650 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Justin A. Altschul.—Outstanding among the prominent young lawyers of West Central Ohio is Justin A. Altschul, who is successfully established in practice at Springfield, with offices in the First National Bank Building. He was born in this city, May 2, 1891, the son of Samuel and Carrie (LeBolt) Altschul. Samuel Altschul is a native of Germany, born near Frankforton-Main. His wife is a native of Piqua, Ohio, and they are well known residents of Springfield. Mr. Altschul emigrated to this country in 1881 and spent five years at Youngstown, Ohio, before settling at Springfield. He formerly conducted a dry goods business but for a great many years was identified with the wholesale liquor business in this city. Mr. Altschul is now interested in the real estate and insurance business. He is a Democrat, a member of Fountain Avenue Temple, and belongs to the Knights of Pythias, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, B. P. 0. Elks No. 51, and B'nai B'rith. Mr. and Mrs. Altschul have four sons: 1. Justin A., the subject of this sketch. 2. Malcolm, lives at Dayton, Ohio. 3. Leon, merchant, lives at Decatur, Illinois. 4. Charles, who is associated with his father's business at Springfield. Following his graduation from Springfield High School in 1907, Justin A. Altschul entered Amherst College, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1911. He was graduated from the Cincinnati Law School with the degree of LL. B. in 1914, after having been admitted to the Ohio State Bar in 1913. He gained admission to the U. S. District Court in May, 1920, and to the United States Supreme Court in 1927. During 1914-16 he practiced law alone and from 1916 until 1920 was associated with J. B. Malone. Since 1920 he has maintained a private practice. He was assistant city solicitor during 1923-24, and has also served as acting municipal judge. On April 3, 1916, Mr. Altschul was united in marriage with Miss Janet Leon, the daughter of Charles and Rose (Pollach) Leon, natives of Cincinnati and Dayton, respectively. They are residents of Springfield. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 651 Politically, Mr. Altschul is a Democrat, and he is a member of the executive committee of Clark County. He is an active memberf Fountain Avenue Temple, of which he served for 15 years as secretary-treasurer, and one year as president. He has also been president of B'nai B'rith. Fraternally, Mr. Altschul is affiliated with H. S. Kissell Lodge No. 674, F. & A. M.; Springfield Chapter R. A. M. No. 48; Springfield Council R. & S. M. No. 17; Cincinnati Consistory, 32nd degree, A. A. S. R.; Syrian Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S.; F. 0. Eagles; B. P. 0. Elks No. 51; Lions Club; Sigma Delta Rho fraternity of Amherst College; Tau Kappa Alpha and Order of the Coif of University of Cincinnati. He is a member of the Clark County and Ohio State Bar associations. Otho L. McKinney.—Identified with public affairs for many years in Clark County, Otho L. McKinney is numbered among the highly successful attorneys of the city of Springfield. He was born at New Concord, Muskingum County, Ohio, April 28, 1885, the son of W. W. and Anna M. (Lindsay) McKinney. W. W. McKinney, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born on a farm at New Concord, Ohio, and at the age of 12 years enlisted as a drummer boy in Company A, 15th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, going to the front with his father, Joseph McKinney. After the close of the war W. W. McKinney became associated in the hardware business with his father. He died in 1894, and the business is still carried on at New Concord by his brother, J. H. McKinney. Mr. McKinney was a Republican and a member of the United Presbyterian Church. His widow was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, and now resides at New Concord, Ohio. Their only child was Otho L. McKinney, the subject of this sketch. The boyhood of Otho L. McKinney was spent at New Concord, where he attended the public schools. After his graduation from 652 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO New Concord High School in 1902, he entered Muskingum College, and in 1907 received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at that institution. During 1907-08 he was educational secretary at the Springfield Y. M. C. A., and in the fall of 1908 Mr. McKinney entered the Law School of Western Reserve University, Cleveland, from which he was graduated in 1911. He was admitted to the bar during the same year and in 1912 was associated in practice with George Dial. In November, 1922, Mr. McKinney was elected prosecutor of Clark County, and was re-elected in 1924-26-28. Since 1931 he has been associated with L. L. Miller. Mr. McKinney is active in Republican politics and served for four years as chairman of the Central and Executive Republican Committee. He was United States Commissioner from 1914 until 1918, and has served as referee in bankruptcy since 1931. In 1916 Mr. McKinney was united in marriage with Miss Louise Russell, the daughter of W. J. and Lulu (Shaw) Russell, the former a native of Xenia and the latter of Springfield. They live at Springfield, where Mr. Russell is secretary of the White Star Laundry. Mr. and Mrs. McKinney are the parents of two children, William and Anna Louise. Mr. McKinney is an elder of the First United Presbyterian Church, and is affiliated with H. S. Kissell Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 674, past master; Springfield Lodge R. A. M. No. 48; Young Men's Literary Club; and Phi Alpha Delta fraternity. He has been secretary of the Clark County Bar Association. William Edward Bailey is among the most progressive and successful young lawyers of Springfield, with offices in the Dial Building. He was born at South Charleston, Clark County, May 6, 1909, the son of E. G. and Celia (Westlake) Bailey. E. G. Bailey, who died in 1931, was recognized as one of the business leaders of South Charleston, Ohio, and was also identified HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 653 with the Bailey Drug Company and the Bailey-Spangler Realty Company of Zanesville, Ohio. He owned and operated a farm of 235 acres near South Charleston, Ohio. He was a Republican, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He also served as a member of Madison Township Board of Education. Celia (Westlake) Bailey was born at Jackson, Ohio, and died in 1932. She and her husband are buried at South Charleston. Their children were : 1. Dr. Leonard, veterinarian, lives at Piqua, Ohio. He is a graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Ohio State University. 2. William Edward, the subject of this sketch. 3. Caroline, a graduate of Miami University, now a teacher in the public schools of Caledonia, Ohio. 4. Ruth, attends Ohio State University. 5. Edith Frances, a student. E. G. Bailey was the son of Willis A. and Caroline (McConnell) Bailey. As the founder of the Bailey Drug Company and original partner of the Bailey-Spangler Realty Company, Willis A. Bailey ranked among the most prominent business men of Zanesville, Ohio, where he was also president of the Citizens National Bank. He spent his entire life there and is buried in that city. His wife, deceased, was a native of McConnellsville, Ohio. William Edward Bailey was graduated from South Charleston High School in 1926. He spent two years in the College of Arts, Ohio State University, and in 1931 received the degree of LL. B. from that institution. Since his admission to the bar in January, 1931, Mr. Bailey has been associated in practice with George S. Dial. He is interested in a fine farm of 235 acres in Clark County, formerly owned by his father. Politically Mr. Bailey is a Republican. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and belongs to Gamma Eta Gamma fraternity, and the Clark County Bar Association. He was a member of Battery A. 134th Field Artillery, 37th Division, for three years, and also served for two years as a member of the R. O. T. C. at Ohio State University. 654 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO On August 31, 1933, Mr. Bailey was married to Miss Thelma G. Stalter, of Columbus, Ohio. She is a daughter of Mrs. Florence (Hammel) Stalter of Columbus Ohio. Aaron J. Halloran is prominent in the professional, social and civic life of Springfield, where he is engaged in the practice of law with offices in the First National. Bank Building. He was born in this city, July 1, 1898, the son of Frank and Mary E. (Wood) Halloran. Frank Halloran is a well known resident of Springfield. Both he and his wife are natives of Ohio. As a young man he was employed on the New York Central Railroad, but retired as a passenger engineer in 1910 on account of ill health, and in that year was appointed superintendent of markets and assistant auditor for the city of Springfield. He served in that capacity continuously until 1932. Mr. Halloran is a Democrat, a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, and is affiliated with Springfield Council, No. 624, Knights of Columbus, and Loyal Order of Moose. To Mr. and Mrs. Halloran were born two sons. 1. Aaron J., the subject of this sketch. 2. Dr. Francis A., physician, lives at Springfield, whose offices are in the First National Bank Building. Aaron J. Halloran attended St. Joseph's parochial school, and after he graduated from the high school in 1915 he entered the University of Notre Dame, from which he received the degree of LL. B. in 1919. On December 30, of that year, he was admitted to the Ohio State Bar and for a time was associated in practice with John Cole. Mr. Halloran is identified with the Clark County, Ohio State and American Bar associations. On May 7, 1918, Mr. Halloran enlisted for service in the World War and was sent to Fort Sheridan, Illinois, where he was commissioned a second lieutenant on. September 16th. He was HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 655 an instructor at Wooster College until the close of the war and was discharged December 24, 1918. In 1924 Mr. Halloran married Miss Catherine T. Murty, the daughter of James and Elizabeth Murty, natives of Ohio. Mr. Murty is deceased and his widow resides at Springfield. Mr. and Mrs. Halloran have two daughters : Constance Ann, and Patricia Louise. Mr. Halloran is a Democrat, a member of St. Theresa's Catholic Church, and belongs to Notre Dame Council, No. 1492, Knights of Columbus; Fraternal Order of Eagles; American Legion; Monogram Club of Notre Dame; and Notre Dame Alumni Association. W. Y. Mahar, attorney, practising at Springfield, has been an able representative of his profession in Clark County for over 35 years. He was born in Pleasant Township, Clark County, August 31, 1871, the son of Martin and Caroline (Yeazell) Mahar. Martin Mahar, who died in 1881, was a native of County Tipperary, Ireland. At the age of 12 years he came to this country with his parents, who settled first at Springfield, and later located in Darke County, Ohio. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted, and saw service for four years as a member of the 16th Ohio Battery. Mr. Mahar located in Pleasant Township, Clark County, in later life and became the operator of a farm of 600 acres. He was a Republican and served as township trustee. He also was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife was born in Pleasant Township and died in 1919. Both are buried in the Asbury Cemetery, Pleasant Township. They were the parents of six children, of whom W. Y., the subject of this sketch, was the second in order of birth. W. Y. Mahar grew up on his father's farm in Pleasant Township and received his early education in the district schools. He 656 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO also attended the public schools of Catawba, and spent two years at Ohio State University. He then studied law in the office of Horace W. Stafford, being admitted to the bar in June, 1897. For a number of years Mr. Mahar was associated in practice with Mr. Stafford, and was later associated with J. Frank McGrew. At the present time he is associated with William A. Billikam, Jr. He is a trustee of the Clark County Bar Association. On October 3, 1912, Mr. Mahar was united in marriage with Miss Ada C. Crabill, the daughter of John and Barbara (Zimmerman) Crabill, natives of Springfield Township, Clark County. Mr. Crabill is deceased and his widow resides at Springfield. Politically Mr. Mahar is a Republican. He holds membership in the First Lutheran Church and is affiliated with Lessing Lodge, Knights of Pythias. Hon. Harry A. Brenner is outstanding among the citizens of Springfield and Clark County, both for his professional ability and for his public spirited concern in the affairs of the community. He was born at Dayton, Ohio, March 4, 1882, the son of Jesse S. and Sarah (Eisen) Brenner. Jesse S. Brenner was born on a farm southwest of Sulphur Grove, Wayne Township, Montgomery County, Ohio. His grandfather, Michael Brenner, had settled on this 640 acre farm in 1806, coming to Ohio from Washington County, Virginia. The family had settled in Virginia in early Colonial times, and is of German origin. Jesse S. Brenner came to Springfield in 1880 and from that time until his death was continuously in business in this city, raising, buying, selling and racing horses. His wife was born at Piqua, Ohio. Both are deceased. Mr. Brenner died June 16, 1900, and his wife died April 10, 1931. They are buried in Ferncliff Cemetery, Springfield. To Mr. and Mrs. Brenner were born three children : 1. Ruby Elizabeth, married John HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 657 Oliver Elliott. 2. Jessie May, married Raymond Flook. 3. Harry A., the subject of this sketch. All reside at Springfield. Harry A. Brenner was educated in the public schools of Springfield, and is a graduate of Wittenberg Academy and the law school of Ohio Northern University. He was admitted to the practice of law, December 22, 1905, and received honors in the examination held just prior to that date. He began the practice of law at Springfield. He later practiced in South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, and Minnesota, for seven years, from January, 1918, and made his home at Mobridge, Walworth County, South Dakota. His health becoming affected Mr. Brenner returned to Springfield where he has since engaged in the practice of his profession. His practice is largely in the trial of law suits, and he is considered an aggressive and successful trial lawyer. He also served as city attorney of Mobridge for five years. Mr. Brenner is a member of the International Association of Insurance Counsel, and has been a member of the automobile committee of the Ohio Bar association. He is a member of the bar associations of Ohio and South Dakota. Mr. Brenner is also president of the Springfield Screw Products, Inc., vice president of the Chakeres Theatres, Inc., and secretary of Beckley & Myers Company. On October 1, 1908, Mr. Brenner married Miss Maud M. Myers, of Springfield, the daughter of Warren D. and Matilda M. (Harwood) Myers. Both are natives of Ohio, born at Osborn and Hillsboro respectively. Mr. Myers was president of the Beckley & Myers Company. He died December 28, 1931, and is buried in Ferncliff Cemetery. His widow resides here. To Mr. and Mrs. Brenner were born three children : 1. Elizabeth Marie. 2. Martha Washington. 3. Warren Harry. In politics Mr. Brenner has always been a Republican. He was a member of the 78th General Assembly of Ohio, and is recognized as the father of the Workmen's Compensation movement. He and his family are members of Christ Episcopal Church and 658 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO he is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, being a 32nd degree Mason and a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. Harry W. Snodgrass, a representative member of the legal profession in Springfield, and one of the leading citizens of the community, is a native of Ohio. He was born at Mechanicsburg, Champaign County, January 25, 1887, the son of Morton M. and Anna E. (Williams) Snodgrass. Morton M. Snodgrass died at Mechanicsburg in 1911. He was born there and in early life conducted a retail grocery business in that city. Later he was a traveling representative of the Canby, Ach & Canby Company, of Dayton. He was a Republican and took a prominent part in public affairs. He was affiliated with Mechanicsburg Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 34, Mechanicsburg Chapter, R. A. M., and Knights of Pythias. His widow resides at Springfield. To Mr. and Mrs. Snodgrass were born two children: 1. Eugenia, deceased. 2. Harry W., the subject of this sketch. Morton M. Snodgrass was the son of Milton H. and Amanda (Shepherd) Snodgrass, natives of Ohio. He was a blacksmith by trade and at the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in a company of Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was severely wounded at the Battle of Lookout Mountain and died in a military hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Both he and his wife are buried at Mechanicsburg. Harry W. Snodgrass is a graduate of Mechanicsburg High School, class of 1905, and Ohio State University, class of 1910. In the latter year he was admitted to practice at the Ohio and Illinois state bars, and at that time became associated with the law firm of Thompson & Clark in Chicago. In 1911, however, he located at Springfield, and from 1913 until 1917 was identified with the firm of McGrew & Laybourne. Since 1919 he has engaged in private practice. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 659 In 1918 Mr. Snodgrass enlisted for service in the World War and for a time was stationed at Syracuse, New York. Later he was transferred to the Judge Advocate General's office of the Army at Washington, D. C. He was discharged March 19, 1919, with the rank of regimental sergeant major. Mr. Snodgrass was one of the organizers of George Cultice Post, No. 6, American Legion, and was a member of its first executive committee. He also was one of the first two members from Ohio to serve on the national executive committee, and also was a member of the first state executive committee of the American Legion, being one of the organizers of the southwest quarter of Ohio. In May, 1919, he was one of 34 Ohio delegates to the St. Louis caucus to organize the American Legion in the United States. In 1922 Mr. Snodgrass married Miss Fontabelle Baker, daughter of Dr. L. E. Baker and Ada (Taylor) Baker. Mr. and Mrs. Snodgrass have two children, Richard Baker and Jeanne Ellen. Mr. Snodgrass is a Republican and is a member of the Republican central and executive committees. He is an active member of Christ Episcopal Church, of which he has served as Sunday School superintendent, and he is affiliated with H. S. Kissell Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 674, and Springfield Chapter, R. A. M. No. 48. Homer Campbell Corry.—As a member of the firm of Martin & Corry, with offices in the First National Bank Building, Homer Campbell Corry is numbered among the most outstanding lawyers of Springfield and one of the community's valued citizens. He was born in Green Township, Clark County, July 9, 1887, the son of Robert F. and Ethel (Stewart) Corry. Robert F. Corry, who died in December, 1916, was a native of Green County. He attended Antioch College and throughout 660 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO his life was interested in general farming. He was a Republican and held membership in the Presbyterian Church. His widow resides at Springfield. Mr. and Mrs. Corry were the parents of four children, of whom Homer Campbell, subject, was the third in order of birth. The early education of Homer Campbell Corry was acquired in the public schools of Springfield and Clifton High School. In 1910 he obtained the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Antioch College. During 1910-11 he was principal of Enon (Ohio) High School, and in 1911-12 was principal of the high school at Yellow Springs, Ohio. In 1913-14 he was a teacher in high school. Mr. Corry prepared for the law at the University of Chicago and Ohio State University from which he was graduated in 1915 with the degree of LL. B. He also spent a summer term of additional study at the University of Michigan. He was admitted to the Ohio State Bar in 1915, and later to the U. S. District and Circuit Courts and to the Supreme Court of the United States. He became associated in the practice with Mr. Chase Stewart, of Springfield, in 1915 and during 1916-18 was a member of the faculty of the Law School at Ohio State University. Mr. Corry enlisted for service as a private in the World War on July 5, 1918, and was sent to Camp Sherman, Chillicothe, Ohio. Later, he was made a first lieutenant in the Judge Advocate's Department, and assigned to service at Camp Logan, Texas. He also spent some time at Washington, D. C., and was discharged on July 5, 1919. Upon his return to Springfield, Mr. Corry formed a partnership with Paul C. Martin, under the firm name of Martin & Corry. Mr. Corry married on January 1, 1920, Miss Helene Jobe, of Xenia, Ohio, who died December 4, 1920. He married on October 17, 1927, Miss Cornelia B. Adams, of Columbus, Ohio, and they have a son, John Adams. Mr. Corry is a Republican, a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and has the following lodge and club affiliations: HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 661 H. S. Kissell Lodge F. & A. M. No. 674, Past Master; Springfield Chapter R. A. M. No. 48; Springfield Council R. & S. M. No. 17; Palestine Commandery K. T. No. 33; Phi Delta Phi fraternity; Order of the Coif ; Clark County, Ohio State, and American Bar Associations; Chamber of Commerce, past president; Y. M. C. A., past president and director; Springfield Federation of Community Service, past president; Springfield Community Fund, chairman during 1926; George Cultice Post No. 6, American Legion, past commander; Antioch College, trustee and secretary. Chase Stewart.—One of the most influential members of the Clark County Bar is Chase Stewart, who has been a successful lawyer of Springfield for half a century. He was born at Yellow Springs, Ohio, October 26, 1856, the son of Samuel and Mary Ann (Marshall) Stewart. Samuel Stewart was born on the family homestead in Green Township, Clark County, March 26, 1823. His father, John Templeton Stewart, had settled on the banks of the Miami in 1806, about twelve years before Clark County was organized. Samuel Stewart married Mary Ann Marshall of near Selma, Clark County, whose father William Marshall settled there in 1830. Shortly after his marriage Samuel and his brother, Elder R. Stewart, were engaged in the general mercantile business at Yellow Springs, Ohio. This was the time when Antioch College was founded and when Horace Mann was its president. Judge William Mills, a brother-in-law of Samuel Stewart, was largely responsible for its founding as he was the donor of the ground where the college stands, as well as a gift of $20,000.00. The partnership was dissolved in 1860 and Samuel Stewart thereupon purchased a stock farm from Newton McBeth. He died on March 23rd, 1888, and his wife died in July, 1890. They were buried in Kenton, Grove Cemetery, Hardin County, Ohio. 662 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO A complete history of the Stewart family may be found in "Pennsylvania Genealogies," which was published by Professor Egle, for many years State Librarian of Pennsylvania. The Stewart family record, complete from 1660 to 1896, includes 22 pages of the column beginning on page 645, and ending on page 667. The book was distributed to the leading libraries of the country, especially those maintained by the state. The immediate family record is found on pages 663, and 664, and the life of John Templeton Stewart, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, appears on page 656; with portrait on page 151, in the History of Clark County, Ohio, published in 1881. Reference is also made to him in the Green Township Record in said History of Clark County. The Marshall family record appears in a volume published by Wallace Marshall of LaFayette, Indiana, in February, 1922. Samuel Stewart served as County Commissioner of Hardin County during the period when pikes were first built and when the people were willing to abandon the mud road era. He spent many years as an extensive and successful farmer and stockman of Hardin and Logan counties. Chase Stewart's boyhood days were passed on the homestead farm of his parents, which was located on the line of Hardin and Logan counties. He attended the country district schools and is a graduate of the Academy at Rushsylvania, Logan County. He also was graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University and the University of Chicago, and began to study of law in the office of Judge William Lawrence at Bellefontaine, Ohio. After a few weeks there the judge was appointed by the President of the United States as First Comptroller of the Treasury at Washington, District of Columbia. Mr. Stewart spent two years at the National Law School at Washington, District of Columbia, graduating in June, 1882, and was admitted to the Ohio bar in the fall of 1882. He was elected prosecuting attorney of Clark County in 1888 and served in that office for six years. He also was a member of the General Assembly of Ohio for two terms, from 1896 to 1900, and HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 663 during the second term was chairman of the Judiciary Committee of the House of Representatives. He has since continued his private practice in the courts at Springfield, Ohio, and also practicing in the State and Federal Courts, and for many years has been a prominent member of the Ohio State and American Bar Associations. Throughout his life he has traveled extensively, having visited many countries in Europe and elsewhere. He spent the entire summer of 1903 in Japan, and during 1928 traveled throughout and around Africa, visiting ports on the shores of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and several islands, among them St. Helena and Madagascar. He also made a trip by rail from Capetown, South Africa, north, a distance of 1800 miles, stopping at the Kimberly diamond mines and other places, among them Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River in Rhodesia. His travel lectures are interesting and instructive. Mr. Stewart is unmarried. Nial Lansing Burrell, M. D., is one of the most prominent of the younger physicians and surgeons of West Central Ohio, engaged in the practice of his profession at Springfield, with offices at 34 West High Street. He was born at New Lexington, Perry County, Ohio, January 5, 1896, the son of R. A. and Anna (Smith) Burrell. R. A. Burrell, deceased, was a native of Ohio. Both he and his wife were born in Washington County and are buried at Lexington. He was engaged in business there for many years as the proprietor of a monumental works. Six sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Burrell: 1. Main, who is engaged in telephone work, lives at Olympia, Washington. 2. Glenn, a graduate of Ohio State University. He is engaged in construction work for the government at Washington, District of Columbia, and holds the rank of 664 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO captain in the navy, being attached to the civil engineering corps. 3. Frank, deceased, buried at Baker, Oregon. 4. Gene, graduate of Ohio State University, degree of Mechanical Engineering and Master of Science from Boston Polytechnical Institute, majoring in hydraulic engineering, engaged in government work on the Tennessee Valley Authority. 5. Guthrie, physician, graduate of Ohio State University, who was killed in action during the World War while serving as a first lieutenant in the Medical Corps of the 37th Division. He lost his life during the Meuse-Argonne drive and is buried in New Lexington, Ohio. 6. Nial Lansing, the subject of this sketch. Nial Lansing Burrell received his early education in the public schools of New Lexington and was graduated from Crooksville High School in 1913. He received the degrees of Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine at Ohio State University in 1917 and 1919, respectively. During 1919-20 he was an interne in the Springfield City Hospital and the following year served as resident pathologist. He has taken six months of graduate work at the Brady Urological Clinic, at Johns Hopkins University, and during 1922 studied at the University of Vienna in Austria. In that year he also established a private practice in Springfield. Dr. Burrell was made a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons in 1928. He has been president of the Springfield City Hospital staff, vice president of the Springfield Board of Hospital Commissioners, and is a member of and former president of the Clark County Medical Society, Ohio State Medical Society, American Medical Association, and American Urological Association. In 1922 Dr. Burrell was united in marriage with Miss Helen Cline, the daughter of G. H. and Mabel Cline, who are residents of Springfield. They have a daughter, Patricia Ann, and a son, Robert Guthrie. Dr. Burrell is a Republican, a member of Northminster Presbyterian Church, and belongs to New Lexington Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 250, and Phi Rho Sigma medical fraternity. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 665 During the World War Dr. Burrell served as a member of the Student Army Training Corps. Mont C. Hambright.—Outstanding among Springfield's well known citizens is Mont C. Hambright, who is grand secretary of Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, State of Ohio. He was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, the son of William H. and Melissa D. (Thomas) Hambright. William H. Hambright and his wife were natives of Franklin County, Pennsylvania. As a young man he learned the trade of machinist and located at Iowa City, Iowa. Later he came to Springfield as a mechanic in the employ of the Evans Manufacturing Company. He and his wife are deceased and are buried in Ferncliff Cemetery, Springfield. Mr. Hambright was a Democrat. a member of the Presbyterian Church, and belonged to Iowa City Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 3, and Iowa City Chapter, R. A. M. His wife was a member of the Lutheran Church. They had three sons: 1. Clyde, who is telegraph editor on the Philadelphia Bulletin, Philadelphia. 2. Mont C., the subject of this sketch. 3. Arthur M., physician. He is a graduate of Ohio State University, where he received a degree in electrical engineering, and the College of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. He lives at Ramsey, New Jersey. Mont C. Hambright began his business career as a clerk in the offices of Wallace & Corry, Springfield. The business was later reorganized as L. B. Corry & Company. From 1917 until 1929 Mr. Hambright was clerk of the Common Pleas Court of Clark County. On July 1, 1929, he became president and manager of Wallace & Company, and on August 1, 1932, organized the Mutual Insurance Agency of Springfield, with which he is still identified. Fraternally, Mr. Hambright is identified with Clark Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 101, past master, being demitted in April, 1921, 666 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO to organize the H. S. Kissel Lodge, No. 674, of which he became master; Springfield Chapter, R. A. M. No. 48, past high priest; from October, 1928, until October, 1929, grand high priest of the Grand Chapter, State of Ohio, and in the latter year elected Grand Secretary; John K. Corwin Chapter, R. A. M. No. 205, Cleveland, honorary member; Keystone Chapter, R. A. M., No. 217, Cleveland, honorary member; Springfield Council, R. & S. M., No. 17, past master; Palestine Commandery, K. T. No. 33, past commander; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree, life member; and Antioch Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S., of Dayton, Ohio. In 1917 Mr. Hambright married Miss Helen Markley, the daughter of George W. and Mary (Hayes) Markley, natives of Ohio. Mr. Markley is deceased and his widow resides at Springfield. Politically Mr. Hambright is a Republican. Bert F. Downey.—Active in the business, civic and fraternal life of Clark County is Bert F. Downey, who is secretary, treasurer and general manager of the Yost-Superior Company, of Springfield. He was born on a farm near Sycamore, Wyandotte County, Ohio, November 23, 1883, the son of S. F. and Martha (Betz) Downey. S. F. Downey was born on a farm near Tiffin, Ohio, July 6, 1849, and he now lives retired at Springfield. His wife was born near Sycamore, Ohio, February 15, 1853, and died April 29, 1933, shortly after they had celebrated their fifty-ninth wedding anniversary. Mr. Downey was interested in general farming until his retirement in 1933. He is a Republican, a prominent member of the United Brethren Church, and is affiliated with Enterprise Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 579. He also has been president of the Sycamore Cemetery Association. To Mr. and Mrs. Downey were born five children : 1. Mabel, deceased. 2. Earl, lives at Syca- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 667 more, Ohio. 3. Ward, deceased. 4. Bert F., the subject of this sketch. 5. Mrs. Harry Miller, lives at Tiffin, Ohio. Bert F. Downey was educated in the district schools of Wyandotte County, and attended Sycamore High School. He began his career as a teacher at Hickory Flats School, near McCutchenville, Ohio, later taught at Mexico, Ohio, Sycamore, and in 1904 he became a salesman in the employ of Foster Shoemaker, at Upper Sandusky, Ohio. Mr. Downey came to Springfield in June, 1906, as a sales representative for the Frank Miller Piano Company. During 1908 he attended Willis Business College, and in the same year became a bookkeeper for the Yost-Gearless Motor Company, being promoted to the position of manager in 1913. He became secretary, treasurer and general manager of the concern in 1916, and four years later, when the Superior Spring Company was organized, Mr. Downey remained in his former position. When the two firms were merged as the Yost Superior Company in April, 1924, he still retained his position as secretary, treasurer and general manager. They are widely known manufacturers of coil wire springs, wire forms, wire specialities, and water power washing machines. In 1917 Mr. Downey was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Baltzell, of Tiffin, Ohio. They have a daughter, Betzy Jane. Mr. Downey is a Republican, a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, and president of the Springfield Rotary Club in 1933. His lodge affiliations follow : St. Andrews Lodge No. 619, F. & A. M., past master; Springfield Chapter, R. A. M., No. 48; Springfield Council, R. & S. M., No. 17 ; Palestine Commandery, K. T., No. 33 ; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree, A. A. S. R.; Antioch Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Dayton, potentate in 1933; representative to the Imperial Council during 1923-24-32-33 ; Zenobia Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Toledo, honorary member; Al Koran Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S., Cleveland, honorary member; Syrian Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Cincinnati, honorary member; Aladdin Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Columbus, honorary 668 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO member; Oleika Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S., Lexington, Kentucky, honorary member; Ben Ali Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Sacramento, California, honorary member; Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., San Francisco, California, honorary member; Moolah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., St. Louis, Missouri, honorary member; Norris Chapter, O. E. S., No. 426; Royal Order of Jesters, Dayton Court No. 10; representative in 1932 to the National Court of Jesters, at San Francisco, California ; representative at Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1933, and past counselor, United Commercial Travelers, No. 23 ; past president of the Springfield Branch of the National Association of Purchasing Agents. John Oliver Elliott.—One of the representative business men of Springfield is John Oliver Elliott, who is president and general manager of the J. S. Elliott Company. He was born in this city, August 15, 1882, the son of John Sudler and Mary (Boyer) Elliott. A complete sketch of John Sudler Elliott appears elsewhere in this history. Following his graduation from Springfield High School, John Oliver Elliott attended Nelson Business College, and in December, 1899, he became identified with the insurance business of his father, which was then known as the J. S. Elliott Agency. Upon the incorporation of the firm in 1902 Mr. Elliott became secretary and treasurer, and served in that capacity until his father's death in 1917, at which time he was elected president and general manager. The company conducts a general insurance business and has offices in the Mitchell Building. In 1906 Mr. Elliott was united in marriage with Miss Ruby Brenner, of Springfield. A sketch of her family appears elsewhere in this history. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott have a son, John Oliver, Jr. He is a graduate of Springfield High School and HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 669 attended Vanderbilt University. At the present time he is vice president of the J. S. Elliott Company. Politically Mr. Elliott is a Democrat, and for nine years was a member of the board of deputy state supervisors of election. He and his family are members of the First Lutheran Church, and he belongs to St. Andrews Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 619; Dayton Consistory 32nd degree; Antioch Temple; and B. P. 0. Elks, No. 51. He is past president of the Springfield Association of Insurance Agents, and holds membership in the Ohio Association and National Association of insurance agents. He also belongs to the Springfield Chamber of Commerce. John Sudler Elliott, deceased, was a pioneer in the insurance business of Springfield, being founder of the J. S. Elliott Company, a prosperous business that still continues under that corporation name. Mr. Elliott was generous of his time and means in connection with many movements for the advancement of Springfield as a city and community. He was born at Sudlersville, Queen Anne County, Maryland, December 9, 1854. His birthplace was a village named in honor of his maternal grandfather. His parents were John and Anne (Sudler) Elliott, natives of the same county. Both families had been established in Maryland in pioneer times. John S. Elliott was reared and educated at Sudlersville. At the age of 17 years he came to Ohio and made his home with a relative, Matthew Morris, at Bellbrook, near Dayton. He attended a business college at Dayton and at an early age became interested in the insurance business at Xenia, as a representative of the Farmers Insurance Company of Dayton. Mr. Elliott came to Springfield in 1875 and for a short time was associated with the business of D. R. Hosterman. He then established his own business and on July 1, 1877, organized the J. S. Elliott Company, 670 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO with which he was personally identified for a period of forty years. He died November 30, 1917. In September, 1877, Mr. Elliott married Miss Mary W. Boyer, of Dayton, who died in December, 1884. They had two children: 1. John Oliver, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history. 2. Mrs. Lida B. Limbocker. In January, 1886, Mr. Elliott married Miss Nora E. Wood, the daughter of Samuel R. and Margaret (McIntyre) Wood, natives of Virginia and Clark County, Ohio, respectively. Mr. Wood died in 1898. His wife was a member of the old McIntyre family of this county. In civic affairs Mr. Elliott served as a member of the city board of safety under Mayor W. R. Burnett, was president of the board of public affairs under Mayor John M. Good, and for a number of years was on the Democratic executive county central committee. He was one of the first trustees of Mitchell-Thomas Hospital, and a charter member of the Lagonda Club. At one time he was president of the Ohio State Association of Fire Underwriters. His lodge affiliations were : Anthony Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 445; Springfield Chapter, R. A. M. No. 48; Springfield Council, R. & S. M. No. 17; Palestine Commandery, K. T. No. 33; Dayton Consistory 32nd degree; Springfield Lodge No. 51, B. P. O. Elks; and United Commercial Travelers. Charles Franklin Jackson.—Few business men of Springfield have been more successful than Charles Franklin Jackson, who is president and treasurer of the C. F. Jackson Funeral Home, Inc. He was born on the Jackson homestead, in Moorefield Township, Clark County, June 12, 1873, the son of John M. and Kate (Kraft) Jackson. John M. Jackson was a native of Loudon County, Virginia, born in 1834. He was a grandson of John Jackson, a representative of the distinguished Jackson family of old Virginia, one HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 671 of whose members was General Stonewall Jackson. John M. Jackson was 18 months old when his parents died and soon afterward he was brought to Moorefield Township, Clark County, where he was reared by an uncle, William Moore. In the gold rush of 1849 Mr. Jackson went west and then on to Australia, where he met with success and accumulated a considerable fortune. Following this he traveled throughout the world and in the course of his travels learned to speak seven languages. He finally returned to Clark County where he purchased the homestead on which he had been reared. He became a prosperous farmer and died there in 1890. His wife was born at Springfield and died January 15, 1927. She was the daughter of Jacob Craft, pioneer manufacturer of Springfield. Both Mr. and Mrs. Jackson are buried in Ferncliff Cemetery, Springfield. Charles Franklin Jackson attended the Lagonda school of Springfield and Springfield High School. At the age of 20 years he became interested in the undertaking business, and at that time entered the employ of W. A. Gross & Company, with whom he remained for five years. In 1895 he became a demonstrator for the Champion College of Embalming, and subsequently was a traveling representative for a funeral and embalming supply house. In 1906 he became a member of the firm of Myers & Jackson, and soon after became sole owner of the business. For a time his establishment was located in the old Pursell residence on West High Street. Later it was sold to the Crowell Publishing Company, and at that time Mr. Jackson purchased the William S. Foos residence at 560 East High Street. This was remodeled into one of the finest funeral homes to be found in the State of Ohio. The company was incorporated in July, 1924, with Mr. Jackson as president and treasurer. He is also financially interested in numerous other manufacturing and business concerns in the city. In 1900 Mr. Jackson was united in marriage with Miss Ada H. Hughes, the daughter of J. Harvey and Kate Hughes. Both 672 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO are deceased and are buried in Ferncliff Cemetery. Mr. Hughes was for many years the owner of the Hughes stone quarries at Springfield. To Mr. and Mrs. Jackson were born two children: 1. Courtney C., a graduate of Springfield High School and Dennison College, Bachelor of Arts. 2. Jean R., a graduate of Ridgewood private school, Springfield High School, and Rollins College, Bachelor of Arts. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson are members of the First Lutheran Church, and he is affiliated with Clark Lodge Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 101; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree; Antioch Temple; B. P. 0. Elks, No. 51; Loyal Order of Moose; Euphriam Lodge, I. 0. 0. F.; Order of Ben Hur; and Junior Order United American Mechanics. Politically Mr. Jackson is independent. Scipio Eugene Baker.—The late Scipio Eugene Baker, prominent citizen, successful banker and manufacturer, and founder of the Springfield Metallic Casket Company of Springfield, and later President of the Champion Chemical Company, was descended from two pioneer families of Clark County, the Bakers and the Millers. He is a direct descendant of the founder of Princeton University and his grandfather, Ezra D. Baker, came from New Jersey to Clark County in 1805. He moved to Enon, married Anna Morgan, and reared four children. At the time of his death he was one of the oldest settlers in Madison Township. He was active in public life, serving as county commissioner four terms, and in various other ways contributed to the advancement of his community. His wife died in 1867. Alonzo Addison Baker, M. D., son of Ezra D. and Anna (Morgan) Baker, was born on the Baker homestead near Enon in 1831, and received an excellent education. In 1845 he began the study of medicine, during 1846-47 attended medical lectures at Starling HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 673 Medical College, and in 1870 graduated from Ohio Medical College with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He practiced medicine in Clark and Champaign counties until 1878, in which year he removed to Springfield. During the Civil War he was commissioned sergeant of the 53rd Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, but physical disability forced him to resign. Later in life he became interested in manufacturing, and founded the Champion Chemical Company, of which he was president and treasurer. Doctor Baker married Miss Margaret Miller. Scipio Eugene Baker, son of Dr. Alonzo Addison Baker, was born at Donnelsville, near Enon, June 12, 1860, and died September 25, 1921, at Bethel-El Hospital, Colorado Springs, Colorado. As a country doctor's son he had the advantage like so many men of later achievement, of a childhood and youth spent in rural surroundings, where were developed fundamental qualities of industry and integrity. As a young man he located at Springfield and was graduated from Wittenberg College in 1878. For a time he engaged in the study of law but eventually entered upon a business career, founding the Springfield Metallic Casket Company, of which he became manager in 1884. In 1889 he disposed of his holdings in the Springfield Metallic Casket Company and became manager of the Royal Salt Company of Kanopolis, Kansas, the presidency of which he retained during his life time. He was also a director of the Western Salt Company of Saint Louis. Mr. Baker's business and executive ability next found expression in the reorganization of the Foos Gas Engine Company at Springfield, of which he became president and treasurer in 1897. He was vice president and a director of the Springfield National Bank and president and treasurer of the Champion Chemical Company after the death of his father. Among the industries under the direction of Mr. Baker probably no other was quite so close to his heart as that of the Champion Chemical Company, an outgrowth of the Hill Fluid Company, in which a part ownership was held by his father. To the 674 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO son was due its later development, its outstanding record of success, and the building up of an organization which is continuing the service upon which that success rests. The Champion Chemical Company was a pioneer in developing improved methods of embalming and in perfecting high grade embalming fluid. As in the case of other companies controlled by Mr. Baker, the quality of the product has always been regarded as the prime factor to be considered. In this field, more almost than in any other, Mr. Baker taught his organization absolute certainty of results is possible only through uniformity and dependability of product. Hence quality rather than price has been the keyword in the Champion plant. The scope of the company's service was greatly expanded during the time of Mr. Baker's presidency, and he built up its line until it embraced nearly everything required in the modern direction of funerals. One of the products of the Champion factory is a complete line of steel burial vaults, among them being the oldest patented grave vault. During the active life of Mr. Baker he became a well known and useful member of society, with activities leading in various directions. He was well known in a social way as a member of the Lagonda and Country Clubs, and was quietly active in philanthropy. He was a member of Palestine Commandery, No. 33, K. T., and a prominent member of the High Street Methodist Episcopal Church. On June 25, 1895, Mr. Baker married Miss Jessie Foos. A sketch of their daughter, Margaret, appears elsewhere in this history. Jessie (Foos) Baker was born at Springfield, the daughter of the late John and Samantha (Mark) Foos. Her father was a pioneer manufacturer and capitalist of Springfield. He was born in Madison County, Ohio, in 1826, and came to Springfield in 1848. In 1861 he purchased the Barnett Oil Mill, later the Steel, Lehman & Company Mill, and became a large dealer in seed and oil, although during the Civil War period he devoted his energies to HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 675 the manufacture of woolens. In 1870 he became a partner in the Foos Gas Engine Company, and six years later became heavily interested in the Saint John Sewing Machine Company. From the time of his arrival in the city of Springfield until his death, Mr. Foos was recognized as a prominent citizen and busi-. ness leader. Margaret Evelyn Baker.—Outstanding among the representative business women of Springfield is Margaret Evelyn Baker, who is treasurer and general manager of the Champion Company. She was born in this city, the daughter of Scipio Eugene and Jessie (Foos) Baker. A complete sketch of Scipio Eugene Baker appears elsewhere in this history. Margaret Evelyn Baker attended Springfield Seminary and Springfield High School. She is a graduate of Baldwin School at Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, after which she studied music in New York City. During the World War she served as an army student nurse at Camp Dodge, Iowa. She appeared on the concert stage in New York and other eastern cities the seasons of 19191920 and 1920-21, under the name of Nancy Van Kirk. Miss Baker returned to Springfield after the death of her father in 1921 and became the general manager of the Champion Chemical Company, recently reorganized as the Champion Company, which was founded by her grandfather. Miss Baker takes a prominent and active part in Republican politics and is a member of the Republican State Advisory committee. She has also served as State Chairman of the National Women's Party. In 1928 she served on the Hoover State Committee, and in 1932 was alternate delegate at large to the Republican National Convention. She is chairman of the Women's Division of the Republican organization of Clark County and 676 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO during 1932-3 was in charge of all special publicity for the Women's Division of the state central committee. Miss Baker holds membership in the American Legion, Woman's Town Club, Altrusa Club, Business and Professional Women's Club, and Daughters of America. John B. Whitlatch.—Prominent among the representative business men of Springfield is John B. Whitlach, a veteran of the World War, who is general manager and treasurer of the HarrissWhitlach Insurance Agency, Inc. He was born on a farm in Jackson Township, Jackson County, Ohio, January 30, 1896, the son of Lewis M. and Sarah (Wilson) Whitlach. As a young man Lewis M. Whitlach engaged in general farming in Wood County, West Virginia, where he was born. He later conducted a grocery business at Wellston, Ohio, and for a number of years was employed by the Ohio Building Company at Wellston and Bremen, Ohio. He died in 1925, and his wife, also born in West Virginia, died in 1917. They are buried in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Jackson County, Ohio. Mr. Whitlach was a Republican and served as township trustee. He held membership in Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, of which he served as Sunday school superintendent for nine years. To Mr. and Mrs. Whitlach were born the following children : 1. Mollie, married Buris Dunlap, lives in Wood County, West Virginia. 2. Bertha, married A. J. Leach, lives at Columbus, Ohio. 3. Henrietta, married Horace Bayes, lives at Wellston. 4. Frank, who died in 1926. 5. Jennie, who married Adam Blagg, lives at Wellston. 6. E. R., lives at Lawrenceville, Ohio. 7. John B., the subject of this sketch. 8. Harold J., lives at Springfield. John B. Whitlach was educated in the district school of Jackson Township, Jackson County, and also attended school at Wellston and Bremen. He spent some time in the employ of the HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 677 Carter Oil Company, at Bremen, and in 1916 came to Springfield, where he was connected with the business of Edward Segerson, contractor. On September 21, 1917, Mr. Whitlach enlisted in the United States Army and was sent to Camp Sherman, Ohio, where he was assigned to Battery A, 324th Field Artillery, 83rd Division. He sailed for France as a member of the 158th Artillery Brigade, and participated in active service in the Verdun sector, and Meuse-Argonne offensive. He also spent five months with the Army of Occupation in Germany, and was discharged from the service June 5, 1919. Upon his return to Springfield after the close of the war, Mr. Whitlatch was superintendent for the Bothwell & Strom Company until 1926, at which time he engaged in business for himself. In 1930 he was one of the organizers of the Harriss-Whitlatch Insurance Agency, Inc. Its officers are : J. A. Poss, president; John B. Whitlatch, general manager and treasurer; and G. E. Bauer, secretary. They have offices in the Columbia Building. In 1920 Mr. Whitlatch married Miss Audrey Luela Carnes, a native of Green County, Ohio. They have a son, Robert Harold. Politically Mr. Whitlatch is a Republican. He is an active member of the Baptist Church, and belongs to Clark Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 101; Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Fraternal Order of Eagles; Chamber of Commerce; and Springfield Association of Insurance Agents. He is a former adjutant and commander of George Cultice Post No. 6, American Legion, and past chef deGare of La Societe des 40 Hommes et 8 Chevaux. Webb W. Witmeyer, attorney, is well and favorably known throughout Clark County as a successful member of his profession. He was born in Franklin Township, Richland County, Ohio, the son of Levi S. and Susan (Light) Witmeyer. 678 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Levi S. Witmeyer, deceased, was a native of Pennsylvania, born at Lebanon. His wife was born in Richland County, Ohio. Throughout his life Mr. Witmeyer engaged in general farming and spent many years in Richland County. He and his wife are buried at Ganges, Ohio. Their children were : 1. Webb W., the subject of this sketch. 2. Arah V., who died in 1930, was the wife of David Arnold. 3. Laura L., married Boyd H. Kerr, lives in Franklin Township, Richland County. Webb W. Witmeyer acquired his early education in the public schools. He attended Mansfield Normal College and Ashland College, and in 1887 was graduated from Wittenberg College. During the following two years he was a teacher in the Springfield public schools and in the summer months studied law in the office of John L. Zimmerman. Subsequently Mr. Witmeyer attended the Cincinnati Law School and was admitted to the Ohio State Bar in 1890. He gained admission to the U. S. District Court in May, 1911. During his professional career Mr. Witmeyer was associated with John L. Zimmerman until 1912, and he has since engaged in private practice. He has been treasurer of the Clark County Bar Association and trustee of the Law Library Association. For 13 years Mr. Witmeyer has served as a member of the board of trustees of the Clark County Childrens Home, and during the past five years has been president of that board. Mr. Witmeyer married Miss Lydia M. Petticrew, who died in 1917, and is buried in Ferncliff Cemetery, Springfield. She was the daughter of John L. and Virginia Petticrew, natives of Springfield. Mr. and Mrs. Witmeyer had a daughter, Ruth, who is deceased. Mr. Witmeyer is a Democrat and is affiliated with Anthony Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 455; Ingomar Lodge, K. of P., No. 610; and Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Mr. Witmeyer is also president of the Taggart Coal & Supply Company. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 679 Charles F. Buchholtz.—The C. F. Buchholtz Drug Company is recognized as one of the substantial business establishments of Springfield, and Mr. Buchholtz, who is president and treasurer, ranks high among its enterprising citizens. He was born at Grove City, Franklin County, Ohio, September 17, 1875, the son of Joseph and Catherine (Wise) Buchholtz. Joseph Buchholtz was a native of Germany, born at Baden-Baden in 1840. As a boy of eight years he came to this country with his father, Frederick Buchholtz, and the family located at Columbus, Ohio. At the time of the Civil War, Joseph Buchholtz was a contract blacksmith for the United States Quartermaster Corps. He later spent many years as a mechanic in the employ of the Ohio Tool Company, and was living retired at the time of his death in 1923. His wife, born in Muskingum County, Ohio, died in 1930. Both are buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Columbus. There were five children in the Buchholtz family. Charles F. Buchholtz attended the public schools of Grove City, Ohio, from which he was graduated in 1892. He received the degree of Ph. G. at Ohio Northern University in 1893 and at that time became a pharmacist in the employ of the H. G. Hamlin Drug Company, at Detroit, Michigan. Later in that year he entered the service of the Higgins Brothers, druggists, of Springfield. In 1899 he purchased an interest in the business, which was reorganized as Higgins & Buchholtz. In 1915 the company was incorporated as the C. F. Buchholtz Drug Company and at that time purchased the H. S. Folckemer store, which is located at High Street and Fountain Avenue. Six years later the firm took over the store building at 25 East Grand Avenue, formerly owned by the Harvey Siegenthaler estate. The original location of the business in the old Arcade Building was closed by the firm in 1929, and the business has since continued at the corner of High and Fountain streets. Mr. Buchholtz is a director of the First National Bank of Springfield, director and member of the executive committee of the United Drug Company, of Boston, 680 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Massachusetts, and past president of the Ohio Rexall Club. Since 1921 he has been secretary and treasurer of the latter organization. Mr. Buchholtz was married September 26, 1899, to Miss Maud M. Fleming, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Fleming, both deceased. They have no children. Politically Mr. Buchholtz is a Republican. He is a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, and has the following lodge affiliations : Anthony Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 455, past master; Springfield Chapter, R. A. M., No. 38; Springfield Council, R. & S. M., No. 17; Palestine Commandery, K. T., No. 33; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree, life member; Antioch Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. ; and on September 18, 1917, was made a 33rd degree Mason of the Supreme Council of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States in New York City. He has been a trustee of the Ohio Masonic Home since 1917. Cliff C. Corry is recognized as one of the able and highly successful business men of Springfield, where he is secretary of Corry & Company, Inc., with offices at 314 M. & M. Building. He was born at New Burlington, Ohio, December 6, 1882, the son of Lee B. and Nannie (Stewart) Corry. A complete sketch of Lee B. Corry appears elsewhere in this history. Following his graduation from the public schools of Springfield, Cliff C. Corry entered Kenyon Military College, where he was graduated in 1901. He immediately became associated with his father's insurance interests in the city, and in 1901, at the incorporation of the business, Mr. Corry became secretary, in which capacity he has since served. He is president of the Springfield Association of Insurance Agents, and for 27 years has been either president or chairman of the executive committee of the HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 681 Ohio Association of Insurance Agents. For two years he also served on the executive committee of the National Association of Insurance Agents. During the World War Mr. Corry was state representative of the Ohio Association of Insurance Agents, and organized the agents of the state. His duties were to inspect factories, grain elevators, warehouses, or any other government property with the idea of fire prevention. In 1908 Mr. Corry married Miss Margaret E. Kepsey, the daughter of George and Emma (Hawthorne) Kepsey. They were born in Springfield, and Mr. Kepsey is now the oldest employe of the Crowell Publishing Company, being superintendent of the art department. His wife is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Corry have no children. Mr. Corry and his wife are members of Covenant Presbyterian Church, and he has the following lodge affiliations : Clark Lodge No. 101, F. & A. M.; Springfield Chapter R. A. M. No. 38; Springfield Council R. & S. M. No. 17; Palestine Commandery K. T. No. 33; Scioto Consistory, 32nd degree; Aladdin Temple; Knights of Pythias; and Fraternal Order of Eagles. Lee B. Corry.—As president of Corry & Company, Inc., Lee B. Corry is the executive head of one of the largest and most successful general insurance agencies in the city of Springfield. He was born in Greene County, Ohio, March 11, 1855, the son of William R. and Eliza (Brown) Corry. William R. Corry was born in Pennsylvania and was a representative of the family in whose honor the city of Corry, Pennsylvania, was named. In 1831 his parents removed to Greene County, Ohio, and there he assisted in reclaiming the pioneer homestead from the forest wilds. He was in the 100 day service of the Civil War. Both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church. 682 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Lee B. Corry, fourth child of William R. and Eliza (Brown) Corry, was reared on the farm and acquired his early education in the district schools of his native county. Later, he continued his studies in Antioch College and Lebanon Normal School. He continued his interest in farming in Greene County until his marriage in 1879, and thereafter was associated with his father-in-law in the operation of the latter's flouring mills at Clifton, Greene County. His father-in-law was Elder R. Stewart. In the autumn of 1884, Mr. Corry came to Springfield and accepted a clerical position with the Springfield Manufacturing Company. When the firm later went into the hands of a receiver Mr. Corry was made superintendent of the plant, the operation of which was continued. In 1892 he purchased the old established Ohio Farmers Insurance Agency, from which he developed his present general agency, he having purchased at intervals other insurance agencies and consolidated their business with his own, which is now one of the largest in this section of the country. In 1930 the company was incorporated as Corry & Company, Inc., with Lee B. Corry as president and treasurer, and Cliff C. Corry as secretary, with offices in the M. & M. Building. On September 24, 1879, Mr. Corry was united in marriage with Miss Nannie J. Stewart, youngest daughter of the late Elder R. Stewart, of Clifton, Greene County, and to them were born three children : 1. Bessie, who died in early childhood. 2. Cliff C., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history. 3. William R., a World War veteran, who served with the rank of second lieutenant in France. He received his preliminary training at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indiana, and at Chillicothe, Ohio, and was in active service in France for one year. He resides at Santa Anna, California. Politically, Mr. Corry is a Republican. He is a prominent member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, and is affiliated with Clark Lodge F. & A. M. No. 101, past trustee; Springfield Chapter R. A. M. No. 38; Springfield Council R. & S. M. No. 17; HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 683 Palestine Commandery K. T. No. 33; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree; and Antioch Temple. Urban R. Juergens.—Prominently identified with the professional life of Springfield is Mr. Juergens, attorney, who has offices in the M. & M. Building. He was born in this city, March 22, 1898, the son of Arthur R. and Eliza A. (Betzler) Juergens. Arthur R. Juergens was born at Buffalo, New York, and his wife was a native of Kenton, Ohio. She died May 14, 1924, and is buried in Ferncliff Cemetery, Springfield. He was educated in private schools in New York and spent thirty years as a supervisor of music in the public schools of Springfield. He resigned in 1919 and has since been interested in the real estate and insurance business in this city. Mr. Juergens has been connected editorially with newspapers in Cincinnati and other places and has had considerable experience in literary work. Mr. Juergens was one of the organizers of the Orpheum Society, and under his able leadership it became Springfield's leading musical organization. He also was a director of the Saubian Saengerchor. Mr. Juergens is a Republican. Mr. Juergens is a member of the Lutheran Church, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He served as president of the Church Council of St. John's Lutheran Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Arthur R. Juergens were born eight children : 1. Oscar, deceased. 2. Paul, deceased. 3. Olga, married Troy Wipert, lives at Springfield, R. R. No. 1. 4. Alma, married Edgar Kowalski, lives at West Valley, New York. 5. Carl, married Augusta Rader, lives at Springfield. 6. Armin, lives at Springfield. 7. Urban R., the subject of this sketch. 8. Edwin, married Maurine Kerstetter, lives at Springfield. Arthur R. Juergens is the son of Dr. Charles A. Juergens, who was born at Oldenburg, Germany, April 2, 1841, the son of 684 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Henry and Anne (Wohlers) Juergens. Charles A. Juergens entered a gymnasium at the age of 12 years, where he pursued a rigid course of study, including sciences and languages. He studied theology at the University of Goettingen, but decided to take up the study of medicine instead and subsequently attended lectures at Goettingen, Marburg, Berlin, and Greifswald. After the completion of his studies he came to the United States and engaged in the teaching of languages and music, also practicing medicine. He was able to read and translate 13 languages and spoke six fluently. He practiced medicine at Chicago and later at Cincinnati, in the latter city being a member of the editorial staff of the Courier. In 1868 Doctor Juergens removed to Springfield. In 1873 he was appointed to conduct special examination of high school classes by the Springfield School Board, and also was in charge of applicants for positions in German. He was active in musical circles and was a director of the Maennorchor Singing Society, and organizer of the Harmonia Musical Society. He was medical director of the Knights of the American Brotherhood, medical director of the Universal Brotherhood, and a member of the staff of St. Luke's Hospital at Niles, Michigan. Urban R. Juergens was graduated from Springfield High School. He attended Wittenberg College and was also a student at Ohio State University. He received the degree of LL. B. at the University of Cincinnati in 1922, and during the following three years was connected with the legal department of the U. S. Veterans Bureau at Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Chicago. He practiced law at South Bend, Indiana, for a period of one year and then returned to Springfield in November, 1925, since which time he has engaged in private practice in that city. Among other clients he represents the National Guarantee & Finance Company of Columbus, Ohio. On July 14, 1930, Mr. Juergens was united in marriage with Miss Mary M. Rodgers, the daughter of Peter and Anna (Curran) Rodgers, natives of Canada and Ireland, respectively. Both HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 685 are deceased and are buried at Niles, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Juergens have a daughter, Mary, and a son, Urban. Politically Mr. Juergens is a Republican, and he belongs to Phi Alpha Delta fraternity and the Clark County Bar Association. He is a member of the Lutheran Church and while a student at Wittenberg College was president of the Young Men's Class at the Rockaway Lutheran Church, and former secretary of the Brotherhood. Verna M. Shoemaker, who holds the office of clerk of courts in Clark County, has a wide acquaintance in Springfield, where she has spent her entire life. She is the daughter of John W. and Mattie (Bond) Shoemaker. John W. Shoemaker, deceased, was a highly esteemed citizen of Clark County. He was born in Warren County, Ohio, and received his education in the public schools of Waynesville, and was graduated from the Waynesville High School. He also spent two years at Antioch College and for a number of years was employed as an accountant and bookkeeper by the Gazette Printing Company. Later he established the Shoemaker Printing Company at Springfield, with which he was identified until his retirement in 1904. Mr. Shoemaker died in 1906 and is buried in Ferncliff Cemetery. His widow, a native of Cincinnati, now lives at Springfield. Mr. Shoemaker was a life long Republican and belonged to Clark Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 101. He was one of the founders of the Blessed Hope Baptist Church, now the Clinton Street Baptist Church, and had also served as a trustee of Old Trinity Baptist Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Shoemaker were born two children : 1. Verna M., the subject of this sketch. 2. J. Carman, who is traffic manager of the Buckeye Incubator Company, at Springfield. He served in the air corps during the World War and saw service in France. 686 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Verna M. Shoemaker is a graduate of the Springfield public schools and attended Nelson Business College. Before her election in November, 1928, as Clark County clerk of courts, Miss Shoemaker had served as deputy clerk. She was reelected to the office of clerk in 1932. Miss Shoemaker is a Republican, a member of the First Baptist Church and belongs to Home City Chapter, Order of, Eastern Star, and Daughters of America. She has been treasurer and charter member of the Springfield Business and Professional Womens Club, and holds membership in the Womens Republican Association, and Ohio County Clerks Association. Charles King Brain.—One of the progressive young business men of Springfield is Charles King Brain, who is vice president of the Brain-McGregor Real Estate Company, and he is a member of one of the oldest and best known families of Clark County. He was born in this city, July 15, 1900, the son of George H. and Mary Jane (King) Brain. George H. Brain is a representative business man of Springfield, where he has spent his entire life. He is a director of the Springfield Savings Society, vice president of the Brain Lumber Company, vice president of the Springfield Paper and Merchandise Company, and president of the Brain-McGregor Real Estate Company. Mr. Brain is a Republican and holds membership in Oakland Presbyterian Church. George H. Brain is the son of George and Sarah M. (Willard) Brain. The former was a native of England, born in 1826, and he came to this country with his parents, George and Mary Brain. The family settled in Clark County in 1829 and are among the first settlers of Springfield. Mary Jane (King) Brain was born in Springfield, the daughter of David and Mary (Danforth) King. They were natives of Ohio and Indiana respectively, and HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 687 were pioneer settlers of Springfield, Mr. King being the founder of the Springfield Paper & Merchandise Company. Charles King Brain was educated in the Springfield public schools and received the degree of Bachelor of Science at Kenyon College in 1922. During the World War he served in the Student Army Training Corps. He was prominent in college activities, being varsity football manager, stage director of the Puff and Powder Club, secretary of the Student's Assembly, president of the Interfraternity Council, and advertising manager of the Reveille. In 1922 Mr. Brain became assistant sales manager of the Goodman Manufacturing Company of Chicago, and three years later he became associated with the brokerage business in Columbus. Since 1929 he has been vice president of the Brain-McGregor Real Estate Company, and in 1930 was the founder of the Brain-McGregor Insurance Agency. He was president of the Springfield Real Estate Board in 1933 and is identified with the Ohio and National associations of Real Estate Boards. He also is a director of the Springfield Retail Credit Bureau, Inc. In 1923 Mr. Brain married Miss Elizabeth Curtis Devin, the daughter of Henry Curtiss and Fanny (Marsh) Devin, the former a native of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and the latter of Indiana. Mr. Devin is an attorney at Mt. Vernon, and is also president of the Knox National Bank. Mr. and Mrs. Brain have two children, Elizabeth King, and Devin King Brain. Mr. Brain is a Republican, a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, and is affiliated with Psi Upsilon fraternity, and George Cultice Post, No. 6, American Legion. Wilbur P. Byerman, who is president of W. P. Byerman & Co., Inc., is among the capable business men of Springfield. He was born there February 12, 1881, the son of John H. and Susan E. (Dudley) Byerman. 688 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO John H. Byerman, deceased, was a well known citizen of Clark County. He was born at Burketsville, Frederick County, Maryland, and as a young man came to Clark County and settled at Springfield. He spent many years in the employ of the International Harvester Company and died in 1919. He is buried in Ferncliff Cemetery, Spingfield. His widow is a native of Clark County and resides in this city. Their children were : 1. Wilbur P., the subject of this sketch. 2. Nettie, married Clarence Haerr. 3. Goldie, married George Tridle. 4. C. Ray, insurance, is a veteran of the World War. 5. Hazel, married Ira Horton. 6. Howard S., who is secretary-treasurer of W. P. Byerman, Inc. He was gassed while serving in France during the World War with the United States Ambulance Corps. All live at Springfield. Mr. Byerman was a Republican and held membership in the Second Lutheran Church. Wilbur P. Byerman is a graduate of the public schools of Springfield, and for a time was employed in the machine shops of the International Harvester Company. He has engaged in the transfer business since 1912, and has succeeded in building up the most successful business of its kind in this section of the state. It was incorporated in March, 1930, with the following officers : Wilbur P. Byerman, president; Della May Byerman, vice president; and Howard S. Byerman, secretary-treasurer. They operate 14 motor trucks and also maintain a warehouse for the storage of furniture. Mr. Byerman is a director of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, and holds membership in the Ohio Warehouse Association, Ohio Commercial Haulers Association, National Furniture Warehouse Association, National Retail Furniture Association, and Allied Vans, Inc. On July 5, 1905, Mr. Byerman married Miss Della May Rummel, the daughter of Charles A. and Mary K. (Laudeman) Rummel, natives of Butler County, Ohio. Mr. Rummel is identified with the Rummel Cigar Company at Springfield. His wife died in 1931 and is buried in Ferncliff Cemetery. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 689 Mr. Byerman is a Republican and since 1930 has been a member of the city's zoning commission. He holds membership in the Second Lutheran Church, and is affiliated with St. Andrews Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 619; Springfield Chapter, R. A. M. No. 48; Springfield Council, R. & S. M. No. 17; Palestine Commandery, K. T. No. 33; Antioch Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.; Temple Club; Springfield Shrine Club; Order of DeMolay ; Knights of Pythias; and B. P. O. Elks, No. 51. He also holds membership in the Kiwanis Club. Frank John Braun.—Among the outstanding figures in the business and financial affairs of Springfield is Frank John Braun, who is secretary, treasurer and manager of the Morris Plan Bank, at 120 South Limestone Street. He was born in this city, May 25, 1876, the son of Leo and Mary (Neidlinger) Braun. Leo Braun was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1840, and his wife was a native of Springfield, born October 6, 1853. She was the daughter of George Neidlinger, a native of Germany. Leo Braun was reared and educated in Germany, and learned the trade of jeweler there. He came to the United States in 1863 and was employed in a New York jewelry store for a year. He then settled at Parkersburg, W. Va., and conducted a jewelry business there until 1868, at which time he came to Springfield. He founded a successful jewelry business in this city, with which he was identified until his death, December 12, 1917. Mr. Braun was a highly educated man and a deep student. He was the owner of one of the finest private collections of books in this section of the State. Also, he was interested in all things of a civic nature and was a valuable citizen in the community. His wife died in April, 1918. Both are buried in Springfield. To Mr. and Mrs. Braun the following children were born : 1. Nettie, oldest, died in infancy. 2. Charles M., deceased. 3. Frank 690 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO John, the subject of this sketch. 4. Flora, married J. E. North, lives at Cleveland. 5. Leona, married J. Fred Anderson, lives at Springfield. Frank John Braun grew up in Springfield and received his education in the public schools. For a short time he was employed as a youth in the machine shop of George Engert. He then took a business course of study and in 1892 entered the offices of Oaths & Company, commission merchants. He became bookkeeper and cashier of Wallace & Corry, insurance dealers, of Springfield, and later was in charge of a branch foundry of the Warder, Bushnell & Glossner Company. In 1900 Mr. Braun accepted a position with the First National Bank, and rapidly won advancement to a responsible position. He was one of the founders of the Springfield Morris Plan Bank in 1915, and has been largely responsible for its success in the community. He is a member of the Board of Governors of the Morris Plan Banks of the United States, and since 1928 has been president of the Ohio Morris Plan Banks Association. He is also secretary of the Credit Life Insurance Company. In 1900 Mr. Braun was united in marriage with Miss Alnora Hagerman, the daughter of Louis B. and Frances (Zeller) Hagerman, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Dayton, Ohio. Mr. Hagerman is deceased and his widow lives at Ocean Park, California. To Mr. and Mrs. Braun have been born five children : 1. Frank Louis, born July 23, 1903, a teller in the employ of the Morris Plan Bank, Springfield. 2. Karl Leo, born February 17, 1905, identified with the credit department of the Morris Plan Bank, Springfield. 3. Dorothy Lucille, born August 8, 1908, a graduate of Ohio State University, class of 1932. 4. Elizabeth Marie, born August 7, 1912, a graduate of Wittenberg College, class of 1933. 5. Edwin LeRoy, born February 13, 1916, died in November, 1931. Politically, Mr. Braun is independent, and he has served as president of the Springfield Sinking Fund Commission. He and HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 691 his family are prominent members of the First Lutheran Church, and he is a trustee of B. P. 0. Elks No. 51. He also belongs to .F 0. Eagles, Chamber of Commerce, and Snyder Park Golf Links. W. Reese Copenhaver.—As secretary of W. E. Copenhaver, Inc., W. Reese Copenhaver is recognized as one of the outstanding young business men of Springfield, where he was born August 30, 1905. He is the son of W. E. and Maude (Smith) Copenhaver. W. E. Copenhaver is a leader in the business affairs of the city of Springfield. He was born at Baltimore, Maryland, and his wife is a native of Springfield. At the age of 21 years, Mr. Copenhaver came to this city, where he was first associated with Whitley, Fassler & Kelly, and later with the P. P. Mast Company, as superintendent. For three years he also was manager of the Aermotor Manufacturing Corporation, at Chicago, Ill., and upon his return to Springfield was superintendent of the Foos Manufacturing Company, now the Bauer Bros. Company. Mr. Copenhaver is secretary of the concern at the present time. His insurance business was incorporated in December, 1927, and he has since been its president. He was secretary of the Springfield Masonic Temple Building Company and conducted a financial campaign to raise funds and then supervised the construction of the Temple. Mr. Copenhaver is a Republican, a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, and has the following lodge affiliations : St. Andrew's Lodge F. & A. M. No. 619, Past Master; Springfield Chapter R. A. M. No. 48; Springfield Council R. & S. M. No. 17; Palestine Commandery K. T. No. 33; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree; Supreme Council, 33rd degree, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States; Antioch Temple; Temple Club; and Rotary Club. He also holds membership in the Springfield Association of Insurance Agents, Ohio Association 692 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO of Insurance Agents, and National Association of Insurance Agents. There were four children born to W. E. and Maude (Smith) Copenhaver : 1. Harry C., lives at Wharton, Texas. 2. Elizabeth Steele, married Dr. W. B. Quinn, physician, lives at Springfield. 3. Miriam, married Robert L. Lewis, lives at Springfield. 4. W. Reese, the subject of this sketch. Following his graduation from Springfield High School in 1922, W. Reese Copenhaver attended Wittenberg College. He was interested in newspaper work for a time as a reporter for the Sun Publishing Company, of Springfield, and later as sporting editor for the Times Recorder, of Zanesville. He has been identified with his father's insurance business since 1926, and became secretary at the date of incorporation, December 28, 1927. He is secretary of the Springfield Association of Insurance Agents, and also holds membership in the Ohio and National Associations of Insurance Agents. On March 13, 1926, Mr. Copenhaver was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Wittredge, the daughter of Cliff C. and Eleanor Whittredge, of Springfield. They have a daughter, Elizabeth Steele. Politically, Mr. Copenhaver is a Republican. He is a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, and is a member of St. Andrews Lodge No. 619, F. & A. M., and Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree, A. A. S. R. and member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. James M. Drake, of Springfield, holds a responsible position as traffic representative of the Cincinnati & Lake Erie Railroad. He was born at Redwood Falls, Minnesota, March 20, 1881, the son of Rev. John and Jeannie (Garner) Drake. Rev. John Drake, who died in 1909, was a native of Ohio. He was born at Glendale and spent his early life on his father's farm near Bethany. He became a minister of the Friends Church HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 693 and spent many years as a pastor at Westboro, Ohio. His wife was born there and died in 1884. Both are buried at Westboro. Their children were : Ruby, deceased. 2. James M., the subject of this sketch. 3. Hershel, deceased. Jeannie (Garner) Drake was the daughter of James and Grace Garner, who were natives of Westboro. James M. Drake received his education in the public schools of Westboro and Wilmington, Ohio, and began his railroad work as a conductor on the Dayton, Springfield & Urbana Railroad. He subsequently spent 18 years as conductor and dispatcher on the Springfield, Troy & Piqua Railroad, and was later identified with the Indiana, Columbus & Eastern Railroad in charge of public relations, passenger and freight service, and publicity. Later he was division passenger and freight agent. Since 1929 Mr. Drake has held his present position with the Cincinnati & Lake Erie Railroad. In 1910 Mr. Drake married Miss Gladys Deaton, the daughter of Granville and Savannah (Ludlow) Deaton. The former is deceased and the latter resides at Springfield. Both were born at Christiansburg, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Drake have no children. Politically Mr. Drake is a Republican. He and his wife are members of Friends Church, and he belongs to St. Andrews Lodge, No. 619, F. & A. M., past master; Springfield Chapter, R. A. M. No. 48; Springfield Council, R. & S. M. No. 17; Palestine Commandery, K. T. No. 33; Antioch Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.; Temple Club; and Springfield Shrine Club, president during 1932-33. Edward Rush Miller, who is vice president and assistant treasurer of the C. J. Jackson Funeral Home, Inc., is recognized as one of Springfield's most dependable and successful business men. He was born in Salem Township, Champaign County, Ohio, October 11, 1878, the son of Albert S. and Sarah E. (Tritt) Miller. 694 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Albert S. Miller lives retired at Springfield. Both he and his wife were born in Salem Township, Champaign County, and Mrs. Miller died in 1916. She is buried at Kings Creek, Ohio. In 1899 Mr. Miller located at Columbus, Ohio, where he was interested in the real estate business until his retirement in 1930, with offices at 101 North High Street. He is a Democrat, and holds membership in the Baptist Church. There were two sons born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller: 1. Edward Rush, the subject of this sketch. 2. James Stewart, who died in 1916. Following his graduation from Salem Township High School in 1898, Edward Rush Miller studied embalming for one year in the Humphrey & Son Funeral Home, at Urbana, Ohio. Later, he was a brakeman on the Pennsylvania Railroad for two years, and he then became identified with the R. E. Jones Funeral Home, at Columbus. After a year of graduate study at Lakeside Hospital, Cleveland, Mr. Miller enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps and spent four years in the service, being assigned to the U. S. S. Kearsage. He was aboard that ship when it was blown up with a loss of 15 lives. After service in Cuba Mr. Miller was discharged as a non-commissioned officer. He then came to Springfield and studied at the Myers College of Embalming. For a number of years he has been connected with the C. F. Jackson Funeral Home, and at the date of its incorporation, August 1, 1924, Mr. Miller was elected vice president and assistant treasurer. The firm is located at 560 East High Street. In 1911 Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Miss Amy V. Rice, the daughter of John and Emma (Walker) Rice, who were natives of Clark County, now deceased. Mr. Rice was a charter member of the Second Lutheran Church, of Springfield. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have no children. Mr. Miller is a deacon of the Second Lutheran Church, and has the following lodge affiliations : Clark Lodge F. & A. M. No. 101; Springfield Chapter R. A. M. No. 48; Springfield Council R. & S. M. No. 17; Palestine Commandery K. T. No. 33; Dayton HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 695 Consistory, 32nd degree; Antioch Temple; Home City Chapter, 0. E. S.; Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem; Junior Order United American Mechanics; Loyal Order of Moose; Theodore Grives Post No. 1031, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Moncrieffe Lodge No. 33, Knights of Pythias; and Lions Club, trustee. E. J. Carmony.—Numbered among the energetic and highly successful business men of Springfield is E. J. Carmony, who is resident manager of the Mitchell-Herrick Company, 814 First National Bank Building. He was born at Lytle, Warren County, October 20, 1888, the son of William H. and Mary E. (Garrette) Carmony. William H. Carmony, deceased, was a native of Ohio, born in Miami County. He was a farmer in early life and later engaged in the mercantile business at Lytle. He was living retired at the time of his death in 1917. His widow was born in Champaign County and resides at Lytle. Mr. Carmony was a Democrat and served as school director. There were two children in the Carmody family: 1. Orpha, married Wilbur F. Clark, lives at Waynesville. 2. E. J., the subject of this sketch. E. J. Carmony attended the public schools of Lytle, from which he was graduated in 1906. He then taught school for several terms and in 1912 received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Ohio Wesleyan University. During 1912-13 he served as general secretary of Valparaiso University Y. M. C. A., and in September, 1913, became a traveling representative of the Canton Engraving Company. In March, 1914, Mr. Carmony was appointed special agent on strikes and lockouts by the Industrial Commission of Ohio. He became resident manager in Springfield for the United Security Company in 1914, and the business was later reorganized as the R. V. Mitchell Company. In 1930 it was merged with the Herrick Company and reorganized as the 696 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Mitchell-Herrick Company, with Mr. Carmony continuing as resident manager. In 1914 Mr. Carmony married Miss Coral Douce, the daughter of George and Luella Douce, natives of Marion County, Ohio. He resides at Caledonia and his widow is deceased; Mrs. Carmony attended Ohio Wesleyan University and Oberlin College, and is a graduate of Wittenberg College. To Mr. and Mrs. Carmony were born two children: 1. Marian A., a graduate of Springfield High School, class of 1932, attends Ohio Wesleyan University. 2. Robert J., attends Springfield High School. Mr. Carmony is a Democrat and since 1925 has been trustee of the city sinking commission. He is an active member of High Street Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has been Sunday School superintendent for ten years, and he is affiliated with Anthony Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 455, Phi Delta Theta, and Phi Beta Kappa fraternities. He was one of the organizers of the Springfield Kiwanis Club, of which he was first secretary and third president, and he is treasurer of the Salvation Army of Springfield. He is past president of Tecumseh Council, Boy Scouts of America, and has been awarded the Silver Beaver for Boy Scout activities. Clarence L. Mitman has a wide acquaintance in the city of Springfield, where he is secretary of the Clark County Farmers Mutual Protection and Aid Association. He was born in Bath Township, Greene County, Ohio, December 31, 1898, the son of Oran P. and Edith K. (Mouk) Mitman. Oran P. Mitman lives retired at Springfield. He was born on the old Mitman homestead in Bath Township, Greene County, and attended the district schools. He received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Wittenberg College and before his marriage was a teacher in the Bath Township schools. He then engaged in gen- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 697 eral farming until 1904, at which time he was made assistant cashier of the Osborn State Bank at Osborn, Ohio. He served in that capacity until 1914 and during the following six years was engaged in the general insurance business at Osborn. He has lived retired at Springfield since 1920. Mr. Mitman is a Democrat and served as the first president of the Greene County Board of Education. He also was a school director at Osborn. He is treasurer of the Oesterlin Orphans' Home. He holds membership in the Lutheran Church, of which he has been Sunday School superintendent, and he is affiliated with New Carlisle Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 100; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree; A. A. S. R.; Knights of Pythias, and Beta Theta Pi fraternity. To Mr. and Mrs. Mitman were born two children: 1. Clarence L., the subject of this sketch. 2. Mildred, a graduate of Wittenberg Academy and Wittenberg College. She is a teacher in the Springfield Township school. Oran P. Mitman is the son of Lewis C. and Laura (Bryan) Mitman, natives of Ohio. The Mitman homestead is located in Bath Township, Greene County, and is still owned by Oran P. Mitman. It is on the old stage coach road and is one of the interesting landmarks in that section. There are two buffalo rings on the farm, which mark the spot where the herds would gather at night and form a circle to protect their herd. Ethel K. (Mouk) Mitman is the daughter of Andrew and Susan Mouk, who were natives of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and prominent pioneers of Ohio. They are buried at Medway, Ohio. Clarence L. Mitman attended old Greene Oak school in Bath Township, and was graduated at Osborn High School in 1917. He then attended Staunton Military Academy and at the outbreak of the World War was a student at Ohio State University. He served with the Student Army Training Corps, and was discharged December 19, 1919, with the rank of sergeant. He then completed a course of study at Miami Jacobs Business College, 698 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO and for a time was employed in a clerical capacity at Wilbur Wright Field, Fairfax, Ohio. In 1920 he became a clerk with Robbins-Myers Company, at Springfield, and from 1922 until 1925 was identified with the Farmers National Bank, Springfield, as bookkeeper and teller. He served as deputy treasurer of Clark County from 1926, and during the following year attended the Cincinnati College of Music. In 1928 he was again identied with the Farmers National Bank as a teller, and served in a clerical capacity when that bank was merged with the First National Bank of Springfield. Mr. Mitman has held his present position as secretary of the Clark County Farmers Mutual Protection and Aid Association since October 1, 1929. Mr. Mitman is a Republican, a member of the Lutheran Church, and belongs to New Carlisle Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 100, Temple Club, and Omicron Pi Sigma fraternity. He also is a member of the State Board of Directors, Junior Chamber of Commerce. J. Arthur Lytle is outstanding among the prominent citizens of Springfield, where he is secretary of the C. F. Jackson Funeral Home, Inc. He was born at South Charleston, Ohio, September 28, 1891, the son of William Hamilton and Abbie Nettie (Taylor) Lytle. William Hamilton Lytle, who died in 1916, was a native of Pike County, Ohio. He was reared on his father's farm and by early occupation was a blacksmith and carriage builder at Port Williams, Ohio. Later he conducted a business at South Charleston, and at the time of his retirement in 1910, he was the owner of a carriage making shop at Washington Court House, Ohio. Mr. Lytle was a Republican and served as mayor of Port Williams. He held membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church and belonged to the Blaine Club. His widow resides at Whittier, Calif. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 699 To Mr. and Mrs. Lytle were born two sons: 1. Mark Allen, lives at Jamestown, N. D. 2. J. Arthur, the subject of this sketch. William Hamilton Lytle was a member of one of the earliest families of Pike County. His parents were James and Sarah (Burke) Lytle. James Lytle was the son of Peter Lytle, a soldier in the Revolutionary War, who received a tract of land in Pike County from the government as a military grant. Sarah (Burke) Lytle was the daughter of John Burke, a Revolutionary soldier who also held a military warrant No. 1657, the survey being filed for land in Pike County, September 29, 1793. J. Arthur Lytle attended the grade and public schools of Washington Court House and in 1907 studied at the Government general hospital school, Washington, D. C. He was graduated in 1910 from the Cincinnati College of Embalming and has taken extension work at the University of North Carolina and Columbia University. He has been a licensed embalmer since 1911, and for a time was identified with Fuller Bros. Funeral Home, at Portsmouth; W. I. Winegarner Funeral Home at Columbus, and manager of Edward E. Fischer Company at Columbus. He was also a traveling representative for the Century Chemical Company, manufacturer of embalming and funeral supplies, and traveled throughout Ohio and Michigan and Pennsylvania. Since July, 1924, Mr. Lytle has been connected with the C. F. Jackson Funeral Home at Springfield, and has been secretary of the company since the date of its incorporation. On January 1, 1911, Mr. Lytle was united in marriage with Miss Jane Elizabeth Brannon, who died in 1923. She is buried in Union Cemetery, Columbus. Their children were: 1. Robert Arthur, a graduate of Springfield High School, class of 1930, identified with Warner Brothers at Lorain, Ohio. 2. Mary Kathryn, a graduate of Circleville High School, class of 1933. Mr. Lytle married (second) in June, 1925, Miss Agnes E. Hartung, the daughter of Aloysius and Rose Hartung. They reside at Columbus, Ohio, where Mr. Hartung is identified with the Sea-