MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 75 father in farming operations until 1909. In that year he came to Newberry township, where he purchased his present property, a tract of 112 acres, on which he has operated successfully as a general farmer and raiser of a good grade of live stock. Mr. Duncan has made many improvements on his property, and this now compares favorably with other farms in the township and reflects the owner's progressiveness. Mr. Duncan married, May 1, 1890, Miss Minnie Switzer, who died in March, 1901, leaving two children : Edward M., who is engaged in farming in Newberry township ; and Ruth E., the wife of Hobart Fulker, of Piqua. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Duncan married, March 15, 1910, Matilda, daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Sheets) Shaefer, farming people of Clark county, and to this union there has come one son : Robert, who was born in 1912 and is now attending school. Mr. Duncan has always taken a keen interest in the affairs of his community, and during the World war period was appointed a solicitor of funds for the various war activities, being allotted the northeastern block of Newberry township. He has been public-spirited in his support, of civic movements, and the confidence in which he is held by his fellow-citizens has been shown in his election to membership on the school board of Staunton township, on which he served with ability for eight years. He and the members of his family are highly thought of in their several communities, where they have numerous friends. Wilbur C. Flory. While still numbered among the younger generation of business men of Covington, Wilbur C. Flory has already attained a gratifying success in mercantile circles, and is rapidly building up a large and prosperous grocery business. Mr. Flory is a product of the farming districts, having been born in Miami county, January 5, 189o, a son of Wesley and Fannie (Pemberton) Flory. His parents were well-known and greatly respected residents of the agricultural community, where they have passed the active portion of their careers in the pursuits of the soil. There were two children in the family : I. J., who is a clerk at the Columbia Club, Indianapolis, Ind. ; and Wilbur C. Wilbur C. Flory was educated in the public schools of his native locality and at Covington High School and passed his boyhood and youth on the home place. Farming, however, did not attract him, and after one year spent under the parental roof he went to Indianapolis, where for twelve years he was identified with the dairy lunch business. During eight years of this time he was manager of an establishment, a position in which he acquired much valuable information and experience in business methods. Coming to Covington May 8, 1918, he embarked in the grocery business, with which he has been identified to the present time, and in which, as before noted, he is achieving an enviable success. Mr. Flory has a well-kept establishment, attractive in appearance and sanitary in all conditions, and carries an intelligently chosen stock of fancy and staple groceries. His custom comes from some of the best families of Covington, and his personal courtesy and known integrity have combined to gain him friends and establish him firmly in public 76 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY confidence. As a fraternalist he is identified with the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has numerous friends, while as a citizen he has given his aid to local civic movements and during the war period campaigned effectively in behalf of the various drives. Mr. Flory was united in marriage with Elsie, daughter of Joseph Rench, of Covington, and to this union there has come one child : Mary Elizabeth, born at Indianapolis, September 5, 1914. C. G. Fisher. The list of successful business men of Piqua includes the name of C. G. Fisher, senior member of the firm of Fisher & Smith, dealers in harness and leather goods, automobile accessories, etc. Mr. Fisher is a native of Piqua, born December 3, 1885, a son of C. W. and Julia (Stroeffer) Fisher. C. W. Fisher was a harnessmaker by trade and many years ago established himself in business at Piqua, his store being located on the present site of the Favorite Hotel. He was a man of industry and ability who built up a profitable business through honorable dealing and who had the esteem and confidence of his associates. After graduating from the graded and high schools, C. G. Fisher prepared himself for a business career by a course in a commercial college, and then entered the employ of the Pioneer Pole & Shaft Company. After the death of his father, in 1908, he embarked in the harness and leather goods business, and subsequently admitted to partnership Andrew Smith, the firm at that time taking the name of Fisher & Smith. Since then, automobile accessories have been added to the stock, which is now up-to-date in every particular, while the patronage of the establishment is of the most representative kind, being drawn by the attractive stock, fair prices, and the marked courtesy of the proprietors. .Mr. Fisher married Mary K., daughter of A. W. and Emma (Butterfield) Prugh, of Piqua, and to this union there have been born four children : Beth, Marjorie, Ruth and Lillian. Edward L. Fisher, brother of C. G., served in the World war. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher are members of the Presbyterian church. During the war period they were active in the various measures that asked the support of the people, and in various educational and religious enterprises they have been helpful in their community, where both have numerous warm and sincere friends. Forrest O. Flowers, president of the First National Bank of Troy, and one of his community's leading and influential men of affairs, was born at Stafford, Ohio, June 14, 1881, a son of J. F. and Martha (McVay) Flowers, natives of this State. Mr. Flowers has one brother, James A., a merchant of Hemlock, Ohio. Forrest 0. Flowers attended the public schools of Stafford, and as a youth entered upon his career as a teacher in the schools of his native place. After four years of experience as an educator, he turned his attention to business matters and secured employment as a bookkeeper in the offices of the Buckeye Manufacturing Company, of Anderson, Ind. Subsequently, he became associated with the Pioneer Pole and Shaft Company, in the capacity of assistant manager of traffic, and for three years discharged the duties of this position MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 77 at Piqua. At the end of that period lie became a partner in the firm of Miller-Flowers Company, clothing merchants, which was later succeeded by the Miller-Baldwin Company. In 1913 Mr. Flowers severed his connection with this concern to enter the employ of the H. A. Cosley hardware store, at Troy, retaining this position until appointed deputy auditor of Miami county, under C. N. Peters. When his term expired he became identified with the First National Bank of Troy as teller, and six months later was advanced to the post of cashier. Afterward, in addition to his duties as cashier, he assumed those of president of the institution, but in October, 1919, finding the burden too heavy, relinquished the cashiership and since then has been devoting his entire attention to the presidential responsibilities. The First National Bank of Troy is a progressive institution and has enjoyed great progress and prosperity under the guidance of Mr. Flowers. This bank now has trust powers, in addition to its regular banking function, and is empowered to act as executor of estates, receiver, trustee in bankruptcy, etc. It enjoys an excellent reputation in banking circles, and its president is accounted one of the astute and conservative financiers of this part of the State. During the war period Mr. Flowers was very active in all the financial campaigns connected with the work of the war drives of the Government, the Young Men's Christian Association, the County War Chest, etc., much of this being by personal solicitation, where his influence and known integrity proved to be big factors in securing satisfactory results. Mrs. Flowers was also active in the Council of National Defense, Women's Division. Prior to her marriage to Mr. .Flowers, she was Essie M., daughter of William F. Miller, of Troy. She is a leader in the social and club life of Troy and an active member of the Altrurian Club. Mr. Flowers is a thirty-second degree Mason and a member of the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, and takes much interest in fraternal work. His influence has been felt in the way of constructive movements in the civic life of Troy, where he has steadfastly supported enterprises which have appealed to him as progressive and beneficial in character. Among these are his efforts as a member of the official hoard of the First Methodist Church. William H. Foster. Numbered among the highly esteemed citizens of Miami county who are now living in retired comfort after many years spent in agricultural operations, is William H. Foster, of Staunton township, who has contributed to the welfare and advancement of his community, agricultural skill and faithful and efficient public service. Mr. Foster was born in Miami county in 1860, a son of John H. and Ruth (Thomas) Foster. His parents, natives of Pennsylvania, were married in 1856 in the Keystone State, whence they came in 1856 to Ohio, where they spent the rest of their active lives in farming in 'Staunton township. The mother passed away in 1915 at the age of eighty-six years. The father, who was a man of industry and ability during his active years, and accumulated a handsome property, passed away several years pre- 78 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY viously. He served for some years as a member of the board of school directors of Staunton township and was thor0ughly respected and esteemed. Four s0n;; and four daughters were born to John H. and Ruth Foster : Edward W., a resident of Clark county, Ohio, where he is engaged in farming, and who travels to various parts of the country in his capacity as an auctioneer ; Alice, the wife of J. C. Moore, a clothing merchant of May, Ohio, with two sons and two daughters ; Elizabeth, the widow of Frank C. Duncan, formerly a locomotive engineer, who had five children, of whom two are living; Ida, unmarried and a resident of Troy, Ohio ; Rosie, the wife of Elmer Fish, of Troy, with two sons : William H. ; and three sons who are deceased. William H. Foster acquired a public school education in Staunton township and for many years was actively engaged in cultivating the soil of this locality, but in 1917 retired from personal participation in the actual labor of the fields, having since contented himself with the supervision of operations. He is the owner of a valuable and attractive property, with a handsome home on Troy R. F. D. route, and has always managed his affairs in a manner that has made evident his integrity, progressiveness and public spirit. During the World war he was a member of several Liberty Loan committees and worked sturdily in their behalf. His record as a public servant has been an excellent one, Mr. Foster having been a member of the board of school directors for twenty-two years, assessor of the township for twelve years, member of the Miami county fair board for eight years and infirmary director for two terms. He belongs to the Odd Fellows and Elks at Troy. Mr. Foster married Miss Meldora Secrest, of Miami county. James R. Duncan. Few of the residents of Miami county have achieved a greater success in the vocation of farming than has James R. Duncan, a venerable and highly respected citizen of Spring Creek township and the owner of 1,100 acres of valuable farming land. Mr. Duncan was born November To, 1836, in the province of New Brunswick, Canada, a son of Robert and Jane (McClintock) Duncan, his father being a native of Ireland who immigrated to Canada in young manhood and there spent the rest of his life. There were seven children in the family, of whom three are still living : Mary, the wife of William Riddle, of Miami county; Cassie, the wife of Jacob Bowne, also of this county ; and James R. Robert Duncan was married in Donegal county, Ireland, after which he came to New Brunswick, where he remained for five years. At this time he came to the United States, where he followed the vocation of a school teacher. With his wife and three children he located in Staunton township, Miami county, where he began farming and teaching, and lived here until death, his wife surviving him twenty years. He was a Democrat and a member of the Methodist church, very strict in his religion. James R. Duncan was educated in Staunton township, where he was variously employed, principally at farming, until he married in Brown township, October 10, 1857, and his wife's father started the young MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 79 couple on their united career with a gift of 160 acres of farming land. They moved to Spring Creek township in 1870 and from then forward he added to his holdings from time to time, through good management and wise investment, until today he is the owner of 1,100 acres of valuable land, making him one of the wealthy men of his township. Mr. Duncan has always been a contributor to worthy causes, civic, religious and educational, and his citizenship has been of a high order, while his integrity in business matters has never been questioned. In the evening of his career, he can look back over a well-spent iife, secure and content in the knowledge of the respect and esteem of his fellow-men. He is a devout member of the Methodist church. Mrs. Duncan, who died in 1901, prior to her marriage, was Miss Margaret Garbry, daughter of Joseph Garbry. Mr. Duncan is a member of the Piqua Club. William N. Foster. During the seven years that have passed since William N. Foster became proprietor of the Piqua Tea Company's store, he has built up a large and profitable patronage and placed himself in a position among the independent business men of his city. He was born at Piqua, July 3o, 1871, a son of William Osborn and Minerva (Reeder) Foster, and a nephew of William N. Foster, who fought as a Union soldier during the war between the States and rose to the rank of colonel, later being elected judge of the probate court at Troy, Ohio. Mr. Foster has one sister, Jessie, who is the wife of Charles Berk, and has one son, William Foster Berk. William N. Foster attended the graded and high schools of Piqua, and after his graduation from the latter became a clerk in a retail grocery. He remained as a clerk for a number of years, thoroughly learning the business in all its branches. In 1913 the opportunity presented itself for him to embark in business on his own account and he was quick in accepting it. Buying the Piqua branch of the Lima Tea Company, he has since applied industry, good management and progressive methods with such success, that he now has one of the leading stores in its line in the city. He carried a complete and high-grade stock of teas and coffees and delicatessen products and his patrons include in their numbers some of the best people of the city. Mr. Foster owes his success entirely to himself, as he is essentially a self-made man in all particulars. He married Amelia C. Meyer, and to them there have been born two children : Marie Christine, who is deceased and George Osborn, a student in engineering at the Ohio State University. Mr. and Mrs. Foster are consistent members of the Methodist church and during the war period did their share in assisting various war measures: Mr. Foster is interested to some extent in fraternal matters, and is a popular member of the local lodges of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Airhart M. Fry, who is accounted one of the leading business citizens of Piqua, prominently engaged in large contracting transactions, was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, January 8, 1860, a son of Henry and Theresa (Freshom) Fry. Henry Fry was a born mechanic and throughout his career followed the trade of cabinet 80 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY maker. He and his worthy wife were the parents of seven children: Charles H., Ferdinand, Airhart M., John, Henry ; Mary, who became Mrs. John Brunner ; and Emma, deceased. Airhart M. Fry received his education in the public schools of Darke county, to which locality his parents had removed when he was a small boy, and there he began his career as a farm hand. Later he was engaged in similar work by the month, in Preble county, his entire farming experience covering a period of three years. Learning the carpenter trade, he later came to Miami county and for a time resided in Newberry township, and likewise lived at Bloomer, where he followed his chosen vocation. In 1890 Mr. Fry came to Piqua, where he followed carpentry for a time and subsequently embarked in the contracting business, in which he has won marked success and prominence. Among the buildings which he has erected may be noted the following : the Lutheran Church, the Young Men's Christian Association building, Benkert's dry goods store, Orr-Flesh building, the buildings of the Atlas Underwear Company at Piqua, Ohio, and Richmond, Ind.; St. Boniface parochial school, Piqua ; buildings of Miller Brothers Hardware Company, at Richmond, Ind.; Milford Center (Miami county) High School ; the Lutheran church and high school at Marysville ; the high and graded schools at Circleville, Ohio ; a school at Troy ; the residences of John P. Spiker, L. M. Flesh and Allen Rundle, at Piqua ; the Morrison Orr country home ; the Hartley residence at Piqua ; buildings of the French Oil Machine Company, at Piqua; the residence of H. L. Johnson, of Troy ; and the Bethel township school. Mr. Fry is a skilled and specialized workman in his line, a shrewd and reliable man of business, and a contractor who lived up strictly to the letter of his agreements and who takes a keen and justifiable pride in his handiwork. He is a valued and popular member of the Piqua Club and a trustee of the Young Men's Christian Association. His first wife, who died in 1898, bore the maiden name of Angeline Routson, and they were the parents of four children : Alvin V., who was in the United States Army during the World war ; Margery E., Raymond C. and Nina E. Mr. Fry married for his second wife Miss Charlotta Hohendorf, and they are the parents of one child, Airhart M., Jr., Mr. Fry has contributed materially in the upbuilding of his city through the fulfillment of his contracts, and his service to his community has been enhanced further by a strict observance of all the rules of good citizenship. John M. Fulkerson. A prosperous and growing commercial enterprise at Troy is found in the up-to-date and well-equipped pharmacy of John M. Fulkerson, who has been proprietor of this business for the past eighteen years. Mr. Fulkerson is a native of Shelby county; Ohio, born April 3, 1878, a son of George W. and Margaret J. (Mills) Fulkerson, whose children were : John M., Walter, identified with the steel industry at Canton, Ohio ; and William, a lieutenant in the United States Navy. The father of Mr Fulkerson was a physician who practiced for many years in Shelby county and the youth was brought up amid surroundings that nat- MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 81 urally inclined him toward his present calling. After attending the local schools, he took up the study of pharmacy at Ohio Northern University, and after his graduation from that institution began to follow the drug business. In 1902 he came to Troy, where he established himself in business, and since that time has built up a large and satisfying patronage among the leading people of this community. He has a well-equipped establishment and carries a full line of drugs, medicines, toilet articles, cigars, candies, etc., and the manner in which he has directed his transactions has given him business standing and public confidence. Mr. Fulkerson is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He has always given his unquestioning support to movements of a worthy civic character, and during the period of the war was prompt in his response to requests for contributions to the various movements promoted for the success of American arms. Mr. Fulkerson married Maude L., daughter of William Killiam, of Piqua, and to this union there have been born two daughters : Margaret, who is her father's able assistant in the drug store ; and Florine, born in 1909, who is attending the graded schools of Troy. Leo M. Flesh. The history of the Miami Valley is a history of diversified attainments. From the primitive struggles of the early pioneers to the tense industrial and other activities of today it truly is an absorbing story. The great manufacturing life of this valley may be said to have commenced with the building of the Miami Canal, the first great outlet of commerce. The reader, in following the general history of this work, will see the. gradual unfolding of the different elements, in each generation, which have builded, collectively, the great Miami Valley of today. It is very proper throughout these pages that we divert from time to time to the personal factors who have played a conspicuous part in the life of the Miami Valley. If it is proper to treasure the deeds of the earlier lights of our pioneer history, it should be eminently proper to chronicle the greater achievements of those of today. In this instance we refer to the well-known manufacturer of Piqua, Leo M. Flesh. Mr. Flesh is a native of Piqua, having been born at that city September 20, 1863, the eldest son of Henry and Caroline Flesh. A complete sketch of the career of Henry Flesh will be found elsewhere in this work. Leo M. Flesh received his elementary education in the schools of Piqua, supplemented by a course in business training at an eastern school. His father had established several business enterprises at Piqua, and Leo M. Flesh succeeded to the retail clothing business which had been founded by the elder man. Subsequently, realizing the greater possibilities, Leo M. Flesh embarked in manufacturing and was one of the founders of the flourishing Atlas Underwear Company, of this city, of which he is now president. This concern has in a great measure earned an enviable reputation for Piqua as the center of underwear manufacture in the United States. The Atlas Underwear Company maintains plants at Piqua and Urbana, Ohio, and Richmond, Ind., and a full account of this industry will be found in the industrial section of III-6 82 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY this work. Aside from his manufacturing interests, Mr. Flesh has been active in the general business life of Piqua. In former years he was a member of the real estate firm of Flesh, Geyer & Davis, which concern platted the Favorite Addition to the city and numerous others. He aided in the establishment of beneficial public utilities as one of the builders of the local street railway and of the interurban running between Piqua and Troy, and in addition was the head of the independent telephone company of Piqua and held large telephone interests all over the country. Likewise he was one of the owners of the Piqua Electric Company prior to its merger with the Dayton 'Light and Power Company. Mr. Flesh is now president of the Citizens National Bank of Piqua, chairman of the board of directors of the Piqua Savings Bank, chairman of the board of directors of the Cron Kilns Company, a full account of which is found elsewhere in this history ; and interested as a large stockholder in numerous Other industrial enterprises. Mr. Flesh participates in all movements for the general welfare and advancement of the community and is keenly interested in the civic and social betterment of his home city. He is vice-president of the local Young Men's Christian Association, a member of the hoard of trustees of the Young Women's Christian Association and a life member of the board of trustees of Memorial Hospital of Piqua. His war work covered a wide field of activity. He was called to Washington, D. C., during the World war period, and placed on one of the purchasing boards of the United States Government, and in many avenues, both local and national, rendered valuable and valued service. He was later chosen as trustee of the Miami County War Chest and also served as county chairman for the Young Men's Christian Association. Fraternally, Mr. Flesh holds membership in the Masonic order, in which he has attained the Scottish Rite degree, and is a Shriner ; while socially he belongs to all the leading clubs of Piqua, Dayton and Springfield, and holds membership in similar organizations at New York and elsewhere. Mr. Flesh is interested in agriculture and operates one of the finest farms in Miami county, adjoining Piqua ; and, with Mrs. owns the largest office building of Piqua, the Orr-Flesh building. The Flesh home here is a handsome edifice, probably the most palatial residence of the community. The art collection found in this mansion is noted as a rare and valuable one. It includes numerous masterpieces, selected both for their beauty and rare value, which serve to make it one of the finest collections of its kind in this section of the State. Mrs. Leo M. Flesh, prior to her marriage, was Miss Gertrude Smith, of Dayton, a daughter of the well-known George W. Smith, of that city. To Mr. and Mrs. Flesh there have been born three children : Alfred L., George A. and Gertrude. George A. Flesh attended the public school at Piqua, Phillips Exeter Academy and Hamilton College, and during the great World war enlisted in the United States Army as an infantryman, was in training at Camp Sherman, later being attached to the personal department, and, at the time the Armistice was signed, MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 83 was in active service in Texas. He is now identified with the factory of the Atlas Underwear Company at Piqua, where he is known as a thoroughly capable and reliable man of business. Alfred L. Flesh was educated in the public schools of Piqua, at Phillips Exeter Academy and at Williams College, following which he became identified with the Richmond (Ind.) plant of the Atlas Underwear Company. Until 1913 he remained there and then came to Piqua as vice-president of the Atlas Underwear Company. He is also a managing director of the Cron Kilns Company, in addition to which he is a director of the Citizens National Bank and of the Border City Building and Loan Association. He is a vestryman at St. James' Episcopal Church of Piqua, and, like his father and brother, is prominent in club life at Piqua, Dayton and Springfield. During the war, he enlisted in the United States Aviation Corps, and was assigned to Sother Field, Americus, Ga. He received his honorable discharge in December, 1918. William H. Francis, who has been identified prominently with the lumber interests of the Miami valley for many years, has been a resident of Troy since 1889 and during this period has taken an active and important part in the civic, business and social activities of the city. The senior member of the big lumber concern of Francis & Montross was born on a farm in Madison township, Butler county, Ohio, a son of Jacob and Mariah (Young) Francis, a grandson of George H. Francis, a native of Pennsylvania, who fought as a lieutenant in the First Pennsylvania Regiment during the Revolutionary war, and a great-grandson of Jacob Francis. Jacob Francis, the father of William H., was born in Pennsylvania, and as a youth came to Butler county, Ohio, whence he enlisted for service in the American Army during the War of 1812. He passed the greater portion of his active career in agricultural pursuits and was a man of standing in his community, where he was greatly respected. Mr. Francis married Mariah, daughter of John and Rebecca (Britton) Young, the Youngs having come to Ohio from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Francis there were born the following children : Lewis ; Mariah ; Joseph and Daniel, who served as Union soldiers during the Civil war ; William ; Rebecca ; Elizabeth, who married George Hamilton ; and Margaret, who married John Mount. A half-brother of William H. Francis, John Francis, also served in the Union Army during the war between the North and South. William H. Francis received his education in the country schools of Butler county and at the normal school at Lebanon, and, being disinclined to follow an agricultural career, adopted the vocation of teaching school. This he followed for five years, leaving that occupation when he recognized the opportunities presented in the lumber business. He entered this business at Arcanum, Ohio, in partnership with his brother, Daniel, as Francis Brothers, and when Daniel retired from the firm William H. Francis became identified with the Rosser interests, represented by W. F. Rosser. The Rossers and Mr. Francis now control five large lumber yards in the -vicinity of 84 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY Arcanum. Mr. Francis came to Troy in 1889, and, independently of his other interests, purchased the lumber business of A. T. Jaques and William Peter, who had carried on this enterprise at Troy for a number of years. Recently F. C. Montross, a sketch of whose career will be found elsewhere in this work, became associated with Mr. Francis in the formation of the firm of Francis & Montross, which is now one of the biggest industries of its line at Troy and the vicinity. In addition to having been prominent in the business and social life of Troy, Mr. Francis has been active in civic affairs, having served on the board of education and as a member of the city council. He is a director in the Troy National Bank and has been a member of the board of stewards of the Methodist church for many years. He married Ellen, daughter of Anuel Gifford, of Preble county, Ohio. Mrs. Fra1909ed in Tgog1909, was active for many years in the religious life of Troy, and was greatly beloved by all who knew her. There were two children : Jesse B., who after a successful career as a practicing physician of Troy entered the medical corps of the United States Army and received a commission as first lieutenant ; and Opal, who resides with her father. J. M. Frost. Among the old and honored residents of Spring Creek township, one who is held in high esteem and respect because of his worthy and industrious career, his good citizenship at all times, and his service during the Civil war, is J. M. Frost, who, in spite of advanced years, continues to be actively engaged in farming. Mr. Frost was born on his present farm, December 24, 1844, a son of Ebenezer and Nancy (McReynolds) Frost. The Frost family is one of the oldest in Miami county, where it founded in 1805 by the grandfather of J. M. Frost, William Frost, a native of Riddles Mill, near Raleigh, N. C. This sturdy and worthy pioneer made the journey overland and located in Spring Creek township, settling on the farm now occupied by his grandson, where he and his son both spent their lives in the pursuits of farming, Ebenezer Frost having been born on this property. Ebenezer and Nancy Frost were the parents of nine children, four of whom are still living: Armata C. ; Alice L. ; Sarah Elizabeth, the widow of S. L. Evans ; and J. M. J. M. Frost acquired a public school education in the district schools of his day and grew up on the home farm, where he has always made his home. During the Civil war he enlisted in a volunteer infantry regiment, which was recruited in his neighborhood, and with which he established an excellent record for brave and faithful service. He is the last of the surviving veterans of the great struggle now living in Spring Creek township. At the present time Mr. Frost has a highly-cultivated farm of 104 acres, on which he has substantial buildings and excellent improvements. He has never married, he and his sisters living together in the old home, in the neighborhood of which they are held in high esteem as worthy, honorable people, well representative of the best agricultural element. During the war period Mr. Frost and his sisters were active workers in and liberal contributors MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 85 to all movements formulated to insure the success of American arms. Mr. Frost is a member of the Masonic Order, Warren Lodge No. 24, of Piqua, and the Piqua Chapter No. 31, Royal Arch Masons. He is also a member of the Alexander Mitchell Post of Piqua, Ohio. The sisters are members of the Presbyterian church. H. T. Gabriel. In business circles of Troy, Ohio, the name of H. T. Gabriel is associated with commercial integrity and soundness and representative and public-spirited citizenship. Mr. Gabriel, who is the proprietor of a flourishing shoe business, was born at Piqua, Ohio, April 12, 1869, being a son of Milton and Marion (Garvey) Gabriel. Milton Gabriel served as a private in the Union Army during the war between the States, having enlisted with a contingent from Miami county. He and his wife were the, parents of a family of five children. H. T. Gabriel was educated in the public schools of Troy, to which community he had been brought as a child, and upon the completion of his studies at once became interested in the shoe business. For a time he was variously employed as clerk and salesman, and then associated himself in business with M. E. Baird and later with George M. Clyde, the firm becoming known as The Gabriel Shoe Company, with Charles Rastron and E. G. Vogel as interested parties. This business has been built up to large proportions and Mr. Gabriel occupies a deservedly high place in the estimation of his associates in the business world. He is a member of the Troy and Rotary clubs and is fraternally affiliated with the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias, in which he has numerous friends. As a citizen he has always faithfully and fully discharged his duties, and during the period of the recent great war active in all the measures promulgated and assisted in filling the county war chest. Mrs. Gabriel, who was formerly Miss Nellie Clyde, daughter of W. J. Clyde, of Troy, was prominent in all the women's activities during the war. Felix Gangloff. The list of representative farmers of Washington township includes the name of no more enterprising citizen than Felix Gangloff, who has passed his entire life in this community and is known well and favorably to the citizens here. He was born in Miami county November 20, 1861, a son of Nicholas and Mary (Clouse) Gangloff, natives of Germany. His father was about eighteen years of age when he immigrated to the United States and settled first in Perry county, Ohio, whence he came in 1853 to Miami county. Here he secured a small farm in Washington township, on which he made improvements and to which he subsequently added, and by the time of his death had accumulated a goodly property and was accounted one of the substantial men of his locality, as well as one of the most highly respected. He and his wife, to whom he was married in Miami county, and who had come to the United States in young womanhood, were the parents of seven children, of whom five are living. Felix Gangloff was educated in the rural district schools of Washington township, and his boyhood and youth were passed in much the same manner as other farmers' sons of his day and locality. He assisted his father 86 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY on the home place until the time that he attained his majority and then began to receive wages for his work. At the time of his father's demise he inherited a part of the home property, and. at this time is operating the entire tract of 244 acres, of which he is the owner of 150 acres, the remainder belonging to his sister, Cleia, who makes her home with him. Mr. Gangloff is the owner of a property which compares favorably with others in the township, boasting of good buildings and modern improvements. He brings to his work enthusiasm, intelligence and industry .and has so conducted his activities as to be known as one of Washington's reliable farmers, good citizens and honorable men of business. Mr.Gangloff married Miss Antour Trace, and they are the parents of one child, Mary Elizabeth. The family are members of St. Boniface Catholic Church at Piqua, Ohio. Lewis C. Gessaman. Ever since its establishment in Miami county about the time of the War of 1812-14, the Gessaman family has contributed to the development of the agricultural resources of this region and has furnished to various communities men of ability and industry who have played a part in advancing the interests of civic affairs, religion and education. Representing the third generation of this family to till the soil of this county is Lewis C Gessaman, a leading and substantial farmer of Bethel township, who was born in this township in 1856, a son of George and Malinda (Flook) Gessaman. The founder of the family in Miami county was John G. Gessaman, the grandfather of Lewis C., who migrated to this region during early pioneer days and took up a homestead in 1811 or 1812, at a time when wild game was still to be found in abundance and the Indians were still here in large numbers. His was the work of early clearing and development and when he passed away the labor was taken up by his son, George Gessaman, also a man of sturdy industry and reliable traits of character, who followed farming throughout his life. With this ancestry, it was but natural that Lewis C. Gessaman should be inclined toward agriculture. After he had attended the rural district schools of Bethel township he started assisting his father on the home place and his entire career has been connected with farming and stock raising in Bethel township. Of recent years, having accumulated a competence, he has turned over much of the heavy work to younger hands and shoulders, but still manifests a keen interest in affairs of the farm and superintends the operations thereon. Civic affairs also find him an interested spectator and co-operator, and during the recent World war, as captain of the Poplar Grove school district in soliciting funds for the Miami County War Chest, he bettered his quota of $1,400 by the sum of $800. He was likewise an active worker in behalf of the sale of Liberty Bonds. Mr. Gessaman's first wife was Mary, daughter of Amos Warner, of Miami county, and they had one son, Ernest L., a farmer on the home place, who married Bessie May Weaver and has one child, Helen. May. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Gessaman married Luella, daughter of Silas Perry, of this county. MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 87 A. R. Garver, one of the leading and influential business citizens of Tippecanoe City, was born at New Carlisle, Ohio, in 1860, a son of B. C. and Ruth (Rohrer) Garver. After attending the public schools of his native place, he pursued a course at Wittenburg College, and then began traveling through the West in the interests of the United States Engine and Pump Company. At the end of four years he settled at Tippecanoe City, where he engaged for some years in the manufacture of furniture, and in 1910 organized the Garver Lumber Company, of which he is treasurer and manager, operating in this connection a sawmill at Cape Girardeau, Mo. Mr. Garver is also widely known in financial affairs, and is president of the Citizens National Bank of Tippecanoe City. At present he is chiefly engaged in a business way with the affairs of the Northern Manufacturing Company, of which concern he is president. Mr. Garver has long been identified with public matters, and has been one of Miami county's leading Republicans. In 1914 he was elected to the State senate on the ticket of his party and served capably in that body, and at present is a candidate for nomination for Congress in his district. A progressive and public-spirited citizen, he has the interests of his community at heart, and his demonstrated ability, large capacity for executive accomplishment and soundness of view upon questions of public importance have gained him the confidence and support of the people. As a fraternalist he is prominent in Masonry, being a member of the various Masonic bodies. Mr. Garver married Miss Ida Rohrer, of Tippecanoe City, and three children have been born to this union : Karl R., who is associated with his father in some of his farming and stock raising enterprises in Kansas ; Ruth E., the wife of Benjamin Hayward, at El Paso, Tex. ; and Jacob C., who was a student at the University of Pennsylvania when he enlisted in the Transportation Corps of the United States Army, trained at Fort Niagara, where he received his second lieutenant's commission, and subsequently saw active service in France. He is now connected with the Northern Manufacturing Company of Tippecanoe City. Ben Eldridge Gibbs, secretary and treasurer of the American Fixture Company, and manager of the Troy branch of this concern, belongs to the younger generation of business men who have made such rapid strides in recent years toward the attainment of positions that were formerly held only by men many years their seniors. Mr. Gibbs was born March 16, 1887, at St. Paris, Ohio, a son of Henry Clay and Ammoretta (Brelsford) Gibbs, who were milliners by trade and conducted a modest business at St. Paris. There were three children in the family : Millie, who is deceased ; Nellie, who married and resides at Columbus, Ohio, and Ben Eldridge. Ben Eldridge Gibbs was educated in the graded schools and the Steele High School, at Dayton, but left the latter when sixteen years of age to accept a position with the American Fixture Company, at Troy. Subsequently he went back to St. Paris, his birthplace, where he followed the trade of electrician for one year, and then journeyed to Los Angeles, where he specialized in the 88 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY manufacture of electrical fixtures and remained three years. Returning to Ohio in 191o, in company with Messrs. Stephens and Hobart, he established the American Fixture Company. After three years Mr. Hobart withdrew from the firm and a reorganization of the company was effected by which Mr. Stephens became president and took active charge of the Piqua branch of the business, while Mr. Gibbs became secretary and treasurer and assumed the management of the Troy branch. This company manufactures electrical fixtures, and also fills contracts in electrical work. The business enjoys an excellent reputation, a standing that is reflected in the personal position of Mr. Gibbs, who is accounted one of the stable and reliable business citizens of his community. He devotes himself almost exclusively to the duties of his business and has few outside interests, but holds membership in the Masons, in which he has numerous. friends, and during the war period found the inclination and opportunity to assist in the various movements promulgated to assist the fighting forces of this country. Mr. Gibbs married Anna, daughter of William Ross, of Los Angeles, Calif. John H. Fecker, superintendent of the Favorite Stove and Range Company, at Piqua, has devoted his entire career to this line of activity, and has been identified with his present concern for a period of thirty-three years. Mr. Fecker was born at Covington, Ky., a son of Henry and Minnie (Hilhorst) Fecker. His father, who was a stove plate moulder, brought his family to Piqua in 1887, and here he and his estimable wife rounded out their honorable lives. There were three children in the family : John H.; Will, who is foreman of the moulding department of the Favorite Stove and Range Company ; and Henry, who is deceased. John H. Fecker acquired his education in the schools of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Lawrenceburg, Ind., and in his youth expressed a predilection for the vocation of a physician and surgeon. He accordingly placed himself under .the preceptorship of Dr. Will Prince, of Piqua, with whom he studied for two years, but at the end of that time gave up the idea of a professional career and instead turned his attention to the manufacturing business. In 1887 he secured employment at the Favorite Stove Works as a drill boy, and continued' to be variously employed until 1891 when he started upon his apprenticeship to learn the trade of stove plate moulding. After mastering this branch of the vocation, he followed it with the same concern until 1903, when he was promoted to assistant foundry foreman of the molding department. In 1906 he was made foreman of this department, and in 1907 was again advanced, being made general superintendent of this concern, the complete history of which will be found in the industrial section of this work. Mr. Fecker stands high in the esteem of his associates and superiors, .and has the loyalty and friendship of the men in his charge. He has been prominent in various affairs at Piqua ; was in the city council for two years, during which time one of his commendable and constructive acts was securing the ground for Fountain Park, one of the city's beautiful points in the park system, in the face of strong opposition. MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 89 As a fraternalist, Mr. Fecker belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Improved Order of Red Men, the Loyal Order of Moose and the T. M. A., and also holds membership in the Iron Moulders' Union, Local 94 ; and the Piqua Chamber of Commerce. In all of these organizations he is the possessor of numerous friends. During the war period Mr. Fecker was active and liberal in his support of all measures calculated to contribute to the success of American arms. Gillis Brothers. Founded in 1917, the garage business of Gillis Brothers has steadily grown and developed until it is now the leading establishment of its kind at Troy. Arthur and Alva Gillis, the progressive and energetic proprietors of this enterprise, were born in Warren county, Ohio, sons of W. M. and Jennie (Stracker) Gillis. Their father, who was a liveryman, conducted a livery stable and sales stables at the intersecting lines of Warren, Hamilton and Clermont counties, Ohio, for a number of years, but eventually moved to Troy, where he opened a livery barn and at the same time carried on operations of an agricultural character. Arthur and Alva Gillis received their educations in the public school, and as youths assisted their father in his livery business. With the rapidly growing popularity of the automobile, the livery business began to decline, and the brothers, sensing the trend of affairs, decided to cast their fortunes with the new development in transportation. April 1, 1917, they threw open to the public their present garage, the largest at Troy, which possesses vast storage space, usually taxed to its capacity. They likewise conduct a repair department and handle accessories and have built up a business that is a credit to their ability and to the city. The brothers are sterling business men of proved integrity, and as citizens have fully discharged their responsibilities in normal times and times of war. Arthur Gillis married Ollie Bays and they have three children : Frances, Almeda and William. Mrs. Alva Gillis was formerly Miss Marie Guenther. Thomas E. Ginn, a prosperous farmer of Spring Creek township and enterprising business. man of Piqua, was born in this township .in 1867, a son of James and Sarah (Graham) Ginn. His parents were lifelong farming people of Miami county, James Ginn being the owner of a substantial property in the neighborhood of Piqua, a community in which he was highly, honored for the traits of industry, integrity and good citizenship. He and his wife were the parents of nine children : James, who died in 1855 ; Will, an Ohio farmer, whose son, John, is twenty-two years of age and a resident of near Tippecanoe City ; Jennie, the widow of Joseph Hilbert, formerly of Sidney, with a son, Arthur, who has two children; Annie, the wife of Lyman Carpenter, of California, with two daughters ; Tillie, the wife of George A. Roeser, who has a son, Harley, twenty-eight years of age ; Sallie, the wife of Jacob Smith, of Versailles, Ohio, who has had three children, a daughter who died in infancy, and two sons who are engaged in farming; Robert, who died in 1879, leaving a widow, formerly Ella Simmons, and one 90 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY child, both of whom are deceased ; Thomas E. ; and Edward, who is engaged in farming in Missouri. Thomas E. Ginn received his education in the public schools of Spring Creek township, and grew upon the home farm. As a young man he engaged in farming on his own account and his success has been gained through individual merit. His property is well improved with good buildings and modern equipment and he is accounted one of the substantial and progressive men of his locality. Mr. Ginn has stock with L. R. Hager, in the Piqua Coal and Ice Company. He has always been a supporter of good civic movements and has contributed generously to worthy enterprises. In 1898 Mr. Ginn was united in marriage with Catherine, daughter of Christian Schultz, a farmer of Spring Creek township, now deceased, and they have three children : James, who graduated from the Piqua High School with the class of 192o, and is nineteen years of age ; Mary, born in 1907, now attending high school at Piqua ; and Dorothea, born in 1903, who is attending Piqua High School and expects to graduate in 1921. S. C. Gnagey, cashier of the State Bank of West Milton and one of the enterprising and progressive citizens of that community, was born at Accident, Garrett county, Md., a son of J. E. and Susan (Buechley) Gnagey, his father being a general merchant. Mr. Gnagey attended the public schools of his home community and Juniata College, Huntingdon, Pa., after his graduation from which institution he was engaged in farming for some years. Coming to West Milton in 1905, in 1912 he became identified with the Citizens State Bank, and in 1916 was appointed cashier, a position which he has since retained. He bears an excellent reputation in financial circles, and the institution with which he is connected has benefited materially through his sound and conservative ability. During the World war period Mr. Gnagey was an active worker in behalf of war movements, and served on the committees of the loan drives, the Red Cross and the Young Men's Christian Association. He married Merle Deeter, of Covington, Ohio, and they have one child, Susan Ruth. Forest F. Godfrey, who is carrying on extensive operations as an agriculturist in Washington township, was born in Champaign county, Ohio, a son of John and Sarah (Barbee) Godfrey. He was reared in a rural community and brought up as a farmer's son, his education being acquired in the country schools, but as a youth he went to Piqua, where he secured employment in the rolling mills. with which he was identified for a number of years. Later, he returned to the vocation of his youth, taking up his residence on the James Patterson farm in Miami county and subsequently coming to his present farm, the 102-acre property owned by Mrs. Mary Wyeth. In addition to renting this land, Mr. Godfrey is carrying on operations on twenty-five acres of land in the immediate vicinity in Washington township. He devotes his activities to general farming and also grows some live stock, and his operations are directed by intelligence, industry and a thorough knowledge of the possibilities of the farm. During the war period Mr. Godfrey did a MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 91 good citizen's duty in supporting the various loans and drives, and in civic affairs has always been accounted a public-spirited member of his community. He married Miss Anna Soliday, and they are the parents of one son, Franklin. Charles A. Graef. One of the oldest landmarks in Miami county is the flour mill at Tippecanoe City located on the site of the old Herr mill. Of recent years this enterprise has been operated in a modern way by Messrs. Kessler and Graef, of which firm one of the members is Charles A. Graef, a progressive and energetic business man and esteemed citizen. Mr. Graef was born at Covington, Ohio, December 31, 1888, a son of Andrew and Nola (Shilling) Graef. His father, a teamster by vocation, was an honorable citizen, who was well thought of at Covington and Troy, where he pursued his occupation, and he and his wife were the parents of four children : Clifford, who is deceased ; George, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Indiana ; Catherine, who is the wife of Dan Young, of Troy ; and Charles A. Charles A. Graef obtained his educational training in the public schools of Troy, to which city he had been taken as a small child, and on completing his studies secured employment in a grocery store, in which he worked for three years. Coming to Tippecanoe City in 1903, he embarked in the milling and elevator business in partnership with Mr. Kessler, and this association has continued to the present time. This mill, as before noted, is one of the oldest landmarks of Miami county, the present mill standing on the site of the old Herr mill. The property had been operated for twenty-two years by Mr. Ethell, from whom Messrs. Kessler and Graef leased it. They are doing a splendid business and have gained the confidence of the public and of the agriculturists of their locality. Mr. Graef is possessed of the qualities of energy, progressiveness and knowledge of his business so necessary to the success of a miller and elevator owner, and has impressed himself favorably upon those with whom he has been associated. He has taken an active part in local affairs, and during the recent war period, in addition to contributing liberally to the various war movements, Mr. Graef operated his mill on twenty-four-hour shifts, being on a 100 per cent. war basis in supplying flour to the Government. As a fraternalist, he holds membership in the local lodges of the Masons and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. Mr. Graef married Miss Edith Layton, daughter of Mrs. Sarah McDonald, of Tippecanoe City, and to this union there have come two children : Victor, who was born in 1913 ; and Mary Margaret, born in 1916. Oliver Gray. The connection of Oliver Gray with the agricultural interests of Miami county has been that of a progressive farmer of modern tendencies whose good citizenship has found expression in his support of worthy movements. During the long period that he has followed his vocation in Monroe township he has so directed his affairs and conducted his actions as to have gained and held the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens. Mr. Gray was born October 11, 1860, in Virginia and was a child 92 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY when brought by his parents to this county, the family settling in Monroe township. His father, Michael Gray, came of Revolutionary ancestry and had an honorable military record of his own as a soldier of the Confederacy during the war between the States. Following the war Michael Gray resumed farming operations, in which he continued to be engaged during the remainder of his life and was esteemed in the community in which he made his home. He married Elizabeth Michaels and they had seven children : six boys and one girl, among them being Oliver ; Richard, who had a son Frank in the United States Army during the World war, seeing service in France ; and J. A., who had two sons, Cary and Ed, both of whom saw overseas service during the period of that great struggle. Oliver Gray received his education in the public schools of Monroe township and passed his boyhood and youth on the home farm. When he reached years of maturity he embarked in agricultural ventures on his own account and has continued to follow the same line of endeavor to the present time with constantly increasing success. At this time he is the owner of eighty-two and one-half acres of valuable land, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation and on which he raises all the standard crops of the region, also having a good grade of cattle and other live stock. His improvements are modern and his buildings commodious, and all in all his property presents a prosperous and pleasing appearance. Mr. Gray has always performed well the responsibilities of citizenship and was a supporter of all war measures during the war period. He married, February 8, 189o, Ida May, daughter of Harrison and Susan (Cottrell) Coates, also a Miami county agriculturist, and to this union there were born two children : Willie, engaged in farming in Monroe township, who married Edith Macey and has two children, Willie, Jr., and Keith ; and Willis, who died in October, 1919, on the home farm. Mr. Gray attends the Church of the Brethren. John J. Filbrun, one of the prosperous and progressive agriculturists of Bethel township, was born on the farm on which he now resides, November 22, 1850, a son of John and Lydia (Heck) Filbrun, the former a native of Rockingham county, Virginia, and the latter of Clark county, Ohio. He came to Clark county and here married. He came to Miami county about 184o, and settled in Bethel township. Here he bought 160 acres of land, to which he later added 160 acres. He was a Democrat, and a member of the Dunkard church. He died June To, 1896, his wife having preceded him, dying April 28, 1880. To their union have been born five children, of whom the subject of this sketch, and two sisters survive. Mr. Filbrun received a public school education and was reared. on the home farm, where he has always resided and where his extensive operations have met with such gratifying results. He married November 20, 1873, Elizabeth J., daughter of Elias and Barbara (Deitrick) Brenner, and four children have been born to this union: Dora, who married Ray Mann, and resides in Bethel township. They are the parents of two children, Chester and Viola ; Elias; MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 93 Erma, who is the wife of Russell Boddeker, and they reside in Bethel township. They are the parents of three children, Gladys, Elwood and Clifford ; and one daughter, Emma, who died September 28, 1892. Mrs. Ella Weinbrenner, a niece of Mr. Filbrun, had a brother and two sons, who served in the United States Army during the World war, and one of these sons met death in action in France. Charles Whistler, a nephew of Mr. Filbrun, was in the United States Army during the World war period. Mr. Filbrun has lived a very active and industrious life, and has always been regarded as an upright, public-spirited and useful member of society. He is a Democrat, and has been township trustee and a member of the school hoard. He attends the United Brethren church. Gus C. Greulich. A name that has been known honorably in business circles of Troy since 1870 is that of Greulich, which has always been identified with the meat business. A worthy representative of this name and business is found in the person of Gus C. Greulich, who now conducts a market and slaughter house, and who has won an honorable success. Mr. Greulich was born in Miami county, Ohio, in 1882, a son of Frank and Emma (Weingartner) Greulich, the former of whom established himself in the meat business at Troy as early as 187o and for many years conducted an establishment along straightforward lines. He and his worthy wife had nine children, of whom six are still living. .Educated in the parochial schools of Troy, Gus C. Greulich began his career as 'assistant to his father, under whose instruction the youth was thoroughly trained in the trade of butchering. Later he became his father's business associate, but in 1911 embarked in business on his own account, and since that time has added to his retail market a slaughter house. Mr. Greulich carries on a profitable business, having as customers some of the leading familieS of Troy, and his honorable dealing and uniform courtesy have won him numerous friends. He has shown himself a public-spirited citizen and during the war period contributed generously to the various drives. Mr. Greulich is a popular member of the local lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, in which he has numerous friends. He married at Troy, Pearl, daughter of Webb McMaken, of Piqua, and they are the parents of one daughter, Helen Louise, born in 1913, who is attending the Troy parochial schools. Joshua Grubb. Among the citizens of Newberry township who have wielded the implements of peace and the weapons of war, and who at all times have proven themselves worthy and loyal men, is Joshua Grubb, now living retired after many years spent in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Grubb has been a lifelong resident of this section, having been born in Newberry township, Miami county, October 23, 1844, a son of John and Catherine (Nolmer) Grubb. The parents of Mr. Grubb were early settlers of Miami county, belonging to the sturdy, reliable type of citizens who did so much to carry on the early work of clearing and development. They 94 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY lived worthy, useful lives, and passed away on their farm, full of years and with the respect and esteem of those among whom they had passed their careers. Joshua Grubb was reared in his native community, where he acquired an ordinary educational training in the public schools, and remained at home until he entered the Union service for participation in the war between the North and the South. During his service he was under Colonel Nelson, his principal engagement being at Port Stevens. He showed himself a brave and faithful soldier and established a good record. Returning to his home, he soon took up agricultural work on his own account and has continued to be engaged therein to the present time with constantly increasing success. At the present time, Mr. Grubb is the owner of a property consisting of 120 acres, all under a good state of cultivation, located in Newberry township. He has made all the improvements on this land, which are modern and valuable, and carries on his operations according to the most highly approved methods. Of late years he has lived a somewhat retired life, although he still supervises the operations being carried on on his land. Mr. Grubb has always been a good citizen, and during the recent war period generously supported all movements, local and national, which promised to aid in the success of the country in the great struggle. Mr. Grubb married Miss Frances E. Cable, and to this union there have been born three children, of whom two survive : Audrey, who married H. Shellenbarger ; and Bertha, who married William H. Ganger. Mrs. Grubb passed away August 28, 1908. Harry J. Guy, M. D. Since his arrival at Covington in 1918, Dr. Harry J. Guy has been engaged in a large and representative medical practice and added to the reputation which he established at Dayton as a skilled and thoroughly learned practitioner. He was born at Bellefontaine, January 8, 1871, a son of Charles and Elizabeth Guy, and a grandson of a pioneer of the Miami valley who met his death in a runaway accident. Charles Guy was born and reared on the plains of Madison county, Ohio, and at the outbreak of the Civil war enlisted in the Union Army, with which he served in an Ohio volunteer infantry regiment during the entire period of the struggle. Subsequently he became a building contractor, a business which he followed for many years at Bellefontaine, where his death occurred. He and his wife were the parents of three children : William, who is engaged in the wall paper business at Bellefontaine ; Mary, the wife of Harry Hofstetter, of Indianapolis, Ind. ; and Dr. Harry J. Harry J. Guy attended the primary and high schools at Bellefontaine and the Chicago Homeopathic Medical College at Chicago, Ill., from which he was graduated with the class of 1896, receiving the degree of Doctor of Medicine. At that time he returned to Bellefontaine, where he embarked in practice and in 1899 went to Dayton, which was the scene of his professional activities for a period of nineteen years. In 1918 he took up his residence and opened an office at Covington, where he has since built up a large and lucrative practice and become known as one of MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 95 the leading members of his profession here. During the war period he joined the volunteer medical corps, in addition to which he was a liberal contributor to war activities. He is a valued member of the Knights of Pythias and the Sons of Veterans, and in the latter has been a surgeon in the. Ohio division for the past fifteen years. Doctor Guy married Sadie, daughter of Elijah and Sarah Brownell, Mr. Brownell having been the manufacturer of the first steam boiler in Ohio and the founder of the Brownell Engine and Boiler Works. Two children have been born to Doctor and Mrs. Guy : Margaret Elizabeth, who graduated from high school in 1916 with the highest honors of her class and is now attending Ohio State University ; and Sherman, who died when about four years of age. Doctor Guy has a number of civic and professional connections, and he and his wife are very popular at Covington, where they have established numerous friendships. A. L. Hagerty, D. D. S., a leading member of the Miami county dental profession, who is practicing at Tippecanoe City, was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in 1868, a son of David D. and Rebecca (Browneller) Hagerty. David Hagerty was a man of splendid mental attainments, who followed farming and was a well-known and capable educator, ,first in Pennsylvania and later in Hancock county, Ohio. In 1874 he took up his residence at Findlay, Ohio, and subsequently was sent by his fellow-citizens as their representative in the Ohio legislature, in which distinguished body he served constructively and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. A. L. Hagerty receiyed his early education in the public schools of Hancock county, following which he pursued a normal course and then studied civil engineering at Ada College. This profession did not appeal to him, however, and he eventually took a course at the Ohio Medical University, Columbus, now the. Ohio State University, from which he was duly graduated with his degree, and at once entered practice at Tippecanoe City. During his earlier years he had an experience in teaching, but with the growth of his professional duties he gave up educational work, and today is justly numbered among the leading representatives of his calling in the county. He is a valued member of the various societies of his calling, and has many friends among his fellow-members in all the Masonic bodies including both the York and Scottish Rites and is a member of the Shrine, the Triangle and other clubs. He likewise has a number of important business connections, and is a director in the Monroe Building and Loan Association of Tippecanoe City. During the World war he supported the Government in all local war movements, and was one of the very first to subscribe for a substantial amount of Liberty Bonds of the first issue. Doctor Hagerty was united in marriage with Clifford, daughter of Samuel C. and Elizabeth (Updegraff) Hawver, of Bethel township, Miami county, well and favorably known farming people of this community. Doctor and Mrs. Hagerty move in the best social circles of Tippecanoe. City, where they are surrounded by numerous friends. 96 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY Frank Clifford Goodrich, prominent attorney, whose professional career began at Troy in 1900 and has continued to the present with ever-increasing success, was born in Noble county, Ohio, July 25, 1874, a son of P. J. and Lucy (Smoot) Goodrich. On the paternal side he comes of good old New England stock, while his maternal ancestors were residents of Pennsylvania. P. J. Goodrich, who is a realtor of Troy, is also prominent in public affairs, having been formerly deputy county clerk and at present director of public safety of Troy. Frank C. Goodrich was still a small child when brought by his parents to Troy, and here secured his early education in the graded and high schools. Subsequently he pursued a course at Wesleyan University, from which institution he was graduated with the class of 1898, and was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He then began the study of law in the office and under the preceptorship of Judge H. H. Williams. Admitted to the bar in 1900, he began practice at Troy and here has built up an enviable clientele, having been the representative of large and important interests in a number of important cases. He has been a life-long Republican. In 1902 Mr. Goodrich was elected city solicitor, a post which he filled efficiently until 1908, and in 1915 was elected prosecuting attorney of Miami county, an office in which he remained during that and the following year. During twenty years of honorable practice he has won and held the esteem of his fellow-practitioners as a member of his profession who observes its strictest ethics. Mr. Goodrich married Eva, daughter of Charles, A. and Theda (Pinney) Elder, and to this union there have been born two children : Stanley Webb and Lucy. Mr. Goodrich is well-known in fraternal circles, having been grand master of Ohio of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in 1912-1913 and belonging to the Knights of Pythias, the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, the Improved Order of Red Men, the Knights of the Golden Eagle, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Woodmen of the World and the Modern Woodmen of America, and is a past officer in all these lodges. He is also identified with the Troy and Miami clubs. He is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church.. C. H. Hale, one of the prosperous and progressive business citizens of West Milton, where he is proprietor of the leading furniture and undertaking establishment, was born on a farm in. Union township, Miami county, Ohio, September 9, 1865, a son of Isaac and Sarah (Kessler) Hale. The Hale family came from Maryland, where its members had been prominent in public life, and Thomas J. Hale, an uncle of C. H. Hale, fought as a Union soldier during the war between the States. His paternal grandmother came of sturdy old Pennsylvania Dutch stock. Isaac Hale passed his life as a timber dealer and was a man of good business abilities and the soundest integrity. There were three children in the family : C. H.; C. C., of Columbus, Ohio, who is buyer for a large Buffalo lumber firm ; and Emma A., unmarried, who is a milliner in New York City. C. H. Hale attended the public schools of Miami county, fol- MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 97 lowing which he spent two years at Earlham College, the well-known Quaker institution at Richmond, Ind., and as a youth applied himself to learning the trade of wood-worker. For four years he was employed at the Dayton Car Works, as a carpenter and finisher, and in 1896 came to West Milton, where he succeeded L. E. Coppock in the firm of Townsley & Coppock, in partnership with F. M. Townsley. This association continued for sixteen years, at the end of which time Mr. Hale absorbed his partner's interests, Mr. Townsley subsequently being replaced by G. W. Whitme, of Pleasant Hill, who bought out Mr. Townsley. He remained in the business only one year before severing his connection, and Mr. Hale's son then entered the firm as a partner, but has since left, and Mr. Hale now conducts the business alone. He has an excellent patronage in both departments of his business, and his integrity, probity and soundness in business matters have served to place him high in the confidence of the general public and his business associates. Mr. Hale married for his first wife Alma, daughter of David Baker, of Miami county, and to this union there was born one son, Fred, who is engaged in farming in Miami county, near West Milton. Following the death of his first wife, Mr. Hale married Mabel, daughter of Joseph Haskett, of West Milton. Prior to her marriage she had been a teacher in the public schools and a teacher of music. She and her husband are members of the Methodist church, and for the past twenty-four years Mr. Hale has been superintendent of the Sunday school of that faith. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the local lodges of the Masons, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias, in all of which he has numerous friends. During the war period Mr. Hale and his son were indefatigable workers in behalf of the various activities formulated for the success of American Army. He has likewise shown his public spirit in civic affairs and has served his community faithfully and capably in the offices of a member of the school board and a member of the board of city affairs for four years. Michael R. Haley, M. D., physician and surgeon at Piqua and a valued member of the Miami county medical profession, was born at Wilmington, Ohio, May 25, 1885, a son of William and Mary (Denehy) Haley, his father being for many years a farmer in the vicinity of Wilmington. Michael R. Haley attended the public schools of his native community and St. Xavier's College, Cincinnati, following which he pursued a course at St. Louis (Mo.) University and was graduated in 1913. Subsequently he furthered his preparation by post-graduate work in hospitals and then engaged in practice at Piqua. May 25, 1917, he entered the United States Medical Corps and was assigned to Fort Benjamin Harrison, where he received his first lieutenant's commission, being then sent to Camp Taylor as a member of the medical examining board. Later he went to the Camp Sherman (Ill.) Field Hospital No. 335, and went overseas with the Eighty-fourth Division and was long engaged in field hospital work. Upon his return to the United States he resumed his practice at Piqua, where he now has a large III-7 98 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY and important professional business. Doctor Haley is a member of the American Legion, of the Knights of Columbus and of St. Mary's Catholic Church. August 13, 1919, he married Cecelia, daughter of Henry Ratterman, a buggy manufacturer of Cincinnati. William A. Haines, who is among the progressive members of the legal profession at Troy, was born on a farm southwest of this city, in Miami county, Ohio, a son of Theodore and Elizabeth Haines, the former a well-known agriculturist and a veteran of the war between the States, in which he fought as a soldier of the Union. William A. Haines received his education in the country schools of Galatin county, Illinois, and the Illinois State Normal School, and pursued his law studies in the office of Walter S. Thomas, of Troy. Admitted to the bar, he at once entered upon his professional career which has since been characterized by a steady rise to recognition and prominence among the legal lights of Miami county. Mr. Haines has served as city solicitor of Troy and has interested himself in progressive movements. During the war period he was active in supporting, the activities of the admin-istration at Washington. He married Miss Blanche Bausman, and they have three children : Mildred, Helen and William. A. Acton Hall, president of the Ohio Marble Company, and one of the leading and prominent business citizens of Piqua, Ohio, was born in 186o, at Cincinnati, a son of Joseph Lloyd and Sarah (Jewell) Hall. Joseph L. Hall was born in the State of New Jersey and his -wife in Pennsylvania. The father was an inventor of note having been the originator of the famous Hall safe, which for four generations has been manufactured at Cincinnati by the Hall Safe and Lock Company, and the distribution of which product covers the entire United States and invades the market of many foreign countries. Joseph Hall took out more than sixty-five patents on the safes and locks which bore his name, and in addition to having distinction as being the inventor of this utilitarian article was widely recognized as an authority on matters pertaining to mechanical science. Of the twelve children born to Joseph and Sarah Hall, six sons were at one time and another associated with their father in the conduct of the Hall Safe and Lock Company : Edward Clarke, Joseph Lloyd, W. H., C. O., A. Acton and W. P. Since the death of Edward Clarke Hall, in 1919, his sons have continued to operate the business, the other sons of Joseph Hall having previously disassociated themselves from the business. Edward K.. Hall, the grandfather of A. Acton Hall, and father of Joseph Hall, was active in this same business until his death. A. Acton Hall received his educational training in the public schools in his native city, Cincinnati, and was still a youth when he entered his father's business and began to become familiar with its many departments. With this preparation as a foundation he later retired from the safe business in order to devote his time and attention to the handling of real estate, in which he had become actively interested, and this he followed for some years with a moderate degree of success. While thus engaged, his attention was halted by MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 99 the stone business, with which he became identified when he took charge of his present concern, the Ohio Marble Company, in 1896. Since then he has been the president of this company, which under his direction has prospered, grown and flourished and is now accounted one of Piqua's leading enterprises. Mr. Hall married Mary, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Hubbell) Foulds, of Cincinnati. Mr. Foulds was postmaster of Cincinnati under the administration of President Grant, was prominent in the grain and flour business, and became the originator and first manufacturer of the widely-advertised and universally used article known as Foulds macaroni. To Mr. and Mrs. Hall there has been born one son, Albert Acton, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Hall were active in all movements attendant upon the war period, including the war loans, Red Cross, etc. Mrs. Hall is prominent in the social and club life of Piqua, while Mr. Hall is active in business, civic and social circles. He is a member of the Piqua and Piqua Rotary clubs and of the Masons and Elks. His civic activities include a directorship on the Central Inland Waterways Commission for the rehabilitation of water traffic. A full account of the Ohio Marble Company will be found in the industrial section of this work. Clayborne E. Harmon. Among the citizens of marked busi-ness capacity who have contributed to the civic welfare and betterment of Troy, is Clayborne E. Harmon, proprietor of a leading restaurant and ex-mayor of the city. Mr. Harmon was born February 17, 1884, near Lebanon, the county seat of Boone county, Indiana, a son of Andrew and Sarah (Stewart) Harmon, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Boone county, Indiana. The parents came with their two children, Clayborne E. and Arthur, to Troy in 1891 and here spent the rest of their lives. Clayborne E. Harmon was educated in the public schools of Troy and when still a youth became attracted to the business of railroading. He worked his way up to position of fireman, which he held for several years, and then gave up the engine cab for business affairs, in 1910 establishing himself as a restaurateur at Troy. He has continued this business to the present time and is now the owner of a thoroughly modern establishment which boasts of a large patronage. Mr. Harmon has been prominent in civic matters for some years and for long was a member of the Democratic central committee. In November, 1915, he was elected mayor of Troy, a position to which he was re-elected in 1917. His four years in office were characterized by a business like handling of municipal matters and by numerous advancements in the public service. During the war period there were few who were as active in patriotic movements as was Mayor Harmon. He acted as chairman of the Miami County Food Commission and as a director of the local Red Cross, addition to being chairman of the Miami County Selective Serv-ice Board. February 28, 1905, he married Lena W., daughter of Walker M. and Susan J. Mitchell, of Christiansburg, Ohio, and to this union there have been born four children : Ernest, who is deceased; and Judson, Mary and Lucille. Mr. and Mrs. Harmon