MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 275 John B. Reichman. One of the citizens of Washington township who has contributed to his community's development through industry in farming and progressiveness in citizenship is John B. Reichman, who is carrying on extensive farming operations on the old McCracken farm. Mr. Reichman is a native of Washington township, his parents having been Conrad and Rosa (Holfinger) Reichman. His parents belonged to the steady going, God-fearing class, industrious and sober, and applied themselves to farming throughout their lives in Miami county, where they became property owners in Washington township and were held in high esteem. The youth and boyhood of John B. Reichman were passed in an agricultural atmosphere. He secured his education in the schools of the rural districts and his training was gained on his father's farm, it being all along the line of the vocation which was to become his life work. When he had reached man's estate he started farming on his own account, and was thus engaged at the time of his marriage to Bertha, daughter of Scott and Charity (Reigh) McCracken, farming people of this community. At the time of their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Reichman settled down to housekeeping on the old McCracken farm, where they have since carried on general farming and stockraising operations with much success. They now have a well-cultivated farm, a pleasant and commodious home, other good farm buildings and up-to-date equipment, and are included among the representative people of their community. They are the parents of one son, Luther. Mr. Reich-man has always shown a good citizen's interest in public affairs and civic movements tending toward advancement have enlisted the benefit of his support. During the World war period he loyally, contributed largely of his means to the various activities made necessary by that struggle. Mr. Reichman and his family attend the Christian church and in politics he is a Democrat. Howard H. Rike is one of the industrious and reliable farmers of Newberry township, classed with the rising generation of agriculturists who are acknowledged to be as broad and scientific in their methods and as fruitful in results as the workers in any other branch of modern industry. He was born at Toledo, Ohio, May 13, 1881, a son of J. C. and Anna R. (Weber) Rike, and belongs to one of the oldest families of Newberry township, which was founded here at an early day by his great-grandfather, who came from Maryland and took up government land here, his farm being the first settled in this section. The son of the pioneer built a log cabin near the present site of the Rike home, as early as 1848. J. C. Rike was given good educational advantages and entered the profession of law, which he followed at Toledo for about forty years. During that period he was one of the prominent citizens of the big city, being a justice of the peace for some years, acting for a long period as president of the Toledo Board of Education, and for a time being superintendent of mail carriers at the postoffice. In 1908 he gave up his varied and extensive interests in the city and returned to the farm in Newberry township, where he met 276 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY an accidental death, August 21, 1919. He was a man of brilliant attainments and fine intellect and was greatly esteemed and respected by all who knew him in his several communities and his varied capacities. There were four children in the family : Grace, who is unmarried and lives with her brother, Howard H., on the home farm ; Camilla, the wife of Ross Whitmer ; Leslie, who was in training with an artillery division for nine months during the World war at Camps Taylor and Knox, and is now identified with the Goodyear Rubber Company, at Akron, and Howard H. Howard H. Rike secured his education in the public schools of Toledo, following which he applied himself to the electrician's trade, and after, carrying on that line of work for a time at Toledo, went to Detroit and became identified with the Edison Building Light Company, with which he was connected for fourteen years. Returning to the farm in 1917, he has since engaged in the pursuits of the soil and within the short space of three years has secured recognition as a progressive, industrious and capable agriculturist. Modern methods have always appealed to him and the prosperity reflected by his property indicates the good management of its owner. Mr. Rike is unmarried, his home being presided over by his sister Grace. Frank H. Routson, who is successfully pursuing the vocation of a farmer and stock raiser in Newberry township, is the owner of seventy acres of well-cultivated and productive land and one of his community's highly respected citizens. He was born in Miami county, November 9, 1871, his parents being Josiah and Abbie (Swank) Routson, also natives of this county, who passed long and honorable careers here in the pursuits of agriculture and were greatly esteemed by those among whom their careers were spent. There were six children in the family, and of these three sons still survive : Frank H., of this notice ; Wesley, who is the proprietor of a successful shoe business at Bradford, Ohio, and Calvin, who is living a retired life at Piqua. Frank H. Routson received his education in the public schools of Miami county and was reared to agricultural pursuits. He remained on the home farm until about the time that he attained his majority, and November 6, 1892, settled on his present farm in Newberry township. This consists of seventy acres of good land, which Mr. Routson has brought to a high state of productiveness, and on it has installed a number of attractive buildings, including his comfortable home located on Covington R. F. D. No. 2. In 1892 Mr. Routson was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of William Stager, a Miami county farmer, and to this union there have been born five children : Emery E., who is engaged in farming on his own account a short distance west of the property owned and operated by his father ; Manley, who saw fourteen months of service during the World war, as a motor truck driver in the Fifth Division, and is now a resident of Piqua, where he is identified with the Meteor Truck Works ; Millard, who is employed by the Covington Lumber Company, at Covington, Ohio ; Willard, who is engaged in farming with his father, and MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 277 Paul, the baby, who was born in 1917. Mr. Routson has always shown himself worthy of the esteem in which he is held as a citizen, and was as liberal a contributor to war movements as he has been a generous supporter of civic enterprises. John C. Rudy. A skilled and progressive farmer, a citizen who has rendered excellent service to his community in offices of public trust, and a supporter of the institutions of education, religion and good citizenship, John C. Rudy is justly accounted one of the useful and reliable men of his locality. This highly esteemed resident of Newton township was born in this township, May 28, 1868, a son of Levi and Susan (Deeter) Rudy. His parents, farming people of Miami county for many years, were esteemed and respected for their dependable qualities and reared their five children to lives of industry and integrity. John C. Rudy was given the advantages of attendance at the district schools of Newton township, and grew up on the home farm, where he was taught the value of hard work and the principles of honesty and straightforward dealing. When he reached man's estate he entered upon a career of his own, starting in a small way and gradually developing his interests until he became, as at present, the owner of 172 acres of valuable land. This property Mr. Rudy has made one of the best in the township, erecting substantial and attractive buildings and installing good improvements. He is a general farmer and a raiser of a good grade of live stock, and in all departments of his work has achieved success. He has a pleasant and commodious home in the vicinity of Pleasant Hill, a community in which his friends are numerous and sincere. Mr. Rudy was a generous and frequent contributor to the various movements made necessary by the World war, and as a citizen has also supported worthy movements. He has likewise served his fellow-citizens capably in public office, having been road supervisor for a period of thirteen years, and at this time being for the second term a member of the board of trustees of Newton township. July 10, 1898, M. Rudy was united in marriage with Della, daughter of Samuel and Christiana Furlong, farming people of Miami county, and to this union there have been born three children : Ivy May and Elma Belle, who died in infancy, and Harold, who is associated with his father in the cultivation of the home farm. S. J. Rudy, one of the highly esteemed self-made men of Covington, where he carries on an extensive grain business and operates two large elevators, was born on a farm in Miami county, April 18, 1868, a son of William and Mary (Shafer) Rudy. William Rudy was one of the extensive farmers of his part of Miami county, where he passed his life in the pursuits of the soil, and as an honorable man of business and an exemplary citizen held the respect and confidence of all with whom he came into contact. There were five children in the family : Maggie, the widow of Allen Martin, of Covington ; Emma, the wife of Samuel Wellbaum, of that city ; Ida, the wife of Rollen Cable, of Covington ; Minnie, the wife of Harvey Wolf, of that place; and S. J. S. J. Rudy secured his educational 278 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY training in the country schools and began his career by working for his father on the home place, remaining under the parental roof and as the elder man's associate until he reached the age of twenty years. At that time he decided he was ready to enter upon independent operations and accordingly rented the farm of John Miller, located in his home community, and for ten years continued operations thereon. Eventually disposing of his holdings, he came to Covington and embarked in another line of endeavor, taking up the grain and elevator business, which he has followed ever since. Mr. Rudy started in this field of enterprise in 1898, with a modest capital, and had just gotten nicely started when he was given a set-back by the destruction of his elevator by fire. It was rather a severe blow, as his resources were not great, but he did not allow himself to become discouraged. On the contrary, he rallied all his forces and started on a larger scale, at his present location, where his operations have been crowned with marked success. Today, Mr. Rudy not only owns the elevator at Covington, but one as well at Bloomer, Ohio, which is operated by his son-in-law, Russell Heiman, and owns several large farms, which are operated by renters in Miami county. Whatever may be his success, and it is not inconsiderable, it has been attained through the medium of his own efforts and by strictly legitimate dealing which has given him a substantial standing in the confidence of his associates and those with whom he has come into contact in a business way. Mr. Rudy married Dora M., daughter of Ezekiel Kendall, of Covington, and to this union there have been born eleven children, all living: William, who was in the United States service during the World war for eleven months at Camp Knox, Camp Taylor and Camp Stetson, Louisville, Ky., and now is connected with railroad work at Bradford, Ohio ; James and Albert, operating the elevator at Covington, Ohio ; Alvy, who is working for James and Albert ; George, who is at home and the youngest of the family ; Nellie, who married Russell Heiman, associated with the elevator business at Bloomer ; Ethel and Dora, who are unmarried and reside with their parents ; and Alice and 011eta Fern, who are still attending school, and Susana, who is also attending school, and is a proficient violinist. While his career as a business man has been a decidedly busy one, entailing close attention to his interests, Mr. Rudy has always taken an active part in local affairs as a citizen and has aided good movements promising the advancement of the public welfare. For two years he belonged to the Covington City Council, where he gave a good account of his executive ability and worked constructively in behalf of his city and fellow-citizens. As an active member and liberal supporter of the United. Brethren church, he took a very active part in the movement which resulted in the erection of the magnificent edifice of that denomination at Covington. Samuel J. Schauer, who is numbered among the substantial and progressive agriculturists of Concord township, was born in this township, and is a son of John Schauer, a native of Pennsyl- MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 279 vania. John Schauer came to Miami county in early married life and settled in Concord township, where the balance of his life was passed in agricultural operations. He and his worthy wife, who was also a native of Pennsylvania, had three children : Hal, a resident of Troy ; Clara ; and Samuel J. Samuel J. Schauer received his education in the country school situated near his boyhood home in Concord township, and on reaching maturity adopted the vocation of farming for his life work. At the present time he is the owner of a flourishing farm of seventy-two acres, on which he is devoting himself to general farming and stock raising, his efforts having met with the success that his industry and good management have deserved. His property has been developed until it is as productive soil as can be found in Miami county, and in its operation Mr. Schauer makes intelligent use of the most modern machinery and appliances. In 1882 Mr. Schauer married Eva Kern, who was born in Concord township, and educated here, and to this union there were born two children : Lizzie and Gleno, both of whom are deceased. Mr. Schauer has no relatives who actually participated in the World war, but distinguished himself by his generosity in supporting the various Liberty Loan drives, and in the accumulation of the Miami County War Chest. Mrs. Schauer died about 1900, Mr. Schauer was again married February 22, 1912, to Rhoda Frey, daughter of Thomas and Lena (Kuntz) Frey, of Shelby county, Ohio, and to this union there were born two children : Hazel Irene and Dorothea Lucille. Rolla Y. Sharp, of Troy, Ohio, was born in this city April 12, 1862, the son of Richard and Emily (Tullis) Sharp, the former of whom was born in Virginia, and the latter in Miami county, Ohio. Richard Sharp came to Ohio in young manhood, and being a wagon maker, located at Troy. When the Civil war broke out, he patriotically offered his services to the Union cause, and served with distinction as a lieutenant in the One Hundred and Forty-seventh regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. To him and his wife six children were born, three boys and three girls, all of whom are now deceased with the exception of Ada, who has been engaged in teaching for the past thirty-five years and is at present instructing at the Edwards School, and Rolla Y., the subject of this biography. Rolla Y. Sharp was educated in the Troy common schools, and when he left took up work with his father in the carriage shop at Troy. He continued in this occupation until the year 191o, when he was appointed chief of the fire department. He served his community well in this capacity for four years, and then withdrew. After two years, however, he was again called to give his services to the fire department, and was thus engaged for another year. At this time he was appointed deputy sheriff, a position which he retains at the present time, having complete charge of the jail at Troy. Mr. Sharp married Clara Kellog and the following children have been born to them : Ada, died when but seven years of age ; Robert, attending Cincinnati University, and Richard, attending high school. Robert served in the armed 280 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY forces of the country during the World war, and saw five months' active service in France as a member of the coast artillery. Mr. Sharp is a popular member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has the trust and confidence of his fellow townsmen, whom he so conscientiously serves. Bert U. Shellhaas, whose identification with the farming interests of Miami county is that of a practical, intelligent and dependable farmer, was born in his home township of Newton, in 1882, a son of Michael and Charlotte (Ullery) Shellhaas. The parents were agricultural people who passed their entire lives in this county where they were the owners of a good Newton township farm and where they were held in the highest regard. Among their grand-children, 'William and Joseph Shellhaas were soldiers in the United States Army during the World war, both seeing overseas service. Bert U. Shellhaas secured his education in the district schools and was reared on the home farm. He has always devoted himself to farming and has made a gratifying success of his efforts, his prOperty comparing favorably with others in the township and his success having been won on merit. He joined other loyal and patriotic citizens in supporting the various movements made necessary by the demands of war, and has also been a co-worker in the various enterprises that have made for civic advancement. Mr. Shellhaas married Martha, daughter of William and Rebecca Folkerth, farming people of Montgomery county. Mrs. Katherine (Folkerth) Good, a sister of Mrs. Shellhaas, had a son in the army during the World war. Mr. and Mrs. Shellhaas have three children :1/1i Mark Allen, Mahlon F., and Martha Jane. They belong to the church of the Brethren. Politically he is a Republican. John H. Smith. Among the agriculturists of Miami county who have been identified long and prominently with the interests of this section and who through intelligent direction of their activities have contributed to the advancement and well-being of their community, one who is worthy of mention is John H. Smith, of Newton township. Mr. Smith was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, December 10, 1861, a son of Samuel and Katherine (Sharitt) Smith. There were four children in the family : Carrie, George, Perry and John H. John H. Smith was reared in an agricultural community, as his father was always an agriculturist and his education was acquired through attendance at the district schools. He remained at home for several years after attaining his majority, but in 1884 came to Miami county and began operations on his own account. For more than a third of a century he has been cultivating the soil in Newton township, and at the present time is the owner of fifty-three acres of good land, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation, devoting it to general farming and the raising of live stock. He has a good set of buildings, including a commodious modern home, and other improvement which reflect his progressive spirit and tendency toward up-to-date equipment and methods. His standing in the MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 281 community is that of a capable farmer, a reliable citizen and a man of sound integrity. During the war period he demonstrated his patriotism by his generous support of the various movements made necessary by the exigencies of that great struggle. Mr. Smith married Florence, daughter of Edward Whitman, of Montgomery county, and to this union there has been born one daughter, Lulu, the wife of Charles Holfinger, with one son, Harold, ten years old. Robert Janvier Smith, one of the most able and brilliant lawyers ever connected with the Miami county bar was born in Troy, November 13, 1865. Here he grew to manhood, and upon his entry into the business world, spent two years in the employ of the Piqua National Bank, after which he was admitted to the bar. For several years, Mr. and Mrs. Smith lived in Texas, both in San Antonio and Mercedes, where he was rated high among the men of his profession. Upon his return to Piqua he entered the firm of Long & Bell, and since his work in that capacity, the firm of Long, Bell & Smith has been a power in the city. For a short time before his death, Mr. Smith successfully carried on an extensive practice by himself. He was married to Miss Harriet Jones, on September 17, 1889, and to this union were born two children, Mrs. Paul Murray, of Columbus, and Walter Smith, at present of Santiago, Chili. Robert Smith not only made a success of his life work, the practice of the law, but he was a man of unusual literary ability. He loved the best in literature, and filled his mind with the great thoughts of the ages. His keen judgment, brilliant wit, his unusual power as a story teller, made him a wonderful speaker. His attachment to his loved ones, his allegiance to home ties was a prominent characteristic of his nature. His love for his little grandson, Paul Murray, Jr., made the visits of the tiny boy a rare delight. Even during the days of pain, he asked frequently for the "Little Maj." as he tenderly called him. Mr. Smith's death occurred May 23, 1920, and his going away made a vacant place in Piqua that can not be filled. A sense of distinct loss was voiced everywhere, for when a man of winning personality, of mental ability, and of clean character passes, all must regret the loss, and all those who knew and loved him must grieve with a grief that can not easily be comforted. Oliver H. Snowberger. Of the younger generation of agriculturists who continue to dwell amid the surroundings of their boyhood and with their newer energy and broader outlook are augmenting the labor of their sires upon landmark homesteads, mention is due Oliver H. Snowberger, of Newberry township, who was born on the farm upon which he is now carrying on operations, in 1873, a son of David R. and Lydia (Cassel) Snowberger. David R. Snowberger was born in Pennsylvania, from which state he enlisted for service in a volunteer infantry regiment during the Civil war. At the close of the struggle he returned to the Keystone state, but in 1869 came to Ohio and settled west of Bradford. Following his 282 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY marriage in that community he came to the property now owned and operated by his son, and here continued in agricultural operations during the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1907. He married Lydia, daughter of Michael and Mary Cassel, of Newberry township, who still survives him and resides with her son. They became the parents of four children : Andrew, Oliver H., Elmer and Mary C. Oliver H. Snowberger secured a public school education and has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits. Of recent years he has had entire charge of the farm, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation, and, is accounted one of the progressive young agriculturists of his locality. He is a young man of practical ideas and pronounced general ability, and has faithfully discharged the duties of good citizenship in times of both peace and war. On November 2, 1920, Mr. Snowberger was married to Mrs. Oma Hall, of Piqua, Ohio. She was a daughter of Peter and Tlista (Long) Bailey. She was a widow with four children : Lewis, George, Mary and Maudia, who live with their mother. Mr. Snowberger is a wholesale dealer in sand and gravel. He has a large gravel pit on his farm, and pays more attention to that than farming. Joseph M. Studebaker. During a period of forty-seven years, Joseph M. Studebaker has been carrying on extensive agricultural operations on his present farm in Elizabeth township, a tract of 195 acres of some of the most productive and fertile soil to be found in Miami county. This old and honored citizen of the Troy community was born on a farm in Bethel township, Miami county, June 28, 1849, a son of Jacob and Mary (Miller) Studebaker, and is the only survivor of three children born to his parents. Jacob and Mary Studebaker were early settlers of Miami county, where they worked their way to the ownership of a good farm in Bethel township, starting in humble circumstances and obscurity and using their opportunities and industry to carry them to material independence and the esteem and respect of their fellow-citizens. Joseph M. Studebaker had only those advantages in his youth which come from attendance at the public school and good home rearing. He was taught to be self-reliant, industrious and honest, and these qualities have done much to assist him during his upward climb. His own beginnings, like those of his parents, were small, but he was ambitious and determined and found a way to surmount each obstacle that appeared in his path. As a result he finds himself today the possessor of a fine farm of 195 acres, on a part of which he settled in 1873. His career here has been one of the constant and steady progress and he has so conducted his transactions as to win and hold the confidence of those with whom he has been associated. At various times he has found the opportunity to serve his community in offices of public trust and responsibility to which he has been elected by his fellow-citizens, and his public record is an excellent one. For two terms he was a member of the board of trustees of Elizabeth township, and for thirteen years did much for the cause of education in this locality MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 283 as a member of the Elizabeth township board of 'school directors. At this time he is supervisor of roads of his district. Mr. Studebaker was united in marriage with Mary N., daughter of Isaac Kline, a well-known agriculturist of Elizabeth township, and to this union there were born two children : Alva C., a prosperous farmer of Lost Creek township, Miami county, who married Minnie Bright and they, have these children, (a) Gladis, married Lee Zirkel, and mother of one child, Lewis E.; (b) Joseph Foster, (c) Marvin ; and Elizabeth Viola, who married Bert Esty, also a farmer of Lost Creek township and has (a) Olivine, (b) Jay, (c) Alva, (d) Eunice, (e) Edna, (f) Louise. During the World war period Mr. Studebaker was a generous contributor to all movements. His pleasant home, situated on Troy R. F. D. ,No. 6, is kept hospitably open to his many friends. Mr. Studebaker is now deceased. Walter E. Thompson, one of the substantial representatives of the agricultural interests of Newberry township, and a member of the board of commissioners of Miami county, was born on a farm in Concord township, this county, in 1874, a son of William and Nancy (Green) Thompson. William Thompson was a lifelong farmer in Miami county, with the exception of the period that he spent as a soldier of the Union during the war between the states, in which he saw much active fighting as a member of the One Hundred and Forty-fourth regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. When his war services were closed he returned to Concord township, where he became a substantial, influential and highly esteemed citizen. He and his wife were the parents of six children : Charles, Oscar, Walter E., Myrtle, Hattie and Georgette. A son of Oscar Thompson, Clifford Thompson, was one of the heroes of the great World war. While serving in France with an infantry contingent, in the front line trenches, he endeavored to save his comrades by rushing forward and seizing a German hand grenade which had been thrown into his trench. This exploded before he could cast it from him, blowing away his hand, and he later died from the effects of this injury and an attack of gas. The American Legion post at Troy is named Clifford Thompson Post in honor of his heroic sacrifice. Walter E. Thompson has been a farmer during the greater portion of his life, and has lived on his present property of fifty-three acres since 1911. He has modern improvements and good buildings and carries on his operations in a way that shows he is thoroughly conversant with the most modern methods and the use of the latest-improved appliances. During the war period, in addition to giving personal support to all the movements of the struggle, he was township chairman of most of the war drives, which he managed in an entirely efficient manner. Mr. Thompson has long been intimately identified with civic affairs and .during a long period was a member of the board of township trustees. In 1918 he was elected a member of the board of commissioners of Miami county, from Newberry township, and has filled that position very acceptably to the present time. Mr. 284 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY Thompson married Flora, daughter of Samuel and Nancy (Williams) Reiber. Mrs. Thompson had a nephew, Raymond Reiber, son of Albert Reiber, who served in the World war and saw active service in France. To Mr. and Mrs. Thompson there have been born two children : Therm and Thelma, both of whom are unmarried and reside with their parents. William G. Wilson, a highly respected citizen of Concord township, who has passed his career in agricultural operations, was born on the farm on which he now resides, in 1862, a son of John and Elizabeth (Debray) Wilson. John Wilson passed his life as a farmer in Concord township and was a man of influence in his community, where he served as a member of the board of township trustees for forty years and held that position at the time of his death. William G. Wilson is one of a family of eight sons and two daughters born to his parents. One of his sisters. Mrs. Mary Thomas, has one son, Wilson Thomas, who served in the United States Army during the World war and saw active service in France. Rijah Wilson, a brother of William G., has one son, Carl Wilson, who was a member of the famous Thirty-second division, which made a gallant record on the battlefields of France and also saw service in Belgium and Germany. William G. Wilson secured his education in the public school in the vicinity of his boyhood home in Concord township, after leaving which he took up the vocation of farming, which he has followed throughout his life. He is now the owner of a ninety-acre property, all under cultivation, which is beautifully located a very short distance from the county seat of Troy, in Concord township, and on which he has made attractive and valuable improvements. Mr. Wilson married Emma Kerr, and to this union there has been born one daughter, Verna, who was formerly a teacher in the public schools of Concord township. Miss Wilson and her mother were active during the World war period in knitting for the men in the service while Mr. Wilson was a generous contributor to the various loans and other movements. He has been equally active in his citizenship in civic affairs, and is generally known as one of his township's reliable and trustworthy men, as well as a loyal friend, a capable farmer and a supporter of business integrity, high educational standards and morality in all walks of life. Mr. Wilson was county commissioner for six years, being elected in 1905. He belongs to the. Christian church with his family. Politically he is a Republican. Moses B. Wise. A well-improved farm of fifty-five acres in Newberry township bears witness to the early-morning and lateat-night energy of Moses B. Wise, a progressive raiser of the kind of produce which has contributed to the agricultural prestige of the Miami valley. Mr. Wise was born in 1858, near Bradford, Miami county, a son of Moses and Elizabeth (Berkett) Wise. His parents, agricultural people who were highly esteemed in their community, were the parents of thirteen children. Moses B. Wise obtained his education in the public schools of Miami county and MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 285 as a youth adopted the vocation of agriculture, which he has followed throughout his career. At the present time he is carrying on operations on the former Falkler farm, a tract of fifty-five acres, on which are to be found numerous improvements, including a comfortable rural home, located on Bradford Rural Route, in which is found the invariable good-fellowship and hospitality which distinguish the well-bred, intelligent and thoroughly progressive agriculturist. Mr. Wise was united in marriage with Anna, daughter of Joseph and Anna (Bashore) Miller, farming people of Miami county, and to this union there have been born seven children : Cora, Jess, Joseph, a farmer of Miami county, who married Mary Falker ; Charles, also a Miami county agriculturist, who married Mary Kellar ; Homer, who had training at Camp Jackson for the United States Army during the World war ; and Ella and Israel, who reside with their parents. Mr. Wise has discharged the duties of good citizenship, but has not sought personal preferment in offices of public character. He is a man of solid and reliable traits of character, generous and consistent in his contributions to worthy causes, and a vigorous promoter of education, morality and good citizenship. A. W. Taylor. The connection of A. W. Taylor with the business interests of Tippecanoe City has extended over a period of thirty years, during which time he has been identified with the grocery and meat trades as a proprietor. This energetic and highly esteemed merchant was born on a farm in Montgomery county, Ohio, November 5, 1865, a son of John and Sarah (Ehrhart) Taylor. Several of hiS uncles on the maternal side were among the first volunteers from Montgomery county in the Union army during the Civil war. John Taylor passed the active years of his career in the pursuits of agriculture and became one of his locality's highly esteemed and substantial men. He and his wife were the parents of three children : John Edward, who is engaged in agricultural operations on the old home place in Miami county ; George E., formerly a merchant of Tippecanoe City, but now an agriculturist in Miami county, and A. W. A. W. Taylor procured a public school education at Vandalia, Ohio, and grew up on the home farm. As a youth he preferred the opportunities of commercial life to those found in the agricultural districts, and accordingly went as a young man to Vandalia, where he obtained a position in a general store as a clerk. He was thus employed for seven years, following which he embarked in business on his own account at Vandalia, as the proprietor of a meat market. This venture proved successful during the two years that he was engaged therein, but Tippecanoe City offered more attractions to the young merchant, and in 1890 he came to this city and opened a meat market. He continued to confine himself to this line for ten years and then branched out into the grocery business. While he still conducts a meat department, the grocery receives the greater part of his attention, and in its conduct he has won the greatest share of his success. He has a first-class place of busi- 286 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY ness, up-to-date in every respect, with modern fixtures and appurtenances, and carries a full line of staple and fancy groceries, and fresh and salt meats, attractively displayed and popularly priced. Mr. Taylor is a musician and for over twenty-five years has played with different musical organizations of the Miami valley. Business ability, sound integrity, a capacity for industrious labor and personal affability and courtesy have all combined to win him success, and at the same time he has maintained a dignified and substantial position in business circles. He has been a good citizen, and during the war period was a generous contributor to the various movements. Mr. Taylor married Lulu N., daughter of John Munist, of Tippecanoe City, and they have two children : John N., born in 19o5 ; and Fred Victor, born in 1912. Wiley G. Teeter. Into the busy and successful career of W. G. Teeter, of Monroe township, three vocations have entered. First he took up plumbing, gas-fitting, well-drilling and electrical work, then worked as an engineer contractor, and finally settled down to the life of an agriculturist. In each of his vocations he has made his mark, and 6 in each of the several communities in which he has lived he has occupied a position of recognized standing. He was born at Pleasant Hill, Miami county, October 13, 1869, a son of Elias and Susan (Moore) Teeter. His father, of Pennsylvania Dutch stock, followed teaching and farming throughout his life. There were twelve children in the family, of whom ten are living : Addie, Laura, Florence, Ella, Meda, Stella. Mazie, Carrie, Lloyd, W. G., Roy, now a minister, and Rolla. It is a somewhat remarkable fact that all of these children are, or have been, teachers, and that their father was an educator. W. G. Teeter received a practical public school education in his youth and engaged as an engineering contractor and farmer until reaching his majority, when he left the home place to follow his vocation as a plumber, well-driller, electric expert and engineering contractor. He is responsible for the work done on the Troy and Piqua water works, and later was manager of the Dayton local Young Men's Christian Association engineers for eight years. In 1913 he resumed farming, in Montgomery county, where he remained until 1918, then coming back to Miami county, where he is the owner and operator of eighty-three' acres of good land in Monroe township, his pleasant home being located on Tippecanoe City R. F. D. No. 3. He has substantial and attractive buildings and modern improvements of all kinds, and devotes his energies to general farming, in addition to which he raises some live stock of a good grade. Mr. Teeter married, September 2, 1894, Laura E., daughter of John P. and Katherine (Funderburg) Altic, of Darke county. Mr. Altic, a farmer by vocation, was a veteran of the Civil war, through which he fought as a corporal in the Seventy-first regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Mrs. Teeter, who was a teacher in the public schools up to the time of her marriage, was one of six children, of whom five are living : William, formerly representative of Darke county in the state legislature, and Nannie, MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 287 Elizabeth, Lola and Laura E. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Teeter : Harold, experimental engineer with the Delco Company, Dayton ; Forrest, a college student, and Glenna and Ethel, who are attending the local schools. The family is highly cultured and its members have numerous friends in Monroe township. The family attends the First Brethren Church in Dayton, O., and Mr. Teeter was for for several years elder. Horace Tenney, proprietor of the Gem Shoe Store at Troy, O., and one of the progressive and enterprising business citizens of that city, was born in 1874, at Troy, a son of W. I. and Jennie (Kelly) Tenney. His father was born at Fairfield, Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1833, a son of Eli and Margaret Ann (Hatcher) Tenney, the former born in Clark county, Ohio, and the latter in Virginia. As a young man W. I. Tenney was engaged in teaching school and continued thus until he enlisted in the Union army during the war between the states, when he served as a member of Company D, Forty-eighth regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was also a musician of note, and conducted a singing school at Ludlow, also being choir leader of the Christian church of that place. After teaching school for eighteen years in Union township, Miami county, he went to Tuscola, Ill., and established himself in the shoe business. Later he went to Douglas county, Kansas, where he engaged in farming, but in 1873 came back to Troy, 0., and shortly thereafter became auditor of Miami county to fill out the unexpired term of his father, who had died while in office, and who had formerly been a member of the Ohio house of representatives. When W. I. Tenney completed his term of office he retired to his farm, but in 1901 was elected to the state legislature, and served for two terms in that body, where his work was characterized by constructive and conscientious labors on behalf of his community and state. He and his worthy wife were the parents of the following children : Ida, who is engaged in teaching school at Denver, Colo. ; Frank W., a farmer and stockman of Miami county ; Dr. Charles Elmer, a practicing dentist of Toledo, 0. ; Alice Bertha, the wife of Lee Shellenbarger, of Covington, Ind.; Estella, deceased, who was formerly a popular school teacher of Troy ; Dr. William Harold, who is engaged in the practice of dentistry at Toledo ; Prof. George L., a professor of music at Lewis Institute, Chicago, director of the Congregational church choir, and Horace. Horace Tenney received a high school education and one of his early employments was as a salesman for the Chicago Tanning Company, producers of and dealers in leather. It was in this connection that he gained his early experience in the shoe industry, which he eventually entered himself at Troy; and in which he is still engaged, being at present the possessor of a splendid business and being accounted one of the progressive business men of his city. He is a member of the Masons and the Knights of Pythias, and during the war period was a generous contributor to all movements promoted to assist in the success of American arms. He married Miss Lula Quackenbush, of Johns- 288 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY town, N. Y., and to this union there have been born two children : Marion and Kathryn. Gerald Tenney, son of Elmer Tenney, a brother of Horace, was a lieutenant in the ordnance department during the great World war, and after serving in that capacity at Springfield, Mass., was advanced to become a captain in the regular army. The father of Mr. Tenney, who still survives at an advanced age, maintains his interest in matters, is in good health and still sings in public on occasion. He is especially endowed with good humor and an optimistic outlook on life, and is therefore a great favorite with all who know him. A. Thoma & Sons. One of the old-fashioned and honored houses of Piqua is that of A. Thoma & Sons, jewelers, the history of 'which extends back to the year 1838, when it was founded by Augustus Thoma. This worthy man was born near the Black Forest, in Germany, and was twelve years of age when he journeyed to the United States, first settling in New York City, where the lad was apprenticed to the trade of jeweler. It was as a craftsman that he came to Piqua, but after a short time in this city started in business on his own account, in 1838, buying the store of his former employer, Mr. Wilhelm, who had accepted his services upon his arrival at Piqua the year before. Augustus Thoma continued to be identified with the business during the remainder of his life. He was the father of three children : Albin, August, and Caroline, who became the wife of Jacob Hirt. Albin Thoma was born at Piqua and during the Civil war enlisted in an Ohio volunteer Infantry regiment, with which he served gallantly until the close of the struggle. In later years he was local commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. Following his honorable discharge he entered the jewelry business with his father, at whose death he succeeded to the ownership of the business, conducting it successfully alone until 1907, when he admitted to partnership his sons, Albin, Jr., and Leo A. Subsequently the business was removed from the old quarters, where it had remained for sixty-nine years, to its present location at No. 222 North Main street, an up-to-date establishment with the most modern equipment and a large and complete line of jewelry, watches, etc. Albin Thoma, Sr., married Anna, daughter of Arnold Weigler, of Piqua, and to them there were born the following children : Albin, Jr., Leo A., Joseph, Adolph H., Minnie, Louise ; Marie, who died in 1918 ; Anna, Ida and Irma, deceased. The father of these children, in addition to being a master jeweler and a business man of splendid qualities, was widely known in musical circles. He organized and conducted a band which was a famous organization during its day, and was for many years choir leader at St. Boniface Catholic Church, his son Leo having succeeded him in that capacity. Since the death of his father, which occurred August 11, 1919, Albin Thoma, Jr., has been the active head of the jewelry business. That his abilities are out of the ordinary and his integrity assured is evidenced by the fact that he was treasurer of the National Association of Jewelers for two terms, refusing reelection the third time. He MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 289 is a graduate optometrist, having studied in New York City, and is in charge of this department of the business at Piqua in person. The Thoma store is an up-to-date, well-appointed establishment and includes among its patrons the best people of Piqua. Mr. Thoma has long been prominent in fraternal circles, having been formerly exalted ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and grand knight of the Knights of Columbus, and at this time is faithful navigator of the fourth degree of the latter order. In March, 192o, this firm purchased the Swain Jewelry Store in Sidney, Ohio, which is managed by Adolph H. Thoma. Earl Webster Thomas, the energetic proprietor of a thriving and prosperous grocery business in the heart of Covington, was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, July 25, 1879, a son of Irvin and Sarah (Tibbs) Thomas. The family originated in South Carolina, whence it migrated to Indiana and several of its members then became among the very earliest settlers of Miami county. Caleb Mendenhall Thomas, the grandfather of Earl W., was a Quaker and one of the first settlers close to Covington, while the grandmother of Mr. Thomas is said to have been the first white child born in Union township, Miami county. Irvin Thomas was a lifelong agriculturist in Montgomery county, with the exception of the three years and eight months that he spent as a Union soldier in the Civil war, during which time he took part in numerous engagements and was a participant in Sherman's march to the sea. There were twelve children in the family, of whom five are now living. Earl Webster Thomas was educated in the public schools of Montgomery county, and after his graduation from the Irlington High School, began working with his brother on the home farm. Agricultural pursuits, however, did not appeal to him, and, having decided to enter mercantile lines, December 8, 1902, he came to Covington and secured employment in the grocery and bakery of Mr. Knoop. At the end of eight years Mr. Thomas bought a half interest in the business, and for the following eight years the partnership continued. November 18, 1918, Mr. Thomas bought his partner's holdings and since that time has been the sole proprietor. Through ability, integrity, industry and courtesy he has built up and maintained, during the period of his ownership, a large, lucrative and representative patronage. His establishment. situated in the heart of the city, carries a full line of staple and fancy groceries and bakery goods and the business has won an established and substantial place in the confidence and esteem of the buying public. Mr. Thomas is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has numerous friends, as he has also in business circles. He has always been a good citizen, and during the period of the war contributed his full share to the movements promulgated by the Government. Mr. Thomas married Agnes, daughter of Gideon and Anna Rench, of Covington, and to this union there have come four children : Mary Lee, born in 1903 ; Martha Bell, born in 1906 ; Maud Janet, born in 1911, and James William, born in 1915. III-19 290 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY Gilmer T. Thomas, a leading and prominent lawyer at Troy, president of the Miami county Bar Association, and ex-mayor of his city, was born at Troy, in 1851, a son of William I. and Lucinda (Neal) Thomas. William I. Thomas was born at Philadelphia, Pa., where he attended public school and as a youth came with his parents to Lancaster, Ohio, where he worked in his father's pottery. A desire for further education led him to attend school at Lancaster, where he subsequently read law in the office of Gen. Thomas Ewing and was admitted to the bar. Coming to Troy in 1819, he was later appointed postmaster, an office in which he served with ability, and in 1821 was elected one of the first prosecuting attorneys of his district and served in that office until 1833. He rapidly rose to become one of the distinguished members of the Miami county bar and also was sent to the state senate by the voters of his senatorial district, being one of the able and forceful members of that body. His death occurred at Lawrence, Kans., in 1869, during 'a buffalo-hunting expedition. Lucinda (Neal) Thomas was born in West Virginia in 181o, a daughter of Richard Neal, an uncle of Gen. Stonewall Jackson, the noted Confederate leader. She came to Troy as a young lady witH her mother and step-father, the celebrated Micajah Fairfield, and met and subsequently married Mr. Thomas. They became the parents of eleven children, of whom the following grew to maturity : Stanley 0., a man of decided ability as a military leader of distinction, who rose to a brigadier-generalship in the Confederate Army during the war between the North and the South, was subsequently appointed a representative of Mississippi at Paris, France, in the adjustment of claims, became a leader and later president of the Cotton Exchange, was a noted cotton factor and amassed great wealth; Walter S. ; William I.; Gilmer T., of this review ; Eugene B., who was a lieutenant-commander in the United States Navy during the war between the states and died at Baltimore, Md., and L. A., who was a soldier of the Union Army during the Civil war. After attending the public schools of Troy and the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, Gilmer T. Thomas read law in the office of his brother, Walter S. Thomas, who was considered one of the most brilliant members of the Ohio bar during his day. After being admitted to the bar, Gilmer T. Thomas entered upon the practice of his profession at Troy, where he has ever since enjoyed an increasingly large and important professional business. He has interested himself in public affairs and has served his city capably as mayor and city solicitor. During the great World war he was a member of the legal advisory board and a four-minute man, and in other ways assisted the policy of the administration. His standing in his profession is indicated by his incumbency of the presidency, of the Miami County Bar Association. Fraternally, Mr. Thomas is affiliated with the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He married Emma, daughter of Christian Ziegenfelder, and to this union there has been born one son, William I., of Pittsburgh, Pa., who married Helen Ross and has one daughter, Emeline. MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 291 Mrs. Bessie Coleman Thompson. Prominent among the ladies of Troy who have contributed to the city's prestige in various ways is Mrs. Bessie Coleman Thompson. Born at Troy, June 15, 1883, she is a daughter of Horace and Mary Jane (Harter) Coleman. There were four children in the family : Max, who died as a child ; Evelyn, the wife of Irvin G. Kumler of the Rike-Kumler Company. of Dayton ; Sybil, the wife of Jefferson Stone Combs, of Washington, D. C., and Bessie. After the death of her first husband, Mrs. Coleman married the late William M. Rayner of the Rayner Disstillery Company, Troy, and one child was born to that union, Mary Isabelle, of Cleveland, wife of Wilbur Thompson, who was a lieutenant in the United States air service during the World war. Bessie Coleman received her education in the public schools of Troy and at Miss Chamberlain's School, at Boston, Mass., and resided at the home of her parents until October 12, 1904, when she was united in marriage with Henry Spangler Thompson, of Saginaw, Mich. Mr. Thompson was connected with the tobacco department of the Allen-Wheeler Company, of Troy, had extensive farming interests and was a large breeder of stock. Popular with a wide circle of friends and a man possessed of many sterling qualities of character, in his death, which occurred June 16, 1917, his city lost one of its public-spirited citizens and capable business men, as well as a man of many philanthropies. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson had no children, but in 1920, Mrs. Thompson adopted a two-months-old child, Patricia Thompson, whom she will rear to useful womanhood. Mrs. Thompson is widely popular in social circles of the city and is known for her numerous charities, as well as for her accomplishments. During the recent war period, she was an active and effective worker in making surgical dressings and knitted articles, and at that time allied herself with the civilian relief of the American Red Cross, a work in which she continues to be engaged. Clifford E. Thomson. The oldest furniture and undertaking establishment in Miami county is that now conducted at Troy under the name and management of Clifford E. Thomson, the business having been established here about 185o and the present proprietor being the third generation of the family to conduct its affairs. Mr. Thomson was born at Troy, September 18, 1892, a son of Elmer E. and Caroline J. (Riley)* Thomson. The only child of his parents, he was educated in the public schools and at Denison University, and on completing his studies became associated with his father in the undertaking and furniture business, at the latter's death taking entire charge of the establishment. He carries a full line of high-class furniture .and household furnishings and is a business man of sound worth and standing. The undertaking and funeral directing department is fully equipped in every way for the reverent handling and care of the dead. Mr. Thomson has been public-spirited in his citizenship, and during the war period was a member of the Red Cross committee and active in the war chest drives. He belongs to various Masonic bodies and 292 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY is also an Elk and a member of the Knights of Pythias. He married Catherine, daughter of Dr. W. H. Sedgwick, a physician, of Newark, Ohio. Thomas E. Thorpe, who is numbered among the energetic and capable men of the younger business generation at Troy, is a member of the automobile tire and accessory firm of Paul & Thorpe. He was born in the city of Cleveland, Ohio, November 27, 1891, being a son of Thomas E. and Kitty (Friedman) Thorpe, and his education was secured in the public schools of his native city. There he grew to manhood and was variously employed until securing a position on the Cleveland police force, and later came to Troy, where he was made a member of the police department of this city under Chief Louis Paul. In 1920 Mr. Thorpe formed a partnership with Louis Paul, and under the firm style of Paul & Thorpe opened the present business. Dealing in automobile tires and accessories, they have already built up a large patronage and have firmly established their business venture among the substantial enterprises of the city. This firm has recently acquired the county rights for the distribution of the Midwest Engine Company's "Utilitor," manufactured at Indianapolis, a small traction engine or tractor which is becoming an indispensable farm commodity throughout the country. While still a young man, Mr. Thorpe has demonstrated the possession of ability to hold his own in the ever-increasing competition of the city's business activities. He is energetic and progressive and has made a careful study of his business, the details of which hold the greatest interest for him. He is fraternally affiliated with the local lodge of the Improved Order of Red Men. Thus far, the discharge of the duties of good citizenship, especially during the war period, has been his only participation in affairs of a public nature. Mr. Thorpe was united in marriage at Cleveland with Edna, daughter of Victor Killian, and to this union there has been born one son, Thomas W. A. G. Thuma. Although he is numbered among the more recent acquisitions of the farming industry in Miami county, A. G. Thuma has already established his position as an energetic and progressive agriculturist, belonging to the young and virile generation whose work is imbued with the spirit of enthusiasm and the result attaining qualities of energy, ambition and vim. He is a native of this county, having been born at Pleasant Hill, January 7. 1891, a son of H. E. and Elizabeth (Burkholder) Thuma, agricultural people who have always been held in the highest esteem in the communities in which they have lived. There are five children in the family : A. G. ; William, an electrician at Dayton ; Grace, who resides with her parents ; Bertha, the. wif e of Joe Kraus, of Piqua, Ohio ; Melford, who is engaged in farming in Miami county. A. G. Thuma received his education in the public schools and as a young man went to Dayton, where he secured employment with the National Cash Register Company, a concern with which he was identified for five years. While his position was a steady and remunerative one and his connections congenial and MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 293 attractive, he was called back to the soil, and resigning from the big Dayton plant, he went to Indiana, where he followed farming for several years. March 1, 1920, he came to his present farm in Monroe township, a well-cultivated and highly productive property of sixty acres, on which he has already made a number of modern improvements, thus adding to the value and attractiveness of the farm. He follows modern methods in his work, is a close student of his chosen vocation, and has been accepted as an intelligent and industrious farmer, one alive to his opportunities and capable of making the most of them. Mr. Thuma has been too busy getting himself started on the road to agricultural success to think of mixing in public affairs as a seeker after preferment, but has not neglected the responsibilities of citizenship and will be found behind all good movements. He married, February 19, 1914, Marie, daughter of Albert E. and Margaret E. (Waters) Sites, of Muncie, Ind. Mrs. Sites is now deceased. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Thuma : Bearl, Esther and Gale, all at home. The pleasant family residence is located on Tippecanoe City R. F. D. No. 3, a community in which Mr. and Mrs. Thuma have already made a number of warm friends. Edward H. Timmer, treasurer and manager of the Miami County Lumber Company, of Tippecanoe City, was born in this city in 1872, a, son of Gerhard and Wilhelmina (Kettlehake) Timmer. Gerhard Timmer was one of those who answered the call of California during the great gold rush of 1849, meeting with some success and returning to Ohio with capital. He became a pioneer cooper and operated a cooperage along the banks of the old Miami canal, shipping his barrels to all points in the Miami valley; as well as elsewhere. A progressive man, he assisted materially in the development of the industries of this section. He and his wife were the parents of nine children : Mrs. T. S. Conway, deceased ; Mrs. Matilda Meyers ; Mrs. Samuel Musselman ; Callie, of Piqua ; B. F., of Tippecanoe City ; Mrs. Dr. E. B. Davis, also of this city ; Mrs. Charles Peters, of Dayton ; Edward. H., and A. W., a banker of Tippecanoe City. Edward H. Timmer was educated at Tippecanoe City and after his graduation from high school entered the dry goods business. Later he was a member of the hardware firm of Timmer Brothers, and in 1910 embarked in the lumber business with C. W. Jensen & Company. In 1917 Mr. Timmer became identified with the Miami County Lumber Company, of which he is now treasurer and manager, and in the growth and development of which he has played an important part. Mr. Timmer married Florence, daughter of Daniel Agenbrood, and to this union there have been born two children : Helen, who resides with her parents, and Herman, who attended West Point Academy for one year and is now associated with his father in the lumber business. Mr. and Mrs. Timmer are members of the German Lutheran church. He is fraternally affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has a number of important business and civic connections. 294 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY Charles W. Tobey, who has been engaged in the drug business at Troy, Ohio, for forty-four years, is one of the sound and reliable citizens of this community and is widely and favorably known in the drug business. He traces his ancestry in this country back to one of the pilgrim fathers, and is the possessor of one of the earliest translations of the Martin Luther edition of the Bible, which has been in the family's possession since the year 1534. His grandfather was one of the early bishops of the United Brethren church in this country. Nathaniel Tobey, father of Charles W., founded the present Tobey drug business at Troy more than half a century ago and continued his connection therewith until the time of his death, when his community lost a business man of strict integrity and a citizen of public spirit. He married Martha J. Worman, whose people were among the earliest settlers of Dayton, and they had two children : Charles W., and Carrie May. who married C. Frank Lantis, formerly representative of Preble county in the Ohio state legislature, and now deputy United States collector for Cincinnati. Charles W. Tobey was born at Dayton, Ohio, June 17, 1855, and received his early education in the public schools of Dayton and Troy, following which he pursued a course in the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. He was graduated therefrom in 1876 and at that time joined his father, who had established a drug business at Troy, the first name of the firm being N. Tobey & Son. That style continued until the elder man's death, when the son took over the business, which has since been con= ducted under the business style of C. W. Tobey. He carries a complete line of drugs, medicines, toilet articles, candies, cigars, etc., and has an up-to-date establishment which is largely patronized by the best people of Troy. Mr. Tobey is widely known among druggists throughout the state, by whom he is held in high esteem. He was one of the founders and the first chairman of the executive committee of the Ohio State Pharmaceutical Association, of which he is a' past president. He belongs likewise to the American Pharmaceutical Association and is an honorary member of the National Board of Pharmacy of the United States, and for ten years was a member of the examining board of state chemistry. As a fraternalist he holds membership in the Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. In all civic affairs he contributed his support to progressive movements. Mr. Tobey married Ella R., daughter of George Browning Reed, of Troy. John Wesley Underwood, Jr. During his long and honorable career in Miami county, J. W. Underwood, Jr., has worked out an admirable destiny, and from small beginnings has drawn around him for the comfort and happiness of his later years such substantial compensations as wealth, the affectionate devotion of his well-established children, the credit for having contributed largely to the general development of the community and the confidence and good will of his business and social associates. Mr. Underwood, a resident of Monroe township, was born in this town- MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 295 ship July 29, 1855, a son of J. W. and Margaret (Hoover) Underwood. His parents, life-long farming people of this locality, were among the highly respected people of the Tippecano City vicinity and were much esteemed for their many admirable qualities of mind and heart. J. W. Underwood, the younger, secured his education through attendance at the rural schools and passed his boyhood and youth in much the same manner as other farmers' sons of his day, the short winter terms being passed in study and the long summer months in assisting his -father in the work of the home place. He married December 12, 1878, Catherine, daughter of Daniel and Agatha (Werthern) Foreman, and to this union there have been born the following children : Zelda, the wife of Oscar Karns ; Carrie, the wife of Perry Emerich ; Raymond, who is farming with his father-in-law, he married Clara Antonides, and they are the parents of four children : Albert, Luella, George W., and Ester ; Noda, the wife of Howard Shearer ; Foreman, a farmer in Monroe township, who married Hilda Elman, and they have one child, David Wesley ; and Gertrude, the wife of J. C. Robbins, who is now managing the Underwood farm and they have one child, Forrest Edwin. Following his marriage, Mr. Underwood began farming operations on his own account. His beginnings were small, but he possessed the necessary ambition and perseverance, and gradually worked his way to a place among the substantial tillers of the soil of his township, and is now the owner of eighty acres, besides other property. In 1913, he purchased the old Martindale farm, his present property, and here he has made numerous modern improvements. In his career he has demonstrated what a man can accomplish through straight-forward and practical methods, and by exercising always in his associations with his fellow-men the qualities of integrity, consideration and kindness. During the war period, Mr. Underwood was actively engaged in assisting the various movements, and acted as solicitor for the war chest drive in his part of Monroe township. He is a Republican, and was director of the Miami county infirmary for six years. He also served as squire for one term. He is a member of the United Brethren church, and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also the encampment. Charles B. Upton, assistant manager of the French Oil Machine Company, is one of Piqua's native sons who has accepted the opportunity of winning business success in the city of his birth. He was born at Piqua, March 27, 1884, a son of Mathew and Helen (Davis) Upton, the former of whom was a well-known business man of this city for a number of years, having been the proprietor of a grocery business which he developed through industry and ability from small proportions to an important venture. Charles B. Upton was given his preliminary educational training in Piqua's public schools, following which he studied electric engineering. In 1905 he entered the service of the French Oil Machine Company, in a clerical capacity, and subsequent consecutive promotions, resulting from his industry and developing abili- 296 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY ty, advanced him to the position which he now occupies, that of assistant manager. In this capacity he has general supervision of sales, purchases and other important features of the business, and in every way has discharged his duties in a manner which warrants the high confidence in which he is held. Mr. Upton married Mary Gladys, daughter of E. E. Ludlow, of Piqua, and they have one daughter, Mary Rebecca. Mr. Upton was active in all war activities, especially those of the Young Men's Christian Association, in which he was a member of the "booster team," and was city chairman of the four-minute men. At present he is a director of the Young Men's Christian Association and belongs to the Masons, and the Piqua and Golf clubs. His religious connection is with the Presbyterian church, to which belongs also Mrs. Upton, who during the war period worked energetically in behalf of the Red Cross and other movements promulgated and fostered by her sex. C. C. Wagner, who has been long and favorably known to the people of Miami county because of his identification with agricultural matters, is now engaged in successful operations in Washington township. Mr. Wagner is a native of Piqua county, Ohio, born October 14, 1869, near Circleville, a son of John and Susan (Dolby) Wagner, both of whom were born in Piqua county, and were farmers. Here the son received his education in the public schools. Reared as a farmer's son, he adopted the vocation of agriculture, upon attaining his majority, and after several years farming in Piqua county, came to Miami county in 1901, which has been his home ever since. He is a man of substantial standing, and at various times has managed farms for prominent landholders of this and other townships, including the Hayner farm, belonging to Mrs. Mary Hayner, of Troy. He is progressive in his ideas, industrious in his habits, and modern in his methods and is known as one who has assisted in the development of Washington township as a center of agricultural activity. During the war period, Mr. Wagner supported all movements fostered for the success of American arms, giving freely of his means to the various drives and loans. He married, December 28, 1898, Miss Cora Hines, a daughter of Zachariah and Anna (Speakman) Hines, natives of Ross county, who moved to Miami in 1901, and both of whom are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner are the parents of two children : Pearl R., a farmer of Miami county, who married December 29, 1919, Edna Brinkman, and Charles H., who is assisting his father. Mr. Wagner is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge, of Circleville, Ohio. He is a Democrat, and with his family atten.ds the Methodist church of Piqua. W. W. Wagner. During the more than thirty years in which he has been identified with business affairs at Piqua, W. W. Wagner has established an unquestioned reputation for business integrity and honorable dealing. He was born on a farm in Shelby county, Ohio, November 4, 1867, a son of Jacob and Harriet (Drake) Wagner, agricultural people of that community and the MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 297 parents of three children, of whom W. W. is the only survivor. He received his education in the country schools of Laramie township, Shelby county, and was fourteen years of age at the time he gave up his studies to start to learn the carpenter trade. He had the opportunity to remain on the farm and inherit his father's property but he preferred city life instead, and after he had followed the carpenter trade for .a number of years came to Piqua, in 1889, and immediately entered the furniture business, the firm being known as Wagner, Grover & Company. This association continued until 1915, when Mr. Wagner disposed of his interest in the furniture business, but retained his holdings in the undertaking department which had been a branch of the enterprise for some years. He established his parlors at 128 West Ash street, subsequently locating at 407 West High street, where he has one of the most up-to-date establishments in the state, including a chapel. Mr. Wagner has always been honorable in his business dealings, and has formed many lasting friendships among those whose homes he has entered during times of bereavement. He possesses in full measure the quality of infinite tact, as well as unbounded sympathy. He married Clara E., daughter of Reinhart and Sarah (Howell) Snypp, farming people of Shelby county, and two children were born to this union : Chester and Elva. Mr. Wagner was a generous supporter of all war activities. He is prominent in fraternal circles, being a valued member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Improved Order of Red Men and the Masons. With his family, he holds membership in the Presbyterian church. Darius Weddle. Among the old and honored farmers of Miami county, one who has carried on operations for forty-five years is Darius Weddle, whose well-cultivated country estate lies in Elizabeth township. Mr. Weddle is a Virginian by nativity, and was born November 13, 1848, a son of Rev. John B. and Louanna (Simmons) Weddle. His father was a planter of the old dominion and a man in good circumstances, and he and his worthy wife were greatly esteemed in the community of their home. He was a minister of the Church of the Brethren. Darius Weddle was given the advantages of a public school education and reared to the life of a farmer, a vocation which he adopted when he grew to manhood. For some years after he reached his majority he continued to follow farming in Virginia, and also attended .the agricultural college, at Lexington, Ky., but about 1875 came to Ohio. Here, to prepare himself better for his future career, he attended the Lebanon Normal School, and among his classmates were a number of men who have since reached prominence, among them being William H. Francis, of Troy ; Henry Newman ; Doctor Means, of Troy, and B. F. Moore. Mr. Weddle again engaged in farming, and for many years has lived on his farm in Elizabeth township, where he has splendid improvements, including substantial buildings and a comfortable modern home. He has always discharged the duties of good citizenship in a 298 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY public-spirited manner and is well worthy of the trust reposed in him by his fellow-citizens. Mr. Weddle married, January 24, 187o, Anna, daughter of Rev. I. S. Studebaker, a well-known divine, and whose wife was Anna Warner, daughter of George and Catherine (Olinger) Warner. To Mr. and Mrs. Weddle were born eight children : William Harvey, who died at the age of nine months ; Albert S., unmarried, who resides near Philadelphia, Pa.; James A., who died at the age of one month and six days ; Carrie Estella, who resides at home ; Dora Lee, who resides at home ; Louanna, who died at the age of six months ; Isaac S., who resides at home, and Bessie Millicent, at home. Mr. Weddle is a member in the Miami Valley Coal Company. He is a member of the board of health, the farm bureau, and the Church of the Brethren, of which he is a deacon. Harvey Wenrick. By those who were privileged to know him and who were called upon to mourn his untimely death which occurred December 22, 1906, the late Harvey Wenrick is remembered as a man of high principle, industry and good citizenship, who during his lifetime in Miami county was engaged in agricultural pursuits and won a substantial competence in following his calling. He was horn January 15, 186o, in Pennsylvania, and as a young man migrated to Miami county, taking up his residence in Newberry township, where he passed the rest of his life as a tiller of the soil. He never sought public honors, being satisfied to devote himself entirely to his home and his farm, but could always be counted upon to give his support to worthy measures which promised to contribute to the welfare of his community. Mr. Wenrick married Emma, daughter of Percival and Jane (Stewart) Wilhelm, and elder sister of Minna, Eno and Henry Wilhelm. To Mr. and Mrs. Wenrick there were born the following children : Bessie, the wife of Dan Wenrick ; Laura Belle, the wife of Van Cleland ; Alma Marie, the wife of Ben Shroyer ; Albert, who married Ethel Miller, all farming people of Miami county, and Wilbur, Bertha May, Mary Gladys and Ruth Allen, all residing on the home place. Since the death of her husband, Mrs Wenrick has continued to make her home on the eighty-acre tract, where she carries on operations assisted by her sons. She is a lady of good business ability, and has also other acomplishments and graces that have combined to make her the center of a circle of admiring friends. Simon Wehneman. Among its most intelligent and practical retired farmers, Newberry township numbers Simon Wehneman, whose family has lent its good name and honest intent to Miami and Shelby counties since 1837, and who is now the owner of a comfortable home and tract of land on Covington R. F. D. No. Mr. Wehneman was born in Shelby county, Ohio, November 8. 1852, a son of J. Henry and Annie Elizabeth Ficken Wehneman, natives of Germany. J. Henry Wehneman was still a young man when he immigrated to the United States, and one year after his arrival came to Miami county, where he settled in 1837. He was MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 299 variously employed until the outbreak of the Mexican war, when he enlisted as a volunteer in the United States Army, under Gen. Zachary Taylor, and saw two years of military experience. When he was honorably discharged he returned to Miami county where, March 18, 185o, he married his wife and shortly thereafter removed to Shelby county, where his death occurred July 20, 1874, after he had engaged for nearly a quarter of a century in agricultural operations. Simon Wehneman was educated in the public schools of Shelby county and grew up on the home farm. He entered upon independent operations soon after the :attainment of his majority and through industry and good management made a success of his affairs, accumulating two farms of seventy-four and 176 acres respectively, in Shelby county. In 1915 he rented his properties and came to Newberry township, where he lives on a four-acre plot, as a retired farmer. Mr. 'Wehneman was united in marriage June 26, 1893, with Miss Anna W. Roeth, who was born in Germany and immigrated to Shelby county in 188o, daughter of Charles Roeth, a farmer of that locality. To this union there have been born four children : Carl Henry, who is engaged in the operation of one of his father's farms ; Albert Frederick, who makes his home with his elder brother ; Lawrence Edward, who had eighteen months of training in the camp hospital at Morrison, Va., during the World war period and no resides with his father, and Bertha Katherine, who resides with her parents. Albert F. Wehneman was placed in class one during the World war, but was not called upon for service, and he and his brother, Carl H., did much effective soliciting of funds for the various war drives in Shelby county. Carl D. Williamson, senior repeater man for the American Telephone and Telegraph Company, at Phoneton, has been identified with his present line of work since leaving school and has been connected with his present concern since 1911. Mr. Williamson, a resident of Tippecanoe City, was born at Claflin, Barton county, Kansas, June 1o, 1887, a son of James William and Mary (Simms) Williamson. When he was still a child, his parents came to Ohio, where he attended the public schools. This educational training was supplanted by two years of attendance at the business college at Zanesville, Ohio, where he specialized in stenography, typewriting and business accounting. When he left this institution, he was equipped to enter upon his career, and his first position was as a telegrapher with the Pennsylvania railroad, with which system he remained seven years. On leaving that concern he came to Phoneton and identified himself in February, 1911, with the American Telephone and Telegraph Company, with which concern he has since been associated. At present Mr. -Williamson is senior repeater man, a responsible post. About two years after joining this company, during the great floods of 1913, Mr. Williamson had an opportunity to be of assistance to his company and the public in general. In another emergency, that of the World war, he likewise rose to his opportunity, and he and his co-workers