50 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY France with that command and served as sergeant until the close of the war, being on duty on several fronts—Troyon, Marbache, Meuse-Argonne and Lorraine sectors and at St. Mihiel, also doing scout duty. On his return home he was honorably discharged at Camp Sherman, Chillicothe, Ohio. Mr. Savage has long been interested in the public affairs of his city and in 1915 was a candidate for nomination as mayor but was not successful. For thirty years he has been a member of Toledo Lodge, No. 53, B. P. 0. E., and he also belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the Board of Trade for many years. Some years ago he purchased ten acres of land for a summer home, this being a part of the old battlefield of Fallen Timbers, along the Maumee river, and he now makes this his permanent home. Here he has erected a residence of the old colonial type, around which he has seven acres in lawn, shrubbery and trees. While digging holes for trees on his place, workmen excavated an Indian skeleton and also a large cannon ball, which was no doubt fired during the battle of Fallen Timbers. WILLIAM DILKS FREEMAN Canada has contributed to the United States many useful and influential citizens of the type of William D. Freeman, who was prominently identified with industrial activities of Toledo for a considerable period but is now devoting his attention to financial affairs, becoming well known as the executive head of the Ohio .Savings Association. He was born in Toronto, Ontario, August 6, 1876, a son of Henry H. and Ellen (Dilks) Freeman, natives of England. His grandfather, Joseph Freeman, a lifelong resident of that country, was the owner of a private school and a teacher of foreign languages. Wisely conserving both his physical and mental powers, he remained an active factor in the world's work until he attained the advanced age of ninety-three years and shaped his conduct by the teachings of the Church of England. As a young man Henry H. Freeman emigrated to Canada, settling in the province of Ontario, whence he later removed to Vancouver, British Columbia, where he embarked TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 51 in the hardware business. He still resides in that city, but his wife died in Milton, Ontario, in 1880, when a young woman of thirty years. Reared in his native province, William D. Freeman acquired a public school education. He afterward learned the trade of a carpenter and was connected with the building operations in Ontario for six years. Crossing the border, he located in Buffalo, New York, where he followed his trade for a year, and in April, 1895, came to Toledo. Here he worked as a carpenter for a year and then went to Camden, New Jersey, where he spent two years, mastering the details of pattern making. On returning to Toledo he organized the Freeman Pattern Company and prospered from the start, conducting the business successfully until 1918. Meanwhile he had become interested in financial affairs and in 1912 was elected a director of the Ohio Savings Association, which he still represents in that capacity. Since 1918 he has been president of the association, which has derived substantial benefit from his carefully matured plans, his financial acumen and administrative power. He is also president of the Chippewa Golf Estates of Toledo and a director of the Metropolitan Mortgage Company and the Toledo Associates Realty Company. Mr. Freeman was married in Camden, New Jersey, November 22, 1901, to Miss Lenora H. O'Dell, a daughter of Dennis H. O'Dell, now deceased, who was long a prominent resident of Imlay City, Michigan. Mrs. Freeman was born January 22, 1876, in that city and attended its public schools, afterward taking up the study of music. Prior to her marriage she was a piano instructor for a number of years and acted as organist in several churches, becoming widely recognized as a talented musician. Mr. and Mrs. Freeman have a son, William D., who was born February 11, 1907. He was graduated from one of the high schools of Toledo and is a teller in the bank of the Ohio Savings Association. He married Miss Margaret Longwell, a daughter of Robert H. Longwell, who is district manager of the Ohio National Life Insurance Company of Cincinnati, maintaining his headquarters in Toledo. William D. Freeman, (III) , the only child of this marriage, was born November 22, 1925. 52 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY W. D. Freeman (I) is identified with the York and Scottish Rite bodies of Masonry and Zenobia Temple of the Mystic Shrine. Mrs. Freeman is connected with the woman's auxiliary of the Shrine, Toledo Chapter of the Eastern Star, and is a consistent member of the Episcopal church, with which Mr. Freeman is also affiliated. He belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and the East Toledo Club, while golf and fishing afford him relaxation and diversion. Mr. Freeman champions all movements destined to prove of benefit to his city, whose growth and advancement are matters in which he takes much personal pride. Alert and energetic, he has taken cognizance of his opportunities, utilizing them to the best advantage, and his ability, honesty and sincerity have won for him a secure place in the esteem of his business and financial associates. His residence is at 914 Mason street. REV. VIGILIUS H. KRULL, C. PP. S. Rev. Vigilius H. Krull has been pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul church of Ottawa, Ohio, since September, 1922, and during the intervening period of six years has made extensive improvements in the church property. He is a native of Hanover, Germany, born January 12, 1874, and a son of Nicholas and Thecla Krull. It was in 1890, when a youth of sixteen years, that he emigrated to the United States and made his way first to Dayton, Ohio. He attended St. Francis College of Cincinnati and in 1898 received the degree of Bachelor of Arts from St. Joseph's College at Collegeville, Indiana. Four years later, in 1902, he was ordained to the priesthood at Carthagena, Ohio. Then for two years he was editor of the Messenger and Botschafter of the Most Precious Blood, published at Collegeville, Indiana, acted as chaplain of the National Soldiers Home at Marion, Indiana, and for a short period administrated the pastorate at Kentland and Winamac, Indiana. For a period of eighteen years he served his church as missionary over the entire United States, discontinuing his work in this connection only because of impaired health. On the 18th of September, 1922, Father Krull TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 53 became resident pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul church at Ottawa, Ohio, and has since remained at the head of this parish, his consecrated labors being attended with splendid results. He is a talented and forceful speaker, having developed marked oratorical ability during his eighteen years of missionary work, when preaching was a daily duty. He has made contributions to a number of leading magazines and has gained recognition as an author of note along religious lines, his better known works being as follows: "Christian Denominations," now in its thirteenth edition, with over thirty-five thousand copies extant, which is a comprehensive history of all religious denominations; "The Blessed Virgin Mary," published in 1927 and now in its sixth edition ; and "Prophetic Biography of Jesus Christ," now in the second edition. JOSEPH A. YAGER Joseph A. Yager, one of the prominent members of the Toledo bar, was born in Owensville, Gibson county, Indiana, March 24, 1890, a son of Charles H. and Eliza A. (Zengler) Yager, the former now deceased. The father was a direct descendant of Nicholas Yager, who left his home in Dusseldorf, Germany, in 1713 and sailed for America, locating in Culpeper, Virginia. The farm on which Nicholas Yager settled in Virginia is still owned and occupied by his direct descendants. Joseph A. Yager spent his boyhood on the home farm and attended the schools of that locality. For a time he was a student at Valparaiso University and in 1915 received the A. B. degree from Indiana University. In the latter institution he began the study of law and was graduated from the University of Michigan in 1920 with the degree of LL. B. In recognition of his exceptional scholastic record in the law school of the University of Michigan he was elected to the Order of Coif, an honorary legal organization, and he is a charter member of Gamma Eta Gamma of Eta Chapter at Indiana University, an honorary legal fraternity. Mr. Yager 54 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY used educational work as a stepping-stone to his legal career, teaching for two and one-half years in rural districts. In Owensville, Indiana, he was assistant principal for one year, principal for the same length of Wile, and superintendent for six years. For three years he was superintendent of the Montgomery township schools in Gibson county, and while a student in the University of Michigan he was an instructor in the English department for one year. He practiced law in Indiana for a short time, then moved his family to Toledo and was admitted to the bar in Ohio. On locating in Toledo he became associated with Miller & Brady and on January 1, 1924, was admitted to a full partnership in the firm, which has since been Miller, Brady & Yager, one of the leading law firms in the city. This firm has a suite of offices on the eighth floor of the Ohio building and is conducting an extensive and important law business. Mr. Yager is one of the receivers of the Toledo & Western Railroad, and among his other interests, outside of his profession, he is president of the West Toledo National Bank. A successful lawyer of the highest reputation, he is accorded a most creditable position among the abler attorneys of the city. Mr. Yager was married September 2, 1911, to Miss Edna Gertrude Pratt, of Rolling Prairie, Indiana, and they have three sons : Joseph Arthur, Jr., born in Owensville, Indiana, April 14, 1916; John Warren, born in Toledo, September 16, 1920; and Charles Alan, born in Toledo, June 23, 1923. Mr. Yager gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, and his religious connection is with the Pilgrim Congregational church, in which he is a member of the board of trustees. He is also a trustee and president of the West Toledo Commerce Club and international counselor for Indiana and Ohio of the Loyal Knights of the Round Table, and he was the first president of the Toledo Round Table. He is a member of the Toledo Chamber of Commerce, the Masonic order, Ohio Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and the local, state and national bar associations. Moreover, he is a trustee of the Toledo Public Library and, a member of the plan commission of the city of Toledo. Taking cognizance of his opportunities, Mr. Yager has used them to the best advantage and what he has accomplished has been entirely TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 55 through his own efforts. He is a man of high principles and exceptional worth, esteemed and respected for the qualities to which he owes his success. His residence is at 4206 Berwick avenue in Toledo. SIDNEY D. L. JACKSON, JR. Sidney D. L. Jackson, Jr., who fought for his country in the World war, is now devoting his attention to professional activities and is connected with one of the well known law firms of Toledo. He was born in Youngstown, Mahoning county, Ohio, October 31, 1899, a son of Sidney D. L. and Lelia G. (McBurney) Jackson, and is of Scotch-Irish lineage. His paternal ancestors came to America in colonial times, and in the maternal line he is descended from ancestors who fought in the Colonial armies. S. D. L. Jackson, Sr., was born in Hubbard, Ohio, in 1854 and lived most of his life in Youngstown, Ohio. He died October 1, 1922, at the age of sixty-seven years. His wife passed away August 6, 1911, in Youngstown. Of their four children three survive : Joseph H., who lives in Poland, Ohio; Mary Lorain, also a resident of Poland; and Sidney D. L. The last named was educated in the Ohio schools, attended the Scienceville school in Mahoning county and completed a course in Rayen high school at Youngstown in 1917. On April 10 of that year he enlisted in the national guard, joining Troop I of the First Regiment Ohio Cavalry, and later was transferred to the Third Regiment Ohio Artillery. This regiment was mustered into the federal service in July, 1917, as the One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Regiment Field Artillery, a part of the Thirty-seventh Division (Ohio national guard troops). During the winter of 1917-18 he was stationed at Camp Sheridan near Montgomery, Alabama, and from July of the latter year until March, 1919, was a member of the American Expeditionary Force.. He served as sergeant and first sergeant of the Headquarters Company, No. 136, F. A., and participated in the Marbache and Meuse-Argonne drives. Mr. Jackson spent nine months overseas and was honorably discharged April 10, 1919. Afterward he 56 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY resumed his studies, entering Ohio State University at Columbus, Ohio, in the fall of 1919 and remained there six years. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1923 and that of Juris Doctor in 1925. In the latter year he located in Toledo and has since been associated with Tracy, Chapman & Welles, one of the foremost law firms of the city. On the 4th of February, 1928, Mr. Jackson was united in marriage to Miss Virginia Hopkins, of Columbus, Ohio. She is a daughter of M. Sullivan and Matie (Locket) Hopkins. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson reside on Potomac drive, and the offices of his firm are located in the Ohio building. His political support is given to the republican party and in religious faith he is a Presbyterian. He is a member of the University Club of Toledo, the Ohio State Alumni Association, the Toledo and Ohio Bar Associations, the Chi Phi and Phi Delta Phi fraternities. For recreation he turns to golf and is an enthusiastic fisherman. Mr. Jackson has an analytical, well trained mind and every qualification essential to success in the legal profession. He is a young man of fine character and pleasing personality and has won the respect and esteem of all who know him. R. T. PRIEST One of the most efficient members of the official personnel of the Farmers Commercial Bank at Edgerton is R. T. Priest, who is ably discharging the duties of cashier. He was born in Edgerton in 1903 and is a son of J. P. and Victoria (Fisher) Priest, the former of whom has long been engaged in mercantile pursuits in this place. In the family are three children, namely : R. T., of this review; Mrs. Velma Wehrle, a resident of Blakesley, Ohio; and Roselia, who lives in Montpelier, Williams county. R. T. Priest attended the public schools of Edgerton, graduating from high school in 1920, and he then took one year's work in the dental school of Ohio State University. Returning to Edgerton in June, 1921, he entered the Farmers Commercial Bank as teller, which position he held until 1923, when he was advanced to assistant cashier, and in 1924 was TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 57 made cashier, in which capacity he is still serving. The Farmers Commercial Bank was organized in 1914 and is owned by local men, the present officers being as follows: George Weber, farmer, president; Frank Burkhart, retired, vice president; R. T. Priest, cashier; Edward J. Callender, teller; and Stella Simon, assistant cashier. The present capital is $30,000; surplus, $12,000, and liabilities, approximately $270,000. The directors of the bank are George Weber, Frank Burkhart, L. E. Groff, E. A. Geaque, J. H. Holton, D. T. Koerner and Jacob Weber. In 1924 Mr. Priest was united in marriage to Miss Valma Groff, of Edgerton, and they are the parents of a son, Roger, born in August, 1925. The family are members of the Christian church. Mr. Priest is active in matters affecting the commercial, civic or moral interests of the community. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Orchard Hill Country Club. Because of his integrity of character, his business ability and his splendid personality, he is respected by his fellowmen and is extremely popular in the social circles to which he belongs. BERNARD A. MALONEY, M. D. Prominent among the successful medical practitioners of Upper Sandusky stands Dr. Bernard A. Maloney, who has ministered to the physical welfare of the people of the city for the past eighteen years, during which time he has enjoyed a large practice. He was born in Prospect, Marion county, Ohio, in 1882, and is a son of Byron and Joohama (Tobin) Maloney. The father, who is deceased, was a farmer living south of Marion, Ohio, and is survived by his widow, who resides in Prospect. Bernard A. Maloney attended the public and high schools of Prospect; pursued his classical studies in Ohio State University, and then matriculated in Starling Medical College, at Columbus, from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1907. He spent one year as interne in Mount Carmel Hospital, Columbus, and then became con- 58 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY nected with the city board of health of Columbus. In 1911 Dr. Maloney came to Upper Sandusky, where he has since practiced his profession. He has a well equipped office at 213 North Main street and is regarded as one of the city's leading physicians. In 1912 Dr. Maloney was united in marriage to Miss Jane Kraus, of Upper Sandusky, and they are the parents of four children, Kathleen Anna, Jane, Rachel and Ann, all of whom are attending the public schools. The Doctor is a democrat in his political views and is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Knights of Ohio, of which he is medical director, the Evergreen Country Club and the Luncheon Club. Professionally he is affiliated with the Wyandot County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He and his family are members of St. Peter's Roman Catholic church. He is a man of broad views; stands for all that is best in the life of the community and is one of Upper Sandusky's honored citizens. SAMUEL GORDON SLOAN, M. D. The medical fraternity of Elmore finds a worthy representative in Dr. Samuel Gordon Sloan, who has practiced here since 1925 and is thoroughly in touch with modern methods. He came to Ohio from Chatham, Ontario, where he was born November 15, 1897, a son of Samuel and Mary Jane Sloan, both of whom are now deceased. In the acquirement of his education he passed through consecutive grades to the high school and when a youth of nineteen years he enlisted in 1916 for service in the Canadian artillery 'in the World war, being identified with a Toronto battery, with which he was on active duty when wounded in France. He received his discharge at the close of the war in 1919 and afterward began preparation for a professional career by attending the medical college of the University of Toronto, from which he was graduated with the class of 1924. He then served as an interne in St. Vincent's Hospital of Toledo, thus putting his theoretical knowledge to the practical test TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 61 and gaining much valuable experience. In August, 1925, he came to Elmore, where he opened an office, and through the intervening period has engaged in general practice here, his ability being demonstrated in the very gratifying success which has attended his efforts. In February, 1928, Dr. Sloan was united in marriage to Miss Lucille Jane Reed, of Elmore, who is an active church worker here, interested in community welfare and prominent socially. She is a member of the Church of Christ, while the Doctor is connected with the Presbyterian church. He is a member of the Exchange Club but the major part of his time, thought and energy is given to his professional duties and he is most conscientious in discharging the tasks that devolve upon him as a physician and surgeon. He handles his hospital cases in Toledo and keeps abreast of modern methods through his membership in the Ottawa County and Ohio State Medical Societies and the American Medical Association. EDWIN JOHNSON HOWE A prominent figure in the automobile circles of Toledo is Edwin J. Howe, vice president and sales manager of the Leonhardt Motor Company, one of the strongest and most successful automobile sales agencies in this section of the state. Mr. Howe was born on the 18th of July, 1888, in the city of which he is now a resident, and is a son of Charles and Harriet (Johnson) Howe. His paternal grandparents were David and Hannah (Thorpe) Howe, who were long residents of this city, where the grandfather followed the carpenter trade, and was also a member of the city police force. He was a republican in politics and a member of the Baptist church. Charles Howe was born in Toledo, and his death occurred in this city in April, 1904, at the age of fifty-two years. For a while he was associated with the Worts-KirkBigelow Company, now the National Biscuit Company, and later for a number of years was with the Lakeside Biscuit Company, now known as the Toledo Biscuit Company. He gave his political support to the republican party and was a 62 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY charter member of the Ashland Avenue Baptist church. His wife was born in Wellsboro, Massachusetts, and died in Toledo, Ohio, in April, 1926, at the age of seventy-six years. She was a daughter. of William and Eliza Ann (Chamberlain) Johnson, the former of whom -was a farmer and large land owner. He voted the republican ticket and was a member of the Baptist church. Edwin J. Howe attended the public schools of Warren, Ohio, and was graduated from Central high school of Toledo. He became associated with the Merchants & Clerks Savings Bank, which later became the Security Savings Bank. Starting in as office boy, in two years he had risen to the position of general bookkeeper. Quitting the banking business, he was a traveling salesman for the American Metal Wheel Company for four years and later became a field salesman for the Willys-Overland Auto Company. For six years he was with the Standard Motor Company of Mobile, Alabama, being manager of the used car department. He then came back to Toledo as manager of the used car department of the Leonhardt-Geller Company, with which company he remained until 1926, when he acquired an interest in the business. In the following year he and Mr. Leonhardt bought out Mr. Geller's interest, at which time the firm name was changed to its present form as the Leonhardt Motor Company, of which Mr. Howe is vice president and sales manager. He is a man of mature judgment and keen discrimination and has greatly stimulated the business of the company. The building now occupied by the company at one time housed the largest sales agency between New York and Chicago. It was at that time owned and occupied by A. A. Atwood, who was largely responsible for John Willys locating in Toledo. Mr. Atwood afterward sold his holdings to Willys-Overland, Inc., and this building was occupied as the first branch of the Willys-Overland corporation. On October 14, 1916, in Toledo, Mr. Howe was united in marriage to Miss Imogene McIntosh, who was born in this city, June 25, 1896, and died October 21, 1928. She was a daughter of Archie and Rena McIntosh. After graduating from the Scott high school she attended the University of Wisconsin for two years and taught in the public schools of TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 63 Metamora, Ohio, for two years prior to her death. She was a member of the Church of Christ, Scientist. To Mr. and Mrs. Howe were born two children : Edwin Clark, born June 12, 1923; and Richard Charles, born June 23, 1925. The republican party receives Mr. Howe's support, and his religious membership is with the Baptist church. He is a member of Sanford Collins Lodge, No. 396, F. & A. M. ; Toledo Consistory, A. A. S. R.; Toledo Lodge, No. 53, B. P. O. E., and Toledo Aerie, No. 197, F. 0. E., belonging also to the Toledo Exchange Club, the Chamber of Commerce and Sons of American Revolution. Mr. Howe possesses marked executive ability and has built up a sales organization which is doing very effective work. He is meeting with a measure of success fully commensurate with his efforts and is numbered among the progressive and substantial business men of this city. ROBERT A. GILREATH, M. D. Dr. Robert A. Gilreath is one of the more recent additions to professional circles of Toledo but has already demonstrated his ability as a physician and surgeon. He was born January 18, 1900, in Hendersonville, North Carolina, and is of English and Scotch descent. The family was established in America during the period of the Revolutionary war and was represented in the Indian wars, the War of 1812 and the Civil war. The Doctor's father, Jerome Gilreath, was also born in Hendersonville and is one of its leading contractors and successful business men. The mother, Martha (Barnett) Gilreath, is a native of Hendersonville and a daughter of David and Fannie Barnett, representatives of pioneer families of North Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. Gilreath have four children, two sons and two daughters. The eldest, Dr. Robert A. Gilreath, was graduated from the Hendersonville high school in 1920 and attended the summer school of the University of Virginia in 1922. In 1924 he matriculated in the University of North Carolina and in 1926 his education was completed in the University of Cincinnati, which conferred upon him the degrees of M. D. and B. M. 64 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY For two years he was an interne in Toledo Hospital and entered upon his career as a physician and surgeon in this city July 1, 1928. He is serving on the staffs of the Toledo and Flower Hospitals, and the rapid growth of his practice is proof of the confidence reposed in his knowledge and skill. On the 4th of August, 1921, Dr. Gilreath was married in Hendersonville to Miss Martha C. Dixon, a native of New Bern, North Carolina. She is a daughter of George S. and Sue Dixon, members of old families of North and South Carolina respectively. The Doctor's home is at No. 2550 Brentwood, and his offices are located at No. 316 Michigan street. In politics he is a democrat, and his religious views are in accord with the tenets of the Methodist Episcopal church. His interest in the city's welfare is deep and sincere and is expressed through his affiliation with the Junior Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the Toledo Academy of Medicine, the Ohio and Tri-State Medical Societies and the American Medical Association. Dr. Gilreath enjoys outdoor life and indulges in golf, fishing, tennis and other sports when the opportunity offers. He is a young man of serious purpose and keen intelligence, well qualified for his profession, and his future is most promising. JUDGE WILLIAM HENRY SHINN William H. Shinn, judge of the common pleas court of Williams county, is one of the leading citizens of northwestern Ohio, having attained prominence in both journalism and the law. He has served the people in a number of positions of trust and responsibility, in all of which he has been regarded as a capable and conscientious official, and now, as a jurist, is adding to his already well established reputation as an able, sincere and trustworthy man. Judge Shinn was born in Northwest township, Williams county, on the 19th of March, 1867, and is a son of Aaron and Henrietta C. (Speaker) Shinn. The father, who was born in Burlington county, New Jersey, in 1803, was descended from sterling old Quaker stock, the family having been established in this country by John Shinn, who came TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 65 with the William Penn colony. Aaron Shinn's death occurred January 16, 1867, two months prior to the birth of his son William Henry. The latter received his early education in the district schools, which he was able to attend more or less irregularly. In summer he hired out to work on neighboring farms and during the winter he did chores for his board. In January, 1883, he went to Montpelier and became an apprentice to the printing trade in the office of the Montpelier Enterprise, and while working at the art preservative he tried to satisfy his thirst for knowledge by continual reading and study. So closely did he apply himself that at the end of two years he was, on examination, granted a, certificate to teach school. Until the age of twenty years he taught school in Ohio, and then became the editor of the Montpelier Democrat, which position he filled for eighteen months, afterward continuing school teaching in Kentucky and Michigan. From 1890 to 1893 he was the publisher of the Democrat, at Newaygo, Michigan, and while a resident of that place filled several public offices, serving as school inspector, deputy county clerk, village clerk, justice of the peace and township clerk. In June, 1894, he moved to LaGrange, Indiana, where he purchased the LaGrange Democrat, which he published until February, 1896. In the spring of 1897 he entered the employ of a publishing house as a writer, which line of work he followed until 1912. In August of that year he returned to Williams county and purchased the Montpelier Enterprise, in the office of which paper he had learned the printing trade a number of years before. He conducted this paper with marked success until September, 1916. In November, 1913, Judge Shinn was elected mayor of Montpelier and gave so satisfactory an administration that he was elected to succeed himself, thus serving until January 1, 1917, when he resigned in. order to take his seat in the state legislature, to which he had been chosen. The democratic party had nominated him for the legislature in 1914, but he had met with defeat. In 1916 he was again nominated and this time had the pleasure of defeating his successful opponent of two years previous, Hon. Francis M. Money, over whom he had a plurality of one hundred and two votes. As a member of the legislature Judge. Shinn took a prominent 5-VOL. 4 66 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY part in securing the passage of a number of important bills. Upon the organization of the house he was made chairman of the committee on constitutional amendments and the initiative and referendum and was made a member of the committees on cities, fees and salaries, liquor traffic and temperance, privileges and elections, and taxation and revenues. He introduced the anti-spotters railroad bill and the injunction and abatement (anti-vice) bills, both of which were enacted. into laws. He was the author of and secured the adoption of the resolution submitting to the people an amendment to the state constitution whereby the double taxation of real estate may be prevented. This amendment was subsequently ratified by- the voters by a majority of more than one hundred and eight thousand votes and is now a part of the organic law of the state. Upon the expiration of his legislative term, Judge Shinn opened a law office in Montpelier and, up to his assuming his present judicial position, was engaged in the practice of law, success crowning his efforts. In 1922 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Williams county but declined reelection and in November, 1928, was elected to the bench of the court of common pleas. Judge Shinn possesses to a marked degree the attributes of the ideal jurist, having a wide and accurate knowledge of the law, a determination to get to the bottom of every question submitted to him, and a high sense of justice, so that he has been enabled to conduct his court in a manner that has earned for him the genuine respect of the bar, as well as those having business in his court. On December 25, 1891, Judge Shinn was united in marriage to Miss Zoe Thomas, and they are the parents of a son, William Thomas, who was born in 1901. He was graduated from Montpelier high school in 1919; prepared for his life work in the law school of Ohio Northern University and was admitted to the bar in June, 1923. He practiced law with his father until the latter's election to the bench, since which time he has been alone. In the fall of 1925 he was elected mayor of Montpelier, being at that time the youngest mayor in the state of Ohio, and was reelected in the fall of 1927. He is a member of the Masonic order and the Elks and is extremely popular in the community where he lives. TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 67 Judge Shinn is a member of Montpelier Lodge, No. 547, F. & A. M.; Montpelier Chapter, No. 184, R. A. M.; Montpelier Commandery, No. 75, K. T.; Superior Lodge, No. 269, K. P.; Defiance Lodge, No. 147, B. P. 0. E.; the Hillcrest Country Club and the Montpelier Chamber of Commerce. The Judge has honored his native county by his life and services; has been loyal and true to its best interests, and none to a greater degree than he commands the confidence of the people. CLYDE HARRISON COX, D. D. S. Dr. Clyde H. Cox, who has practiced dentistry in Toledo for the past seventeen years, is an expert in technique; is courteous and painstaking in looking after the interests of his patients, and commands a large practice. He was born in Wood county, Ohio, on the 19th of November, 1888, and is a son of John H. and Naomi (De Selms) Cox, also natives of Wood county, where they are still living and where the father has followed agricultural pursuits throughout his life. They became the parents of eight children, of whom three are deceased, the five living being as follows : Ethel is now the wife of James Ewing, of Toledo, a millwright by trade, and they have seven children ; John, who lives in Toledo, married Miss Anna Bolander, of Lucky, Ohio, and they have two children; Ralph married Mrs. Mayme Nelson, of Bowling Green, Ohio, and they reside near Weston, Ohio, where he is engaged in farming; Jason, living near Bowling Green, married Miss Lorena Abbott, and they have two children ; and Clyde H., of this review, completes the family. John H. Cox had five brothers in the Union army during the Civil war. One of these, Joseph, was killed in the battle of Stoney River; another, Noah, was blinded as the result of smoke and fire in an artillery engagement ; the others were Wesley, Benjamin and Thomas, the last named being now a resident of Hudson, Michigan. Clyde H. Cox attended the grade and high schools of Bowling Green, after which he entered the dental department of Starling, Ohio, Medical College, in Columbus, from which 68 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY he was graduated in 1912 with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. He immediately opened an office at 701 Division street, Toledo, where he remained for nine years, and then came to his present offices, 714 Nicholas building, where he has a complete and up-to-date equipment for the general practice of dentistry. On September 3, 1913, Dr. Cox was united in marriage to Miss Grace Elizabeth Jones, the daughter of John D. and Emma (Ferris) Jones, and to them have been born three children, namely : John Emmerson, born July 16, 1914, now in high school ; Helen Elizabeth, born February 6, 1917; and Clyde Harrison, Jr., born May 12, 1920. Dr. Cox is a member of Toledo Lodge, No. 144, F. & A. M.; Toledo Consistory, A. A. S. R.; Zenobia Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S.; Triune Chapter, No. 344, 0. E. S., of which Mrs. Cox is the associate matron; the Psi Omega dental fraternity, the Heather Downs Golf and Country Club and other local civic organizations. He maintains affiliation with his professional brethren through his membership in the Lucas County Dental Society, the Ohio State Dental Society and the American Dental Association, and was president of the Toledo Dental Society in 1921-22. He and his family attend the Third Presbyterian church, and Mrs. Cox takes an active interest in the church and civic affairs of the community. The Doctor is a genial and companionable gentleman, very popular among his associates, and has honored his profession by his upright life and the quality of service which he has rendered. LEO V. HARNDEN One of the best known bankers of Toledo is Leo V. Hamden, assistant secretary of the Commercial Savings Bank & Trust Company, with which institution he has been connected for the past fourteen years. He was born in Bradner, Wood county, Ohio, on the 15th of January, 1897, and is a son of Irving P. and Mary E. (Foriter) Harnden. His paternal grandparents were Smith and Luella (Tew) Harnden, both of whom were born in this state. Smith Harnden followed farming during his active life; gave his political support to TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 69 the democratic party and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He died in Clyde, Sandusky county, this state, in which place his widow is now living. Irving P. Harnden was born at Clyde on the 24th of June, 1868, and is now living in Gibsonburg, Sandusky county, where he holds a position as mail carrier. He is a democrat in politics and has been active in local public affairs, having served as a member of the school board, as a member of the council and as mayor. His wife, who was a daughter of Christopher. Foriter, was born near Bradner, Wood county, Ohio, and spent her entire life in that locality. She was a member of the Lutheran church, and Mr. Harnden belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church. Leo V. Harnden attended the public schools, graduating from the Gibsonburg high school in 1915, after which he entered the Continental Trust & Savings Bank of Toledo as a messenger boy. Later he was advanced to the position of bookkeeper, but at the end of a year he came to the Commercial Savings Bank & Trust Company as teller. He filled that position until 1920 and in the meantime was attending the law department of Toledo University, completing his course in 1923 and being admitted to the bar in June, 1928. He is now assistant trust officer and assistant secretary of this bank and is very highly regarded by the other officers of this well known institution. On September 11, 1919, in Toledo, Mr. Harnden was united in marriage to Miss Esther R. Shertzer, who was born in Gibsonburg, Sandusky county, Ohio, July 10, 1898, and is a daughter of Frank and Alice (Snyder) Shertzer, both of whom are deceased. Mr. Shertzer was an oil operator and driller. Mr. and Mrs. Harnden are the parents of a son, Leo V., Jr., born July 15, 1922. Mrs. Harnden was graduated from the Gibsonburg high school in 1916 and then took a business course in Northwestern University, after which she entered the Gibsonburg Bank as teller and bookkeeper, which position she filled very capably until her marriage. She is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and of the Parent-Teacher Association of the Nathan Hale school. Mr. and Mrs. Herndon are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is chairman of the building fund com- 70 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY mittee and a member of the official board. He belongs to Pyramid Lodge, F. & A. M., and the Y Men's Club of Toledo. He is a lover of outdoor life, gardening and flowers being his principal hobbies. A man of energy, decision and judgment, he is contributing in a very definite way to the success of the bank with which he is identified and is generally regarded as an able and reliable banker, as well as dependable citizen. ARTHUR WILLIAM HABLITZEL Commercial activity in Oak Harbor has been stimulated by Arthur William Hablitzel, an enterprising hardware merchant, who has also performed his share of public service. He was born in Rockyridge, Ohio, in 1883, a son of Gottlieb and Amelia Hablitzel, the former a native of Switzerland and the latter of Germany. Coming to Ottawa county, Ohio, in 1854, the father cast in his lot with its early agriculturists and still lives on his farm, which comprises eighty acres of fertile land, devoted to the growing of grain. There are two sons in the family, Reuben Henry Hablitzel being the younger. Reared on the homestead, Arthur W. Hablitzel obtained his elementary instruction in rural schools of that locality, afterward attending the Oak Harbor high school. For four years he engaged in teaching in his native county, abandoning the profession at the end of that time, when he was made manager of the Rockyridge store of the Ottawa Cooperative Company. His work in that connection was productive of gratifying results, and in 1919 he made his first commercial venture, forming a corporation which took over the Cooperative store, which Mr. Hablitzel managed successfully for seven years, or until 1925. On the 1st of March, 1926, in association with his brother, he purchased the Ryder hardware business, which they have since conducted jointly, increasing its volume threefold. They carry a complete stock of shelf and heavy hardware but specialize in farmers' supplies and occupy a substantial, building two stories in height, affording approximately eight thousand square feet of floor space. R. H. Hablitzel directs the business in the store, while Ar- TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 71 thur W. Hablitzel, who acts as general manager, has charge of the farm equipment and credits. They have two salesmen on the road, drawing their trade from a radius of thirty miles. The firm is a member of the Retail Hardware Association of Ohio and closely adheres to the high trade standards of that organization. In 1911 A. W. Hablitzel was married in Toledo, Ohio, to Miss Susan Schrader, by whom lie has four children : Corwin, Carrol, Margaret and Derril, aged respectively seventeen, sixteen, twelve and nine years. Mr. Hablitzel is a thirty-second degree Mason, a member of the Business Men's Association and the Exchange Club. Both he and his wife adhere to the German Lutheran faith, and Mrs. Hablitzel was president of the Sewing Circle of the church for ten years. She is active in the affairs of the local chapter of the Eastern Star, also participating in Red Cross work. Mr. Hablitzel gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and has been secretary of the board of education of Rockyridge for twelve years, exerting every effort to advance the standards of its schools. He is doing equally important and effective work as clerk of the village, ever placing the general welfare before personal aggrandizement, and has all of the qualities of the useful and desirable citizen. M. BLISS BOWMAN Liberally educated, M. Bliss Bowman has made good use of his advantages and opportunities and is now a member of one of the large investment firms of Toledo. He was born in Bettsville, Seneca county, Ohio, April 3, 1893, a son of A. L. and Margaret Alice (Merchant) Bowman, and represents one of the old and prominent families of the state. His early instruction was obtained in the country schools of Ottawa county, and his high school studies were pursued in Oak Harbor, Ohio. He took a literary course in the Western Reserve University and in 1915 won the A. B. degree from the University of Michigan, which awarded him the degree of LL. B. in 1918. Although he has never practiced, Mr. Bowman has found his legal knowledge of much value in business. 72 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY During the World war he enlisted in the United States army and served for nine months in the field artillery. After receiving his honorable discharge he became an employe of W. L. Slayton & Company, investment bankers of Toledo, and two years later embarked in the same line of business as a member of the firm of Ryan, Bowman & Company. This association was continued for three years, and in 1924 he formed a partnership with B. K. Blanchet and G. C. Wood. They have since engaged in business under the style of Blanchet, Bowman & Wood, dealers in municipal bonds, and occupy a suite of offices on the third floor of the Second National Bank building. The firm maintains a high standard of service and theirs is regarded as one of the leading investment houses of the city. Mr. Bowman was married February 7, 1923, in Toledo to Miss Helen Louise McIntosh, a daughter of R. J. McIntosh and a graduate of the University of Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Bowman have become the parents of a son, Merchant Bliss, Jr., born in Toledo the 20th of March, 1924. Mr. Bowman is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Masonic order, the Toledo Bar Association and the Toledo and University Clubs. In politics he is a republican and his religious views are indicated by his affiliation with the Collingwood Presbyterian church. He is thoroughly informed on the subject of municipal bonds and has the enterprise, forcefulness and sound judgment of the successful business man, while his personal qualities are such as inspire esteem and friendship. His residence is at 1607 Watova road, Toledo. LEO HARMON CHAPMAN Leo H. Chapman, extensive manufacturer of awnings, upholstery, automobile and boat covers and other similar goods, is the leader in his special lines in this section of the country and is numbered among Toledo's foremost business men. He was born in Adrian, Michigan, on the 22d of July, 1882, a son of Albert and Herma (Munger) Chapman. In the family were five children, namely : Pearl J., who died at TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 75 the age of twenty-one years; Edith, who resides in Glendale, California; Theta, who is the wife of C. E. Yearn, of San Diego, California, an engineer with the American Telegraph & Telephone Company; Ruth, of Glendale, California; and Leo Harmon, of this review. Leo H. Chapman received his education in the public and high schools of Adrian, Michigan, after which for some time he was engaged in the barber business. He spent six years with the Pullman Car Company, of Chicago, as an inspector, and then, in 1914, he came to Toledo and became associated with the M. I. Wilcox Company. During the ensuing eleven years he was employed in every department of the business and during the last seven years of that period he was in charge of the automobile top and specialty work of the firm. In 1925 Mr. Chapman purchased the business of the M. I. Wilcox Company located at 445 Tenth street, and at once entered upon an expansion of the business and an improvement in the mechanical equipment of the shop, in addition to which modern offices were established in front, making of it one of the most complete and best arranged plants in Toledo. Mr. Chapman now manufactures canvas. goods, automobile covers, awnings, truck covers, boat upholstering and trimming, and special designs and patterns for the finest of private yachts, large and small. He is also the distributor for the Hampden line, nationally known; made in Springfield, Massachusetts, and he does special automobile and body work. His plant occupies the main floor and basement, comprising six thousand square feet of floor space, and he gives employment to fifteen persons, each of whom is an expert in his special line of work. In May, 1914, Mr. Chapman was united in marriage to Miss Dorris D. De France, a native of Pemberville, Ohio, and a daughter of George and Lucy De France. Her paternal grandfather was a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war, being a member of an Ohio regiment. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman are the parents of a daughter, Jean Dare, born on November 19, 1921. Mr. Chapman is a member of Toledo Lodge, No. 144, F. & A. M.; Toledo Consistory, A. A. S. R.; Zenobia Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. ; Toledo Lodge, No. 402, I. O. O. F., and sev- 76 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY eral civic and social organizations, and Mrs. Chapman is a member of the local chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. Mr. Chapman has attained a worthy success in business affairs, for he has shown a high type of ability in its management and has been fair and square in all of his dealings. His residence is at No. 27 Edgewater Park, Point Place. FREDERICK A. KOTTS, D. D. S. One of the oldest dentists, in point of years of practice, in Toledo is Dr. Frederick A. Kotts, who has been engaged in professional work for forty-two years and has been in this city for thirty-three years. He was born in Bridgewater, Michigan, on the 18th of June, 1862, a son of Frederick and Gottlieba (Graf) Kotts, who were the parents of eight children, two dying in infancy. Mary, who died in 1928, was the wife of James Taylor, of Clinton, Michigan ; Henry died at Galesburg, Illinois, at the age of fifty-two years; Barbara, of Nashville, Michigan, is the widow of Philip Franck; Augustus, of Clinton, Michigan, married Miss Ida Hooten and they have eight children ; Emma is the wife of John D. Reece, of Chicago, Illinois; and Frederick A., of this review, completes the family. Frederick A. Kotts attended the grade schools of Bridgewater and the high school at Manchester, Michigan, and in 1884 entered the dental school of the University of Michigan, from which he received the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery, June 30, 1887. He engaged in the practice of his profession at Manchester, Michigan, for nine years, and then came to Toledo, where he has practiced continuously to the present time, meeting with good success. His first office here was in the Spitzer building, of which he was one of the first tenants, and he remained there eleven years. He then became one of the first tenants in the Ohio building, where he has remained to the present time, now occupying suite 945. He keeps in close touch with the latest advances in dentistry, is painstaking in all of his work and has always enjoyed a large practice. He was president of the Buckeye Dental Supply Company, which was sold to Ran-some & Randolph in 1923. TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 77 On November 26, 1890, Dr. Kotts was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Adell Perkins, of Manchester, Michigan, a daughter of S. H. and Betsy Perkins, the former of whom was for many years a merchant and justice of the peace. Dr. and Mrs. Kotts are the parents of a son, Donald Perkins Kotts, who was born in Toledo, July 23, 1898, and is connected with the Detroit Free Press. He married Miss Dana Pettibone, of Detroit, whose father is general manager of the Detroit Free Press Company. They have two children, Marjorie and Nancy. Dr. and Mrs. Kotts are members of the First Congregational church, in the societies of which Mrs. Kotts takes an active interest. The Doctor belongs to the Lucas County Dental Society, the Ohio State Dental Society and the American Dental Association. Miss Bertha C. Younghans, of Manchester, Michigan, became identified with Dr. Kotts as private secretary in 1893, and has been with him continuously since. She is a daughter of Charles and Suzanne Younghans, both of whom are deceased. Dr. Kotts has long commanded recognition as a capable and reliable dentist, has received his full share of the local business in his line, and his sterling qualities and kindly manner have earned for him an enviable place in the estimation of those who know him. He is a member of the Masonic order, in which he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. ANTHONY A. VANDENBROEK One of the former residents of Napoleon, Ohio, whose entire life was spent in this locality and whose activities were of a character that not only gained for him marked individual success but contributed also to the general prosperity of his community, was the late Anthony A. Vandenbroek, who for nearly twenty years was engaged in the clothing business in this city and was regarded as one of Henry county's progressive and worthy citizens. Mr. Vandenbroek was born in Napoleon on the 14th of April, 1876, and died in this city on the 7th of July, 1928. He was a son of Anthony J. and Mary (Angenstein) Van- 78 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY denbroek, the former of whom was of Holland Dutch ancestry and the latter of German descent. He received his educational training in the public schools of Napoleon, after which he entered his father's clothing store, where he learned every detail of the business. On the death of his father, which occurred June 13, 1909, he took over the business, and thereafter successfully conducted it up to the time of his death. He was a man of clear-headed judgment in practical matters, devoted his attention closely to his business affairs, in which he was capable and efficient, and he met with a very satisfactory measure of success. On October 15, 1903, in Napoleon, Mr. Vandenbroek was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Yount, who was born and reared in this city and is a daughter of William Harrison and Mary (Reidenbaugh) Yount. Her father was born in Union, Ohio, January 14, 1846, and January 24, 1862, when sixteen years of age, he enlisted as a drummer boy in Company I, Sixty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which command he served over two years, being discharged January 31, 1864, and during that period was wounded in battle. He then reenlisted as a, veteran and was assigned to Company A, Eighty-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war, being honorably discharged July 24, 1865, after three and a half years of loyal service. His wife was born in Ohio and was of German descent. Mrs. Vandenbroek is a member of the Sorosis Literary Club and has long been active in the civic, social and religious affairs of her community. To Mr. and Mrs. Vandenbroek were born three children, namely : Geraldine, who is a teacher; Robert E., who is at home; and Mary, who is a student in St. Mary's College, Notre Dame, Indiana. Mr. Vandenbroek always took a keen interest in everything concerning the welfare and progress of Napoleon and rendered able and appreciated service as a member of the school board. He was a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus, the Loyal Order of Moose, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Veterans of the Spanish war, having served in the Spanish-American war. He was an earnest member of St. Augustine's Roman Catholic church of Napoleon, to which the fam- TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 79 ily belong. He prospered in business and was a director of the Commercial State Bank of Napoleon, being also financially identified with other business interests of this locality. He was a man of high civic ideals, stood consistently for all that was best in the life of the community and was always regarded as one of its solid and substantial citizens, dependable in every relation of life, and to a marked degree he commanded the respect and confidence of the people among whom he had spent his life. STANLEY F. NOWAK Stanley F. Nowak, because of his business ability and outstanding success, has achieved a high reputation in real estate circles of Toledo, where he has been engaged in independent business for thirteen years. He was born in Poland on the 8th of November, 1878, and is a son of Frank F. and Mary (Hyrzy) Nowak, also natives of Poland, born respectively October 6, 1844, and December 1, 1848. When Stanley F. was but a child, the family came to the United States and settled in Minersville, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, where the mother's death occurred in March, 1895. In 1898 the family came to Toledo, where the father followed gardening up to the time of his death, which occurred in April, 1912. He was a republican in politics and in his religious faith was a Roman Catholic. Stanley F. Nowak received his early education in the public schools of Minersville, Pennsylvania, and he has always been a reader and student, possessing a wide range of general information. After leaving school, he worked in the coal mines at Minersville for three years, after which he was in a meat market for one year. On coming to Toledo in 1898, he joined the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, first as an agent, subsequently was promoted to assistant manager and still later to supervisor of foreign agents. After having given the Metropolitan seventeen years of faithful and efficient service, Mr. Nowak resigned in 1916 and engaged in the real estate business in Toledo, which he has carried on to the present time. In addition to this business, in 1925 he 80 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY served as manager of a branch bank of the Security Savings Bank & Trust Company of Toledo, holding the position about six months. He has handled a vast amount of business and residence property in this city, has been fair and honorable in all of his dealings and has retained the respect of all who have dealt with him. On September 25, 1925, in Toledo, Mr. Nowak was united in marriage to Miss Pelagia Frankowski, who was born in this city, November 29, 1882, and is a daughter of Jacob and Anna (Bartecki) Frankowski, both of whom are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Nowak are the parents of four children, as follows: Beatrice, born November 8, 1906, was educated in the public schools of Toledo, and is the wife of Edward Prala, an upholsterer, of Toledo; Hyacinth M., born February 15, 1909, was graduated from the Central high school of Toledo, and as a trained nurse from Mercy Hospital in 1929; Leon and Leona, twins, born June 8, 1915, were graduated from the eighth grade of the Nativity School in June, 1929. In his political views Mr. Nowak is a strong republican and has been actively interested in public affairs. He served as commissioner of the treasury for the city of Toledo from December 20, 1926, until December 31, 1927, and as deputy clerk of the board of elections in 1922-23. He and his wife are devoted members of the Nativity Roman Catholic church, in the activities of which they are greatly interested. Mr. Nowak belongs to the Junction Civic Club, of which he is an ex-treasurer, and the Young. Men's Christian Association. He has been distinctly public spirited and in 1920 was a candidate for the state legislature, but was defeated by a small majority. He is deservedly popular in his community, for he' has proven a worthy citizen and good neighbor. STS. PETER AND PAUL PARISH Practical steps for a new congregation were taken in January, 1861, when Mathias Mueller donated an acre of land on the corner of Locust and Fourth streets in Ottawa as a site for the intended church. That was the year when the Civil war broke out. Men and means were needed to quell TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 81 the rebellion. Homes and farms suffered on account of the men at war. The price of labor and material rose by leaps and bounds. No wonder then that the building of the intended new church was deferred from year to year. Three years after the sadness and gloom and dismay of the deplor-. able Civil war was gradually vanishing from the country, Bishop A. Rappe of Cleveland acceded to the wishes of the Catholics living in Ottawa. Ottawa had gained in prominence. The courthouse in Kalida had been destroyed by fire in 1866. By a majority vote of four hundred and fifty-five persons Ottawa was selected and made the county seat of Putnam. It was prominent and large enough to have a congregation of Catholics, congregationally independent of neighboring villages. Rev. A. Reichert, C. PP. S., pastor of Glandorf, assisted the people in Ottawa. On June 14, 1868, the cornerstone for the new Catholic church in Ottawa was laid. It took four years to finish the church. The new building was dedicated to the service of God by Bishop Gilmour, August 15, 1872, and was solemnly placed under the patronage of the Apostles, Sts. Peter and Paul. Therefore the feast of Assumption of 1872 is the birthday of Sts. Peter and Paul parish of Ottawa, Ohio. It was a brick building fifty by one hundred and seventeen feet, costing approximately eighteen thousand dollars without altars, pews and other fixtures. There were only a few dozen Catholics within the confines of this new parish. Among the subscribers of funds in 1868 for the purpose of erecting a church we find the following parishioners : Bernard Leopold, Joseph Gerding, Denis O'Boyle, John Konst, Henry Buscher, Frank Miller, Jacob Sigrist, Nicholas Bechtal, John Beck, George Kober, Bernard Hermiller, Joseph Hermiller and Henry Berning. Each of these men gave one hundred dollars. Rev. Frederick Schalk, C. PP. S., was the first pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul church in Ottawa, Ohio. During his administration a two-acre tract of land was procured west of the Blanchard river for a cemetery, to which two more acres were added in the year 1878. He was pastor from February, 1873, to February, 1876. His successor, Rev. Clement Roessner, C. PP. S., built the first parochial school in Ottawa. 6-VOL. 4 82 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY Bruce McGreevy had charge of the school until the year 1880, when the Sisters of the Precious Blood, C. PP. S., replaced him. The Sisters of the Precious Blood have been teaching here ever since. The present pipe organ, known for its beauty of tone, was procured in the year 1878 at a cost of eighteen hundred dollars, under the pastorate of Rev. Rudolph Abbrederis. Rev. Benedict Boebner, C. PP. S., 1883-1891, replaced the old schoolhouse by a brick building which now serves as a Sisters' home. The building cost at that time forty-five hundred dollars. Rev. Anthony Dick, C. PP. S., 1891-1897, was convinced of the fact that a parsonage ought to be built near the church and the pastor should reside there. He carried out his plans successfully. The priesthouse was built in 1893 at the cost of four thousand, one hundred and eighty-seven dollars and forty cents without heating and furnishings. Several improvements were made during his administration. Among them were the repairs of the roof, a heating plant, church decoration and stained glass windows. His energetic successor, Rev. Bernard Russ, C. PP. S., 1897-1900, fell a victim to consumption and died in Banning, California. After his death Rev. Martin Dentinger, C. PP. S., acted as administrator for about a year. He restricted his activity mainly to the spiritual welfare of the parish. Rev. Andrew Gietl, C. PP. S., 1901-1903, influenced the parish to defray all the expenses for the education of the children in the parochial school and to do away with the monthly tuition of fifty cents. From that time on there has been no tuition charge in the primary grades of Sts. Peter and Paul school. Rev. Francis Nigsch, C. PP. S., 1903-1922. During his time of unfailing activity the parish increased in number, the church was enlarged, stuccoed and beautifully decorated, a new school, modern in every way, was built, several missions held and a spirit of good fellowship was fostered. In September, 1922, he was succeeded by Rev. Vigilius H. Krull, C. PP. S. During his pastorate the old abandoned Fort Wayne-Findlay railway has been changed into a brick paved street; the grounds around church and school building TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 83 have been elevated and improved; the brick school building has been remodeled, painted and changed into an up-to-date Sisters' residence; the priesthouse has been remodeled from top to bottom; an addition and beautiful porch have been added to the priesthouse; the debt of the parish has been reduced annually by about four thousand dollars; the church has been cleaned and partly refrescoed and a parochial high school started. Father Krull acts as pastor of the parish and as superintendent and as one of the teachers of Sts. Peter and Paul high school. He is especially fond of educational work and spends a great deal of his time in teaching and in supervising classes. Sts. Peter and Paul high school is chartered by the state of Ohio as a first grade high school. Both the pastor and assistant are teaching in the high school. Since 1923 Sts. Peter and Paul parish has had a pastor and an assistant. By this time the parish which started so humbly has outgrown the neighboring parishes and claims three hundred and twenty families. It has three hundred and twenty school children. The parish is growing. CHESTER JOHN FIGMAKA. Although a native of a foreign land, Chester John Figmaka has lived in Toledo from infancy and is one of its most local and public-spirited citizens. He is serving as naturalization clerk for Lucas county and has clearly demonstrated that he is the right man for the office. He was born in Inowroclaw, Poland, July 10, 1890, and was but a few months old when his parents, John and Mary (Mielczarek) Figmaka, came to the United States. They settled in Toledo in May, 1890, and in 1896 the father became an American citizen, receiving his naturalization papers from the judge of the probate court of Lucas county. He remained in Toledo until his demise in August, 1928. The mother passed away in August, 1922. They had a family of nine children, five sons and four daughters. Chester J. Figmaka was the third son and the fourth child in order of birth. He was a pupil in St. Anthony's parochial school and the public schools of Toledo, later attending the 84 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY Tri-State Business College, from which he was graduated in 1906. After completing his education he became an employe of the firm of Cohn, Frielander & Martin, cloak manufacturers, and remained with them until April 4, 1918, when he entered the service of his country, joining the One Hundred and Thirty-second Depot Brigade. He was sent to Camp Sherman near Chillicothe, Ohio, and in July, 1918, was honorably discharged owing to physical disability. Returning to Toledo, he resumed his work with Cohn, Frielander & Martin and continued with the firm until 1920, when he was made executive secretary of the Lucas county council of the American Legion, now comprising twenty-two posts in this county. He tendered his resignation August 1, 1921, at which time he was chosen naturalization clerk by W. T. Huntsman, who was then serving as county clerk and is now postmaster of Toledo. Mr. Figmaka was reappointed by George E. Hardy, the present clerk of the courts, and has served continuously for nearly eight years. During this period he has seen hundreds of foreign born persons pass before him. He has followed with personal interest their steps in attaining the rights of citizenship and has gloried in their later success. But his interest has not stopped there. Long after he loses official touch with them, he watches the new citizens as they take their place with the other citizens and is gratified to see them prove worthy of the rights and privileges which have been accorded them. A keen analyst of character, Mr. Figmaka has noted that the new citizen feels a deeper sense of responsibility once he is accorded the full privileges of the land, and he has observed that Toledo's foreign born residents who have become citizens of the United States are paying dividends in prosperity to their community. On the 14th of September, 1920, Mr. Figmaka was married in Toledo to Miss Marie Peszel, a native of Poland and a daughter of Frank, and Mary Peszel. Her father is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Figmaka reside at No. 1431 Belmont avenue and have two daughters : Virginia Marie, who was born June 21, 1921, in Toledo; and Phyllis Jean, born March 31, 1926. The parents are devout members of St. Anthony's Catholic church, and Mr. Figmaka casts his ballot for the candidates of the republican party. He carries his natural- TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 85 ization interests into his social life, being the Americanization officer for Tony Wroblewski Post of the American Legion, and his wife is the local secretary of the woman's auxiliary of the order. He is also connected with the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and his favorite sports are football and baseball. Earnest, conscientious and efficient, Mr. Figmaka devotes his best efforts to the work in which he is engaged and has made a fine record as a public official. He is a young man of exceptional worth and has won the respect, esteem and friendship of all who know him. FRED W. FOREMAN. Fred W. Foreman, officially connected with the Toledo Rex Spray Company, is a business man of outstanding ability and has well merited the success which is now his. He was born at Oak Harbor, Ottawa county, Ohio, on the 24th of January, 1890, and is a son of John and Caroline (Feitz) Foreman, natives of Germany. They came to this country in 1870, and the father was for many years engaged in the lumber business but is now retired, and he and his wife still live in Oak Harbor. They are earnest members of the Lutheran church. Fred W. Foreman attended the public schools and was graduated from the Oak Harbor high school in 1907. He then entered the First National Bank of Oak Harbor, with which institution he remained for seven years, and during that period he rose to the position of assistant cashier. In 1914 he came to Toledo and joined the Toledo Rex Spray Company as bookkeeper, his advancement being steady until now he is secretary and treasurer of the company. He is also secretary and treasurer of the Rex Research Corporation, also located in Toledo, and is a director of both organizations, as well as of the Canada Rex Spray Company, located at Brighton, Ontario, Canada. On November 10, 1920, in Toledo, Mr. Foreman was united in marriage to Miss Grace McDonough, who was born in Toledo, April 12, 1896, and is a daughter of P. J. and Catherine (Rabbit) McDonough, the former of whom is deceased, 86 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY while the latter resides in Toledo. Mrs. Foreman is a graduate of the old Central high school of Toledo, and prior to her marriage was in charge of the accounting department of the Willys-Overland Company. She is member of the Roman Catholic church. Mr. and Mrs. Foreman are the parents of a son, Robert W., born December 27, 1921. The republican party receives Mr. Foreman's support, while he is a Lutheran in his religious faith. He is a member of Toledo Lodge, No. 53, B. P. O. E. ; the Heather Downs Country Club, the Knights of the Round Table and the Toledo Chamber of Commerce. During the World war he took an active part in the promotion of the various Liberty Loan and Red Cross drives. He is chairman of the Insecticide committee of the Insecticide and Disinfectant Manufacturers Association and a member of the board of governors of the Agricultural Insecticide and Fungicide Association, both of which are national organizations. A man of keen business instincts, great energy and sterling integrity, he has made a splendid record in practical affairs and to a marked degree commands the respect of all who have had dealings with him. He resides at 4246 North Haven avenue, Toledo. A. PAUL HANCUFF, M. D. Dr. A. Paul Hancuff secured his college education through his own efforts and has become within a few years one of the prominent physicians of Toledo. He was born in Gallitzin, Pennsylvania, February 1, 1893, a son of Alfred J. and Amanda Jane (Spiers) Hancuff, natives of Huntington county, that state, and is of English lineage in the paternal line, while his maternal ancestors were of the Celtic race. The father, who was born March 28, 1856, attended the public schools of Huntington county and afterward became a railroad employe, thus continuing until his retirement from business life. The mother was born in 1866 and died in 1919 at the age of fifty-three years. They were the parents of seven children, four sons and three daughters. Dr. A. Paul Hancuff, the youngest member of the family, completed his high school course at Columbus, Ohio, in 1912, TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 89 later attending the Ohio State University, which conferred upon him the degree of M. D. in 1917. For eighteen months he was an interne in the Youngstown Hospital and then enlisted in the medical corps of the United States army, with the commission of first lieutenant. He was stationed at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, where he was honorably discharged January 20, 1919. Locating in Toledo, Dr. Hancuff served as an interne of St. Vincent's Hospital for eighteen months and then began his career as a physician. He is a member of the staff of St. Vincent's Hospital. His office is situated on the fourth floor of the Colton building, while his residence is at 2215 Collingwood avenue. He is a member of the Toledo and Lucas County Academy of Medicine, the Ohio State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. In Masonry he has attained the thirty-second degree and is also identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the University Club. He gives his political support to the republican party and shapes his conduct by the teachings of the Collingwood Avenue Presbyterian church. Dr. Hancuff is unmarried and lives at the University Club. LLOYD D. FOUST. Lloyd D. Foust, member of the well known furniture firm of Foust & Christman, is one of Bryan's leading business men and has met with splendid success. He was born in Defiance, Ohio, in 1888 and is a son of George and Jeannette Foust, both of whom are deceased. He was educated in the public schools, Defiance county, and then went to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he was employed at clerical work until 1915, when he came to Bryan and entered into a partnership with F. L. Foust. They bought out the home furnishing and undertaking concern of Wilhelm & Sons and have since carried on the dual business. They are well located on Main street, where they have a full line of furnishings. Their store is modern and up-to-date in equipment and arrangement, and they are commanding their full share of the local patronage in their lines. 90 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY In 1915 Mr. Foust was united in marriage to Miss Helen Hall, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and they are the parents of a son, Robert, born in August, 1916. Mr. Foust is a republican in politics, while, fraternally, he is a member of Bryan Lodge, No. 215, F. & A. M. Fort Wayne Consistory, A. A. S. R., and Lodge No. 1370, B. P. 0. Z. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which Mrs. Foust takes a very active interest. Mr. Foust is closely devoted to his business, in which he has prospered, and he stands high in business circles of Bryan. ARNOLD R. NOWAK Arnold R. Nowak is one of the younger members of Toledo's legal fraternity and has chosen a profession well suited to his talents. He was born October 24, 1898, in this city and is a son of Stephen P. and Mary Magdalene (Boyarski) Nowak, the former a native of Posen, Poland. The father came to the United States in 1877, when a youth of sixteen. Subsequently he embarked in business in Toledo, opening a store at the corner of La Grange and Frederick streets, and established his position among the leading merchants of that section of the city. In 1914 he sold the business and for two years thereafter was the proprietor of a hotel at Marion, Ohio. At the end of that time he returned to Toledo and has since operated successfully in real estate. In 1886 he was married to Miss Mary M. Boyarski, a native of Utica, New York, and they became the parents of seven children, of whom Mary Florence, the fifth in order of birth, became a nun in the Ursuline convent and is now deceased. The others are Edward J., Francis H., Alphonse A., Clement B., Arnold R. and Raymond S. Edward, Alphonse, Clement and Arnold were in the service of their country during the World war and all but the last named were sent overseas. Francis H. is in the priesthood and located at Superior, Wisconsin. The early education of Arnold R. Nowak was acquired in one of the parochial schools of Toledo and he was next a student in St. John's College of this city. Later he attended the University of Toledo and in 1924 was graduated from TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 91 the Law School of Cincinnati with the degree of LL. B. In June, 1924, he was admitted to the bar and has since engaged in general practice in Toledo. He knows the value of thorough preparation and in the presentation of a case is always well fortified by a comprehensive understanding of the legal principles applicable thereto. Mr. Nowak maintains an office in the Spitzer building and is accorded a liberal clientele. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, and in religious faith he is a Roman Catholic. He is a member of the Toledo, Lucas County and Ohio Bar Associations. Along fraternal lines he is identified with the Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Loyal Order of Moose and the Eagles. Mr. Nowak loyally supports all projects for Toledo's upbuilding and progress, and his personal qualities are such as command respect and inspire esteem and friendship. A. C. VAN DRIESEN A. C. Van Driesen, treasurer of The Toledo-Edison Company, was born in this city on the 11th of July, 1877, a son of Nelson and Jennie (Talbot) Van Driesen, the former a native of New York state, while the latter was born near Sylvania, Ohio. A. C. Van Driesen received a common school education and became an office boy for the firm of Swayne & Hayes at the age of thirteen. From 1893 until 1907 he was in the employ of the H. S. Walbridge Company and in 1908 entered the service of the Toledo Railways & Light Company. In 1916 he became assistant treasurer of The Toledo-Edison Company and since 1920 has been its treasurer. Mr. Van Driesen is a director of this corporation, also of the Toledo-Edison Company of Michigan, the Lake Shore Power Company of Ohio, the Toledo & Indiana Railroad Company and other subsidiary concerns, while he likewise serves on the directorate of the American Bank of Toledo. On Christmas day of 1902 Mr. Van Driesen married Miss Carrie Armstrong, a daughter of Clarence Armstrong of Toledo, and they have one son, Carlton. Mr. Van Driesen is a 92 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY thirty-second degree Mason and Shriner and is also connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Chamber of Commerce, the Exchange Club and the Toledo Yacht Club. In politics he is a republican, and his religious belief is indicated by his affiliation with the First Congregational church. Mr. Van Driesen is recognized as a capable business man and progressive citizen and is accorded the esteem of an extensive circle of friends. ERNST H. MEYER Alert and energetic, Ernst H. Meyer is proving a capable official as the cashier of the First National Bank of Elmore, in which city he has spent his life. He was born in 1888, a son of John H. and Matilda (Otto) Meyer, who were also natives of this state, the father born in Woodville and the mother in Elmore. The family is of German lineage and was founded in America by the grandfather, Ernst H. Meyer, who for some time conducted a wagon shop in Woodville and who was also one of the original stockholders of the Pennsylvania Railroad. In 1871 he removed from Woodville to Ottawa county, where he became the owner of a farm of eighty-seven and a half acres which is still in possession of the family. John H. Meyer, who devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits, died in 1919, and the mother now makes her home in Elmore. In their family were the following named : Otto; Mrs. Edith Heineman, of Elmore; and Marion, the wife of the Rev. Kuhlman, of Milbury, Ohio. The fourth member of the family, Ernst H. Meyer, pursued a public school education, passing through consecutive grades to the high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1906. He then took up the profession of teaching, which he followed in a rural school for four months, resigning his position to become bookkeeper for the First National Bank of Elmore. Since that time he has worked his way upward through the various departments, gaining a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the business, and in 1918 he was appointed cashier, which position he still fills. This bank was organized in 1903 and its present officers are : TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 93 A. R. Dolph, president; C. E. Jaeger, vice president; and E. H. Meyer, cashier, and these, together with H. E. Burman, George P. Fulkert, C. A. Freese and George L. Herman, constitute the board of directors. Mr. Freese is also the vice president of the Ohio Savings Bank & Trust Company of Toledo and is a son of Louis Freese, who became the first president of the First National Bank of Elmore on its organization in 1903. The senior director is A. R. Dolph and Ralph Slates fills the office of teller, while Kathryn Burman Schroder is bookkeeper. The bank has a capital of $25,000, a surplus of equal amount and undivided profits of $35,000. Mr. Meyer, who is widely recognized as a representative and progressive business man, is not only ably discharging his duties as cashier of the bank but is also vice president of the Multiplex Concrete Machinery Company of Elmore and was the secretary and treasurer of the building and finance committee of the Masonic Temple which was erected in Elmore in 1926. In 1914 Mr. Meyer married Miss Bessie Williams, a daughter of Captain George B. Williams, who won his title by services in the Civil war and who afterward wore the little bronze button that proclaimed him a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He also filled the office of mayor of Elyria, Ohio, and was as loyal to his country in times of peace as in days of war. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer have become the parents of a son, Robert William, who was born in Elmore in 1916 and is attending the public schools. Mrs. Meyer is an active and helpful member of the Methodist Episcopal church; belongs to the Literary Club and is a recognized leader in social affairs of the community. Mr. Meyer has always taken an active and prominent part in those movements and projects which have to do with civic progress and the general good. He has been a member of the school board, of which he served as clerk, and has also been township clerk, to which offices he was elected on the democratic ticket. He holds membership in St. John's Evangelical church and in Masonry has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and become a member of the Mystic Shrine. He likewise belongs to the Exchange Club and is widely regarded as one of the representative and hon- 94 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY ored residents of his community, his broad vision and public spirit making him a leader of thought and action and one whose leadership is always of a constructive nature. JOSEPH M. RUTHERFORD, D. D. S. For forty years Dr. Joseph M. Rutherford has been engaged in the practice of dentistry in Toledo, during which eventful period he has commanded a large practice and has held a place in the forefront of his profession. He was born in Toledo on the 23d of November, 1861, and is a son of Abram F. and Sarah (Moss) Rutherford. His father was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 11, 1831, and in 1859 became a resident of Toledo, where he continued to live up to the time of his death, which occurred December 15, 1914, while on a visit to Florida. At one time he was in the hotel business in Toledo as manager of the Madison Hotel for Mr. Scott, and he had charge of the Middle Bass Club for thirty years. He was a democrat in politics and was a member of Trinity Protestant Episcopal church. His wife was born in Philadelphia, and died in Toledo in January, 1889. Joseph M. Rutherford received his early education in the public schools of Toledo, later attending Oberlin College. He was graduated from the Cincinnati Dental College with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1887 and entered upon the practice of his profession at Carthage, Missouri, where he remained two years. He then returned to Toledo, where he has maintained a dental office continuously to the present time. A fine technician, he is careful and thorough in all of his work, and many of the families who first patronized him when he came to this city are still his patrons. On February 14, 1905, in Toledo, Dr. Rutherford was united in marriage to Miss Rachael E. Bartlett, a native of this city and a daughter of the late Robert and Ella V. (Woodcock) Bartlett. Her father, who was a native of England and was a brickmason by trade, died in Toledo. Her mother, who was born and reared in Defiance, Ohio, now lives in Toledo. Mrs. Rutherford received her education in the Toledo public schools and is a member of the Methodist TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 95 Episcopal church. Dr. and Mrs. Rutherford are the parents of a daughter, Ella Virginia, who is a graduate of the Scott high school, Toledo, and the Bowling Green Normal School, and is now a teacher in the Howard public school in this city. Another daughter, Frances Bartlett, died at the age of sixteen years. Dr. Rutherford is nominally a democrat in politics but is an independent voter. He has been actively interested in local affairs and was at one time a member of the Toledo board of education. He enjoys hunting as a diversion, being the owner of a fine hunting dog. He possesses a fine personality, is cordial and sincere in his social relations and is held in high esteem by all who know him. CHARLES R. CURTIN Charles R. Curtin is numbered among Toledo's younger and successful business men, and as a representative of the Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Company has showed marked ability. He was born in Bowling Green, Ohio, on the 20th of January, 1900, and is a son of Peter T. and Mae E. (Gillespie) Curtin, both of whom are natives of New York state. From young manhood the father followed the oil business, operating in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Kansas, Oklahoma and Canada. In 1915 he turned his attention to the automobile tire business in Toledo as a member of the firm of Gillespie-Curtin-Collins, Inc. Charles R. Curtin, who is the only child born to his parents, received his elementary education in the parochial schools of Toledo, graduating from the Cathedral high school in 1918. He attended. Campion College, at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, for a short time and on his return to Toledo entered St. John's College. He also did summer work at the University of Illinois, at Champaign, where he specialized in athletics. He then became athletic director of the Central Catholic high school and director of physical education in the Catholic schools of the Toledo diocese, which position he held for five years. In 1925 Mr. Curtin went to Florida and for about a year was engaged in the real estate business. On his 96 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY return to Toledo he became office manager for the Catholic High School Fund, and later was with the Toledo Edison Company for a short time. He then became connected with the Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Company, and has since been devoting his time and attention to that line of business, in which he has met with very satisfactory results. On August 25, 1923, Mr. Curtin was married to Miss Rose Mary Bechtel, a daughter of Alonzo H. and Bertha (Snyder) Bechtel, and they are the parents of two children : Charles Robert, Jr., born December 14, 1925; and Thomas James, born May 17, 1927. Mr. Bechtel was for twenty-five years a traveling salesman; then spent two years in Florida, where he was connected with the real estate business, and has followed the same line of effort since returning to Toledo. To him and his wife were born eight children, all of whom reside in Toledo. Mr. Curtin is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Vernon McCune Post of the American Legion and the Sigma Nu Sigma college fraternity. He and his family are members of the Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic church. Mr. Curtin had supervision of the commercial exhibits for the National Catholic Educational Association in Toledo, June 25-27, 1929, the exhibit being at the Central Catholic high school. He is deservedly popular in the circles in which he moves, for there are combined in him not only the essential qualities of good citizenship but also the attributes which make for friendships. JOSEPH A. WILLIAMS Joseph A. Williams, president and cashier of the Nevada Deposit Bank, at Nevada, Wyandot county, has long been one of the prominent and influential men of his locality and has been very successful in his business affairs. He was born in Morrow county, Ohio, in 1863, and is a son of Christie and Amy Ann (Bachman) Williams, the former of whom was for many years engaged in mercantile business in Blooming Grove, Morrow county, and Nevada. Both parents are deceased, the father dying in 1898 and the mother in 1914. TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 97 Joseph A. Williams was given the advantage of a good education and in 1881, at the age of eighteen years, came to Nevada. In the following year he entered the Nevada Deposit Bank, with which institution he has been identified continuously since, a period of forty-seven years. This bank was established in 1873 as a private bank by W. L. Blair and O. C. Ewart, of Nevada, and was so continued until 1888, when it was taken over by the firm of Blair, Ewart & Williams, Joseph A. Williams having been with the institution for several years. On January 1, 1917, it was incorporated as the Nevada Deposit Bank, and in 1923 it took over the Farmers & Merchants Bank. The first president of the bank was W. L. Blair, who held that position until his death in January, 1922, when he was succeeded by Mr. Williams. The original cashier was 0. C. Ewart, who served as such from 1888 until 1922. Mr. Williams now holds the dual position of president and cashier, H. L. Kuenzli is vice president and R. E. Swartz, who is also a stockholder, is assistant cashier. The bank has a capital of $50,000, a surplus of $11,500, and deposits of $325,000. Mr. Williams is the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, practically all of which is devoted to grain. In January, 1885, Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Miss Nina Lee Agnew, and they are the parents of three children, namely: Grace Louise, who is the wife of H. B. Woolard, of Detroit, Michigan; Jeannett Agnew, the wife of R. C. Blair, of Bucyrus, Ohio ; and Miles Stanley, who was born in 1900 and is engaged in the theater business in Nevada. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are members of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, of Bucyrus, in which Mrs. Williams is a practitioner, and is a member of the Pythian Sisters and Eastern Star and an associate member of the Bucyrus Country Club. Mr. Williams has always supported the republican party and has been active in his support of various movements for the commercial, civic and moral welfare of the community. He is a member of Nevada Lodge, No. 343, F. & A. M.; Nevada Lodge, No. 234, K. P. ; Nevada Lodge, No. 156, B. P. O. E. ; the Bucyrus Country Club, the Ohio State Bankers Association and the American Bankers Asso- 7-VOL. 4 98 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY ciation. He has served and is now serving as a member of the city council, and he and W. L. Blair were the principal sponsors of the movement which resulted in The erection of the building occupied by the Masonic 'and Pythian orders. He is really the father of the Pythian order in Nevada, having organized the present lodge in 1886, and he has always been deeply interested in its welfare. He is a careful and duly conservative banker; has always enjoyed the fullest measure of public confidence, and is one of the representative men of his community. SIDNEY S. RIMER, D. D. S. A worthy representative of the dental profession in Toledo is Dr. Sidney S. Rimer, who has been successfully practicing in this city for the past fifteen years. He was born in Rimer, Ohio, on the 24th of August, 1892, and is a son of Daniel and Edith (Crossley) Rimer. The family originated in Germany, in which country was born the Doctor's great-grandfather, Daniel Rimer, who, on coming to this country, settled near Columbus, Ohio, where he devoted his active years to farming. He was a member of the Baptist church. His son, Jacob Rimer, was born in Pennsylvania in 1815, and died at Rimer, Ohio, December 17, 1902. He was a farmer, voted the democratic ticket and was a member of the Baptist church. He married Elizabeth Rhoades, a native of Pennsylvania, who died at Rimer, Ohio, and they became the parents of Daniel Rimer, who was born at Rimer, January 8. 1842. He followed the vocation of farming but is now retired. He served in the Union army during the Civil war and was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant. He is a member of the Disciples church. In politics he is a republican and has held a number of local offices. His wife was born in Brentford, Middlesex county, England, April 7, 1862, and died at Rimer, Ohio, July 11, 1895. She was a daughter of Henry H. and Kate Maria (Murphy) Crossley, the former of whom was a native of England and died at Hollywood, Illinois. He spent his active years in railroad work. His wife was a native of Dublin, Ireland, and died TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 99 at Hollywood. They were members of the Protestant Episcopal church. They had a daughter, Miss Helen Crossley, who still resides at Hollywood, Illinois. Sidney S. Rimer attended the public schools, graduating from the Sugar Creek township high school in 1911, and then entered the dental department of Starling Medical. College (now the medical school of Ohio State University), at Columbus, from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1914. He at once located in Toledo, first at 1343 Nebraska avenue, where he remained until 1920, when he moved to his present address, 307 South Detroit avenue, where he has a completely equipped and elegantly furnished office and has always commanded a large practice. Dr. Rimer was married in Toledo, December 23, 1915, to Miss Zura Marie McKinley, who was born September 23, 1894, in Vaughnsville, Ohio, and is a daughter of Dr. Daniel Brooks and Josephine (Slusser) McKinley. Her father was also born in Vaughnsville, Ohio, where he practiced medicine for many years, but is now retired and is living at Fostoria, Ohio. He is a republican and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife was born at Vaughnsville, and died at that place, July 9, 1923. Dr. McKinley's father was a cousin of President McKinley. Mrs. Rimer was graduated from the Sugar Creek high school in 1912 and is a member of the Somerset United Brethren church, the Order of the Eastern Star and the Women's Educational Club. Dr. and Mrs. Rimer are the parents of two sons: Robert Elwood, born August 8, 1918; and Richard McKinley, born October 8, 1922. Dr. Rimer is a member of Viking Lodge, I. O. O. F.; Damascus Lodge, No. 643, F. & A. M.; Fort Meigs Chapter, No. 43, R. A. M.; St. Omer Commandery, No. 59, K. T.; Zenobia Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.; the Knights of Malta; the Psi Omega fraternity; the Toledo Dental Society; the Ohio State Dental Society and the American Dental Association. During the World war he served on the fourth district dental examining board. He is a trustee of the Somerset United Brethren church and takes a deep interest in all movements for the civic and moral advancement of his com-