450 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY Genoa, establishing that enterprise about 1897 under the name of the Powers Elevator Company. Many years before, however, he had started in the business world, having established a store at Webb Siding in 1880, while about 1890 he opened a general store in Genoa. In 1894 he removed to Port Clinton, Ohio, where he occupied the position of county auditor until 1900, proving a capable and trustworthy officer, as indicated in his retention in that position for a period of six years. With his retirement from office in 1900 he returned to Genoa and with the passing years took a very prominent and active part in promoting the business development of this part of the state. He was one of the organizers of the old Port Clinton & Lakeside Railroad and also of the Northwestern Railroad Company. He was interested in the lumber business under the name of the La Cost-Powers Lumber Company at Toledo, another under the name of the Elmore Lumber Company, a third under the style of the Price Lumber Company at Fremont, and the fourth under the name of the East North Street Lumber Company at Fostoria, Ohio, with Mr. Oyler as manager. Of all of these different concerns C. T. La Cost, Jr., is the president and manager, with offices on the ninth floor of the Ohio building in Toledo. Edward A. Powers was not only a leading factor in the development and capable management of the extensive lumber interests of the company but was also a stockholder in the Genoa Bank. In community affairs he also took a prominent part and for a number of years served as president of the school board, the cause of education finding in him a faithful friend, at all times actuated by a progressive spirit in the development of the school system. His life was indeed an active, useful and upright one, closely conforming at all times to the teachings of the Presbyterian church, in which he held membership. He was likewise a Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and when he passed away on the 15th of October, 1913, his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. Mrs. Powers survives her husband and now makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. C. T. La Cost, Jr., in Toledo. In his youthful days George G. Powers attended the public schools of Genoa and afterward the Central grammar TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 451 school of Toledo and the Scott high school of that city. He next became a student in the Miami Military Institute of Germantown, Ohio, and was a member of the Students Military Corps. His association with the lumber business dates from 1919, when he became connected with the Powers Lumber & Supply Company of Genoa as vice president, while in 1927 he was appointed manager of the business at this place. His long connection with the lumber trade has made him familiar with every phase of the business, and he has developed a substantial patronage for the company of which he is the financial and official representative. In 1922 Mr. Powers married Miss Bessie Samson, of Toledo, and their children are : Edward A. and George R., born in 1923 and 1926 respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Powers attend the Church of Christ and take an active part in its work, Mr. Powers as a worker in the Sunday school, while his wife assists in the various activities promoted by that religious organization. She is also president of the Genoa Federation of Women's Clubs. Mr. Powers votes with the republican party and with firm belief in its principles gives earnest support to the efforts put forth to insure its success. He is a Knight Templar Mason, a member and secretary of the Exchange Club and a member of the Chippewa Country Club and the Kappa Sigma Alumni Chapter of Toledo. The interests and activities of his life are thus broad and evenly balanced, making his a well rounded character. DENNIS F. SULLIVAN Dennis F. Sullivan, chairman of the board of deputy state supervisors and inspectors of elections, was born November 28, 1872, in Toledo, the city in which he still makes his home. His parents were Cornelius and Johanna (Sullivan) Sullivan. The father was born in Ireland in 1827 and crossed the Atlantic to the new world in the early '60s, first settling in Lima, Ohio, where he remained until he became a resident of Toledo about 1870. Here he remained until called to his final rest in 1918, when he had reached the age of ninety-one years. His religious belief was that of the Roman Catholic 452 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY church. His wife, also a native of the Emerald isle, came to the United States with her husband, their marriage having been celebrated in Ireland. They had seven children, four sons and three daughters, of whom three sons and two daughters are yet living, namely: Daniel; Katherine, who is the widow of Albert Haack; John D. ; Dennis F., of this review; and Mrs. Margaret Burgemeister. Dennis F. Sullivan attended the public and parochial schools of Toledo, Ohio, and started out in the business world in connection with the retail grocery trade in Toledo. In the conduct of this enterprise he was quite successful and continued therein for a period of thirty years. He began in a small way with limited capital but built up a trade of gratifying proportions, having one of the well appointed stores of the city. In 1908, while still engaged in the grocery business, he became a clerk in the office of the board of deputy state supervisors and inspectors of elections and from that position was advanced to the chairmanship of the board, being the only employe that has reached this position of leadership. He was elected to the office of chairman in 1924 and has continued to serve in that capacity to the present time. On the 27th of November, 1900, in Toledo, Ohio, Mr. Sullivan was married to Miss Mary E. Hayes, who was born in Perrysburg, Ohio, a daughter of James and Evelyn (Parks) Hayes, both representatives of old and well known families of Perrysburg, Ohio. There are two children of this marriage : Myra Evelyn, born in Toledo, August 18, 1904; and Richard F., born July 20, 1913. The family residence is at 807 Oak street, Toledo, Ohio. Their religious faith is that of the Catholic church, they being communicants of the Good Shepherd church. Mr. Sullivan is a member of the Knights of Columbus and of the Knights of the Maccabees. His political allegiance has always been given the democratic party and he labors untiringly for its success. He has membership in the East Toledo Club and is particularly interested in the Boy Scout movement, being chairman of Troop No. 36. He is a lover of all outdoor sports and he continually stresses the participation of the Boy Scouts in such activities, knowing their value as factors in physical development and character building. Per- TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 453 severance, industry, determination and integrity have always been salient features in the life of Dennis F. Sullivan, who has justly earned the proud American title of a self-made man. WILLIAM A. KRUPP Among the representative business men of Port Clinton is numbered William A. Krupp, who has achieved a gratifying measure of success as a newspaper publisher and is also engaged in the printing business. He was born in Tiffin, Ohio, in 1882, a son of Anthony and Rose (Fisher) Krupp. The father, who followed the occupation of a cooper, has passed away. William A. Krupp obtained his early instruction in a parochial school and completed his studies in the public schools of Tiffin. Afterward he was a newspaper employe and worked, in various departments, acquiring a detailed knowledge of the business. His ability, energy and trustworthiness enabled him to steadily advance and at length he entered the publishing field independently. He is now issuing the Republican Herald of Port Clinton, a weekly paper whose circulation is increasing rapidly in this territory. Its news is authentic, and its editorials are timely and well written. The business was incorporated November 1, 1927, at which time W. A. Krupp was elected to the office of president. Walter Krupp is serving as secretary and also fills the post of editor. W. A. Krupp is also president of the Krupp Printing Company, which has an up-to-date plant at No. 114 West Second street and specializes in high-grade commercial printing. In 1905 Mr. Krupp married Miss Elsie C. Deer, of Fremont, Ohio, and they have six children : Walter A., who is a young man of twenty-three and an able journalist; Genevieve, aged twenty, a stenographer in the office of the city solicitor of Fremont; Richard, Kenneth and Elsie Jane, public school pupils, aged respectively fifteen, twelve and ten years; and Suzanne, an infant. The family are faithful communicants of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church of Fremont, and Mr. Krupp has 454 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY taken the fourth degree in the Knights of Columbus, of which he is a state officer. He has always supported moral interests, fair dealing and the cause of good government, and through the columns of his paper is wielding much influence in furthering civic and industrial advancement. FREDERICK SEYMOUR Toledo is not only one of the chief cities of Ohio in point of business importance but is also a center of art and culture, and among those who have been most active in furthering its development in the latter connection is numbered Frederick Seymour, who is widely and favorably known as a composer, an orchestra leader and a vocalist. He was born in Wauseon, Fulton county, Ohio, November 8, 1886, a son of Fred and Margaret (Kolb) Seymour, who have passed away. The father was born February 12, 1839, while his parents were crossing Lake Erie. They had emigrated to this country from Alsace-Lorraine, and settled in Medina county, Ohio, where Fred Seymour, Sr., was reared and educated. About 1870 he removed to Fulton county, Ohio, and for several years was engaged in manufacturing in Wauseon. His wife was born in Akron, Summit county, Ohio, a daughter of Clemens and Margaret (Fink) Kolb, early settlers of Akron. Mr. Kolb became one of its influential citizens, serving as justice of the peace and in other capacities. By her first husband Mrs. Seymour had one child, Charles C. Hillabrand, and by her second marriage she also became the mother of a son, Frederick Seymour. Frederick Seymour attended the public schools of Wauseon and at an early age became self-supporting. Possessing a fine voice, he had no difficulty in securing a place in the choir of the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Toledo and filled the position for three years. During that time he took up the study of instrumental music, for which he also had a natural talent, and after mastering various instruments, chiefly the piano, he undertook the task of organizing an orchestra. This he accomplished in 1909, assuming the responsibility of pianist, director and manager, but hav- TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 457 ing no financial backing or advantages, he encountered many difficulties and he and his organization were obliged to play in concert halls and other places where they could secure engagements. From this humble and difficult start Mr. Seymour gradually won recognition and has developed the leading commercial orchestra in northwestern Ohio. It comprises from twelve to sixteen skilled artists and the organ- ization H is known as "Frederick Seymour and Associate Players." e is an able director and has to his credit the honor of organizing and conducting the first ladies' orchestra in this section of the state. Mr. Seymour has achieved distinction as a tenor soloist and his recitals always have a large attendance. He is tenor soloist in the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Toledo and has been the chief attraction at many important social functions. He has sung before the members of the Eurydice Club, the Women's Educational Club, the Sorosis Club and other large organizations, and his services are in constant demand. Mr. Seymour has won a gratifying measure of success as a composer of vocal and instrumental music and among his most popular compositions are "Go ask the rose," "With all my heart" and "Ave Maria." The last named is regarded by many as his masterpiece and has been sung by leading artists throughout the United States. In addition he has supplied the words for the music and derives a substantial income from the sale of his popular songs, which have been published by the Shapiro-Bernstein Company of New York city and Remick & Company of Detroit. The music enjoyed by the patrons of the Waldorf, Secor and Commodore Perry Hotels in Toledo was furnished for years by Mr. Seymour's players and for ten years he maintained the orchestra at the La Salle & Koch department store. His activities now are confined mostly to the University, Toledo, Country, Inverness, Carranor and Commerce Clubs. Since 1919 his orchestra has played at every important wedding and social function in Toledo, and it is also in great demand in Sandusky, Fremont, Monroe and other cities of Ohio, likewise filling engagements in Detroit, Michigan. Mr. Seymour is considered authority on modern commercial music and has contributed to a number of magazines on this score. His advice is eag- 458 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY erly sought by young musicians who contemplate entering the field. Mr. Seymour resides at No. 1914 Jefferson avenue, and his office is located at No. 417 North St. Clair street. In politics he is a republican and his religious views are in harmony with the doctrines of the Roman Catholic church. He is a member of the local council of the Knights of Columbus and also belongs to the Toledo Chamber of Commerce. For diversion he turns to fishing and also enjoys aquatic sports. Starting out in life as a poor boy, Mr. Seymour has progressed through hard work, tenacity of purpose and the wise use of the gifts which nature bestowed upon him and is firmly established in the hearts and minds of the people of Toledo and other cities as an artist of rare ability and a man of exceptional worth. REV. DR. JOHN LOUIS SASSEN The talents of Dr. John Louis Sassen have been devoted to the service of Catholicism and for fifteen years he has exerted a strong force for spiritual uplift and moral progress in Marblehead. A native of Prussia, he was born in 1880 and studied philosophy, law and political economy at Freiburg, in the district of Baden, then theology in Bonn on the Rhine, completing this course at Innsbruck University in Austria. He was ordained to the priesthood and came to the United States in 1911. For two and a half years he was stationed at Fostoria, Ohio, and since 1914 has been pastor of St. Joseph's Catholic church at Marblehead. The first church, a stone edifice, was erected in 1867 by Father Koehn, who remained here until 1871. His successor, the Rev. Weimar Muller, was in charge of the church for four years, and Father Thein, the next pastor, served from 1875 until 1880. His place was then taken by Father William A. Harcks, who ministered to the people of this parish until 1886. A new church was completed in 1888, during the pastorate of Father Hoerstman, and the Rev. F. J. Hroch supervised the construction of the parish house, while in 1900 the first school was built by the Rev. Joseph W. Koudelka. The TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 459 present house of worship was erected in 1917, and the new school was finished in 1927. It has eight grades and instruction is furnished by four Sisters of St. Dominic. One hundred and forty children are enrolled as pupils, and the church has a congregation of one hundred and seventy-five families. Dr. Sassen is an effective worker and the friend and counselor of his parishioners, always ready to assist them with the problems and complexities of life. A deep student, he has devoted much thought to the vital questions and issues of the day, as well as to religious matters, and is the author of a well written book entitled "Capital and Socialism." Dr. Sassen is a broad-minded man of scholarly attainments, and his course has at all times awakened admiration and respect. CECIL E. COTTRELL Cecil E. Cottrell, who, after many years of active and successful business efforts, is now retired, was long a prominent figure in the lumber industry in Toledo and is a man of sagacity and judgment in practical affairs. He was born in Spencer, Medina county, Ohio, on the 19th of September, 1859, and is a son of Stephen and Laura (Curtice) Cottrell, who were the parents of two children, Cecil E., and Edgar, who died at the age of two years. In 1861 the family moved from Ohio to Wisconsin, where soon afterward the father enlisted in the Civil war, joining Company H. Sixth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. After serving two years in the army, during which time he took part in several of General Sherman's forced marches, he was stricken with typhoid fever, from which he died at the age of twenty-six years. When he enlisted, the family moved back to Spencer, Ohio, where they resided two years, moving then to Cuylerville, New York. Some time after his death, Mrs. Cottrell became the wife of John Hemrick, who had served three years in the Civil war as a member of the "bloody" Thirty-sixth New York Regiment. After living in Cuylerville about one year the family returned to Ohio, settling in Curtice, Ottawa county, where the parents spent their remaining years, the mother dying October 23, 1914, and Mr. Hemrick May 22, 460 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY 1923. By the second marriage was born a daughter, Cora, who became the wife of John Wagoner, of Toledo. Cecil E. Cottrell attended the public schools of Curtice and Toledo and when twenty years of age began logging, teaming and contracting, in which he was successful. In 1899 he embarked in the retail lumber business in Curtice, where he conducted a yard for fifteen years. Then, moving to Toledo, he established a large lumberyard, in connection with which he handled building materials and supplies of all kinds. This proved a highly successful venture and Mr. Cottrell carried it on until June, 1928, when he disposed of his lumberyard and other interests to his son Earnest S., and has since been practically retired from active business pursuits. For the past six winters he has gone to St. Petersburg, Florida, where he erected a fine residence at 155 East Twentieth avenue South. He also owns an eight-suite apartment house at 143 Nineteenth avenue South. Mr. Cottrell has been married twice, his first union being with Miss Sarah Elizabeth Siebert, a native of Pennsylvania, and to them were born four children, namely : (1) Clara E. is the wife of Carl G. Dean, of Toledo, and they have five children, Donald, Lucile, Laura, Jessie and Margaret. Of these, Lucile is now the wife of Homer Perry, of San Angelo, Texas, and they have two children, Jay Dean and William Homer; and Laura is the wife of Floyd McMullan, of Clear Lake, Texas, and they have one child, John Kemper. Mr. McMullan owns eighty-four sections of land near Clear Lake, on which he runs nine thousand head of cattle, forty-five thousand sheep, one thousand goats and many horses. (2) Earnest S., of Toledo, who was associated with his father in the lumber business for fifteen years before he took over the business, married Miss Margaret Tollison and they have one child, Earnest Eugene. (3) Warren E., a veteran of the World war, in which he served for three years with the Engineer Corps of Marines, holding the rank of second lieutenant, married Miss Mary Beekman and they reside in Fairfield, Connecticut, where he is a contractor and builder. They have one child, Beekman. (4) Carl H., a resident of St. Petersburg, Florida, where he is engaged in carpentering and contracting, married Miss Anna Myers, and to them were TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 461 born three children, Carlyle, who died September 1, 1924, at the age of sixteen years; Edith and Warren. On January 11, 1914, Mr. Cottrell was united in marriage to Miss Mary Bell Salsbury, of Morenci, Michigan, a daughter of Moses E. and Annie (Brown) Salsbury. To this union were born two children : Curtice Eugene, born November 6, 1915, and Richard Salsbury, born on April 27, 1920. Mr. Cottrell's children are eligible to membership in the Sons of the American Revolution or the Daughters of the American Revolution, from the fact that some of his maternal ancestors fought in the war for independence. The family history is traced back still farther than that in colonial history and he is related to General Ethan Allen. Mr. Cottrell is a member of Port Lawrence Lodge, No. 685, F. & A. M., of Toledo. He is widely and favorably known throughout this section of the state, for his business affairs were important, and he earned a reputation for his progressive and enterprising spirit, possessing the valuable faculty of making friends of all who had dealings with him. HENRY L. NEWMAN Business enterprise in Marblehead finds an able representative in Henry L. Newman, who has long been regarded as one of its foremost merchants and also figures prominently in community affairs. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1881 and is a son of Adolph Newman, who now lives retired in that city. In 1872 the father opened a dry goods store in Marblehead; also handled wearing apparel, and was active in the conduct of the establishment for forty-six years. After completing his education Henry L. Newman entered his father's store and was thoroughly trained in mercantile affairs. He displayed a natural aptitude for the work and since 1918 has had entire charge of the store, keeping it not only in line but also in the lead of its competitors. Old methods have been changed to meet new conditions, but he has steadfastly adhered to the principles of honor, quality and service, which have constituted the basis of the firm's 462 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY success. The business has been operated under the same name for fifty-seven years and is the oldest in the county. Mr. Newman is identified with the Knights of Pythias, the lodge, chapter and council in Masonry, and is president of the Civic Club. In politics he is a stanch democrat and has devoted much time to public affairs, in which his father was active for a considerable period. The latter served for several terms as mayor of Marblehead and for sixteen years was justice of the peace, making a fine record in these offices. The son was a member of the school board for some time and filled the office of village clerk for nineteen years. Henry L. Newman has always evinced that keen interest in progressive movements and that eagerness to advance civic development which are embodied in the truest and highest ideals of public service, and his worth to the community is uniformly acknowledged. CHARLES B. FINEFROCK, M. D. By reason of his ability and experience Dr. Charles B. Finefrock is well qualified for the important office of health commissioner of Ottawa county, in which connection he has established an enviable record, and he is also one of the prominent physicians of Port Clinton. He was born in Fremont, Sandusky county, Ohio, March 14, 1872, a son of Thomas P. and Emma (Carter) Finefrock. The father served as judge of the common pleas court and was a man of prominence in his district. Dr. Finefrock attended the public schools of Fremont and enrolled as a student in the University of Wooster, from which he received the degree of M. D. in 1895. For three years he was assistant physician in the State Hospital at Cleveland, Ohio, and in 1899 opened an office in Kansas, Seneca county, Ohio, where he followed his profession until 1912. He then located in Port Clinton, and here he has successfully engaged in general practice for seventeen years. Dr. Fine-frock closely studies each case intrusted to his care and utilizes his scientific knowledge to the best advantage. He was elected health commissioner for Ottawa county in 1920, and TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 463 his continued retention in the office is proof of the quality of his service. In 1899 Dr. Finefrock married Miss Hallie Thompson, of Leetonia, Ohio, and they have two sons. The elder, Thompson P. F., was born in 1902 and following his graduation from the Port Clinton high school matriculated in the University of Ohio, which he attended for three years. Afterward he entered the employ of the United States Gypsum Company and travels throughout the country in their interests. In 1926 he was married in Ada, Ohio, to Miss Zelma Rockwell, who is now a teacher in the public schools of Port Clinton. Scott, the younger son, was born in 1905 and supplemented his public school education by two years' attendance at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He is connected with the New York city plant of the United States Gypsum Company. Doctor Finefrock attends the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife is a member. She is serving on the Port Clinton library board and is connected with the Red Cross Society, the Daughters of the American Revolution and 88 Circle. The Doctor was coroner of Ottawa county for two years and is now a member of the board of education of Port Clinton, demonstrating his civic spirit by effective public service. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, and along fraternal lines he is connected with the Knights of Pythias, the Masons, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is a member of the Port Clinton Yacht Club, the Ottawa County and Ohio State Medical Societies and the American Medical Association. The Doctor has always made his professional duties his first consideration and measures up to high standards in every relation of life. LEWIS CHAPIN RUFFNER One of the foremost automobile sales agencies in northwestern Ohio is that of the L. C. Ruffner Company, authorized Ford dealer, at 2929-39 Monroe street, Toledo, of which L. Chapin Ruffner is president and general manager. He is 464 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY a native of Quijotoa, Arizona, born February 24, 1885, and 'is a son of Augustus and Caroline (Boeh) Ruffner and a grandson of Joel and Diana (Marye) Ruffner. Joel Ruffner was born in 1802 in the Shenandoah valley of Virginia and died in Charleston, West Virginia, in 1882. Of the latter locality he was one of the early settlers and was the first salt maker in that part of the country, where he acquired many acres of land. He was a Presbyterian in religious faith. His wife also was a native of Virginia and died in Charleston, West Virginia. Their son Augustus was born in Charleston, November 28, 1853, and is still living in that city, retired from active pursuits. He is the youngest of the sixteen children born to his parents and he looks after the family estate. He is a democrat in politics and a member of the Southern Presbyterian church. His wife was born in California, February 2, 1858, and died in Charleston, West Virginia, in July, 1928. She was a daughter of Sebastian and Amelia Boeh, the former of whom was born in Alsace-Lorraine and the latter in Germany. Her father, who became a shoe manufacturer in Virginia City, Nevada, was a soldier in one of the French wars. He and his wife died in Virginia City, Nevada. L. Chapin Ruffner was the first white child born in that section of Arizona, known as Quijotoa, where his parents removed in the spring of 1885, at the time of the Apache raids under Geronimo. Later they went to Tucson and afterward to El Paso, San Francisco and Seattle. In 1893 the family home was established in Charleston, West Virginia, where L. Chapin Ruffner was reared from the age of nine years. He received his education in the public schools of that city, after which he spent six and a half years in the coal and ice business in Charleston. He then became connected with the Cabin Creek Consolidated Coal Company, of Charleston, which he represented in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Michigan, first as a traveling salesman and later for sixteen years in Detroit as northern sales manager. He was the owner of the Acme Coal Company for four years prior to his coming to Toledo, on April 1, 1924. At that time he located here as an authorized Ford dealer at his present address, 2929-39 Monroe street, organizing the L. C. Ruffner Company for the TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 465 handling of Ford cars, trucks and tractors. The company here has the largest single-floor garage in northwestern Ohio, affording about twenty thousand square feet of floor space for office, salesroom and repair shop. During the five years in which Mr. Ruffner has been engaged in this enterprise he has built up a volume of business very flattering to his executive and sales ability and is meeting with well merited prosperity. On April 2, 1914, in Detroit, Michigan, Mr. Ruffner was united in marriage to Miss Jane Hodson, who was born in London, Ontario, Canada, and is a daughter of William and Mary (Havercroft) Hodson, both of whom were natives of London, England, and are now deceased. Mr. Hodson was an experimental engineer and stood high in his profession. Mrs. Ruffner was educated in the public schools of London, Canada, and Detroit, Michigan, and is a member of the Protestant Episcopal church. Mr. Ruffner is a republican in his political affiliation and attends the Collingwood Presbyterian church. He belongs to Kanawha Lodge, No. 20, F. & A. M.; has taken the degrees of the different bodies of the York Rite; and is a member of Beni Kedem Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., at Charleston, West Virginia. Socially, he belongs to the Toledo Club, the Sylvania Golf Club, the Heather Downs Country Club, the Catawba Cliffs Beach Club, the Exchange Club and the Detroit Athletic Club. He is a man of sincere purpose, progressive methods and high business ideals and commands the confidence of all who have had dealings with him. RALPH C. WATERS Liberal collegiate training and close application have enabled Ralph C. Waters to steadily advance in the educational field, and his efforts in behalf of the Oak Harbor schools have won for him more than local prominence. He was born in Medina, Ohio, in 1898 and pursued his advanced studies in the Ohio State University, which awarded him the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education in 1919 and that of Master of Arts in 1923. In February, 1919, he began his career as a teacher in Oak Harbor and was made principal 466 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY of its high school in September of the same year. Mr. Waters acted in that capacity until January 1, 1921, and in recognition of his ability was called to the office of superintendent of schools, which he has since filled. For ten years his efforts have been devoted to the elevation of educational standards in this locality and the improvement of school facilities, and his work has been highly satisfactory. In 1921 Mr. Waters was married to Miss Helen Wright, of Ada, Ohio, and they now have a son, Ralph R., who was born in 1924. They are affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Waters is identified with the Masonic order, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Lions Club and the Phi Delta Kappa and Phi Kappa Tau fraternities. He has a high conception of the responsibilities of his profession and is coming rapidly to the fore in educational circles of northwestern Ohio. WILLIAM ANDREW ZOLG William Andrew Zolg, secretary and treasurer of the Toledo Scale Company, has had long and varied experience in practical business affairs and is regarded as one of the valuable officials of his company. He was born in Dayton, Ohio, on the 2d of September, 1876, a son of Adolph and Henrietta (Miller) Zolg. His paternal grandparents were Michael and Wilhelmina Zolg, both of whom were natives of Germany. They came to the United States about 1886 and located in Dayton, Ohio, where Mr. Zolg was long in business as a custom shoemaker. In his native country he had fought in the Franco-Prussian war and during a part of that time was one act of seven who composed the king's special bodyguard. He and his wife were devout members of the Roman Catholic church. Their son Adolph was born in Germany, December 19, 1852, and died in Dayton, Ohio, in November, 1922. He followed merchant tailoring and became widely and favorably known. In his religious faith he was a Catholic. His wife was born in Lebanon, Ohio, and died in Dayton in November, 1876. William A. Zolg attended the parochial schools and then entered St. Mary's Institute, at Dayton (now the University TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 467 of Dayton), which he attended four and a half years. He then became associated with his father in the tailoring business in Dayton, remaining with him for eight years, at the end of which time he entered the employ of the National Cash Register Company. He was with that organization in Dayton for ten years and was then sent to Berlin, Germany, where he installed factory systems in their German plant. On June 9, 1909, Mr. Zolg came to Toledo and joined the Toledo Computing Scale Company (now the Toledo Scale Company) as bookkeeper. Through his faithful and efficient service he received promotions successively to cashier, assistant treasurer and then secretary and treasurer, which dual position he now holds. This company is engaged in the manufacture of automatic scales and weighing machines, which are sold in all parts of the world. Mr. Zolg has given twenty years of earnest and capable service to his company and has been a factor in its success. On January 9, 1901, in Dayton, Ohio, Mr. Zolg was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Puthoff, who was born in St. Henry, Ohio, and is a daughter of Frank and Elizabeth Puthoff, both of whom are deceased. Mrs. Zolg, who was educated in the parochial schools of St. Henry, is a faithful member of Gesu. Roman Catholic church and belongs to the Catholic Ladies of Columbia and the Toledo Council of Catholic Women. To Mr. and Mrs. Zolg have been born three sons, of, whom they are deservedly proud, namely : William A., Jr., born May 29, 1902, was graduated from St. John's University, Toledo, and from the University of Dayton, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, in 1925, since which time he has been employed as a chemical engineer. He married Miss Mary Von Kaenel, of Marion, Ohio. Walter W., born April 13, 1906, was graduated from St.. John's University, Toledo, and received the degree of Bachelor of Laws from the law school of Dayton University in 1928, since which time he has been connected with the trust department of the Toledo Trust Company. Eugene F., born July 31, 1910, was also graduated from St. John's University, and is now taking the course in commerce and finance in Dayton University. Mr. Zolg is a member of Gesu Roman Catholic church, to which he contributes liberally. He belongs to the Heather 29-VOL. 3 468 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY Downs Country Club and the Maumee River Yacht Club, as well as to the Toledo Chamber of Commerce, the Credit Men's Association of Toledo; is second vice president of the Toledo chapter of the National Association of Cost Accountants and is highly regarded in the business circles of this city. A man of keen mentality, sound business judgment and unquestioned integrity, he is well qualified for the responsible position which he is holding and commands the uniform respect of his business associates. His residence is at 2114 Parkdale avenue, Toledo. WILLIAM W. WILDER One of the noteworthy industries of Sandusky county is that conducted by the Clyde Kraut Company, at Clyde, of which W. W. Wilder is president and treasurer. He has devoted his attention to this business for twenty-eight years and has realized a very satisfactory measure of success, due to his sound methods and able management. Mr. Wilder was born in Clyde in 1872 and is a son of A. J. and Mary (Hough) Wilder. The former, in association with his brother, N. T. Wilder, established the present business in 1891. W. W. Wilder acquired a good public school education, after which he attended a business college in Portland, Oregon, from which he was graduated in 1891. In 1900, on the incorporation of the Clyde Kraut Company, he returned to this place as secretary of the concern and has been identified with it continuously since, being now its president and treasurer. The company is engaged in manufacturing and canning sour kraut, for which purpose it uses about five thousand tons of cabbages a year, and also cans about two hundred tons of sour cherries a year, the products of the factory being sold to the wholesale grocery trade throughout the country. The vegetable and fruit are grown in this vicinity and from sixty to one hundred people are given employment during the packing season, so that this concern contributes in large measure to the prosperity of Clyde and surrounding country. Mr. Wilder is also a director of the Home Savings, Building and Loan Company and TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 471 of the Clyde Chick Hatchery, both of which are successful and prosperous enterprises. In 1895 Mr. Wilder was united in marriage to Miss Hallie McCleary, daughter of Captain Charles H. and Corlissa (Brown) McCleary, who died in July, 1927. Mr. and Mrs. Wilder became the parents of a son, H. Tristan, who was born in 1901 and died July 3, 1928. He was a splendid young man, of ability and character, who had graduated from Chicago University in 1923, and took post-graduate work in Harvard University, after which he specialized in outdoor advertising. The wife and mother died in July, 1927. On January 10, 1929, Mr. Wilder was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Conger, of Clyde, daughter of Rev. S. D. and Mary (Bardshar) Conger, both deceased. Mr. Wilder has always supported the republican party and has shown a deep interest in everything affecting the welfare and progress of his community, having rendered splendid service as a member of the board of public affairs. He is a member of the Exchange Club, the Fremont Golf Club, and the Port Clinton Yacht Club. His religious connection is with the Presbyterian church, and he is a trustee of the Eliza Ramsey Home for Old Ladies and treasurer of its board. Because of his strong character, consistent life and business ability, he is regarded as one of Clyde's best citizens and has a large circle of loyal friends throughout the community. EDWIN J. LYNCH Toledo has always had reason to be proud of the high rank of her bench and bar. Men of ability have handled the work of her courts, actuated on the whole by a most earnest desire to promote justice and safeguard the rights of the individual. Practicing in close conformity to the highest ethical standards of the profession, Edwin J. Lynch has gained a prominent place in his chosen profession. Moreover, his record stands in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is never without honor save in his own country, for Mr. Lynch has gained distinction and success in the city of his nativity. He was born in Toledo, May 1, 1887, a son of John 472 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY E. and Julia C. (Stack) Lynch. His grandparents in the paternal line were John and Hannah (Moriarty) Lynch, both of whom were natives of Ireland, having resided in Galway county. They came to America in the early '60s and settled in Monroe, Michigan, where they resided for some time. During the latter part of his life John Lynch, the grandfather of Edwin J. Lynch, devoted his attention to the occupation of farming. To him and his wife were born five children, four of whom were daughters. The only son was John E. Lynch, whose birth occurred in Norwalk, Huron county, Ohio, and who was educated in Monroe county, Michigan. In due course of time he became a resident of Toledo, where ne is now living retired, but from 1886 until 1925 he was successfully and extensively engaged in the retail grocery business. In early life he had learned and followed the carpenter's trade but for many years had carried on commercial pursuits. He wedded Julia C. Stack and they became the parents of four sons, the eldest being Edwin J. The others are John Thomas, Walter F. and Robert J., all residents of Toledo. In his youthful days Edwin J. Lynch attended St. Patrick's Academy and afterward continued his education in the Central high school of Toledo, from which he was graduated with the class of 1907.. He next entered the Toledo University and later attended the University of Notre Dame, where he pursued the study of law, winning his LL. B. degree at his graduation with the class of 1910. He was admitted to the Indiana bar in September of that year and was licensed to practice at the bar of Ohio in December, 1910. He at once entered upon professional activity in Toledo and became associated with Paul Ragan under the firm style of Ragan & Lynch, the partnership continuing until 1915, in which year Mr. Lynch was elected state senator. He served during the following session and then became assistant county prosecuting attorney of Lucas county, acting in that capacity until 1917. In April of the latter year he became an assistant in the office of United States attorney and served until the summer of 1919, when he was a candidate for the mayoralty on a non-partisan ticket but was defeated. In the previous year, 1918, Mr. Lynch had formed a partnership with John TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 473 W. Hackett and through the intervening period of eleven years the firm of Hackett & Lynch has occupied a prominent position at the Toledo bar. Their practice is extensive and of an important character. It is characteristic of Mr. Lynch that he prepares his cases with great thoroughness and care, arrives at logical deductions in analyzing the cause and presents his points clearly and forcefully. Mr. Lynch was reared in the Catholic faith and is a communicant of St. Ann's church. He belongs to Toledo Council No. 386 of the Knights of Columbus and has membership in Toledo Lodge, No. 53, B. P. O. E. He is identified with the Toledo Chamber of Commerce and his position upon any question of public moment is based upon a progressive spirit that is constantly seeking the general good. He has worked untiringly for the democratic party because of his firm belief in its principles and he has held membership in the Frank H. Hurd Democratic Club and the Gem City Democratic Club of Dayton, while since 1925 he has been chairman of the executive committee of the democratic party of Lucas county. The interests and activities of his life are well balanced. He gives to each its due importance and is ever actuated by a recognition of that service which each individual owes to his fellowmen. Along professional lines he is identified with the Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio State and American Bar Associations, and it has been said of him that his devotion to his clients' interests is proverbial. When leisure permits he finds his chief diversion in fishing, but he allows nothing to interfere with the faithful performance of his duties, whether in law practice or in public office. HARVEY P. JONES Toledo has derived great benefit from the activities of Harvey P. Jones, who has devoted his talents largely to the work of municipal improvement and is widely and favorably known as a sanitary engineer. He was born in Sandwich, Illinois, February 7, 1891, a son of John M. and Melvina (Burrell) Jones, and of colonial ancestry. The father was born in Utica, New York, in 1850 and was of English lineage. 474 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY He was reared and educated in his native city and throughout life followed mechanical pursuits, acquiring a high degree of proficiency in his work. In 1870 he settled in Sandwich, Illinois, and there resided until his death, which occurred in 1905, when he was fifty-five years of age. He was identified with the Masonic order, and his religious views were in harmony with the doctrines of the Congregational church. In politics he was a stanch republican and served his fellow townsmen in the capacity of alderman, working at all times for the best interests of Sandwich. His widow was born in New York city in 1852 and still resides in Sandwich. Her parents were Harvey and Margaret (Schryver) Burrell, the latter a descendant of Alberta Schryver, who was born in Holland in 1683 and died in New York state in 1768. Members of the family served under General Washington in the Revolutionary war and among the collateral descendants was Major John Paulding, an American officer, who aided in the capture of Major John Andre at Tarrytown, September 23, 1780. To Mr. and Mrs. John M. Jones were born three sons, of whom two survive, Jesse M. and Harvey P. The latter attended the public schools of his native town and obtained his higher education in the University of Michigan, from which he received the degree of B. C. E. in 1916. After his graduation he was appointed sanitary engineer of Toledo and held the position for two years. He then went to New York city and became associated with the well known engineering firm of Fuller & McClintock. Mr. Jones was identified with large construction projects in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Missouri and Florida for eight years and in 1926 located in Toledo, organizing the firm of H. P. Jones & Company, of which he has since been the president. This is classed with the foremost engineering firms of northwestern Ohio and among its outstanding achievements are the East Toledo Intercepting Sewer, the East Side Sewage Pumping Station and the recently completed Maumee River Tunnel, projects totaling over five million dollars. The tunnel, which cost approximately two hundred and seventy thousand dollars, is about three thousand feet long and lies thirty feet below the bottom of the river. It was gnawed out of the earth at about twenty feet a day, TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 475 thousands of tons of earth having been removed. Two crews, one from each side of the river, started working toward each other early in July, 1928, and met at three o'clock in the morning of January 3, 1929. The engineers' work was so perfect that the two six-foot tubes hit each other within a quarter of an inch. Two shafts carrying elevators run down to the conduit level on each side of the river. They are from seventy-one to eighty feet deep. The laterals were six feet in diameter and in them miniature railway tracks with miniature cars ran out as the work progressed. Sand hogs, with air shovels, bit at the blue clay and the sand. They worked under an air pressure heavy enough to prevent the flooding of the tunnel by water, at times the pressure being as high as twenty-five pounds. Gradually the clay was eaten away and the tunnel plates put in. On January 4 the work was inspected by Mayor William T. Jackson, who pronounced it "a good job." This tunnel is to be connected with the proposed Bay View Park sewage disposal plant and will take care of all of Toledo's sewage. Plans for the plant have been drawn by H. P. Jones & Company and a year or more will be required to build this two million dollar structure. Mr. Jones was married August 16, 1914, in Sandwich, Illinois, to Miss Ina J. Faxon, a native of that place and a daughter of Charles G. and Carrie (Anderson) Faxon. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have three children : Jeanne, who was born February 21, 1918; John Melvin, born September 19, 1922; and Harvey Paul II, born September 22, 1923. The residence of the family is at No. 2666 Latonia boulevard and Mr. Jones' offices are located on the sixteenth floor of the Second National Bank building. He adheres to the Congregational faith and his wife is a member of the First Congregational church of Toledo. She is a zealous church member and is also active in child welfare work. Mr. Jones is allied with the republican party, whose principles appeal to him as the best form of government for the majority. His Masonic affiliations are with Barton Smith Lodge, F. & A. M., and Toledo Chapter. He is a member of the Heather Downs Golf Club, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Association of Engineers, of which he is an ex-president, the American Public Health Association and 476 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY the American Society for Municipal Improvements. Mr. Jones worked his way through college and has been self-supporting from the age of seventeen years. His career has been conspicuously useful and constitutes an inspiring example to all who seek to attain a high level of service ROLLIE A. BARNHOLT Energetic and capable, Rollie A. Barnholt occupies a prominent place in business circles of Port Clinton and is also one of the prosperous fruit raisers of Ottawa county. He was born in Port Clinton in 1878 and is a son of Fred and Sophia Barnholt, pioneers of Catawba island, on which the father developed a fine farm, devoted to the production of fruit. He was identified with the Knights of Honor and gave his political support to the republican party, while his life was governed by the teachings of the Lutheran church. His younger son, M. John Barnholt, resides on Catawba island and has two fruit farms in the Gem Beach pleasure resort. Rollie A. Barnholt attended the public schools of Port Clinton and obtained his higher education in the Ohio Northern University at Ada, graduating with the class of 1896. Afterward he was employed by the Erie Railroad Company and was also identified with other lines of business. In 1908 he supervised the construction of the building for the Port Clinton Fish Company and had charge of the business for a time. Later he was in the employ of the Booth Fisheries and the Ranney Fish Company of Cleveland. Since 1921 he has been manager of the East Clinton Lumber & Coal Company, exerting his best efforts in its behalf, and has instituted well devised plans for the growth of the enterprise. The company maintains a branch at Lakeside and handles coal, lumber and building material of all kinds. Mr. Barnholt is a stockholder of the firm and also owns a sixty acre farm which his grandfather began to cultivate in 1824. The soil has been brought to a high state of development and produces apples, pears, peaches and plums of fine quality. Mr. TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 477 Barnholt has made a close study of horticultural pursuits and has found that scientific methods yield the best returns. In 1906 Mr. Barnholt married Miss Mary A. Becker, of Cleveland, and they became the parents of two sons : Frederick, now deceased ; and Harvey I., who was born July 29, 1909. Mr. Barnholt is a member of the Kiwanis Club, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. In 1920 he served as mayor of Port Clinton. He is honest, industrious, genial and unassuming, and these qualities have won for him a secure place in the esteem of Port Clinton's citizens. Mrs. Barnholt is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a faithful follower of its teachings. WALTER D. SKILLITER Commercial activity in Genoa finds a worthy representative in Walter D. Skilliter, who owns and conducts a hardware store, carrying an excellent line of both shelf and heavy hardware, in addition to which he handles implements. He was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, in 1874 and is a son of Thomas Skilliter, a native of London, England, who was brought to America by his parents, Thomas and Anna Skilliter, who settled in Sandusky county, where the grandfather engaged in farming. Thomas Skilliter, Jr., left home at the age of fifteen years, went to sea and sailed for a decade. He then determined to concentrate his efforts upon land activities and became identified with the lumber industry through cutting timber. After a time he wedded Marcia Beebe and settled upon his father-in-law's farm, devoting his efforts to its cultivation for five years. He next removed to Black Swamp, where he purchased forty acres of land and engaged in farming and timbering. About 1891 he established an implement business in Genoa, first securing a small stock, but as he prospered he extended the scope of his activities by opening a hardware store in 1894, developing this until it had become an enterprise of substantial proportions, He was classed with the most valuable and honored residents of his corn- 478 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY munity and took a keen and helpful interest in every project and movement for the general good. The salient traits of his character won him high respect and warm friendship. He held membership in the Christian church, served as superintendent of its Sunday school, and was a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Death claimed him in 1916, and in his passing the community mourned the loss of one of its representative citizens, his neighbors a faithful friend, and his family a devoted husband and father. Walter D. Skilliter was graduated from the Genoa high school as a member of the class of 1894 and later pursued a commercial course in the Tri-State Business College of Toledo. Before he had finished his high school work, however, he began assisting his father in the hardware business and following the completion of his studies was admitted to a partnership and in due time became sole owner of the store. He sought more commodious and modern quarters in 1910, when he purchased the brick building that he now occupies, and today he has a well equipped hardware store, carrying a large line of goods and meeting public requirements as to reasonable prices, fair dealing and thoroughly honorable methods. Like his father, he continues to handle implements as well as hardware, and his trade is now of gratifying proportions. He is also a director of the Genoa Building & Loan Association and he has a wide acquaintance in trade circles of the state as a member of the Ohio Hardware Association. In 1897 was celebrated the marriage of Walter D. Skilliter and Miss Inez Tiplady, and they are the parents of three sons and a daughter. Robert T., born in 1898, was graduated from the Genoa high school, attended Toledo University, in which he pursued a course in business administration, and later married Miss Marian Hanson of Toledo. Gordon W., born in 1901, is also a high school graduate and completed a course in business administration in Toledo University. He married Miss Adeline Kingly of Toledo. Inez G., born in 1905, supplemented her high school course by studying home economics in Ypsilanti College of Michigan and was married on New Year's eve of 1928 to Marion La Plante of Genoa. Donald T., born in 1908, was accorded the same edu- TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 479 cational advantages as his brothers and is now conducting a cleaning establishment in Genoa. Mr. and Mrs. Skilliter are faithful members of the Christian church, and in addition to her activity in church work Mrs. Skilliter is interested in literature, in civic activities and in social affairs. Mr. Skilliter belongs to the Chippewa Country Club and the Exchange Club, while along fraternal lines he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Masons, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in Masonry. Politically he is a stanch republican, taking an active interest in local party work, and at all times puts forth every possible effort to advance community welfare. For eight years he has served on the school board and has done much to further the cause of education in this community. He measures up to high standards of manhood and citizenship and at the same time occupies an enviable position in business circles of the community in which the greater part of his life has been spent. ALLEN PALMER TALLMAN One of Toledo's leading commercial enterprises is the Oxford Varnish Corporation, of which Allen Palmer Tallman is chairman of the board of directors. He has had many years of practical experience in the paint and varnish industry; possesses marked business ability and has been very successful. Mr. Tallman was born in Chicago, Illinois, on the 22d of August, 1884, and is a son of Dr. Elihu D. and Anna. A. (Palmer) Tallman. His father was a native of Pennsylvania and was graduated from the medical school of the University of Michigan in 1882, after which he practiced medicine in Chicago for forty years. He is now retired and is living at Covert, Michigan. He is a republican in politics and is a member of the Presbyterian church. His wife was born near Adrian, Michigan, in 1852, and died in Chicago in 1916. Allen P. Tallman was graduated from high school in Chicago in 1901, after which he attended Hanover College at 480 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY Hanover, Indiana, two years, and the University of Chicago one year. During 1912 and 1913 he studied law at the University of Toledo. He became associated with the Sherwin-Williams Company, at Chicago, in 1907, starting in as a laborer, and he made steady advancement until he became purchasing agent for the company and eventually was put in charge of the testing laboratory. Going to Joplin, Missouri, he served as chemist for the Ozark Smelting & Mining Company for a time, and then rejoined the Sherwin-Williams Company, being put in charge of the research laboratory at the company's main plant in Cleveland, Ohio. In December, 1918, he bought the Toledo Varnish Company, which he reorganized as The Tallman Company, Inc., of which he was president and general manager. In 1920 the company was merged into the Oxford Varnish Corporation, of which Mr. Tallman is now chairman of the board. The company specializes in woodgrain reproduction and in industrial finishes, paints, varnishes and lacquers, and is a very prosperous concern. On September 4, 1908, in Cleveland, Ohio, Mr. Tallman was united in marriage to Miss Alice J. Davis, who was born in Kent, Ohio, December 5, 1888, and is a daughter of Dr. Joel A. and Mary (Smith) Davis, of Cleveland, both of whom are deceased. Dr. Davis practiced medicine many years in Kent, Ohio, and on his retirement moved to Cleveland. Mrs. Tallman is a graduate of the East high school of Cleveland, and is a member of the Toledo Women's Club. Mr. and Mrs. Tallman are the parents of six children, namely: Mary A., who was born September 5, 1910, and is a graduate of the Libbey high school, Toledo; Allen D., born June 15, 1913; Richard D., born October 15, 1915; John P., born May 20, 1919; Jeane Louise, born December 2, 1922; and James Douglas, born June 19, 1925. Mr. and Mrs. Tallman are members of the Park Congregational church, of which Mr. Tallman is a deacon. He is a republican in his political preference and was a charter member of the Toledo Chamber of Commerce. He belongs to the Sigma Chi college fraternity, the Knights of the Round Table, the Heather Downs Country Club, and the Maumee River Yacht Club, of which he is rear commodore. He is a TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 481 member of Auburn Park Lodge, No. 789, F. & A. M.; and Toledo Chapter, No. 161, R. A. M. During the World war he took an active and effective part in the various Liberty Loan drives and was also connected with the department of justice. Yachting and golf are his favorite pastimes, and socially he is extremely popular. Keen and sagacious in business affairs, public spirited in his attitude toward matters affecting the general welfare of his city and a man of earnest purposes and high ideals, he is regarded as one of Toledo's strong and substantial citizens. His residence is at 1324 Harvard boulevard. OLAN F. GARDNER Men of efficiency and high character are always in demand in the business world, and in this classification belongs Olan F. Gardner, who rose from a clerkship to the responsible position of general freight and passenger agent. His life has been devoted to railroad service and he has made his home at Marblehead for eighteen years. Mr. Gardner was born in Graytown, Ottawa county, Ohio, in 1884, a son of Harvey S. and Alpha B. Gardner, who reside in Lakeside. Entering the employ of the New York Central Railroad, the father was made agent at Danbury, Ohio, where he was stationed for more than thirty years, but is now retired at the age of seventy. His fraternal affiliations are with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner had four sons: Bernard, assistant superintendent for the Kelley Island Lime & Transport Company at Alpena, Michigan; Olan F.; Dale, who served in France during the World war and died while returning to the United States; and Forrest, who was graduated from the Lakeside high school and is now superintendent of the block plant of the United States Gypsum Company. The public schools of Ottawa county afforded Olan F. Gardner his educational opportunities, after which he became an employe of the New York Central Railroad Company, starting as a clerk in the freight department in 1907. He was advanced to the position of assistant freight agent of 482 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY The Lakeside & Marblehead Railroad in 1911, with headquarters in Marblehead, where he has since been stationed, and is now representing the road in the capacity of general freight and passenger agent. With broad experience in transportation affairs, he meets every requirement of the office and for eighteen years has served the road with faithfulness and efficiency. In 1912 Mr. Gardner was married in Marblehead to Miss Jewel Earls and they have two children: Earl, who was born in 1913 and is attending the Lakeside high school ; and Bessie, who was born in 1918 and is a grammar school pupil. The parents are affiliated with the Congregational church, in which Mrs. Gardner is an earnest worker, while she is also active in social affairs. Deeply interested in matters touching the welfare and progress of his community, Mr. Gardner is furthering its advancement and betterment as president of the common council, to which office he was elected on the republican ticket. As a member of the Civic Club he is also working for the best interests of Marblehead, while along fraternal lines he is connected with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias. NEWELL BASS NEWTON Newell Bass Newton, of Toledo, where his death occurred April 6, 1926, was richly endowed with those qualities which won for him sterling friendship and high regard. For twenty-three years he had been closely associated with the printing and engraving business in Toledo, becoming president of the Newell B. Newton Company and contributing in notable measure to the growth and development of the enterprise. His birth occurred in Lyons, Iowa, September 3, 1868, his parents being John R. and Cynthia Anna (Bass) Newton. He pursued his early education in the grade schools of his native city and in Dayton and in Toledo, Ohio, where the family home was maintained at various times. When his textbooks were put aside he obtained work as a delivery boy with the Blade Printing Company and thus entered the field TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 485 of business to which he was to devote his entire life. Later he was for eight years with the Franklin Printing & Engraving Company, during which period he carefully saved his earnings until the sum was sufficient to enable him to embark in business on his own account. In 1903 he established a printing and engraving business as the senior partner in the firm of Newton, Rothrick & Company. Mr. Newton at that time knew nothing about setting type or running a press, but he was a most efficient, progressive and successful salesman. His charming personality enabled him to almost immediately win the friendship of those with whom he came in contact and his sterling worth enabled him to retain this friendship throughout the passing years. The personal equation in his business therefore was an important element and contributed to his success in salesmanship. The new enterprise was established in a little shop on the present site of the Fort Meigs Hotel and later, with the growth of the business, was removed to a location on Superior street, where the firm suffered the misfortune of having its plant destroyed by fire in 1916. At that time a further removal was made to 218 Huron street, where the business has since been conducted. After a time it was reorganized under the name of the Newell B. Newton Company, of which Mr. Newton was president, remaining the directing and executive head of the undertaking until his demise. Year by year the business grew and developed under his careful guidance, for it was ever his rule to turn out only work of the highest grade and to thoroughly satisfy his patrons in every particular. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Newton has continued the business with pronounced success. It was on the 4th of December, 1895, that Newell B. Newton and Emily Zwiker, also of Toledo, were united in marriage and theirs was a most close companionship and happy life. Mr. Newton was well known and prominent in Masonry, having membership in the chapter, commandery, in the various Scottish Rite bodies and in the Mystic Shrine, while at all times he exemplified in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft. He gave his political support to the republican party, was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and was interested in all that had to do with the benefit and 486 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY upbuilding of Toledo in every way. He held membership in the Washington Congregational church and was in charge of the primary department of its Sunday school for a period of fifteen years. He ranked as a capable business man, a loyal citizen, a faithful member of lodge and church, but it was his kindly and pleasing personality that gave him an enduring hold on the affection and regard of all with whom he was associated. His sterling qualities of character gained for him an extensive patronage in his business and among his patrons there are many who became his stanch friends and who still give their business to the printing and engraving house which he established. MARTIN WALTER DIETHELM, M. D. Dr. Martin Walter Diethelm, of Toledo, is specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, in which department of medical science he has become well known. He was born in Toledo, August 7, 1893, a son of Martin Diethelm, a well known druggist, who is mentioned at length on another page of this work, in connection with which the ancestral record of the family is given. Having mastered the elementary branches of learning in the parochial schools of Toledo, Dr. Diethelm attended St. John's College high school and was graduated with the class of 1910. His advanced work was pursued in St. John's University, which conferred upon him the Bachelor of Arts degree at his graduation with the class of 1914. He then began preparation for his professional career and in 1918 St. Louis University conferred upon him the M. D. and A. M. degrees. He was an interne in St. Vincent's Hospital of Toledo for a year, after which he entered upon the private practice of his profession, in which he has since continued, giving his attention especially to obstetrics and gynecology. He is now a member of the staff and obstetrician of St. Vincent's Hospital and also of the Women's and Children's Hospital and is director of obstetrics in the Lucas County Hospital. In St. Mary's church of Toledo, on November 26, 1922, Dr. Diethelm was married to Miss Ethel Marie Bartley, a TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 487 daughter of John and Julia (Snyder) Bartley, the latter a member of one of the old and well known Toledo families. She is a graduate of the Bowling Green State Normal College, in which she won the Bachelor of Pedagogy degree, and she is a member of the Phi Alpha Sigma sorority. Dr. and Mrs. Dietheim have two children : Joan Claire, born September 28, 1923; and Marcia Ann, born May 22, 1926. The family residence is at 1732 West Bancroft street and Dr. Diethelm maintains his office in the Colton building. The religious faith of the family is that of the Roman Catholic church. The Doctor is connected with the Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Lions Club and the Sylvania Golf Club, and politically he maintains an independent course. During the World war he served as a medical officer of the Reserve Corps, enlisting at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri. Along strictly professional lines his connection is with the Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio State and American Medical Associations. HARVEY LEMUEL ALLEN A successful educator and a man of high scholastic attainments, Harvey Lemuel Allen is well qualified for the office of president of Findlay College and has served in this capacity for three years. He was born near Rich Hill, Missouri, September 20, 1888, a son of Henry Wesley and Mary Belle (Warren) Allen, and in the paternal line is of Scotch, Irish and Holland Dutch lineage, while his forbears on the distaff side were Celts. The grandfather, Sergeant William Allen, a noted sharpshooter, served in the Confederate army under General Sterling Price of Missouri and was a descendant of Colonel Ethan Allen of Revolutionary fame. Henry Wesley Allen was born near Rich Hill, Missouri, September 30, 1867, and devoted his life to religious work. He was a pioneer missionary in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and Oklahoma for the Churches of God in North America and organized and built many churches. He entered upon the work in 1885 and served continuously until his death on the 5th of February, 1913. Mrs. Allen was born near 488 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY Athens, Ohio, August 1, 1868, and now resides in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Her grandfather, Captain N. Warren, was a gallant officer in the Union army and afterward became sheriff of Athens county, serving until his death, which resulted from a wound received during the Civil war. He was a descendant of General Joseph Warren, who lost his life in the battle of Bunker Hill, and a relative of General Gouverneur Kemble Warren, to whom many give credit for winning the battle of Gettysburg. Harvey L. Allen obtained his early training in the rural schools of Bates county, Missouri, completing his course in 1900, and during 1903 and 1904 attended the Collegiate Institute at Fort Scott, Kansas. From 1904 until 1909 he was a student at the Southwestern Normal School in Weatherford and following his graduation from that institution matriculated in Tulsa University, which awarded him the A. B. degree in 1913. Later he entered the University of Oklahoma at Norman and was graduated with the class of 1917, winning the M. A. degree. For a year he was a member of Company B, Second Regiment of the Missouri National Guard, and during the World war was made an adjutant in a replacement division while attending Oklahoma University. Mr. Allen began his career as an educator in 1909, becoming principal of Anadarko, Oklahoma, high school, and in 1910 was chosen superintendent of schools of Alderson, Oklahoma, thus serving for two years. During 1912-13 he was a student and teacher at Tulsa University and during the following year was dean of the Collegiate Institute at Fort Scott, Kansas. From 1914 until 1917 he was superintendent of schools of Tecumseh, Oklahoma, and afterward had charge of the schools of Hinton, that state, for a period of two years. He was superintendent of schools at Carnegie, Oklahoma, from 1919 until 1922, when he was appointed director of the extension department of Southwestern College and filled the position for a year. In July, 1923, he went to Guthrie, Oklahoma, as superintendent of the city schools and thus continued until September 1, 1926, when he became president of Findlay College. Up to that time the office had been filled only by ministers, and Mr. Allen was the first TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 489 to be elected without first serving as acting president. He was unanimously elected by fifteen trustees, one vote coming by wire and one by air mail to make the vote complete just at the last moment of the session. He undertook the work chiefly for the purpose of making the college accredited and securing an endowment fund sufficient to make the institution self-supporting. In the administration of its affairs he manifests marked ability, and under his guidance the college has greatly prospered from both a financial and educational standpoint. On the 22d of February, 1912, Mr. Allen was married at Mounds, Oklahoma, to Miss Neva Young, who was born March 16, 1892, in Quincy, Missouri, and is of English and German descent. She completed a course in the Central Teachers College at Edmond, Oklahoma, in 1925 and graduated from Findlay College in 1929. Her parents were Andrew Jackson and Mary (Crouch) Young, the former a native of Mississippi, while the latter was born in Quincy, Missouri. The father enlisted in the Union army and served throughout the Civil war with the Forty-fourth Regiment of. Illinois Infantry. He responded to death's summons in 1918, and Mrs. Young passed away in June, 1928. Mr. and Mrs. Allen have become the parents of three children : Geraldine, Mary Mildred and Harmon Warren, aged respectively fourteen, eleven and eight years. Geraldine will graduate from the Findlay high school in 1930 at the age of fifteen. She is an exceptionally bright pupil, and all of the children excel in music, expression and athletics. Mr. Allen is affiliated with the First Church of God at Findlay and is active in support of local, state and national organizations of the church. During the present fiscal year he has been a member of and delegate to the Ohio eldership and general eldership of the Churches of God and appeared on the program of the general eldership, held quadrennially, in June, 1929, at Martinsville, Illinois. A stanch southern democrat, he usually votes a straight ticket and greatly admired President Wilson and William J. Bryan. Mr. Allen has neither sought nor held political office but is active in behalf of the party and usually makes addresses in every campaign, accepting no recompense for his services. Along fra- 490 - STONY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY ternal lines he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a Scottish Rite Mason of the thirty-second degree. General Joseph Warren, one of his forbears, stood high in the latter order and was the first grand master of Masons in the United States. For seven years he was grand master of the lodge at Boston and was serving in that capacity when he sacrificed his life for his country at Bunker Hill. Mr. Allen has been an officer in various education associations and is an active member of the Rotary Club, the Symposium Club, the Senate Club, the Findlay Chamber of Commerce and other local civic and social organizations. Studious by nature, he has constantly broadened his mental horizon, and traveling is his chief diversion. Actuated by high ideals, Mr. Allen has used practical methods in their attainment, and his well developed powers and talents have constituted a strong and serviceable factor in the cause of human progress. EMIL A. HARRER Emil A. Harrer, owner of the Collingwood Garage at 439 West Delaware avenue, Toledo, has had many years of practical experience in handling automobiles and is meeting with very gratifying success. He was born at Fair Haven, Michigan, on the 26th of February, 1894, a son of the Rev. Albert and Lena (Lemster) Harrer. His father was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, October 21, 1867, and is now living at Owatonna, Minnesota, where he is pastor of two Lutheran churches. He is a son of Albert and Lena Harrer, natives of Germany and the former a school teacher. Lena (Lemster) Harrer was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, December 31, 1867, and died in Blissfield, Michigan, January 7, 1907. She was a daughter of Carl and Lena Lemster, both of whom were natives of Germany, where her father, who was a member of the Lutheran church, followed the business of a merchant tailor up to the time of his death. His wife died in Adrian, Michigan. To Albert and Lena Harrer were born eight children, namely: Elizabeth, who is stenographer for the Collingwood Garage, Toledo; Mrs. Fred Drake and TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 491 Mrs. Lawson Wright, of Toledo; Carl H., who is employed as a mechanic in the Collingwood Garage; Alfred, who is associated with the Hetrick Manufacturing Company, Toledo; Albert and Ernest, both of whom live in Owatonna, Minnesota ; and Emil A., of this review. Emil A. Harrer attended the public schools of Blissfield, Michigan, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, after which he was graduated from the Highland Park College at Des Moines, Iowa (automobile machinist course), in 1914. He then entered the employ of Hungum & Sons, of Wells, Minnesota, for whom he worked as a machinist in the auto repair department about four months. On January 15, 1915, he came to Toledo and went to work as an auto mechanic for K. S. Lemster, at 439 West Delaware avenue. On October 1, 1915, the business was sold to Malone Brothers, with whom Mr. Harrer remained until January, 1916. He then worked for various concerns in Toledo, including the Overland service station, the Ohio Electric Company and the Milburn Electric Company, of Toledo, until July 24, 1918, when he enlisted in the army, and was sent to Camp Jackson, South Carolina, where he was in training until October 14, 1918, when he went overseas and was with a replacement outfit. In February, 1919, he was assigned to the One Hundred and Nineteenth Field Artillery, Thirty-second Division. He was honorably discharged at Camp Sherman, Ohio, May 15, 1919. Mr. Harrer then entered into a partnership with Guy Hayman and operated the Collingwood Garage, at 439 West Delaware avenue, for eighteen months. Harold Landis then bought Mr. Hayman's interest in the business and Messrs. Harrer and Landis were partners for about two and a half years. In February, 1923, Mr. Harrer bought Mr. Landis' interest in the business, of which he has since been the sole proprietor. The garage is ninety by one hundred and two feet in size and can accommodate seventy-five cars. Mr. Harrer has also an accessory, a repair and battery departments. He has operated this business in accordance with sound business principles and is deserving of the splendid success which is now his. On November 24, 1920, in Toledo, Mr. Harrer was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Beal, who was born near New- 492 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY ark, Ohio, and is a daughter of Christ and Anna Beal, now of Zanesville, this state. Mrs. Harrer was educated in the public schools of Licking county, Ohio, and was a seamstress prior to her marriage. Mr. Harrer is a republican in politics, and belongs to the American Legion and the Heart Lake Country Club, of Waters, Michigan. He and his wife are active members of St. Paul's Lutheran church, of which Mr. Harrer was formerly a deacon. He is a man of splendid character, earnest purpose and honorable principles, and all who have dealt with him hold him in high regard. GEORGE FREDERICK MEYER At the outset of his career George Frederick Meyer made efficiency his watchword, and in the steps of an orderly progression he has risen to a place of prominence in financial circles of Port Clinton. He was born here in 1875, a son of George F. and Louise (Balte) Meyer, natives of Germany. They were early settlers of Port Clinton, where the father became well known as a manufacturer of cigars. George F. Meyer received a public school education and also attended a business college of Sandusky, Ohio. In 1893, when a young man of eighteen, he began his financial career as a bookkeeper in the German-American Bank and later was promoted to the position of assistant cashier, becoming cashier in 1911. Subsequently he was branch house manager for the Booth Fisheries of Chicago but on returning to Port Clinton resumed his financial activities. He is cashier of the American Bank and ably safeguards its interests. The other officers are : George A. True, president; Arthur Hagel, vice president ; and A. C. Lausten and F. N. Zeis, assistant cashiers. The bank was organized March 10, 1891, and has a capital stock of forty thousand dollars. Its methods are founded on a broad policy of cooperation, and the institution has been a helpful ally of the business men of this locality. Mr. Meyer was married December 31, 1896, to Miss Alpha Mitchell, and they have a daughter, Nancy Jeanne, who is the wife of L. E. Needham. Mr. Meyer is a member TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 493 of the Kiwanis Club, the Port Clinton Yacht Club and the Catawba Cliffs Country and Beach Club. In Masonry he has attained the thirty-second degree, and he is also connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is a shrewd financier, well versed in the details of modern banking, and his integrity and ability are well known to his fellow citizens, who entertain for him high regard. LEO J. HAHN Strong and purposeful, Leo J. Hahn secured his legal education through the medium of his own efforts and has established his position among the successful attorneys of Toledo. He was born in this city on the 16th of November, 1896, a son of Theodore and Mary (Wiegand) Hahn. The father was a native of Germany and sought the opportunities of the United States when a youth of sixteen. He came direct to Toledo and was engaged in merchandising for many years. His political support was given to the republican party, and in religious faith he was a Catholic. He remained in Toledo until his death, which occurred on the 28th of December, 1906, when he was a young man of thirty-six. His wife was born in this city, of which her parents, Henry and Anna (Karl) Wiegand, were early settlers. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hahn were born three children : Leo J. and Arnold H., twins; and Rosella, the wife of John Madden, of Toledo. Leo J. Hahn was a pupil in St. Mary's parochial school and after the completion of his course matriculated in St. John's University, which awarded him the A. B. degree in 1917. Thereafter he became a receiving teller for the Security Savings Bank & Trust Company of Toledo, starting at a salary of eighty dollars per month. In 1918 he entered the service of his country and went overseas with the Eighty-eighth Division. He was sent to Evacuation Hospital No. 28 at Belfort, France, and in July, 1919, was honorably discharged. On returning to Toledo Mr. Hahn accepted a position with the Harry C. Hassett Company, merchandise brokers, and later took a course in the Western Reserve University at 494 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY Cleveland, Ohio, from which he received the degree of LL. B. in 1923. For the first eight months of the term he was in the employ of the Cleveland Athletic Club and during the remainder of the time he attended the university he was in the service of Davis, Young & Vrooman, a leading law firm of that city, thus meeting the expenses of his legal education. After his admission to the bar he became a member of the Toledo firm of Schaal, Rupp & Hahn, now known as Rupp & Hahn, and the extent and importance of their practice indicates the confidence reposed in their legal ability. Mr. Hahn is a director of the Raleigh Company and attorney for the Personal Finance Company, local corporations of high rating. He is a safe counselor and equally able in his presentation of a case before the courts. Mr. Hahn is a bachelor and resides at No. 3057 Hopewell place, in the suburb of Old Orchard, while his office is located on the fifth floor of the Gardner building. He is affiliated with the Roman Catholic church and has taken the third degree in the Knights of Columbus. He is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Highland Meadows Golf Club, the local chapter of the Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity, of which he was treasurer for two years, and the Toledo, Lucas County and Ohio State Bar Associations. His favorite sports are golf and fishing. Mr. Hahn also plays bridge and enjoys good literature. Studious, energetic and determined, he has already gained a secure foothold in his profession, and these traits, combined with his keen intellect and sound judgment, insure his continued progress therein. WILLIAM ALBERT HUMMEL William Albert Hummel, owner and president of the William A. Hummel Company, is one of the best known cement and roofing contractors in Toledo and has met with splendid success. He was born in Toledo on the 6th of May, 1875, and is a son of Peter and Mary (Whipking) Hummel. The father, who was born in Germany and died in Toledo, was engaged in the cement and roofing contracting business in this city. He was a republican in politics and attended Trin- TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 495 ity Protestant Episcopal church. His wife was born in Woodville, Ohio, and is now living with her son in Toledo. William A. Hummel attended the public schools of Toledo and Davis Business College of this city, after which he became associated with Schillinger Brothers, cement and roofing contractors, as superintendent and subsequently, for fifteen years, as vice president. He then entered into a partnership with William B. Hillebrand, under the firm name of Hummel & Hillebrand, and they were engaged in the cement and roofing contracting business for twenty-two years. In March, 1927, Mr. Hummel organized the William A. Hummel Company, located at 427 Hamilton street, which, under his judicious management, is meeting with very satisfactory success. Mr. Hummel was formerly a director of the Auburndale Savings & Loan Association. On May 6, 1901, in Toledo, Mr. Hummel was united in marriage to Miss Lula M. Kuhman, who was born and reared in this city and is a daughter of Louis and Mary (Fleischman) Kuhman. Her father was born in Germany and died in Toledo, Ohio, in May, 1910. He came to the United States when sixteen years old and was long connected with the Huebner Brewery. He was a republican in politics and attended the Lutheran church. His wife was born in and has always been a resident of Toledo and is a daughter of George and Barbara (Felt) Fleischman, both of whom were natives of Germany and died in Toledo. Mrs. Hummel was educated in the public schools, Ursuline College and Melcher's Business College, all of Toledo, and she is now secretary of the William A. Hummel Company. Mr. and Mrs. Hummel are the parents of three daughters : Mrs: Walter R. Blank, of Toledo, is a graduate of the Scott high school; Burnetta B., who is also a graduate of Scott high school and attended Toledo University, is now secretary to Dr. R. L. Kennedy, of this city. Lulu M. ("Billi") is a graduate of Scott high school and is now studying music. Mr. Hummel has always supported the republican party and is one of Toledo's public-spirited citizens. He has been a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks for the past twenty-five years and is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Chamber of Commerce, the Toledo Auto Club 496 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY and the Commerce Club. He attends Trinity Protestant Episcopal church but contributes also to the support of other denominations. He is essentially a man of affairs, of sound and reliable judgment, and the prosperity which is his has been gained through his persistent and well directed efforts. JOSEPH ZIMMERMAN Joseph Zimmerman, sheriff of Lucas county, and formerly a councilman of Toledo, is demonstrating his public spirit by actual achievements for the general good. He was born in this city on the 8th of March, 1889, a son of Morris and Rachel Zimmerman, natives of Russia. They were married in that country and came to the United States in 1882. The father was a blacksmith and followed his trade in Toledo for many years. Joseph Zimmerman received a public school education and started in life as a newsboy, selling papers on the streets of his native city for ten years. He afterward served an apprenticeship in the printing plant of the Toledo News-Bee and continued in that department of the paper until 1917, when he enlisted for service in the World war and served for twenty months, spending one and a half years overseas. Mr. Zimmerman was at first with the Forty-second Division and later was transferred to advance ordnance section No. 1. After receiving his honorable discharge he entered the employ of the Toledo Blade and was a printer for that paper until November, 1928, when he was elected sheriff of Lucas county. In the discharge of his duties he is fearless, conscientious and efficient, and he also made an enviable record as councilman, representing the sixth ward and working at all times for the best interests of the city. He was elected to the office on the republican ticket and has served since 1923. Mr. Zimmerman adheres to the Jewish faith and is affiliated with the Independent Order of B'nai B'rith. He is a Scottish Rite Mason and is also identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Loyal Order of Moose, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Grotto, the American Legion and the Izaak Walton TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 499 League. He is chairman of the Boy Scout troop ; trustee of the Sam Davis Health Camp, and is connected with various other organizations. Mr. Zimmerman has a keen sense of duty and honor and is esteemed and respected by all who know him. SAM H. KUESTHARDT Sam H. Kuesthardt is successfully following in the footsteps of his father and as the executive head of the Progressive Times Publishing Company of Port Clinton figures prominently in newspaper circles of northwestern Ohio. The business has been controlled by the family since 1890, when it was acquired by Sam Kuesthardt, Sr. He remained at the head of the paper until his death in 1921, and his wife, Mary Kuesthardt, passed away in 1923. Since the father's demise the paper has been owned and conducted by his heirs : Martha E., Sam H., Paul, Edgar L. and Carl Kuesthardt; Mrs. Olga. A. Hill and Mrs. Marie J. Witter. On December 20, 1926, the business was incorporated under the name of the Progressive Times Publishing Company, of which Sam H. Kuesthardt is president and manager and Martha E. Kuesthardt is secretary, treasurer and managing editor. They issue one of the best weeklies in this part of the state, and the paper has a circulation of thirteen hundred and twenty-five. Its columns are filled with good reading matter and its news is always authentic. The paper is an effective exponent of local interests and is steadily gaining in usefulness and popularity. It was formerly a German publication, issued under the name of the Ottawa County Zeitung, the only journal of the kind in circulation in the county, and on July 4, 1917, was changed to the Progressive Times and to the English language. The paper lives up to its name and embodies the best ideas of modern journalism. The company handles a complete line of office supplies and also has facilities for artistic commercial printing in its well equipped plant at No. 128 West Second street. Mr. Kuesthardt closely supervises every detail of the work and has thoroughly systematized the business, which is conducted with marked efficiency. 31-VOL. 3