300 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY of the company devoted themselves untiringly to the matter of assisting their community in gaining its full quotas during the different drives. Mr. Williamson is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has numerous friends. He married May, daughter of Charles F. Ossing, of Cardington, Ohio, and they reside in a pleasant home at Tippecanoe City. A. C. Wilson. In point of service one of the oldest business men of Piqua, where he has conducted a pharmacy since 1876, A. C. Wilson is also one of the most highly esteemed business residents of the city. He was born in Berkeley county, West Virginia, December 7, 1851, a son of James M. and Anna B. (Robinson) Wilson, whose other children were: Edwin K., Romney, William A., Charles M., and Anna. A. C. Wilson was educated in the public schools of West Virginia and after completing his studies left his native state and located in Ohio. Settling- at Piqua he secured employment as clerk in a drug store, and in 1876 purchased an establishment of his own, which he has continued to conduct successfully to the present time. During 'forty-four years of continuous service to the people of Piqua as a pharmacist he has established a splendid record for honorable dealing and constancy to high business principles, and during this period has made and maintained many sincere friendships among the people. Mr. Wilson is an Odd Fellow and belongs to the Presbyterian church. -While he is essentially a business man, he takes a good citizen's interest in political affairs, and has always supported progressive movements, and during the war was an active worker in behalf of measures made necessary by the great struggle in Europe. Mr. Wilson married Nora, daughter of Dr. Joseph Brown, of Urbana, Ohio, and to this union there were born three children : Albert B., who married Margaret Wilthers ; Marietta, who married Wilbur Baldwin, and J. Lloyd, who married Grace Sturm. All are residents of Piqua. Charles L. Wood, one of the leading business men of Piqua, who also has been identified with the civic, educational and religious affairs of the city for many years, was born at Hollis, N. H., and traces his ancestry back to fine old New England stock. His great-great-great-grandfather was Stephen Wood, a native of Massachusetts, where was born also the latter's son, Benjamin Wood. Benamin Wood's son, Abijah Wood, the great-grandfather of Charles L., fought as a soldier of the Revolution, and his son, Philip, married Dorthy Davis, whose father, Joshua Davis, was likewise a soldier during the Revolutionary war. C. A. Wood, the father of Charles L., was born at Hollis, N. H., in 1820, a son of Philip and Dorothy (Davis) Wood, and married Hannah French Washer,. a daughter of John and Mary (Robinson) Washer, the former a grandson of Stephen Washer, a soldier of the Revolution. Mary Robinson was a daughter of Peter Robinson, who was a Revolutionary soldier and lost his right hand at the battle of Bunker Hill, when struck by a cannon ball. To C. A. and Hannah Wood there were born three children : Charles L., George MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 301 Philip and Marcus Davis. Charles L. Wood was educated at Piqua, and after graduating from high school began to teach. Later he went to Hollis, 'N. H., his birthplace, and for a time taught school there while engaged in reading law. Admitted to the bar in 1865, he at once entered partnership with Judge W. N. Foster, of Piqua, but one year later when Judge Foster was elevated to the probate bench of Miami county, Mr. Wood entered business with his father, and has continued to center his activities in commercial affairs to the present time, having been proprietor of the Wood Planing Mill since the death of the elder man. This enterprise has always enjoyed an excellent trade and is accounted one of the concerns of Piqua which have contributed materially to the city's prestige. Essentially a business man, Mr. Wood has not found himself too occupied to engage in other lines of activitity. For twelve years he served as president of the board of education,- was formerly president of the Young Men's Christian Association, for thirty-five years was president of the board of trustees of the Green Street Methodist Episcopal Church and for ten years was president of the Third Building & Loan Association. At this time he is a trustee of the Young Men's Christian Association and president of the Piqua Memorial Hospital board of trustees, a Mason, and holds membership in the Piqua Club, the Piqua Chamber of Commerce, the Ohio Society, and Sons of the Revolution, of which last-named he has served as a member of the board of managers several times. Mr. Wood married Julia A., daughter of William and Martha (Hawthorne) Miller, and they have three children, as follows : Miss Martha H., who resides with her parents at Piqua ; Mrs. Nellie E. Taylor, of Cincinnati, and William Washer, of Kokomo. Ind. Rev. Joel P. Wray. The agricultural interests of Bethel township have a capable and worthy representative in Joel P. Wray, a resident of this county for a quarter of a century and since 1908 the owner and operator of a' well-cultivated farm of 110 acres. Mr. Wray is one of the contributions of the old dominion state to the Miami valley, and was born May 24, 1851, son of Benjamin and Mary (Angle) Wray. The members of this family for the most part have been agriculturists and the parents followed farming throughout their lives in Virginia. They had eight children. Joel P. Wray had a public school education in his native state and when he reached his majority embarked in farming ventures on his own account. He lived in various communities until 1895, at which time he was attracted to the Miami valley, which has since been his home. He has operated several farms in Miami county, and since 1908 has lived on his property in Bethel township, with his residence on New Carlisle R. F. D. No. 5. Mr. Wray is a farmer and stock raiser of practical ideas and progressive methods and his success has been won on merit. He has made his property attractive by the process of installing good buildings and other improvements, and in his community is generally regarded as a good farmer, a public spirited citizen, and a' man well-informed on 302 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY subjects of interest and importance. Mr. Wray married, November 26, 1873, Sarah C., daughter of William and Mary (Graybill) Bowman, an agriculturist of Virginia, where the latter was horn, and was married. She was one of ten children, of whom nine are now living, and to Mr. and Mrs. Wray there have been born five children : Mary S., who married Charles Franz, of Clark county, Ohio ; Daniel P., who died in 1888 ; Glenn I., who married Thomas Lynch, of Bethel township, and they are the parents of four children, Mary F., William, who died at the age of seventeen, Ella and John J.; Benjamin W., who is engaged in farming, and married Fern Roof. They have two children, Olen and Dewitt, and Joel C., who farms with his father. During the World war, Joel C. Wray was called into the United States service, and was absent from home from October 3, 1917, to March 15, 1919. He did not get overseas, but trained at Camp Sherman, Camp Green, Little Rock, Ark., and Charlotte, N. C., and finally returned to Camp Sherman for his honorable discharge. He is accounted one of the enterprising and progressive young farmers of his community. Joel P. Wray is a Republican, but has never sought an office. He is a member of the German Baptist church, in which he was ordained as a minister in 1875. His first charge was in Franklin county, Virginia, and he has been a minister in Miami for twenty-five years. Ray H. Woodcox. One of the old-established business houses of Piqua is the hardware establishment now conducted by Ray H. Woodcox, which has served this community honorably and capably during a period of more than a quarter of a century. Its present proprietor was born on a farm in Washington township, Shelby county, Ohio, March 24, 1884, a son of I. N. and Emma Honelle Woodcox. Mr. Woodcox attended the public schools, and after his graduation from the Sidney High School entered the hardware business of his father at Piqua, where he thoroughly learned the trade in all of its details. At the time of the elder man's demise, the son succeeded to the ownership, and at this time has a well-equipped establishment, carrying a full and modern line of shelf and heavy hardware, stoves, etc. Through honorable methods and good management he has built up and held a large patronage, the possession of which yields him a satisfactory business income, at the same time giving him position and standing among the merchants of his adopted city. Mr. Woodcox married Carrie, daughter of John Long, of Troy, Ohio, and they have one daughter, Mary Jane. Mr. Woodcox is a member of the Elks, the Masons and the Rotary Club and has given evidence of his public spirit on a number of occasions. Daniel H. Young. During the past twelve years, Daniel H. Young has been the proprietor of a general grocery and market business at Troy, in the development of which he has manifested his business capacity and sound integrity. He is a native of Preble county, Ohio, and was born May 3, 1869, a son of Manassas W and Nancy (Lesh) Young, and grandson of a veteran of the Civil MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 303 war. His father, a native of Virginia, was a miller by trade and went as a young man to Preble count, where he married Miss Lesh, a native of that county. There they spent their lives in milling and farming, and both passed away, greatly esteemed, in April, 1904. They were the parents of seven children : Milton Vincent, who died in 1901 ; Clara May, who died in 1902 ; Permelia Catherine, the wife of Fred A. Huette, of Dayton ; Medorah Oretha, the wife of Frank Kerst, of Greenville, Ohio ; Charles Wen-ford, associated in business with his brother Daniel H. ; Rolland Roy, a commission merchant of Dayton, and Daniel H. Daniel H. Young attended the public schools, principally in the country district of Miami county, and upon the completion of his education went to the western part of Indiana, where he spent one year on a farm. He then turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, obtaining a position as clerk in the general store of L. Ammon & Son, at Georgetown, an enterprise with which he continued to he identified for nine years. Going then to Dayton, he worked for various commission merchants for a like period, and in that city embarked in business on his own account, being associated with his brother in the proprietorship of a grocery and market there for four years. In November, 1908, the brothers transferred their activities to Troy, where .they have since been in the enjoyment of a large, flourishing and constantly-growing business. They carry a full line of staple and fancy groceries, sea food and fresh and salt meats and include among their patrong many of the best families of Troy whose custom has been attracted by fair representation, honorable methods and courteous service. Mr. Young married Miss Francanna, daughter of Samuel and Susanna (Hall) Rodehamel, and a grand-daughter on both sides of pioneers of Miami county. Mrs. Young is one of a family of nine children, of whom four are living: Isaac M., of Troy ; Simon P., of Dayton ; Jesse F., of Chicago, and Mrs. Young. Mr. Young is a Mason and Odd Fellow and member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. He is public-spirited to a high degree and was a generous contributor to all war measures. Isaac Newton Barr. The Barr family has been identified with the agricultural interests of Miami county since 1836, and since 1873 a worthy representative of this family, Isaac Newton Barr, has been a resident of his present farm in Bethel township. Mr. Barr is not only a successful farmer, but also a well-known contracting carpenter, and is considered one of the substantial and successful men of his community. He was born in Greene county, Ohio, February 24, 1854, a son of John and Margaret (Vanhook) Barr. John Barr was born in Pennsylvania, and was still a young man when he came to Ohio, making the entire journey on foot and walking behind a truck which made the overland trip. John Barr was a lifelong farmer, a vocation which he followed principally in Greene county and was a man of worth and substance who had the respect and esteem of the people of his community. His death occurred in 1917. Of the twelve children born to John and Mar- 304 -MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY garet Barr, eleven are living. Isaac Newton Barr was educated in the public schools of Greene county and was nineteen years of age when he came to Miami county and settled on his present property. As a lad he had applied himself to learning the carpenter trade, and this, with farming, has been his vocation. His home property consists of eighty-four acres, in a good state of cultivation and with substantial buildings of Mr. Barr's own erection. As a carpenter, Mr. Barr's good wormanship and fidelity to engagements have gained him an enviable reputation and he has completed contracts all over the county, where the structures which he has built stand as monuments to his mastery of his trade and the sound character of his work. Mr. Barr has been a good citizen and has fulfilled his duties with public spirit and faithfulness, particularly during the war period when his support was liberal. Several of the family served in the United States Army during the war, including Mr. Barr's nephews, David Barr, the son of Joseph Barr, of Phoneton, Ohio, who was overseas in the capacity of instructor in telegraphy and wigwagging subjects, and Owen and John Barr, the sons of Henry Barr. Mr. Barr married on April 4, 1884, Mary Livensburger, of Dayton, who was born and raised in Columbus. She died February 19, 1887, and now his sister, Patience Barr, keeps house for him. She was born in Greene county, Ohio, in 1852, and is an amiable and pleasant lady. Charles Thomas Boone, a resident of Miami county since 19o3, is numbered among the energetic agriculturists of Bethel township, where he is the renter of a valuable and well cultivated property, owned by his father. He is a native of Franklin county, Virginia, born September 25, 1883, and belongs to an agricultural family, his parents, Joseph Benjamin and Betty (Angle) Boone, having been farming people in the Old .Dominion state. Of the seven children in the family, six are living. Mr. Boone was educated in the public schools of his native county and when he reached man's estate engaged in farming on his own account. He was twenty years of age when he came to Miami county, where his success has been gained through industry and intelligent management of his interests. The 160-acre farm is fertile and productive and the improvements that he has placed thereon are modern in character and practical in design. It has been his well-merited fortune to have not only won success in a material way but to have attracted to himself the warm regard and confidence of those with whom he has been associated. During the period of the World war, the Ten Eyck district was allotted him in the war chest drives and he was able to bring this district well over its quota. Mr. Boone married Bertie, daughter of Edward Dickson, of West Virginia. The pleasant Boone home is located on Tippecanoe City R. F. D. No. 4. In his political beliefs he gives his support to the Republican party. R. H. Deam. Prominently identified with the mercantile interests of Miami county is R. H. Deam, the proprietor of the Ford agency at Tippecanoe City, and one of the progressive and energetic MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 305 business men of this community. Mr. Deam was born in Miami county, in 1871, a son of W. H. and Henrietta (Freeman) Deam. His parents were farming people who passed their lives in the pursuits of the soil and were highly respected in their locality. Mr. Deam has one brother, Emerson, a resident of Sidney, who fought with the American forces overseas during the World war as a second lieutenant in the Eighty-third division. R. H. Deam was educated in the country schools of Miami county and brought up on the home farm, but after attaining his majority turned his attention to mercantile affairs and for some years has conducted implement establishments at Phoneton and Tippecanoe City. Both of these stores are modern in equipment and stock and both have won a very liberal patronage through the business ability and good judgment of their proprietor. Mr. Deam married Crissie, daughter Of Robert R. Smith, of Miami county, and to this union there have been born these children : Leslie, deceased ; Cecil H., Nellie, Morris and Robert J. Cecil H. Deam enlisted for service in the United States Army during the -World war, at Dayton, where he did guard duty for several months, and was then sent to Montgomery, Ala., where he received further training, as he did also at Augusta, Ga., and Charlotte, N. C. He was sent overseas with the One Hundred and Forty-eighth Infantry, Thirty-seventh division, and soon transferred to the front line, taking part in the engagements of St. Mihiel and Argonne Forest. In the battle in the Meuse sector he was severely shell shocked and incapacitated for further duty, subsequently spending five months in the hospital. July 25, 1919, he received his honorable discharge and returned to his home, where he has since been assisting his father in the conduct of his mercantile ventures. R. H. Deam has an excellent reputation in business circles as a man of sound integrity, while as a citizen his support has always been given to worthy ventures for civic improvement and advancement. Horace J. Rollin. Among the oldest families of Ohio and Miami county is that of Horace J. Rollin. Four generations have owned and occupied the old-fashioned homestead for 106 years. It is midway between Piqua and Troy at center of county. Josiah Rollin, with his aged mother, came from New England in 1815, after service in the War of 1812. His canteen is among the interesting family relics. With him also came his son, Isaac, who, though a boy, could reap wheat. In time he became a representative farmer, being one of the first to use the primitive reaping-machine. Isaac T. Rollin departed this life in 1890, aged eighty-six years. Five of his six sons were Union soldiers in the Civil war, among them being Horace, the youngest, then not grown, (October 2, 1845). He had the privilege of hearing the immortal Lincoln speak. The Rollin ancestor, James, came to Massachusetts in 1632, later settling in New Hampshire. The mother, Eleanor Hart Rollin, was of the old Hart family of New Jersey (to which belonged John Hart, signer of the Declaration of Independence) and at the age of four came with her parents, Charles and Nancy, to Miami county. III-20 306 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY She passed to the beyond in 1895, aged eighty-seven, retaining her wonderfully clear mind until the close. Among the members of the Hart family was Eleanor's cousin, Col. J. H. H. (of Piqua), Federal army, who—leading his regiment—was awfully wounded at Nashville. The Rollin family is of English origin, and very old. Its ancestry is traced back to the time of Edward IV., to relationship with the Cornwall family. Certain members were knighted and had a coat-of-arms. Some genealogists, believe there is kinship with the French families of Raoullin, Rawlin and, Rollin. Ledru Rollin was coadjutor with Victor Hugo for liberty, and Charles was author of a notable ancient history. In the centuries the name has varied as to spelling. Governor Frank R., of New Hampshire. was of this stock, as were U. S. Congressman Edward H. R., and U. S. Commissioner of Internal Revenue (1865) Edward Ashton R. Joseph R., great grandfather of Horace, was a soldier throughout the war of the Revolution, and the book of genealogy says there were about twenty of the name in that service. Among some of the notable families in marriage alliance with this name are the old-time ones of Emerson, Paine, Hale, Putnam, Lincoln, Phillips, Prescott, etc. Mrs. Rollin, formerly Miss Nancy E. Bridge—for many years a truly esteemed teacher in Cincinnati public schools—was also of a very old family. Her parents were Josiah (a professional teacher) and Eleanor Harrington Bridge, both of Massachusetts, later of Ohio. Her transition to the beyond occurred in 1913, respected and loved by all who knew, her. The ancestor, John Bridge, came from England in 1631, and settled at Cambridge, Mass. There is now a bronze statute of this emigrant, facing the campus of Harvard University, of which he was founder, with his friend, Shepard and others. His descendants include soldiers, statesmen, ministers, educators, and one president of the United States, Garfield. Major Bridge, Col. Ebenezer B., and other relatives, fought at Bunker Hill. Mr. Rollin worked on the farm until his army service, then attended a normal school. But his health being too delicate for strenuous work, he was moved—perhaps intuitively—and began (without teacher) the quiet but practical study of art, for which, as a boy, he had peculiar liking. He presently produced some landscape paintings, which were purchased by certain persons at Cincinnati, where he entered the art school. It was then, and for many years, under Principal T. S. Noble, who had attended several great schools in Europe. He was unable to continue steadily but was given honorable mention by faculty and trustees. With influential introductory letters he went to New York and studied independently. He had as friends Wyant, Inness and other noted painters. Later, the few pictures exhibited at the National Academy of Design were placed "on the line." He also was encouraged by critics and writers of National repute. Returning to the home farm he painted some of his most notable works, and wrote "Studio Field and Gallery," published on its merit by Appletons, New York. William A. wrote him that the reviews by MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 307 leading journals were especially fine. This artist, in both theory (or interpretation of nature) and execution insists on originality. Mr. Noble, his early teacher and dear friend, sent him a rarely instructive letter regarding an out-of-door work shown at the museum, and still possessed by its creator. A few expressions are quoted for the benefit of young seekers, many of whom need such protection in the field of the fine arts. "That is a charming picture—so fresh, so free from conventionalism so utterly natural. I advised Rollin to go to Paris (where he is sure to become a mannerist, copying the style of others because it is the fashion of those who go there to do so). Now I reverse my opinion. Let him alone with Nature and his own nature, which is so honest and true. He will be better uninfluenced by others (let them be ever so good in their way), for their way is not his way—his being in keeping with his nature and his capacity for seeing nature, and his way of rendering it to be true to his own impressions. "It was thus I reasoned, believing your way will be better than any which I or any one can point out for you. My opinion is based upon this picture. I have concluded to let you alone." In showing this to the Art reporter of a great journal Mr. Rollin seemed amused and remarked. "It's a bright day for humanity when one's friend conclude to let him alone !" He has at times specially studied moonlight. One effect, "Land of the Miamis," a sheen on river rapids, is at Hotel Favorite, Piqua, a free loan to the public, framed and mounted at considerable expense by Mr. Stanhope Boal, a champion of this artist, a believer that all the fine arts promote public good and should be free to all. It is generally declared that this painting has given unusual pleasure to thousands. Mr. Rollin—not moved by commercialism—still owns a number of his works, including several of the most important ; among them is "Mother's Spinning-wheel," considered a rare example. Once sold at a high price to a Cincinnati family, it was returned with thanks by the last member, an octogenarian. The subject of this account is also author of "Yetta Segal," a story with philosophic motive. It was notably reviewed. Certain able scholars have publicly indicated that he is doubtless the first to formulate and publish (1898) an exposition of race-fusion, showing the movement to be natural, universal and evolutionary (with exchange of values producing comprehensive organizations) and destined to culminate in the true cosmopolitan. This was looking forward, but even then in most countries were fine examples of the modern composite. The European philosophers of Evolution looked at the past to see what man had been. Several years after the Rollin book a few writers and speakers began to advance ideas of general fusion. Zangwill, Jewish writer, indicated that America especially, is a "melting-pot." About nine years after the Miami date the famous Luther Burbank, in a lecture, introduced his own views—evidently had learned the truth from plant life. Rollin, thinking the former had not seen his 308 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY book, sent a copy and a letter. The "wizard" wrote at once about the book, "which I so highly prize. Am glad to know that you see so deeply into nature, and see that the whole universe is of one piece. It takes a poet scientist and a science poet to know this and neither of them separately can fully understand it." He also sent the first copy received from the press of his first book (he had written some magazine articles) : "Training of the Human Plant," it was inscribed : "With admiration and respect." A writer of the "Farm and Fireside" staff has said : "Drawn by the love of art, music and literature, many visit the place, and all pilgrims to this Mecca are cordially welcomed. Mr. and Mrs. Rollin possess none of the exclusiveness, which mars the character of many talented persons." One very close to him has the impression that Mr. Rollin, with no descendants and loving his native district, would happily add to the public welfare all that he has. It appears that certain friendly citizens know better than he that, with all held together and protected, to the community the benefit would be invaluable. Questioned as to his belief concerning the future of souls, he felt that aspiration, the longing for something higher and loftier indicates the individual right to interpret the fact of existence. "It was declared long ago," said Mr. Rollin, "that individuality, with all it may embody, is the dearest thing on earth. It is a warrant for the personal right to interpret everything, both subjective and objective intuitions, sacred writings so called, supernormal manifestations, and so on. "The late Mrs. Rollin and her dear folks were Unitarian, in the fellowship of the liberal Quaker, Universalist, Spiritualist, and all who believe that punishment here or hereafter which is not remedial is wicked. To teach it engenders insincerity, terrorism and other evils. The progressive way is never hopelessly closed, but is always beautiful, heavenly." I. B. Deeter. The list of substantial and progressive agriculturists of Miami county includes a number of men who were born in Darke county, and who, coming to Miami county either with their parents or alone, have found here the opportunity of working out their life success in the pursuits of the soil. In this class is I. B. Deeter, a successful farmer of Newton township, who was born on a farm in Adams township, Darke county, November 22, 1862, a son of Abraham R. and Nancy (Bigler) Deeter. Abraham R. Deeter was a farmer all his life, principally in Darke county, where he was twice married. By his first union he had ten children, all of whom are now deceased, and by his union with Nancy Bigler, his second wife, he had eleven children, of whom five still survive : Lee, Rebecca, Lavina, Katherine and I. B. The parents were highly respected people of their community, where they made numerous friends, brought their children up to respect labor, truth and honesty and contributed to the welfare of their community by their support of the institutions of religion, education and good citizenship. I. B. Deeter secured his education in the public schools and remained at home as his father's associate in farming until he reached his majority. About that time he struck out for MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 309 himself, in Darke county, where he farmed until 1906, at that time coming to his present property in Newton township. Mr. Deeter has good buildings and modern improvements, and the presence of evidences of prosperity would seem to indicate the owner's possession of good managerial qualities. He maintains a small herd of cattle of a good grade, but for the most part devotes himself to general farming, a department in which he has met with success. Mr. Deeter married Martha, daughter of John Crowel, of Newberry township, and to this union there have been born two children : Fairy, who married LeRoy Smith, of Newton township, and Arthur, who assists his father on the home place. Mr. and Mrs. Deeter belong to the Church of the Brethren. They have four grandchildren, their daughter, Mrs. Smith, having one daughter, Beatrice Irene, and their son, Arthur, who married Erba McDonald, of Bradford, having had three children : Arthur, Jr., deceased ; Emerson Jay and Elma Jean, all residing in Miami county. George A. Fry. The youth obliged to make his own way in agriculture, without means or influence, should take heart from the experience of George A. Fry, now one of the foremost farmers of Bethel township, who started his independent career with practically no capital and who today is the owner of a splendidly improved property of 392 acres. Mr. Fry is a native of Clermont county, Ohio, born May 15, 1854, a son of Daniel and Sarah (Losey) Fry, farming people, whose other children were : Lucretia, Charles W. and Sedate B. Mr. Fry was reared on the home farm, and with little else than a common school education and unlimited ambition entered upon his independent career. In 1881 he came to Miami county and settled in Bethel township, where his persevering industry and good management have combined to gain him the ownership of the property mentioned, one which in its size and improvements forms one of the finest estates in this part of the county. While being busily engaged in his private affairs, Mr. Fry has found the inclination and opportunity to be of service to his fellow-citizens and for thirty years has been a township trustee, while for thirty-two years he has held membership in the board of agriculture and for fourteen years has been president of that body. During the World war he was a member of a number of committees which had in their charge the collection of funds. Mr. Fry married Anna M., daughter of Joseph and Laura Rudy, of Bethel township, and to this union there have been born three children : Nora May, the wife of Lee R. Wilson, of Washington, D. C. ; Harry, who is associated with his father in farming, and Jessie, the wife of Earl Senseman, of Maryland. He and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and in his political beliefs is a member of the Democratic party. John Lincoln Honeyman. Horticultural science, than which no broader or more fascinating pursuit is open to the student landsman, has an intelligent and resourceful exponent in John Lincoln Honeyman, whose activities long since have passed the experimental stage and developed into one of the most success- 310 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY ful enterprises of the kind in Miami county. He comes by his predilection by inheritance and the name of Honeyman has been identified with this vocation for many years in Monroe township. Mr. Honeyman was born on the property on which he now resides, in 1864, a son of John and Sarah (Syler) Honeyman. His father, an early resident of this locality, and a man esteemed and respected for his many excellencies of mind and heart, bought a farm of 118 acres in Monroe township and many years ago started a grape arbor which is today regarded as one of the finest to be found in the locality. He passed his entire life in agricultural and horticultural operations and made a success of his ventures.. Of the ten children in the family, seven are still living. John L. Honeyman acquired a public school eduction and early became interested in horticultural experiments. In August, 1914, he obtained the home place and thirty-six acres of land, and has carefully tended the arbors in a scientific manner, while his vegetable garden and fruit-bearing trees have also received the best of attention and bear a maximum yield. Mr. Honeyman has made a close and careful study of his chosen vocation and has accomplished results which have gained him a reputation for originality, insight and resource. Few homes in the country have more artistic or tasteful surroundings, as the owner has a keen eye for natural effects and thoroughly understands the scenic value of plants, shrubs, trees and vines. Mr. Honeyman was a substantial contributor to various war measures and has always supported good civic measures. He is unmarried and keeps bachelor hall. George Cornell Paterson. A gentleman who is held in the highest regard by all the foremost citizens of Troy, Ohio, and very many others, as his acquaintance is wide and extensive, is George C. Paterson. He was born in Austin, Pennsylvania, on May 10, 1891, a son of Andrew C. Paterson. Andrew C. Paterson, who was born in Ingersoll, Ontario, on February 14, 1864, is a prominent attorney-at-law in Detroit, Mich. He married Miss Barbara Munroe, who was born in Ingersoll, Ontario, on September 21, 1864, and they were the parents of two children : George C., who is the subject of this review, and Marjorie, who married H. H. Whittingham, who is assistant factory manager of the Canadian Products Company, at Walkerville, Ontario. George C. Paterson obtained his early education in the public and high school of Detroit, Mich., and later attended the University of Michigan, from which he was graduated with the class of 1914, with the degree of Mechanical Engineer: Immediately after leaving school, Mr. Paterson accepted a position with the Saxon Motor Company with which he remained two years. In 1916 he resigned this position in order to accept the assistant managership of the Troy Body Company, at Troy, Ohio, which position he holds at the present time. Mr. Paterson also holds the office of a director of this company, which office he has held since 1919. In political belief Mr. Paterson is a Republican and though he takes a keen interest in the affairs of the state, he has never sought or held office. Fraternally Mr. Paterson is a MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 311 popular and valued member of the Masonic lodge. Religiously Mr. Paterson and his family affiliate with the Presbyterian church. On the seventeenth day of November, 1915, Mr. Paterson was united in marriage with Miss Gretchen Schremser, a daughter of Edward and Mae (Long) Schremser, of Detroit, Mich. To this union there have been born two daughters : Barbara and Virginia. Arthur C. Pearson. Included among the agriculturists of Spring Creek township who have -won success in their chosen vocation is Arthur C. Pearson, the owner of a well cultivated property and a comfortable and attractive home. Mr. Pearson was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1863, a son of Sampson and Hannah (Hoops) Pearson, farming people who passed their active years in Montgomery county, where they were held in high esteem. Their closing years were spent in Darke county, where they died. Mr. Pearson received his education in the public schools of his native county and was reared on the home farm, on which he resided until after entering upon his own career, in 1907, when he came to Miami county and purchased the nucleus for his present farm in Spring Creek township. He has made additions thereto and has added improvements almost yearly, so that his farm comprises one of the model country estates of his locality. He has applied his energies unremittingly to the cultivation and improvement of his land, but has found time to discharge faithfully the duties of citizenship and during the World war contributed a good citizen's share to the movements promulgated for the success of American arms. Mr. Pearson married Miss Martha Arnold, of Darke county, and to this union there have been born nine children : Ethel, the wife of C. G. Mauk ; Ruth, the wife, of A. W. Cooper ; Virgie, the wife of Carl Cromer ; Zella, the wife of Oscar Stein ; Catherine ; Elma; Walter, who married. Margaret Drake, and lives in Miami county ; Harold and Ralph, who reside with their parents on the home farm. F. W. Pearson. The call of the soil is very strong for some men, as is shown in the career of F. W. Pearson, who, after having accumulated a competence and spending several years in retirement, has recently returned to the pursuits of agriculture and is again numbered among the active agriculturists of Monroe township. Mr. Pearson was born on a farm in Concord township, Miami county, in 1866, a son of George and Mary I. (Harbison) Pearson. His father, for many years an agriculturist in Miami county and one of the highly respected citizens of his community, was a soldier of the Union during the Civil war, in which he fought as a member of an Ohio volunteer infantry regiment. F. W. Pearson was educated in the public schools and early adopted farming as his vocation. For many years he tilled the soil with success, but eventually retired from active labor and took up his residence at Troy. After several years of inactivity his energetic nature urged his return to farming and in November, 1919, he secured his present property in Monroe township, which was formerly owned by Silas Pearson. Here he has made numerous improvements of a modern character 312 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY and the farm now compares favorably with any of its size in the township. Mr. Pearson has always played a good citizen's role in all movements which have proven themselves worthy, both in the dark days of war and in the piping times of peace. His first marriage was to Miss Elizabeth Steward, by whom he had one son : George E., now an agriculturist of Monroe township, who was particularly active in the sale of war savings stamps during the World war. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Pearson married Miss Ella Gephart, and they reside in a pleasant home on Troy R. F. D. No. 5. George W. Rudy. Among the native sons of Miami county who are not only maintaining the records of their fathers, but are establishing precedents for their successors, mention is due George W. Rudy, who is carrying on extensive and successful operations on a well-cultivated farm in Bethel township. Mr. Rudy was born on the farm which he now occupies, in 1858, a son of Joseph and Louisa (Young) Rudy. His parents were substantial agriculturists of the honorable, God-fearing class, who rounded out their lives in tilling the soil and who won and held the respect and good will of those among whom they lived. The education of George W. Rudy was obtained in the rural schools and his boyhood and youth were passed on the home farm. When a young man his inclinations led him to enter another line of endeavor at Dayton, but after four years he returned to the home place where he has since devoted his energies to the work of sowing and reaping. His property, under his careful and intelligent management, produces good crops and he is known as a systematic, practical and progressive agriculturist. The quality of his citizenship has never been doubted and. during the World war period he was a liberal contributor to the various war movements and activities. Mr. Rudy married Fannie, daughter of John and Eliza (DeLong) Ross, of Miami county, farming people. Charles Ross, a brother of Mrs. Rudy, had one son, Chester, who saw service in the World war. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Rudy, all at home : Pearl, Clyde and Maurice. Maurice Rudy trained at Camp Sherman for service in the United States Army during the World war and went overseas with the Twenty-sixth division as a private. With that division and the Eighty-third, he saw service on five fronts, and took part in the Argonne and St. Mihiel campaigns. During his service he was gassed and seriously incapacitated, but since his return has recovered and is now assisting his father and brother in the cultivation of the home acres. Oscar W. Pearson, a prosperous, enterprising and prominent farmer, who has pursued his vocation for more than a quarter of a century on his present property in Monroe township, was born in this township, August 22, 1867, a son of Elihu and Eliza Jane (Macy) Pearson. His father, who was a life-long agriculturist of Miami county, was a veteran of the Civil war, having served for one hundred days as a member of an Ohio volunteer infantry regiment, and died in 1901, greatly respected and esteemed. There MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 313 were five children in the family. T. Webster, now retired after many years of agricultural pursuits, and living on his home farm in Miami county, Ohio ; William H., also a retired farmer, of Arcanum ; Alma, deceased ; Lydia, the wife of David Ellerman, and Oscar W. Oscar W. Pearson secured his education in the public schools, following which he became his father's assistant on the home place and resided thereon until after the attainment of his majority. He then embarked in farming on his own account, and in 1893 settled on his present property in Monroe township, where he has 110 acres of fertile land, on which he has modern improvements and substantial buildings. He is considered one of the progressive and substantial men of his community, and from 1911 to 1915 served capably as a member of the board of commissioners of Miami county. Mr. Pearson married Elma, daughter of Joseph Pemberton, of West Milton, and to this union there have been born three children : Treva Helen, a graduate of the Ohio State University ; Oscar Wallace, Jr., and Wanita, who spent two years at Miami University and is now in her second and final year-of a musical course at the University of Chicago. O. Wallace Pearson, Jr., is a graduate of Miami University, and spent a year each in study at Pullman, Wash., and Leland-Stanford University, California. He began his training as an aviator at the University of Illinois and supplemented this by intensive training in Texas, and after receiving his commission as a lieutenant in the United States Aviation Corps became an instructor at West Point, Miss. He went overseas during the World war and was located there from October I, 1918, to January 21, 1919, but did not get to see actual fighting at the front because of the scarcity of available planes. Since his return he has followed the vocation of commercial aviator. He married Marion Mabrey Simpson, of Mississippi, and they reside at Cincinnati. Edwin N. Rusk, a leading citizen of Staunton township, now retired after many years passed in agricultural activities, was born on the Pence farm in Spring Creek township, Miami county, in 1859, a son of William F. and Mary (Anderson) Rusk, natives of Warren county, Ohio. The family is well and favorably known in that county, where those of the name have resided for more than one hundred years. The maternal grandmother of Mr. Rusk, Elizabeth Longstreet, who was related to General Longstreet, of Civil war fame, settled at Cincinnati in 1815. The paternal grandfather of Mr. Rusk, of Scotch-Irish parentage, came to the United States in 178o, when a child, and passed the mature years of his life in farming in Warren county. William F. Rusk grew to manhood in Warren county, Where he passed some years in farming and was married in 1844, but later moved to Spring Creek township, Miami county, where he rounded out his career. He was one of the prominent and influential men of his community and served for many years as township trustee and county assessor. He and his wife were the parents of nine children : James A., a member of the Seventy-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the 314 - MEMOIRES OF THE MIAMI VALLEY Civil war, who was killed at the battle of Nashville, in December, 1864; John N., a member of the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry ("Miami County's Own") during the Civil war, who was killed by a Confederate sharpshooter at Cold Harbor, one of the battles of the Wilderness, in June, 1864; William Franklin, deceased ; Lettie, who died as the wife of Albert Kinder ; Walter S., a Canadian farmer, who has three children ; Edwin N.; Louella ; Laura Belle, who died young, and a child who died in infancy. One of the cherished possessions of Edwin N. Rusk is the beautifully carved top of an ammunition box which was used as the headstone for his brother's grave. It was the possession of this that enabled the searchers to find the bodies Of the two soldier brothers, whose remains were brought back. to Ohio and buried in the graveyard at Raper Chapel, halfway between Piqua and Troy. Edwin N. Rusk was educated in the public schools of Miami county and was engaged in farming a tract of eighty-seven acres, which he owns, until 1915. Since then he has lived in retirement, his land now being farmed by tenants. In addition to establishing a reputation as a capable farmer, Mr. Rusk rendered his fellow-citizens splendid service in several public capacities, being justice of the peace for six years and assessor of Staunton township four years. He was a member of several Liberty loan committees during the war period and of the draft registration hoard. February 21, 1884, he was united in marriage with Minnie, daughter of John and Susan (Harritt) Hart, farming people of Staunton township, and to this union there were born two daughters : Lettie, who married Frank Weatherhead, a farmer, in 1906, and Velva, who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Weatherhead have three children : Helen, born in 1907, who recently made a trip to Washington, D. C., New York City and Columbus, Ohio, for best sewing, and as one of the best girl canners in Miami county ; Lucille, born in 1913, who is attending school in the country, and Robert Rusk, born in 1918. The family attend the Christian church at Troy, Ohio, of which they are members. Politically Mr. R.usk is a Republican and served as a member of the central executive committee. Charles A. Swartz, who embarked in farming in a modest way after spending many years in one of the trades, and has worked his way to the ownership of 15o acres of good land, is one of the highly regarded agriculturists of Newberry township. Mr. Swartz was born at Covington, Ohio, in 1872, a son of John and Mary (Sedrick) Swartz. His father, who was a man of industry and an honorable citizen of Covington, was a veteran of the Civil war, in which he fought as a soldier of the Union. He and his wife were the parents of three sons : Charles A., John and Will. After acquiring a public school education at Covington, Charles A. Swartz applied himself to the task of learning the stone cutting trade, and after completing his apprenticeship became a journeyman. A skilled workman, he had no difficulty in finding employment, and for a number of years traveled to various parts of the country, working at his trade. Eventually tiring of such a nomadic life, MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 315 and desiring a settled home, he decided to take up farming as a vocation and accordingly purchased a small plot of ground near Pleasant Hill. His industry and close application brought him success in this venture, and he was encouraged to broaden the extent of his operations, with the result that he came to his present property in Newberry township. At this time Mr. Swartz is the owner of 15o acres of good land, on which he has modern improvements, including a comfortable home on Covington R. F. D. No. I. He has always so conducted himself as to win the respect of his fellow-citizens, and his public spirit and loyalty have not been found wanting, as evidenced on a number of occasions, but particularly during the war period when he was a generous contributor to all movements and activities. Mr. Swartz married Elsie B., daughter of Daniel and Rachael Long, farming people of Miami county, who had two sons and one daughter. One of these sons, Joseph Long, had a son, Gaylord, who served in the United States Navy during the World war. Mr. and Mrs. Swartz are the parents of one son, Robert. A. O. Judson, production manager of the Lorimer Manufacturing Company of Troy, has had a varied and interesting career, which has carried him to widely diverging points and into various lines of endeavor. He was born at Bowling Green, Ohio, October 24, 1876, a son of J. R. and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Judson, and comes of an old and honorable American family of Mayflower origin. His father, who fought as a soldier of the Union during the war between the states, later entered contracting and the oil business, and during his later years was widely and favorably known in the community of Bowling Green and elsewhere. He and his wife were the parents of four children : C. H., a resident of California ; W. C., who is engaged in farming in Ohio ; A. 0., and Flora, now Mrs William Montwell, of Monroe, Mich. A. 0. Judson was graduated from the Bowling Green High. School, following which he became an apprentice in the plant of the Toledo Blade Sewing Machine Company, where he specialized in designing. During his employ- ment there, he attended night school, and thus became a proficient mechanic and designer. Later Mr. Judson went to the Cleveland Bicycle Company, where he was advanced to the position of superintendent of the plant, and was there employed when the announcement was made that gold had been discovered in the Klondike. Deciding to try his fortune with the rest of the adventurers who were flocking from all over the world to Alaska, he started upon his journey and joined the gold rush, but when he reached Vancouver, Wash., accepted an attractive offer from the British Columbia Iron Works, as foreman of the machine shop. Next he accepted the post of chief machinist on the S. S. Emperor of Japan, running between this country and Japan, but resigned to offer his services to his country during the Spanish-American war, when he was made chief machinist in the United States Navy and served as such one and one-half years. His next employment was as a draughts- 316 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY man with the Westinghouse Company, whence he went to Cripple Creek, Colo. His venture there was short-lived, and he next went to Chicago, where he was employed as a draughtsman by the Holden Punch and Die Company. His next enterprise was an inva- sion of the oil fields of Ohio and Oklahoma, in oil production and construction of wells, but later he returned to his native state and took employment with the National Cash Register Company, at Dayton, as superintendent of the screw machine department. He was subsequently made foreman of the plant of the Stoddard-Dayton Company, in the machine shops, and later became superintendent of the Warner Gear Company, of Muncie, Ind. From this position he went to the Dayton Screw Company, as manager, but resigned to become factory manager of the Troy Metal Products Company, a Cincinnati concern owned by Troy interests which was engaged in the manufacture of war munitions and devices. After leaving this concern he returned to Troy and associated himself with the Lorimer Manufacturing Company, with which business he has continued to be identified as production manager. Mr. Judson is a member of the Masons and Elks. He married Miss Ethel. Stoddard, of Bowling Green, Ohio, and they are consistent members of the Baptist church. Edgar A. Todd, treasurer of the Atlas Underwear Company of Piqua, is accounted one of the leading and influential business men of the city. He was born at Sidney, Ohio, November 24, 1863, a son of S. N. and Sarah E. (Edgar) Todd. His father, who located at Piqua in 1869, was for some years the owner of a book store, but later became secretary and treasurer of the Dayton Natural Gas Company. He was a man well known and highly esteemed, and his services to the community included several years of capable discharge of the duties of treasurer of Miami county. He and his worthy wife were the parents of three children : Edgar A. Percy F., an engineer identified with the General Motors Company, and Margaret. Edgar A. Todd attended the public schools of Piqua, after leaving which he purchased his father's book store, which he conducted until 1897, then becoming one of the organizers of the Atlas Underwear Company, which, from small beginnings, has steadily grown to be one of the largest manufacturers of the union type of underwear in the United States. A complete history of this concern will be found in the industrial section of this work Mr. Todd was prominent in all war activities during the period of the great struggle in Europe, and has always been a public-spirited citizen who has borne his share of the duties of citizenship. He is president of the Community Chautauqua and has devoted much time to advancing its interests, much of the success of the Chautauqua being directly traceable to his constructive and earnest efforts in its behalf, it being worthy of note that before he took the presidency this enterprise had never been a paying venture. He is likewise a member of the Park Board of Piqua. Mr. Todd belongs to the Masons and the Piqua Club and he and his family hold member- MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 317 ship in the Presbyterian church of this city. Mr. Todd married Miss Ida M. McCabe, and to this union there have been horn two children : Miriam, who resides with her parents, and William Newell, one of the officials of the Richmond, Ind., plant of the Atlas Underwear Company, who married Ruth Rayner, of Piqua, and has one child, William Newell, Jr. William McNulty, secretary-treasurer of the Cron Manufacturing Company of Piqua, is one of the men prominent in business affairs of the city and likewise well knoWn as a fraternalist. He was born at Pittsburgh, Pa., June 29, 1860, a son of John and Catherine (Dunn) McNulty, his father being well known at Pittsburgh, where he was for many years engaged in the livery business. There were nine children in the family, of whom P. J., now deceased, was a well-known theatrical man, operating the Duquesne, Lyceum and Alvin opera houses at Pittsburgh ; Edward T. is superintendent of the Wheeling Steel and Iron Company, and George M. is prominent in the undertaking business at Philadelphia. William McNulty, after graduating from the Central High School, Pittsburgh, became interested in the Moorehead Iron and Steel Mills, and in 1883 entered the furniture business in the manufacture of upholstered furniture and the sale of various well-known lines. While thus engaged he handled the product of the L. C. & W. L. Cron Company in the east, and eventually he and Mr. Jeffery, now president of the Cron Manufacturing Company, with other interests, came to Piqua and bought the Cron plant, which they have since operated on an increasingly large scale. In addition, offices are maintained at Pittsburgh. Mr. McNulty married Miss Sue L. Humphrey, of Pittsburgh, and to this union there have been born three children : Thompson, Elizabeth and Mary, of whom the first two are deceased. During the recent war period, Mr. McNulty was made chairman of the Knights of Columbus drive at Pittsburgh, and, with a quota of $150,000 to be obtained, raised over $500,000. He is a prominent and leading member of the Knights of Columbus and past exalted ruler of Washington (Pa.) Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Thomas M. Lanham, superintendent of the Northern Manufacturing Co. at Tippecanoe City, Ohio, was born at Vevay, Ind., in 187o, a son of J. A. and Nancy (Nay) Lanham. During his boyhood and youth Mr. Lanham attended the public schools of his native community, and when he was ready to become self-supporting secured a position in a furniture factory. There he learned the business thoroughly. He was ambitious, industrious and attentive, and as he passed through the various departments as he was promoted to more responsible posts, gathered a great deal of information which has since been of inestimable value to him. In 1910 Mr. Lanham moved to Piqua, where he became identified with the Cron Kilns Company, as assistant superintendent. Later he transferred his services to the Union Furniture Company, of Connersville, Ind., and then returned to Piqua, where he became connected 318 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY with the plant owned by L. C. and W. L. Cron, and operated as the L. C. & W. L. Cron Manufacturing Company. He served as superintendent and general manager, and when the new management came in and the Cron Manufacturing Company was established, Mr. Lanham was retained in the capacity of superintendent. On March he retired from above connection and became superintendent of Northern Manufacturing Co. of Tippecanoe City. Mr. Lanham is deservedly recognized as one of the most efficient men to be found in his line of industry, and has played an important part in the building up and development of the various concerns which he has represented. He married Alpha, 'daughter of Edward Tilley, and they are the parents of one daughter, Mary Jane. Mr. Lanham is a member of the Knights of Pythias, in which he has numerous friends, and as a citizen has been a supporter of all worthy movements, this applying particularly to his contributions to the war activities promulgated in Miami county. S. N. Touchman. Among the members of the younger business generation at Troy, Ohio, one who is making rapid strides toward prominence and success is S. N. Touchman, proprietor of the Troy Pattern Works. Mr. Touchman was born at Covington Ky., October 27, 1887, a son of Michael and Carrie (Howery) Touchman. He acquired his education at Piqua, to which city his parents had removed when he was a child, and there studied mechanical draughting and engineering and subsequently learned pattern-making at the plant of the Favorite Stove Company. In 1912 he came to Troy, where he engaged in the business of pattern-making in the building now occupied by the C. C. Hobart Company. Outgrowing these quarters, in 1914 he came to his present location, continuing his activities in a building which had been erected for his business. The Troy Pattern Works has developed a splendid business in the making of wood and metal patterns, and its patron age extends to various parts of the country. Its work in designing, and executing is recognized as being of a superior degree of workmanship and a competent staff of experts is associated with Mr. Touchman. He is also interested in the Troy Tool and Machine Company, of which he is part owner with B. J. Nelson. Mr. Touchman was a liberal contributor to all war movements and has always done his share in promoting enterprises which have promised to advance the general welfare. He is a member of several social bodies and has numerous friends throughout the city. He married Emma, daughter of William Roeser, and they have two children : William S. and Bettie May. John R. Simpson, owner of the Ohio Electric Specialty Manufacturing Company, of Troy, and one of the capable and influential business men of that city, was born at Middletown, Ohio, June 22, 1876, a son of Abram and Harriet (Gallaher) Simpson. Abram Simpson was one of the early pork packers of Ohio, and owned a farm property at Middletown, in the public schools of which city John R. Simpson received his education and graduated from high MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 319 school in 1895. His first connection with the electrical business was as an employe of The Hobart Electric Manufacturing Company, of Troy, with which he ,continued to be identified until engaging in business on his own account. Mr. Simpson has taken out a number of patents, notably one on a trolley wheel to be used on electric cars. It has been adopted by electric railways throughout the country and is in general use. He likewise holds patents on an improved electric horn. His present business is one of a very substantial nature, and is principally devoted to the manufacture of brushes for the collecting of electrical current off of motors and dynamos. A complete history of the business will be found in the industrial section of this work. Mr. Simpson is prominent in fraternal affairs as a member of the Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America and the Masons. With his family he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Simpson married Roxanna, daughter of John and Anne D. Stillwell, of Troy, and to this union there have been born four children : Eusebia, Ernestine, Anna Belle and Nancy. Mr. Simpson has always been a public-spirited citizen, and during the period of the great war was a firm supporter of all movements and activities promoted by the Government. J. Robert Caywood, M. D. From 1902 to the present time, the health and sanitation of a large part of the city of Piqua has been under the care of Dr. J. Robert Caywood, who has reached an enviable position among the physicians of Miami county. He was born at Somerset, Perry county, Ohio, in 1869, a son of George and Elizabeth (Melick) Caywood. George Caywood came originally from Pennsylvania and became an educator in Perry county, Ohio, from which community he enlisted in a volunteer regiment in the Union army and fought through the period of the Civil war. Three brothers, who had removed to Missouri, enlisted from that state in the army of the North and also took part in that struggle. George and Elizabeth (Melick) Caywood were the parents of seven children : J. Robert ; Homer; Thomas, professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Iowa ; Charles, superintendent of a branch of the .Continental Motor Company of Muskegon, Mich.; Augusta; Dora, the wife of Rev. Charles Rohrer, minister of the Methodist church of Columbus, Ohio, and Ella, the wife of Charles Skinner, of Minneapolis, Minn. After attending the public schools of Perry county, J. Robert Caywood pursued a course at Ohio Wesleyan University, and then graduated from. Starling Medical College, following which he did post-graduate work at Chicago and New York. He began the practice of his profession at Lockington, Ohio, but in 1902 came to Piqua, where he has since been located, in the enjoyment of a professional business which in increasing size and importance has reflected his skill and the confidence in which he is held. For the greater part his practice is devoted to surgery, a field in which he has few superiors in i county. During the period of the great World war, he was commissioned a lieutenant in the United States Army Medical Corps, 320 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY but the signing of the armistice came before he was called into service. He is a valued member of the various organizations of his profession and likewise has numerous social and civic connections. Fraternally, he is a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason. Doctor Caywood married Elizabeth, daughter of M. E. Barber, who died in 1913, leaving one child, Myron, who died when four years of age. The present Mrs. Caywood was formerly Miss Jane Downey, of Piqua. J. H. Hecker. The contribution of J. H. Hecker to the business development of Covington has taken the form of a first-class automobile garage, while his public-spirited citizenship has been expressed in sterling service in several public offices of importance. Mr. Hecker was born on a farm in Newton township, Miami county, September 6, 1881, a son of Fred and Mary (Shellhaas) Hecker. His father passed his entire life in agricultural pursuits in Miami county, where he was known as a man of honor and integrity, and he and his worthy wife were the parents of four children : J. H. ; Lottie, the wife of Herman -Wright; Elizabeth, the wife of Harvey Ellerman, and Kate, the wife of Gus Eberenze. J. H. Hecker received his education in school district No. 9, and as a youth learned the trade of carpenter. Like many young men in the country, he was attracted by railroading, and for a time fired an engine, but gave up this work to engage in the plumbing and tinning business at Covington. In 1906, realizing the growing importance of the automobile industry, Mr. Hecker opened the first repair garage at Covington. This he has developed into a large and important business. He employs three skilled mechanics to make repairs, maintains a supply and service station and carries a full line of standard tires and accessories. In connection with his garage he conducts a plumbing and electrical business, and in each of his ventures is winning a pronounced success. Mr. Hecker has been mayor of Covington, having given his thriving little city an excellent administration, and was a member of the city council for eight years. During the war period he acted as field examiner for soldiers' claims, and likewise served on the war chest and war loans committees. Mr. Hecker married Lucy, daughter of Samuel Miller, of Darke county, Ohio. John B. Benham. The independent career of John B. Benham has been of only comparatively short duration, but during its existence he has demonstrated the possession of abilities that should combine to make him one of the substantial agriculturists of Elizabeth township. Mr. Benham was born in this township, September 5, 1888, a son of Robert and Martha (Bradfute) Benham. His parents were lifelong residents of Miami county, where they followed farming, and where they still reside. They are highly esteemed and respected and have numerous warm friends in the locality in which they have spent so many years. There are four children in the family : Cassa, who after preparing herself for teaching, is following that profession ; Carrie, who is now engaged as a nurse in a MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 321 hospital at Cincinnati; Walter, who enlisted in the United States army during the World war and saw active service overseas, is now located in Troy, and John B. John B. Benham received his education in the public schools and grew up on the home farm. In 1919 upon his father retiring from the farm he took the management of his father's farm of z00 acres. He is enterprising, ambitious and progressive, and uses modern methods intelligently, with the result that he is securing results in proportion to his labors. Mr. Benham was united in marriage with Fannie, daughter of W. M. Saylor, of Elizabeth township. Their pleasant home is located on Troy R. F. D. No. 2, a community in which they have formed many friendships. He and his wife are members of the Christian church. He is independent in politics. Robert Morris Dickson, one of the progressive farmers of Spring Creek township, and the owner of eighty acres of land beautifully situated about four and one-half miles east of Piqua, is widely known as a lecturer identified with the work of the Ohio State Grange. Mr. Dickson was born in Spring Creek township, a son of Samuel McKnight and Jane (Patterson) Dickson, and belongs to an old and honored family of Miami county which originated in Pennsylvania. Samuel McKnight Dickson was born at Rossville, Spring Creek township, September 1, 1824, was educated in the public schools and subsequently became an educator, being a man of unusual brilliance of mind. In later years he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and was also active in civic affairs, serving' as township clerk, infirmary director and in other capacities. He was a stanch Republican. His death occurred May 26, 1862. Mr. Dickson married Jane Patterson, who was born in Pennsylvania, August 31, 1832, a daughter of Robert and Mary Patterson, and they became the parents of two sons : John Charles, who died at the age of forty-two years, and Robert Morris. Mrs. Jane Dickson died January 22, 1914. Robert M. Dickson attended the country schools in Spring Creek township, the normal school at Danville, Ind., and the Ohio Northern University at Ada, and then entered upon a career as an educator. For eighteen years he taught in the schools of Miami county, for one year in Iowa and for two years in Kentucky, and then retired from the public educator's calling and turned his attention to agricultural matters. He has a splendidly improved property, and carries on successful activities as a farmer and a raiser of pure-bred Poland China hogs and other good live stock. While Mr. Dickson has been successful as a teacher and farmer, he has perhaps become best known to the people of Ohio as a Grange worker. He is deputy master of the Miami county Grange, a position which he has held for two years. Mr. Dickson is known as a great community worker, and has been a director of the Piqua Chautauqua for years, and for a decade a member of the Miami County Fair Board. He has been for several years chairman of the Committee for Soldiers' Day at the Miami County Fair, his executive ability fitting him thoroughly for the III-21 322 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY entertainment of the veterans. Politically he is an active Republican, and has served on numerous occasions as delegate to county, congressional and senatorial conventions. He is secretary of the township organization at this time and is accounted one of the strong and influential men of his party. His fellow citizens have expressed their recognition of his abilities and integrity by electing him to offices of trust, he having served for nine years as a member of the Board of Township Trustees, for six years as pike superintendent, and for a long period as a member of the school board. Mr. Dickson married Harriet, daughter of John H. and Mary Himmelright, who graduated with honors from. Piqua High School in 1883, being valedictorian of her class, and then pursued a course at the Ohio Northern College at Ada, Ohio. An intellectual, cultured and refined woman, she has been of great assistance to her husband in his various activities, and was formerly a public school teacher at Piqua, and for twelve years a teacher in the Sunday school. For four years she was a lecturer of the Ohio State Grange, for thirteen years had charge of the juvenile grange, and for four years, from 1913 to 1917, she had charge of the literary work of the grange. As a lecturer on grange subjects she has traveled all over Ohio, and is recognized as one of the State's most capable community welfare workers. She also speaks at farmers' institutes, and at present is one of the directors of the farm bureau of Miami county. Lieut. Alfred P. Reck. Out of the great World war there have come numerous stories of heroism, of thrilling adventure, miraculous escapes, brutal treatment and great fortitude. In the comparatively brief career of Lieut. Alfred P. Reck as a soldier of the American Expeditionary Forces, all of these are combined into one seemingly interminable, nightmarish experience in which he ran the whole gamut of suffering, danger and abuse, and from which he happily emerged to take up again the duties of peace. Lieutenant Reck was born at Piqua, June 25, 1898, a son of Charles and Nina (Pierce) Reck, his father being a druggist of this city. He comes of good fighting stock as his paternal grandfather, F. W. Reck, was a soldier of the Union during the Civil war and his maternal grandfather, W. F. Pierce, was colonel of the Forty-seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer infantry, during that struggle. After his graduation from the Piqua High School, Alfred P. Reck went to Pittsburgh, where he secured a- position in the accounting department of the Westinghouse Electric Company. He was so employed at the time of his enlistment in the One Hundred and Ninth Infantry, Twenty-eighth division, a Pennsylvania command, and was sent overseas in April, 1918, in the British steamship "Anchises." After some training in England, his command was sent to France, and while still unseasoned was thrown into the engagement with the French at the second battle of the Marne. On the midnight of July 15, 1918, the Germans attacked on their drive to Paris. Lieutenant Reck, then a sergeant (he later being promoted lieutenant for dis- MIAMI COUNTY-BIOGRAPHICAL - 323 tinguished service), had charge of a platoon of fifty men in a force of 250. The attacking Germans numbered thousands and when the French retreated the Americans were left to fight it out. The enemy crossed the Marne by boat-loads and the men under Lieutenant Reck rolled hand grenades down upon them, but they were too greatly outnumbered and the command was almost annihilated. Lieutenant Reck was incapacitated by liquid fire, his neck being burned seriously and his whole body seeming afire, and fell unconscious. At this time the American artillery behind began to shell this sector, but the lieutenant, who had regained consciousness, crawled on his hands and knees away from the shrapnel, and when it rained managed to catch a few drops in his mouth and partly soothe his tortured throat. In vain he tried to attract the allied planes, he being mistaken for a German soldier, and bombs were dropped toward him which he avoided with difficulty. Indeed a splinter from one bomb pinned his coat to the ground. Eventually he made his way to a tree, which he climbed with much difficulty, but in his exhausted state he soon went to sleep and fell ten feet to the ground. For four days, with nothing to eat or drink, without sense of direction, and with the maggots swarming in his sore body, he wandered aimlessly and finally collapsed from sheer exhaustion. He was awakened by a brutal kick on his sore shoulder from the boot of a German soldier and was put on a stretcher and carried to the rear of the German lines. With two other captives he was thrown into an abandoned wine cellar, with the cheerful information that in the morning, as a reprisal, all three were to have their throats cut. Instead they were taken to the prison camp at Fremlin, where Lieutenant Reck witnessed German surgeons driving nails in fractured limbs to hold the limbs together. Later he was transferred to the prison camp at Hirson and then entrained for another camp still farther away from the lines. Here a French soldier bribed one of the German guards for a map, an en route the French poilu, Lieutenant Reck and five others escaped by jumping from the train. With the aid of the map and a compass they pressed on into Belgium, dodging innumerable German patrols and begging food from the Belgian peasants, who ran the risk of death in giving them aid. At Rheinsdale, Belgium, they learned that the frontier at Holland was guarded by a highly-charged system of electric wires and charged pools and decided to try another avenue of escape less dangerous. Catching a freight train, they found it filled with German soldiers, but managed to evade them and at Aix-la-Chappelle started again for the Holland border, steering their course by the North star. They finally came to the electric wires across the Dutch frontier, and for days waited in the underbrush for a good opportunity for escape to present itself. A French aviator eventually succeeded in winning his way through to freedom and Lieutenant Reck made the next attempt. He had nearly gotten through when discovered and captured by German soldiers, who took him to a prison camp at Giessen. In the 324 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY refined cruelty which distinguished their treatment of their prisoners, the Germans here informed Lieutenant Reck that Mexico had joined forces with Germany and in the absence of American troops had captured the states of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Eventually he was released, following the signing of the Armistice, crossed the Rhine, and rejoined the American forces January I, 1919. Returning to Piqua he took up newspaper work, and became city editor of the Piqua Call. His next position was on the staff of the Dayton Journal, where he remained until he went to Washington as private secretary to Senator John S. Cable. J. Nelson Conway, the well-known proprietor of the Conway Laundry of Piqua, and a man of some thirty years experience in this business, is a native son of Piqua, having been born here on October 10, 1867, the son of John and Jennie (Manson) Conway. John Conway was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, January 1, 1837, where he was for many years identified with the United States postal service as the driver of a mail stage, a business in which his father, James, was also employed for many years in the old Keystone state. Following the trend of emigration westward, John Conway came to Ohio and until the time of his retirement from active life was engaged in the transportation business, first as a boat captain on the Ohio canal and later on the Miami and Erie canals, and after giving up canal boat life, he continued to transport goods with vans and wagons until his advanced age forced him to enter a life of retirement. He died April 17, 1902. His wife, Jennie (Manson) Conway was a native of Shelby county, Ohio, born July 3o, 1847, and after her marriage she spent most of her life in Miami county, where she and her husband reared their family of three children and passed their declining years. She died January 19, 1920. To them were born three children : Mattie, the wife of H. M. Alexander, of Miami county, now deceased ; J. Nelson, the subject of this biography, and William M., deceased. J. Nelson Conway attended the common schools of Piqua as well as the high school and early in life evinced an interest and aptitude for the laundry business. With the ultimate object in view of becoming the proprietor of such an establishment, he learned every branch and detail of the calling, and then for four years engaged in a partnership with J. W. Morton, of Piqua. At the termination of this period he bought out Mr. Morton and since that time has conducted the business by himself under the name of the Conway Laundry. The demands of the community upon this enterprise necessitate an extensive plant located at 112-114 East Ash street, and in this two-story brick structure only the most modern of methods are employed. Mr. Conway takes a keen interest in all experiments and discoveries made in the business, and is quick to adopt new plans which tend toward the more efficient handling of clothes and the saving of wear. He married, on July 8, 1906, Gertrude Raney, a daughter of Charles and Hettie (Furman) Raney, formerly of Melrose, Paulding county, Ohio, but after the death of Mr. Raney, his widow and family removed to MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 325 Piqua. Both Mr. and Mrs. Charles Raney were born in Shelby county, Ohio, where they were married, later moving to Paulding county, Ohio, where he was wholesale meat dealer, and died while so engaged, January 8, 1890. Mrs. Hettie Raney died May 9, 1911. To Mr. and Mrs. Conway one daughter has been born, Martha Rose, who is attending school. Fraternally, he is one of the more prominent members of the local lodges of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias, and both he and his wife are affiliated with the Methodist church. Miami Specialty Works. Among the comparatively new concerns of Troy, Ohio, one which has shown marked progress and rapid growth is the Miami Specialty Works, a full history of which will be found in the industrial section of this work. The proprietors of this business are young men of energy and progressive spirit, who are rapidly making names for themselves in business circles, Clyde Statler and Louis Schuh. Mr. Statler was born as Oskaloosa, Iowa, in October, 1882, a son of Frank and Ella (Collins) Statler, whose other son, Roy Statler, served as a soldier of the American forces during the recent World war and saw service in France. The early education of Clyde Statler was acquired in the public schools of Oskaloosa, Iowa, and when he came to Troy with his parents, in 1898, he entered the Staunton township school, where his education was completed. Upon leaving school he accepted a position with the Hobart Manufacturing Company and later transferred his services to the Troy Body Company, in the meantime learning the machinist and tool making trades. He arose to the position of foreman of the machine shop of his company, but desired to be independent of others, and with Mr. Schuh founded the Miami Specialty Works, for the manufacture of automobile cabs and bodies. He has since devoted his energies to this business and has been largely instrumental in building it up to its present large proportions. Mr. Statler married Miss Florence Reinheimer, of Troy, and they are the parents of three children : Eugene, Lawrence and Dona. Although his business interests are important, demanding much of his time and attention, Mr. Statler has found the opportunity of contributing to his city's service and at this time is alderman of the fourth ward, his work in the council having been of a constructive and energetic character. He was likewise active in supporting war movements and has always proven himself a public-spirited citizen. As a fraternalist he belongs to the Masons and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, while his religious connection is with the Baptist church. Louis Schuh was born at Galion, Crawford county, Ohio, November 29, 1883, a son of Philip and Catherine (Beuhler) Schuh, his father being a shoe merchant of that city. Educated in the public schools, Mr. Schuh came to Troy in 1909, and became a tool maker at the plant of the Hobart Manufacturing Company, a concern with which he was identified until he joined Mr. Statler in the founding of the Miami Specialty Works. Like his partner, he is a young man of energy and ability whose labors have contributed greatly to the 326 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY success of the enterprise of which he is one of the proprietors. Local war activities received an impetus through his assistance and he has been a worker for good civic causes and welfare movements. He has several fraternal connections and many warm personal friends. Mr. Schuh married Mary, daughter of Samuel Scott.