1200 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Thomas M. Weadock received his early education in Canada and then studied medicine at the University of Michigan, from which he received a degree in 1871. He was established in private practice at Lima from 1871 until the time of his death, January 20, 1905. Dr. Weadock was for a number of years medical examiner for the Catholic Knights of Ohio. To Doctor and Mrs. Weadock were born three children: 1. James J., father of the subject of this sketch. 2. Dr. Edward G., physician, who succeeded to his father's practice. 3. M. Catherine, who is a member of the faculty of the University of Arkansas. James J. Weadock, Sr., is a graduate of Lima High School, class of 1892. He then attended Assumption College at Sandwich, Ontario, Canada, and studied law at the University of Michigan, where he received the degree of LL. B. in 1896. After his admission to the Ohio State Bar he engaged in private practice in the city of Lima, and after two years became associated with Hon. Kent W. Hughes. He subsequently became a member of the firm of Motter, Mackenzie & Weadock, and upon the death of Mr. Motter the firm reorganized as Mackenzie & Weadock. Ralph P. Mackenzie subsequently became a member of the firm, as did Paul T. Landis, and it was then known as Mackenzie, Weadock, Mackenzie & Landis. James J. Weadock, Jr., became a member of the firm August 15, 1927. Upon the death of Ralph P. Macken-zie the firm name was changed to Mackenzie, Weadock & Landis. In August of 1933 the firm name was changed to its present style, Mackenzie, Weadock & Weadock. It has long been recognized as one of the strongest legal associations in Allen County and handles some of the most important jurisprudence in this part of the state. During 1911-14 James J. Weadock, Sr., served for two terms as prosecuting attorney of Allen County. He was married June 24, 1903, to Miss Mary A. Cunningham, the daughter of P. J. and Mary Cunningham, of Lima. Mr. Weadock is a prominent member of B. P. O. Elks, being past exalted ruler of Lima Lodge. To James J. and Mary A. (Cunningham) Weadock HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1201 were born two children: 1. James J., Jr., the subject of this sketch. 2. Mary Leonards, who lives at home, and is a teacher in the Lima Public School System. James J. Weadock, Jr., is a graduate of St. Rose's parochial school and Lima Central High School. He received the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Law at the University of Michigan in 1925 and 1927 respectively. His entire professional work has been identified with his father and other associates in the city of Lima, and as mentioned above, he has been a member of the firm since August 15, 1927. James J. Weadock, Jr., is a Democrat and has been a member of the Democratic Executive Committee of Allen County since 1930. He is a trustee of Lima Public Library, president of the Ohio Library Trustees' Association, and a member of the Amer-ican Library Association. He holds membership in the Allen County and the Ohio State Bar Associations, and belongs to the International Torch Club, Sigma Delta Kappa Legal Fraternity, and B. P. O. Elks, No. 54. He is a member of St. Rose's Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Weadock is interested in amateur musical and theatrical productions, being president of the Lima Community Players, and Secretary of the Lima Civic Music Association. Mr. Weadock is unmarried. Frank B. McMillin.—There is ever patent verification of the aphorism of Epicharmus, "Earn thy reward; the gods give naught to sloth," and the world instinctively pays deference to those who win success through individual effort and worthy means. Frank B. McMillin is one of the native sons of Morrow County, Ohio, who has thus been the artificer of his own fortunes, and whose success has been of a very appreciable order, the while his success has ever been such as to retain him the unqualified con- 1202 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO fidence and regard of his fellow men. In his early youth he felt the spur of necessity and it may well be said that the development of character in strength and resourcefulness is fostered by such conflict with adverse forces. Mr. McMillin is now numbered among the veritable captains of industry in his native county, where his excellent initiative and administrative powers have been brought to bear in a most effective way in the promotion of enterprises that have important bearing upon the industrial and social prosperity of the community. He is one of the most loyal and progressive citizens of Mount Gilead, and he has been an aggressive force in supporting all the measures that have tended to advance its best interests. He is now president and general manager of the Hydraulic Press Manufacturing Company, and has been especially influential in placing this important industrial concern upon a substantial footing. He has served as Probate Judge of Morrow County, and has been given most unequivocal assurance of public esteem in the community that has ever represented his home. Frank B. McMillin was born in Mount Gilead, Ohio, November 30, 1868. He is the son of Rev. Milton and Nannie (Mercer) McMillin, the former of whom was born in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, in 1832, and died in 1876, and the latter in Knox County, Ohio, in 1831, and died in 1908. Both are buried at Mount Gilead. Rev. Milton McMillin was graduated at Washington and Jefferson College and the Western Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania. He was later ordained to the ministry of the Presbyterian Church, in the work of which he continued until his death, which occurred at Lexington, Ohio, where he was temporarily located. Rev. McMillin held various pastoral incumbencies, including Delaware, Ohio, and was pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Mount Gilead, from which he resigned on account of ill health shortly before the time of his death. He was a man of fine intellectuality and his life was one of consecrated devotion to the work of his chosen vocation in which he preached the full gospel of salvation. His HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1203 wife, a woman of noble character, had been a teacher in seminaries near Pittsburgh and Allegheny, Pennsylvania, prior to their marriage, and she survived him by many years, having assumed in this connection a heavy burden of responsibility when the husband and father was summoned from the scene of life's mortal endeavors. Her financial resources were of the most limited and uncertain order, and she was left to care for five little sons, the eldest of whom was but 13 years of age at the time of the father's death. She continued to maintain her home at Mount Gilead until her death, December 8, 1908, and she is held in loving memory by all who came within the sphere of her gentle and gracious influence. Concerning the five children the following brief data is given: Walter L., long connected with the Yeomans and Shedd Hardware Company, a representative wholesale concern at Danville, Illinois; Rev. Edward M. McMillin, D. D., recent pastor of the First Presbyterian Church at Mansfield, Ohio, who died in 1930, buried at Mount Gilead; Frank B., the subject of this sketch; Harry B., who died at Columbus, Ohio, in 1926, buried at Mount Gilead; and Dr. Frederick N., who is pastor of the First Pres-byterian Church at Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, where he is famous for his sermons radiocasted throughout America, which are true to the faith of the fathers. Frank B. McMillin was in his eighth year at the time of his father's death, and the straitened condition of the family rendered it necessary for him and his elder brothers to assist in providing for the general support of the family, the loving and devoted mother having been determined to keep her children with her, and to rear them according to the principles of uprightness, self reliance, and abiding Christian faith. She was resourceful, self-abnegating, and was sustained by that faith that ever makes faithful in all of the relations of life. Mr. McMillin was afforded the advantages of the public schools, which he attended in a somewhat irregular way, and soon after the death of his father 1204 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO he began to earn his own living and also to assist his mother, and aid in preparing two brothers for the ministry. When but eight years of age he secured employment in a brick yard, and from the princely stipend of ten cents a day he was gradually advanced until he received a dollar a day for his services. He continued to be thus engaged for a period of four summers, and during the latter part of this time he held the position of kiln setter. In the meanwhile he also added to his earnings by cutting wood, mowing lawns, making and selling lamp lighters, weaving straw hats, gathering bones from the woods and fields, and securing such other kinds of work as he could find. While attending school he thus employed himself nights and mornings, and during the vacation seasons, and assiduous application to work marked his course rather than the play engaged in by the average boy. In the perspective of years he has found nothing to regret in the discipline thus secured, for the same gave to him appreciation of the value and dignity of honest toil and endeavor, and also begot a spirit of self-reliance and a determined purpose to make the most of such opportunities as presented themselves. After leaving the brick yard Mr. McMillin found employment on a farm and he was thus engaged for a year, at a compensation of ten dollars a month. Later he clerked in a dry goods and grocery store in his native town, and when sixteen years of age he secured a clerical position in the Mount Gilead post office, in which he was eventually promoted to the position of assistant postmaster, an office which he retained for four years. In 1899 he retired from the postoffice to initiate an independent business career. Though his capitalistic resources available for investment amounted to a very small sum, he had established a sure reputation for industry, honesty, and reliability, and this constituted a most valuable asset. He purchased a shoe store and as a matter of course assumed a very appreciable indebtedness, but his reputation gained for him credit, which he was always most careful to protect, and during the 13 years of his identification with the shoe business his success was cumulative, implying the building HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1205 up of a large and substantial trade and the securing of a strong hold upon popular confidence and esteem. When he sold his business in 1902, he not only owned the building occupied but also a large stock of goods, and was entirely free from debt, with a number of investments outside of the line of enterprise to which he had thus given his attention. During the greater part of the time he himself did the major part of the work, besides which he also had charge of bookkeeping for others. The genius of success is work and it will be seen that in this attribute Mr. McMillin had been in no wise lacking. In 1900 he became a member of the directorate of the Hydrau-lic Press Manufacturing Company, and since 1902 has been the active executive of the corporation. In the latter year he was appointed by the directors of the company to the office of special auditor, in which capacity devolved upon him the responsibility of instilling new life and methods into the business as well as to systematize the affairs of the factory, home office, and branch sales offices. He quickly took up and mastered the mechanical details of the business, and it has been in a large degree due to his skill as an organizer and to his careful and judicious admin-istration of executive functions that the business has been placed upon a plane of successful operation and constantly expanding ramifications. From the office of special auditor he was appointed to that of assistant general manager, later assistant secretary, and then general manager and secretary. Since 1920 he has been the executive vice president and general manager, and in January 1934 became president and general manager, while his son, Howard F., became vice president and assistant general manager. He and his son are the leading stockholders of this corporation, while both have labored with ability and unflagging zeal for the upbuilding of an industry that has contributed materially to the com-mercial prestige of Mount Gilead and Morrow County. Mr. McMillin has ever shown most insistent loyalty to his home city, and his progressive ideas have been manifested in the ardent cooperation which he has given to the initiating and 1206 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO fostering of enterprises and measures tending to conserve the general welfare and prosperity. The cause of religion has enlisted his support. Though tolerant as to denominational preferences he has always supported the conservative viewpoint in the fundamentals of the christian religion, believing in God's great plan of salvation as the only way that "man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever". Since coming to the age of responsibility he has done all in his power to aid and uplift his fellow-men, and to bring about the highest standards of morality and clean, social life. A son of a clergyman of the Presbyterian Church, Mr. McMillin was early grounded securely in the faith represented by this denomination, and he has been a zealous and valued factor in connection with the various departments of the work of the Presbyterian Church at Mount Gilead, in which he was an elder for 29 years, superintendent of the Sunday School for 25 years, and a trustee for 13 years. In the county group organization of the Presbyterian Church, comprising eight counties and known as the Presbytery, Mr. McMillin has performed every service to which a layman is eligible. He was a member of the General Education Board of the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., with headquarters in New York, serving in that capacity for four years. He has been a member of the College Board for ten years. This is a holding organization for the Board of Education for the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A. For 16 years Mr. McMillin was a member of the Committee on Religious Education and secular colleges and universities in Ohio, during which time he served as its secretary. This committee was appointed by and worked under the auspices of the Synod of Ohio, the state organization of the Presbyterian Church. This committee promoted moral influences and religious education at Ohio State University, Col-umbus, Ohio University at Athens, and Miami University at Oxford. In politics Mr. McMillin is accredited to the Progressive wing of the Republican party, being more interested in the highest HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1207 principles involved rather than party politics. Though he has had no special predilection for public office, he was appointed in 1900 by Governor Asa S. Bushnell to fill an unexpired term in the office of the Probate Judge of Morrow County, the vacancy having been caused by the death of Judge Arthur L. Banker. He gave a most careful and acceptable administration. Chairman, War Savings Stamp Committee, Morrow County, 1918-19. Given a community largely rural with many townships having no post offices, through which a daily distribution of small securities could be made ; having no large towns where marching uniformed soldiers could be seen; no bands playing nor martial music heard—what methods could be employed to arouse the patriotism of the people in such a community so as to produce concerted and concrete action toward a single end—the promotion of the financial program of the government. Such was the problem facing Chairman McMillin when he was drafted (three months late) into the position of Chairman of this Committee. Yet the results attained placed this county in the lead of the counties in the United States by the largest per capita sales of these securities during both of the years 1918 and 1919. Also in an intensive campaign during three months of 1919, through his skill in organization, personal effort and leadership, there was won for the county a beautiful Barre Granite Monument which now stands in the center of the county seat of Mount Gilead, dedicated to all who unselfishly rendered service from Morrow County during the World War. Recognition of his ability has been made outside of his home community. He was one of the organizers, served as president for the customary term, and is now a director of the Manufacturers' Association of Central Ohio. He promoted the organization and was president of the Hydraulic Machinery Manufac-turers Association, a national organization, 1927-29. For many years he has been active in the affairs of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. He led in the re-organization of this Chamber which is now one of the largest and most active State Chambers in the 1208 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO United States. Mr. McMillin was recently unanimously re-elected to his 11th consecutive term as president of this useful and influential organization when he declined this high office in order that he might devote all his time and energies to his manufacturing and private responsibilities. His reputation in manufacturing as well as in other lines of business endeavor having been well established throughout the country, Mr. McMillin was further honored on March 23, 1929, by being unanimously elected president of the National Association of State Chambers of Commerce, which position he held for the accustomed one term. Mr. McMillin has made numerous addresses in and out of the state, speaking on business, economic, moral and religious subjects, including the filling of pulpits in the temporary absence of the regular pastor. Mr. McMillin was married March 25, 1891, to Alice K. Struble, now deceased, and to this union there was born one daughter, Ruth, born May 11, 1896, died May 17, 1896, buried at Mount Gilead; and one son, Howard F., born November 11, 1897. The latter was graduated from Mount Gilead High School, received his literary education at Wooster College, and then graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Howard F. McMillin married Corinne Miller, of Cardington, Ohio, and they have three children: Norman, ten years of age; Martha, seven years of age; and David, four years of age. Howard F. McMillin is now active in the affairs of The Hydraulic Press Manufacturing Company as previously mentioned in this sketch. On April 7, 1927, Frank B. McMillin was again married to Miss Martha A. Terry, a life-long resident of Mount Gilead, and prominent in the social and church affairs of her community. Mr. McMillin is a member of the Kiwanis Club and the Masonic Lodge F. & A. M. No. 206, both of Mount Gilead; the Ohio Society of New York City, and the Academy of Political Science of New York City. His name appears in the last issue 1933-34 of "Who's Who in America." HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1209 George Bancroft Smith.—A well known figure in Dayton man-ufacturing circles, George Bancroft Smith is secretary-treasurer of C. F. Kettering, Inc., and an officer or director in many other enterprises. His interests have also extended to the field of civic affairs and public life. Mr. Smith was born at Phillipsburg, Ohio, November 16, 1867, the son of Lewis R. and Mary (John) Smith. Lewis R. Smith, of Scottish and Dutch ancestry, was a village contractor, later studied law, and for a number of years followed that profession. He served for four years and one month with the Union army during the Civil War, being mustered out with the rank of sergeant, and he was subsequently postmaster and justice of the peace at Brookville, Ohio. Mary (John) Smith was of Welch descent. George Bancroft Smith received his early education in the public schools of Phillipsburg and Brookville and also completed a course of study at Miami Commercial College, Dayton. He began his business career in the employ of The Smith & Vaile Company, of Dayton, serving as bookkeeper and paymaster. This company was succeeded by The Stilwell-Bierce & Smith-Vaile Company, which in turn was succeeded by The Platt Iron Works Company. Mr. Smith remained throughout these successive reorganizations for seventeen years, rising to positions of greater responsibility as he demonstrated his capacity for executive office. In 1906, when he resigned from the company he held the position of assistant secretary and treasurer. During 1906-08 he was associated with the E. J. Barney interests, holding among other positions that of secretary-treasurer of The Craig-Reynolds Foundry Company. In 1908 he took over the presidency of another Barney enterprise, The Kinnard Manufacturing Com-pany, of which he was also president, treasurer and general manager. This connection he retained until 1916 when he accepted the position of financial representative for Col. Edward A. Deeds and Charles F. Kettering, owners of the Delco, Delco-Light and 1210 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO other affiliated companies. Mr. Smith has been actively associated with these interests since that time. He is now secretary-treas-urer of C. F. Kettering, Inc.; secretary-treasurer of The Domestic Building Company; secretary of The Moraine Development Company; treasurer of The Moraine Park Company, Inc.; vice president, The Flxible Company; secretary-treasurer, Uplands Realty Company, Inc.; secretary Moraine Building Company; director of the Winters National Bank & Trust Company; and director of The Triangle Park Company. Aside from these connections, Mr. Smith is treasurer and trustee of Antioch College; trustee of The Ohio State Archeological and Historical Society; financial chairman of the Dayton Art Institute; and was one of the founders of Moraine Park School at Dayton. He served for six years as vice president and three years as president of the Dayton Chamber of Commerce; was a member for three years, 1902-05, of the Dayton Board of Education; and for three years was president of the Y. M. C. A. In spite of the many demands which business makes upon him, Mr. Smith has given freely of his time to civic and benevolent enterprises. He is today an officer or director of numerous civic bodies, all of which have benefited through his active service. In politics Mr. Smith is an independent Republican and in 1912 was elected alternate delegate to the national convention of that party held in Chicago. He is affiliated with the Sons of Veterans of the Civil War, and is also a member of the Engineers Club of Dayton; Moraine Park Country Club; Conference Club; and Ohio Society of New York. Motoring and traveling are his favorite recreations. He and his daughter have traveled extensively abroad, and he has published many illustrated articles describing their motor travels in Europe and Alaska. On June 26, 1890, Mr. Smith married at West Alexandria, Ohio, Miss Holly Denney, who died in 1925. She was the daughter of Louis and Matilda C. Denney. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were the parents of a daughter, Martha C. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1211 Mr. Smith has offices in the Winters Park Building, Dayton, and the family residence is maintained at Holly Croft, Stonebridge Road. Charles Burton Cokefair.—One of Preble County's most prominent citizens is Charles Burton Cokefair, who lives retired at Eaton. He successfully engaged in the drug business there for almost 35 years and also was identified with the Eaton Telephone Company for many years. Mr. Cokefair was born at Cambridge City, Indiana, in May, 1857, the son of James Monroe and Catherine (Cokefair) Cokefair. James Monroe Cokefair, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born at Bloomfield, New Jersey, in 1820. At the age of 25 years he came to Indiana and settled at Connersville, where he became a cabinet maker and furniture manufacturer. At the outbreak of the Mexican War he recruited a regiment for the service, but the war ended before they were called into duty. In later life Mr. Cokefair was the owner of a manufacturing plant at Cambridge City, Indiana, where he specialized in the making of high grade furniture. He served throughout the Civil War as a captain in the Third Indiana Battery of heavy artillery. In later life Mr. Cokefair was identified with the publication of the Indianapolis Sentinel, a Democratic paper of wide circulation and influence, with LaFayette Devlin as editor. Mr. Cokefair died in 1867 and is buried at Cambridge City, Indiana. Charles Burton, subject of this sketch, was the youngest of three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Cokefair. Charles B. Cokefair attended the public schools of Cambridge City. He became a registered pharmacist in 1885, although he had been the proprietor of a drug store since 1879. For several years he engaged in business at Richmond, Indiana, and later was located at College Corners, Ohio. He conducted a drug business at Eaton from 1888 until his retirement in 1920. In 1913 he be- 1212 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO came one of the owners of the Eaton Telephone Company, and at that time the business was reorganized in combination with six other exchanges in the county. Mr. Cokefair retired from the company in 1929. He and his wife reside at 201 East Somers Street, Eaton, and also have a winter home at Saint Petersburg, Florida. On November 17, 1887, Mr. Cokefair was united in marriage with Miss Ella V. Silver, the daughter of James R. and Amanda (Gregg) Silver, of Pendleton, Indiana. They have no children. Mr. Cokefair has been a life long Democrat and has been a delegate to numerous state conventions, as well as a member of the county central committee. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he has been trustee for 30 years, and he has the following lodge and club affiliations: Bolivar Lodge, F. and A. M.; Eaton Chapter, R. A. M.; Dayton Commandery, K. T.; Dayton Consistory 32nd degree; Antioch Shrine; Knights of Pythias, member since 1883 and past chancellor com-mander; Rotary Club; and Eaton Country Club. Frank A. Snyder.—Identffied with the Standard Publishing Company as president, and editor of the Celina Daily Standard, Mr. Snyder ranks among the most prominent newspapermen of West Central Ohio, and is highly esteemed in the city of Celina. He was born here, April 6, 1871, the son of Alexis Parker and Susan E. (Slicer) Snyder. Alexis Parker Jones Snyder, deceased, was a representative citizen of Celina and Mercer County. He was born at Bellefontaine, Ohio, July 24, 1828, and died November 15, 1901. He is buried in North Grove Cemetery, Celina. Mr. Snyder began his newspaper career as an apprentice printer in the plant of the "Daily Censor," at Bellefontaine. He came to Celina in 1851 and at that time worked on the "Western Standard," a weekly publication edited and published by his brother, S. S. Snyder and Judge William L. Blocher. Three years later, A. P. J. Snyder HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1213 purchased the interest of Judge Blocher in the business and con-tinued with his brother. He was elected as a representative to the General Assembly of Ohio in 1859, and re-elected for a second term. At the time of his death in 1901, Mr. Snyder had been identified with the interests of the Standard Publishing Company for half a century. He was married on February 22, 1859, to Miss Susan E. Slicer, daughter of Walter Slicer, of Bellefontaine, and they were the parents of seven children, of whom Frank A., subject of this sketch, was the sixth. The education of Frank A. Snyder was received in the public schools of Celina, and he left high school during his senior year to enter the newspaper office of his father, who had re-purchased the plant in 1867. The brother had sold the enterprise in 1865 and the father of the subject of this sketch, A. P. J. Snyder, continued to edit and publish the paper alone. Frank A. Snyder be-gan at the bottom and gradually was promoted from one department to another, until he assumed full control of the publication upon the death of his father in 1901. "The Daily Standard" began publication in 1904, it formerly being published as the "Western Standard" and the "Mercer County Standard." In 1911 the "Daily Standard" was incorporated as the Standard Publishing Company, with Frank A. Snyder as manager of the business, and he filled that position until 1922, at which time he became president of the corporation and editor of the "Daily Standard." On September 12, 1911, Mr. Snyder was united in marriage with Mrs. Grace Riley Griffith, the daughter of Calvin E. Riley, son of the founder of the city of Celina. To Mr. and Mrs. Snyder were born two children : 1. Parker Riley, born March 29, 1913, graduate of Celina High School class of 1930, attends the University of Michigan, class of 1934. 2. Joy A., born April 4, 1915, a graduate of Celina High School, class of 1933, attends University of Michigan, class of 1937. Mr. Snyder is a Democrat, and during the past 40 years has been prominent in the affairs of his party, being a member of the Democratic County Executive Committee. He and his family 1214 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO are active members of the Presbyterian Church, at Celina, and he is a Mason. He also belongs to the Kiwanis Club, and Celina North Shore Country Club. Mr. Snyder finds his recreation in gardening, hunting and fishing, most of his leisure time being spent on the Grand Reservoir fishing for game fish. He is a member of the Lake Welfare Association. Samuel V. Brown.—As Recorder of Mercer County, Samuel V. Brown is a representative citizen of Coldwater. He was born in Richland County, Ohio, August 4, 1866, the son of Am-brose B. and Lucretia (Millenbaugh) Brown. Ambrose B. Brown was born on the Brown homestead in Richland County in 1828 and died in June, 1908. Throughout his life he was a farmer and for many years lived in Wyandotte County, Ohio. His father was a native of Alsace, France, and came to the United States in 1805. He settled on land in Richland County and died there in 1876. He is buried in Shelby Cemetery, Richland County. His son, Ambrose B. Brown, was married in 1865 to Miss Lucretia Millenbaugh, of Crawford County. To them were born nine children, of whom Samuel V., the subject of this sketch, was the oldest. Following his graduation from the public schools of Richland and Wyandotte counties, Samuel V. Brown attended a business college at Portland, Indiana. He also attended Coldwater Normal College, and was a student at Ohio University. He taught school in Mercer County for seventeen terms, six years of that period being spent as principal of the schools at Coldwater. Mr. Brown has served for two terms as a member of the Ohio General Assembly. At the present time he is serving his third term in the office of county recorder of Mercer County. He has also been mayor of Coldwater on five different occasions, has served as Justice of the Peace for two terms; as village council- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1215 man for five terms; on the village school board two terms ; for two years, serving as clerk and treasurer of the school board. Mr. Brown has always been a Democrat and an advocate of people's rights and equality of mankind. On February 14, 1895, Mr. Brown was united in marriage with Miss Josephine Rosenbeck, the daughter of George Rosenbeck of Coldwater. They are the parents of eight children : 1. Isadore, born in April, 1897, identified with the Dayton Computing Scale Company, Steinbrunner. Mary, married Alva Steinbrunner, who is identified with the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, at Akron. 3. Elnora, married Macerl Jenner lives at Cleveland, Ohio. 4. Victor, connected with the Delco Light Company at Dayton. 5. Edna, married Frank Marton, who is identified with the Delco Light Company, Dayton. 6. Frances, married Charles Kuntz, lives at Dayton. 7. Olga, married Harold Walters, identified with the Wire Wheel Works, Dayton. 8. Frederick, who is deputy recorder of Mercer County. The Brown family holds membership in Holy Trinity Catholic Church at Coldwater. Rev. Louis H. Yauss.—As pastor of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, at Coldwater, Rev. Father Yauss is numbered among the outstanding and influential citizens of Mercer County. He was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, November 22, 1873, the son of Louis and Mary ( Osterhaus) Yauss. Louis Yauss, deceased, was a successful business man of Cincinnati for many years. He was born there in 1844 and as a young man became interested in the growing of hot house vegetables. He developed an extensive business and supplied retail markets and trade centers in New York City, Philadelphia, and Chicago, with his superior type of product. Two of his sons became associated with him and he continued in the business until his death in 1923. He is buried in St. Mary's Cemetery, Cincin- 1216 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO nati. His well established business is still conducted by two grandsons. In 1865 Mr. Yauss married Miss Mary Osterhaus, the daughter of Herman and Mary Osterhaus, of Baltimore, Maryland. They were the parents of 14 children, of whom Louis H., subject of this sketch, was the fourth in order of birth. The early education of Louis H. Yauss was received in the parochial schools of Cincinnati, and he later attended St. Gregory's Seminary, at Mt. Washington, Cincinnati, after which he enrolled at Mt. St. Mary's Seminary, being ordained to the priesthood in June, 1903. He immediately was assigned to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Cincinnati, as an assistant to Rev. Father Fellmann, and continued there for six years. He next became pastor of St. Francis de Sales Church, Cincinnati, for three years, and then served as procurator of Mt. St. Mary's Seminary for a period of four years. In September, 1915, Father Yauss came to Holy Trinity Church, at Coldwater, as pastor, and he has continued here to the present time. His parish has enjoyed a remarkable growth dur-ing his pastorate and has increased in number from 225 families to 400 in 1933. The church has been completely remodeled and a new rectory built, a large playground for the school has been procured and beautified, and the parish has also purchased the Knights of Columbus building at Second and Walnut streets, which was erected in 1926. It contains a fine recreation hall and auditorium, as well as office, lounge, etc. Father Yauss is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Knights of Ohio, and is chaplain of the Knights of St. John and Knights of America. William D. Quigley has been a substantial and well known citizen of Bellefontaine for many years. He was born at Galion, Crawford County, Ohio, October 9, 1871, the son of Brock and Flora (Mitchell) Quigley. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1217 Brock Quigley was a native of Mansfield, Ohio, born there October 13, 1844. Throughout his life he was identified with railroad work and was a passenger engineer for many years, as was also his father. He was a Civil War veteran. Mr. Quigley died January 10, 1905, and is buried at Galion. He was married in November, 1861, to Miss Flora Mitchell, the daughter of Duncan Mitchell, of Galion, widely known in that city as an importer and dealer in Belgian horses. To Mr. and Mrs. Quigley were born seven children. William David Quigley spent his early life at Galion, Ohio, where he attended the public schools. At the age of 16 years he left school and entered the shops of the Erie Railroad Company, at Galion, as an apprentice machinist. After four years he became a fireman in the employ of the Big Four Railroad Company, and continued in that capacity for nine years. His next promotion was as freight engineer, and in 1919 he became a passenger engi-neer, in which capacity he has continued until the present time. He has been a resident of Bellefontaine for a number of years. Mr. Quigley was married on June 22, 1898, to Miss Emma Heine, the daughter of William H. and Theresa (Olde) Heine, of Mt. Clemens, Michigan. Their only child died in infancy. Mrs. Quigley is a member of the Lutheran Church, and he is affiliated with Bellefontaine Lodge, F. & A. M., Commandery, Council and Chapter, and is identified with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. Politically, he is an independent Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Quigley reside at 625 North Detroit Street, Bellefontaine. George Lewis Dalton, who is serving his fifth successive term as auditor of the city of Troy, is widely and favorably known throughout Miami County. He was born at Troy, October 10, 1901, the son of James Lewis and Anna (Rebholz) Dalton. 1218 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO James Lewis Dalton is a native of Athens, Ohio. He was reared and educated there and as a young man learned the trade of blacksmith. He spent many years in the employ of the McKinnon-Dash Manufacturing Company, and Zerkle Brothers, of Troy, and at the present time is custodian of the Troy Masonic Temple. He is a Democrat, a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge. His wife was born at Troy and died in 1924. She is buried in Riverside Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Dalton had two sons : 1. George Lewis, the subject of this sketch. 2. Ralph W., advertising agent, with offices on the Public Square, Troy. Following his graduation from Troy High School in 1920, George Lewis Dalton attended Miami University for two terms. In 1925 he was elected to the office of city auditor, and as men-tioned above, has continued in office to the present time. Mr. Dalton is a Democrat, a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, and belongs to the Troy Club. He is un-married. Hon. Sumner Elliott Walters.—Few men are as prominent in Van Wert as Sumner E. Walters, who is serving as Common Pleas Judge of Van Wert County. He was born in Willshire Township, Van Wert County, November 12, 1874, the son of William Geddes and Jane Maria (Anderson) Walters. William Geddes Walters, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War, and represented a pioneer family of Van Wert County. He was born near Belleville, Richland County, Ohio, and was brought to Van Wert County by his parents in 1846. He spent his life as a farmer on the old Walters homestead in Willshire Township, and became the owner of 313 acres of land. He was a Republican, and held membership in the United Brethren Church. His wife was a member first of the Presbyterian, and later of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Walters was a member of the Ohio State HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1219 Militia and served during the Civil War as a private in the 32nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He died in 1918 and is buried in Green-brier Cemetery, Willshire Township. Jane M. (Anderson) Wal-ters was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, and for a number of years was a teacher in the district schools of Van Wert County. She died February 10, 1881, and was survived by four children : 1. Maria, who died in 1932, was the wife of William M. Young. 2. William Anderson, who died in 1878. 3. Chalmers S., lives at Glenmore, Ohio. 4. Sumner Elliott, the subject of this sketch. William Geddes Walters married (second) Emma Jane Adleblue, born at Millersburg, Ohio. She died in 1932 and is buried in Greenbrier Cemetery. To William G. and Emma Jane (Adleblue ) Walters were born nine children, as follows : 1. Mary Gertrude, married Charles D. Ault, lives in Willshire Township. 2. John, who died in infancy. 3. Xanthus Maynard, lives in Willshire Township. 4. Lulu P., married Joseph Gehres, lives in Harrison Township. 5. Stanley DeWitt, who died in 1931. 6. Hazel, married H. O. Hammond, lives at Van Wert. 7. Helen, married Clarence Bixler, lives at Van Wert. 8. Russell B., lives at Van Wert. 9. Belva Lockwood, lives at Van Wert. Sumner E. Walters was reared on his father's farm in Will-shire Township and attended the public schools. He attended the Middlepoint Normal School. He then became a teacher in the district schools of Van Wert County for seven years, and in 1900 was elected to represent Van Wert County in the Ohio State legislature, in which capacity he served until 1904. During 1894-1904 he had also successfully engaged in general farming in Liberty Township. In the latter year he entered the law school of Ohio Northern University and after his graduation was admitted to the Ohio State bar in June, 1907. He engaged in private prac-tice for two years, and from 1909 until 1912 was associated with Oscar A. Balyeat, as a member of the firm of Balyeat and Walters. During 1912-17 he practiced alone, and on January 1, 1917, assumed the duties of prosecuting attorney of Van Wert County. 1220 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO He served in that office for two successive terms and on July 31, 1922, formed a partnership with Charles M. Drury. Later he was a partner of John G. Hanlin for two years. He has served as judge of Van Wert County since January 1, 1929, being elected to a six year term. On September 23, 1894, Judge Walters was united in marriage with Miss Kittie May Allen, born at Van Wert, February 10, 1876, the daughter of Harrison L. and Statira (Quayle) Allen, natives of Erie County, Ohio. Mr. Allen died April 6, 1902, and is buried at Van Wert. His widow, now 91 years of age, resides with the Walters family. To' Judge and Mrs. Walters were born five children : 1. Mabel I., the widow of Melvin R. Baxter, lives at home. She has five children : Helen, Mildred, Eugene Robert, Patricia Ann, and William Sumner. 2. Paul Anderson, died in 1916. 3. Doyt Allen, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history. 4. William Harrison, lives at Van Wert. 5. Sumner, Jr., attends Van Wert High School. Judge Walters has always been a Republican. He and his family are members of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and Kiwanis Club. He also holds membership in the Van Wert County and Ohio State Bar associations. Lionel O. Welker has a wide acquaintance throughout Van Wert County and is recognized as one of the successful dairymen of this section. He was born in Ridge Township, Van Wert County, May 24, 1907, the son of Harvey D. and Dora (Oglesbee) Welker. Harvey D. Welker was a native of Ridge Township, Van Wert County, and died December 29, 1915. His widow was also born in this county and resides at Van Wert R. F. D. No. 7. Mr. Welker was a farmer throughout his life. He was a Republican, a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and belonged to the HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1221 Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Red Men. His father was Milton Welker, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, May 12, 1842. In 1861 Milton Welker and his father, Frederick Welker, came to Van Wert County and settled on the homestead in Ridge Township, where the Welker family continued to live for many years. Frederick Welker died in 1880 and his son, Milton Welker, continued to engage in farming on the homestead. He served throughout the Civil War as a member of Company D, 54th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under the command of Captain Moore, of Auglaize County, and participated in the battles of Pittsburgh Landing, Corinth, Memphis, Chattanooga, etc., under General Sherman. He was discharged at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1865, and then engaged in farming in Allen County until 1873, at which time he located in Van Wert County and purchased a farm of 120 acres. He was a Republican and served as justice of the peace and township trustee. He held membership in the First Methodist Church. To Harvey D. and Dora (Oglesbee) Welker was born only one child, Lionel O., the subject of this sketch. He was educated in the public schools of Ridge Township, and engaged in general farming with his father until February 16, 1924, at which time he became interested in the dairy business as proprietor of the L. O. Welker Dairy. He has an extensive trade and handles two retail and one wholesale route in this territory. He sells 225 gallons of milk daily, as well as large quantities of butter, cream and cheese. On June 2, 1928, Mr. Welker was united in marriage with Miss Carrie Ellen Jackson, of Paulding County, Ohio, born June 6, 1906, the daughter of Ira and Dea (Burley) Jackson. Both were natives of Paulding County and live on a farm in Van Wert County. Mr. and Mrs. Welker have no children. Mr. Welker is a Republican, a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and belongs to the Kiwanis Club and Chamber of Commerce. 1222 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Edward C. Wolf is well and favorably known among substan-tial business men of Sidney. He was born in this city, March 9, 1884, the son of Charles, Jr., and Jennie (Runyon) Wolf. Charles Wolf, who died in 1923, was a native of Louisville, Kentucky. His widow was born at Sidney and still resides there. He was associated with John Heiser for a number of years in the manufacture of plows and later was identified with the Wagner Manufacturing Company. Mr. Wolf was a Democrat and held membership in the German Lutheran Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Wolf were born the following children: 1. Edward C., the subject of this sketch. 2. Hugh J., a train director living at Dayton, Ohio. 3. Mary, married Edward Woodruff, lives at Sidney. 4. Rachel, married Elmer Rayner, lives at Hamilton, Ohio. 5. Otto, lives at Sidney. 6. LaDonna, unmarried, is a graduate nurse of the Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton, Ohio. Edward C. Wolf attended the public schools of Sidney and the Sidney Business College. He began his business career with The Pioneer Pole and Shaft Company, and resigned as bookkeeper to enter the office of city auditor of the City of Sidney for a period of four years after which he was assistant manager of The Tucker Wood Work Company of Sidney. His next position was as traveling auditor for the Willys-Overland Company of Toledo, Ohio for two years after which he became auditor for the Peer-less Bread Machine Company of Sidney. He then entered into the wholesale and retail distribution of petroleum products as manager of the Dixie Oil Company at Sidney. He disposed of his interest in the Dixie Oil Company in 1928 to become secretary and treasurer of the Buckeye Lettered Gar-ment Company of Sidney, which position he held until July, 1932, when he resigned to accept a position in the Federal Government as Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue in the Toledo district. Mr. Wolf was married May 12, 1903, to Miss Victoria Corbin, born at Sidney, September 23, 1884, the daughter of John and Theresa (Kerber) Corbin, natives of Indiana and Ohio, respec- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1223 tively. They reside at Sidney. Victoria (Corbin) Wolf died August 14, 1926, and is buried at Sidney. To Mr. and Mrs. Wolf were born three children: 1. Gilletta, born July 24, 1909, lives at home. 2. Marcel Francis, born July 11, 1910, and married to Barbara Hess in 1931. 3. James E., born January 19, 1920. Politically Mr. Wolf is a Democrat and has taken an active part in the affairs of the Democratic Party for years. He is a member of Holy Angels Church at Sidney and is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus and the B. P. O. Elks. William M. Ginn, owner of "Evergreen Lake," near Sidney, also numbered among the prosperous farmers of Shelby County, is a member of one of the oldest families in this section of Ohio. He was born in Laramie Township, Shelby County, September 9, 1881, the son of Andrew H. and Harriet (Hole) Ginn. Andrew H. Ginn, retired, is a well known citizen of Shelby County. He was born on a farm in Laramie Township, March 6, 1844, the son of James Ginn, who came to this country from Ireland in 1826 and settled on a tract of 320 acres in Laramie Township in 1832. He became a successful farmer and stockman and died in 1856. He is buried at Piqua. Two sons, James and Robert Ginn, were soldiers in the Civil War. Andrew H. Ginn was interested in general farming and stock raising until his retirement. He is the oldest resident of Laramie township. Mr. Ginn is a Republican and holds membership in the Christian Church at Houston. His wife was born January 7, 1846, in Hamilton County, Ohio, and died in 1918. She is buried at Houston. Mr. and Mrs. Ginn were the parents of the following children: 1. Catherine, who died in infancy. 2. Gertrude, lives at Houston. 3. James H., a farmer, lives near Piqua, Ohio. 4. Franklin, who died in infancy. 5. Cecil H., who is the owner of the Ginn Grain Company at Sidney. 6. William M., the subject of this sketch. 7. Chester A., building contractor, lives at Los Angeles, Cali- 1224 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO fornia. 8. Clyde LeRoy, lives at Portland, Oregon. 9. Pearl, un-married, lives at home. William M. Ginn is a graduate of the district schools of Laramie Township. As a young man he was interested in business with his father as a buyer and shipper of stock at Houston, and was stock buyer of the Kugelman Packing Company at Piqua, being identified with that concern from 1914 until 1920. In 1914 Mr. Ginn purchased Evergreen Lake, which was part of the original Pampell homestead. It contains 80 acres, and is a popular summer resort. The lake has been artistically landscaped and has been developed by Mr. Ginn as an amusement center of high character. Fishing, swimming, and boating are enjoyed during the summer months and cottages are available for rental. Mr. and Mrs. Ginn also own 400 acres of land in Laramie and Washington townships and are extensively engaged in stock raising. On October 22, 1905, Mr. Ginn married Miss Bertha May Cromer, who was born at Houston, November 13, 1885, the daughter of Thomas H. and Etta May (Wise) Cromer. They are natives of Shelby County and reside at Piqua. Mr. and Mrs. Ginn have two sons: 1. Marvin C., born May 5, 1906, road con-tractor, lives at Houston. 2. Billie C., born July 25, 1918, lives at home. Mr. Ginn is a Republican, and nearly all of the members of the Ginn family belong to the Christian church at Houston. Joseph L. Lamborne, Doctor of Osteopathy and Surgery, is well known at Wapakoneta, where he has been established in practice since 1929. He was born at Bellefontaine, Ohio, May 25, 1905, the son of John F. and Daisy (Henderson) Lamborne. John F. Lamborne is widely known throughout Logan County, Ohio, as chief of police at Bellefontaine. He was born at Peru, Indiana, and received his education there. As a young man he HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1225 came to Bellefontaine, where he was employed for five years by the Big Four Railroad Company. He has been identified with the police department of that city since 1908. Mr. Lamborne is a Republican, a member of the Christian Church and belongs to the Masonic and Elk lodges. His wife is a native of Bellefontaine. Their only child is Joseph L., the subject of this sketch. The education of Joseph L. Lamborne was received in the public schools of Bellefontaine and he is a graduate of the Kirksville (Missouri) College of Osteopathy and Surgery, class of 1928. During 1927-28 he was interne at Laughlin Hospital, at Kirksville. He was associated in practice at Bellefontaine with Dr. Fred Burnett until April, 1929, and at that time established his present practice at Wapakoneta. On April 25, 1933, Doctor Lamborne was united in marriage with Miss Audrey Parish, born at Wapakoneta, February 28, 1911, the daughter of Earl C. and Arline (Wright) Parish of Wapakoneta. Doctor Lamborne is independent politically. He is a member of the Christian Church and belongs to the Elk and Eagle lodges, and Iota Tau Sigma fraternity. Albert Charles Buss.—Highly esteemed and widely known throughout Auglaize County is Albert Charles Buss, who is editor and general manager of the Leader Printing Company, owners and publishers of the Saint Marys Evening Leader. He was born in German Township, near New Bremen, May 28, 1866, the son of William and Kathryn (Maurer) Buss. William Buss, deceased, was a native of Germany, as was his wife. He was a carpenter by trade, and at an early age came to this country and settled at Cincinnati. He later came to Auglaize County and established a general mercantile business at New Bremen. Mr. Buss was a Democrat and held membership in Saint Paul's Evangelical Church at New Bremen. He and his 1226 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO wife are buried there. They were the parents of the following children: 1. Caroline, deceased. 2. Matilda, the widow of Henry Pape, lives at Russel Point, Ohio. 3. Carl, deceased. 4. Edward, deceased. 5. Gustave, deceased. 6. Albert Charles, the subject of this sketch. 7. Olga, deceased, was the wife of Henry E. Meyer. 8. Walter J., fruit grower, lives at Atwater, California. After his graduation from New Bremen High School, Albert Charles Buss was a teacher in the rural schools of German Township and also taught at New Bremen. After two years at Ohio State University he returned to New Bremen in 1888 as owner of the New Bremen Sun, of which he continued as editor until 1903. During that time he was also one of the organizers of the New Bremen Telephone Company, and served as director of the telephone companies at Spencerville and Ohio City, and Monroe-ville, Ind. He was also one of the founders of the Celina Tele-phone Company of which he served as a director for a year. He was identified with the organization of the New Bremen Brick Company, New Bremen Handle Company, and the A. H. May Implement Company, being secretary of the latter organization. In 1909 Mr. Buss resumed his newspaper interests and came to Saint Marys as editor and publisher of the Saint Marys Graphic, a publication owned by the Leader Printing Company. After two years be became owner of the paper at Saint Marys, and also established a job printing business, which he named The Creamery Patron Printing Company. At the same time he pub-lished the Creamery Patron, which was a monthly magazine owned by the White Mountain Creamery Company of New Bremen. His various publishing interests were consolidated in 1926 as the Leader Publishing Company, and Mr. Buss has continued as editor and manager. He is also vice president of the Com-munity Building & Loan Company. Mr. Buss married (first) Miss Anna Huenke, who was born December 4, 1867, a native of German Township, the daughter of Henry and Louisa Dorothy (Stroefer) Huenke. Both were na- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1227 tives of Germany. The former, born September 16, 1812, is de-ceased, and the latter born March 19, 1814, died October 26, 1909. Both are buried at New Bremen. Henry Huenke was the third son of Albert and Margaret (Benter) Huenke, and the only member of his family to emigrate to the United States. He came in 1839 and settled at New Bremen, where he worked on the old Miami and Erie Canal. He spent many years as proprietor of the American House Hotel at New Bremen, and later lived on a farm in German Township. Anna (Huenke) Buss died May 30, 1909, and is buried at New Bremen. Their children were: 1. Homer William, born April 27, 1894, associated in business with his father at Saint Marys. He was married November 19, 1919, to Miss Mary Marshall, of Saint Marys, and they have a son, William Albert, born March 26, 1925. 2. Kathryn, born March 30, 1897 married Carl Stoll, September 17, 1925, and lives at Youngstown, Ohio. They have three children: Dorothy Ann, born No-vember 10, 1926, and James Edward, born May 12, 1928, and Martha, born January 5, 1931. 3. Louise, born September 21, 1898, married Lowell E. Botkin, June 25, 1920, and lives at Saint Marys. They have a son, Harold Buss, born June 23, 1922. 4. Albert Huenke, born November 26, 1901, associated with his father's business. He married Miss Marjorie Palmer of Saint Marys, January 28, 1925, and they have a daughter, Susanne, born October 19, 1929. 5. Annabel, born November 4, 1904, married Herbert Blair, February 19, 1925, and lives at Saint Marys. They have two children, Kathryn Ann, born January 12, 1926, and Brice Herbert, born May 6, 1930. Mr. Buss married (second) April 23, 1911, Mrs. Sarah E. (Henning) Barrington, of St. Marys, the daughter of William and Ellen (Botkin) Henning. Both are deceased and are buried at St. Marys. Mr. Buss is a Republican, although not a partisan. Politics does not enter in the equations of local elections with him. He has been identified with civic matters during his entire residence 1228 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO in St. Marys, holding membership in The St. Marians Luncheon Club. In former times, he was director of the Chamber of Com-merce and for two years held the presidency of it. He and his wife are members of the St. Paul's Reformed Church, while the former is also identified with the Men's Association of that church, having been its president for several years. Mrs. Buss is a member of the Women's organization of the church. John J. Klay, who is secretary, treasurer, and general manager of the Parks-Klay Company, at 301 West High Street, is an able business man and substantial citizen of Lima and Allen County. He was born in Richland Township, Allen County, July 25, 1886, the son of Abraham B. and Marian (Knuess) Klay. Abraham B. Klay, who died in 1921, was a native of Switzerland. He is buried in Ebenezer Cemetery, Richland Township. His widow was also born in Switzerland and resides at Palo Alto, California. At the age of twenty-five years Abraham B. Klay came to the United States and settled at Berne, Ind., where he followed the trade of carpenter. In 1896 he became interested in the manufacture of tile roofing at Ottawa, Ohio, in partnership with Grover Jennings and Frank Ewing, and the partner-ship continued until 1900. In that year Mr. Klay came to Lima and organized the National Tile Roofing Company, with which he was identified for seven years. He held numerous patents on machinery used in the manufacture of tile. He later was identified with the organization of the Canton Tile Manufacturing Company. He lived at Palo Alto, California, from 1914 until his death in 1921. Mr. Klay was the inventor of the Klay Universal Gear Puller in 1918, and this product is now manufactured by the Scott-Ewing Company of Bluffton, Ohio. Mr. Klay was a Republican, a member of the Mennonite Church, and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. To Mr. and Mrs. Klay were born the following children: 1. Emil, general contractor, HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1229 lives at Orrville. 2. Emma, married Rudolph Moser, lives at Orrville. 3. Bertha, married Herman F. Moser, lives at Akron. 4. John J., the subject of this sketch. 5. Menno, building contractor, lives at Palo Alto, California. 6. Sarah, married Edward Edwards, lives at Palo Alto. She served in the United States as a nurse during the World War. 7. Albert E., and 8. William, building contractors, live at Palo Alto. They are World War veterans. The early life of John J. Klay was spent in Richland Township and he attended the public schools of Ottawa and Lima. He also took correspondence work through the LaSalle Extension School, and attended a business college at Toronto, Canada. At an early age he became interested in the tile manufacturing business with his father, at Lima, and in 1907 was transferred to the Canton plant. He later was identified with the J. D. Fate Clay Working Machinery Manufacturing Company, at Plymouth, Ohio, as as-sembly supervisor. In 1912 he was active in the organization of the Orrville Tile Roofing Company, being associated with Emil Klay, Herman F. Moser, and Rudolph Moser. He returned to the Fate concern at Plymouth in 1914 and later was sent to Ontario, Canada, by that concern in charge of the installation of clay working machinery there. He remained in Canada in charge of production of tile roofing and has the distinction of being the first manufacturer who produced tile roofing in the Province of Ontario. He became manager of the Ontario Sewer Pipe Company in 1916, and in the following year returned to Lima with the Garford Motor Truck Company. During 1918-20 he operated a farm of 100 acres near Galion, Ohio, and in the latter year returned to Lima with H. E. Meyers Accounting Company. Since 1920 he has been interested in the oil business in partnership with Samuel G. Parks, who died February 20, 1926. The business was incor-porated as the Parks-Klay Company in December, 1923, with Mr. Klay as general manager, secretary, and treasurer. They operate eleven service stations, as well as two bulk plants, located at 1230 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Lima and Bellefontaine. A fleet of trucks supply the following counties: Allen, Logan, Hancock, Hardin, Putnam, Paulding, Van Wert, Mercer, Auglaize and Shelby. They are also dealers in tires, batteries, and accessories. On June 17, 1913, Mr. Klay was united in marriage with Miss Pearl D. Parks, born at Van Wert, October 14, 1891, the daugh-ter of Samuel Grant and Hulda C. (Royston) Parks. Mr. Parks was born in Van Wert County, April 11, 1864, and died in 1926. His widow was born in Van Wert County and resides at Lima, where she is director of the Parks-Klay Company. Mr. Parks was a Democrat, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and Knights of Pythias. Mr. and Mrs. Klay have two sons: 1. Richard Parks, born March 24, 1915. 2. Donald Wilson, born April 23, 1916. Mr. Klay is a Democrat, a member of Trinity Methodist Church, of which he is trustee, and he is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and United Commercial Trav-elers. He is a governor of the Lima Better Business Bureau, director of the Chamber of Commerce, director of the Y. M. C. A., and vice president of the Rotary Club. H. Collier Smith, Jr.—Numbered among the representative young business men of St. Marys, Auglaize County, is H. Collier Smith, Jr., who is president of The Quickwork Company. He was born at Roxbury, Massachusetts, July 6, 1904, the son of H. Collier and Agnes Flatley Smith. H. Collier Smith, Sr., was born at Raleigh, North Carolina, May 27, 1866, his parents tracing their lineage back to the early English settlers. He was educated in the public schools at Raleigh. He located at Detroit, Michigan, where he spent many years in the employ of the Cadillac Motor Car Company and there invented and manufactured the "QUICKWORK" line of sheet metal working machinery. He came to St. Marys in 1917 and at HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1231 that time incorporated The Quickwork Company, of which he served as president until death, September 16, 1932. He is buried at Cincinnati. His widow was born in Brooklyn, New York, and resides at St. Marys. Mr. Smith was a member of the Society of Mechanical Engineers and Automotive Engineers. He held mem-bership in the Episcopal Church and was a 32nd degree Mason. The only child born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith was H. Collier, Jr., the subject of this sketch. H. Collier Smith, Jr., lived in Detroit, Michigan, during his early life and attended the public school. Following his graduation from St. Marys High School in 1922, he spent two years at New York Military Academy at Cornwall-on-Hudson, and six months traveling through Europe. He then became identified with his father's business interests at St. Marys, as plant super-intendent, later being promoted to Sales Manager of The Quickwork Company. After several years, Mr. Smith desiring to contact the viewpoint of other manufacturing units, located at Coatesville, Pennsylvania, with Lukens Steel Company. He also was employed by the Belmont Iron Works at Philadelphia and upon the death of his father in September, 1932, Mr. Smith re-turned to St. Marys as President of The Quickwork Company, internationally known manufacturers of sheet metal working equipment. Mr. Smith was married August 7, 1924 to Miss Audrey Raudabaugh, born at St. Marys, August 17, 1903, the daughter of Dr. George M. and Josephine (Rice) Raudabaugh. Dr. Raudabaugh is a well known dentist at St. Marys. Mrs. Smith is a graduate of St. Marys High School and Ohio Northern University. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born three children : 1. Laura Lee, born November 13, 1926. 2. Carol Janet, born August 3, 1928. 3. Henry Collier, IV, born January 17, 1934. Mr. Smith is a Republican, a member of the Christian Science Church and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, Pi Phi Fraternity, St. Marian's Club, St. Marys Outing Club and St. Marys Golf Club. 1232 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO William Edward Wenger.—Widely known and highly es-teemed throughout Shelby County is William E. Wenger, who is president of the Shelby County Mutual Insurance Company, and president of the Anna Farmers Exchange Elevator, at Anna. He was born on a farm in Salem Township, Shelby County, November 21, 1875, the son of George and Sophia (Fogt) Wenger. George Wenger, deceased, was a representative citizen of Shelby County, where he spent his entire life. He was born in Salem Township and received his education in the district school. He purchased his first farm of 80 acres in Franklin Township in 1882. He later added 80 acres to the original homestead, and in 1890 purchased another 80 acre farm in Salem Township. His third farm was purchased in Franklin Township in 1920 and contained 120 acres. Mr. Wenger was a Democrat and held membership in Saint Jacob's Lutheran Church at Anna. He died January 6, 1932, and is buried in Franklin Township Cemetery, at Anna. His widow was born in Franklin Township and resides on the Wenger homestead in Salem Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Wenger were born four children: 1. William Edward, the sub-ject of this sketch. 2. Minnie, married George Zimpfer, lives in Salem Township. 3. Emma, married Lewis Fogt, lives in Salem Township. 4. Laura, married Harvey Knesel, lives in Franklin Township. William Edward Wenger grew up on his father's farm in Franklin Township and attended the district schools. He is a graduate of Sidney Business College. Until 1905 he was asso-ciated with his father's farming interests and in that year was elected recorder of Shelby County, which office he successfully filled until 1911. He has since resided on a farm in Franklin Township, near Sidney, which contains 94 acres. He has been president and director of the Shelby County Mutual Insurance Company since January, 1931. On October 21, 1906, Mr. Wenger married Miss Alice Miller, a native of Salem Township, the daughter of Frank and Caro- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1233 line (Magot) Miller, natives of Champaign County, Ohio. Mr. Miller died in 1917 and his wife died in 1922. They are buried at Paso, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Wenger are the parents of two daughters: 1. Esther Eileen, born April 27, 1910. 2. Wilma, born April 8, 1913. Mr. Wenger is a Democrat and has served on the school board of Franklin Township for many years. He and his family are members of Saint Jacob's Lutheran Church, at Anna, and he is an active member of the Shelby County Farm Bureau. Ira M. Petersirne.—Among the highly successful business men and influential citizens of Darke County is Ira M. Petersime, who is president of the Petersime Electric Incubator Company, at Get-tysburg. He was born at Webster, Ohio, January 7, 1873, the son of Henry and Margaret (McDonald) Petersime. Henry Petersime was born in Miami County, Ohio, in 1838 and died in 1874. He is buried in the Union Church Cemetery near Bloomer, Ohio. Mr. Petersime was married in 1860 to Miss Margaret McDonald, the daughter of Mark McDonald, of Webster. They were the parents of four sons. Fifteen years after the death of her husband, Mrs. Petersime married Jacob Reck, who died in 1895. Her death occurred in 1913 and she is buried in Harris Creek Cemetery, near Bradford, Ohio. Ira M. Petersime was reared and educated at Webster and for one year attended Gettysburg High School with John S. Royer as his teacher who was recognized as one of the leading pioneer educators of West Central Ohio. For twelve years Mr. Petersime managed his mother's farm, and in 1905 came to Gettysburg as a business associate of Williams Toman. They purchased the grain business of William E. George and the partnership continued for 14 years. At that time Mr. Petersime retired from the firm to devote his attention exclusively to the raising of poultry. He has been associated with his son, Ray M. Petersime, since 1923. The 1234 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO first cabinet electric incubator was built by Mr. Petersime at that time and proved so successful that he immediately secured a patent upon it and established his present manufacturing business. His original incubator had a capacity of 6,000 eggs. The company holds patents not only in the United States but also in England, Canada, France, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Australia. Its products are manufactured in Canada, Australia, Germany and England on a royalty basis. The business was incorporated in December, 1932, and the company employs approximately 180 people. It has been in continuous operation since its organization, and has factory space occupying two and one-half acres of floor space. During 1930 Mr. Petersime attended the World's Poultry Congress at London, England, and displayed a remarkable exhibit of his incubators and brooders. He is a director of the Citizens National Bank of Gettysburg, and served as its president for many years. He also belongs to the Ohio State Chamber of Commerce. On April 6, 1893, Mr. Petersime married Miss Elizabeth Miller, the daughter of Aaron K. Miller. They have a son, Ray M., born April 6, 1899. He attended Ohio State University and completed a course in Miami Jacob's Business College. He married Bernice Bigler and has three children: Marvin, Ruth, and Norman. Mr. Petersime has always been a Prohibitionist. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Gettysburg. He has been a member of the official board for 40 years and teacher of the Adult Bible Class during the past 22 years. Andrew Johnson Reed.— As president of the Versailles Building & Loan Company, Andrew J. Reed, retired, is recognized as one of the most prominent citizens of Darke County. He was born near Versailles, October 10, 1864, the son of Finley Robert and Alice (Brandon) Reed. Finley Robert Reed, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born on the Reed homestead in Darke County, June 17, HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1235 1828, and throughout his life was interested in general farming. During the Civil War he served as a second lieutenant in Company F, 152nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He died in December, 1905, and is buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Versailles. In October, 1852, Mr. Reed married Miss Alice Brandon, the daughter of James and Susanna (Stark) Brandon. James Brandon was a native of Virginia, spent his early life in Kentucky, and was a prominent pioneer of Darke County. There were eleven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Finley R. Reed. William Reed, great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in County Tyrone, Ireland. During the Revolutionary War he served under Gen. George Washington. After his mar-riage in Pennsylvania he removed to Kentucky, and later to Darke County, Ohio, where he died at the age of 93 years. His son, Allen Reed, was born in Pennsylvania in 1782. He was interested in the manufacture of salt and later engaged in business in Clinton County, Ohio. He also was an early settler of Darke County. He served throughout the war of 1812 under the command of Gen. William Henry Harrison with the rank of lieutenant, and in 1815 was promoted to captain of the First Company, Second Bri-gade, First Division of the Ohio Militia. He married Margaret McGriff, and they were the parents of 17 children, among them being Findley R., the father of the subject of this sketch. Andrew Johnson Reed received his education in the rural schools. He was interested in farming with his father until 1896, and in that year established a livery and transfer business at Ver-sailles, with which he was identified until 1918. He then became local representative of the Ford Motor Car Company, and in 1920 he joined the "Willowdell Auto Co." which established an agency at Willowdell and Versailles. After seven years Mr. Reed disposed of his business interests in 1927 and has since lived retired. During the past 30 years he has been associated with the Versailles Building & Loan Company and has served as its president since 1927. 1236 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Mr. Reed has been a member of the Darke County Fair Board since 1929, and in 1931 was elected president of the Darke County Agricultural Association. On April 27, 1896, Mr. Reed married (first) Miss Minnie Engleken, the daughter of Barthold and Susanna Engleken, of Versailles. She died August 11, 1906, and is buried in Green Lawn Cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Reed were born four sons: 1. Robert B., born February 8, 1897, a graduate of the College of Medicine, Ohio State University, class of 1920, served as interne in the Springfield City Hospital. He practiced medicine at Osborne, Ohio, for six years, but since 1927 has been an invalid. 2. John Marian, born October 7, 1899, a World War veteran, engaged in the clothing business at Versailles. He is associated with the Masonic Lodge. 3. Frank R., born October 10, 1901, died April 19, 1919. He is survived by his widow and a daughter, Roberta Ann. 4. Joseph E., born April 2, 1904, engaged in the clothing business at Versailles. He is also affiliated with Versailles Lodge, F. & A. M. Mr. Reed married (second) Dec. 7, 1910, Miss Cora Murphy, the daughter of John and Martha Murphy of Versailles. She attended Ohio Northern University and Michigan State Normal School at Ypsilanti, Mich. She taught school for seven years be-fore her marriage in the Versailles schools. Mr. Reed is a Republican, a member of the Christian Church, and is affiliated with Versailles Lodge, F. and A. M., A. A. Scottish Rite, and Antioch Shrine at Dayton. Charles Henry Disher, deceased, was a substantial and well known citizen of Celina, where he held the office of clerk of Mercer County. He was born at Eldorado, Ohio, July 3, 1878, the son of Peter and Elizabeth Jane (Fudge) Disher. Peter Disher was born at Eldorado in 1827 and died in 1908. He is buried in Monroe Cemetery, Eldorado. His father, Daniel HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1237 Disher, was among the first settlers of Preble County. He was born in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia in 1787 and came to Ohio in 1810. He spent many years as a successful farmer in that section and was a prominent citizen of Preble County, where he died in 1857. He is buried in Monroe Cemetery, being the donor of that land to Preble County. He was twice married and was the father of seventeen children. His son, Peter, was married in 1854 to Elizabeth Jane Fudge, the daughter of Henry Fudge, a leading pioneer of Preble County. They were the parents of six children, of whom Charles Henry, the subject of this sketch, was the youngest. Charles Henry Disher was a graduate of the district schools of Preble County and attended Eldorado High School. He began his business career at Mercer being employed in the mercantile and grain business for a number of years. He later owned and operated a flour mill at Mendon, being associated in that enterprise with his brother, for ten years. He then established a retail meat business at Menden and later conducted a livery business there. In 1915 he became interested in the automobile business in partnership with John Gregg, and they were local dealers for the Ford, Chevrolet and Pontiac cars. Mr. Disher assumed full control of the business in 1930 and continued the enterprise until June, 1932, when it was completely destroyed by fire. Mr. Disher was a Democrat and was elected to the office of county clerk of Mercer County in November, 1932, and continued in office until his death December 27, 1933. He was mayor of Mendon for ten years and served as a member of the village council for five years. He also was a member of the Board of Education. On June 20, 1906, Mr. Disher was united in marriage with Miss Della Bricker, the daughter of Andrew and Catherine (Sealschott) Bricker, of Center Township, Mercer County. They had four children : 1. Aubrey P., born in 1907, is engaged in highway work by the State department, and lives at Mendon. He married 1238 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Miss Hazel Kermerling, and they have two children, Elizabeth K. and Charles H. 2. Wilbert B., born in 1910, a graduate of Mendon High School and the Cincinnati College of Embalming. He is clerk of Mercer County. He is unmarried and lives at home. 3 and 4. Catherine and Elizabeth, twins, born in 1917. Catherine died at the age of one and one-half years. Elizabeth attends Ce-lina High School. Mr. Disher was a member of the Church of God at Mendon, and he was affiliated with the Knights of Pythias. Hugh C. Marlin.—As editor and publisher of the Stillwater Valley News, a daily publication, and editor of the Postscript, an independent religious journal, Mr. Marlin has a wide acquaint-ance throughout West Central Ohio, and is one of the dependable citizens of Covington. He was born at Covington, March 30, 1888, the son of Joseph H. and Emma J. (Crist) Marlin. A sketch of Joseph H. Marlin, attorney, appears elsewhere in this history. The early education of Hugh C. Marlin was received in the public schools of Covington. As a youth he was employed on a farm near the city and remained there for nine years. In 1915 he became interested in the printing business and became editor of the Pleasant Hill News, at Pleasant Hill, Ohio. He had learned the trade of printer in his father's newspaper office at Covington. In 1922 Mr. Marlin established a second weekly newspaper at Bradford, Darke County. Two years later he combined the two publications as the Stillwater Valley News. It is a four page daily newspaper and is published at Covington. At the present time it has a circulation of 2,000 copies. Since 1931 Mr. Marlin has also been editor and publisher of the Postscript, as mentioned above. It has a national circulation. Mr. Marlin is also deeply interested in the religious life of the community and is pastor of the First Brethren Church at Pleas-ant Hill. He is an independent evangelist and is identified with HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1239 numerous Evangelical churches throughout Ohio and Eastern Indiana. He is also personally responsible for the establishment of a Mission school in the Cumberland mountains, which he has supported entirely through public subscription. During the past two years this mission school has made possible the education of 100 children. On July 26, 1906, Mr. Marlin married Miss Clara Strong, the daughter of Samuel and Marietta (Shoemaker) Strong, who were early settlers of Newton Township, Miami County. Mr. and Mrs. Marlin are the parents of two daughters: 1. Gertrude, married D. L. Robbins. 2. Maribell, married Waldo Wallace. Both reside at Covington. Mr. Marlin is an independent Republican. Ralph Rufus Heffner.—A substantial citizen of Celina, widely known throughout Mercer County, is Ralph R. Heffner, who is a member of one of the oldest families in this section of West Central Ohio. He was born at Celina, November 7, 1882, the son of George Henry and Lucinda (Karch) Heffner. George Henry Heffner was a native of Ohio, born at Chattanooga, Mercer County, in 1857. He died July 3, 1928, and is buried in North Grove Cemetery, Celina. He was a prominent citizen of Mercer County and held the office of sheriff for two terms, as well as constable of Liberty Township for a number of years. He was also a successful paving contractor in the state, and built the first concrete road in Ohio on the West side of the Grand Reservoir, near Celina. He was subsequently associated in business with his son, Ralph R. Heffner, who has continued the business to the present time. In 1878 Mr. Heffner married Miss Lucinda Karch, the daughter of George Karch, of Cranberry Prairie, Ohio. They were the parents of four children. George Henry Heffner was the son of Conrad Heffner, who was born in Germany in 1835. As a child he emigrated to the 1240 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO United States with his parents, who settled first at Cincinnati, and later near Chattanooga in Mercer County. They became pros-perous farmers. Conrad Heffner died in 1875 and is buried at Chattanooga. Ralph R. Heffner obtained his education in the public schools of Celina and throughout his business career has been a road con-tractor. During 1926-32 his company completed twenty-eight miles of concrete road for the Lincoln highway, running from the Indiana state line to Cairo, Ohio. Practically all highway con-struction in this section of the state has been built by Mr. Heffner. On February 3, 1917, Mr. Heffner was united in marriage with Miss Hulda Jean Laut, the daughter of Herman Laut, of New Bremen, Ohio. They have a son, Ralph E., born in 1919. He attends Celina High School. Politically Mr. Heffner has always been a Democrat. He and his family are members of St. John's Lutheran Church at Celina, and he is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, and B. P. O. Elks. His wife holds membership in the Order of Eastern Star. Warren J. Wise.—Holding high rank among the most successful business men in the city of Marion is Warren J. Wise, who is well known as a dealer in groceries, meats, baked goods, etc., being the proprietor of several of the largest stores in Marion County. He is a native of Ohio, born at New Winchester, May 19, 1883, the son of J. D. and Alameda (Reece) Wise. J. D. Wise lives at Marion. Both he and his wife are natives of Crawford County, Ohio. He was a farmer until 1895, and at that time came to Marion where he has since been associated with the business interests of his son. He is a Democrat and holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Wise the following children were born : 1. Warren J., the subject of this sketch. 2. Merle, lives at Claridon, Ohio. 3. Mrs. Murray. Hoskins, lives at Columbus. 4. Howard, who died in 1919. 5. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1241 Mrs. Lois Spitner, lives at Dayton, Ohio. 6. Harold, lives at Columbus. Warren J. Wise acquired his education in the public schools of Crawford County and remained there until he was 12 years old, when his parents came to Marion County. He entered the store of Moody & Troff, as clerk, for a time and then attended Ohio Northern University, after which he taught in the district schools of Martel and Bunker Hill, Ohio. He returned to Ohio Northern University as a law student, but did not complete that course, but took a business course and began his business career as a book-keeper. In 1908 he became interested in business at Marion, and at that time purchased the grocery store of L. L. Clendenden, at 879 East Center Street, which has continued as the main store of the firm to the present time. His father became associated with him and the business was known as J. D. Wise & Son. Additions have been made to the original store at various times, and in 1922 a large warehouse was erected on the Erie Railroad. A second store was built by the company in 1925, and is now managed by Merle M. Wise, son of Warren J. Wise. The company are widely known dealers in groceries, meats and baked goods, and also han-dle coal. Mr. Wise owns several farms. He purchased the old Mautz farm of 128 acres near Marion in 1929, and there raised 45 acres of potatoes during 1933. A second farm of 100 acres was purchased near the city by Mr. Wise in 1930, which is being developed into a stock farm to supply high grade meat to the Wise stores. A third farm of 128 acres, located on Harding Highway, was purchased in 1931, and this is to be developed into a dairy farm to supply milk and dairy products to the city of Marion through the Wise establishments. The company plans to stock the latter farm with 60 head of pure bred Guernsey cattle. Plans also call for a third store at Jefferson and Center streets, to be opened during 1933. On June 26, 1910, Mr. Wise married Miss Ottie Messenger of Marion, the daughter of Wayne and Anna (Wiley) Messenger. 1242 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Both were natives of Marion County and died in 1918 and 1916, respectively. They are buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Big Island Township. Mr. and Mrs. Messenger were the parents of the following children : 1. Wiley, who died in infancy. 2. Glenn, who died in 1917. 3. Mrs. John Reisterer, lives at Ostrander, Ohio. 4. Ray, lives at Marion. 5. Ottie Wise. 6. Uhler, deceased. 7. Elias, lives in Marion County. 8. Lisle, lives at Marion. 9. Mrs. Violet Kennedy, who died in 1930. 10. Mrs. Wanda Mautz, who died in 1927. Mr. and Mrs. Wise have three children : 1. Merle M., born in November, 1911, attended Ohio State Univer-sity, identified with J. D. Wise & Son as store manager. 2. Grace Evelyn, born in 1913, attends Ohio Wesleyan University. 3. Ruth Marie, born in 1924, at home. Mr. Wise is a Republican and he and his family are members of the Epworth Methodist-Episcopal Church. Dr. Joseph E. Morris, veterinary surgeon, is one of the prominent professional men of Lima and Allen County. He was born at Elida, Allen County, May 17, 1891, the son of W. S. and Dora (Price) Morris. W. S. Morris, deceased, was a native of Elida. He was reared on a farm and in later life was interested in the oil business at Elida as foreman for the Devornan Oil Company, in which capacity he served from 1897 until his death April 15, 1915.. His wife was born at Fort Wayne, Ind., and died May 20, 1901. Both are buried at Elida. He was a Prohibitionist, held membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and belonged to the Maccabees. To Mr. and Mrs. Morris were born the following children : 1. Mrs. Veda Sherrick, lives at Elida. 2. Zenus, deceased. 3. Joseph E., the subject of this sketch. 4. W. P., lives at Elida. 5. Dwight, lives in Oklahoma. 6. Mrs. Myra Redd, lives at Lima. 7. Mrs. Geraldine Shook, lives at Elida. 8. Mrs. Alice Fraunfelter, who died in 1923. 9. Shannon, lives at Elida. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1243 Joseph Morris, paternal grandfather of Joseph E. Morris, served throughout the Civil War and was member of the Grand Army of the Republic. His wife, Mary (Griffith) Morris, was born in Wales, and settled in Allen County with her parents in 1825. The boyhood of Joseph E. Morris was spent at Elida and in 1909 he was graduated from the public schools. He then entered the Chicago Veterinary College, where he received the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1915. He was then associated with the practice of Dr. J. H. Blattenberg, at Lima, until his enlistment for service in the World War in July, 1917. He received the commission of second lieutenant and was stationed at Camp Hancock, Georgia, until May, 1918, at which time he was promoted to first lieutenant and transferred to Camp Lee, Virginia. He received the commission of captain in July, 1918, and two months later was promoted to major. He sailed for overseas duties as commander of the 21st veterinary hospital and saw active service at the front until the close of the war. In March, 1919, he was made inspector of veterinary hospitals, American Expeditionary Forces, and in that capacity traveled 7,000 miles throughout France, Belgium and Germany. He returned to the United States in June, 1919, and received his discharge at At-lanta, Georgia, on August 24th. Dr. Morris has since conducted a private practice in the city of Lima, and has one of the finest veterinary hospitals in this section of the state. He holds membership in the Ohio State and West Central Ohio Veterinary Medical associations. On January 19, 1922, Dr. Morris was married at East Palestine, Ohio, to Miss Helen Killoran, of Lima, the daughter of James and Mary Killoran, natives of Lima, where they reside. After many years as general foreman of the Lima Paper Mills, Mr. Killoran spent 25 years as a machinist in the shops of the Lima Locomotive Works, where he is now employed. He is a Democrat, a member of St. Rose's Catholic Church, and belongs to the 1244 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Knights of Columbus. Mr. and Mrs. Killoran are the parents of six children : 1. Helen Morris. 2. Rev. William J., who is pastor of St. Joseph's Catholic Church at Galion, Ohio. 3. Dr. John B., physician, lives at St. Louis, Missouri. 4. Irene, lives at Lima. 5. Esther, who died in 1921, was a graduate of Oxford College, and a teacher. 6. Ralph, twin brother of Esther, lives at Lima. Mrs. Morris is a graduate of Lima High School and Lima Business College. To Dr. and Mrs. Morris have been born two daughters: 1. Jean Esther, born February 24, 1924. 2. Mary Frances, born December 29, 1928. Dr. Morris is a member of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, 32nd degree, B. P. O. Elks, Lions Club, American Legion, and Shawnee Country Club. Politically Dr. Morris is a Democrat. The family residence is at 305 Garfield Avenue, Lima. Conrad Clouse.—As Judge of Probate Court in Morrow County, Conrad Clouse is a representative citizen of the community in which he has spent his entire life. He was born on a farm in Canaan Township, Morrow County, February 18, 1884, the son of J. B. and Sarah E. (Martin) Clouse. J. B. Clouse was born in Canaan Township, August 17, 1862, and for many years has been a prosperous farmer and stockman of Morrow County. His wife is also a native of this township. Both are members of well known pioneer families. Their children are : 1. Conrad, the subject of this sketch. 2. Clinton, farmer, lives in Canaan township. 3. Barbara, married H. R. Crock, pub-lic accountant. 4. L. W., farmer, lives in Canaan township. Conrad Clouse attended the district schools of Canaan township and remained on the Clouse homestead until 1905. He then rented land in the same section of Morrow County until 1916, at which time he became the owner of the Price homestead. It contains 84 acres and is located eight and one-half miles northwest of HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1245 Mt. Gilead. He is successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising. On February 22, 1906, Judge Clouse married Miss Anna Blanche Price, of Canaan township, the daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Poulter) Price, natives of Morrow County, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Clouse have no children. Judge Clouse has always been a Democrat and for a number of years held the office of township trustee. He has been Probate Judge of Morrow County since 1932. He and his wife are members of North Canaan Methodist Episcopal Church. Herman L. Shibler, who is superintendent of schools at Mt. Gilead, is a representative citizen of Morrow County. He was born in Meigs County, Ohio, December 3, 1901, the son of Eli M. and Myra (Spencer) Shibler. Eli Shibler lives retired at Milford Center, Ohio. Both he and his wife were born in Meigs County, where they spent their early lives. They were residents of Champaign County from 1903 until 1910, and in the latter year removed to Milford Center. Mr. Shibler has lived retired since 1926. He is a Republican and has served as justice of the peace. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Church at Milford Center, and he is a member of the official board. To Mr. and Mrs. Shibler were born four children : 1. George, who died in 1890. 2. Arthur, who is superinten-dent of schools at Lena-Conover, Ohio, is a World War veteran. 3. Mrs. Letha Hemminger, lives at East Liberty, Ohio. 4. Herman L., the subject of this sketch. Herman L. Shibler grew up on his father's farm in Champaign County and attended the public schools. After his graduation from Milford Center High School in 1920 he entered Ohio State University. He left college, however, in 1922, to become principal of the high school at Allen Center, and after two years in that capacity, he was appointed superintendent for two years. 1246 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO He spent three years as superintendent at New Dover, Ohio, and three years at Tiro. He received his present appointment as superintendent at Mt. Gilead in 1932. Mr. Shibler received the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in 1929 and 1932, respectively, and at the present time is taking graduate work on his Doctor's degree. He holds membership in the Central Ohio, Ohio, and National Education associations. On December 25, 1923, Mr. Shibler married Miss Helen Campbell, of Marysville, Ohio, the daughter of S. T. and Luella (White) Campbell, natives of Pennsylvania and residents of Marysville. Mrs. Shibler is a graduate of Marysville High School and attended Ohio State University. To Mr. and Mrs. Shibley have been born two daughters : 1. Connaught Sue, born October 29, 1926. 2. Marcia Lou, born March 16, 1930. Mr. Shibler is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and belongs to the Kiwanis Club, and Phi Delta Kappa fraternity. George Shibler and James Spencer, paternal and maternal grandfathers of Mr. Shibler were soldiers throughout the Civil War. John Raymond Pierce, of Van Wert, is recognized as one of the able and highly successful lawyers of West Central Ohio. He was born in Center Township, Mercer County, Ohio, June 12, 1895, the son of William and Mary Jane (Kennedy) Pierce. William Pierce, who died in 1924, was a well known farmer of Mercer County. His father, John Pierce, had settled in Center Township, in 1860 and had become one of the representative citi-zens of that community. The son, William Pierce, spent his entire life in Center Township. He was a Democrat, and served as a member of the school board. He held membership in the Church of God and belonged to the Grange. His wife was born in Auglaize County, Ohio, and died in 1924. Both are buried at St. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1247 Marys, Ohio. Their children were: 1. Robert E., lives in Kansas. 2. Susie, unmarried, is matron of boys at the Ohio State School for the Blind, at Columbus. 3. George, who died in infancy. 4. Theresa, married John Griggs, and she died in 1912. 5. Grace, married Edward C. Cole, lives at Lima, Ohio. 6. Francis A., farmer, lives in Center Township, Mercer County. 7. Thomas K., farmer, lives at South Mendon, Ohio. 8. John Raymond, the subject of this sketch. 9. Joseph, lives at North Baltimore, Ohio. John Raymond Pierce is a graduate of the public schools of St. Marys and Neptune, Ohio. He had attended the University of Michigan for almost two years and then entered Ohio State University, from which he received the degree of LL. B. in 1922. Before taking up the study of law, Mr. Pierce had taught in the district schools of Mercer County for three years. During 1914 - 16 he was an instructor at the Ohio State School for the Blind, at Columbus, and he then enlisted for service in the World War. He was the first man to enlist from Mercer County and was also one of the first 20 men in the country to be accepted for the air service. He received his preliminary training at the English Flying Field, at Long Island, New York, and also in Georgia. After his discharge with the rank of second lieutenant, December 12, 1918, Mr. Pierce spent a year working in the oil fields of Kansas and Oklahoma, and then returned to Ohio to enter Ohio State University. Following his admission to the bar Mr. Pierce became identified with the law offices of J. D. Johnson, at Celina, Ohio, and continued there until 1929. He was then elected prosecuting attorney of Mercer County, and filled that office until January, 1933, when he located in private practice at Van Wert, with offices in the I. O. O. F. building. On April 15, 1922, Mr. Pierce was united in marriage with Miss Grace Patricia Dawley, who was born in Guatemala, Central America, and a resident of New York City at the time of her marriage. She is the daughter of Thomas Robinson and Rosalie (Janez) Dawley. 1248 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Thomas Robinson Dawley was born in New York City, and died June 2, 1930. He was prominent as a writer and became internationally known. He was educated in the public schools of Brooklyn, New York, and at the age of 17 years left home and went to Liverpool, England, on a cattle boat. He later engaged successfully in the printing business in New York City. After another absence of ten years, traveling in Central America, West Indies, Spain and France, Mr. Dawley returned to New York. He then studied law at Providence, Rhode Island, and in 1896 went to Cuba as a representative of Harper's Weekly. While in that capacity he visited insurgent camps and went out with Spanish troops, and was arrested on several occasions, finally being confined in Morro Castle prison for two weeks. He was then expelled from the island by General Weyler and returned to Cuba the following year, where he served under General Gomez. He volunteered as aid on the staff of General Miles during the Spanish-American War and was later transferred to General Shafter's staff in 1898. After the capture of Santiago he published the first American daily newspaper in Cuba, "The Times of Cuba," which was later seized by judicial authorities. He then returned to New York City, and later returned to Spain with the Century Company. He was subsequently special commissioner for the Outlook at the Pan American Congress in Mexico in 1901. He was also United States delegate to the International Coffee Congress in New York City in 1902, and two years later traveled through the Island of Santo Domingo, and at the request of President Theodore Roosevelt he made a report on the political and social conditions found there. From 1907-09 he was special agent of the Bureau of Labor and was assigned to investigate the effect of factory employment upon women and children, drawn from the farms to the cotton mills in the South. He made exhaustive investigations of rural conditions in the southern Appalachians, and as a result wrote "The Child That Toileth Not," in 1912. He is also the author of "Cuba," the annual cyclopedia of 1897 and various contributed articles, in HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1249 1902. Also he wrote many articles and stories on Latin-American countries, Spain, and the West Indies, which were published in magazines and newspapers. He was a member of the staff of the Providence Journal during 1916-17. He was sent to Guatemala and attempted to introduce welfare work there, and was adjudicator of compensation claims, War Risk Bureau, at Washington, D. C., in 1919. In 1920 he participated in the revolution in Guatemala and helped overthrow Estrade Cabrere, and was appointed official publicist by the succeeding government. He was the founder of "Casa del Nino," for the care and instruction of poor children. After the overthrow of Herrera, Mr. Dawley returned to New York City in 1922 and lived there retired until the time of his death. To John Raymond and Grace Patricia (Dawley) Pierce have been born two children : 1. John Raymond, Jr., born August 16, 1924. 2. Antoinette Eileen, born September 12, 1926. Mr. Pierce is a Democrat, a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and is affiliated with the Elks Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, American Legion, and Delta Phi Delta fraternity. He is an active member of the Van Wert County, Ohio State and American Bar Associations. George M. Glancy.—As owner and publisher of "The Convoy Signal News," George M. Glancy is representative of the progressive and enterprising business men of Van Wert County. He was born at Mechanicsburg, Champaign County, Ohio, July 12, 1871, the son of Hugh and Nancy J. (Aspy) Glancy. Hugh Glancy, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born in Darke County, Ohio, and his wife was a native of Adams County, Indiana. She died in 1900, and both Mr. and Mrs. Glancy are buried at Monroeville, Indiana. He was a farmer and throughout the Civil War served as a member of the 89th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. In later life Mr. Glancy lived at