E. SCOTT, a representative citizen of Troy, who, since 1902 has been connected with the Troy National Bank, was born in Elizabeth Township, Miami County, and is a son of the late Thomas S. Scott. The father of Mr. Scott was born in 1844, on the same farm in Elizabeth Township on which his son was born, and spent some years as a farmer there. Later he settled at Troy and engaged in a hardware business for a few years, but subsequently purchased another farm and on that lived until the time of his death, in 1905. H. E. Scott attended the common schools and the High School at Troy, later took a university course at Lebanon, after which he was connected with the Troy Buggy Works for some years. During the administration of the late Governor. Nash, he served as recording clerk of the Ohio House of Representatives. In 1902 he became connected with the Troy National Bank. On March 3, 1897, Mr. Scott was married to Miss Alberta Stubbs, of Lebanon, Ohio. They are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a Knight Templar Mason, an Odd Fellow and a member of the Troy Club. JOHN WILLIAM ZOLLINGER, in whose death the city of Piqua lost one of its stalwart citizens and business men, was a member of the wholesale grocery firm of 522 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY Zollinger and Company. He was a man of very wide acquaintance in this vicinity, and had the confidence and good will of the people to a remarkable degree. Mr. Zollinger was born in the house in which he died, at the corner of Broadway and Ash streets, February 13,• 1859, and was a son of the late John Zollinger, an early merchant of Piqua. After the completion of his schooling, he began work in his father's store and later acquired a one-fourth interest in the business. At the death of his father, he and his brother, Samuel Zollinger, became equal owners of the store, which was conducted by them under the firm name of Zollinger & Company. He was taken away in the prime of life, and although suffering with an affection of the heart for a little more than a month, his death was sudden and unexpected. He died April 4, 1905, aged forty-six years. one month and twenty-one days. J. W. Zollinger, familiarly known as Will, was married November 13, 1883, to Miss Bessie Cottingham, who was born and reared in Troy, Ohio, where her family has long been prominent. She is a daughter of William A. and Henrietta (Jones) Cottingham. W. A. Cottingham was born in Troy, July 20. 1829, on the present site of the Hotel Troy. There he grew to manhood, but at an early age located at Piqua to enter the drug business with his uncle, Judge M. G. Mitchell, now deceased. He was married in Piqua, December 8, 1858, to Miss Henrietta Jones, who departed this life, April 17, 1894. They were parents of three children, two of whom are living: Anna (Mrs. Dr. Faulkner of Montra, Ohio) ; and Bessie, widow of J. W. Zollinger. A son, James, died March 5, 1879. Mr. Cottingham became affiliated with Center Lodge, I. O. O. F., at Troy in 1861, and was active in fraternal work up to the time of his death, serving as treasurer for more than twenty years. He joined with the Mulberry Street Methodist Church, July 30, 1871, and was thereafter a consistent attendant and liberal in its support. He passed into the Great Beyond, September 15, 1896. Mr. and Mrs. Zollinger reared one son, John Cottingham 'Zollinger, who is connected with the wholesale grocery business, in which his father was a partner. Religiously, Mrs. Zollinger is a devout member of Green Street Methodist Episcopal Church. WILLIAM P. MARTIN, who was born in Lost Creek Township, Miami County, Ohio, October 15, 1830, and with his brother, Abijah Martin, resides on and owns an undivided farm of 204 acres in Sections 26 and 27, Elizabeth Township, is one of the prominent and substantial citizens of Miami County. He is a son of Joseph and Mary (Clyne) Martin. Levi Martin, the grandfather, was a soldier in the War of 1812, from Pennsylvania, and in passing through Ohio, was so pleased with the appearance of Miami County, that he subsequently brought his family and established himself in what is now Staunton Township, where the present Mark Knoop farm is located. He owned 320 acres but sold 160, cleared the greater part of the rest and lived there until his death at the age of eighty years, when it went to his oldest son. He married Delilah Corbly and they had nine Children: Corbly, William, Levi, Joseph, Andrew, Asa, John, Nancy and Elizabeth. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 523 Joseph Martin resided on his farm of sixty acres, which was situated two and one-half miles north of Casstown. He married _glary Clyne, a daughter of Isaac and Olive (Ingram) Clyne, and they had three children, Abijah, William P and Hannah. Joseph Martin and wife died .on the same day from the scourge of cholera, October, 1833. When the Martin children were made orphans, their uncle Corbly was appointed guardian and William P. later went to live with an aunt, Minerva Hart. He resided while he went to school two and one-half miles north of Troy. The uncle, Levi Hart. had a cooper shop and there the boy learned the trade. When he reached his majority he bought a farm which he conducted in the summers and then worked at his trade in the winters. Wishing to see something of the country, he made trips to New Orleans at different times and also to Texas. where he bought stock and drove it north and shipped it to the great Chicago market. He then with his brother invested in another farm, one of 160 acres, in the vicinity of Alcony, which he operated for about five years and then sold it to George Crawmer and made another trip to Texas as a stock buyer. Later he worked for a time at the cooper trade at Casstown, Ohio, and then, with his brother, went into the real estate business, dealing in farm lands. Their present fine property coming into the market in this way, it formerly being the property of Levi Hart, the brothers secured it and have occupied it ever since, being partners in everything. Mr. Martin was one of the charter stockholders of the Troy National Bank and is a director of the same. In politics Mr. Martin has always been identified with the Democratic party and on that ticket has frequently been elected to township office. For fifteen years he served continuously as township trustee, and has served with the utmost satisfaction to all concerned as a member of the School Board and as township treasurer several terms. Mr. Martin has never married. ROBERT LEE KUNKLE, M. D., physician and surgeon at Piqua, with a very satisfactory practice and a wide circle of personal friends, is a native of Crawford County, Ohio, and was born at Galion, March 10, 1876. After graduating most creditably from the Galion High School, Dr. Kunkle entered Otterbein University, where he was a student for three years, after which he turned his attention to the study of medicine, and in 1902 he graduated from the Ohio Medical University at Columbus, Ohio. He at once located in Piqua and during his practice of seven years has gained the confidence of his fellow citizens and has proved his medical and surgical skill. He is a member of the Miami County and Ohio State Medical Societies and is secretary of the former. He was reared in the English Lutheran Church. Fraternally he is a Mason and belongs to the Blue Lodge and Chapter at Piqua. Socially he is a member of the Cosmopolitan Club of this city. C. ED. SNYDER, bookkeeper of the First National Bank of Troy, Ohio, with which institution he has been identified since the fall of 1874, was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, in October, 1857. The parents of Mr. Snyder came to Ohio 524 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY in 1865 and settled first in Auglaize County and came to Troy from there in 1872. Mr. Snyder was then a youth of fifteen years and he soon sought and found employment in the shops of the Troy Spring Wagon and Wheel Works, where be continued until October, 1874, when he entered the employ of the First National Bank and has been associated with it ever since. Apart from his duties here, Mr. Snyder has other interests of more or less financial importance. He is an active citizen and for some years served as clerk of the Troy Board of Education. In May, 1884, Mr. Snyder was married to Miss Mary B. Templeton, whose father, Rev. Milo Templeton, died after having long been pastor of the Old School Presbyterian Church of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have three children, namely Emma E.; Ruth T., who is in her fourth year in Western College, at Oxford ; and Charles E., who is in the office of the Eclipse Folding Machine Company, of Sidney, Ohio. Mr. Snyder is one of the leading members of the First Presbyterian Church at Troy and was treasurer of the same for twenty years, but resigned when he became a member of the Session. He has also been superintendent of the Sunday-school. FRANK H. PHILLIPPI, head of the firm of Frank H. Phillippi & Son, manufacturers of harness and dealers in harness, trunks 'and traveling bags of all kinds, has always been a resident of Piqua, where he is well and favorably known. He was born in that city in 1858 and is a son of Philip Phillippi, who came to the United States in the early fifties and took up his residence in Piqua, Ohio. Frank H. Phillippi was reared and educated in his natal city, and early in life worked for a time at stripping tobacco in a cigar factory. He then served three years' apprenticeship at the harness-making trade, at which he has worked ever since. N 1883, he engaged in business for himself as a member of the firm of Fisher Phillippi, a business association which continued without interruption until the death of Mr. Fisher in 1908. Since that date the enterprise has been carried on under the firm name of Frank II. Phillippi & Son. and the same success has attended its operations. Mr. Phillippi was married in 1881 to Miss Mary Schnell and they have the following children : Jerome, who is a traveling salesman and associated with his father in business; Marie, wife of J. A. Hefele of Kansas City ; Gertrude; and George. Religiously Mr. Phillippi is a member of St. Paul's church, while his family are members of St. Boniface Catholic Church. Mr. Phillippi is a member of the Piqua Retail Businessmen's Association. JACOB G. WAGNER, proprietor of the J. G. Wagner Tile Works at Covington, has been identified with the tile and brick industry for many years, having operated the first brick machines ever in use in Miami County. Mr. Wagner was born on a farm in Berks County, Pennsylvania, September 28, 1843, and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Gerhart) Wagner. The parents of Mr. Wagner spent their lives in Berks County. His mother was a member of one of the first families to settle there and both the Gerharts and Wagners