50 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY and his wife are earnest members of Grace Lutheran church of Fremont and they give generous support to all worthy benevolent and civic causes. Judge Overmyer possesses to a marked degree the judicial temperament and all who have had business in his court, either as attorneys or litigants, are warm in their praise of his high sense of justice, his knowledge of the law and his determination to deal fairly with all who appear before him. Personally he is a man of cordial and unaffected manner and commands the sincere esteem of all who have been associated with him in any way. ADINO FARRISTER FILES Formerly an outstanding figure in mercantile circles of Toledo, Adino Farrister Files is now a leader of industrial progress in Maumee and has become widely and favorably known as the manufacturer of "Buttergilt," a product of especial value to the butter and oleomargarine trade. He was born in Goes December Greene county, Ohio, DeceMber 17, 1866, a son of Amos Whipple and Sylvia Ann (Clark) Files, and is of English lineage in both the paternal and maternal lines. The father was born in Xenia, Ohio, August 26, 1836, and was related to Elias Howe through his mother, who was a cousin of the noted inventor of the sewing machine. Amos W. Files served for three years in the Union army and participated in twenty-two battles. Among the more notable engagements were those of Winchester, Spotsylvania and the Wilderness, and he was also at Appomattox when General Lee surrendered. Mrs. Amos W. Files was born in Orneville, Maine, November 29, 1843, and was related to the Went-worths in both the new and old worlds. Among the members of the Wentworth family of England were Queen Victoria, Lord Byron and other illustrious personages. When Adino F. Files was about a year old his parents removed to Holland, Ohio, where he acquired his early education, and remained there until he was a young man of twenty, with the exception of about three years, which he spent in Wauseon and Bowling Green, Ohio. His parents left the last named city before he completed the curriculum of the high TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 51 school and he had no opportunity to attend college but has furthered his education by reading and study. During 1886-87 he was a clerk in a drug store at Garden City, Kansas, and in 1888 came to Maumee, Ohio. Early in 1889 he opened a drug store here and later, from 1893 until 1900, was connected with Churchill & Company, of Toledo, well known grain dealers. For eight years thereafter he was engaged in the grain business in Muncie, Indiana, as a member of the firm of Woodbury & Files, owners of a line of elevators, and from 1909 to 1914 conducted similar enterprises in Evansville and Indianapolis, that state. During the period from 1915 until 1923 Mr. Files successfully managed a chain of retail oleomargarine stores, maintaining his headquarters in Toledo, and he utilized that experience to good advantage in the development of his present business as a manufacturer of butter color in bulk and in small packets for the oleomargarine and creamery trade. Mr. Files has copyrighted the name "Buttergilt," under which the dry color is sold, and both the product and the machinery for production are covered by patents. Working along original lines, he has created the only industry of the kind in the United States and in its conduct brings to bear the broad vision, the forcefulness and business acumen of the successful executive. Mr. Files was married July 31, 1890, in Maumee to Miss Ella Boyd, who passed away January 13, 1925. She was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church and held several offices in the Eastern Star. On the 20th of July, 1927, Mr. Files was married in Marion, Ohio, to Mrs. Loretta Tilton, the widow of Dr. N. F. Tilton. Mrs. Files was graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan University and previous to her marriage was a teacher in the Marion high school. She is a member of the Advance Club of Marion, the Shakespearean Club of Toledo and is active in church and Sunday school work. Mr. and Mrs. Files are affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church and he is now teaching the young people's class in the Sunday school. He is a stanch adherent of the republican party but has never entered the political arena. However, he has devoted much time to civic affairs and is serving for the third four-year term on the Maumee board of education, of which he was president for two terms, each of two years' 52 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY duration, accomplishing much important and valuable work in that connection. Mr. Files belongs to the Exchange Club and is prominent in Masonic activities. In 1921 he was made master of Northern Light Lodge at Maumee and is a past high priest of Fort Miami Chapter, R. A. M. He is also connected with the Eastern Star and is a past worthy patron of Maumee Chapter. His integrity, ability and public spirit are well known, and his influence upon the life of his community has been of the highest order. CHARLES A. GROSS One of Bellevue's enterprising and progressive business men is Charles A. Gross, president and general manager of the Gross Lumber Company, which is one of the oldest and most important business enterprises of this locality, having been in existence for forty-six years. Mr. Gross was born here, in 1882, and is a son of Martin and Phillipine (Schwenk) Gross. His father was an early business man of this locality, having been engaged in the furniture and hardwood lumber business here for some years. In 1882 he sold his business to John Wise and, forming a partnership with Henry Webber, established the present lumber business. This proved successful and eventually he bought Mr. Webber's interest in the business which, in 1898, was incorporated as the Gross Lumber Company. Charles A. Gross pursued his education in the public schools of Bellevue, graduating from high school, after which he spent four years, 1900-1903, in an officers' training school of the United States Army. Since that time, with the exception of about five years, he has devoted his attention to the Gross Lumber Company, in the success of which he has been a large factor. This concern handles all kinds of lumber and dimension stuff, various kinds of mill work and a full line of builders' supplies, and also maintains a lumber yard in Clyde, Sandusky county. The business has enjoyed a steady and healthy growth and the company enjoys a wide reputation for its honorable business methods. They sell to both the wholesale and retail trade, handle from seven hun- TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 53 dred to eight hundred carloads of material a year, employ thirty men and operate five trucks. The present officers of the company are Charles A. Gross, president and general manager; Martin F. Gross, secretary and treasurer; and William G. Gross, vice president. The first named is also a director of the Bellevue Kraut & Pickling Company. In 1908 Charles A. Gross was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle L. Feltz, of Fremont, Ohio. He is a stanch republican in his poltical views and is keenly interested in everything relating to the progress and prosperity of his community. He is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Loyal Order of Moose and the Breeze Point Fishing Club, and he attends the Lutheran church, of which Mrs. Gross is an active member. He has been successful in material affairs and has exemplified a high type of citizenship and well merits the respect and esteem which are uniformly accorded him by his fellowmen. WILLIAM B. GARDINER An experienced salesman and a capable young business man, William B. Gardiner is coming rapidly to the fore in the field of life insurance and typifies the spirit of enterprise in Toledo. He was born in Warsaw, New York, August 20, 1891, a son of Dr. Edward D. and Alice (Bentley) Gardiner. The father was born in Hamilton, New York, December 13, 1853, and completed his education in Colgate College, which conferred upon him the degree of D. D. S. in 1873. For a quarter of a century he followed his profession in his native town and in 1900 located in Toledo. He was long regarded as one of the leading dentists of the city and remained here until his demise on the 28th of March, 1926. He was commander of Anthony Wayne Post of Toledo, Sons of the American Revolution. He was a Knight Templar Mason, a zealous member of the Ashland Avenue Baptist church, and gave his political support to the republican party. Mrs. Gardiner, who was born in St. Louis, Missouri, still retains her home in Toledo. She is well known as a playwright and also as a dramatic reader. During the World war she 4-VOL. 3 54 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY was a member of the speakers' bureau of Toledo, being under the direct supervision of Herbert Hoover, and traveled from coast to coast, making speeches in favor of food conservation and the Red Cross, Liberty Loan and other drives instituted by the government at that time. She was president of the Literary Club of Toledo in 1896 and is an ex-president of the Woman's Educational Club and a past regent of Ursula Wolcott Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Mrs. Gardiner's father, Wilbur G. Bentley, was colonel of the Ninth Regiment of New York Cavalry and lost a leg while in the service of the Union. He was a member of the Loyal Legion and held office in the order. Colonel Bentley engaged in the practice of law in St. Louis and Chicago and was an attorney of high standing. He was an adherent of the republican party and a Baptist in religious faith. William B. Gardiner attended the grammar and high schools of Toledo and afterward was a commercial traveler for the American National Company of this city, manufacturers of children's vehicles. From 1908 until 1922 he was with the firm, covering the territory south of the Mason and Dixon line, and he then became an automobile salesman in the Toledo office of the Willys-Overland Company, where he spent two years. Since 1924 he has been special agent at Toledo for the New York Life Insurance Company, discharging his duties with customary thoroughness and efficiency, and is one of the most capable and successful representatives of this old and reliable corporation. On the 7th of June, 1920, Mr. Gardiner was married in Toledo to Miss Marcella C. Textor, who was born April 25, 1899, in this city and is a graduate of the Waite high school. Her father, Christian Textor, was an Alsatian and left Germany in his youth, becoming a prominent merchant of East Toledo. He was a dealer in dry goods, groceries and hardware and conducted several stores in this city, remaining here until his demise. In religious faith he was a Christian Scientist, and his political support was given to the republican party. The mother, Magdalina (Rodemich) Textor, was born in Elmore, Ohio, and passed away December 19, 1927, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, at the home of a daughter. TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 55 Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner have one child, Joyce Virginia, who was born January 17, 1924. Mr. Gardiner supports the candidates of the republican party and is affiliated with the Ashland Avenue Baptist church, while his wife is a Christian Scientist. During 1917 and 1918 he furthered the sale of Liberty bonds and has also been active in the Community Chest drives. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Rubicon Lodge, No. 237, F. & A. M., the Riverby Hills Golf Club and the Lions Club. Many of his leisure hours are spent on the links, and he also enjoys bowling. Mr. Gardiner is a young man of resolute purpose and strong character, always courteous and considerate of the rights of others, and his worth is attested by a wide circle of steadfast friends. HON. JOHN BURTON COONROD Judge John Burton Coonrod, for twenty-six years probate judge of Sandusky county, has rendered a service which has stamped him as a man of more than ordinary ability and probity of character, and no resident of Fremont commands the public confidence to a greater degree. Judge Coonrod was born in Sandusky county, July 13, 1866, and is a son of Henry and Nancy (Ellis) Coonrod. His paternal grandfather, John Coonrod, was a soldier in the war of 1812, serving at Fort Seneca. In 1821 he came to Sandusky county and entered land, being one of the first to buy government land here after it was offered for sale, and therefore the Coonrod family is one of the oldest in this section of the state. John B. Coonrod received his education in the public schools of Fremont, after which he took a course in the Toledo Business College. He taught school for about ten years, and later served as captain and marine engineer on the great lakes, and still has licenses as captain and chief engineer for steamers on the Great Lakes. In 1897 he was appointed deputy clerk of the probate court. In 1902 he was elected to the bench of the probate court, on which he has served continuously to the present time, being now on his seventh term, 56 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY and is the oldest man in an appointive office in the state of Ohio in length of service. He is regarded as well qualified in every way for this responsible position and has discharged his duties in a manner that has won for him the approbation and praise of all who have had business in his court. He has served continuously for seven years as president of the Probate Judges Association of Ohio. In 1891 Judge Coonrod was united in marriage to Miss Elnora Shepler, of Port Clinton, Ohio, and they are the parents of three children, Gladys H., Gertrude and Haldon. Mrs. Coonrod is a member of the Protestant Episcopal church. The Judge is a democrat in his political views and has always taken a helpful interest in public affairs. He is a member of Brainard Lodge, F. & A. M. ; Toledo Consistory, A. A. S. R. ; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks; the Modern Woodmen of America, and Woodmen of the World. He is a trustee of the Masonic Temple Association, was for six years a trustee of the Memorial Hospital Association, is president of the Sandusky County Christmas Seal Committee, and is a member of the board of trustees of the Birchard Library. He took a leading part in promoting the various local activities during the late war and was a member and secretary of the Liberty Loan committee. He has shown a helpful interest in everything pertaining to the welfare and advancement of his community and is regarded as one of its best citizens. CHARLES A. SEIDERS In 1882 Charles A. Seiders became a member of the Ohio bar and practiced his profession in this state up to the time of his death, which occurred July 11, 1929. In November, 1897, he came to Toledo with a background of fifteen years of successful practice and experience, and he made steady progress until public opinion accorded him a prominent place among the representatives of the legal profession here. Pennsylvania claimed Mr. Seiders as a native son, his birth having occurred in East Texas, Lehigh county, June 1, 1857. His parents were Benjamin and Deborah (Wisser) TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 59 Seiders. The father was born in the Keystone state and was a representative of one of the old families of Pennsylvania. Removing to Ohio, he settled in Seneca county in 1866 and there resided until his death. He was a carpenter by trade and not only followed building operations but also agricultural pursuits. He passed away in December, 1887, at the age of seventy years. His wife was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, and also represented one of the old families of that state, founded there in 1711. One of her grandfathers, David Hiser, was a soldier of the French and Indian war and also of the Revolutionary war. He was six feet and four inches in his stocking feet and lived to the venerable age of ninety years. Mrs. Deborah Seiders passed away in Toledo in 1905 at the age of seventy years. By her marriage she had become the mother of two sons and two daughters. Charles A. Seiders, who was the second in order of birth, pursued his education in the district schools and in the high school and academy at Green Springs and at Republic, both in Seneca county, Ohio. When he was nine years of age the family home was established at Flat Rock in Seneca county, where they lived for two years and then removed to a farm in Adams township, that county. When he was sixteen years of age a further removal was made to another farm in the same township. From that time forward Charles A. Seiders made his own way in the world. He always enjoyed reading and eagerly perused such books as he could borrow from the neighbors and from his teachers, and as opportunity offered he subscribed for different magazines and weekly papers. He placed his first subscription with the Cincinnati Weekly Times and the first copy of the paper which he received, and which always remained in his possession, contained an account of the Chicago fire of October 9, 1871. It was his desire to become a member of the bar and to this end he read law independently at Green Springs. He was twenty years of age when he established a paper called the Green Springs Times, which he conducted for ten months. He never gave up the idea, however, of becoming a lawyer and completed his law studies in the office and under the direction of the firm of Lutes & Lutes at Tiffin, Ohio. He had to make his way unaided throughout this entire period, and it was not 60 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY until March, 1882, that he was able to complete his studies and pass the required examination for admission to the bar. Mr. Seiders began practice in Tiffin, where he continued for a year, and in April, 1883, he opened a law office in Paulding, where he remained until November 15, 1897. After a few years' residence in Paulding he became the attorney for the New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railway Company in Paulding county and for twenty-five years continued in that service. His private practice, too, grew in volume and importance, and he had many clients not only from Paulding but also from surrounding counties. In the fall of 1888 he was made local counsel for the Cincinnati, Jackson & Mackinac Railway Company, which he continued to represent until his removal to Toledo, where he remained continuously from 1897 until his death. Here he entered the office of Doyle & Lewis, well known attorneys, with whom he continued until January 1, 1902, when he began practicing alone. He specialized in railroad and corporation law and for over twenty years he served as an attorney for the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway Company. At Tiffin, Ohio, on the 1st of May, 1883, Mr. Seiders was united in marriage to Miss Edith Sams, a native of Hillsboro, Highland county, Ohio, and a daughter of Alexander Brennan and Marianne (Stuart) Sams, who were representatives of early families of Highland county, Ohio, and were among the eight people who established the first Episcopal church at Hillsboro, this state. At the time of their marriage Mrs. Seiders was practicing law in Tiffin as a partner of Miss Florence Cronise. Following the removal of Mr. and Mrs. Seiders to Paulding they both practiced law there and so continued until their removal to Toledo. Mrs. Seiders was the fourth child of Alexander Brennan and Marianne (Stuart) Sams, both of English birth, her mother having been a lineal descendant of the royal house of Stuart. Isaac Sams, the grandfather of Mrs. Seiders, came from England to the new world in 1824 and established Rock Hill Academy, a preparatory school for boys, at Ellicott City, Maryland, the building now being used as a monastery. In 1834 he removed to New York city, where he conducted a school, but overwork impaired his health and he acquired one thousand TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 61 acres of land adjoining Hillsboro in Highland county, Ohio, to which he removed with his family. After recovering his health he established a boys' academy there and conducted it for a number of years. He served for an extended period on the board of county examiners, and was always deeply interested in the cause of education. He and his two sons, who were the uncle and the father of Mrs. Seiders, took a leading part in organizing the Episcopal church of Hillsboro and were active in erecting its house of worship there in 1853. A memorial window in this church contains the names of Isaac Sams and his two sons. He served as senior warden of the church from the time of its establishment until his death December 1, 1878, and his son, Alexander B. Sams, was secretary of the vestry from the organization until his removal to Tiffin, Ohio, in 1869. He had been educated as a pharmacist in New York city and there resided until 1848, when he came to Ohio. After his marriage he became a resident of Hillsboro, devoting a part of his time to the improvement of the old homestead farm and a part to the hardware business. In 1869 he purchased a drug store in Tiffin, Ohio, where he established his home and continued to reside until 1893, when he passed away, having survived his wife for eight years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sams were people of liberal education, and their daughter Edith was given. excellent educational opportunities. She became a member of the bar in December, 1881, being the first woman admitted to practice by the Ohio supreme court. Save for the period when her children were small she continued in active practice until after the removal of the family to Toledo in December, 1898, having practiced for about a year in Paulding after her husband had opened his office in Toledo. To Mr. and Mrs. Seiders were born two children : Marian D., the wife of Dr. W. Frank Maxwell of Toledo and the mother of a son, Gregory W. Maxwell; and Seth who is engaged in the advertising business in Chicago. He, too, is married and has a daughter, Mary Elizabeth. Mr. Seiders held membership in the Unitarian church and for many years served on the board of trustees as a member and as its president. He belonged to various clubs and civic organizations, including the Toledo Club, the Toledo Com- 62 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY merce Club, the Toledo Automobile Club, the Toledo Museum of Art, the American Hostorical Association, the Illinois Historical Association, and the Maumee Valley Pioneer and Historical Association. Mr. Seiders was a student of the life of Abraham Lincoln, and for some years previous to his death was engaged in collecting material for a volume on the formative period of the political life of the Great Emancipator, which he expected to publish. He was always particularly interested in history and possessed a most extensive library of historical works. He enjoyed delving deep into the past and in tracing the record of development and progress down through the ages. He was of a studious nature, constantly broadening his knowledge by reading, study and observation, and maintained an open mind toward those facts and truths which research and investigation are continually bringing to light. Mrs. Seiders is a member of the Unitarian church and also holds membership in the Toledo Women's Association, the Shakespeare Class and the Women's Educational Club. REV. HENRY A. BUSHKUHL Rev. Henry A. Bushkuhl, pastor of St. Aloysius' Roman Catholic church of Bowling Green, is a native of St. Louis, Missouri, and a son of Theodore and Gertrude Bushkuhl. He attended the parochial and public schools of St. Louis and next attended St. Francis' Seminary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he completed a classical course. His philosophical and theological studies were pursued in St. Mary's Seminary at Baltimore, Maryland, and on October 15, 1913, he was ordained to the priesthood. He was sent to Fremont, Ohio, as an assistant pastor and later to Edgerton, this state. On August 20, 1915, he took charge of St. Elizabeth's parish at Richfield Center and since March, 1923, has been pastor of the Church of St. Aloysius in Bowling Green. He is an earnest, systematic worker and under his able guidance the influence of the church is constantly broadening. A true friend and counselor, Father Bushkuhl is loved by his parishioners and his sincerity, public spirit and strength of character TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 63 have won for him the esteem of his fellow citizens, irrespective of their religious affiliations. The Kiwanis club numbers him among its members. HON. ALBERT E. CULBERT Accounted one of the leaders of the legal profession in northwestern Ohio, with a splendid record as a jurist and legislator, and recognized as one who would worthily and creditably fill any office to which he might be chosen, Judge Albert E. Culbert, of Fremont, has honored Sandusky county by his life and services and is regarded as one of its representative men. He was born on a farm in Sandusky county, March 27, 1862, and is a son of Elijah and Eliza (Day) Culbert. His father was a native of Ireland, while his mother, who was a native of Canada, was of English parentage on the paternal side. To them were born eight children, five sons and three daughters, of whom three sons are deceased. Albert E. Culbert attended the public schools, graduating from the Fremont high school and from Fostoria College, where he prepared for teaching. For twelve years he taught in the district schools of Sandusky and Ottawa counties during the winters, his summers being spent on the farm. Having determined to devote his life to the practice of law, he took up the study of Kent and Blackstone in the office of Buckland & Love, in Fremont, and in 1894 was admitted to practice by the supreme court. Shortly afterward he was appointed deputy probate judge under Judge John I. Garn, and served three years. On retiring from that position he entered upon the general practice of law, to which he has applied himself closely to the present time, except during the period of his service as judge of the court of appeals of the sixth district, to which he was elected in the fall of 1926 to fill out the unexpired term of Judge Kinkade, who was elevated to the state supreme court. Although not an active candidate and his name not appearing on the ballot, he received a splendid vote and was elected by a decisive margin, the voters writing his name on the ballot. Though serving 64 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY but a comparatively short time, he made a splendid record as a judge of that court. In financial circles he is known as a director of the Sandusky County Savings & Loan Company. Judge Culbert was married in 1888 to Miss Mary Rose, of Oak Harbor, Ohio, who died May 21, 1916. She took an active interest in civic and social affairs, was a member of the Ladies of the Maccabees and belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church. To that union were born nine children : Chester A., who is now thirty-seven years old, and is associated with his father in the practice of law, under the firm name of Culbert & Culbert, graduated from the Fremont high school, studied law under his father, and made a very creditable record at the bar examination, standing sixth in a class of two hundred and fifty-two; Estella M. is the next of the family; Iva is the wife of Ed Jurguns; Ralph P., who is thirty-three years old, is in business in Arkansas; Harold E., thirty-one years of age, is chief inspector in the automobile department of the secretary of state's office ; Paul A., aged twenty-six years, is a construction engineer with the Ohio Bell Telephone Company and lives in Columbus ; Donald, aged twenty-three years, is manager of a Woolworth store at Traverse City, Michigan ; Marion, aged eighteen years, is at home; and Raymond died in 1918, aged sixteen years. In 1922 Judge Culbert was married to Miss Rhoda Brady, who is active in social affairs, is a member of the Ladies of the Maccabees and the Presbyterian church. Politically Judge Culbert is an ardent republican, which fact has undoubtedly militated against his official preferment, as he lives in a democratic stronghold. However, his ability and strength of character have received distinctive recognition on the part of his fellow citizens, for while living in Sandusky township he was elected to various offices on the republican ticket, overcoming the normal democratic majority by his personal popularity. In 1904 he was elected city solicitor of Fremont, served as a member of the board of education and was elected clerk of the board four successive terms. In 1914 he was proposed by the Sandusky County Republican Club for the nomination for secretary of state. In 1920 he was elected to the state senate from the thirtieth district and as a member of that body took a prominent and   TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 65 leading part in its deliberations. He was active in opposing useless and vicious legislation and as chairman of the penitentiary probe committee was, together with other members of the committee, responsible for many of the reforms and improvements brought about in the management of the state penal institutions. In 1928 he was a candidate for the republican nomination for lieutenant-governor. He is a member of the Sandusky County Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association and the American Bar Association. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of the Maccabees. In the last named he has received distinctive preferment, having served for several years as great commander of the Ohio Great Camp. He has also served as commander of Chester A. Buckland Camp of the Sons of Veterans. He has in the fullest measure met the requirements of every position which he has filled and in his life has exemplified the highest type of American citizenship and manhood, standing "four square to every wind that blows," so that throughout the community in which he has spent his life he commands the unqualified confidence and respect of his fellowmen, regardless of politics, creed or profession. LEONARD HALL GEROW Imagination is a priceless crystal in the vision of the man who achieves, and this quality, combined with the creative instinct and a deep interest in and love for his work, has brought Leonard Hall Gerow to the fore in his profession, which he has followed successfully in Toledo for over ten years, establishing an enviable reputation as an architect. He was born in Milton, Ulster county, New York, May 29, 1889, and is a son of James A. and Henrietta W. (Vail) Gerow. His forbears in the paternal line were Huguenots who migrated from France to Holland because of religious persecution, later going to England. The Americain progenitor of the family was one of the early settlers of New York, receiving a large grant of land in Orange county from 66 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY King George III, and a portion of the property is still owned by the family. James A. Gerow was born on that estate and cultivated the land for a number of years. On abandoning agricultural pursuits he turned his attention to ship building and became widely and favorably known in that connection. He has now retired from business and is living in Toledo. His wife was born in Milton, New York, of English descent. Leonard H. Gerow, their only son, completed a course in the high school at Newburgh, New York, and in 1909 was graduated from Centenary College at Hackettstown, New Jersey. Later he matriculated in Cornell University at Ithaca, New York, and received the degree of Bachelor of Architecture from that institution in 1913. For ten months thereafter he filled a responsible position in the office of Percival M. Lloyd, a prominent architect of Poughkeepsie, New York, and was next in the service of Eugene Hance at Wilmington, Delaware, thus gaining practical experience in his profession. On the 29th of March, 1915, he arrived in Toledo and immediately found employment in the office of George Rheinfrank, with whom he continued until January 1, 1917, when he began his independent career as an architect. In 1922 he formed a partnership with C. G. Conklin and has since been the senior member of the firm of Gerow & Conklin, occupying a suite of offices on the third floor of the Spitzer building. Mr. Gerow started the business with a small capital, and his first assignment was the designing of a residence for Dr. George A. Jones. From this nucleus has been developed one of the leading architectural firms in Toledo and the business is steadily expanding. The partners specialize in the designing of fine homes, a field in which they excel, and also drew the plans for the West Toledo Branch Library building, their latest achievement. Their work is of high character and constitutes an important factor in Toledo's improvement and adornment. Mr. Gerow was married August 3, 1922, in Toledo to Miss Alma Klappich, a native of the city and a daughter of Samuel and Carrie (Schaefer) Klappich, the former now deceased. The grandmother of Mrs. Gerow was a native of Germany and when a child came to the United States with her parents, who were among the earliest and most prominent settlers of TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 67 Toledo. She attained the advanced age of eighty-seven years, passing away in 1928. Mr. and Mrs. Gerow have two children : Leonard H., Jr., born April 10, 1925, and William Carl, born May 15, 1929, both in Toledo. Mr. Gerow is a member of the Highland Meadows Golf Club and the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects. In politics he is a republican, and his religious belief is indicated by his affiliation with St. Mathew's Engilsh Lutheran church. Although young in years he has accomplished much and is destined to go far in his profession because of his tireless activity and pronounced ability. JOHN H. LINCOLN One of Wood county's best known citizens is John H. Lincoln, who for over thirty years has been engaged in the drug business in Bowling Green and for the past sixteen years has been cashier of the Wood County Savings Bank. Mr. Lincoln was born here on the 3d of January, 1874, and is a son of Dr. Joseph C. and Emma (Norris) Lincoln. His paternal grandparents were Leonard and Ada (Boughton) Lincoln, both of whom were of old Revolutionary stock, their families having settled in New York state in an early day. Leonard Lincoln and his wife were born in Albany in the same year. In 1844 they went to Wisconsin, locating at Watertown, where Mrs. Lincoln died in 1852. Mr. Lincoln then moved to Winona, Minnesota, and ten years later to Marshalltown, Iowa. Joseph C. Lincoln was born at Albany, New York, May 22, 1844, and was the youngest of two brothers, the other being Charles, who died soon after the close of the Civil war from the effects of long confinement in Confederate prison camps. Joseph C. Lincoln had already begun the study of medicine when the Civil war began. Later, believing his brother dead, he recruited three hundred and forty-seven men for the First Minnesota Regiment and joined the command at Camp Stone as assistant surgeon. In the battle of Fair Oaks Dr. Lincoln was severely wounded and was confined for several months in a hospital in New York city. On 68 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY his recovery he returned to Minnesota, and later entered Lawrence University, at Appleton, Wisconsin, attending three years. After reading medicine a year with Dr. Ford, of Winona, Minnesota, he entered Rush Medical College of Chicago, and was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1871. He entered upon the practice of his profession in Franklin county, Iowa, but soon came to Ohio, locating near Fostoria, where he remained until 1873. He then came to Bowling Green, where he built up a large and lucrative practice, which engaged his attention until his death. He passed away in March, 1926, at the age of eighty-two years. He was a republican in his political views and took an active interest in local public affairs. He was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Grand Army of the Republic, and all of the medical societies. In addition to his medical practice, he also owned a drug store. He married Miss Emma Norris, of Fostoria, who was born in 1854 and died in 1883, leaving two children, John H. and Mrs. Eudora L. Harvey, who died in 1907. For his second wife Dr. Lincoln chose Miss Nettie Willard. John H. Lincoln attended the public schools, and after his graduation from high school entered the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, from which he was graduated in 1897. On his return to Bowling Green he entered the drug business, in which he has continued to the present time, now having a half interest in the Lincoln & Dirlam drug store. In 1912 he became cashier of the Wood County Savings Bank, which position he is still filling in an able and satisfactory manner, being also a director of that institution. He is also president of the Wood County Stone and Construction Company. In October, 1902, Mr. Lincoln was united in marriage to Miss Effie DeHart, of Bowling Green, and they are the parents of two children, Josephine, the wife of Verl H. Coller, and Virginia. Mr. Lincoln gives his political support to the republican party, while his religious connection is with the Presbyterian church, of which he is president of the board of trustees. Fraternally, he is a member of the Wood County Lodge, No. 112, F. & A. M.; Crystal Chapter, No. 157, R. A. M.; the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent Protective Order TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 69 of Elks, the Royal Arcanum and the Woodmen of the World, and also belongs to the Kiwanis Club and the Commercial Club, of which he is a past president. He has been treasurer of the Wood County Fair Association for twenty years, is president of the Wood County Finance Company and is a member of the Izaak Walton Club, finding his recreation in fishing and hunting. Mr. Lincoln has been active in his efforts to promote the general welfare of his community and is numbered among its most progressive and public spirited citizens, while his personal qualities have gained for him an enviable standing among his fellowmen. WILLIAM H. SCHWARTZ William H. Schwartz, one of Fremont's leading merchants, has for many years conducted a successful grocery business and is now also at the head of a large and prosperous wholesale candy concern. He is a native son of Sandusky county, born in 1881, and is of German descent, his father, Leonard Schwartz, and his grandfather, Christian Schwartz, having been natives of Germany, from which country they came to the United States in an early day. William H. Schwartz received his early education in the district schools near his father's farm and took an academic course at Ada, Ohio. In 1900 he went to work on the Lake Shore electric railroad as a station operator, continuing in that employment until 1912, when he engaged in the retail grocery business in Fremont. This proved a successful venture and he has carried the business on to the present time, commanding a large patronage among the best people of the community. In 1926 Mr. Schwartz purchased the business of the Fremont Candy Company, manufacturers and wholesale dealers in candies and allied lines, and to the management of this enterprise he is now mainly devoting his attention. Through tireless energy and intelligent direction of his affairs, Mr. Schwartz has realized a splendid measure of success and is regarded as one of Fremont's most substantial citizens. Mr. Schwartz was married to Miss Agnes Smith, who 5-VOL. 3 70 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY died in 1925, leaving two children, Mrs. Adelia Notestine and Paul. In September, 1928, he married Miss Kathryn Whittaker, who is actively interested in the social and civic affairs of the community. In his political views Mr. Schwartz is an ardent democrat, and has been active in the support of his party and of matters affecting the welfare of his city and county for the past twenty years. He served three terms as clerk of Washington township, was a member of the city council for four years, during a part of which time he was president of that body, and served as mayor of Fremont from 1922 to 1926, proving a splendid executive and showing a genuine interest in the well being of the community. In the fall of 1928 he was nominated to represent the thirtieth senatorial district. He is chairman of the democratic county executive committee and is regarded as a man of keen judgment and great sagacity in political affairs. He is president of the Sandusky County Historical Society and is a York Rite Mason and a member of Zenobia Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He also belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Chamber of Commerce and is president of the Sandusky County Red Cross Society. He attends Grace Lutheran church and gives his support to all worthy benevolent causes and to all measures for the advancement of the material, civic or moral welfare of the city or county. A man of agreeable personality, cordial and friendly in manner, he is held in the highest measure of esteem for his genuine worth as a man and citizen. FRANK HENRY LANDWEHR Frank H. Landwehr, secretary of the Electric Auto-Lite Company, is one of Toledo's best known business men and one whose activities bring him into a position of importance and prominence in the city's business, industrial and financial life. Mr. Landwehr was born November 8, 1888, in Toledo, Ohio, a son of Herman H. and Katherine (Borgelt) Landwehr, both of whom were natives of Hanover, Germany. Herman H. Landwehr's death occurred in Toledo, where he was for some years engaged in the retail grocery business. TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 73 In his early life in this country he had been in the employ of the Wabash Railroad and during the Civil war was engaged in the construction of bridges. He was `a republican in politics and was a member of St. John's Lutheran church. His widow is still living in Toledo. Frank Henry Landwehr was educated in the public and parochial schools of Toledo and also took correspondence courses. On leaving school he became a messenger for the New York Central Railroad in Toledo, after which he was employed in the Union Station in this city. He was employed for a time at special car transfer work and was later in the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad for two and one-half years. He then turned his attention to farming at Luckey, Wood county, Ohio, but after about a year returned to the business world as floor manager for the Lion Dry Goods Company, in Toledo, which position he resigned at the end of a year to take up clerical work with the A. Bentley & Sons Company, contractors. In 1914 he became identified with the Electric Auto-Lite Company as bookkeeper and has been connected with this concern to the present time. He learned the business from the bottom, and his advancements have come as the recognition of work well done and his capacity for assuming greater burdens and responsibilities, until today he fills the position of secretary, being also a director of the corporation. Among the various other enterprises with which Mr. Landwehr is identified, he is secretary and treasurer of the Ajax Investment Company, secretary and treasurer of the Hillcrest Building Company, secretary and treasurer of the Lucas Building Company, secretary and treasurer of the H. & G. Realty Company, secretary and treasurer of the Manhattan Building Company, secretary and treasurer of the Madison-Michigan Building Company, secretary and treasurer of the Mininger-Hoskin Building Company, secretary and treasurer of the Bennett Realty Company, secretary and treasurer of the Brown Avenue Warehouse, Inc., secretary, treasurer and director of the Bingham Stamping Company, secretary of the DeJon Electric Corporation, vice president of the City Machine & Tool Company, secretary and treasurer of the Logangear Products Company and a director of the Security Savings Bank & 74 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY Trust Company, Tubewell, Inc., of Detroit, Michigan, and the Columbus Auto Parts Company of Columbus, Ohio. He is an excellent example of the type of business man developed in the present age, quick to perceive an emergency and keenly alive to the possibilities of a business proposition. On November 16, 1914, Mr. Landwehr was married to Miss Modeste C. Dimke, who was born in Edon, Williams county, Ohio, and is a daughter of Rev. W. P. Dimke, pastor of St. Johannes Evangelical Lutheran church in Toledo. Mrs. Landwehr, who is a college graduate, was a school teacher prior to her marriage. She is a member of the Toledo Women's Club and the Monday Musical. Mr. and Mrs. Landwehr are the parents of two children : Ruth Kathryne, born June 12, 1917; and Robert Clement, born January 14, 1925. Mr. Landwehr is a stanch republican and takes a keen interest in the work and success of that party. He has served as a member of the county republican central committee, is a member of Ottawa Hills village council and is also a member of the Lucas county planning commission. He belongs to the Toledo Club, the Inverness Club, the Toledo Yacht Club, the Kiwanis Club, the Young Men's Christian Association and the Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife are earnest members of the Augsburg Lutheran church. Mr. Landwehr's residence, at 3863 Sulphur Springs road, is one of the attractive homes in Ottawa Hills. WILLIAM CLIFTON CARR William Clifton Carr, who has long figured prominently in business and financial circles of Toledo, his native city, is now local manager for the nationally known investment brokerage firm of Otis & Company. He was born on the 18th of August, 1873, being the only son of Spencer D. and Martha Louise (Richards) Carr. Members of the family have for many years been leading factors in financial affairs of this city. Spencer D. Carr, at the time of his death in 1922, was the dean of Toledo bankers and chairman of the board of directors of the Commerce Guardian Trust & Savings Bank. William C. Carr completed a high school course in Toledo TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 75 by graduation with the class of 1892 and in October of the same year made his initial step in the business world as a messenger boy in the Second National Bank. His identification with this institution covered a third of a century and he steadily worked his way upward from a minor position to one of executive control. On the 10th of January, 1905, he was advanced from the position of assistant cashier to that of cashier and later he became the first vice president. When in 1924 the Toledo Trust Company took over the Second National Bank, Mr. Carr was a vice president, and before severing his connection therewith he served for two more years in the official capacity of vice president. Since 1926 he has been city manager in Toledo for Otis & Company and has most ably directed the important interests under his control. Various business undertakings have profited by his sound judgment and wise counsel. At this time he is president and director of the Valve Bag Company of America, treasurer of the Fifty Associates Company and a director of the Security Savings Bank & Trust Company, the Toledo Steel castings Company, the Toledo Steel Tube Company and the Blade Printing & Paper Company. At Bowling Green, Ohio, on the 18th of July, 1899, Mr. Carr was united in marriage to Miss Cora Elizabeth Crim, a daughter of the Rev. J. M. Crim and a granddaughter of the Rev. Jacob Biddle, who was one of the first circuit riders of Ohio, riding from town to town on horseback, carrying the message of the gospel into the frontier districts of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Carr are the parents of six children : Robert Spencer, Richard Clarence, William Paul, Elizabeth, Rachel and Louise. At the polls Mr. Carr supports the men and measures of the republican party. A contemporary biographer said of him : "He is typically American in his standards of life and thought, in his activities and in his appreciation of true democracy, and at all times he is a splendid example of the highest type of American citizenship." For two and one-half years following its organization he served as president of the Toledo Business Men's Club and later he became a prominent member and influential worker in its successor, the Toledo Commerce Club. He was also a member of the board of 76 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY education for eight years and did particularly effective work as its president for two years. A worthy exemplar of the teachings and purposes of the Masonic fraternity, he is a member of Sanford L. Collins Lodge, F. & A. M., has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish. Rite and has crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of Zenobia Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He is likewise affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Collingwood Avenue Presbyterian church, of which he has been an elder for a number of years. Moreover, he is a popular member of the Toledo Club, the Country Club, the Inverness Club and the Toledo Yacht Club. Mr. Carr is interested in all organizations and all worthy agencies at work in the community for the elevation, improvement and enduring welfare of its residents and he has always been a zealous advocate and promoter of public improvements and an earnest supporter of everything that seemed likely to advance the best interests of his city, county and state. HON. SILAS S. RICHARDS Entering upon his career as a lawyer when a young man of twenty-one, the Hon. Silas S. Richards has continuously followed his profession in northwestern Ohio for a half century. He is widely and favorably known as the senior member of the court of appeals of Lucas county and has been retained upon the bench for twenty-four years—an eloquent testimonial to his standing as a jurist. He was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, August 8, 1857, a son of Archibald and Mary (George) Richards, and comes of colonial stock. The Richards family is of Welsh origin and was established in Connecticut about the year 1680. Archibald Richards was born near New London, Connecticut, in August, 1812, and was reared and educated in that state. About 1834 he came to Ohio, settling on a farm in Sandusky county, and there resided until his death on the 16th of October, 1884, when he was seventy-two years of age. He was a consistent member of the Baptist church and gave his political support to the TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 77 republican party. His wife was born in Seneca county, Ohio, in 1819, and passed away in Clyde, Sandusky county, in 1901. She was a daughter of Joseph and Mary George and of English descent in the paternal line. Her father served in the War of 1812 and lived for many years in Seneca county, of which he was an honored pioneer, and later in Sandusky county. To Mr. and Mrs. Archibald Richards were born twelve children, of whom three survive : Mary C., the widow of James T. Losee, of Toledo; George S. and Silas S. Richards. The last named obtained his early education in Clyde, graduating from high school in 1875, and then went to California. For some time he taught school in Bakersfield, California, and on returning to Clyde began the study of law in the office of Basil Meek. On the 7th of January, 1879, Mr. Richards was admitted to the bar and practiced at Clyde until 1905, when he received from Governor Myron T. Herrick the appointment of judge of the court of common pleas, with jurisdiction in Sandusky, Erie, Huron, Ottawa and Lucas counties. After the completion of his appointed term he was twice elected to that office, serving for a period of six years, and in 1911 was called to the bench of the circuit court. In 1913, when the circuit court was succeeded by the court of appeals, he became judge of the court of appeals, and was re-elected in 1916 and 1922, at the latter election being the unanimous choice for that office, and was again re-elected for the fourth term of six years in 1928. He possesses the judicial temperament to a marked degree and his leading characteristics, aside from his devotion to the exacting work of the bench, are his ability to discern and condemn false testimony or sophistry of argument in support of a bad cause, the decisiveness, accuracy and impartiality of his rulings and his uniform courtesy to the bar. He is also a director of the Citizens Building & Loan Company and the Clyde Kraut Company, both operating in Clyde. On the 7th of June, 1882, Judge Richards married Miss Jennie Harding, who was a daughter of John Harding, a prominent citizen of Clyde, Ohio, and there passed away January 8, 1910, when forty-nine years of age. She was the mother of three children : Robert G., of Clyde; Rena, who is 78 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY the wife of Dr. Walter ,M. Bucher, of Cleveland, Ohio, and has two daughters, Betty and Joan; and William M., who is president of the Title Guarantee & Trust Company of Toledo and has a wife and two children, Jennie and William S. On the 18th of November, 1914, Judge Richards was married in Columbus Grove, Ohio, to Miss Elizabeth Strain, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of the Rev. John B. Strain, a Presbyterian minister, and Elizabeth Rogers Strain. Judge Richards lives in Clyde during the summer but spends more than half of his time in Toledo, and is active in civic affairs. For a number of years he was president of the board of education of Clyde and is now at the head of the board of trustees of the Eliza Ramsey Home for Old Ladies at Clyde. His fraternal affiliations are with the Clyde lodge of Masons and the Fremont lodge of Elks. He is a member of the Sandusky County, Toledo, and State Bar associations. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and his religious belief is indicated by his affiliation with the Presbyterian church of Clyde. Judge Richards is appreciative of the best in literature and devotes many of his leisure hours to reading and study. He is a disciple of Izaak Walton and a keen sportsman. He and Mrs. Richards have visited the South Sea islands and many points of interest in this and other countries; thus broadening their outlook upon life. Judge Richards has always been actuated by a strong sense of duty and honor and through his example and efforts he has inculcated in men high regard for the dignity of the law and respect for its observance. CHARLES SHRIVER YINGLING Enterprising, energetic and determined, Charles S. Yingling is regarded as one of the foremost merchants of Tiffin and successfully controls a business which has been conducted by members of the family for more than a half century. He was born in this city, November 14, 1884, a son of Charles Y. Yingling, and represents an old family of the south. The grandfather, Johua Yingling, was born in Westminster, Maryland, in 1812, and there engaged in mer- TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 79 chandising for an extended period but operated a cannery for two years before his death. He was also a director in a large Baltimore establishment. He died in 1881. His wife, Margaret ( Shriver) Yingling, was born in Westminster, Maryland, in 1814, and passed away in 1880. Charles Y. Yingling was born in Baltimore, Maryland, October 26, 1847, and was one of eight children. When but a year old he was taken from Baltimore to Westminster, where he received a public school education. From 1865 until 1869 he was teller of the First National Bank of Westminster and then traveled for six months in the west in order to regain his health. On the expiration of that period he returned to Westminster and was there engaged in the dry goods business with his father for four years. In 1872 he came to Ohio, locating in Tiffin and conducted a shoe factory, which two years later he traded for a dry goods store at the corner of Washington and Madison streets. He was one of the earliest merchants in that section of the city and in 1900 moved to Nos. 126-28 South Washington street, where the store has since been located. Mr. Yingling made his establishment a center of service in the everyday life of the community and continued at the head of the business until his death on the 8th of March, 1921. He was also director of the Tiffin National Bank of Tiffin and was a director of the Cemetery Association and the Library Board. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and his influence was always on the side of movements of reform, progress and improvement. He was a Knight Templar and thirty-second degree Mason and a consistent member of the Methodist church, being Sunday school superintendent for a period of over fifty years. Mr. Yingling was a merchant of high standing and a man of exceptional worth. He was married October 26, 1875, in Taneytown, Maryland, to Miss Mary Elizabeth Rudisel, who passed away December 8, 1917. They were the parents of two children : Tobias, who was born August 26, 1876, and died December 11, 1922, and Charles S. The latter was reared in Tiffin and supplemented his public school education by a course in Heidelberg College. In March, 1904, he entered his father's store and diligently applied himself to his tasks, working in the various depart- 80 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY ments and thus gaining valuable experience. Since the death of his father he has been the executive head of the business and is constantly expanding its scope. This is one of the oldest mercantile institutions in Tiffin and throughout the fifty-four years of its existence under one name the establishment has been distinguished by its friendly atmosphere, courteous service and fair dealing. Mr. Yingling has inherited his father's administrative power and business acumen, which have also been of benefit to the Fox Lumber & Supply Company, of which he is secretary. His name appears on the directorate of the Tiffin National Bank and he is vice president and a director of the General Finance Company. Mr. Yingling was married January 25, 1910, to Miss Edith Corinne Heilman, who was a daughter of William H. Heilman of Tiffin and died November 6, 1926, leaving one child, Mary Elva. On the 24th of January, 1928, Mr. Yingling was united in marriage to Miss Pearl Elva Heilman, a daughter of Otto Heilman. Mr. Yingling is serving on the Library Board and champions all projects for Tiffin's growth and betterment. His political support is given to the republican party and his religious views are in harmony with the doctrines of the Methodist church. In Masonry he has attained the thirty-second degree, belonging to the commandery and Zenobia Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., and is also identified with the Junior Order of United American Mechanics and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is also a member of the Mohawk Country Club. Mr. Yingling has many steadfast friends in the city in which his life has been spent and his record sustains the high reputation that has ever been borne by the members of this well known family. RUSSELL SMITH WENZLAU In Russell Smith Wenzlau, Toledo has secured a school director of rare qualifications and a public official whose efforts in behalf of the city have been manifestly resultant and beneficial. He was born June 28, 1888, in Celina, Ohio, a son of Charles P. and Eugenia (Smith) Wenzlau, and is of TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 81 German lineage. His paternal grandparents emigrated from Germany to the United States, becoming pioneer settlers of New Bremen, Ohio. Charles P. Wenzlau was born in New Bremen, and devoted his life to the banking business, occupying a prominent place in financial circles of Celina, while he was also active in community affairs. He passed away in 1902 and was long survived by his wife, whose demise occurred in 1926. They were the parents of two sons : Russell Smith; and Charles Norman, who is engaged in the insurance business in Tippecanoe, Ohio. Russell S. Wenzlau acquired his public school education in his native town; later attended Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio; and completed his studies in the Case School of Applied Science at Cleveland, from which he was graduated in 1911. He entered upon his career as a civil engineer in Toledo, becoming associated with George Strafford Mills, a well known architect, with whom he continued for six years, and supervised the construction of the new home of the Toledo Club, the erection of the Overland plant, the factory of the American Can Company and other large buildings. His work in that connection attracted much favorable notice and led to his appointment as civil engineer by the Toledo board of education. From 1917 until 1923 he acted in that capacity, thoroughly justifying the confidence reposed in his ability, and he has since been director and business manager of all of the city schools. Impelled by high ideals of service, Mr. Wenzlau has exerted every effort to improve educational facilities in Toledo and during his tenure of office practically all of the schools have been rebuilt. Within a period of eight years the city has expended the sum of ten million dollars for the construction of the Libbey and Woodward high schools, the Jones junior high school and a number of elementary schools. These are all of the latest type and as a result of Mr. Wenzlau's professional knowledge and experience and his untiring labors Toledo's school buildings now rank with the best in the country. On the 15th of May, 1912, Mr. Wenzlau was united in marriage to Miss Gladys Davis, a daughter of Seymour O. and Helen (Bridestone) Davis. Her father was connected with the commercial department of the Engineers National 82 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY Bank of Cleveland, Ohio, for a number of years and also achieved prominence in railroad circles of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Wenzlau have three children : Helen E., who was born September 7, 1914; Russell S., Jr., born May 30, 1922; and William D., December 16, 1924. Mr. Wenzlau is a member of the Kiwanis Club, while Mrs. Wenzlau belongs to the Woman's Club, taking an active part in its affairs. Along fraternal lines Mr. Wenzlau is identified with the Masonic order and as an energetic member of the Chamber of Commerce he is working for Toledo's material development and industrial prosperity. His standards of life are high, and what he has accomplished represents the fit utilization of his innate powers and talents. GEORGE E. HARDY On the roster of public officials in Toledo appears the name of George E. Hardy, who is serving as clerk of the courts of Lucas county and has also achieved success in business affairs. He has lived in the city for fifty-six years and his public spirit has been expressed by effective efforts in its behalf. He was born in Swanton, Ohio, March 2, 1870, a son of George and Harriet E. (Barnes) Hardy, natives respectively of Albany, New York, and Willoughby, Ohio. The father migrated to the Buckeye state when a young man and became a resident of Toledo in 1873. He was an expert painter and had charge of the finishing department of the B. A. Stevens Company for many years. Of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hardy four are now living : Mrs. Elizabeth Redmond, of Byron, Michigan; and Mrs. May Decker and James and George E. Hardy, all residents of Toledo. The last named attended the grammar schools and a business college of this city and obtained his start in life as an employe of H. B. Tobey & Company, dealers in marine, factory and mill supplies. He saved his earnings and in 1899 combined his capital with that of F. A. Dischinger. They embarked in the same line of business on Water street in this city, operating at first on a partnership basis, and later formed The Hardy-Dischinger Company. This style wars TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 83 retained until 1907, when Mr. Hardy gained control of the Toledo White Lead Company and reorganized the business, changing the name to The Hardy Paint & Varnish Company. He successfully administered its affairs for seven years and sold the business in February, 1914, when he became secretary of the Toledo Commerce Club. He materially advanced the interests of that organization and continued in the same capacity until August, 1915, when he tendered his resignation, having accepted a similar position offered to him by the Chamber of Commerce of Portland, Oregon. Mr. Hardy returned to Toledo in 1918 and next became local agent for the Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company of Hartford and the United States Fidelity & Guaranty Company of Baltimore, Maryland, with which he was connected until August, 1920. He then purchased an interest in The Johnston-Decker Company and the style was changed to The Johnston-Hardy Company. He was elected its treasurer and assiduously applied himself to his tasks, exerting every effort to increase the prestige and success of the firm. On January 6, 1925, he was made clerk of the courts by appointment and discharges his duties with characteristic thoroughness and efficiency, proving well qualified for the office. Since his appointment he has been twice elected to the same office. Mr. Hardy was married June 20, 1893, in Detroit, Michigan, to Miss Emily S. Logan, a daughter of Charles R. and Sylvia Logan, residents of Saginaw, that state. Mr. and Mrs. Hardy became the parents of two children : Norris Logan, who was born December 24, 1894, and died August 31, 1916, when a young man of twenty-one years; and Sylvia Ruth, who was born August 9, 1910, and is at home. Mr. Hardy is a Christian Scientist in religious faith and holds the thirty-second degree in the Masonic order, belonging to both the York and Scottish Rite bodies. In 1912 he was one of the five founders of the Toledo Rotary Club and became its second president. For more than twenty years he has been an influential member of the Toledo Chamber of Commerce, acting as chairman of its waterways and harbor committee for some time, and has also been secretary of the Toledo Port Commission. Mr. Hardy has done all in his power to promote the welfare and progress of his city, taking 84 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY a leading part in every movement looking toward the accomplishment of real and practical good, and an exemplary life has won for him the respect, confidence and goodwill of his fellowmen. ARTHUR RUSS CHRISTY Arthur Russ Christy, president of the Carter-Christy Advertising Corporation, is one of Fremont's wide-awake, progressive and energetic business men and is meeting with notable success in the business in which he is now engaged, that of outdoor advertising. Mr. Christy was born in Sandusky, Ohio, in 1890, and is a son of Russ Jackson and Amelia (Meyers) Christy. The father brought his family to Fremont in 1891 and here organized the Christy Knife Company. Arthur R. Christy attended the public and high schools of this city and afterward Ohio State University. He then entered the employ of the Fremont Stove Company, of which he later became president and general manager, remaining with that concern until 1928, when he sold his interest and, in June of this year became one of the organizers of the Carter-Christy Advertising Corporation, of which he is president and C. D. Carter, secretary and general manager. The company is engaged in the outdoor bulletin board and poster advertising service, which they are selling in Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Michigan, in which territory they have six traveling representatives. In addition to this business, Mr. Christy is vice president of the Colonial Savings Bank, treasurer of The Christy Company and vice president of the Rainbow Garden Company, all are successful and prosperous concerns. In 1912 Mr. Christy was united in marriage to Miss Ethel Hirt, of Fremont, daughter of Edward and Carrie (Black) Hirt, and they are the parents of five children : Jane E., Russ J., II, Arthur R., Jr., Martha Ann and Edward Hirt. Mr. Christy is a =member of Brainard Lodge, No. 336, F. & A. M. ; Toledo Consistory, A. A. S. R. ; Zenobia Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., at Toledo; and Fremont Lodge, No. 169, B. P. TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 87 O. E. He belongs to the Toledo Club and the Inverness Club of Toledo, is a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and is a past president of the Rotary Club and was elected governor of the Twenty-first district Rotary International April 19, 1929. He is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce, of which he is vice president. He has shown an active interest in everything affecting the welfare and prosperity of his community, has been influential in promoting its commercial and civic interests and is regarded as one of its most substantial and dependable citizens. EDMUND R. VOORHEES For practically twenty-five years Edmund R. Voorhees has been engaged in the practice of law in Woodville, and during this period has not only commanded a large clientele, but has also been prominent and influential in the civic affairs of his community. Mr. Voorhees was born in Gibsonburg, Sandusky county, Ohio, on the 6th of December, 1877, and is the eldest son of James and Mary A. (Daum) Voorhees. His early education was acquired in the public schools of that locality and he was graduated from high school in 1896. He completed his scholastic training in the Ohio Northern University, at Ada, after which he took up the study of law in the office of the late J. L. Hart, in Gibsonburg. On June 11, 1903, he was admitted to the bar and in February of the following year entered upon the practice of his profession in Woodville, where he has remained to the present time. He has been identified as counsel with many important cases in the courts of this county and early gained recognition as a capable, sound and dependable lawyer, handling most of the business for the banks and business concerns of this locality, and holding a place among the leading members of the Sandusky county bar. He has served as city solicitor since January 1, 1905. He is also president of the Sandusky County Law Library Association and is a member of the Sandusky County Bar Association and the American Bar Association. On May 10, 1910, Mr. Voorhees was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta Babione, of Woodville, daughter of Wil- 88 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY liam and Frances (Brugman) Babione. They are the parents of a daughter, Gladys Celestine, who is now seventeen years of age and a senior in the Woodville high school. Mrs. Voorhees is an active member of the Lutheran church and has long been prominent in literary circles, having done much creditable writing. Mr. Voorhees supports the republican party and has been active in local public affairs, serving as a member of the board of education continuously from January 1, 1919, to January 1, 1926, and has held a commission as justice of the peace since 1912. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and stands consistently for all that is best in the life of his community. During the late war he did effective work in the promotion of the Liberty Loan and Red Cross drives and no measure for the advancement of community welfare has ever lacked for his wholehearted support. Because of his professional ability, his genuine and unselfish interest in the prosperity of Woodville and his sterling personal qualities, he is well worthy of the respect and esteem which are accorded him by his fellowmen. WILLIAM RICHARD HARRIS William R. Harris is the active manager of one of the oldest undertaking establishments in northwestern Ohio and the oldest in Bellevue—the Harris funeral home, on West Main street. This concern has always utilized modern appointments and methods and for many years has maintained its place in the front rank of the firms in its line in this section of the state. Mr. Harris was born in Ware, Massachusetts, in 1890, and is a son of F. E. and Anna L. (Fox) Harris. His father, who was born in 1857, came from Indiana to Ohio, and in 1887 located in Bellevue; where he bought an undertaking establishment, since which time he has been identified with this business continuously, though not now taking an active part in its management. William R. Harris attended the public and high schools of Bellevue, after which he entered the Cincinnati College of Embalming, from which he was graduated in 1912. He then became actively associated with his father in the business TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 89 here and in 1916 took over the management. He now has an assistant, Russell Smith, who also is an expert embalmer. The funeral home is well arranged and thoroughly equipped for the proper handling of the business and for the comfort and accommodation of funeral parties, and Mr. Harris is painstaking in his efforts to properly care for the interests of those who patronize him. Mr. Harris was married January 21, 1928, to Miss Edna Street, of Bellevue. He is a York Rite Mason and a member of Zenobia Temple of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine and his wife belongs to the Eastern Star. He is also affiliated with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Kiwanis Club, and is a member of the Ohio State Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association. In his political views he is a republican. He attends the Methodist Episcopal church, gives his support to all worthy local enterprises having for their object the betterment of the community and commands the sincere respect and esteem of all who know him. EDWARD B. VOGEL, M. D. Dr. Edward B. Vogel, of Bellevue, has gained wide recognition as a learned, capable and successful physician, and in his special field of practice is regarded as particularly efficient. Dr. Vogel was born in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, on the 7th of August, 1895, and is a son of Henry and Anna (Roelle) Vogel, the former now deceased, while the mother still resides in Upper Sandusky. Dr. Vogel received his early education in the parochial and public schools and graduated from high school in 1914. He attended St. John's College, Toledo, Ohio, and then matriculated in the medical school of St. Louis University, at St. Louis, Missouri, from which he was graduated, with the degree of Bachelor of Science and also Doctor of Medicine, in 1920. He served as interne in St. John's Hospital, of Cleveland, Ohio, for one year, and was resident physician in St. Ann's Hospital for one year. In 1922 he came to Bellevue and engaged in the general practice of medicine and surgery. 6-VOL. 3 90 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY In 1926 he went abroad and took a post-graduate course in the Vienna (Austria) Clinic. He has since taken post-graduate work in gynecology and is now specializing in obstetrics and pediatrics. He is company surgeon for the Nickel Plate Railroad Company,, is examiner for several life insurance companies and is a member of the medical staff of the Bellevue Hospital. He belongs to the Sandusky County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society, the American Medical Association and is a life member of the Medical Association of Vienna, Austria. Dr. Vogel is a democrat in his political views, belongs to the Knights of Columbus and is a member of the Church of the Immaculate Conception. He also belongs to the Chi Zeta Chi medical fraternity, of which̊ he was president in 1918-19. He is a man of splendid personal traits, is cordial and affable in manner and since locating in Bellevue has won many warm and lasting friendships, while all who have come in contact with him hold him in high regard. WARREN E. GRIFFITH A business man of broad experience and pronounced ability, Warren E. Griffith has become one of the foremost automobile dealers of Toledo and is also a well known financier. He was born in Rushville, Illinois, May 4, 1885, and is a son of Charles B. and Lyde (Knowles) Griffith. The father resides in California and the mother has passed away. Warren E. Griffith supplemented his public school education by attendance at Oberlin College and was graduated with the class of 1907, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He spent two years in his father's hardware store, but in February, 1911, located in Toledo and for a short time was identified with the Blevins Automobile Sales Company. In September, 1912, he formed a partnership with Charles P. Landman and they incorporated the business under the style of the Landman-Griffith Company. Mr. Griffith is president of the corporation, which is the head Chrysler agency in Toledo and conducts business in its own building at No. 1832 Adams street. The firm has a fine sales organization and TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 91 operates on a large scale, maintaining a high standard of service. Mr. Griffith has thoroughly systematized the business and is alert to every new avenue opened in the natural ramifications of the trade. He is vice president of the Title Guaranty and Trust Company and a director of the Community Traction Company, both of which have profited by his sound judgment and keen powers of discernment. Mr. Griffith was married September 9, 1908, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Miss Gertrude Dexter, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who was also a member of the class of 1907 of Oberlin College, and they have become the parents of three children: Dexter Knowles, who was born in 1912; Stebbins West, born in 1916; and Charlotte Ann, born in 1924. Mr. Griffith has written many articles which have appeared in the leading trade journals and on December 4, 1928, was called to the presidency of the National Automobile Dealers Association, a distinction well merited. He is an ex-president of the Toledo Chamber of Commerce, the State Automobile Dealers Association and the local Kiwanis Club. Mr. Griffith also belongs to the Toledo Club and the Sylvania Golf Club. In politics he is a republican, and his religious views are indicated by his affiliation with the First Congregational church. A man of well developed capacities and powers, Mr. Griffith has constantly broadened his field of usefulness, and time has strengthened his position in public esteem. FREDERICK C. SCHAAL Entering upon his career as a lawyer at the age of twenty-three, Frederick C. Schaal has steadily progressed toward the goal of success and now occupies an enviable position in legal circles of Toledo. He was born in this city, June 21, 1874, a son of Melchoir J. and Veronica (Lemle) Schaal, natives respectively of Wurtemberg and Baden, Germany. They left that country in their youth, and the father became a prominent contractor and prosperous business man of Toledo. He was an adherent of the democratic party and a faithful member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church. His 92 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY demise occurred in Toledo on the 6th of February, 1913, when he had reached the sixty-sixth milestone on life's journey, and his wife passed away in this city, February 11, 1911, at the age of fifty-nine years. Frederick C. Schaal attended St. Mary's parochial school and the public schools of Toledo. His classical education was acquired in Buffalo, New York, at Canisius College, from which he was graduated in 1894 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Afterward he read law in the office of James E. Pilliod, a prominent attorney of Toledo, and was admitted to the Ohio bar March 2, 1897. Mr. Schaal at once entered upon the active work of his profession in this city. He remained alone until 1906, when he formed a partnership with George N. Fell, who became the senior member of the firm, and they soon established a large and remunerative clientele. He is attorney for the Corn City Savings Association, of which he is also secretary and a director, and Joseph L. Acker is filling the office of president. Mr. Schaal was married June 29, 1899, in Toledo, to Miss Agnes Cecelia Neuhausel, who was born March 20, 1877, in this city and received her education in the Ursuline Convent. Her father, George C. Neuhausel, was a native of Germany and became a member of the firm of Neuhausel Brothers, the oldest dry goods merchants of Toledo. He remained here until his demise and his widow, Mrs. Louise (Zahm) Neuhausel, a native of Mishawaka, Indiana, still makes her home in Toledo. Mr. and Mrs. Schaal became the parents of two children. The daughter, Mary Louise, was born May 30, 1903, in Toledo and is now Sister Mary Amadeus of the Ursuline Convent in this city. The son, James Eugene, was born September 29, 1904, and attended Campion College at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Later he won the A. B. degree from St. John's University in Toledo and completed his education in St. Louis University, which awarded him the degree of M. D. He is now serving as an interne of St. Anthony's Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. Schaal gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and is affiliated with St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church of Maumee. He is a charter member of the local council of the Knights of Columbus and is also identified with TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 93 the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Chamber of Commerce and the Toledo, Ohio State and American Bar Associations. The progress of his city is a matter in which he takes much personal pride, and an upright, useful life of quiet devotion to duty has won for him the high and enduring regard of his fellowmen. PHILIP A. LINS Philip A. Lins, who has conducted the Hotel Fremont, at Fremont, for the past eighteen years, has shown high qualifications as a hotel executive, The Fremont ranking as one of the best and most popular hotels in this section of the state. Mr. Lins was born in Missouri in 1875. His father met with an accidental death, and his mother moved to Ohio when the subject of this sketch was but two years of age, and he received his educational training in district schools in Ohio, supplementing this by a commercial course in a business college in Mount Vernon. In 1893, at the age of eighteen years, Mr. Lins entered upon his hotel career as a night bellboy in a hotel in Coshocton, Ohio, and he has been identified with the business continuously since, being advanced through various positions, due to his loyal and efficient service. In 1910 he came to Fremont and took over the Hotel Fremont, which he has placed on a par with the best hotels in cities of the size of Fremont. Sometime after coming here he also acquired the Hotel Jackson, to the management of which also he gives his personal attention, and now has two valuable and prosperous hotel properties. He is painstaking and tireless in his efforts to provide for the comfort and welfare of his guests, and that his efforts have been appreciated is evident by the splendid patronage given to both houses. In 1903 Mr. Lins was united in marriage to Miss Mariam Thomas, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and they are the parents of three children, Mrs. E. R. Hilton, Mariam and John. Mrs. Lins is actively interested in local club and social affairs, being a member of the Cosmopolitan Club, the Women's Fed- 94 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY eration and other organizations, and is extremely popular in the circles in which she moves. Politically, Mr. Lins is an active supporter of the republican party and has maintained a deep interest in public affairs, though he has never sought nor held office. He is a member of Brainard Lodge, No. 336, F. & A. M.; Toledo Consistory, A. A. S. R.; Zenobia Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., at Toledo, and The Ohio Hotels Association, of which he is now president and a former trustee. During the World war he took an active part in the various Liberty Loan and Red Cross drives, serving on the speakers and other committees. He and his wife are members of the Protestant Episcopal church, of which he is a vestryman, and they give generous support to all worthy charitable or benevolent causes. A man of strong individuality and gracious personality, Mr. Lins makes a favorable impression on all who come in contact with him, and throughout the community in which he lives he commands uniform respect and esteem. He believes that opportunity and success come only to those who believe in themselves and are willing to work hard and give constant study to improve their business. To the young man of today Mr. Lins believes the future holds greater possibilities than before. In the management of his enterprises he is ably assisted by his son-in-law, E. R. Hilton, Jr. PHINEAS WELT On the roster of public officials in Toledo appears the name of Phineas Welt, who is capably serving the general public in the office of commissioner of licenses and assessments. He is a native of the neighboring state of Indiana, his birth having occurred in Wolcottville, June 5, 1880. His father, Morris Welt, was born in Bavaria, Germany, where he was reared and educated. He came to America in the early '60s, settling in Wolcottville, Indiana, where he resided for about three decades. In the early '90s he came to Toledo, where he made his home until his death, which occurred May 10, 1927, when he was eighty-two years of age. He had successfully engaged in business as a retail merchant in both TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 95 Wolcottville and Toledo. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Rosa Meyerfield, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, July 17, 1857, and belonged to one of the old families of that city of German descent. She passed away February 21, 1925, when sixty-seven years of age, leaving a daughter and two sons: Belle, the wife of E. N. Kraus, a resident of Toledo; Phineas; and Marvin, who makes his home in New York city. Phineas Welt is indebted to the public school system of Wolcottville for the educational opportunities accorded him in early youth, while later he attended the schools of Toledo. At the age of eighteen he made his initial step in the business world and for a number of years was employed in office work. During the World war period he had charge of office work for the United States government in connection with shipping and receiving supplies and war materials in Toledo, acting in that capacity from September, 1918, until August, 1921. When he retired from that position he became a clerk in the office of licenses and assessments and in 1923 was advanced to the position of head of the department, in which capacity he has continued to serve throughout the intervening period of six years. He has made an excellent record in office, having inaugurated a system of efficiency that is distinctive in character and is second to none in any department of the city service. His knowledge of the requirements of the office and his previous experience enabled him to make his work of great benefit to the community. One of the features of his service is his continuously courteous treatment of employes and of the public at large. At Toledo, on the 7th of April, 1921, Mr. Welt was married to Miss Violet B. Cotter, who was born in Corning, Ohio, a daughter of John and Margaret (McCloud) Cotter and a member of an old Corning family that came originally from West Virginia. Mrs. Welt is a teacher in the Hamilton school of Toledo and a member of the Toledo Women's Club. They reside at No. 333 Islington street. Mr. Welt belongs to Collingwood Temple and in all the relations of life is actuated by a broad humanitarian spirit. He has membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is serving on the investigating committee of the local lodge. In politics he has always been a republican, ac- 96 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY tive in his endorsement of party principles and at all times progressive in his attitude toward matters of general public concern. He gains his diversion from boxing, football and baseball. His record has been marked by continuous progress and in the city in which the greater part of his life has been passed he is widely known and highly esteemed, for he is a man of substantial worth. JOHN DICKINSON RHOADES John Dickinson Rhoades is a successful attorney of Toledo and represents a family noted for legal ability of a high order. He has also found time for church work and many branches of Christian service, in which connection his activities have been far-reaching and most beneficial in their effects. He was born September 15, 1877, and has always resided in this city, to which he is deeply attached. His father, Edward Henry Rhoades, was born in Skaneateles, New York, February 13, 1843, and his mother, Hannah Sophia Rhoades, was born in Elbridge, New York, July 20, 1843. Both were descendants of Joseph Rhoades, who was born in Marblehead, Massachusetts, in 1701. The family is of Welsh origin and was established in Massachusetts between 1630 and 1640. According to a tradition in the family, one of the ancestors of John D. Rhoades, drilled the colonists in an old sail loft before the outbreak of the Revolutionary war, training a few men at a time in the evenings so as not to attract the attention of the British authorities. In 1868 Edward H. Rhoades moved to Toledo and began the practice of law, successfully following that profession in this city until his death in 1913. In 1899 he admitted his son, Edward H. Rhoades, Jr., to a partnership and they were intrusted with important litigation. John D. Rhoades was graduated from the Toledo high school in 1898 and afterward matriculated in Oberlin College, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1902. His law studies were pursued in the office of his father and older brother, and in December, 1904, he was admitted to the bar. On the 1st of January, 1905, he be- TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 99 came a member of the firm of Rhoades & Rhoades, and the father and two sons were associated in practice until April 23,1913, when Edward H. Rhoades, Sr., passed away. The firm of Rhoades & Rhoades consisted of Edward H. Rhoades, Jr., and John D. Rhoades until September 1, 1927, when they were joined by William H. Rhoades, the former's son, and the three are still the sole members of the firm, the name remaining unchanged. They have a suite of offices on the seventh floor of the Security building. They are engaged in general civil practice with special reference to corporation, business, real estate and probate law, in which they are recognized experts, and their clientele is large and remunerative. John D. Rhoades is a stockholder 'in three Toledo banks and an officer in several real estate corporations of the city. All have profited by his legal acumen, and broad grasp of affairs. When national issues are at stake Mr. Rhoades votes the republican ticket but at local elections he usually casts his ballot for the men whom he considers best qualified for office irrespective of party ties. He has never sought public office and has never been connected with any secret or fraternal organizations. He is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Toledo Museum of Art, the Toledo Chamber of Commerce, and the local, state and national bar associations. Mr. Rhoades has been affiliated with the Ashland Avenue Baptist church for thirty-eight years and has long served on its executive committee. For about eight years he was president of the Toledo Baptist Union, the city mission organization, and for a number of years has been a member of the executive board of the Toledo Baptist Association, including Toledo and the surrounding territory. Since 1926 he has been chairman of the comity department of the Toledo Council of Churches, and by reason of that fact is a member of the executive board of the Toledo Council of Churches. For more than thirteen years he has been a member of the board of managers of the American Baptist Publication Society, which has charge of the publication and most of the religious education work and colportage work of the Baptists of the Northern Baptist Convention. Mr.