MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 125 joyed a steady and continuous growth. Mr. Hager is one of the substantial men of his community and has an excellent reputation in business circles for integrity and the fulfilment of contracts. He faithfully discharged the duties of citizenship and during the war period was active in his support of the activities of the administration. Mr. Hager married Sallie R., daughter of George and Charlotte Ingham, of Columbus, and to this union there have been born two children : Robert Ingham, and Marjorie Virginia. James M. Hays. Prominent among the enterprising business men of the younger generation, one who has come rapidly to the forefront in recent years is James M. Hays, proprietor of a flourishing cigar business at Piqua. Mr. Hays was born at this place, July 3, 1895, a son of Joseph A. and H. Myrtle (Myers) Hays, and a grandson of James T. Hays, of Kentucky, who fought as a Union soldier during the war between the North and South. Joseph A. Hays was born at Newport, Ky., and as a youth learned the trade of stove moulding, a vocation to which he devoted the -major portion of his life. When the Favorite Stove Company elected to locate its plant at Piqua, Mr. Hays came with the forces of that concern to this city, and here rounded out a useful and honorable career, his death occurring November 17, 1919. James M. Hays was educated in the public schools of Piqua and on leaving school engaged in the cigar business, first at Wood and Wayne streets, in 1908, and later in the Bijou Theater building. He moved to his present up-to-date store at the northeast corner of Wayne and Water streets, October 15, 1916, having one of the best-appointed stores of its kind to be found at Piqua and comparing favorably with the establishments of any of the larger cities. Mr. Hays is also local distributor of the Cincinnati Post, Columbus Citizen and the Dayton News and is a young business man of marked intelligence and vigor and one who has established a sound place for himself in the confidence and respect of the general public and his associates in business circles. He was active in all war movements of local character, and is fraternally affiliated with the Elks, Eagles and Theatrical Mechanics' Association. Mr. Hays married Nina, daughter of A. Fry, of Piqua, and to this union there have been born two children : Anita Jane and Dorothy May. Philip A. Hemm, one of the progressive business men of Piqua, Ohio, is counted among those who have attained to success in their native community. He was born in Miami county, Ohio, October 5, 1888, one of seven children born to F. X. and Barba (Butz) Hemm. He received his education in St. Mary's school, as have so many citizens of Miami county, and upon his graduation was for some time variously employed in office work. Becoming convinced that the commercial development of motor vehicles held a promising future, he gave up his office employment to enter the motorcycle business. He subsequently gave up this enterprise to embark in the automobile business, and in March, 1910 established himself in a business of his own in partnership with his brother, Frank J., tinder the firm name of Hemm Brothers. 126 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY Since the date of its inception the growth of the business has been commensurate with the development of the automobile business. At present the firm of Hemm Brothers occupies very modern and up-to-date sales offices, and the volume of business done demands the space afforded by two store buildings in Piqua, and in addition a branch office of equal size is maintained in Sidney, Ohio. A specialty is made in the sale of Buick, Cadillac, and Chevrolet cars, the agencies for which are held by the firm. Philip A. Hemm is an ardent supporter of all worth-while civic movements, and fraternally is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He was active in the war work of his locality, and could always be counted on to do his full share toward the support of the war loans, Red Cross and war savings stamp campaigns, and other movements of a similar nature. Walter F. Henne, who is largely connected with the industrial and commercial interests of Piqua, Ohio, was born at Troy, this state, November 15, 1868, a son of Charles and Theresa (Deis) Henne. Charles Henne was one of the prominent citizens of Troy and is remembered as one of those who were instrumental in securing the retention of the court house at that place. He was a prominent shoe merchant of his city for many years, and occupied a position in high confidence among his associates in the business world. He and his wife were the parents of the following children, all of the sons being active in the rubber industry : George W., William G., Walter F., Jacob, and Theresa. The sons are the principal factors in the conduct of the factories at Columbiana and Mansfield, Ohio, operating tire plants at each place. Walter F. Henne was educated in the public schools of Troy, and as a young man clerked in the postoffice and worked in the shoe store belonging to his father. Another shoe store was opened, at Piqua, and the younger Mr. Henne moved to this place to take charge. This business is now known as Henne Brothers' shoe store and enjoys a large and lucrative patronage. When the Piqua Amusement Company was formed, Mr. Henne became the treasurer and has since remained in this capacity with the firm which controls the operation of all of Piqua's theaters. He is also treasurer of the Columbiana Tire & Rubber Company, of Columbiana and Mansfield, Ohio, and is interested in the New Jersey Car Spring & Rubber Company, the two plants of which, one at Columbiana, and the other at Mansfield, employing about 250 men each. Mr. Henne's interests also include holdings in the Isaly Dairy Company, of Marion and Youngstown, Ohio, this concern being a manufacturer of condensed milk, ice cream and dairy products. He is a director of the Miami Security Company and of the Memorial Hospital. Mr. Henne married Sallie L., daughter of Fred Merritt, and to this union there have been born four children : Francis, who married Louis L. Hinsch, and Ralph, Frederick and Dorothy, who reside with their parents. Mr. Henne took a prominent part in all war activities and was a constructive worker on business men's MIAMI COUNTY-BIOGRAPHICAL - 127 committees. He is a member of the Piqua Club, the Piqua Golf Club, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Columbus, and he and the members of his family belong to. St. Mary's Catholic Church; Charles L. Hinsch, one of the progressive and enterprising business citizens of Piqua, Ohio, where he is general manager of the Champion Cutter Company, was born at Piqua, September 6, 1887, a son of W. L. and Julia (Hulsman) Hinsch. His father was a furniture manufacturer of this city, at the head of the business operated as W. L. Hinsch & Company. Charles L. Hinsch attended the public schools of Piqua and prepared himself for a business career by special course in a commercial college at Cincinnati, following which he became associated with his father, with whom he secured a practical training in manufacturing. January 3, 1918, he enlisted in the air service of the United States Army and was undergoing training at Vancouver, Wash., with the rank of second lieutenant at the time the Armistice was signed, receiving his honorable discharge January 16, 1919. At that time he returned to Piqua, and shortly thereafter assumed the duties of general manager of the Champion Cutter Company, with which concern he has since been identified, and to the success of which he has contributed materially. April 25, 1916, Mr. Hinsch married Helen Scott, daughter of William S. and Helen (Nelson) Johnson, the former of whom was for some years a well-known figure in the oil industry. To this union there has been born one daughter, Margaret Ann. Mr. Hinsch is a member of the Presbyterian church, while Mrs. Hinsch is an Episcopalian, and they are well and favorably known in social circles of Piqua, where they have numerous friends. James Clare Hughes, a leading member of the Miami county bar, ex-mayor of Piqua and one of the prominent and influential Republicans of his community, was born at Portsmouth, Ohio, February 5, 1875, a son of Rev. T. L. and Hortense (Clare) Hughes. Thomas L. Hughes, the grandfather of James C., was born in Wales, from which country he came to the United States and engaged as an iron manufacturer in Jackson county, Ohio, which county he subsequently represented in the state legislature. Rev. T. L. Hughes was a graduate of Ohio state and Princeton universities, studied theology at Lane Theological Seminary, Cincinnati, and was given his first charge as a minister of the Presbyterian faith in Adams county, this state. Later he filled pulpits at Eckmansville and Pomeroy, Ohio, Shelbyville, Ind., and Piqua, Ohio. At the latter place he was pastor of the Presbyterian church from 1892 until his death in 'goo. He was a man high in the councils of his church, being moderator of the Ohio Synod and had the love and reverence of his parishioners. He married Hortense, daughter of James D. Clare, a native of Alexandria, Va. Of the six children born to this union, James Clare Hughes Was the eldest. He was educated primarily at Shelbyville, Ind., and then attended Washington' and Jefferson College. After studying at the Ohio 128 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY State University for one year, he was a student at the Indiana Law School for a like period, and upon being graduated therefrom and admitted to the bar came to Piqua. Here he was elected city solicitor in 1901 and reelected in 1903, and in 1905 was chosen mayor by the vote of his fellow-citizens, an office to which he was reelected in 1907. His administrations were characterized by much constructive work and a conscientious endeavor to be of service to his city and its people. Mr. Hughes has long been prominent in Republican politics and is chairman of the executive committee of his party in Miami county, and a member of the state central and congressional district committees. His standing in his profession is an excellent one. During the war period he served as attorney for the local Red Cross Society and was active in other ways in supporting the policy of the administration at Washington. He is an interested member of the Piqua Rotary Club and his religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Hughes married Anna B., daughter of William Mathews, and sister of Frank Mathews, who was chief gunner of a battery of heavy artillery and saw service in France during the great World war. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes are the parents of one son, Thomas L. Frank P. Irvin is a typical Miami county man, born in Washington township in 186o, prominent in financial affairs, and of more recent years a leader in movements beneficial to the material and moral uplifting of the community. He comes of good Revolutionary stock, a direct progenitor, Samuel Irvin, having fought as a soldier of the Continental line. Among the most highly-treasured possessions of Mr. Irvin is a handsomely carved wooden spoon, which was bequeathed to him by his grandfather, and which was carved by Samuel Irvin at Valley Forge during the winter in which General Washington and his troops were encamped at that place. Aside from the splendid soldierly qualities wihch this patriot possessed, he must have been a man of exceptional skill of craftsmanship, as the spoon is a model of hand carving. This object Mr. Irvin regards as his most priceless possession. Adeline (Brown) Irvin, the mother of Frank P. Irvin, was of Quaker parentage and born at Philadelphia. Her husband, William Irvin, was a life-long agriculturist in Miami county, and was known as one of the substantial men of his community. Frank P. Irvin was educated at Piqua and graduated from the Piqua High School in 1880. He next attended Ohio Wesleyan University, and DePauw University at Greencastle, Ind., and after being otherwise employed for several years, in 1886 entered the employ of the Citizens National Bank, of Piqua, with which he has been associated ever since, through successive promotions attaining his present position as cashier. He is a director in the Border Building & Loan Association and has various other connections which are important in a business and financial way. Mr. Irvin was conspicuous in all local movements connected with the war drives and particularly those attendant to the loan drives and other financial campaigns. Mr. Irvin married Gertrude, daughter of W MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 129 F. Mayne, of Fairfield county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Irvin are consistent members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Irvin is likewise prominent in Masonry, in which he has attained to the thirty-third degree (honorary) Scottish Rite, and has been past master twice, and illustrious master of the council. For five years he likewise acted as district lecturer of his Masonic district. Clark B. Jamison. The name of Clark B. Jamison, of Piqua, is written in ineradicable characters on the roll of heroes who gave up their lives in behalf of their fellowmen during the great flood of 1913. In so doing he measured fully up to the standard which is the greatest possible in human life. The circumstances of his heroic sacrifice are set forth in the history of the Piqua flood, elsewhere in this work. Clark Jamison was born at Cadiz, Ohio, August 3o, 1864, a son of John C. and Eleanor Jamison. The father served two terms as state senator. He was educated in the public schools and after his graduation there from high school entered Franklin College, later attending a law school at Cincinnati. In order to assist in paying for his legal tuition, Mr. Jamison taught school at odd times, but after securing his admission to the bar he applied himself whole-heartedly to the practice of his calling, in which he made rapid and consistent strides. He was a constant student and an exceptionally well-read man, as well as one who made and retained many friendships. Mr. Jamison's uncle, John Clark, was a United Presbyterian minister, and rose to the rank of colonel in the Union Army. In 1892 Mr. Jamison married Bertha E., daughter of B. and Jennie (Hayes) Wilkinson, and to this union there have been born three children : Charles B., Bertha Jeanetta and Eleanor. Charles B. Jamison was attending the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, when he accepted an offer-to go to Panama, leaving Piqua, August 1, 1916. Later he went to Chile, South America, with the Guggenheim mining interests and there he is located at the present time. The late Clark B. Jamison was a man of numerous important connections, and had many friends in Masonic circles, he being a member of that order for years. His widow was greatly interested in the work of the Red-Cross Society during the great World war, and also lent her aid and means in the furtherance of other war activities. Webb J. Kelly, M. D. A practitioner of medicine and surgery for forty years, and for nineteen years a resident of Piqua, Dr. Webb J. Kelly has become widely and prominently known as a surgeon of splendid ability. He was born in Morrow county, Ohio, in 1857, a son of H. R. and Emma (Keech) Kelly. H. R. Kelly was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and studied for the medical profession at Starling Medical College, for many years following his profession at Galion, this state. During the Civil war he fought in the Union Army and rose to the rank of major, and during his lifetime served as a trustee of the Girls' Industrial Home by appointment of Governor Bishop. His mother was Sarah (Rockefeller Kelly, an aunt of John D. Rockefeller, the great oil magnate and philanthropist. H. R. and Emma (Keech) III - 9 130 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY Kelly are both deceased and lie at rest in the cemetery near Johnsville, Richland county. The only child of his parents, Webb J. Kelly attended the public schools and Ohio Wesleyan University and was graduated from Starling Medical College in 1879. Later he attended Bellevue for post-graduate work, and began practice at Galion in 1880, remaining there until Igo', when he came to Piqua. During a period of twenty-two years, Doctor Kelly was surgeon of four hundred miles of the Big Four railroad, and at this time is physician for the Meteor Motor Car Company and spends one hour a day at the factory of that company in connection with the industrial welfare work of the concern. Doctor Kelly specializes in surgery, a line in which he has won much more than local reputation. He is a great believer in the benefits securable from an out-of-door life, and his summers he always spends in roughing it in Northern Minnesota. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Improved Order of Red Men and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He was prominent in all local movements during the recent World war. Mrs. Kelly prior to her marriage to the doctor, bore the maiden name of Viola Coppes. Harry William Kress. In amusement circles of Piqua no name is better known than that of Harry William Kress, president and manager of the Piqua Amusement Company. A native of Cincinnati, born in 1879, a son of Henry W. and Selma Kress, of that city, he was educated in the public schools and at the Cincinnati College of Pharmacy, subsequently attending a medical college for three years. Professional life, however, did not appeal to him, and, leaving college, he embarked in the grain business at St. Joseph, Ill., later building and operating an elevator at Middletown. From this experience he developed into what is known as a track buyer, or one who buys grain on the track, and joined the Chicago Board of Trade. He was also a member of the Grain Exchange and handled export grain shipments out of Baltimore, Newport News and New York City. Mr. Kress came to Piqua in connection with the grain trade, but it was not long until he became identified with amusement enterprises, this connection eventuating in the formation of the Piqua Amusement Company. The first house operated under the direction of Mr. Kress was the well-known May's Opera House. Later he assumed control of the Strand, Bijou and Princess Theaters, Which he still operates. Under his capable management the best productions have been brought to Piqua, and the city has the reputation in the profession of being one of the best "show towns" in the country in point of patronage. Mr. Kress has a wide acquaintance in the theatrical world, and is very popular with all who know him. He is a member of the local lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Piqua Rotary Club. As a progressive citizen, possessed of civic pride and hustle, he has linked his name with those of other public-spirited citizens in the promulgation, fostering and successful accomplishment of a number of municipal enter- MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 131 prises tending to advance the city's welfare, and during the war period was a willing worker in behalf of the various war movements and a generous contributor thereto. Mr. Kress married 011ie G., daughter of J. M. Long, a well-known soap manufacturer of Cincinnati, and to this union there have been born tw,o children : Dorothy and Milton, who are attending school. Edward J. Kugelman, who is at the head of the well-known and substantial firm of R. Kugelman & Company, meat packers of Piqua, was born at Piqua, January 26, 1891, a son of Jacob and Minnie (Schmidt) Kugelman. This business was founded a number of years ago by Jacob Kugelman and his brother Henry, the latter of whom died April 27, 1912. At that time Jacob Kugelman bought his brother's interest in the enterprise from the heirs, and the firm name was changed to Jacob Kugelman & Sons, the two boys, Raymond and Edward J., being interested in the business and assisting in the operation of the plant. When the father died, in May, 1916, the sons continued the business under the name of R. Kugelman & Company, and continued to be successfully associated until January 5, 1919, when Raymond retired. Since then Edward J. Kugelman has conducted the business under the same style and has been greatly successful in his operations, the establishment being rated among the leading industries of its kind at Piqua. Another brother, Arthur Kugelman, is a student at St. Mary's College, Dayton. Edward Kugelman married Cecille, daughter of George Platfoot, of Toledo, and to this union there were born two children : Ruth Agnes and James Edward. Mr. Kugelman is a well-known and popular member of the Knights of Columbus and holds membership in the Piqua Rotary Club. With his family, he belongs to St. Mary's Catholic Church. Robert Lee Kunkle, M. D. In the uniformly progressive career of Dr. Robert Lee Kunkle several personal traits are quite noticeable, among which is versatility of talents combined with thoroughness of preparation and depth of medical knowledge. A practitioner of Piqua since 1902, he is a native of Galion, Ohio, born March 10, 1876, a son of Elias and Sarah (Flick) Kunkle, his father having been a locomotive engineer. Robert L. Kunkle was one of three children born to his parents and received his early education in the graded and high schools of Galion. He next attended Otterbein University, at Westerville, Ohio, and then pursued a course at the Ohio Medical University, now the medical department of the Ohio State University, Columbus, from which he was graduated with his degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1902. In June of that year he began practice at Piqua, where he has since been successful in building up and retaining a large and representative professional business. Doctor Kunkle is a member of the Miami County Medical Society and the Ohio State Medical Society and a fellow of the American Medical Association. His fraternal affiliations include membership in the Masons and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. For seven months during the great World war he was a lieutenant in the United States 132 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY Army medical corps, being stationed first at Camp Pike, Arkansas, later Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, Mo., and finally at Camp Taylor, Louisville, Ky. Doctor Kunkle married Florence, daughter of L. C. Cron, one of Piqua's leading business citizens, and they have one child, Frances Cron. Raphael and Meyer Louis, proprietors of the Piqua Paper Box Company, are men of recognized worth and standing in business circles of their native city. They are sons of David and Regina (Lebensburger) Louis, natives respectively of Prussia and Bavaria, who emigrated to the United States in 1854, and were married in 186o. In the latter year they came to Piqua, where David Louis built up a successful grocery business from small beginnings and became a merchant who enjoyed the unqualified respect of his business associates and the unbounded confidence of the public. He and his worthy wife are now deceased. They were the parents of five children : Abe, who is New York representative of the Atlas Underwear Company of Piqua ; Leo, engaged in the grocery business in this city ; Rose, Meyer and Raphael. Raphael Louis was born at Piqua, October 7, 1861, and received his education in the public schools. His introduction to business affairs was obtained in his father's grocery, and later he turned his attention to the jewelry business in partnership with his brother Meyer, with whom he founded the Piqua Paper Box Company in 1908. A detailed record of this concern will be found in the industrial section of this work. Meyer Louis was born at Piqua, November 1, 1862, and like his brother secured a public school education. For a time he was identified with the book and stationery business at Piqua, and then joined his brother in the jewelry business, eventually assisting him in the founding of the Piqua Paper Box Company. The Louis brothers are well known for their high business principles and sound integrity and have been supporters of good government and constructive civic movements. Meyer Louis was united in marriage in 1892 with Miss Fannie Stern, of Philadelphia, Pa., and to this union there have been born four children : Ruth, Samuel, Helen and Ralph. Samuel Louis enlisted May 25, 1917, in the United States Army and after undergoing intensive training at Camp Custer was assigned to the medical corps. After going overseas he was stationed at the Base Hospital at Mars-Sur-Allier, France, and continued there until the signing of the armistice, when he returned to the United States and was honorably discharged, being mustered out of the service with a splendid record, July 17, 1919. W. H. Loy, who is now living in retirement at Piqua, Was long held to be one of the most honorable and clear-headed citizens of his community. A man of marked organizing and systematizing powers, he accomplished much for the practical good of the enterprises with which he was identified during his long and consistently successful career. Mr. Loy was born on a farm in Spring Creek township, Miami county, Ohio, June 1, 1851, a son of John and Cynthia A. (Buckles) Loy. The father settled on a farm MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 133 in Spring Creek township, in 1853, and his wife still lives upon this farm. She is now (192o) in her ninetieth year. The Buckles family descended from Robert Buckles, son of a wealthy English landholder who came to America in 1719 as a stowaway. Since an early day the members of this family have been prominent in Miami county, to which the first emigrant from the East was James Buckles, a settler of Lost Creek township, near Conover. He had two sons who served as soldiers of the Union during the war between the North and the South, William and George, and his only daughter, Cynthia A., became the mother of W. H. Loy. She and her husband, James W. Loy, were the parents of nine children : -William, Horace, Wilbur, Luella, Clara, John, Grant, Nellie and Edward. W. H. Loy was educated at Piqua, Ohio, and remained at home as his father's associate on the farm until the time of his marriage. He then became a manufacturer of slack barrel staves, later engaging in the crushed stone business. He was for a time secretary of the Stone Products Company, which subsequently disposed of its interests to the Ohio Marble Company. Mr. Loy was identified with the stone business until the time of his retirement, since which time he has resided at his comfortable home at No. 516 North Downing street. Mr. Loy married Zelia DeWeese, daughter of Henry, and to this union there were born two children : Bertha, and Carrie, who married Doctor Eugene Tupper, of Ottowa, Ohio, and has two children : James and Carolyn. Mr. Loy's second marriage was to Miss Eva Godfrey, and they have one son, John , who was commissioned a second lieutenant of field artillery at Fort Benjamin Harrison and later advanced to captain in France. He is now superintendent of a manufacturing concern at Carey, Ohio. He married Helen Whitlock, of Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Loy is a consistory Mason and a member of the Piqua Club. With his wife and family he belongs to the Presbyterian church. During the war period he was a generous supporter all the way through of movements supporting the policy of the Government. Charles Herbert Lucas, who conducts a modern pharmacy at the corner of Wayne and Water streets, Piqua, is one of the younger business citizens who has succeeded in gaining a firm foothold in commercial circles. He was born at Circleville, Ohio, July 9, 1887, a son of Charles R. and Artie (Griest) Lucas, and comes of Revolutionary ancestry, his great-grandfather Clark having fought as a soldier during the winning of American independence. His maternal grandfather, Isaac Griest, was at one time sheriff of Miami county. There were three children in the family : Mrs. William Kuhn, of Columbus, Ohio ; Mrs. W. B. Toole, of Seattle, Wash., and Charles Herbert. Charles H. Lucas attended the graded and high schools of Circleville, and in 1wo was graduated from Ohio State University. For two years thereafter he served in the capacity of pharmacist at that institution, following which he became a clerk in the drug store of George H. Ficard & Sons, at Circleville. He was similarly employed at 134 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY Greenfield, Ohio, and September 7, 1915, came to Piqua, where he purchased the drug store formerly owned by Louis May. Here he has since built up an excellent patronage, through honorable methods of business, and carries a complete modern line of drugs, medicines, proprietary articles, toilet goods, etc. He maintains a high standard of business ethics and has the good will and esteem of his associates and the confidence of the buying public. June 12, 1913, Mr. Lucas was united in marriage with Lillian E., daughter of Dr. George and Melissa (Southward) Colville, and to this union there have been born three children : Richard Colville, Charles Herbert, Jr., and Robert Gordon. Mr. Lucas is a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, in which he has numerous friends. His business interests have kept his time occupied so as to exclude him from active participation in political matters, but he has not been neglectful of the duties of citizenship and has been a supporter of good measures. All war movements found him generous in his contributions of time, ability and means. Charles Warren Magee is one of the best known figures in the printing trade of the Middle West, and as head of the big Magee Printing Company, at Piqua, directs the operations of one of the largest and best-equipped establishments of its kind in the country. He was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, September 19, 1872, a son of Albert and Melvina (Harte) Magee, the former of whom has been identified, for many years, with the Pioneer Pole & Shaft Company. Charles Warren Magee was educated in the public schools and was still a youth when he entered the printing establishment of Jerome Smiley, at Piqua. There he served his apprenticeship and applied himself resolutely and sedulously to becoming a thorough and practical printer, a trade at which he worked at the case and otherwise until 1895. At that time, with his brother Edwin, he founded the printing establishment of Magee Brothers Company, at first a modest establishment which later grew steadily and rapidly under good management and honorable fulfillment of contracts. At the time of the death of Edwin Magee, Charles W. Magee assumed entire control of the enterprise the subsequent success of which is due to his progressive ideas and a thorough knowledge of the printing art. This is now one of the most efficient printing plants in the Middle West, excelling in high art printing and difficult color work and making a specialty of catalog printing for many of the large business concerns through-Out the country. During the war period Mr. Magee was a constructive force in aiding the various movements promulgated by the administration at Washington. He is a popular member of the Elks and Eagles, and belongs to the T. M. A., the Piqua Club, the Rotary Club and the Cosmopolitan Club. With his family, he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Magee was married in 1902 to Edith, daughter of George Simon, of Piqua, and to this union there was born one son, Charles Edward, who is a student at Todd University, Woodstock, Ill. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Magee married Miss Leota Merriam, of Dayton. MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 135 Mose Mickler. One of the prosperous business enterprises of Piqua which has shown a consistent and healthy growth during the comparatively short period of its existence is the Mickler Department Store, the directing head of which at this time is Mose Mickler. Mr. Mickler was born at Burlington, Iowa, in April, 1889, a son of Abram and Sylvia Mickler, his father having been a business man of Burlington and Piqua. There were six children in the family : John, Harry and Ed, who are identified with the Kaufman department store at Springfield, Ohio ; Mose, and two married daughters. Mose Mickler secured his education in the public schools of Burlington, Iowa, and Dayton, Ohio, and as a youth worked at the latter city for one year. In 1904 he came with his parents to Piqua, where his father engaged in business, the enterprise being first known as Mickler & Son. At first it was an unpretentious venture, but under the urge of progressive ideas and capable management it steadily grew, and developed, and recently it was found necessary to secure larger quarters, with the result that the present building was obtained. This store is well-appointed, handsomely equipped and possesses an attractive glass front, and the large patronage that the business has always enjoyed will no doubt be greatly increased in the near future as the proprietors are now in a position to cater to all classes of trade and especially to the more discriminating patronage. Mr. Mickler is a young man of sound business acumen, energetic in his actions and practical in his ideas. He is a veteran of the great World war, having been overseas for thirteen months with the infantry division of the American Expeditionary Forces. Kenneth Miller, who is identified with the promotion and operation of amusement enterprises at Piqua, is one of the younger business citizens of that community who has attained a place of prestige through individual merit. He was born at Piqua, in 1891, a son of John D. and Louise (Connelly) Miller, the former of whom is a member of the well-known clothing firm of Miller & Baldwin, clothiers. They had two children : Arnold and Kenneth. Kenneth Miller received a graded and high school education at Piqua, and after leaving the latter became associated with the clothing business, in the firm of his father. As a member of Company C, Third Ohio Infantry, he was called to the Mexican border at the outbreak of trouble with Mexico, and returned to Fort Benjamin Harrison with his company shortly before the entrance of the United States into the great World war. Later he went to Columbus, Ohio, where his contingent was detailed to guard bridges, and in 1917 entered the officers' training camp and after being commissioned second lieutenant was assigned to the Eighty-third division. In June, 1918, his regiment left for France, being assigned to the Le Mons area for intensive training, and while there Mr. Miller was promoted first lieutenant, his subsequent service being in that district. He was honorably discharged and mustered out of the service, August 6, 1919, and since his return to civilian life has interested himself in promotional and managerial 136 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY activities in connection with amusement enterprises. Mr. Miller married Mildred L., daughter of J. M. Hitt, of Circleville, Ohio, in February, 192o. He is a member of the local order of Elks and has numerous warm friends throughout the community who are watching his career with interest. Otto Millhouse, junior member of the firm of Lape & Millhouse, dealers in stoves and metal and household ware, is one of Piqua's reliable business men. He was born in this city in 1876, a son of I. and Catherine (Coifing) Millhouse, the former a veteran of the Civil war and for many years a substantial agriculturist of Miami county. Otto Millhouse received his education in the public schools of Piqua, and for some years after putting aside his school books was variously employed. In about 1900 he embarked in the hardware business, the present business having been founded by Orr, Comly & Sheridan. Later it Was operated by J. B. Sheridan, which concern was succeeded by Sheridan & Lape, and this was in turn followed by the present firm of Jape, & Millhouse. This concern is the local retail distributor for the famous Favorite stoves and ranges, E. W. Lape, connected with this firm, being vice-president of the Favorite Stove & Range Company. In addition to a complete line of stoves and ranges, the stock includes a full supply of kitchen utensils and metal household appurtenances. Mr. Millhouse is a capable business man who is also a courteous and obliging merchant and a man who has built up public confidence in himself through following a line of steadfast fidelity and integrity in all his dealings. He is a faithful member of the Church of Christ and has a number of civic and social connections, and during the war period was active in all local matters pertaining to the Government's drives for the gaining of men and money for the support of the cause. Mr. Millhouse married Mabel F., daughter of Lowrey and Mollie (Cuney) Russell, and to this union there has been born one son, Benton R.,who is attending the Piqua High School. Homer Victor Monroe. Among the merchants of the younger generation at Piqua, one who has made rapid progress during the two years of his connection with business affairs is Homer Victor Monroe, proprietor of the Monroe Cycle Store. Mr. Monroe was born at Sidney, Ohio, February 16, 1895, a son of W. E. and Lura (Noll) Monroe, who passed their younger days in Shelby county and are still residents of Sidney, where W. E. Monroe is successfully engaged in business as proprietor of a grocery. They have five children : Homer Victor, of this review; Paul, who is manager of a bicycle and supply store at Sidney, and Leora, John and Winfield, who reside with their parents. Homer V. Monroe received his educational training in the graded and high schools of Sidney and at Ohio State University, where he spent two and one-half years, specializing in science. With his education completed, he became a salesman for the Frantz-Premier Company, of Cleveland, a position which he retained until 1918. At that time he was ready to engage in business on his own account, and accordingly came to MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 137 Piqua, where he founded a bicycle establishment on North Main street. Here he carries a full line of bicycles, supplies, sporting goods and toys, and is Piqua agent for the Davis line of bicycles, including such makes as the Dayton, National and Snell. He has built up an excellent patronage, his customers having found him reliable, energetic and courteous and possessed of a comprehensive knowledge of his business. He is something of a natural mechanic and maintains a repair department in connection with his busi ness, which has shown a gratifying growth during the comparatively short period of its existence. Prior to coming to Piqua, Mr. Monroe was united in marriage with Aetna May, daughter of Charles Martz, of Sidney, Ohio, and to this union there has been born one daughter, Genevieve J. He holds membership in the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias, and Elks, in which he has numerous friends, and he and Mrs. Monroe are members of the Methodist church. During the war period Mr. Monroe was a generous supporter of war movements and Mrs. Monroe took an active part in the work of the local Red Cross Society. E. J. Myers, the proprietor of an automobile tire store at Piqua, is one of the younger business generation and a man who has attained success in several lines of endeavor. He was born in Frederick county, Maryland, March 6, 1889, a son of E. W. and Carrie (Nash) Myers, and was a child when brought to Troy, where his parents still make their home. There were five children in the family : D. T., E. J., Mrs. Crissie Collins, of Troy ; Mrs. A. Lynn, also of that city, and Mrs. Carrie Dye, of Piqua. E. J. Myers was given ordinary public school advantages at Tippecanoe City and Troy, and after the completion of his studies secured employment with the Allen & Wheeler Company, at Troy. Next, he went to Florida, where he homesteaded 16o acres in DeSoto county, which he still owns and which is rapidly becoming a valuable property. When he had proved up on his land, Mr. Myers returned to Troy and engaged as a machinest. While there he was engaged during a large part of the great World war in making aeroplane parts for the United States Government. Eventually, he turned his attention to the automobile tire and repair business, and finally moved to Piqua, where he opened a tire store. He uses the Anderson system of vulcanizing, and has built up a splendid practice, commanding a trade that includes the community of Piqua and the territory surrounding and adjoining. He is a young man of marked energy and progressiveness and one who is rapidly establishing his position as a business man of soundness and integrity. Fite is a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics and the Masons, and has numerous friends in each. Mrs. Myers was formerly Miss Daisy Marshall, daughter of Charles Marshall, of Troy. Louis G. Peffer, secretary of the Third Savings & Loan Company of Piqua, who is also contributing to the good government of the municipality through his services in the office of city treasurer, was born at Piqua, December 14, 1889, a son of Adam and Phil- 138 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY omena (Fink) Peffer, One of Mr. Peffer's brothers, George, is cashier of the Piqua National Bank, and another, Charles, is head of the Sidney (Ohio) Knitting Works. Louis G. Peffer was educated at St. Mary's Parochial School and as a youth secured his introduction to business affairs as a bookkeeper in a clothing store. In 1907 he became connected with banking affairs, and from that time to the present his advancement has been steady, his present office as secretary of the Third Savings & Loan Company having been secured through a display of ability and fidelity. During the war period Mr. Peffer entered the officers' training school, at Camp. Pike, but the armistice was signed before he received his commission. He likewise served as secretary of the Knights of Columbus at Camp Sheridan and Fort McPherson. His social and civic connections at Piqua are numerous, and his friendships extend throughout the city. The Piqua Plating and Novelty Works. While of comparatively recent inception, the Piqua Plating & Novelty Works has already established a reputation in the line of fine plating of metals. This concern was formerly owned and conducted by Fred Page and John Fecker, but in August, 1919, came under the ownership, by purchase, of E. A. Williams and Charles Tallon, the present proprietors. The business occupies the entire building at College avenue and Covington road, where a modern plant is maintained, and the proprietors are experienced men in their line, who understand every detail of the business and are thoroughly capable to carry out any contract in the field of fine metal plating and nickel, brass, copper and other metal finishing. The concern has permanently established itself in public confidence and its rating in business circles is high. Albert C. Priller, proprietor of a flourishing market at 131 Market street, is a substantial business citizen of Piqua, who has built up a substantial reputation for fair dealing and integrity. He was born at St. Paris, Ohio, and is a son of George G. and Amelia (Meyers) Priller. George G. Priller was a butcher by trade and established himself in business at Piqua in that line when he took his family to that city about 1885. His shop on South Main street was well patronized and he was generally considered a substantial citizen and honorable business man. He and his wife were the parents of twelve children, of whom nine are living : Frank, who is engaged in the meat business at Tippecanoe City, Ohio ; Fred of Troy ; Albert C., of this review ; Louis and Charles, residents of Tippecanoe City ; August, of Dayton ; Lena, the wife of Stephen Hughes, of Indianapolis, Ind.; Mrs. Agnes Manly, of Dayton, and Mrs. George Nordhoff, of Dayton. Albert C. Priller was educated in the public schools of Piqua and learned the meat business with his father, with whom he was associated for some years. In November, 1909, he bought his store, where he established himself in business as the proprietor of his present market, and since that time has advanced to a place of recognized substantiality among the citizenship of the community. Fraternally, he is affiliated MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 139 with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, in both of Which lodges he has numerous friends. He and Mrs. Priller attend the Presbyterian church, and during the war period were active in the work of the Red Cross Society and other war movements. Prior to her marriage Mrs. Priller was Miss Frances Shie. She is a daughter of J. W. Shie, who is still engaged in business at Piqua as the proprietor of a furniture store. John H. Prince, M. D. In the list of medical men of Miami county, the name of Dr. John H. Prince, of Piqua, is recognized as that of a capable and conscientious physican and surgeon, and a man who has established a recognized place for himself among the leaders of his profession in this locality. He was born at St. Paris, Champaign county, Ohio, in 1878, a son of Joseph and Amanda (Deffenbaugh) Prince. Joseph Prince, who followed agriculture during the active period of his life, was a veteran of the war between the states, in which he fought bravely as a member of the One Hundred and Thirty-first regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He and his wife were the parents of four children : William E., Charles I., Dr. Frank J., a physician of Stevensville, Mont., and Dr. John H. John H. Prince received his preparatory education in the public schools and at Heidelberg, and Tiffin, Ohio, and eventually entered the medical college of the University of Cincinnati, from which he was duly graduated with the class of 1909, receiving the degree of Doctor of Medicine. In September of that year he took up his residence at Piqua, where he has since been engaged in the acquirement of a large and profitable practice. He is physician for the Fraternal Order of Eagles at Piqua and a man of accepted standing in his calling. During the great World war he endeavored to enlist in the United States Army, but because of slight physical defects was not accepted. However, he managed to enroll as a member of the medical reserve corps, and in that capacity contributed excellent work, giving also much gratuitous service to the men who were going overseas. Doctor Prince married Edith, daughter of William Guinn, and sister of Lieutenant Dwight Guinn, United States Army, who saw service in France with the American Expeditionary Forces. Doctor Prince belongs to the local lodges of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Loyal Order of Moose, the Junior Order United American Mechanics and the Modern Woodmen of America. Both during and since the great war, Mrs. Prince has been an enthusiastic worker in behalf of the American Red Cross. Joseph A. Shade. In the lumber industry of Ohio, the name of Joseph A. Shade is recognized as that of a man who possesses an intimate knowledge of the business and whose experience has been broad and comprehensive. Mr. Shade, who is general manager of the Wright-Kuntz Lumber Company, of Piqua, was born at Dayton, Ohio, June 3o, 1855, a son of Joseph and Ellen (Livensberger) Shade. The Shade family, which possesses a brilliant mili- 140 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY tary history, came to Ohio from Berks county, Pennsylvania, while Mrs. Ellen Shade was related to the well-known Spitler family, of Pennsylvania. Joseph Shade was one of the largest tanners during the early days in Ohio, conducting a tannery at Dayton, to which he shipped hides from as far north as Toledo, via the old Miami canal. He and his wife were the parents of five children : Joseph A., Margaret, who married William Taylor ; Mary, who married Martin Herr ; Henrietta, who married Warren Benham, and Nellie, who married Frank Vater. Joseph A. Shade was educated in the public schools of Dayton, St. Mary's College, Miami Commercial College, and graduated from the normal school at Lebanon, Ohio, under Professor Holbrook. After leaving school he farmed for a time in Darke county. Subsequently he engaged in the grocery business at Noblesville, Ind., and while there was united in marriage with Kate L., daughter of Homer Evans. Homer Evans married Harriett Emily Brown, a native of New York, in March, 1860, and they were the parents of five children, three of whom died in infancy. Those surviving are Mrs. Shade, and Mrs. F. P. Johns, of San Jose, Calif. Mr. Evans died in 1903, and Mrs. Evans in 1920. An uncle of Mrs. Shade, Major John B. Evans, became noted for his military record during the war between the states, and another uncle, James Evans, was elected congressman from Indiana. After his marriage, Mr. Shade went to Springfield, Mo., where he engaged for a time in farming, but later returned to Ohio and became associated with the Wright-Kuntz Lumber Company, first at Greenville, where he rose to a foremanship. He was then made bookkeeper, and in 1889 came to Piqua as manager of the local plant, a position which he has since occupied, in addition to discharging the duties of vice-president and treasurer. Mr. Shade, in addition to being one of his city's leading business men, has taken a prominent and active part in civic affairs. He was a member of the city council during the momentous flood period, when he was credited with much effective work in the way of reconstruction, and was prominent in the fight for location of the "Y" elevation of the railroad tracks, defending the city's interests at that time. He has likewise been interested in the revival of waterway transportation, and when Gen. Warren Kiefer was in Congress, Mr. Shade became one of the congressman's chief supporters in the advocacy of a barge canal through this region. At the Retail at Convention, and at the conven- tion of lumbermen, at Toledo, he introduced resolutions favorable to this project. He has at times gone to considerable personal expense in advocating canal construction and traffic. At all times he has shown himself a constructive and public-spirited citizen, willing to give of his time, abilities and means in any project which has promised to redound to the benefit of the city and its people. Mr. and Mrs. Shade are the parents of four children : Homer and Harry, who died in infancy ; Ruth M., the wife of Leon F. Koester, and they are the parents of four daughters, Louise, Rosiland, Harriet, and Laura ; and Harriet, who died at the age of six years. MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 141 William E. Rogers. One of the men who enjoys an excellent reputation in business circles of Piqua is William E. Rogers, implement dealer and ex-sheriff of Miami county. Mr. Rogers Was born at Ironton, Ohio, a son of Peter and Anna (Williams) Rogers, and a nephew of Thomas Williams, who established a lasting reputation for bravery during his service as a soldier of the Union in the war between the North and the South. Peter Rogers was born in France, of English parents who had gone to France from their native Staffordshire, to which they eventually returned. Peter Rogers was but eighteen years of age when he came to the United States, and during the remainder of his life was variously employed, principally with the iron industry. He and his wife were the parents of three children : William E., Emma, and Mrs. Elizabeth Fisher, whose son, Roger Fisher, served in the United States Infantry during the great World war. William E. Rogers was educated in the public schools of Ironton, where he spent some years working in the iron and steel industry. In 1899 he came to Piqua and entered the plant of the Cincinnati Corrugating Company, with which concern he continued to be identified until 1902, when he was elected sheriff of Miami county on the Republican ticket. He proved a capable and energetic official, and at the expiration of his term, in 1906, embarked in the implement business. He enjoys an excellent patronage_ and a reputation for sound integrity and honorable transactions. Mr. Rogers belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias and is a thirty-second degree Mason. Mrs. Rogers, a lady of numerous accomplishments, was formerly Miss Grace Gilles. Will J. Prince, acting postmaster of Piqua, and one of that city's most favorably known men of the younger generation, was born at Piqua, April 19, 1889, a son of William and Jennie (Schneider) Prince. The Prince family is an old and honorable one which originated in this country in West Virginia, in which state was born the grandfather of Mr. Prince. An uncle, Isaac Redenbaugh, met a soldier's death at the Battle of Petersburg, during the war between the states. William Prince was a graduate of the Ohio Eclectic College of Medicine, Cincinnati, and for many years was engaged in the practice of his profession at Piqua. Appointed postmaster, he occupied that office from August 27, 1913, until his death March 28, 1918. He was a member of the Piqua School Board for a quarter of a century, being president for many years, and likewise served in the capacity of director of safety for several years. Will J. Prince attended the public schools of Piqua, and after graduating from the Piqua High School pursued courses at Exeter College, New Hampshire, and Wittenberg College. He began his business career as part owner of the Landham & Prince Milling Company, at Union City, Ind., and later entered journalism and was made city editor of the Piqua Daily Call. With his father and others, he became one of the organizers of the Piqua Daily Press, with which he continued to be identified until the entrance of the United States into the World war. As a volunteer of Corn- 142 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY pany C, Ohio National Guard, he left Piqua with his company and later became attached to Headquarters Company, One Hundred and Forty-eighth regiment, Thirty-seventh division, as supply sergeant having charge of equipment and supplies. He was sent overseas with this contingent and during the engagements of the Argonne, St. Mihiel and Flanders was in charge of transporting supplies to his regiment at the front. When his lieutenant was wounded in the stomach and incapacitated during the Argonne battle, Sergeant Prince assumed charge of a wagon train, as next in command, and continued so until the close of the war. His distinguished services in this connection won him a citation. Following the signing of the armistice, his regiment was returned home and he again took up his residence at Piqua. May 15, 1919, he was appointed temporary postmaster, succeeding his father who had died in office. He has discharged the duties of this, office in a highly commendable manner, and has won the unqualified confidence of his fellow-citizens as a man of unquestioned integrity and marked ability. Mr. Prince married Loa Flo; daughter of Joseph and Mary Wilson, of R. F. D. No. 4, Piqua. He is a member of the Masons, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and Loramie Tribe of the Improved Order of Red Men, of which he is sachem. His religious affiliation is with the Presbyterian church. Mr. Prince is enthusiastically interested in the affairs of the American Legion, being post commander of Paul Schnell Post, No. 184, Piqua, by which he was elected delegate to the first convention of the American Legion, held at Minneapolis, Minn. Lawrence P. Roney. In the field of realty dealing, one of Piqua's citizens who has achieved success is Lawrence P. Roney. Mr. Roney has passed his life in Miami county, having been born at Troy, in .April, 1882, a son of L. R. and Marietta (Pence) Roney, and a nephew of the noted Henry B. Roney, the musician and theatrical man, who has toured the country for a number of years with the attraction known as the Roney boys. Silas Roney, the grandfather of Lawrence P., was a captain of Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the Civil war and after a distinguished career as a soldier won recognition and position in civil life. The Pence family originated in the vicinity of St. Paris, Ohio, the maternal grandfather of Mr. Roney being Amos Pence, a Well-known citizen of Champaign county, where the Pence family was prominently known for many years. L. R. and Marietta Roney were the parents of four children : Lawrence P., William, Bernard and Loretta. The last named is now the wife of Harry Brading, of Evansville, Ind. Lawrence P. Roney was educated in the public schools of Troy, Ohio, after leaving which he became identified with the wall paper business. From early manhood he had evidenced an attraction to the real estate business, and upon coming to Piqua, in 1918, established himself in business as an operator in and handler of realty. He has already figured prominently in some large and important transactions, and is known as an alert and wide-awake dealer, possessing a keen knowledge of values and evidenc- MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 143 ing marked integrity in his dealings. He belongs to several civic arid social bodies, including the Cosmopolitan Club, and while his residence here has been comparatively of short duration, he has already entered fully into the active life of the enterprising city. William Wilson Wood, III., vice-president and treasurer of The Wood Shovel & Tool Company and one of the sound and substantial business citizens of Piqua, was born in this city March 19, 1878, a son of Harley Kirk Wood and a grandson of William Webster Wood. The Woods form an old Colonial family who came to New England from England in 1637 and established themselves in New Hampshire, whence several members of the family enlisted for service in the Revolutionary war. William Webster Wood came from Hollis, N. H., to Piqua, Ohio, in 1837, and became prominent in the early affairs of the community, both as a citizen and a business man. He was a seeker for gold in California during the early fifties, but returned to Piqua and here rounded out an eminently successful and honorable career. His son, Harley Kirk Wood, has long been a leader in business life, as president of The Wood Shovel & Tool Company, president and member of the board of directors of the Piqua National Bank and former president and general manager for many years of The Piqua Electric Company. He has also been a leader in church, educational, fraternal and social circles. He married Frances Adelaide Wilson, a daughter of Judge William Martin Wilson, and a granddaughter on the maternal side of Major James Maxwell Dorsey, the first treasurer of Miami University. The only child of his parents, William W. Wood attended the Piqua High School and Phillips Academy, at Exeter, N. H., from which he was graduated with the class of 1898. Returning to his home, he entered the employ of The Piqua Electric Company, with which concern he was identified until December, 1899, when he became associated with The Philadelphia Clay Manufacturing Company, at Carlisle, Pa. Two years later he severed that connection and returned to Piqua and soon afterward became one of the incorporators of The Wood Shovel & Tool Company, of which he became secretary and treasurer. The industry is one of importance and Mr. Wood possesses the energy, influence, enterprise and capability to make it one of the leading concerns of its line in the country. In politics Mr. Wood is an ardent Republican and stands high in the councils of his party. He has served as chairman of the Republican County Central Committee and the County Executive Committee, and has the tact and diplomacy which are so necessary to make these offices effective in maintaining party harmony and securing tangible results in the way of success. In 192o he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention held at Chicago which nominated Warren G. Harding, of Ohio, for the presidency, and thereafter worked energetically in behalf of the senator's candidacy. He was an alternate-at-large to the national convention of 1912 and a delegate as well in 1916. Mr. Wood is an interested member of the Piqua Club and a prominent Mason. He is also a 144 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY member of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Ohio Society of New York. His religious connection is with the St. James Protestant Episcopal Church, to which also belongs Mrs. Wood, who prior to her marriage was Miss Aileen Frederick Boal, of Piqua, a daughter of William King Boal and Eliza Van Bibber Boal. Forest Lee Schmidlapp, who has been prominently identified with several leading business concerns of Piqua and is now an official of the Piqua Paper Cap Company, was born in this city in 1884, a son of William D. and Elizabeth (Nollen) Schmidlapp. William Schmidlapp, who was well and favorably known to the business men of Piqua during a long term of years, had a number of interests, chief among which was the Piqua Malt Company, in the successful development of which he played an active and important part. The public schools of Piqua and Dayton furnished Forest Lee Schmidlapp with his educational training, and as a young man he became connected with the L. C. & W. L. Cron Manufacturing Company, of Piqua. Subsequently he transferred his interests to Cleveland, where he was concerned in the operation of a hardware enterprise. Returning then to Piqua, he assisted in the organization of the Piqua Paper Cap Company, of which he has since acted as an official, and of which concern a complete, history will be found in the industrial section of this work. A live and energetic, as well as thoroughly capable business man, Mr. Schmidlapp possesses in the fullest degree the confidence of his associates. He is well connected fraternally, belonging to the Masons, Elks and Eagles, and his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. During the period of the war he took an active part in assisting all war-time measures, and at other times has displayed a high order of constructive citizenship. September 6, 1913, Mr. Schmidlapp married Miss Mary Lawhord, and to this union there have been born three children : Forest Lee, Jr., Gretchen Mary and William David. Al Schuesselin, a popular citizen and successful business man of Piqua, has been identified here with the meat business for some years, and is otherwise variously connected with the activities of this thriving community. He was born at Pleasant Hill, Ohio, a son of C. F. Schuesselin, who conducted a meat business there for thirty-five years and is still the proprietor of a flourishing establishment at that place. C. F. Schuesselin married Elizabeth Steahlin, and they became the parents of five children : Fred, a resident of Dayton, where he is interested in business ventures ; Edward, who enlisted in Company C, Third division Infantry, regular army, and met a hero's death in the fierce fighting in the Argonne ; Arthur, who was in Company H, Eighty-third division, American Expeditionary Forces, during the great World war, and now a resident of Pleasant Hill, and who married Luella Croy ; Hermina, who resides with her parents, and Al. Edward Schuesselin left a widow, formerly Bertha Decker, the one child, Dorothea. Al Schuesselin was educated in the public schools of Pleasant Hill, MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 145 and as a youth learned the trade of butcher under the direction of his father. For a time he. was associated with the elder man, and then came to Piqua, where he purchased his present establishment, which was formerly conducted tinder the style of C. F. Schuesselin & Sons. He built up a large and representative patronage, and is accounted one of the leading retail merchants of his community. Mr. Schuesselin is a prominent member of the Presbyterian church, in which he is vice-president of the Good Fellowship class, being also ex-president of the brotherhood. Fraternally he is affiliated with the local lodges of the Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in each of which he has numerous friends. Mr. Schuesselin married Bertha, daughter of Joseph Trost, and they have one daughter, Norma. Hon. J. Harrison Smith. The possessor of a record of more than ordinary merit as a member of the bench and bar of Piqua, Hon. J. Harrison Smith is gaining added distinction by the manner in which he is discharging his duties as mayor of this enterprising and progressive city. Mayor Smith is a native son of Piqua, born September 1, 1861, his parents being John F. and Mary (Stoner) (Sullenbarger) Smith. John F. Smith enlisted as a Union soldier during the war between the states, and as a member of Company K, First Ohio Infantry, died of wounds received at the battle of Stone River, Tenn., March 23, 1863. J. Harrison Smith attended the country schools. He graduated from the high school at Piqua in 1884 and attended Ohio Wesleyan University one year, 1885-1886, then attended Harvard two years, 1887 and 1888. After studying law with John McDonald for a time, he entered politics and was elected secretary of the county central committee. Later he was appointed special government agent in Arkansas and Mississippi on mortgage indebtedness certificates, a law having been passed by congressional enactment to compile the mortgaged indebtedness of the country. Mr. Smith later went to Washington, D. C., to help complete the work of classification, having secured this appointment by competitive examination and being chosen first of all competitors by a process of elimination. When he had completed these duties he entered Columbian University Law School, now George Washington Law School, Washington, D. C., where he received the degrees of Bachelor of Laws and Master of Laws, and, returning to Piqua, engaged in the practice of his profession. June 7, 1896, he was nominated prosecuting attorney and was subsequently elected to that office, in which he served efficiently for six years. During the time he was in this office he was elected probate judge of Miami county and acted ably in that capacity for one term. He has since been engaged in general practice and is accounted one of the foremost members of the Miami county bar. In 1919 Judge Smith was nominated the candidate of the Non-Partisan ticket, for the office of mayor of Piqua, and in a campaign with the Socialist candidate, was successful over his opponent, taking office January 1, 192o. His administration has already been characterized by work of a III - 10 146 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY constructive nature which has served to win public confidence Mayor Smith married Anna, daughter of Bernard and Kate (Ford) Ball, of St. Louis. Mrs. Smith died March 17, 1916, having been the mother of three children : J. Harrison, Jr., who is deceased, and William Fred and Mary Catherine, who reside with their father. Mayor Smith is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and his fraternal connections include membership in the Masons, Elks and Red Men. Andrew G. Snyder. Although still classed with the younger generation of business men at Piqua, few are better known in business and, financial circles than Andrew G. Snyder. He is a native son of Piqua, and was born March 27, 1887, his parents being William A. and Fannie (Hall) Snyder. His father is chairman of the board of directors of the Pioneer Pole & Shaft Company of Piqua and a review of his career will be found elsewhere in this work. Andrew G. Snyder was educated in the public schools of Piqua and at Culver Military Academy, Culver, Ind. After his graduation from that institution he was variously engaged until 1912, in which year he became associated with the Magee Brothers Printing Company as secretary and treasurer. After eight years with that concern, he resigned in 192o, and at present has his time fully occupied in looking after his various large and important investments. Mr. Snyder is well known in social circles of Piqua and belongs to several of the leading clubs. He has also interested himself in civic affairs as a IS tiblic-spirited citizen, and gave of his abilities and means generously during the period of the great World war. He married Katherine, daughter of Edward Mason, of Piqua. They are members of the Presbyterian church. Lester Robert Spencer. To the man of ordinary success the varied and substantial results achieved by Lester Robert Spencer seem out of all proportion to his brief tenure of life and in no wise remarkable advantages or opportunities. Richly endowed with the qualities of initiative and resource, concentration and enthusiasm, and with his native city of Piqua as the setting of his ambitions, he rose to high position in public confidence and service, and his death, which occurred November 7, 1919, was accounted a distinct loss to his community. Mr. Spencer was born at Piqua, Ohio, November 19, 1884, a son of M. G. and Mary Elizabeth (Mitchell) Spencer, the father being a dry goods merchant at Piqua, who was also for a number of years engaged in the grain and lumber business. There were two sons in the family : John M., who is identified with the Hobart Manufacturing Company, of Troy, Ohio, and Lester Robert. Lester R. Spencer attended the public schools of Piqua, and as a young man was connected with the Troy Carriage Sunshade Company, as a salesman, a capacity in which he achieved an immediate and distinctive success. Coming to Piqua, he entered the grain business in association with his uncle, Daniel Spencer, and that connection was maintained for some time, the firm conducting elevators in Miami county and the surrounding community. Retiring from that business in Novem- MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 147 ber, 1916, Mr. Spencer entered the service of the United States Department of Agriculture, in the grain department, and at various times thereafter was stationed at New York, Washington and Chicago. He was chosen by the Government as a "dollar-a-year" man, and the services which he rendered his country during the period of the great World war were valuable in the extreme. Later, Mr. Spencer became identified with the Troy Metal Products Company, located at Cincinnati, Ohio, which was engaged in making war appliances and was a subsidiary company of the Hobart Manufacturing Company. He was identified as one of the principal factors of this concern at the time of his death. He left hosts of friends in business official circles and among his fellow-members in Masonry, the Piqua Club and the Rotarians. He was a devout member of the Presbyterian church of Piqua of which he was a member of the board of trustees, and funeral services were conducted there, interment being made at Forest Hill Cemetery. Mr. Spencer was essentially a strong character, and, for a man of his years, had broad and varied experience and had achieved a notable success. November 22, 1911, Mr. Spencer married Catherine, daughter of C. W. and Jane (Light) DeArmon, and granddaughter of Joseph Light, the well-known and representative citizen of Dayton. C. W. DeArmon was an official of the Artificial Gas & Light Company, and he and his wife were the parents of four children : Eugene, Catherine, Rutherford and Elizabeth, of whom Eugene is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Spencer became the parents of one daughter, Jane Light, who was born in 1912,, and who is now attending the public schools of Piqua. Robert Dorwin Spencer, M. D., is a substantial and honorable practitioner of medicine at Piqua, where the family of which he is a member has been known long and favorably. He was born at Piqua, May 2, 1885, a son of Daniel and Helen (Dorwin) Spencer. His father was one of Piqua's prominent and influential business men and a director in the Piqua National Bank, and was likewise a supporter of all civic and philanthropic movements, being a liberal contributor to the Memorial Hospital. The only child of his parents, Robert. D. Spencer received his early education in the graded and high schools of Piqua, following which he attended Wooster Academy for three years, furthered his preparation by a course at the University of Chicago, and then applied himself to his medical studies as a student at Rush Medical College, Chicago. Graduating in 1911, he was an interne in a hospital for approximately a year, and eventually settled down in 1913 to practice at Piqua, where he now occupies a well-appointed suite of offices in the Orr-Flesh building. He has been successful in attracting large. and representative practice and is recognized in his profession as a man of ability, conservatism and high ethics. He belongs to the various medical bodies and his college fraternity. During the war period he allied himself with various local activities, subsequently joining the United States Army Medical Corps, with the rank of first lieutenant, and being stationed at the 148 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY Medical Officers Training School, Camp Greenleaf. He was medical examiner on the local draft board of Miami county previous to entering the army. Doctor Spencer married Grace, daughter of Arthur E. Clark, of Piqua, and they are the parents of one daughter, Helen Dorwin, who was born in 1917. Conrad Winkelmann, former manager of the sales department of the Favorite Stove & Range Company, is an honored business man of the formative period of Piqua's history. He is also one of those rugged characters, who having accomplished their good work, located at Piqua to participate in its growth in material and civic affairs. Mr. Winkelmann was born in the city of Hann, Muenden, Germany, his father being a shipowner who operated a fleet of boats on the Weser river. On emigrating to the United States Mr. Wilkelmann settled at Cincinnati, where for a time he engaged in a variety of mercantile pursuits, as well as becoming an expert bookkeeper. In 1888 he became associated with the Favorite Stove & Range Company, then at Cincinnati, and when the plant and offices of that concern were removed to Piqua he accompanied them. Later he was made manager of the sales department, a position in which he was largely instrumental in shaping the sales policy of the company, which is now one of the largest enterprises in the world of its kind, and a detailed history of which will be found in the industrial section of this work. Mr. Winkelmann is now retired from active affairs and is living comfortably at his modern home at Piqua. He is a member of the Masons and also has numerous friends in business circles. Samuel Zollinger. While eight years have passed since the demise of Samuel Zollinger, this sterling citizen of Piqua is still well remembered for his industry and achievements, and the beneficent effects of his ability are still noticeable in the concerns which were privileged to share his co-operation. Mr. Zollinger was born at Jackson, Ohio, in 1838, a son of John and Susannah (Whitmer) Zollinger, his father being engaged in the grocery business at Piqua. Samuel Zollinger was still a child when his parents removed to Piqua, in the public schools of which place he obtained his education. When he left school he became associated in business with his father, and at the time of the elder man's retirement and subsequent death, Samuel Zollinger and his brother, William, succeeded to the ownership of the retail grocery business, which in later years they extended to embrace the wholesale side of the business. This became a thriving concern under their management and is still one of the large and prosperous wholesale grocery firms of this part of the state. Mr. Zollinger did not confine his activities to the grocery business alone, but was interested in various other matters, and was vice president of the Citizens Bank of Piqua and a member of the firm operating the Cron-Kilns Company. He was prominent in Masonry and for thirty years was treasurer of the local Blue Lodge, being also for a long time treasurer of the Green Street Methodist Episcopal Church and a director of the local Young Men's Christian Association. He held MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 149 membership in the Piqua Club, and was the possessor of numerous friends in business and social circles. His death, which was sincerely mourned, occurred in 1912, the interment was made at Piqua. Mr. Zollinger was married in 1871, to Dora, daughter of Madison and/ Mary (Hustler) Dye, and a granddaughter of Stephen Dye, one of the real pioneers of Miami county. Madison Dye was engaged in the dry goods business at Troy in an early day. He and his wife were the parents of four children : Charles, William, Frank and Dora. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Zollinger : Susan, the wife of J. P. Spiker, an underwear manufacturer of Piqua ; Mary, the wife of Frank McEwan, of New Jersey, and James, who is deceased. During the war period, Mrs. Zollinger took an active and prominent part in all activities attendant to the great struggle. Mr. Zollinger served in the Union Army. Earl A. Yates, M. D. Among the well-known and successful medical specialists of Piqua, one who has met with much success in the treatment and cure of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat is Dr. Earl A. Yates. Doctor Yates was born at Conover, Miami county, Ohio, March II, 1874, a son of Samuel S. and Phoebe A. (Shanks) Yates, natives of the same county, where they passed their lives, the father being a veteran of the war between the North and the South. There were six children in the family, namely : Alice J., who is married ; Florence E., deceased ; Mary A., married; Samuel F., engaged in business at Detroit ; Clara B., who is married, and Earl A. Earl A. Yates attended the graded school and high school at Conover and Lena and after his graduation became a student at the Ohio State University. He was graduated from the medical department with his degree of Doctor of Medicine, and began practice at Sidney, where he remained for seventeen years, acquiring a large clientele. Coming to Piqua in 1914, he has since been successful in building up a large professional business, in establishing himself thoroughly in public confidence and in placing himself high in the ranks of his calling and the estimation of his fellow-practitioners. He belongs to the various organizations of his profession, is a valued member of Temperance Lodge, at Sidney, and the Masonic fraternity, in which he has long held membership. When the United States entered the great World war, Doctor Yates began to give his support to the various war movements, and in the fall of 1918 entered the United States Medical Corps. He was sent to Camp Greene, North Carolina, where his entire service was passed, and received his honorable discharge in January, 1919. Doctor Yates married Martha B., daughter of Doctor H. B. Denman, a practicing physician of Lena, Ohio, and to this union there have been born two children : Ralph D., born in 1900, who is a student at Ohio State University, and Clara L., born in 1906, attending the graded schools at Piqua. Charles Benjamin Herr, sheriff of Miami county and one of the substantial citizen-officials of Troy, was born at Tippecanoe City, Ohio, in 1861, a son of Benjamin and Margaret (James) Herr, and a grandson of Rudolph Herr, a native of Maryland. Benjamin