Ohio, and of German descent, while his mother, Susie (Morrison) Lash, was of Irish parentage. Mr. Lash attended the district schools and the Ohio University at Athens, entering the latter institution in 1866 and graduating from the same in 1871, receiving the degrees of A.B. and A.M. When twenty-five years of age, he, for one year, became connected with the schools of Jackson, Ohio, and in 1872 accepted a position as Assistant Principal of the Zanesville High School, and was made Principal of the same in 1875. Three years later the Board of Education of Zanesville appointed him Superintendent of Schools of that city, which position he has filled continuously since that date. Mr. Lash is recognized as a man who takes the keenest interest in educational work, and is a member of the City Board of Examiners, State Teachers' Association, and the National Teachers' Association. On the 28th of October, 1873, he took to himself a wife, Jenet W. Griffin, by which marriage he is the father of three children, two boys and one girl. He takes an active interest in church work, and is a Ruling Elder of the First Presbyterian Church in his home city. His residence is located on Dresden Road, Zanesville, Ohio. Samuel Herrick Layton, Superintendent of the Public Schools in the city of Gallipolis, Ohio, and one of the best known educators in the State, was born on a farm on the 16th of October, 1866, near Jacksontown, Licking County, Ohio. His parents were Frances Marion Layton and Lucinda P Herrick. His father was a well-known farmer who also engaged in the undertaking business, and was a native Virginian. His mother was born near Zanesville, Ohio, and was a granddaughter of General Samuel Herrick. Mr. Layton received his early education in the schools of his home district, after which he attended the Ohio Normal University, the Ohio Wesleyan University, and did post-graduate work in other Universities, graduating from the Ohio Normal University in 1892, and from the Ohio Wesleyan in 1896. These institutions of learning conferred upon him the degrees of B.S., B.L., A.M. and Ph.D. Dr. Layton started in public life when nineteen - 675 - years of age, accepting a position as a teacher in the primary schools of Jacksontown, where he remained for a period of two years. The two following years he taught in the district schools, after which he was made Superintendent of Schools at Dublin, Franklin County, Ohio. That position was held by him two years, when he took the same position in the Worthington public schools. There he remained for three years, until he became connected with the Ohio Wesleyan University as a teacher of English. The next five years of his life were passed as Superintendent of the Mechanicsburg and Barnesville schools. At the termination of that period, Mr. Layton was offered the position of Superintendent of Schools in a much larger field, that of Gallipolis, Ohio, where at the present writing he is engaged in the practice of his profession. Dr. Layton is conceded. o be a man of great intellectual powers, thoroughly familiar with all the details of his profession, ever striving to improve the system of teaching, and always ready o accept the newer methods of instruction when in his opinion they show an advancement of ideas. He has always been keenly interested in teachers' institute work, and has held the position of President of the Franklin County and Champaign County Teachers' Institutes. He was Secretary and Treasurer of the Franklin County S. S. Association ; for two years he was School Exam-iner in Champaign County, and is now a member of the City Board of School Examiners of Gallipolis. He is an active member of the National Educational Association, of the Ohio State Teachers' Association, and is President of the Tri-State Association. In 1901 School Commissioner Bonebrake appointed Dr. Layton a member of the committee to arrange a syllabus on physiology, hygiene and scientific temperance for the schools of Ohio. Dr. Layton was married to Miss Minnie M. Brashares on the 26th of November, 1896. He attends the Methodist Episcopal Church at Gallipolis, Ohio, where he is a member of the Official Board. William S. Lynch, Superintendent of the Shelby Public Schools, Shelby, Ohio, was born on the 18th of September, 1861, at West Bedford, Ohio. He is the son of Cornelius Lynch, a farmer. His mother's maiden name was Dorcas A. Fry. Both of his parents are natives of Ohio. Mr. Lynch's grandfather settled in Coshocton County at a very early day ; he was a hatter by trade. His great-grandfather came from Ireland. He rendered noble service o his country as a Revolutionary soldier. Dr. Hugh Lynch, an uncle of Superintendent Lynch, resided at Millersburg, Iowa County, Iowa, at the beginning of the Civil War. He enlisted and was promoted to the position of Captain of a company and later to the office of Major. After two years' service he was permitted to return home on account of ill health and died in a few days after reaching home. John Lynch, another uncle, was killed at Fredericksburg, Maryland, on the 13th of April, 1862. He was a member of Company A, Sixteenth O. V. T. - 676 - Superintendent Lynch received his early education in a country school. In 1881 he entered Denison University, and completed the preparatory course and a part of the Freshman year of that institution ; then dropped out of college and taught for three- successive winters in his home school. He taught a summer term in the West Carlisle schools, and at the close of the term was re-elected for the next year, Mr. Lynch being the first teacher in the West Carlisle schools elected for a year. At the end of the year he. entered Ohio Wesleyan University, from which institution he graduated, receiving the degree of A.B. Since graduation he has given his time to teaching and superintending public schools. He taught one year in the A grammar grade of the Danville and Buckeye City Union Schools, Knox County, Ohio, and at the end of the year was elected Superintendent of the schools, which position he filled for two years, and having an opportunity to get into a wider field of work, he resigned at Danville and superintended the schools at Bellville, Ohio, for six years, and was re-elected for an additional term of two years, but resigned and took charge of the Shelby public schools, which position he is now filling. He has had charge of the Shelby schools for eight years. He was President of the Richland Couny Teachers' Institute for two years, President of the Bi-County (Richland and Ashland Counties) Teachers' Institute for two years, and Vice-President of the Northwestern Teachers' Association. In political belief, Mr. Lynch is a Republican. He is a member of the Mansfield Commandery, No. 21, Knights Templar ; also a member of the order of Knights of Pythias. B. O. Martin, Superintendent of the North Baltimore (Wood County, Ohio) Public Schools, was born on a farm near Greenville, Ohio, thirty-seven years ago. Being of an educational turn of mind, he was able to read at three years, and at six had read several histories of the United States and a history of the world. In the old schoolhouses near his home he was the champion speller a hundred times before he was twelve. Entering Greenville High School at thirteen, he left it at fifteen, and began teaching. His marriage, in 1887, to Miss Anna Moist, a neighbor's daughter, was a most fortunate thing for the young school-teacher. Settled in a small home, he studied diligently, and at twenty-one secured a first-grade certificate in Darke County. He also served as County Examiner in Darke County for six years. Being elected as Principal of the Arcanum (Ohio) High School in 1894, he entered the Ohio Normal University, from which he graduated in 1897, and again in 1899, teaching to pay his expenses. He served as Superintendent of the Gettysburg (Ohio) schools for three years, resigning his position to accept the Superintendency at LaGrange, Ohio, in 1899. In 1901 he was elected to the Superintendency of the schools of Ashtabula Harbor, and to his present position in 1904, - 677 - and has faithfully performed his work and won the respect of his people. Mr. Martin is an advocate of thorough, practical education, a firm believer in self-control in High Schools, and a deep thinker for himself. Frank in speech and full of spirit and energy, he is a leader among men. Endowed with more than his share of backbone, he sometimes makes enemies by standing firmly on his convictions, but he is broad minded enough to give other men the right of their own convictions, and can give his antagonists credit for their true worth. Mr. Martin is a writer and orator of some merit and does excellent work as an institute instructor in history and kindred subjects. While it may be a misfortune to be born poor, Mr. Martin has made most of his opportunities, and bids fair to run well the race of life. Clement Luther Martzolff, Now Superintendent of Schools at New Lexington, Perry County, Ohio, was born seven miles southwest of that village in Mondaycreek Township, on the 25th of November, 1869. His grandparents, paternal and maternal, came from Alsace, Germany, in 1834, and settled on the farm upon which he was born. Here he lived until he was twenty-two years of age. His time was spent in working on the farm and going to the district school. At the age of nineteen he began teaching, and he has devoted his time to that profession, with the exception of different periods, when he has done college work—first at Capital University, Columbus, Ohio ; later at Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, and more recently at Harvard University. From the time he began he has been considered a leading teacher of his county. His experience has covered a wide range of work. From the country school, the village district school, township High School, the Superintendency of Schools and normal work, he has had a varied course. One year also he had charge of a parochial school at Circleville, Ohio. Superintendent Martzolff served with credit for six years upon the County Board of Examiners. He has held various positions in the County Institute, and has been a strong advocate of more professionalism and better training among the teachers. He championed the cause of the Ohio Teachers' Reading Circle, and urged it upon the teachers. At the age of sixteen Mr. Martzolff began the practice of writing and speaking, in both of which he excels. By writing for the county papers and attending the debating societies in the neighborhood he rapidly gained a reputation in both. His writings on various subjects are read with interest, whine his reputation as a public speaker extends to the bounds of the State. During. the winter season he delivers many lectures to popular audiences, and in the spring and early summer months he is in much demand for commencement addresses. He also does institute- work before the teachers in different counties. - 678 - Mr. Martzolff has always been an omnivorous reader, especially of history. He has taken special interest in the history of his own county and State. A few years ago he published a neat little history of his native county, which was enthusiastically received by the people. He has done considerable original research along. these lines, among the most important result of which is his more recent history of "Zane's Trace—the First Roadway in Ohio." Mr. Martzolff is a life member of the Ohio Archaeological and Historical Society, and at the time of election and for several years subsequently had the distinction of being the youngest member. He is now one of the trustees and a member of the Executive Committee. If Superintendent Martzolff can be said to have a "hobby," it is along the lines of geology. Even in childhood he had the back yard filled with curious-shaped stones and varied colored pebbles and limestone fossils. This grew upon him, and while he has never made the subject a deep study, there are few men who are better acquainted with the geology and geography of his and adjoining counties. A geological map of Perry County, published several years since, has been widely used 'by men interested in the mineral deposits of that region. He has for a number of years been a member of the National Geographical Society. In religious faith the subject of this sketch is a Lutheran. He was reared in this church, and has been a communicant member since he was fifteen years of age. He is active in his church duties, and has filled m any places of responsibility and honor in his denomination. In politics he is a Democrat, and in the councils of that party he holds no mediocre position. He has served with credit on various 'boards and delegations, and frequently presides at conventions. He has, no doubt, presented in nominating speeches more candidates than any other man in his county. For four years he represented his party on the Board of Elections. In his domestic life, Superintendent Martzolff has been fortunate in the selection of a wife. He married in 1894 Miss Candus Mace, a prominent and successful teacher of his county. Mrs. Martzolff has been truly a helpmate to him.. Her intellectual abilities and her social qualities have in a great measure assisted in the success of her husband. They have a beautiful home in New Lexington, filled with books and everything that pertains to the home of a liberal-minded and cultured family. George C. Maurer, Superintendent of the Public Schools at New Philadelphia, Ohio, was born on the 4th of September, 1862, at Bolivar, Ohio. He is the son of Jacob Maurer and Margareth Maurer, the former being a native of Germany, who came with his father to this country in 1836 when a boy. The mother was a native of Pennsylvania, and was born near Philadelphia. Mr. George C. Maurer's father was one of the most successful farmers in the State. He owned a large and well-improved farm near Bolivar, Ohio. It was his pride and - 679 - ambition to raise the finest live stock and have the most luxurious crops in his neighbor-hood, as well as to rear most carefully his family of boys and girls. In the country schools, at Smithville Academy, the Ohio' Normal University and the University of Wooster, Ohio, Mr. Maurer obtained his education. At the latter institution he received the Edward Taylor Prize Scholarship in 1888, for the highest class standing during the Freshman and Sophomore years in a large class. He graduated from that seat of learning in June, 1890. Since graduating from Wooster University he has done special work with the leading professors of Clark, Chicago, Harvard and Cornell Universities.. He holds the degree of Ph.M., given to him in 1893, from Wooster. At the early age of seventeen years he began teaching school in the rural districts of Tuscarawas and Stark Counties, and for six years his name- is to be found enrolled among the teachers of the country and village schools. Immediately upon graduating from college in 189o, Mr. Maurer became Superintendent of Schools at Loudonville, Ohio. After serving in that capacity for three years he was elected to the Superintendency of the New Philadelphia schools, in which position he is now serving his twelfth year. These schools have steadily grown in efficiency under the administration of Mr. Maurer, and are now classed among the finest in the State. The primary schools have been graded, with three divisions to each grade, so that pupils failing need not go over an entire year's work a second time, but need only to review one-third of a year's work. Bright pupils-can easily gain time by this system without skipping any work, thus enabling them, under what is known as the "New Philadelphia" system," in many cases to save one year's time. The New Philadelphia High School has one of the best courses in the State. Its graduates are recognized for their thorough preparation and excellent habits of study in all the leading colleges. A diploma from there at once gives the graduate a prestige and recognition for thorough scholarship and training. On the 29th of July, 1891, he was married to Miss Georgia Pocock, of Wooster, Ohio, and by that union he is the father of a son, Horace, now thirteen years old. Mr. Maurer has been a church member since his early childhood. His pew is never vacant when he is in his home city. J. L. McDonald, Superintendent of Schools in the city of Wellsville, Columbiana County, Ohio, has spent a life time, not only in the same field of labor, but also in the same position which he now occupies. Mr. McDonald, the veteran Superintendent of Schools of his home city, has filled his present office for more than thirty years, a record it is doubtful if any other man in Ohio has duplicated. He has guided the intellectual and moral growth and development of many thousands who are now and have been instrumental in the shaping of the destiny of our great State. Three generations have come under his supervision, and there is many a grandparent in the northeastern part of Ohio who spent his last years of school life under the direction of Mr. McDonald. He enjoys a wide popularity in his home county, not only by reason of his splendid abilities as an instructor, but also by reason of his many sterling qualities. He is a keen student of human nature, and takes a deep interest in the development of the youthful mind that comes under his care. Having been all his. life a stalwart Republican, he was induced during the summer of 189o by his many friends in his party to become a candidate for the office of Auditor of Columbiana County. He consented to have his name brought before the people for that position, but was defeated tor the nomination by trickery and chicanery. However, his friends insisted that he should become an independent candidate for that office, and 2,500 voters petitioned the Board of Elections to place Mr. McDonald's name on the ticket as an independent candidate. He was defeated, however, owing to the fact that many voters misconstrued the meaning of the ticket which - 680 - they voted. Mr. McDonald has always taken the most lively interest in all educational matters of the State, and he is well and favorably known as lecturer in many teachers' institutes. He is a married man, and resides at Tenth and Walnut Streets, Wellsville, Ohio. Allen W. McKay, Superintendent of the Public Schools at Middleport, Ohio, was born on the 13th of January, 1868, at Portland, Ohio. He is the son of Ruben and Irene (Lockhart) McKay, the former being a farmer and a native of Virginia and the latter a native of Ohio. His parents are of Scotch-Irish descent, who for many generations have resided in the Eastern States. His father's ancestors fought in Greene's army in the Carolinas, and his maternal grandfather in the War of 1812, being present at the surrender of Detroit. Mr. McKay received his education in the common schools and at the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio, graduating from the same in 1896. In 1887, when nineteen years of ages he began teaching, to obtain the necessary funds for his further education. Prior to that time he was engaged in farming. For three years Mr. McKay was Principal of the school at Racine, Ohio, and was Principal of the Pomeroy High School for one year. He has occupied his present position as Superintendent of the public schools of Middleport since 1901, and his work in that locality has been very successful and gratifying. Mr. McKay is a member of the K. of P., and of the Methodist faith. He is President of the Meigs County Teachers' Institute, and resides at Middleport. William McKendree Vance, Superintendent of the Public Schools of Miamisburg, and an educator of recognized authority, was born on the 3d of March, 1858, in Champaign County, six miles east of Urbana, Ohio. He is of Scotch-Irish descent on his father's side, and of English ancestry on his mother's. His parents, Rev. John Vance and Mary Elizabeth Vance, are both natives of Ohio. His great-grandfather came from North Carolina and settled in Kentucky. The original Vance family emigrated to this country before the War of the Revolution, and the name is enrolled on the roster of the Revolutionary army, while his ancestors on his - 681 - mother's side also fought on the battlefields of the Revolution and of the War of 1812. Mr. Vance's elementary education was obtained in a number of different schools, due to the fact that his father was an itinerant minister. He was graduated from the Urbana High School in 1876 ; later he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, graduating from that well-known institution in 1883, receiving the degree of A.B., and afterwards that of A.M. At the early age of fifteen years he began to teach in a country school located thirteen miles east of Springfield, Ohio. By his own unaided efforts he paid for his education through High School and college. After graduation from the High School and prior to his college course, he taught for one year in the neighborhood of Springfield, and for two years in Hamilton County. During the last two years of his college career he was employed by the University as instructor in preparatory classes. After leaving college he was for one year Principal of the High School of Gallipolis ; for the same length of time instructor in mathematics in Kenyon Military, Academy at Gambier ; Principal of the High School at Washington C. H. for one year, and for five years Principal of the Urbana High School. At the expiration of that time he was elevated to the position of Superintendent of Schools in the latter place, which he held for ten years. During this time he established his reputation as one of the foremost educators of the State, always advocating progressive ideas in educational practice. Four years ago he was elected Superintendent of Schools at Miamisburg, and has recently been re-elected to this office for a period of three years. Mr. Vance has done a great deal of work in teachers' institutes, and has lectured in almost half the counties of the State. He has contributed to a number of educational periodicals. For ten years he was a member of the Board of Examiners of Champaign County, and for thirteen years he belonged to the City Board of Examiners of Urbana and Miamisburg. He is a member of the National Educational Association, the Ohio State Teachers' Association, the Central Ohio Teachers' Association, and the Southwestern Ohio Teachers' Association. For four years he was a member of the Executive Committee of the Central Ohio Teachers' Association, and for one year was its President, when it was the largest educational body in the country save the National Association. He is also Chairman of the Executive Committee of the S. W. O. T. A. He is a member of 'all of the Masonic bodies of the York Rite, and has been the presiding officer of each. In 1884 Mr. Vance was married to Miss Amy Sutherland, of Cincinnati. He is the father of four children, two girls and two boys. He is a member of the M. E. Church, and is the Superintendent of the Sunday School. His residence is located at 24 South Fifth Street, Miamisburg, Ohio. William Henry Meck, Teacher of American History and Civil Government in the Senior classes of Steele High School, Dayton, Ohio, was born on the 19th of June, 1865, at Broken Sword, Ohio, the son of John F. and Christina Meck. Mr. Meck is a typical Buckeye — born, reared and educated in Ohio. He embodies, - 682 - besides the highest intellectual and moral traits and qualities, that honest aggressiveness long since identified with her sons ; his prominent connection with the representative schools of the State has kept him in close touch with the system of education, enabling him to conserve the best interests of pupils, teachers, officers and patrons. His advancement in his professional career is but natural and legitimate when his broad preparation by education, training and experience is considered. Naturally of scholarly instincts, he early took advantage of the best facilities, and in 1888 was graduated from the Ohio Normal University ; later entering the Ohio Wesleyan University, he graduated from that splendid old institution in 1894, with high honors and the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Continuing his scholastic pursuits, Mr. Meck has won recognition from. the Miami University, which in 1898 conferred on him the degree of Master of Arts. In addition, he holds High School certificates from Ohio and Michigan. He has frequently been called upon to address teachers' associations and to lecture before institutes. In 1898 he Was chosen President of the High School section of the Ohio State Teachers' Association. Mr. Meck combines in a marked degree the attainments of a scholar and the rare qualities of a true teacher ; his nine years' work in the Steele High School is of itself an enviable record and a, fitting testimonial of his superior qualifications as an instructor. He is also fortunate in an intimate knowledge of men and affairs, and his genial social qualities are evidenced by his wide acquaintance with the leading men in the educational and business world. Mr. Meck is prominent in fraternal circles. In 1898, Mr. Meck was appointed member of the State Board of School Examiners, and after the expiration of his first term he was reappointed, in 1903. His reappointment is the first instance of the kind since the five-year law went into effect, fifteen years ago. Mr. Meck is the only High School man ever accorded the honor of a place on the State Board of School Examiners, a gracious compliment to his broad culture and executive ability. Mr. Meck in politics is a staunch Republican. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., the Tribe of Ben Hur and a thirty-second-degree Mason. He is a single man, and a member of the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, Dayton, Ohio. Harvey C. Minnich, Dean of the Ohio State Normal College of Miami University, at Oxford, Ohio, was born on the loth of March, 1861, in Montgomery County, Ohio, one mile west of Union, Randolph Township. His father, Adam Minnich, was a successful farmer, and like his mother, Elizabeth Zeigler, a resident and native of Ohio, and a descendant of the sturdy Pennsylvania Germans who migrated to Ohio in the first quarter of the nineteenth century. Dean Minnich received his education in the district schools of Darke County, the Greenville High School, the Ohio Northern University, the Ohio Wesleyan University, and Harvard University, and has received the - 683 - degrees of M.Sc. and A.M. His career as an educator touches almost all phases of public school work. In 1879 he began teaching in the district schools, and wrought in this capacity three years. He was Principal of the schools at Castine, Ohio, in 1881-1882; of the Pyrmont village schools in 1883-1884, and again of the Castine schools from 1885-1887. In 1889 he was elected Superintendent of the Hutchinson public schools, in Kansas, and served until 1892, resigning in October, 1892, to accept a call to the Superintendency of the Hillsboro (Ohio) public schools. He served on the Board of Education in Hillsboro from 1892 to 1902, resigning to become Superintendent of the public schools at Middletown, Ohio. In 19̊3 he was elected to the Deanship of the newly created Ohio. State Normal College of Miami University. For a number of years bean Minnich filled the position of County and City School Examiner. He has been closely identified with the educational interests of the State for the last twelve years, and has lectured widely in institutes and educational conventions. He is President of the Central Ohio Teachers' Association, a member of the National Educational Association, the Harvard Teachers' Association, Society of College Teachers of Education. Socially, he is a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, and is a Knight Templar. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and represented his church as lay delegate in the General Conferences of 1900 and 1904. Bertha B. Minnich became his wife on the 25th of February, 1889, and to this union were born two children, Dwight Elmer, born on the 28th of January, 1890, and Helen Marguerite, born on the 5th of February, 1896. R. W. Mitchell, Superintendent of Schools of the historic city of Defiance, undoubtedly belongs to the most efficient and able educators in the northwestern part of Ohio, and thanks to his energy and ability the schools of Defiance compare favorably in all grades with any similarly situated in Ohio. Under his able Superintendency the schools are proficient in all details, and the advancement made by the pupils is satisfactory from all points of view. Mr. Mitchell is interested in all educational movements of the State, and he has always taken an active part in school work throughout Ohio, since he began teaching, when a young man. He has a wide experience in all kinds of educational work, having served in all grades of teachers' work. Prior to his election to the Superintendency of the Defiance schools, he was for a number of years Principal of the High School in his home city. W. H. Mitchell, Superintendent of the public schools of New London, O., and a member of the State Board of Teachers' Examiners, is one of the best educators in the State of Ohio. Progressive, intelligent and energetic, under his direction the schools of New London occupy an enviable position among the schools of Ohio. Mr. Mitchell is the youngest son of Rev. Waiter and Mary E. Mitchell, and was born in Boone- - 684 - ville, Warrick County, Indiana, on the 3d of August, 1853. At an early age he came with his parents to Ohio, and obtained his preliminary education in the public schools of Gallipolis, Ohio, and his collegiate training at Marietta, Ohio, from which institution he graduated in 1874 with the degree of A.B., later receiving the degree of A.M. Returning to the town of his boyhood after graduation from college, Mr. Mitchell immediately engaged in the profession of teaching, accepting the position of Principal of Gallia Academy, at Gallipolis. He was at once appointed a member of the Board of Examiners of Gallia County, and that of the city of Gallipolis, serving as clerk of both Boards until 1883, when he resigned from his different positions in Gallia County to accept the Superintendency of the Monroeville public schools. He continued in that capacity for fifteen consecutive years. For a number of years during the latter part of that period he was also Superintendent of the Ridgefield Township public schools. In February of 1885 he was appointed a member of the Huron County Board of School Examiners, on which body he is still serving. In August, 1898, he was called to New London to the Superintendency of the public schools of that place, a position he occupies at the present time. In 1879 he received a High School life certificate. There are few educators in the State of Ohio who have had the long and varied experiences in teaching that have been enjoyed by Mr. Mitchell. He has taught in the sub-district schools, been Principal of an academy, Superintendent of town and township public schools ; served on city, county and State Boards of School Examiners, to which latter Board he was appointed by State School Commissioner Bonebrake ; he has been later employed as an institute and summer school instructor, and repeatedly honored with places upon the program of county, district, State and National teachers' associations. On the 1st of May, 1879, Mr. Mitchell was married to Clara C. Langley, of Gallipolis, the youngest daughter of the late W. H. and Caroline M. Langley. To this union have been born two children, Caroline L. Mitchell, on the 25th of April, 1885, and Walter E. Mitchell, on the 3d of December, 1888, both of whom are living and possessed of a most promising expectancy of life and usefulness. Mr. Mitchell takes an active part in Masonic affairs, and is Worshipful Master of Ruby Lodge in his home town. John E. Morris, Superintendent of the Public Schools in the pretty city of Alliance, Ohio, has occupied his present position for a number of years. It can truthfully be said that the high standard of his schools are due largely to the splendid influences of the able gentleman who at present dominates their destinies. He has brought to his present position a life time of study and long years of experience. In the public schools of the State he has occupied all the different educational positions. A man of high honor, fair in his dealings, a natural educator and a conscientious and painstaking teacher, Mr. Morris has during all his active life in his chosen profession evidenced a keen interest in the intellectual advancement of the State, and has been a contributor and lecturer before many teachers' institutes. His ideas are modern, and he constantly searches for improvements in the system of. teaching. He is a member of a number of educational bodies, as well as social organizations. His efforts are thoroughly appreciated in the community in which he resides. He has a host of friends all over the State, and resides with his family at Alliance, Ohio. J. C. Oldt, Superintendent of the Schools of Put-in-Bay and Clerk of the Ottawa County Board of Examiners of Teachers, was born at Beaver Springs, Pennsylvania, on the 15th of February, 1865. From childhood he was sent to school regularly about six months a year, - 685 - although public schools were then open but four months a year. The remaining six months he worked on his father's farm. At thirteen he enrolled in a teachers' normal school and at that age creditably passed a teacher's examination, and began to teach at the age of fourteen. He taught in Pennsylvania for seven consecutive winters, devoting the fall and spring terms to study in various State and County Normal Schools. For two terms, in 1886, he held the Chair of Mathematics in the Snyder County Teachers' Normal School at Beaver Springs. In 1887 he entered Central Pennsylvania College, now Albright College, as a Freshman, and graduated from the classical department with the degree of A.B. in 1890. Immediately after graduation he went to Ohio to teach. He began at Put-in-Bay, and after two years succeeded to the Principalship. His vacations and spare moments were devoted to his own improvement, so that since coming to Ohio he has completed a commercial course, earned his master degree from his Alma Mater, received a High School life certificate from the Ohio State Board of Examiners, and completed three-fourths of a course in pedagogy, leading to a higher degree in Lebanon Valley College. Mr. Oldt has taught school for twenty-two years, and for the last four years has been one of the members of the Ottawa County Board of Teachers' Examiners. Outside of educational work, he has not neglected his duties as a citizen. In April, 1898, he was made the unanimous choice of both political parties for Mayor of the village of Put-in-Bay, the most famous summer resort in Ohio, to which position he was four times elected, twice without opposition, and is now serving as a very efficient Mayor of that village, as well as occupying the position of Superintendent of the public schools of the same place. He also served for five years as Justice of the Peace of Put-in-Bay Township. Professor Oldt is considered a fine scholar and excellent teacher, and enjoys a good musical training. He was one of the founders of the Beaver Springs Herald ; has been for the last ten years a vestryman in the Episcopal Church, teacher and Superintendent in Sunday School all his life, and for years an active worker in the Y. M. C. A. E. W. Patterson, Superintendent of the Public Schools of Wellston, Jackson County, Ohio, was born in Jackson County on the 23d of September, 1859. He received his elementary education in the rural schools, and at the age of seventeen he entered Marietta College, from which institution he graduated, among the foremost in his class. While in college he was selected as one of the prize declaimers, and won prizes for general scholarship two successive years. Professor Manatt, of Brown University, says of him : "In an experience of twenty-five years I never knew a better or a more thorough student." After leaving college, Mr. Patterson entered the teaching profession, first in Burlington Military Academy, New Jersey, - 686 - where he prepared students for Harvard, Yale, Princeton and Columbia. Since this time he was employed as High School teacher in Jackson, Ohio, and Portsmouth, Ohio, and is now entering his tenth year as Superintendent of Schools of the city of Wellston. Mr. Patterson also served his third term as City and County Examiner. He holds a High School life certificate. Mr. Patterson, who is recognized as one of the ablest educators in the State of Ohio, has made special preparation for his work by studying under Professors of John Hopkins and Yale. His work speaks for itself and has been crowned with much success. GEORGE D. PETTEE The present Principal of the University School of Cleveland, Ohio, came to the administration of its affairs from an extended experience in one of the strongest classical schools of the country—Phillips Academy, at Andover, Massachusetts, and of him it has perhaps correctly been said that he has had as wide an acquaintance, of an intimate. and personal sort, with four or five thousand boys who have entered the leading American colleges, as any teacher, now living. In coming to Ohio and addressing himself to the school problems of an institution like University School, lie has testified to 'a personal belief, in the principles upon which the school is founded, and with a real enthusiasm has, in not a few ways, succeeded in bringing the school to a riper fruition of its first hopes and plans Arthur Powell, Who holds the responsible position of Superintendent of the Middletown city schools, ranks as an educator of high order. Perhaps there is no State in the Union which is more advanced than Ohio in the attention which is paid to the interests of the young ; all over the State there are earnest, interested workers in the good cause, men and women who have devoted their lives to the progress of the coming generation, and whose highest reward is to see the advancement of the race. In this good work no one has taken a greater interest, or devoted himself more untiringly than Mr. Powell. He was born on his father's farm, near Sharon, Noble County, Ohio, on the 22d of October, 1853. His father, Andrew Powell, - 687 - was also a native of Ohio, and was of Scotch descent, ancestors of the family having emi-grated from Scotland and settled in Virginia. Being people of great force of character and a high Order of intelligence, they soon became prominent in their adopted country, and took an active part in the history of Virginia. The grandfather, Samuel Powell, was a minister in the United Brethren Church, and died in the pulpit, while engaged in his duties as a preacher. The maiden name of Mr. Powell's mother was Martha Lyons. She was also born in the Buckeye State. Brought up on a farm, and his services being almost indispensable in its operation, Mr. Arthur Powell, up to the age of sixteen years, had received only a district school education. But the boy was ambitious, and determined on having that which he knew was one of the greatest aids in fighting the battle of life—an education. His first step was to enter the Ohio Central Normal College at Worthington, where he worked his way, taking a preparatory course. After this he took a course of one year at the preparatory school at Oberlin, and during this time taught a select school and also took private lessons from a prominent and highly educated Episcopal clergyman. At eighteen he began to teach school to get the wherewithal to still further pursue his collegiate education, and taught for four years before his ambition was fulfilled. At twenty-two, however, he entered Oberlin College, graduating from that institution in 188o with the degree of A.B., after having completed the five-year course in four years. At his graduation he stood at the head of his class, and was also one of the students selected for the oratorical contest, in which he acquitted himself with great distinction in fact, his whole college career was highly creditable to himself and his instructors. On leaving Oberlin, Mr. Powell took charge of the schools at St. Paris, Ohio, and then for six years was Principal of the schools at Wadsworth, Ohio. In both these places he won the regard of pupils and parents, and the reputation of being one of the most thorough teachers the schools had ever had. His next position was as Principal of the Barnesville schools, and from that place he came to Marion to fill the position of Superintendent of the schools of that city. During Mr. Powell's stay in Marion he has worked almost incalculable good in the cause of the higher education of the pupils of the city. Off the many improvements which he had introduced in the schools is the teaching of vocal music, a branch of study which has added materially to the interest taken by the pupils in their work. He also revised the High School course, raising the standard of instruction so much that pupils are now admitted to any college in the State on presentation of a certificate from the Marion High School, a feature that has worked to the great advantage of the students by stimulating them to further effort, with a greater end in view, and setting an example for other High Schools in the State to follow. The Superintendency of the school involved the oversight of nearly - 688 - fifty teachers, who in turn had charge of about eighteen hundred and fifty pupils, and the work necessary in prescribing the different courses of study for these, and in laying down rules for their management and discipline, rendered the position of Superintendent no sinecure. Knowing from long experience the benefits to be derived by both teacher and pupil from an abundance of light and air and space, Professor Powell earnestly advocated the erection of a new High School building, and the result is a splendid structure, one of the finest in the State. In countless other ways his influence was felt, and indeed it would be strange if it were not so. Imbued with a love for his work, and thinking it one of the highest that men can engage in, he enters with a vim into everything that tends to raise the standard of education. Mr. Powell remained in Marion for a period of eleven years, when he accepted the position of Superintendent of the schools of Steubenville, Ohio, much to the regret of the citizens and pupils of Marion. During his two years' stay at Steubenville, Ohio, Mr. Powell was instrumental in raising the schools of that city to the standard they now occupy. He improved the schools in general, had the courses of the High School rewritten, and also the rules and regulations governing those institutions. In 1903 Mr Powell was offered the Superintendency of the schools of Middletown, Ohio. He accepted the position and soon his influence was felt in that much larger field of school work. He began his duties with a revision of the course of study, and the result was, that the most important colleges and universities of the Buckeye State gave their approval of the classical course of the Middletown High School and expressed a willingness to admit into their Freshman classes all who have completed said course. These colleges and universities are Wittenberg College, Western Reserve University, Marietta College, Ohio University, Denison University, Miami University, Ohio Wesleyan University, Oberlin College, Wooster University and Ohio State University. Mr. Powell is the owner of a State life teachers' certificate, issued to him in 1884. He is particularly interested in teachers' institutes, and for many years has taken a leading part in them, attending them in different parts of the State, and organizing and holding them in various counties. So successful has he been in the conduct of these, that it is no unusual thing for him to be recalled five or six times, and the many congratulatory press notices and private communications received by him show in what regard his services are held. He has always taken an active part in educational bodies, and is a member of the State Teachers' Association, the Southwestern Ohio Teachers' Association, the Central Ohio Teachers' Association, and the National Teachers' Association. He was President of the State Teachers' Association in 1903, and at the present writing he is President of the State Board of School Examiners, to which body he was appointed a member by State School Commissioner Bonebrake. Socially, Mr. Powell is a member of the different branches of Masonry, of the K. of P. and the I. O. O. F. In political belief he is a Republican, and in religion of the Methodist Episcopal faith. On the 23d of July, 1884, while living at Wadsworth, Ohio, Mr. Powell was married to Miss Ada Franks. Mrs. Powell is a lady of liberal education and of much refinement, who takes a great interest in her husband's work, and shares with him, in the regard with which he meets. They have two children, Stanley Franks and Carroll Arthur. Mrs. Powell has always been active in woman club work at Marion and Steubenville, as well as in Middletown. Robert E. Rayman, Superintendent of the Public Schools of East Liverpool, Ohio, ranks among the most efficient educators in the southeastern part of the State of Ohio. His experiences as a - 689 - teacher are varied and extensive, he having held positions in all the different branches of the public school system. of the Buckeye State, from district and country schools to Superintendent. Unquestionably, Mr. Rayman is a man well adapted for the responsible office he holds. Under his management the 'schools of East Liverpool have forced themselves into line with the very best schools of Ohio, and the course of study has been advanced in the same proportion as the growth of the schools. Mr. Rayman possesses a profound knowledge, affable manners, and is a keen judge of human nature. His offices are located in the Central School Building of East Liverpool, one of the best-equipped school buildings in the State. Outside 'of being Superintendent of the public schools of the Crockery City, Mr. Rayman is also identified with the business interests of East Liverpool, being the President of the Ohio River Oil and Gas Company, of East Liverpool. He resides on Pine Street, in one of the most beautiful parts of that city. Mr. Rayman and his family are devoted members of the Presbyterian church of East Liverpool. John M. Sarver, Superintendent of the Public Schools of Canton, Ohio, is of German origin. His family came to the United States about the time of the Revolutionary War. His father, Michael Sarver, was born in Pennsylvania, and engaged in farming, purchasing a place in Stark County, Ohio, in 1865. His mother was Eliza J. Sarver. Mr. John M. Sarver was born on the 29th of November, 1865, on the farm mentioned above. He obtained his first education in the district schools of his native town ship. When seven years of age his parents removed to California, and later, in 1876, returned East and resided in Philadelphia. After a stay of six months in the Quaker City the family removed to Canton, Ohio, where the son attended the public schools, and graduated from the High School of that place with the class of 1884. At an early age he began teaching in country schools during the winter, and at other times attended the Ohio Normal University, in which he took a classical course and graduated from in 1886. When only twenty-one years old, in 1887, Mr. Sarver was elected Principal of the North Cherry Street School in Canton, remaining in that position for a period of five years, after which time he was appointed teacher in the High School. Since 1901 Mr. Sarver has occupied his present position of Superintendent of the Canton schools. While having charge of the Principalship of the North Cherry Street School, he took a special course at Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts, and also spent one summer at the University of Buffalo and several summers in the College of Liberal Arts at Chautauqua, New York. In 1889-1890 Mr. Sarver was President of the Stark County Teachers' Association, and for many years has been a member of the Board of School Examiners. In 1889 he was granted" a State life teachers' certificate of the highest grade. During several summers he taught in the Wooster Uni- - 690 - versity. He is a member of the Ohio Teachers' Association, the National Teachers' Association, and socially is a member of the I. O. O. F., K. of P., O. U. A. M. and Y. M. C. A. Mr. Sarver attends the Lutheran Trinity Church. He is a born educator, a man of broad knowledge and good common sense. Having recognized histrionic abilities, his services have been in great demand in many educational meetings, and he also is a writer of many essays on educational matters. Frederick Schnee, Superintendent of Public Schools of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born at Freeburg on the 30th of April, 1848. He obtained his early education in the public schools and at Freeburg Academy, until sixteen years of age, when he came with his parents to Summit County, Ohio. He attended the High School at Akron and Greensburg Seminary. He commenced to teach in 1867 and for a period of three winters taught a district school in Summit County and two summer terms of select school at Uniontown. Stark County, where he continued his studies under Rev. D. M. Martens. In 187o he was elected Principal of the Richfield Central High School. In 1872 he located in Akron, where he engaged in life insurance and school furniture business, and taught school in a suburb of the city from 1875 to 1877. In 1877 he accepted the position of Superintendent of Schools at NI ogadore, Ohio, where he remained six years. From 1883 to 1885 he was Superintendent of the schools of Norton Township and Principal of the Central High School. In 1885 he was appointed to his present position of Superintendent of Schools of Cuyahoga Falls. It is his constant aim .to maintain the high standard which they had 'reached under able supervision by his predecessors, and to keep them abreast with the educational progress of the times. The High School was organized in 1855. Mr. H. K. Taylor was the first Superintendent and Principal. He held the position for six years, and laid the foundation for the present system of schools. Mr. Taylor was succeeded by L. H. Delano, in 1861 ; followed by Professor W. I. Chamberlain, in 1863 ; Mr. George McLaughlin, in 1865 ; Messrs. W. B. Rogers and B. B. Tremelin, in 1866; Virgil P. Kline, Esq., 1867; Professor Edward Rowland Sill, poet and author, 1869 ; Miss Almeda A. Booth, 1871 ; G. L. McMillen, 1874 ; Mr. Augustus N. Bernard, 1875. Under Mr. Bernard's administration the first course of study was adopted, and three classes, sixteen pupils, were graduated. Mr. Bernard's incumbency continued until September, 1883. Mr. W. H. Rowlin was his successor, who filled the position for two years, graduating two classes, ten pupils. Under Mr. Schnee's supervision, twenty classes, including the class of 1905, two hundred and sixty-three pupils, have been graduated. A four years' course of study is maintained, and the school is an accredited High School, first grade. Mr. Clinton R. Stauffer is Principal of the High School. He, with two assistant teachers and the Superintendent, constitute the instructors in the High School. The course of study in - 691 - the grades covers a period of eight years. The grade teachers are fourteen in number. The enrollment for 1904-1905 is 720-95 in High School and 625 in the grades. The teachers are organized into a class for the study of methods, and the work prescribed by the Ohio Teachers' Reading Circle. Mr. Schnee takes an active interest in every movement for the betterment of the schools; whatever its source may be. He has been a working member of the Summit County Teachers' Association since 187o, of the Northeastern Ohio Teachers' Association since 1872, and has attended many sessions of the State Association and three sessions of the National Association. He has done much institute work, and served on the Summit County Board of School Examiners for a period of sixteen years. On the 1st of December, 1870, Mr. Schnee was married to Miss Caroline M. Gilcrest, of Springfield, Summit County. They are the parents of two sons, Robert G., a physician, and Professor of Bacteriology and Pathology in the Cleveland College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Thomas J., of Cuyahoga Falls, dealer in real estate and timber. J. A. Shawan, Superintendent of the Public Schools of Columbus, Ohio, an educator of more than ordinary ability, was born in Wapakoneta, Ohio, of parents in moderate circumstances. He was deprived of mother's care at the early age of three, and when but seven years old his father died, leaving him and three brothers to meet the conflicts of life. An uncle took the orphan boy to Champaign County; where he found a home. This was during the days of the Civil War. The uncle, the only one to whom the boy looked for support, went to the front to heip put down the rebellion, and like many others, never returned. From this time on Mr. Shawan had to struggle alone for his existence. Naturally congenial, and having no bad habits, he was a welcome guest wherever known. This characteristic has followed him through life. At the age of fourteen, feeling the need of an education to better fit him for a useful life, he, unaided, began his studies. Education became his hobby, and early and late the spelling book, arithmetic and books of the Ohio School Library were in his hands. The most difficult problems were solved by him while doing chores or following the plow. He attended school each winter and managed to keep ahead of his class, and at the age of nineteen years mastered the common school course, completed one full year at the Urbana High School and passed the county teachers' examination, receiving a certificate. Subsequently he was employed for four years as a teacher, receiving before quitting the highest wages paid to any country teacher in the county. Resigning from this position, he entered Oberlin College, graduating in 1880 with the degree of A.B. Three years later that institution conferred upon him the degree of A.M. Mr. Shawan's career as a Superintendent began immediately after - 692 - graduation. He was offered two positions on the same day — St. Marys, Ohio, and Georgetown, Illinois. He chose the former. After three years of splendid work, he was called to Mt. Vernon, where he remained until 1889. In the latter year he accepted the position of Superintendent of the public schools of Columbus. He is thoroughly interested in all lines of educational work. He was a County Examiner for two terms in Knox County, and is now serving his sixth term as a member of the Columbus City Board of Examiners. He has been President of the Central Ohio Teachers' Association, and has served ten years as Treasurer of the Ohio State Teachers' Association. He is a life member of the National Educational Association, was First Vice President of the Department of Superintendence one term, and was instrumental in having one session of that body held in the city of Columbus. He is President of the Central Ohio School Master's Club, a new and vigorous organization, which has for its object social enjoyment and informal discussion of vital school questions. In 1903 Mr. Shawan was a prominent candidate for the office of State School Commissioner. Under the directorship of Mr. Shawan, the public schools of Columbus have obtained a reputation for efficiency unsurpassed throughout the nation. Albert Hugh Sherer, A. B. Superintendent of the Public Schools of Oxford, Ohio, was born near New Paris, Preble County, Ohio, on the 26th of March, 1861. He lived and worked on his father's farm till he was eighteen years of age, when he began to teach in the district schools. Such education as he had at this time had been acquired in the neighboring country school and through self application. As soon as he had fairly gained a start in teaching he began to improve his education by attending the summer sessions of the Central Normal School at Danville, Indiana. This he continued for several years, then entered this institution for a year's resident study, graduating in 1888. He was at once elected to the Principalship of the public schools at Carthage, Indiana, and remained in this position for seven years. At the end of this time he removed with his family to Boulder, Colorado, and entered the State University as a student. The following year he returned to Indiana and entered the State University at Bloomington, from which he received his degree in 1899. Several months previous to his graduation from the University he was engaged as Superintendent of the schools at Gas City, Ind. This position he held for two years, when he was invited to come to Oxford in the same capacity, which position he still holds. In June, 1886, Mr. Sherer was married to Miss Annabel Trueblood, of Danville, Ind. They have had two children, a son dying in infancy and a daughter, Helen, now a member of the Senior class of the High School. In all Mr. Sherer's educational efforts his wife has been an inspiration and valuable assistant, having for several years been Principal of the High School where he was Superintendent. It is a matter of pardonable pride that he has - 693 - never held a position to which he has not been invited to return after having left it. Mr. Sherer is a man of strong convictions and of high educational aims and ideals. He believes in an intelligent use of the best in both the old and the new education. The progress of the Oxford schools during the past three years is a matter of great local public pride. T. W. Shimp, Superintendent of Public Schools at Delphos, Ohio, is a native of Indiana. He was born in Jay County on the 12th day of January, 1867, and spent his boyhood days on a farm, attending the public schools as long as the duties of the farm would allow each winter. At the age of seventeen, Mr. Shimp took the county examination for a teacher's license. Having secured a certificate, he taught for several years in the country, and attended normal school during The summer vacations. In 1887 he was elected to take charge of the village school at Lancaster, Indiana. This position he retained for three years. While in charge of the Lancaster school, Mr. Shimp passed the county examination, securing the highest average, at least for many years, in that county-98.8 per cent. He then attended school for two years at Lebanon, Ohio, and graduated from that university in 1891. While at Lebanon he was elected Superintendent of Schools at Sciotoville, Ohio. Mr. Shimp held this position for one year, and was then elected to a similar position at Ft. Recovery, Ohio. Mr. Shimp had charge of the schools at Ft. Recovery for six years. Resigning there, he was elected Superintendent at Upper Sandusky, Ohio, which position he held for five years. After re-election at Upper Sandusky, he resigned to accept the Superintendency at Delphos. This positicn he is occupying at the present time, having been re-elected at the largest salary ever paid a Superintendent in that city. During the first year at Delphos Mr. Shimp advanced the High School from. second grade to first grade. The schools of Delphos are beginning to take rank among the best schools of the State. On the 26th day of December, 1893, Mr. Shimp was united in marriage to Miss Ella Sheward, of Portland, Indiana. To this union two children were born, Paul Brooks and Eva Ione. Mr. and Mrs. Shimp are members of. the Presbyterian church at Delphos, Ohio, of which Mr. Shimp at present is Elder. He is also President of the local C. E. Society, while both are active teachers in the Sunday School. Mr. Shimp holds both common and High School life certificates in Ohio, and has had considerable experience in instructing at teachers' institutes and county associations. He is always interested in everything which looks toward the elevation of our citizens and the advancement and promotion of good. Oscar M. Soule, Superintendent of the Public Schools of Franklin, Ohio, and one of the leading educators in the southwestern part of the State, was born on the 24th of June,. 1865, at White - 694 - Hall, Greene County, Illinois. His parents were Ira D. and Elizabeth (Dunham) Soule, natives of Ohio and Illinois, respectively. Mr. Soule points with pride to the fact that he is a lineal descendant on his father's side of George Soule, one of the Pilgrim Fathers who landed at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts, on the Mayflower. His parents came to Ohio in 1879. Mr. Soule obtained the first rudiments of knowledge in the public schools of Illinois, after which he attended the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio, from where he graduated in 1892 with the degree of B.S. He afterwards took a post-graduate course at the University of Chicago. When he was twenty years of age he began teaching. Until then he had worked on a farm, thereby obtaining the necessary funds to pay for his academic education. For three years he taught school in Seven Mile, Ohio, and for two years in Springboro, Ohio. In the year of 1900 he was appointed Principal of the Franklin (Ohio) High School. After occupying that position for two months, the Superintendent of the public schools of that city, Mr. Cromer, resigned, and Mr. Soule was elected to fill the vacancy. During his incumbency of that responsible position, he has done much to bring the Franklin schools to that high standard which they now hold. Socially, Mr. Soule is a member of the Masonic fraternity. On the 3oth of July, 1895, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Ladie A. Vail, and is the father of two boys. He and his family attend the Methodist Church at Franklin, Ohio, in which city they have a large circle of friends. Frederic W. Stone, Professor of Physical Culture at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, has been identified with athletics nearly forty years. At the age of eight he was sent to John Woods' Gym-. nasium, New York, at that time the most celebrated in America, and was an active member for about nine years. A number of the members of this gymnasium founded the New York Athletic Club in 1867, and on the 11th of November, 1868, they gave the first amateur athletic games ever given in the United States. Professor Stone was the youngest man to enter these games, being only seventeen years, of age. He won the running high jump and was - 695 - second in the seventy-five yards race and running broad jump. Turning professional, he went o California and defeated Solair, champion of Mexico., at one hundred yards, at Los Angeles in 1872. Two years later, in 1874, he ran John W. Cozad one hundred yards. He was the recognized champion of the world at that distance, and Professor Stone defeated him by two yards in 93A seconds. As the representative champion of America, Professor Stone visited New Zealand, ran twenty-six races from fifty yards to four hundred and forty yards, and won them all. He then traveled to Australia, and entered for the greatest athletic event in that country, "the Sidney Cup," to win which required one o be an all-around athlete. Professor Stone was first in the one hundred yards hurdle race, high jump, four hundred and forty yards race against thirty-five crack athletes of Australia and New Zealand. This contest, being an international, was witnessed by the Governor, members of Parliament, and about twenty thousand people. Professor Stone won the cup by two points. He returned o America by way of England, athletics having become of great interest to the people. A purse of one thousand dollars was given at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in August, 1884, open o all one-hundred-yard runners in the world, said race o be run in heats, best two in three, for the championship. Professor Stone won this race, running the first heat in 10 seconds, the second in 9 4-5 seconds. In 1894 and 1895 Professor Stone was director of the Columbia College Gymnasium, and in 189-6 of the Manhattan Athletic Club, New York.. He then received a call to take charge of the Chicago Athletic Association, con-sidered o be the finest athletic club in America. He was athletic manager of this club for six years, and was prominent in all college athletics throughout the Middle West, being referee of the Iowa Intercollegiate Meet five years ; clerk of the course for the Western Inter-- collegiate Meet and Big Nine Colleges six years, and referee of Indiana State Meet one year. While in Chicago he founded "The Stone School of Physical Culture," so well known throughout the country, and during four years taught over twenty thousand people the art of self development by mail. He resigned his position in 1902, o accept the chair of Physical Culture at Miami University. Aaron B. Stutzman, A. M., Ph. D., Superintendent of the Public Schools of Kent, Portage County, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, on the 23d of March, 1842. He is a son of Henry and Katherine (Miller) Stutzman, who were of German descent. His great-grandfather on the paternal side came from Germany o America at about the time of the Revolutionary War, and settled in Easton, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Here the grandfather. of Professor Aaron B. Stutzman was born. When he arrived at manhood he moved o Somerset County, where he followed farming as his vocation. Here in Somerset County, Henry Stutzman, the father of Aaron B., was born, and here became acquainted with Katherine Miller. The two were afterwards joined in marriage. The young couple moved to Ohio in the spring of 1826, and settled in Wayne County. They - 696 - made their journey from Pennsylvania to their new home by means of an ox team. They pre-empted a quarter section of heavily timbered land, and jointly went to work to clear up the land and develop a home out of the wilderness, of forests. In this they succeeded admirably, for their farm and home were known for many miles around as the best, most productive and most comfortable in all that region. Here Mr. and Mrs. Stutzman lived happily together for nearly quarter of a century, and reared a large and exemplary family. They both underwent much deprivation and self denial in behalf of their children. The devoted mother was taken away by death in May, 1848, but the father, who also cared more for the comfort and education of his family than he did for wealth, lived to see all of his children well started in life before his departure. He died in October, 1876. There were nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Stutzman, three daughters and six sons. Three of the sons served in the Union army during the Civil War, two of whom sacrificed their lives for our country while in the military service. Aaron B. Stutzman, the subject properly of this sketch, is the only one of three that remains to tell the story of the awful cruelties of army life.. He enlisted while a student at college, and served as a private. in Company A, One Hundred- and Sixty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. That he was a brave soldier is evident from the fact that a certificate of thanks, signed by President Abraham Lincoln- and Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, was conferred upon him for patriotic and valuable service in the Valley of the Shenandoah and at .the battle of Monocacy. Mr. Stutzman, the subject of this sketch, received his elementary education in the country school of the community in which .he lived and in the Smithville High School. He completed a classical course of study at Mt. Union College, and graduated with his class in 1871 with the degree of A.B. Although his college life was somewhat broken into by his enlistment in the army while in his Sophomore year, yet his scholarship was of high grade in all lines of college work, and his relations with fellow students and Faculty were most cordial and sympathetic. He was active in college sports and athletics, and was held in high regard by all. After his graduation from college he made teaching his life work. He taught country school several terms, was Principal of the Smithville public schools one year, of the Dalton public schools two years, of the Doylestown public schools two years, of the Wadsworth public schools three years. While located at. Wadsworth, he was appointed to the office of County School Examiner for Medina County, in which capacity he acted for three years. In 1878 he resigned the Superintendency of the Wadsworth schools. to accept a like position at Kent, and has held this position from that time to- the present. He is at present engaged in the twenty-sixth year of his work as Superintendent of the Kent public schools. He has also served as School Examiner of Portage County for fifteen years, and is at present a member of that Board. When Dr. Stutzman took charge of the Kent schools, there were employed ten regular teachers, and the pupils all attended at one central building. There are at present three large school buildings, in which there are employed twenty-two regular teachers and two special teachers. In the winter of 1877 Professor Stutzman passed a rigid examination before the State Board of Examiners, and was granted a life certificate of High School grade by that Board, which is valid in any public school in the commonwealth. In order to strengthen his professional efficiency, he took a full post-graduate course in connection with Wooster University, and in 1888 this institution conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. The Kent schools under his supervision have taken rank among the best public schools of the State. He has revised and extended the courses of study from time to time. In his teachers' manual are given specific directions as to the most approved and modern methods of teaching; and being careful in the selection of teachers, and having the thorough co-opera- - 697 - tion of the Board of Education, the schools have been placed on an elevated plane of educational influence. Dr. Stutzman has received some complimentary offers in the past to engage in school work in larger cities, but he always declined to accept, knowing that better work can be accomplished in a system of schools where it is possible for the Superintendent to be personally acquainted with his teachers and pupils, and with their parents and the patrons of the schools. Dr. Stutzrnan believes in fraternal societies, and is an active member of A. H. Day Post, No. 185, G. A. R. of which he is Past Post Commander. He has twice represented his post in the Department Encampment, and he has also been twice on the National Commander's staff. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In politics he is a Republican, and cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. .He is a consistent and devoted Christian gentleman, and affiliated with the Methodist Church in his early manhood. On the 15th of August, 1872, Mr. Stutzman was united in marriage with Jennie Clippinger, daughter of Israel Clippinger, a dry goods merchant at Dalton, Ohio. To them were born four children—Edwin, who died at the age of seven ; Grace E., William G. and Charles A. William G. served one year in the marine service during the Spanish-American War, and is at present engaged in the United States railroad postal service between Pittsburg and Chicago. Grace E. and Charles A. Pare living with their parents in their commodious residence and delightful home, at the corner of Park and Woodward Avenues in Kent, where the family enjoy the association of hosts of kind and admiring friends. John W. Swartz, Superintendent of the Public Schools at Greenville, Ohio, and a man of high literary attainments, was elected to his present position in 1903, as successor to Superintendent Van Cleve. He has an enviable record as one of the most successful educators in the State, being modern in his methods, keen in judgment and thoroughly capable of bringing to fruition all ideas which make for the improvement of the schools in which he has become identified. Since he took charge of the Greenville public schools he has upheld his record. He has had valuable experience in public school work, for before he came to Greenville he had for a period of eight years the care of the public schools in Tippecanoe, Ohio, and it was with deep regret that the people of that city parted with him when he was called into a larger field of usefulness. Mr. Swartz is a man of broad principles, and has a thorough knowledge, and does not belong to that class of teachers who think they have obtained all the necessary training when leaving college. Since he was appointed to the Superintendencies of Tippecanoe and Greenville he has always been anxious to add to his knowledge, and for that purpose he has attended a number of summer courses at the - 698 - Universities of Cornell, Ann Arbor, Michigan, etc. Mr. Swartz, besides acting as Superintendent of Schools of Greenville, has charge of the public library at Greenville. He is a married man, and resides with his family, consisting of his wife and one daughter, on Fifth Street, Greenville, Ohio. Richard E. Tope, Superintendent of Public Schools of Oak Hill, Ohio, was born on the 19th of December, 1875, at Lincoln, Ohio. His father is a well-to-do farmer of this place, and it was here that he lived the normal healthy life of the sturdy American boy, building up the strong physique which has ever been his heritage, at the same time that he was unconsciously developing the noble manhood that has characterized his life, and assimilating ideas that have ever been his guardian angel. He is now an aggressive young man, clean, conservative, balanced, and worthy of implicit confidence. His educational training consists of courses in the public schools of Ohio, Wesleyan University, Providence University, and King's School of Oratory and Expression, and in all these institutions he has won laurels as a diligent and resourceful student. He now holds the Bachelor of Arts and the Master of Arts degrees. All his powers have been used as a means to the end that he establish his proficiency, which he early adopted as a life work, and for which he is decidedly qualified. Mr. Tope holds a State life certificate in Ohio, and is the author of manuals on grammar, physics and pedagogy, and has gained an enviable reputation as a writer and lecturer on educational themes. He is now serving his second term as President of the Jackson County Institute. In his ten years' experience in public school work there has been no friction, and at Oak Hill, where he has now served five years as Superintendent, fruitful results have crowned his efforts. The attendance of the High School has been more than doubled, the standard of the school has been raised, and to compensate in part, the Board of Education has increased his salary sixty per cent over the first year. Besides his regular public school work, Mr. Tope has taught for four years in the summer school of Providence University, always attracting large numbers to his classes. In August, 1904, Mr. Tope was appointed County Examiner, a position for which he is well adapted. He was married in 1903 to Miss Elizabeth Jones, an estimable young lady of Oak Hill. John S. Weaver, Superintendent of the Public Schools of Springfield, Ohio, is well known. in the educational circles of the State. A native of Warren County, Ohio, he was born near Carlisle Station on the 28th of September, 1846, and comes from a family of German ancestry. His father, John S. Weaver, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1802, and was a Presbyterian minister, who, in his boyhood days, came to Ohio. He was a member of the first - 699 -