1000 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO ber of the Shawnee Country Club, past president of the Allen County Bar Association, and member of the Ohio State Bar Association. His lodge affiliations are : Garrett Wycoff Lodge No. 585, F. & A. M.; Lima Chapter No. 49, R. A. M.; Lima Council No. 20, R. & S. M.; Shawnee Commandery No. 14, K. T., past com-mander; and Toledo Consistory, 32nd degree. Ray McClure Brown.—A substantial citizen and enterprising business man of Preble County is found in Ray M. Brown, who is engaged in the automobile business at West Manchester. He was born there August 16, 1890, the son of Henry and Eliza (McClure) Brown. Henry Brown was born in Preble County in March, 1850. He was a farmer. Mr. Brown was killed by lightning June 29, 1900. He is buried in Twin Creek Cemetery. In 1876 he married Miss Eliza McClure, the daughter of David and Martha McClure, of El Dorado, Ohio. They were the parents of three children. Following his graduation from West Manchester High School in 1909, Ray McClure Brown taught for two years in the district schools of Preble County. He attended the summer sessions at Miami University and also was principal of the high school at West Manchester for three years. During 1914 he attended Ohio State University, and for two years was then principal of the high school at Farmersville, Montgomery County. At the out-break of the World War he enlisted and was assigned to duty as an instructor of motor mechanics at the University of Cincinnati. He later was transferred to a cantonment at Valparaiso, Indiana, where he continued as convoy instructor until the close of the war. He was discharged from the service, December 28, 1918. Upon his return to West Manchester Mr. Brown became interested in the automobile business in partnership with H. A. Geeting. They became local Ford representatives and later estab-lished branch garages at Lewisburg. In 1921 the latter was dis- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1001 continued and the business reorganized as the H. A. Geeting Automobile Company. The company maintains a complete ser-vice station and are retail dealers in gasoline and oils. They are owners of four farms located near West Manchester in Preble and Darke counties. They have a combined acreage of 320 acres, and are retained by the firm as investments. Mr. Brown is also a director of the First State Bank of West Manchester. In June, 1919, Mr. Brown was united in marriage with Miss Juanita Houck, the daughter of George and Catherine Houck of Farmersville. They have two daughters: 1. Betty Lou, born in March, 1920, attends Monroe Township High School. 2. Kathryn Ann, born in July, 1923. Mr. Brown is active in local politics and is a prominent Democrat. At the present time he is serving as mayor of West Manchester, and he has also been councilman. He and his family are members of the United Brethren Church and he is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and American Legion. Harry L. Flory.—A substantial citizen and dependable busi-ness man of Preble County is Harry L. Flory, who is identified with the Flory Ice, Coal & Truck Company, at Eaton. He was born in Preble County, November 6, 1883, the son of Salmon P. and Susie (Eikenberry) Flory. Salmon P. Flory was born at Farmersville, Ohio, in September, 1855, and is a well known resident of West Alexandria. Throughout his life he has been interested in farming. He was married in 1879 to Miss Susan Eikenberry, a native of Lanier Township, Preble County. Harry L. Flory is a graduate of the district schools of Lanier Township, and studied agriculture for one year at Ohio State University. At the age of 22 years he took over the management of the Flory homestead in Lanier Township, and continued in that 1002 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO capacity until 1908. He then became interested in business at Lewisburg, Ohio, as a partner of his cousin, Harvey Flory, and they purchased the implement business of M. H. Markey, which they successfully operated for three years. The cousins then came to Eaton and at that time became interested in the ice busi-ness. A dam was built on Sevenmile Creek, southwest of the city, and an ice house erected. However, after four years they aban-doned the natural ice business and built a ten ton capacity artificial ice plant at Eaton, which was completely destroyed by fire in 1919. A new 15 ton plant was immediately built, which had a 500 ton storage capacity. They also became coal dealers and in 1917 the business was incorporated as the Flory Ice, Coal & Truck Company. Until 1931 the company operated a transportation business and had contracts for the transportation of children to the centralized school at Eaton. Mr. Flory is a member of the board of governors of the Ohio Coal Conference and holds mem-bership in the National Retail Coal Dealers Association, Ohio Association of Ice Industries, and Chamber of Commerce. In February, 1906, Mr. Flory was united in marriage with Miss Blanche Eby, the daughter of Ephriam and Ella (Baker) Eby, of Ingomar. To them have been born four children: 1. Bes-sie, born December 31, 1906, died February 14, 1915, buried in Mound Hill Cemetery, Eaton. 2. Ray Eugene, born December 16, 1910, a graduate of Eaton High School, graduated from Miami University, and is now identified with the Flory Ice, Coal & Truck Company. 3. Mary Jeanette, born in February, 1917, attends Eaton High School. 4. Anna Jane, born in March, 1918, attends Eaton High School. Mr. Flory is a Republican, a 32nd degree Mason, and belongs to the Knights of Pythias. He also is a charter member and past president of the Eaton's Lions Club, and belongs to the Eaton Country Club. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Eaton, and he has been church treasurer for ten years, and a member of the official board since 1917. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1003 Francis Earl Cotterman.—As proprietor of the Eaton Milling Company, Francis E. Cotterman ranks among the representative business men of the city, and is a member of one of the oldest and most honored families of Preble County. He was born here, July 31, 1875, the son of Samuel and Isabel (Rex) Cotterman. Samuel Cotterman was born in Preble County, May 11, 1848. Throughout his life he was interested in milling and owned a mill on Price Creek in Preble County. He disposed of it in 1880 and purchased a farm in southern Darke County, where he remained until 1904. He then located at Lewisburg, Preble County, and was living there at the time of his death in 1930. He is buried at Lewisburg. In 1873 Mr. Cotterman married Miss Isabel Rex, the daughter of Hiram Rex, of Lewisburg, and they were the parents of two sons: Francis Earl, the subject of this sketch; and Alva Irvin, born in 1878, lives at Dayton. Samuel Cotterman was the son of Jonathan Cotterman, one of the first settlers of Preble County. He was born at Philadel-phia, Pennsylvania, and was brought to Germantown, Montgom-ery County, Ohio, by his parents when 16 years of age. He was a farmer throughout his life, most of which was spent in Preble County. Jonathan Cotterman's father was a native of Germany and with two of his brothers had settled in Philadelphia during the early history of that city. They took a prominent part in the upbuilding of Philadelphia and were highly esteemed citizens. The original spelling of the family name was "Kotterman." Francis Earl Cotterman grew up in Darke and Preble coun-ties, and attended the public schools. He also spent one year at college at Ada, but left school at the age of 20 years to assist his father in farming. He later became associated with his grain and milling interests, and for a time also owned a farm near Lewisburg. Since 1923 Mr. Cotterman has lived at Eaton, at that time having purchased the Eaton Milling Company from H. C. Robinson, who had managed it for 13 years. It was established in 1880. 1004 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO On March 5, 1898, Mr. Cotterman was united in marriage with Miss Myrtle I. Garrison, the daughter of George and Anna (Spit-ler) Garrison, of Darke County. Mrs. Cotterman is a descendant of the Wesley family. Her great-great-grandmother was a sis-ter of John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church. To them were born two children: 1. Ralph S., born in 1900, died in infancy. 2. Treva, born in 1902, a graduate of Lewisburg High School and Miami Jacobs Business College, at Dayton. She also attended Miami University for three years. She married S. L. James, of Lewisburg. Mr. Cotterman has always been a Democrat. Both are mem-bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His mother resides at Lewisburg, Ohio. The family residence is at 533 East Somers Street, Eaton. William Loren Burtner, of West Alexandria, is one of the highly esteemed citizens of Preble County. He was born in this county, May 26, 1867, the son of Joseph P. and Elizabeth (Campbell) Burtner. Joseph P. Burtner was a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, born June 17, 1842. Throughout his life he was interested in gen-eral farming and spent many years on a farm near Lexington, Preble County. He came to West Alexandria, in 1894 and died there October 29, 1929. He is buried in Sugar Grove Cemetery, Lexington. Mr. Burtner also had financial interests in the community and for many years was president of the First National Bank at West Alexandria. He was married in 1865 to Miss Eliza-beth Campbell, the daughter of William and Christiana Campbell of Preble County. She died February 28, 1930, and is buried in Sugar Grove Cemetery. William L. Burtner attended the district schools and spent his boyhood on his father's farm. He rented a farm in Preble County from 1892 until 1894 and in the latter year returned to HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1005 the homestead, which he successfully operated until 1920. He has since been a resident of West Alexandria and until his re-tirement in 1931 was a well known building contractor. On March 16, 1892, Mr. Burtner married Miss Emma E. Fouts, the daughter of John Fouts, a well known farmer of Preble County. She died January 11, 1933, and is buried in Sugar Grove Cemetery, at Lexington. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Burtner: 1. Robert F., born April 1, 1894, identified with the National Cash Register Company at Dayton. He served in France during the World War. He married and they have two children, Robert Kenneth, and Jean Isabella. 2. Albert F., twin brother of Robert F., died in infancy. 3. Dorothy D., born October 9, 1895, married Alfred Sweeney, accountant in the freight department of the New York Central Railroad at Cleveland. They have a daughter, Mildred. 4. Frank Charles, born December 24, 1901, attended Miami-Jacobs Business College, now a traveling drug representative in West Virginia. 5. Esther Elizabeth, born October 8, 1908, attended normal school at Indianapolis, Indiana, and was a teacher in the public schools of East Cleveland, Ohio. She married Ralph J. Wolfe, of Columbus, and they have a daughter, Joan. Mr. Burtner is a Republican and during 1915-22 served as a member of the election board of Twin Township. He also was a member of the West Alexandria City Council for two years. He is a member of the Reformed Church of West Alexandria and during the past 12 years has been affiliated with West Alexandria Lodge, F. & A. M., of which he is a trustee. C. H. Cory.—One of the prominent young professional men of Lima is C. H. Cory, attorney, who is a member of an honored pioneer family of West Central Ohio. He was born in this city, December 18, 1901, the son of James M. and Elizabeth (Hanson) Cory. 1006 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO James M. Cory, retired, is a highly esteemed citizen of Lima, where he has lived practically his entire life. He was born at Marshalltown, Iowa, and is a graduate of the University of Michi-gan. As a young man he entered the employ of the Solar Refin-ing Company, now the Standard Oil Company of Ohio, and he continued with that concern for a period of 33 years. He retired as general superintendent. Mr. Cory is a Republican, a mem-ber of the Presbyterian Church, and is affiliated with Lima Lodge No. 205, F. & A. M., Lima Chapter No. 49, R. A. M., and Lima Council No. 20, R. & S. M. He also is a member of the Shawnee Country Club. His wife is a native of Lima. Their children are: 1. C. H., the subject of this sketch. 2. Frank, deceased. James M. Cory is the son of Charles H. and Mary L. (Young) Cory. Charles H. Cory was born in Morris County, New Jersey, December 26, 1839. He attended the public schools and in 1856 became an apprentice machinist in a locomotive shop at Patter-son, New Jersey. Later, he located at Centralia, Illinois, and Cairo, Illinois. In 1863 he enlisted for service in the Civil War and was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, at Nashville, Tennessee. Upon the close of the war he returned to Centralia, Illinois, later being transferred to Champaign, Illinois. He spent 16 years in the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad, and also was connected with other railroad companies in Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa. For four years he was employed on the Boston Hoosick Tunnel and the Western Railroad, at Saratoga, New York. He came to Lima in 1886 as superintendent of motive power for the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad, and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1907. Mr. Cory was identified with numerous important business and industrial interests in the city of Lima. He was president of the Lima Home and Savings Association, now the Union Savings & Loan Company, director of the Lima Telephone Company, director of the Crystal Ice Si Coal Company, president of the Metropolitan Bank, trustee of Lima City Hospital, and trustee of Woodlawn Cemetery Associa- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1007 tion. Politically, he was a Republican. He was a trustee of the Presbyterian Church, and belonged to the Masonic Lodge. On March 17, 1869, Mr. Cory was united in marriage with Miss Mary L. Young, born in New York, the daughter of R. L. Young. They had five children: Charles H.; Fred; Lewis; Caroline, married M. C. Purtscher; and James M., father of the subject of this sketch. Charles H. Cory was the son of James and Susan (Mulford) Cory. He was born in January, 1801, and died February 6, 1880. His wife, born in December, 1801, died in 1898. James Cory was of Scotch descent and the Mulfords were of English extraction. Both maternal and paternal grandfathers of C. H. Cory were soldiers in the Revolutionary War, and his great-grandfather Axtell, father-in-law of grandfather Cory, served as a major in that war. The early education of C. H. Cory was received in the public schools of Lima and he was graduated from high school in 1919. He then attended the College of Arts, University of Michigan, during 1919-21, and during 1921-24 was in the employ of the Solar Refining Company, at Lima. He then resumed his studies at the University of Michigan, and during 1926-28 was enrolled in the College of Law, at the same institution. He received the degree of LL. B. at Ohio Northern University in 1929, and in the same year was admitted to the Ohio state bar. Since that time he has been associated with the widely known law firm of Wheeler, Bentley Si Neville, and in 1930 was admitted to the firm as junior member. He holds membership in the Allen County, Ohio State and American Bar Associations. The offices are located at 504 Colonial Finance Building. In 1929 Mr. Cory was united in marriage with Miss Mary Bentley, the daughter of Harry O. and Blanche (Neff) Bentley, natives of Bluffton and Lima, respectively. They are residents of Lima and Mr. Bentley is an outstanding lawyer of Allen County, being identified with the firm of Wheeler, Bentley, Ne- 1008 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO ville & Cory. Mr. and Mrs. Cory are the parents of twin sons, Charles and Frank. Politically, Mr. Cory is a Republican. He is an active member of the Presbyterian Church, a director of the Lima Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Shawnee Country Club. His lodge affiliations are: Lima Lodge No. 205, F. & A. M.; Lima Chapter No. 49, R. A. M.; Lima Council No. 20, R. & S. M.; Shawnee Commandery No. 14, K. T.; Toledo Consistory, 32nd degree; Zenobia Temple; and Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. John Hay Davison is a representative citizen of Lima, where he is successfully engaged in the practice of law as a member of the firm of Reid & Davison, with offices in the Lima Trust Building. He was born at Ada, Ohio, June 16, 1903, the son of Pro-fessor John Davison, a complete biography of whom appears else-where in this history. Following his graduation from Central High School, Lima, as president of his class in 1921, John Hay Davison entered Ohio Northern University, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1924. He was graduated from the College of Law, Ohio State University, in 1926, with the degree of Doctor of Jurisprudence, and admitted to the Ohio state bar during the same year. He then became associated with the law firm of Parmenter & Reid, at Lima, and in 1927 the firm was reorganized as Goeke, Parmenter & Reid. Again it was reorganized three years later as Goeke, Parmenter, Reid & Davison, and in 1930 it be-came Reid & Davison. Mr. Davison has continued as one of the leading members of the Allen County bar and is treasurer and trustee of the Allen County Law Library Association. He also is a member of the executive committee of the Allen County Bar Association, and holds membership in the Ohio State Bar Asso-ciation. During 1930 he served as assistant county prosecutor of Allen County. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1009 On April 16, 1932, Mr. Davison was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Clark, the daughter of C. W. and Emma (Fugate) Clark, natives of Van Wert County, Ohio, and residents of Lima. Mr. Clark is a retired electrical contractor. Mr. Davison is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and belongs to Fort Amanda Lodge No. 706, F. & A. M., Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Phi Delta Phi fraternities, Order of the Coif, and Torch Club of Lima. He also is a director of the Allen County Historical Society and a director of the Jones Hardware Company of Lima. Mr. Davison for the past three years has been very active in social work in Lima, having been a member of the executive com-mittee and in charge of the legal division and is now president of the Lima Family Society. Professor John Davison, deceased, was one of the outstanding educators of Allen County, Ohio, and as an educator and lecturer his name and career belong to the state and even the nation. He was a native of Allen County and his ancestors were pioneers in this section. His entire life was spent in this community. John Davison was born at West Newton, Allen County, July 22, 1858. The family name was originally spelled "Davisson," but Doctor Davison's father omitted one "s." The paternal grandparents were John and Mary (Critchfield) Davisson. John Davisson, a native of Clarksburg, now in West Virginia, had attained distinction in his native state. He was a planter and slave owner and served as a member in both branches of the Legislature, and as high sheriff of his county. His affairs became involved, and he left Virginia with a small residue of his property. In 1834 he reached Champaign County, Ohio, and in the fall of that year came up over the trail through the timber to the southeast corner of Allen County. Here he entered a tract of land. The following winter was spent in Champaign County and then 1010 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO with his two sons and a daughter he returned to his land, cleared away some of the trees and cut enough logs to erect the typical pioneer home of that period. The strenuous undertaking of making a pioneer home was too much for him, and the hardships endured, resulted in his death in the spring of 1835. His two sons with their mother and sister then returned to Allen County and carried forward the work begun by the father. One of the sons was Amaziah Davison, who was born in Bridgeport, Harrison County, Virginia, September 21, 1822. He bought the interests of the other heirs in the Allen County home-stead, readily adapted himself to the pioneer circumstances in which he lived, and achieved success as a farmer and became a man of influence in the community where he lived for nearly 60 years. He died November 24, 1895. He served as a trustee of Auglaize Township, became a Republican in politics, was a Baptist, and a member of the Masonic Lodge. On April 8, 1852, he married Eliza Nye, who for several years had been a successful and popular teacher in Allen County. She was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, March 24, 1829, the daughter of George and Sarah (Paschal) Nye, who had come to Ohio from Berkeley County, Virginia. Eliza Davison, whose cultured mind and character exercised a strong influence over her children, died June 24, 1904. Her children were: Doctor Monroe, who was born December 12, 1855, and died October 23, 1907, after a long and useful career as a physician and surgeon at West Newton; John Albert, who was born January 22, 1861, and for many years has been a prominent business man at McKeesport, Pennsylvania. He died in 1921; and Belle, born May 30, 1863, wife of James A. McCartney, of Lima, both are deceased. Dr. John Davison grew up on a farm, and more or less through all the years of his career kept in active touch with agricultural matters. He attended the village school of West Newton and was graduated at Ohio Northern University, at Ada, receiving his first degree in 1883. His scholarship and varied at- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1011 tainments earned him various honors, represented in the following degrees: Ph. B., 1883; B. S., 1889; B. L., 1891; M. S., 1893; M. L., 1902; and Pd. D., 1912. For about ten years Doctor Davison was superintendent of schools at Elida, Ohio, and from 1895 until 1899 was dean of the Normal Department of the Lima Lutheran College. He was pro-fessor of literature in the Ohio Northern University at Ada from 1899 until 1905, and for the next ten years was superintendent of the public schools at Lima. From 1915, though retaining his home at Lima, he was vice president and dean of Ohio Northern University, at Ada, until his death, August 19, 1924. He is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Lima. On March 24, 1886, Doctor Davison married Miss Clara E. Hay, who was born in Auglaize Township, Allen County, December 8, 1865, the daughter of James and Isabel (Falkner) Hay. She lives at Lima. Her father was an early settler of Allen County and spent his life as a farmer and business man. Her mother was born in Champaign County, December 28, 1838. Four children were born to Doctor and Mrs. Davison: 1. Evelyn, born January 5, 1889, a graduate of Oxford College for Women, at Oxford, Ohio, Bachelor of Arts, was a teacher in the high school at Lima before her marriage to Kay M. Crossen. They live at Saint Louis, Missouri. 2. Walter, born September 16, 1890, a graduate of the College of Law, Ohio State University, now en-gaged in the practice of law at Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is a World War veteran, having served in France as a member of the 258th Machine Gun Battalion, 90th Division, and later with the 7th Army Corps, Army of Occupation, Germany. 3. Joseph Homer, born October 16, 1894, a graduate of Ohio State University, Bachelor of Science in Education. He is now principal of South High School, at Lima. 4. John Hay, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history. Doctor and Mrs. Davison were long members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He served as superintendent or teacher of the 1012 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Sunday schools for over 40 years. He was a Republican, and was a member of the Allen County Historical Society, Ohio State Teachers Association, Ohio Education Association, Ohio State and National Superintendents Associations. Doctor Davison was for many years a popular and entertain-ing lecturer, and his professional engagements covered practi-cally the entire United States. He delivered more than 1,200 commencement addresses, more than 2,000 lectures before teacher groups and popular assemblages, and in many respects had carried the benefit of his long experience and thought to thousands of people outside the range of his influence as a teacher and school administrator. Doctor Davison also served for five years as deputy state inspector of oils, and at one time was city examiner of teachers at Lima. The biography of Doctor Davison may be found in "Who's Who in America." Aloys Beckstedt, who is superintendent of the Mercer County Infirmary, has a wide acquaintance in the community where he has spent his entire life, and he is a veteran of the World War. He was born in Franklin Township, Mercer County, September 16, 1892, the son of Henry and Mary (Will) Beckstedt. Henry Beckstedt, retired, is a native of Germany. He was born there November 1, 1859, and at the age of ten years emi-grated to this country with his parents who settled in Cincinnati. The father continued his trade as a carpenter and lived in Cincinnati during the remainder of his life. His son, Henry, came to Mercer County when sixteen years of age, and at that time became interested in farming. During 1908-31 he operated a well improved farm in Jefferson township, and in the latter year retired and settled at Celina. Mr. Beckstedt was married in 1885 to Miss Mary Will, the daughter of Henry Will, a prosperous HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1013 farmer of Franklin Township, Mercer County. Mr. and Mrs. Beckstedt had twelve children, of whom Aloys, subject, was the fourth in order of birth. Aloys Beckstedt was twelve years old when he left school to assist his father in farming. He remained on the home place until July, 1918, and at that time enlisted for service in the World War, being sent to Camp Sherman, Ohio. He served in France with Company A, Three Hundred and Twentieth Infantry, Eight-ieth Division, and saw active duty on the Meuse-Argonne front. He was honorably discharged in June, 1919, as a sergeant, and returned to Mercer County where he resumed his farming interests. During 1919-28 Mr. Beckstedt rented a farm in Jefferson Township, where he specialized in the breeding of registered Shorthorn cattle. He received his present appointment as superintendent of Mercer County Infirmary at Celina in 1928. Mr. Beckstedt was married October 1, 1919, to Miss Elizabeth Mertz, the daughter of Henry and Angeline (Knoth) Mertz, of Jefferson Township. They are the parents of two children: Mary, born in August, 1921; John, born March 4, 1925. Mr. Beckstedt is a Democrat, holds membership in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, at Celina, and belongs to the Eagles lodge and American Legion. Hon. John Quincy Mesaryey.—As probate judge of Mercer County, Mr. Mesarvey is recognized as one of the most substantial citizens of Celina. He was born in Randolph County, Indiana, January 7, 1868, the son of Abraham and Melissa (Rust) Mesarvey. Abraham Mesarvey was a native of Indiana, born in 1845. He was a Civil War veteran, and served throughout that conflict as a member of the Eighty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Mr. Mesarvey was a farmer and dealer in horses. He also operated a livery and transfer business at Ridgeville, Indiana, . 1014 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO for many years. He was married in 1866 to Miss Melissa Rust, the daughter of Hugh Rust, of Oxford, Ohio. To them were born six children, of whom John Q., the subject of this sketch, was the oldest. John Quincy Mesarvey acquired his education in the district schools of Randolph County, Indiana, and came to Ohio with his parents in 1880. The family settled in Mercer County, and during the first twenty years of his business career Mr. Mesarvey was a painter and interior decorator, being established in business at Celina. For ten years he was then identified with a local gro-cery establishment, and at the end of that period became a mem-ber of the firm, and was associated with Frederick Landahn until 1921. In partnership with his son, Edward Mesarvey, he then purchased that store. It has since been conducted as the Mesarvey Grocery Company, and is located at 128 West Fayette Street. Since his election as probate judge of Mercer County in 1932, the business has been conducted by Mr. Mesarvey's son. On September 16, 1893, Mr. Mesarvey was united in marriage with Miss Josephine Hoenie, the daughter of William Hoenie, of Celina. To them were born four children: 1. Claudius, born in 1895, died in February, 1899, buried in North Grove Cemetery, Celina. 2. Edward, born in 1897, associated with the interests of the Mesarvey Grocery Company, at Celina. He is married and has a son, John. 3. Mary, born in 1904, attended Capital University, at Columbus, Ohio, where she majored in the study of music. She married Rev. G. H. Doermann, who is pastor of the Lutheran Church, at Sterling, Illinois. They have three children. 4. Melissa, born May 1, 1907, a graduate of Celina High School, now a stenographer in the offices of the Probate Court, at Celina. She married Lawrence Kable, who was clerk of courts in Mercer County for two terms. They have two children. Mr. Mesarvey has always been a Democrat. He served as a member of the Celina Board of Education for nineteen years. He and his family are members of the American Lutheran HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1015 Church, at Celina, and for 37 years Mr. Mesarvey was affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, and Past Chancellor of the local lodge. Paul Marcus Meyer.—Active and progressive in business, is Paul Marcus Meyer, who is the proprietor of a photographic studio at Celina. He was born in this city, September 10, 1906, the son of Clyde and Louise (Statler) Meyer. Clyde Meyer is a native of Ohio, born at Fort Recovery, March 17, 1879. During his business career he has been well known in Celina as a building contractor. He lives on East Anthony Street. Mr. Meyer was married in 1904 to Miss Louise Statler, the daughter of Christina Statler, of St. Marys, Ohio. They have two children: 1. Paul Marcus, the subject of this sketch. 2. Des-loch, born December 2, 1907, lives at home. Paul Marcus Meyer is a graduate of the public schools of Celina, being a member of the high school class of 1926. He spent one year at the Illinois College of Photography at Effing-ham, Illinois, and for five years thereafter was employed in the studio of a photographer at Celina. He established his own busi-ness there in February, 1933, and has an attractive studio in the Wyckoff Building. Mr. Meyer is a Republican and holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Robert Ellsworth Riley, M. D. is a prominent and worthy citizen of Celina, where he has successfully engaged in the prac-tice of medicine for almost forty years. He was born on a farm east of Celina, March 12, 1863, the son of Calvin E. and Gabriella (Brandon) Riley. Calvin E. Riley was born at St. Marys, Ohio, in October, 1830, and died in 1914. He was interested in business in this city as 1016 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO the owner of a flour mill and also conducted a general mercantile business. He was the owner of a number of canal boats which ran between Lake Erie and Cincinnati on the Ohio River. He also owned a farm east of Celina, which he successfully managed for 18 years. In 1888 he became interested in the Godfrey and Milligan Bank, and under his direction the institution was incorporated as the Commercial Banking Company. He served as its president until his death in 1914. He is buried in North Grove Cemetery, Celina. Mr. Riley was married to Miss Gabriella Brandon of Celina and they were the parents of seven children. Calvin E. Riley was the son of James Watson Riley, who was born at Middletown, Connecticut, in 1804. He was a civil engineer and surveyor and came to Ohio in 1823 with his father, Captain James Riley. They surveyed sections of Northwestern Ohio and platted the village of Celina in 1834. Robert Ellsworth Riley acquired his early education in the district schools and attended Valparaiso, Indiana, Normal School. After two years at Ohio Northern University, he taught school in Mercer and Auglaize counties during 1887-88, and then became interested in the operation of a creamery business at Fort Recovery, Ohio, in association with his two brothers. After a year the business was disposed of and Robert E. Riley went to Chicago where he attended the Chicago School of Pharmacy. He then returned to Ohio Northern University and was graduated from that institution in 1890. He received the degree of Doctor of Medicine at Rush Medical College, Chicago, in 1893, and after six months as interne in a Chicago hospital, Dr. Riley spent almost two years in practice at Pana, Illinois. He has been located at Celina since 1895 and is widely known throughout West Central Ohio as a capable physician. He is past president of the Mercer County Medical Society, and a member of the Ohio State, and American Medical Associations. During the administration of President William McKinley he received the HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1017 appointment of United States Pension Examiner and served in that capacity for sixteen years. In 1894 Dr. Riley was united in marriage with Miss Addie Brandon, the daughter of Joel K. Brandon, pioneer merchant and hotel owner of Celina. They have two sons: 1. Horatio B., born April 26, 1900. He is a graduate of Celina High School, and received the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery at the Ohio College of Dental Surgery, Cincinnati, in 1924. He has taken graduate work at Northwestern University and is now engaged in practice at Chicago. 2. Joel K., born in 1906, a graduate of Celina High School, and received the degrees of Bachelor of Art and LL. B. at the University of Michigan in 1928 and 1930 respectively. He is now in charge of the legal department of the United States Savings Bank at Detroit, Michigan. He married Miss Ruth French, and has a daughter, Carma Ann. Dr. Riley is a Republican, and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, and a life member of Toledo Consistory 32nd degree, and Antioch Temple A. A. O. N. M. S. He has been a member of the Knights of Pythias for forty-five years and also belongs to the Woodmen of the World. Abram H. Pontius.—Identified with the business interests of Mercer County throughout his life, Mr. Pontius, of Rockford, ranks among the substantial citizens of that community. He was born in Black Creek Township, Mercer County, April 6, 1868, the son of William and Malinda A. (Hartzog) Pontius. William Pontius, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born in Willshire Township, Van Wert County, February 10, 1841. His ancestors were natives of Wittenberg, Germany, and early settlers of Pennsylvania. His grandfather came to Ohio, and settled in Miamisburg, Ohio. During the Civil War William Pontius served as a private in the 46th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and took an active part in the following engagements: 1018 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg, Black River, Jackson, Missionary Ridge, Dallas, New Hope Church, Noon Day Creek, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Cedar Bluff, and Savannah. He was also with Sherman on his March to the Sea. He was wounded and received a promotion to sergeant. Upon his discharge in 1865 Mr. Pontius returned to Ohio and continued farming until 1873, at which time he removed to Willshire, VanWert County. He sold his business there in 1883 and purchased a hardware store at Rockford, Mercer County, with which he was identified until his retirement in 1920. The business is now conducted by his sons. Mr. Pontius died April 1, 1928, and is buried in Rockford Cemetery. He was married March 31, 1864, to Miss Malinda A. Hartzog, and they were the parents of eight children. Abram H. Pontius received his education in the public schools of Willshire and Rockford, and following his graduation from high school in 1890 he became identified with his father's hardware business at Rockford. He and his brother, Albert J. Pontius, are now owners of the enterprise, and they have a well established trade throughout the county. Mr. Pontius is a member of the Ohio State and National Retail Hardware Dealers Associations. On December 29, 1892, Mr. Pontius married Miss Lorena Wilbur, the daughter of Clarence Wilbur, of Michigan. They have a son, William Wilbur, born October 29, 1902. He is a graduate of Rockford High School and attended Ohio State University and Fort Wayne Business College. He is now associated in business with his father. He married Miss Dorothy Scott, and they have two sons, James Howard, and William Dean. Mr. Pontius is a Democrat and for several years served as a member of the Democratic County Executive Committee. He was also a member of the Mercer County election board for six years. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1019 Aloysius Hubert Dabbelt, D. V. M.—A prominent citizen of Mercer County is A. H. Dabbelt, veterinary surgeon, of Coldwater. He was born at Sebastian, Mercer County, May 26, 1884, the son of Hubert and Rosina (Lendhaus) Dabbelt. Hubert Dabbelt, deceased, was a native of Germany born at Westphalia in 1843. At the age of fourteen years he came to this country with his parents and three brothers, and the family settled near Sebastian in Mercer County. They became successful farmers, and Hubert Dabbelt was thus engaged at the time of his death in 1906. He is buried at Sebastian. Mr. Dabbelt was married in 1861 to Miss Rosina Lendhaus of Cassela, Ohio. They were the parents of seven children, the youngest being Aloysius H., the subject of this sketch. The early education of Aloysius H. Dabbelt was received in the district schools of Mercer County, and he remained on the home place until 1912. In that year he entered the Cincinnati Veterinary College, from which he was graduated three years later with the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. His entire professional work has been at Coldwater. On June 14, 1905, Dr. Dabbelt was united in marriage with Miss Agnes Schweitermann, the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Ronnebaum) Schweitermann, of Sebastian. They are the parents of seven children: 1. Edwin J., born May 30, 1906, a graduate of International Business College at Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is auditor of the Netherland-Plaza Hotel at Cincinnati. 2. Eliza-beth, born October 6, 1908, a graduate of St. Rita Hospital, Lima, class of 1929, now superintendent of Dr. Otis private hospital at Celina. 3. Raymond H., born April 27, 1911, employed at the Netherland-Plaza Hotel. 4. Cyril F., born August 27, 1915, em-ployed by Mersman Brothers, Inc., furniture manufacturers, at Celina. 5. Paul, born January 15, 1918, attends Coldwater High School. 6. Zeno, born September 7, 1920. 7. Patricia, born No-vember 1, 1926. 1020 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Dr. Dabbelt is a Democrat, a member of Trinity Catholic Church and belongs to the Knights of Columbus. Dr. Dabbelt is a member of Ohio State Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association. William H. Spieler.—As superintendent of the Celina Stearic Acid Company, at Celina, William H. Spieler is recognized as one of the able business men of Mercer County. He is a native of Cincinnati, born November 20, 1883, the son of Titus and Catherine (Hoelecher) Spieler. A complete biography of Titus Spieler may be found elsewhere in this history. The education of William H. Spieler was received in the parochial schools of Cincinnati and he also is a graduate of Ohio Mechanical Institute. He began his business career with the Emory Candle Company, and in 1898 went to Syracuse, New York to assist his brother, August J. Spieler, at that time superintendent of the Stearic Acid plant of the Will & Baumer Candle Company. In 1901 Mr. Spieler went to British Columbia with a gold mining company, but in the following year returned to Syracuse where he was engaged as a mechanical draftsman for a time. He then went to Chester, Pennsylvania, in 1903, as a chemist for the Heary-Roever Company, and after a year was identified with Joslin-Schmidt Company as erection superintend-ent. He held that position until 1908, and in that year came to Celina as an associate of his brother, August J. Spieler, who had organized the Celina Stearic Acid Company. He has continued as superintendent of the business. On June 1, 1909, Mr. Spieler married Miss Hedwig Kraudelt, the daughter of Joseph Kraudelt, of Celina. They have four children: 1. Hilma, born in 1911, stenographer, employed by Mersman Brothers, Inc., furniture manufacturers, of Celina. 2. Rita, born in 1913, employed in a clerical position by the Mutual HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1021 Casualty Company of Celina. 3. Phyllis, born in 1918, attends the parochial schools. 4. Marian, born in 1922. Mr. Spieler is a Republican and has served as president of the Celina board of public affairs, chief of the county board of elec-tion, chairman of the Mercer County executive committee, and at present is clerk of the county board of elections. He is a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus and Knights of St. John. He also belongs to the National Association of Power Engineers, and American Oil Chemists Society. W. Roy Cook.—As city manager of Celina, W. Roy Cook ranks among the prominent citizens of Mercer County. He was born at Hudson, Ohio, May 3, 1880, the son of John H. and Mary Jane (Elliott) Cook. John H. Cook was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in 1837, and came to this country at the age of eighteen years. He settled first at Buffalo, New York, where he was employed in a shoe factory, but after several years came to Ohio and settled at Hudson, where he eventually acquired a small shoe factory of his own. In 1890 he removed to Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and conducted a factory at both Hudson and Cuyahoga Falls for a number of years. He died in 1908 and is buried at Cuyahoga Falls. Mr. Cook was married in 1860 to Miss Mary Jane Elliott, a native of Scotland. She is also deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Cook were the parents of seven children, of whom W. Roy, the subject of this sketch, was the youngest. The early education of W. Roy Cook was received in the public schools of Hudson and Cuyahoga Falls. He is a graduate of Case School of Applied Science, Cleveland, where he received a degree in electrical engineering in 1904. He began his profes-sional work in the offices of Chapin & Knowles, engineers, at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After six years he went to Canton, 1022 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Ohio, where he spent three years in the offices of L. E. Chapin. As an independent electrical engineer he later completed contracts for the Akron, Bedford & Cleveland Railroad, builders and operators of a system of interurban electric railways in Northern Ohio. After three years Mr. Cook went with the Akron Electric Illuminating Company for two years, and in 1917 went to Orrville, Ohio, where he erected a municipal electric light plant, water works, and sewer system. Since 1925 he has been a resident of Celina, as well as engineer and manager of the municipal water works and electric lighting plant. He has been city manager since 1926. On October 14, 1918, Mr. Cook married Miss Isaphine Snyder, the daughter of John and Margaret (Sonnedecker) Snyder, of Wooster, Ohio. They have no children. Mr. Cook is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, and is a mem-ber of the International City Manager's Association. As a youth Mr. Cook became a member of the Eighth Infantry Regimental Band in Ohio and served during the Spanish American War. This band participated in the inauguration ceremonies of President William McKinley in 1897, and also played at his funeral services several years later. Mr. Cook plays the slide trombone. Dillon Richard Smalley.—Associated with the firm of Hinton & Smalley, contractors, Mr. Smalley is numbered among Celina's representative business men. He was born in Mercer County, November 5, 1886, the son of Francis M. and Sarah C. (Purdy) Smalley. Francis M. Smalley, retired, is a native of Ohio. He was born in Ashland County, August 20, 1854, and at the age of eleven years was brought to Mercer County by his parents, who became prosperous farmers of this section. He also became a farmer, and for a number of years operated a drainage tile factory in HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1023 Mercer County. He resides at Celina. Mr. Smalley married Miss Sarah C. Purdy, the daughter of Albin Purdy, of Mercer County. They were the parents of six children. Dillon Richard Smalley is a graduate of the district schools of Black Creek Township, Mercer County, and attended Rockford High School. He also attended the Marion Normal College, at Marion, Indiana, and for five years taught in the Mercer County schools. For two summers he attended the Lutheran College at Lima, Ohio, and he has also taken correspondence work in civil engineering through the International Correspondence Schools at Scranton, Pennsylvania. Mr. Smalley was elected county surveyor in Mercer County in 1910, and served in that capacity four years, after which he was deputy county surveyor for two years. He then entered the employ of the Portland Cement Association of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as a paving inspector. He has been associated in business with Noah L. Hinton, of Celina, since 1918. They rank among the leading paving contractors of Western Ohio and Eastern Indiana, and have completed contracts, as follows: Nine miles on State Route No. 67 from Bryant, Indiana to the Ohio line ; fourteen miles on U. S. Route 27, Portland, Indiana, to Berne, Indiana; fifteen miles State Route No. 119, Fort Recov-ery to St. Rosa, Ohio; five miles U. S. Route No. 127, West Bank of the Grand Reservoir; and eleven miles U. S. Route 36, Urbana to St. Paris, Ohio. The firm became owners of the Celina Machine Works in 1928, and have since successfully operated a foundry and machine shop at Mill and Washington streets. They are also the owners of four farms in Mercer County, which have an aggregate acreage of 700 acres. Mr. Smalley was married January 7, 1906, to Miss Pearl Hin-ton, daughter of Franklin P. Hinton, of Liberty Township, Mercer County. To Mr. and Mrs. Smalley have been born nine children: 1. Catherine, married Carl Hawk, lives at Celina. 2. George Milton, attends Purdue University, is a 32nd degree Mason. 3. Francis Franklin, attends Purdue University, and is 1024 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO a member of the university band. 4. Richard Albin, attends Purdue University. 5. John Pershing. 6. Edward McAdoo. 7. Marcus A. 8. Luke. 9. Patricia Lou. Mr. Smalley has always been a Democrat and during the past twelve years has served as a member of the city council. He and his family are members of Bethany Evangelical Church, and he belongs to the Masonic Lodge. The family residence is located at 304 West Market Street, Celina. Carl D. Fischer, Jr., who is identified with the industrial life of Auglaize County as president and general manager of the Wapakoneta Machine Company, at Wapakoneta, Ohio, is a sub-stantial member of the community in which he has spent his entire life. He was born here, July 23, 1881, the son of Carl Daniel and Louise (Upmeyer) Fischer. Carl Daniel Fischer, Sr., deceased, was a leader in the business and civic affairs of Wapakoneta. He was born at Elben-on-Naumberg, Kreis-Wolfhagen Castle, Germany, June 19, 1855, and his wife was also a native of Germany. He died in 1921 and is buried at Terre Haute, Indiana. His wife died in July, 1892, and is buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Wapakoneta. Mr. Fischer came to this country at the age of 18 years and was associated with his brother, Ditmar Fischer, in the management of a grocery business at Wapakoneta. He later became a partner of Charles F. Herbst, and they organized the Wapakoneta Spoke & Bending Company, with Mr. Fischer as manager. He was identified with the Wapakoneta Wheel Company for 25 years, and served as its president. Later, Mr. Fischer went to Terre Haute, Indiana, where he became president of the Standard Wheel Company. He was the founder of the Standard Machine Company and Standard Malleable Castings Company, and Wapakoneta Machine Company, of which he served as president and general manager at the HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1025 time of his death. Mr. Fischer was president of the Chamber of Commerce, at Wapakoneta, and was a 32nd degree Mason, being past worshipful master of Homer Lodge, F. and A. M., at Wapakoneta. He also was affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He married (first) Miss Louise Upmeyer, and they were the parents of four children: Margaret, deceased; Amelia, deceased; Carl D., the subject of this sketch; and Emil J., who is secretary and treasurer of the Wapakoneta Machine Company. He subsequently married Miss Daisy Lucas, and they were the parents of two sons : Hans, lives at Terre Haute; and Lucas, lives at Terre Haute. Carl D. Fischer, Jr., attained his education in the public schools of Wapakoneta, and following his graduation from Blume High School in 1899 he entered Rose Polytechnic Institute, at Terre Haute, Indiana, from which he was graduated as a mechanical engineer in 1903. He began his professional work with the Atlas Engine Works and Brown-Ketchum Company, of Indianapolis, Indiana. He came to Wapakoneta in 1904 as superintendent of the Wapakoneta Machine Company, and was made general man-ager in 1906. Upon the death of his father in 1921 he succeeded to the presidency. During the World War this factory dedicated 75 per cent of its output to supplying government materials. On September 18, 1905, Mr. Fischer was united in marriage with Miss Bertha May Boyer, of Terre Haute, Indiana, the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Ferguson) Boyer, both natives of Terre Haute. He died in 1927 and his wife died in 1906. To Mr. and Mrs. Fischer were born two children: 1. Jessie Marian, born July 28, 1906, attended Western College, at Oxford, and attended Syracuse University, lives at home. 2. Doris Marie, born August 30, 1907. She attended Skidmore College and is a graduate of Syracuse University. She married Merle M. Harrod, of Dayton, and they have a daughter, Barbara May Harrod. Mr. Fischer is a Republican and has served as president of the Wapakoneta Chamber of Commerce, and president of the Board 1026 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO of Education. He is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, 32nd degree, Antioch Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., and belongs to the Elks Lodge and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Harmon Field, a public playground and athletic field, donated to the city of Wapakoneta by the Harmon estate, has been one of the interesting civic developments in Mr. Fischer's programs of municipal affairs. He was in charge of a subscription campaign in 1925 which resulted in the raising of a fund of $5,000 for further development of Harmon Field in the city. The original Harmon Field was awarded a prize of $1,000 in 1926 by the Harmon estate for showing the most development and improvement of any of the 72 Harmon Fields in the United States. It contains a football field, park, ball diamond, and tennis courts. Doyt Allen Walters, who is manager of the Ohio Department of the Lumberman's Mutual Casualty Company of Chicago, Illinois, with offices in Van Wert, Ohio, is a progressive young business man of the city. He was born in Willshire Township, Van Wert County, July 14, 1900, the son of Judge Sumner E. and Kittie May (Allen) Walters. A complete sketch of Judge Sumner E. Walters appears else-where in this history. Following his graduation from Van Wert High School in 1918, Doyt Allen Walters attended Ohio State University for three years. He began his business career in 1922 as an insurance broker in VanWert, and at that time took over the interests of the Drury-Warner Insurance Agency. He continued as manager and owner of the business until January, 1927, at which time he sold his interest to the Purmort Brothers Insurance Agency. The agencies were consolidated and Mr. Walters was retained as manager. In September, 1932, he was appointed manager of the Ohio Department of the Lumberman's Mutual Casualty Com-pany of Chicago, Illinois. He is also a director of the Fraternal Building & Loan Association of Van Wert. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1027 On July 9, 1927, Mr. Walters was united in marriage with Miss Vivian Alice Long, born at Hudson, Michigan, December 16, 1905. She is the daughter of Norman C. and Lola (Day) Long, who are residents of Van Wert. Mr. and Mrs. Walters have four children: Janice Lee, born February 8, 1929; Dennis Allen, born January, 20, 1931; George Elliott and Joyce Ann, twins, born November 28, 1933. Mr. Walters is a Republican. In 1925 he served as a clerk in the lower house of the Ohio Assembly, and during 1926-32 was clerk of the city council. He also served as clerk of the board of health during 1926-30. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, being a member of the board of control, and he also served as assistant Sunday School superintendent for two years. He belongs to Theta Chi fraternity and the Y. M. C. A. Mr. Walters is one of three trustees for the depositors of the Van Wert National Bank to liquidate certain assets for the satisfaction of depositors. Clarence C. Judkins.—As auditor of Van Wert County, Mr. Judkins has always taken a keen interest in the advancement of the city of Van Wert, and is among its most esteemed citizens. He was born near Delphos, Ohio, December 10, 1883, the son of John H. and Martha Ellen (Patrick) Judkins. John H. Judkins was born near Delphos, where he now resides. He was interested in general farming until 1890, and in that year removed to the village of Delphos, where he served as the first rural mail carrier. He was thus engaged until 1910, and at that time became interested in the real estate business. He is a Republican and belongs to the Masonic Lodge and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has been a life long member of the Baptist Church and for many years was president of the Men's Bible Class. His wife died at Delphos, June 12, 1915, and is buried in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Their children were: 1. Orlo W., born October 3, 1881, sales manager, lives at Grand 1028 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Rapids, Michigan. 2. Clarence C., the subject of this sketch. 3. Marion D., born February 17, 1886, auditor, lives at Los Angeles„ California. 4. Willis R. born February 10, 1888, salesman, lives at Indianapolis Ind. 5. Anna M. Edwards, born July 15, 1890, lives at Fort Wayne, Indiana. 6. Nellie M., born October 19, 1893, teacher, lives at Maumee, Ohio. Clarence C. Judkins grew up on his father's farm near Del-phos and received his early education in a one-room school. He later attended Delphos High School for two years, and left there to enter the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company in their local office. After several years he accepted a position in the office of the master mechanic of the Cincinnati Northern Rail-road at Van Wert, and after filling that position for a period of 4 years, Mr. Judkins entered the Delphos post office as clerk and carrier. In 1923 Mr. Judkins assumed the duties of deputy auditor of Van Wert County, being elected auditor in 1930. On October 25, 1905, Mr. Judkins married Miss Minnie F. Hat-field, who was born at Van Wert, May 15, 1884, the daughter of Nelson H. and Sarah (Hullinger) Hatfield. They were natives of Van Wert and are both deceased. They are buried in Woodland Cemetery. Mrs. Judkins was a graduate of Van Wert High School and a teacher at Willshire and Van Wert before her marriage. She took a prominent part in church work and for 15 years was organist at the Methodist Church in Delphos. She was also secretary of the Delphos Chapter, Order of Eastern Star. She died June 6, 1931. Two daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Judkins: 1. Datha Marcile, born October 2, 1906, a graduate of Delphos High School. She married W. Glenn Gamble, who is the owner of a variety store at Ohio City. They have a son, James Robert, born in 1928. 2. Elizabeth Ellen, born February 6, 1912, a graduate of Delphos High School. She married John Estill. She is a bookkeeper in the office of the county auditor. The Judkins family have always been Republicans. They hold membership in the Methodist Church, and Mr. Judkins is affili- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1029 ated with the Masonic Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, B. P. O. Elks, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and Loyal Order of Moose. Mr. Judkins takes an active interest in hunting and fishing and is the owner of several fine bird dogs. He also is interested in amateur gardening. John I. Milier.—As prosecuting attorney of VanWert County, John I. Miller ranks among the most influential citizens in the city of VanWert, where he has been a leading attorney since 1911. He was born at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, August 29, 1871, the son of Joseph T. and Catherine (Rial) Miller. Joseph T. Miller, who died in 1924, was a native of Ohio. He was born and reared in Knox County, and throughout his life was interested in general farming. He was a Democrat and for a number of years served as justice of the peace. Both he and his wife were members of the First Methodist Church. She was born at South Point, Lawrence County, Ohio, and died in 1909. They are buried in Taylor Cemetery, Union Township. Mr. and Mrs. Miller were the parents of seven children: 1. John I., the subject of this sketch. 2. Thomas, lives at VanWert. 3. Mary Florence, married Nathan Cummins, lives at St. Marys. 4. Wil-liam Albert, lives at VanWert. 5. Laura Rebecca, married Harry King, lives at Urbana. 6. Homer Franklin, lives at VanWert. 7. Lemro Lyle, lives at Fort Wayne, Indiana. John I. Miller, subject of this sketch, is a direct descendant of Isaac Rial, who served throughout the Revolutionary Was as a member of a New Jersey Militia. The boyhood of John I. Miller was spent on a farm in Knox County, and he attended the rural schools. When 16 years of age he became a teacher, and was thus engaged until 1906, with the exception of time spent as a student at Middlepoint Normal School and 'Western Ohio Normal School, being graduated from the latter institution in 1896. He also attended three summer 1030 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO sessions at Miami University, and one term at Tri-State College, Angola, Indiana. Mr. Miller holds a life certificate to teach in either the grade or high schools of Ohio. During 1897-1900 he served as county school examiner for VanWert County, and from 1902 until 1906 was principal of Delphos High School. He was elected surveyor of VanWert County in 1907 and served in that capacity until 1911, at which time he received the appointment as chief engineer of the Ohio Board of Public Works at Columbus, from Gov. Judson Harmon. Mr. Miller held that office for two years and then was superintendent of the Ohio Board of Public Works from 1913 until 1921, being appointed by Gov. James M. Cox. Mr. Miller had studied law during his spare time under the tutorship of the late Judge Hugh E. Allen of VanWert, and was admitted to the Ohio State Bar in June, 1911. He was elected to the office of prosecuting attorney of Van Wert County in 1924, and again reelected in 1930 and 1932. He also maintained a private practice at Van Wert. He is local counsel for the New York Central Railroad. On January 10, 1898, Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Miss Elta Werder, who was born in Huron County, Ohio, August 26, 1878, the daughter of Henry and Agnes (Carson) Werder, the former a native of Philadelphia and the latter of Seneca County, Ohio. Mr. Werder died in 1928 and his wife died in 1924. They are buried at VanWert. To Mr. and Mrs. Miller were born four children: 1. Ruth, born October 31, 1898, a graduate of Ohio State University, class of 1920, Bachelor of Science. She married R. A. Moore of Cleveland, and they have a son, Richard Allen, 2. Carson Rial, born August 18, 1900, a graduate of United States Naval Academy, class of 1923, now a lieutenant in the U. S. Navy, serving on the U. S. S. "Hatfield." He married Miss Elsie Abele, of Montana. 3. Carlton Werder, born February 13, 1902, a graduate of the college of engineering, Ohio State University, identi-fied with the Ohio State Conservation Department, at Columbus. He married Miss Hazel Cross, of Columbus. 4. John Robert, born HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1031 March 11, 1909. He is identified with the Media Reports, Inc., at Columbus. Mr. Miller is a Democrat and holds membership in the Van-Wert County and Ohio State Bar associations. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, Elks Lodge, Sons of the American Revolution and Isaac Walton League. Urban Edward Diener.—One of West Central Ohio's best known educators and a representative citizen of VanWert is Urban Edward Diener, who is superintendent of city schools. He was born at Chattanooga, Liberty Township, Mercer County, Ohio, July 30, 1892, the son of John Philip and Sophia (Deitsch) Diener. John Philip Diener is a native of Mercer County, born in Lib-erty Township. His wife was also born in the same community. He was reared and educated there and- throughout his life has been a farmer. He is a Democrat and is affiliated with the Eagles Lodge. He and his wife hold membership in the German Luth-eran Church. Their children are : 1. Anna Christina, married Henry Groth, lives in Liberty Township. 2. John Henry, lives in Jefferson Township. 3. Frederick William, lives in Black Creek Township. 4. Urban Edward, the subject of this sketch. 5. Wilhelmina Sophia, who died in 1916. The original Diener homestead of 40 acres in Liberty Township, Mercer County, was settled in 1865 by Frederick Wilhelm Diener, a native of Germany, and grandfather of Urban Edward Diener. Part of the land is still in possession of members of this family. Urban Edward Diener was reared just across from the Diener homestead in Liberty Township and attended the rural schools, being the first Boxwell-Patterson graduate from this district. He attended Celina High School in 1908. He was graduated from 1032 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO the latter institution in 1912 and during the following two years was a teacher in the Fort Turkey School in Jefferson Township. He then attended Miami University, where he received the de-gree of Bachelor of Science in Education in 1917. His professional career follows : 1917-20 a member of the high school faculty at Rockford, Ohio; 1920-22 an instructor in manual training and engineering drawing, at Lima Central High School; 1922-23 as principal of Celina High School; 1923-28 as superintendent of public schools at Celina, Ohio; and on November 1, 1928, received the appointment as superintendent of city schools in Van Wert. He received the degree of Master of Arts in Education, at Ohio State University in 1930. Mr. Diener has also been city school examiner since 1928. On April 26, 1914, Mr. Diener was united in marriage with Miss Ethel Hoverman, born at Kossuth, Auglaize County, Ohio, June 19, 1889, the daughter of Conrad Joseph and Ida May (Hays) Hoverman, natives of Ohio and Indiana, respectively. Mr. Hover-man died October 1, 1925, and is buried at Rockford, Ohio. He was a farmer during his entire lifetime and lived in Black Creek Township, Mercer County, from 1900 until the time of his death. He was a Democrat and held membership in the First Methodist Church. Ethel (Hoverman) Diener attended Miami University and specialized in the study of piano with Professor Gibbs, of Rockford, Ohio. She is a member of the Authors Club, and its past president, and also belongs to the Order of Eastern Star, Delphian Society, and Womens' Foreign Missionary Society. She is active in the affairs of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a Sunday school teacher. To Mr. and Mrs. Diener were born three children: 1. Helen Louise, born May 19, 1919. 2. Urban Lowell, born May 26, 1921. 3. Martha Lucille, born November 28, 1922. Mr. Diener is a Democrat, a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, and is affiliated with Van Wert Lodge F. & A. M. No. 218, Van Wert Chapter No. 71, Order of Eastern Star, HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1033 Rotary Club, Y. M. C. A., VanWert County Park Association, and Van Wert Garden Club. He also holds membership in the Northwest Ohio Teachers Association, Ohio State and National Education Associations, and Department of Superintendents of the National Education Association. Mr. Diener has always taken a keen interest in school athletics and while a member of the faculty of Lima Central High School, at Lima, he was director of school playgrounds. He was coach of all athletics at Rockford High School, and while principal of Celina High School acted as baseball coach. Clement M. Young, druggist, is one of the enterprising and highly successful business men of Van Wert, where he is also president of the city council. He was born at Amanda, Fairfield County, Ohio, September 17, 1878, the son of Nelson and Lucy A. (Bock) Young. Nelson Young was a native of Ohio, born at Amanda. He died in 1886, and his wife, who was born in Henry County, Ohio, died in 1930. They are buried in Dutch Hollow Cemetery, near Lancaster. Mr. Young was a farmer and in later life engaged in the building business. He was a Democrat and held membership in the English Lutheran Church. His wife was a member of the United Brethren Church. Mr. and Mrs. Young were the parents of three children: 1. Clifton C., farmer, liver at Circleville, Ohio. 2. Clement M., the subject of this sketch. 3. Florence F., unmarried, is a graduate of Ohio University and a teacher of music. She lives at Circleville. Clement M. Young lived on his father's farm near Amanda until 1886, and then went to live with an uncle, Ashton Briggs, at Ashville, Ohio. He is a graduate of Ashville High School and attended Circleville Normal School. During 1891-99 he was a teacher in the rural schools near Circleville. He began his business career in Columbus as cashier with the Adams Express Com- 1034 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO pany, and later was employed in the office of the superintendent. During 1904-11 he was connected with the Jeffry Manufacturing Company of Columbus, and also spent a year with the Graham Motor Truck Corporation at Lima. During 1911-16 he was again identified with the Jeffry Manufacturing Company, and in the latter year came to Van Wert, where he purchased the drug busi-ness of J. M. Webster & Company, at Main and Washington Streets. He has been in his present store at 112 West Main Street since February, 1925. On July 6, 1910, Mr. Young was united in marriage with Miss Kittie M. Brown, who was born at Van Wert, October 6, 1884, the daughter of John and Etta (Eckfeldt) Brown, natives of Van Wert. Mr. Brown died in 1928 and his widow resides on a farm in Pleasant Township. He was a Democrat and served as town-ship trustee for several years. Kittie M. (Brown) Young served as deputy county recorder before her marriage and was also a stenographer in the law firm of Blachly & Kerns at Van Wert. She is a member of the First Presbyterian Church and Adelphian Society. Mr. and Mrs. Young have two children: John Ashton, born October 11, 1916. 2. Katherine Louise, born February 12, 1920. Politically Mr. Young is a Republican, and has served as county committeeman. He was councilman-at-large during 1924- 30 and since 1930 has been president of that body. Mr. Young is a member of the First Presbyterian Church and belongs to the Chamber of Commerce. Ashton Briggs, an uncle of Clement M. Young, served through-out the Civil War as a private in Company K, 90th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. James Stoops.—Active and progressive in business, Mr. Stoops is prominent throughout West Central Ohio as president and gen-eral manager of the Stoops Packing Company, Inc., of Van Wert. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1035 He was born near Wilmington, Clinton County, Ohio, the son of Adam and Charlotte (Temple) Stoops. Adam Stoops was born in Clinton County, Ohio, and died in December, 1930. His wife was also born there and died in 1922. Both are buried at Waynesville. As a young man, Mr. Stoops engaged in business at Harveysburg, Ohio, and later lived at Waynesville. He also was an extensive dealer in live stick. He was a Republican and held membership in the Methodist Episco-pal Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Stoops were born two children: 1. James, the subject of this sketch. 2. Eliza married Dr. J. E. Witham, lives at Waynesville. The early life of James Stoops was spent at Harveysville, where he attended the public schools. He was identified with his father's mercantile business at that place for several years, and also engaged in business with him at Waynesville. Later Mr. Stoops became interested in the insurance and real estate business and was also one of the founders of the Citizens Bank of Waynesville, of which he served as vice president. He also took a prominent part in public affairs while a resident of Waynesville and served as postmaster and city treasurer. Mr. Stoops was one of the organizers of the Valley Telephone Company of War-ren County and served as its vice president for ten years. He became interested in the canning business in 1903 as founder of the Waynesville Canning Company, and was president of that company until 1915, when he sold his interest together with the plant owned by them at Yellow Springs, Ohio. These two factories had been used exclusively for the canning of corn. Mr. Stoops came to VanWert in 1905 and at that time took over the interests of the VanWert Canning Company, which has grown steadily in volume since his connection with the enterprise. For a time the company operated branches at Warsaw, Indiana, and Mendon, Ohio. They were later discontinued, but since April, 1930, the corporation has maintained a branch factory at Merral, Ohio. During 1932 the Stoops Packing Company, Inc., was com- 1036 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO pletely destroyed by fire, and was almost immediately rebuilt. The new plant is a model in its line and comprises 50,000 square feet of floor space. It is splendidly lighted and ventilated, and all de-partments maintained so as to meet the most exacting require-ments for sanitation. In the estimation of experts the plant is the most modern and best plant in this section of the country. It is a highly important enterprise for VanWert and the surrounding territory, in that it provides a convenient market for crops of the gardens and farms, furnishes profitable employment to many workers, makes available to consumers tomatoes, sweet corn and other food stuffs packed in convenient form, and dis-tributes large sums annually into the channels of trade. During the first season it was estimated that the company would have a pack of at least one million and a half cans of tomatoes. While 120 employes were engaged at the plant the pack of the day reached 42,000 cans in ten hours. The installation of machinery and equipment for the canning of sweet corn and other products is in keeping with the magnificance and great capacity of the department completed first for the canning of tomatoes. It is estimated that the equipment for the packing of sweet corn will provide for the handling of several million cans of corn each season. The plans for the new plant were drawn by Mr. Stoops based on his wide experience in the business, and they have received the highest commendation of experts from different parts of the country. Mr. Stoops is a past director of the National Canners Association, and past president of the Ohio Canners Association, and is at present a member of important committees of both organizations. He is also a direc-tor of the Corn Canners Institute of the United States. Mr. Stoops also owns the fine Stoops farms which are located south of VanWert. He is a successful grain farmer and also specializes in the raising of pure bred Guernsey cattle and Percheron horses. On June 14, 1893, Mr. Stoops was married at Waynesville to Miss Martha Jane Holmes, born in Green County, Ohio, the HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1037 daughter of John Holmes. He was a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, and is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Stoops have a son, A. Holmes, born April 27, 1897. He attended private schools at Dayton, and is a graduate of Bliss Business College. He is now secretary and assistant manager of the Stoops Packing Company, Inc. He married Miss Mary Bernice Howick, of Celina, Ohio, and they have two children, James Howick and Martha Jane. Mr. Stoops is a Republican and for three terms has served as director of public service at VanWert. He is affiliated with the Masonic lodge, B. P. O. Elks, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Rotary Club, and Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a member of the official board. Orlando E. Cress, M. D., is engaged in practice at Van Wert, and is numbered among the most prominent physicians and surgeons of Van Wert County. He was born at Payne, Paulding County, Ohio, July 10, 1888, the son of Emmett James and Lena (Berkhold) Cress. Emmett James Cress was a native of Ohio, born at McGill. He was educated in the district schools and in early life owned and operated a saw mill. He later conducted a general mercantile business at Payne, and in 1900 came to Van Wert, where he purchased the general mercantile business of Benjamin Coleman, on South Washington Street. He was identified with that enterprise at the time of his death, which occurred in 1921. His wife was born aboard ship between Germany and New York City. She died at Van Wert in 1931. Mr. Cress was a Republican and held numerous township offices. He held membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church and was affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. To Mr. and Mrs. Cress were born three sons: 1. Orlando E., the subject of this sketch. 2. Dr. Henry Lloyd, dentist, lives at Van Wert. 3. Dr. Forest Vesper, physician, lives at Cincinnati. 1038 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO The early education of Orlando E. Cress was received in the public schools of Payne, and he also attended Mechanics Institute at Cincinnati. He spent some time in his father's store and for a time was employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as a locomotive fireman. He entered the Ecclectic Medical College at Cincinnati in 1917 and received a degree as Doctor of Medicine there. Dr. Cress served as interne at St. Mary's Hospital, Cincinnati, and St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Covington, Kentucky, and during that time also took graduate work in surgery from Dr. Charles T. Souther, prominent surgeon of Cincinnati. He was subsequently identified with Dr. Souther as an associate until October, 1930, at which time Dr. Cress came to Van Wert to establish a private practice. He is widely known throughout this section of the state as a specialist, and has an extensive practice. He is a member of the Van Wert County Medical Society, Ohio State, and the American Medical Association, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, member of the Cincinnati Academy of Medicine, and a member of the staff of Van Wert County Hospital. While a resident of Cincinnati, he was a surgeon for the General Motors Corporation. During the World War Dr. Cress enlisted and served with the rank of captain in the U. S. Medical Corps. In 1915 Dr. Cress married (first) Miss Helen Blye, of Cincinnati, who died in March, 1925. She was the daughter of Vincent and Mary Blye, natives of Cincinnati, both now deceased. On February 6, 1930, Dr. Cress married (second) Leona Boyce, of London, Ontario, the daughter of George and Lucy Boyce, natives of Canada and England respectively. By a former marriage Mrs. Cress has a daughter, Enid Bullock Cress. Mrs. Cress is a graduate of the Nursing School of Queens Victoria Hospital at London, Ontario, and has taken graduate work at the Polyclinic Hospital, New York City, Crile Clinic at Cleveland, Ohio, and Mayo Clinic, at Rochester, Minn. She holds membership in the Van Wert County and Ohio State Nurses' Association, and is a HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1039 member of the First Presbyterian Church. At the present time she is an assistant to Dr. Cress. Dr. Cress is independent in politics and during his residence at Cincinnati served as city coroner during 1927-30. He is affiliated with the Elks Lodge, Loyal Order of Moore, Order of Red Men, and American. Legion. He also belongs to the Willow Bend Country Club of Van Wert. Dr. Cress is a member of the First Presbyterian Church. James Frank Mounts, who is proprietor of J. F. Mounts Company, is recognized as one of the dependable merchants of Van Wert and is a veteran of the World War. He was born in Pleasant Township, Van Wert County, August 10, 1898, the son of James E. and Julia Jeanette (Kunkle) Mounts. James E. Mounts was born at Prospect, Ohio, in 1844, and died at Van Wert in 1920. He was reared and educated in Van Wert County and spent his entire life as a farmer. He was a Republi-can and held membership in the First Methodist Episcopal Church. His widow was born at Bryan, Ohio, and resides at Van Wert. James E. Mounts was the son of Rev. James F. Mounts, who was a minister of the Central Ohio Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was born near Prospect, in Marion County, and received his early education in the district schools. In 1858 he was appointed as a member of the Richwood Circuit, at the age of 33 years, having taught school for eleven years previous to that time. He spent 38 years in the ministry and served as pastor at the following cities: Celina, Van Wert, Delphos, St. Mary's, Marysville, Bryan, Elida, Rockford, Convoy, Ohio City, and Dixon. To James E. and Julia Jeanette (Kunkle) Mounts were born four children : 1. Ada, married Edward Wolcott, lives at Norfolk, Virginia. 2. Bessie, married P. B. Moltz, lives at Van Wert. 3. 1040 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Cora, married C. G. Tossey, lives at Van Wert, R. F. D. 4. George, lives at Toledo. 5. James Frank, the subject of this sketch. James Frank Mounts was educated in the public schools of Van Wert and in 1917 was graduated from Van Wert High School, He spent two years at Ohio State University, but left school to enlist for service in the World War. He served with the hospital corps, U. S. Navy, until he was discharged in March, 1919. He then resumed his studies and entered Miami University. Later, however, he returned to Ohio State University. He began his business career with the Gunsett Hardware Company, at Van Wert, and in 1928 organized an electrical business of his own, which is known as J. F. Mounts Company. It is located at 207 North Washington Street. Mr. Mounts is a Republican, a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge and American Legion. He also is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and Van Wert Retail Merchants Association. He holds membership in the Willow Bend Country Club. Mr. Mounts was united in marriage February 11, 1928, to Miss Katherine Keil, of Pleasant Township, Van Wert County, Ohio. One son, James Edward, born April 6, 1930. Harold B. Cully, of Van Wert, is widely known as a successful Doctor of Chiropody, with offices in the Central Manufacturers Building. He was born in Wilshire Township, Van Wert County, March 14, 1906, the son of Bert and Myrtle (Walters) Cully. Bert Cully and his wife are natives of Van Wert County, born in Wilshire and Pleasant Townships respectively. He was edu-cated in the district schools and attended Middlepoint Normal School. He then taught school for five years, after which he established an automobile business at Wilshire, with which he is now identified. Mr. Cully is a Republican, a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church and belongs to the Masonic Lodge HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1041 and Knights of Pythias. There are four children in the Cully family : 1. Harold B., the subject of this sketch. 2. Hayden Eugene, lives at Wilshire. 3. Meriam L., married Paul Wise, lives in Wilshire Township. 4. Evelyn May, at home. Harold B. Cully obtained his early education in the public schools of Wilshire and in 1926 was graduated from Tipton (Ind.) High School. He spent some time in the employ of the Davey Company at Kent, Ohio, and for three years was identified with the Van Wert Bootery as a salesman. He then entered the Ohio College of Chiropody at Cleveland and was graduated from that institution in 1930. He has since been located at Van Wert. On June 30, 1931, Dr. Cully married Miss Dorothy Tibbott, born at Middletown, Ohio February 29 1908, the daughter of Thomas and Emma (Smith) Tibbott. They reside at Delphos. Mr. and Mrs. Cully have a son, Philip Harold, born June 16, 1932. Dr. Cully is a Republican, holds membership in the First Methodist Episcopal Church, and belongs to the Y. M. C. A., Phi Alpha Phi fraternity, Kiwanis Club, and Chamber of Commerce. E. H. Alspaugh, D. V. M., of Willshire, is widely and favorably known throughout Van Wert County as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. He was born in Van Wert County, September 8, 1877, the son of Jonathan and Christiana Alspaugh. E. H. Alspaugh spent his boyhood on his father's farm in Willshire Township and attended the district schools of Van Wert County. In 1908 he removed to Cincinnati, where he entered the Cincinnati Veterinary College. He obtained the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at that institution in 1911, and immediately returned to Van Wert County and established a private practice at Willshire. He is recognized as one of the leading veterinary surgeons of West Central Ohio and is the owner of a fine medical library which contains over 2,000 volumes pertaining to his profession. 1042 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO On April 20, 1895, Dr. Alspaugh married Miss Lucy Robinson, of Mercer County, Ohio. They are the parents of six children: Thomas B., Heber Harrod, Silas F., Ina Evelyn, Walter Winton, and Lynn M. Dr. Alspaugh is a Republican and has served as a member of the Republican Central Committee and Republican County Com-mittee. He holds the office of Mayor of Willshire and president of the Board of Public Affairs. He is past master of Willshire lodge No. 667, F. & A. M. He is also a member of the Ohio State Veterinary Medical Association. Morgan Richard Purdy.—As proprietor of the Purdy Motor Sales, authorized Chevrolet and Oldsmobile dealers, at Van Wert, Mr. Purdy is considered as a leader in the business affairs of the city, and he is a veteran of the World War. He was born at Martinsburg, Knox County, Ohio, May 25, 1894, the son of Jasper N. and Harriet Isabel (Mochwart) Purdy. Jasper N. Purdy is a native of Spencerville, Ohio, where he resides. He was reared on a farm and in early life spent some time in Kansas. Later, however, he returned to Knox County, Ohio, where he owned a farm until 1899. He then lived for a time near Spencerville, Ohio. Mr. Purdy is a Democrat, a mem-ber of the Baptist Church, and his wife holds membership in the First Christian Church, of Spencerville. Their children are: 1. Elzora, married Ross L. Plickard, lives at Lima, Ohio. 2. Morgan Richard, the subject of this sketch. 3. Forest John, automobile dealer at Wapakoneta, Ohio. 4. Mary Rachel, unmarried, lives at home. 5. Julia A., married Merle Leatherman, lives at Lima, Ohio. Jasper N. Purdy is the son of Richard Purdy, who was a native of Allen County, Ohio. The early youth of Morgan Richard Purdy was spent on his father's farm near Spencerville, and he was educated in the district schools. At the age of 24 years he enlisted for service in HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1043 the World War, July, 1918, and served in France as a private in the Motor Transport Corps for nine months. Following his dis-charge at Camp Sherman, Ohio, Mr. Purdy returned to Spencer-vine, Ohio, and later went to Lima as an automobile mechanic in the employ of the Lima Overland Company. Later, he was identi-fied with the Ford Motor Car Company at Lima and subsequently with the Lima Cadillac Company. He also was employed by Charles H. Black, at Lima, for a time as sales manager, and in 1927 came to Van Wert, where he took over the interests of J. O. Yahn, Chevrolet dealer, reorganizing the business at that time as the Purdy Motor Sales Company. On March 26, 1921, Mr. Purdy was united in marriage with Miss Gertrude Lauer, born in Van Wert County, March 16, 1901, the daughter of John and Kathryn (Hoch) Lauer, natives of Marion County, Ohio. Mr. Lauer died in 1932 and is buried at Spencerville. He was president of the Spencerville Stone Company for ten years and was also a director of the Farmers Bank of Spencerville. He was a Democrat and held membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Grange. His widow resides at Spencerville. Mr. and Mrs. Purdy have a daughter, Janice Ann, born August 19, 1928. Politically, Mr. Purdy is a Republican. He belongs to Van-Wert Lodge F. & A. M. No. 218, Isaac Van Wert Post American Legion No. 178, Kiwanis Club, and Chamber of Commerce. Charles Montgomery Smith.—Highly esteemed and widely known throughout Van Wert County is Mr. Smith, funeral director, at Convoy. He was born in Harrison Township, Van Wert County, August 7, 1871, the son of James and Elizabeth (Reed) Smith. James Smith was a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, mid died August 24, 1902, at the age of 82 years. He was a farmer and carpenter and in 1853 came to Van Wert County. After sev- 1044 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO eral years of residence at Van Wert, Mr. Smith purchased a farm in Harrison Township, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a Democrat, and held the offices of village trustee, assessor, and school director. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church. She was also born in Columbiana County and died December 16, 1892. Both are buried in the Baptist Cemetery, Harrison Township. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith: 1. Alice Virginia, who died in 1926, was the wife of Charles H. Snyder, of Harrison Township, Van Wert County. 2. Hannah, who died in 1860. 3. Ira, who died Decem-ber 6, 1867. 4. George Reed, who died in 1883. 5. Myra Belle, who died in 1881, was the wife of William V. Tope. 6. Rev. J. Franklin, Baptist minister, lives at Broadway, Ohio. 7. Charles Montgomery, the subject of this sketch. Charles Montgomery Smith grew up on his father's farm in Harrison Township and attended the district schools. He was associated with his father in farming and carpenter work until July, 1904, at which time he came to Convoy. In the following year he entered the employ of the Ohio Electric Traction Company as agent at Convoy, and served in that capacity until 1908. He then worked in the hardware store of Rummell Freck for two years, and in February, 1910, took over the interests of Charles Griggs, funeral director and furniture dealer. After nine years Mr. Smith disposed of the furniture store to M. R. High, but continued as the leading mortician of this district of West Central Ohio. His establishment is thoroughly modern in its appoint, ment and Mr. Smith is recognized as one of the community's dependable business men. On March 14, 1890, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Louise Kreischer, born in Harrison Township, November 5, 1875, the daughter of Philip and Elizabeth (Feigert) Kreischer. The former died June 8, 1919, and the latter, now 89 years of age, resides at Convoy with her daughter, Mrs. Smith. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born two children: 1. Donald Vore, born Janu- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1045 ary 3, 1901, a graduate of Convoy High School, Bowling Green State Normal School, Bachelor of Science, and the University of Chicago, Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy, now an instructor in the history department of New York State University, at Albany, New York. He married Miss Aline Planson, of Delta, Ohio, and they have a son, Donald Franklin, born April 24, 1928. 2. Ruth Elizabeth, born July 19, 1903, a graduate of Convoy High School, and Bowling Green State Normal School, was a teacher for a number of years at Detroit, Mich., and supervisor for three years at Lima, Ohio. She is now the wife of D. Arthur Bricker, and lives at Cincinnati, Ohio. They have a son, Arlin Daniel, born January 17, 1933. Mr. Smith is a Democrat and has held the offices of town assessor and city councilman. He also is president of the Van Wert County Health Association. He and his family are active members of the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, and he belongs to Van Wert Lodge No. 218, F. & A. M., Van Wert Chapter No. 71, R. A. M.; Van Wert Council No. 73, R. & S. M.; Ivanhoe Commandery, No. 54, K. T., and the Prince of Jerusalem, 16th degree, A. A. S. R. Philip B. Harris, D. D. S.—A well known citizen of Van Wert and a leader in his profession as a dental surgeon, Dr. Harris is a native of Ohio. He was born at Greenville, Darke County, April 8, 1904, the son of Calvin R. and Hazel B. (Saylor) Harris. Calvin R. Harris has always lived in Ohio. He was born in Darke County, as was his wife. He has engaged in the contract-ing business for a number of years and is widely known as a builder throughout this section of the state. Mr. Harris is a Democrat and he and his wife hold membership in the Christian Church. Their children are: 1. Philip B., the subject of this sketch. 2. Robert Saylor, engaged in the real estate business at Greenville. He is the owner of several farms in Darke County. 1046 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Following his graduation from Greenville High School in 1922, Philip B. Harris entered the Dental School of the University of Cincinnati, where he remained four years. He then studied at the University of Indiana and received the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery at that institution in 1927. For a short time he engaged in practice at Greenville where he took over the practice of Dr. Frank Clear. Later in the same year Dr. Harris came to Van Wert, where he has already established an excellent practice, He holds membership in the National Dental Association and Northwestern branch of the American Dental Association. On February 14, 1927, Dr. Harris was united in marriage with Miss Marcia Ireton, who was born at Van Wert, July 12, 1907. She is a graduate of Van Wert High School and attended Notre Dame Academy, Baltimore, Maryland. Her parents are Benjamin Lee and Mary (Lown) Ireton, natives of Ohio, and well known residents of Van Wert. Mr. Ireton is interested in the real estate business. He is a Democrat and holds membership in St. Mary's Catholic Church and B. P. O. Elks. Two children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Harris: 1. Philip Blanchard, Jr., born December 5, 1930. 2. Nancy Ireton, born February 7, 1932. Politically Dr. Harris is a Democrat. He belongs to the Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce, Willow Bend Country Club, Van Wert Gun Club, and Psi Omega fraternity. Emerson Deam.—One of the well known business men of Sidney is Emerson Deam, who is serving as mayor. He was born at Tippecanoe City, Miami County, March 30, 1889, the son of 'Wil-liam Henry and Henrietta (Freeman) Deam. William Henry Deam, who died in February, 1917, was a native of Ohio, born near Dayton. He was reared on a farm and received his education in the district schools. He also was a graduate of Wilts Business College, at Dayton. As a young man he farmed in Bethel Township, Miami County, and he later be- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1047 came the owner of 130 acres of well improved land, which he suc-cessfully operated from 1871 until 1909. He then removed to Tippecanoe City, where he conducted an insurance business until his death. Mr. Deam was a Republican, and served as clerk of Bethel Township. He held membership in the German Lutheran Church, and belonged to the Grange. His wife was born in Bethel Township, Miami County, and died in August, 1930. Both Mr. and Mrs. Deam are buried at Tippecanoe City. Their children were : 1. Robert H. Lives at Tippecanoe City. 2. Warren, who died in infancy. 3. Mary L., married B. S. Mitchell, lives at Troy, Ohio. 4. Clarence Everett, who died in August, 1927. 5. J. Morris, lives at Dayton. 6. Bertha May, married Walter E. Radcliffe, lives at Tippecanoe City. 7. Daisy, who died in infancy. 8. Emerson, the subject of this sketch. Emerson Deam's uncles, David, John and George Deam were soldiers in the Civil War. A fourth uncle was Isaac Freeman Deam. The boyhood of Emerson Deam was spent on his father's farm in Bethel Township, Miami County, and he attended the public schools. After his graduation from Bethel Township High School in 1908, Mr. Deem spent one year at Miami University. He was employed on the farm of E. C. Funderberg, of Bethel Township, for one year, and during 1910-12 was associated in business with his brother as dealers in farm implements at Phoneton, Ohio. He then went to Dayton, where he was employed by the Rike-Kumler Company until May, 1913. His next position was as a mechanic with the Dayton Troy Automobile Company, and in August, 1914, Mr. Deam located at Troy as service manager for that company's branch, later being transferred by the firm to their Piqua branch. He came to Sidney in 1915 as president and general manager of the Sidney Universal Car Company, Ford dealers, and was thus identified when he enlisted for service in the World War, September 5, 1917. Mr. Deam served as a private in Company H, 329th Infantry, 165th Brigade, 83rd Division, and 1048 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO saw active service in France from June 11, 1918, until February 15, 1919. He was honorably discharged at Camp Sherman, Ohio. After his return from service he conducted his business until it was sold to I. Boyd Huffman. He then became agent for the Willys-Overland Company at Sidney, and subsequently sold that business to H. P. Murray, of Sidney. Mr. Deam's next position was as district manager of the Refiners Oil Company. He has been interested in the insurance business at Sidney for a number of years as agent for the Travelers Insurance Company, of Hartford, Connecticut. Mr. Deam was elected to the office of mayor of Sidney in 1929, and was candidate for re-election in 1933. He served also as a member of the city council during 1924-30, and has had a promi-nent part in civic affairs. He is a Republican. On October 22, 1920, Mr. Deam married Miss Helen Edwards, born at Urbana, Ohio, March 29, 1894, the daughter of William E. and Daisy (Kerns) Edwards, natives of Ohio and West Virginia, respectively. They reside at Sidney. To Mr and Mrs. Deam have been born three children: 1. William Henry, born August 22, 1922. 2. Emily Jane, born October 20, 1923. 3. James Emerson, born February 2, 1929. Mr. Deam and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he belongs to the Masonic Lodge, Kiwanis Club, American Legion, and Sidney Country Club. William Henry Princehouse, retired, is one of the most prominent and highly esteemed citizens of Sidney. He was born on a farm in Green Township, Shelby County, the son of Jacob and Mary (Brantigan) Princehouse. Jacob Princehouse was a native of Green Township, Shelby County, and he spent his entire life in this section. He was well known as a farmer. Mr. Princehouse was a Republican. Both he and his wife are deceased and are buried in Cedar Point Cem- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1049 etery, at Sidney. Their children were: 1. Mary, who died in infancy. 2. William Henry, the subject of this sketch. 3. Callie, married Frank Wright, deceased, and she lives at Sidney. William Henry Princehouse grew up on his father's farm in Green Township and received his education in the district schools. He engaged in general farming until 1898, at which time he came to Sidney and established an undertaking business. However, after a short time he went to Cincinnati to attend the Cincinnati College of Embalming from which he was graduated in 1902. He then resumed his business interests at Sidney and ranked among the leading morticians of Shelby County until his retirement in 1929, when he sold the business to O. R. Kerr. Mr. Princehouse has extensive real estate holdings in the city, however, which he still manages. He is the owner of the buildings occupied by Montgomery, Ward & Company; Murphy's Five & Ten Cent Store; and the O. R. Kerr Funeral Home. He also owns two farms in Orange Township, as well as his residence in Sidney. Mr. Princehouse was married in May, 1889, to Miss Dora May Sargeant, of Champaign County, Ohio, the daughter of John and Hannah (Graham) Sargeant, natives of Champaign and Miami counties respectively. They are deceased and are buried in Cedar Point Cemetery, Sidney. Mr. and Mrs. Princehouse have a daughter, Faye Louise, who is the wife of Joseph Cook, of Sidney. They have two daughters, Bette Louise and Charlotte. Mr. Princehouse has always been a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, 32nd degree, and Antioch Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.; Knights of Pythias; Independent Order of Odd Fellows; P. B. O. Elks; and Order of Red Men. William Raymond Anderson.—Numbered among the able and progressive young business men of Shelby County is William R. Anderson, who is one of the owners of the "Cook Spot" restaur-