700 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO grave Manufacturing Company. Mr. and Mrs. Lytle have a son, Arthur Junior Lytle. Politically Mr. Lytle is a Democrat. He and his family are members of the First Lutheran Church, and he belongs to West Gate Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 623, Columbus; Springfield Chapter, R. A. M., No. 48; Springfield Council, R. & S. M., No. 17; Palestine Commandery, K. T., No. 33; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree; Antioch Temple; and Springfield Shrine Club. He also belongs to the Kiwanis Club, of which he was president during 1931. John A. Kirchwehm, who is owner of the Perfection Laundry Company, is among the popular and successful business men of Springfield. He was born in this city, August 3, 1880, the son of J. F. and Elizabeth (Hammer) Kirchwehm. J. F. Kirchwehm was born in Saxony, Germany, September 20, 1851. At the age of a year he was brought to the United States by his parents who settled at Newark, N. J. He learned the trade of tool maker and in 1868 located at Springfield. He was thus engaged until 1883, at which time he established a retail grocery business in this city. He was identified with that concern until his death in 1927, and the business is still owned by his family. Mr. Kirchwehm was independent in politics and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was the first secretary-treasurer of St. Luke's Lutheran Church, and later became a member of the First Lutheran Church. His wife was born at Springfield in 1855 and died in 1931. Mr. and Mrs. Kirchwehm are buried in Ferncliff Cemetery, Springfield. Their children were : 1. Cora, married Herbert Smith. 2. Trace. 3. John A., the subject of this sketch. 4. Clara. 5. Harry. 6. William, deceased. They are residents of Springfield. John A. Kirchwehm received his education in the public schools of Springfield and for a time was employed in his father's grocery HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 701 store. He took a night course of study at the Nelson Business College, and for 11 years was identified with the 0. S. Kelly Company as stock keeper and later as time keeper. In 1911 Mr. Kirchwehm organized the Perfection Laundry Company, which was incorporated in the same year with Mr. Kirchwehm as secretary, treasurer, and manager. The company operates a plant at Springfield and services Urbana, and carries on a dry cleaning business as well as its extensive laundry trade. Mr. Kirchwehm has been president of the Ohio Laundrymen's Association, director of the Laundrymen's National Association, and president of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce. In 1907 Mr. Kirchwehm was united in marriage with Miss Pearl J. Desormoux, the daughter of Harvey and Catherine (Lalley) Desormoux, natives of Ohio. Mr. Desormoux is identified with the plumbing business in Springfield. His wife is deceased. Mr. Kirchwehm is a Republican, a member of the First Lutheran Church, Rotary Club, and Springfield Country Club. His lodge affiliations are: Anthony Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 455; Springfield Chapter, R. A. M., No. 48; Springfield Council, R. & S. M., No. 17; Palestine Commandery, K. T., No. 33; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree; Antioch Temple; Temple Club; and Fraternal Order of Eagles. Willard Brain of Springfield is one of the leading figures in the lumber business of West Central Ohio. He is president and general manager of The Brain Lumber Company and a director of The Merchants and Mechanics Savings and Loan Association. Mr. Brain was born in Clark County, Ohio, May 14, 1861, the eldest son of George and Sarah (Willard) Brain. George Brain, the grandfather of Willard Brain, came with his wife, Mary (Whitehead) Brain and seven children from Tipton 702 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Staffordshire, England, in 1829, to Springfield, where he bought quite a large tract of land southeast of the village. There he built his home, a brick house of twelve rooms, and engaged in farming. Millrun Cottage, as it was called, continued to be his home until his death in 1851. After his death his son George, who was less than three years old when he came with his parents to America, continued to live in the home place and farm the land. He married Sarah M. Willard, of Decatur, Georgia. They were the parents of Willard Brain, the subject of this sketch, Jessie A., George H., Mary, Elizabeth W., and Grace. Mary died in 1925 and Jessie, George H., and Grace (Mrs. Robert R. McGregor) live in Springfield. Elizabeth (Mrs. Charles B. Beach) lives in Dubuque, Iowa. Willard Brain attended private school in Springfield and spent his early life on his father's farm. In 1889 his father organized what is now the Brain Lumber Company and he then became associated with his father and brother in the business which was then under the name of George Brain & Sons and was located at York and Summer Streets. In 1890 the company moved to its present location, 409 East Street. In February, 1903, the business was incorporated as the Brain Lumber Company with Willard Brain as president and general manager. At the present time (1933) his brother, George H. Brain, is vice-president, and one son, Allen H. Brain, is secretary and treasurer. Another son, Irving H., has charge of the hardware and paint department, and still another son, M. Willard, is cashier. It is one of the largest independently owned lumber businesses in this section of the state, handling a complete line of building materials and hardware supplies. Mr. Brain is a member of the Ohio Association of Retail Lumber Dealers. In 1895 Mr. Brain married Adella Halsey Bosart, daughter of Louis W. Bosart and Sarah (Halsey) Bosart, the former born in Moorefield Township, Clark County, and the latter daughter of Judge James Smith Halsey, of Springfield. Five children live in HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 703 Springfield: Dorothy W. (Mrs. William C. Mills) ; Allen H.; Virginia (Mrs. Ward L. Sellers) ; Irving H., and M. Willard. George L., attorney with the Commonwealth & Southern Utility Company of New York, lives in New York City, and Jeannette (Mrs. Robert F. Swingle) lives in Atlanta, Georgia. George L. Brain served throughout the World War in the U. S. Navy and Allen H. Brain was in the Marine Service. There are twelve grandchildren. For many years Mr. Brain was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Springfield; later he transferred his membership to Oakland Presbyterian Church, where he served for twelve years as trustee. He also takes an active part in the civic life of the community in which he has spent so many years. Clarence B. Schmidt.—A substantial citizen of Springfield is found in Clarence B. Schmidt, who has served as commissioner of Clark County continuously since 1927. He also is the owner of a fine farm of 365 acres in Springfield Township, where he specializes in the dairy business, being the owner of a herd of registered Jersey cattle. He is also vice president of the Ohio Raw Milk Producers Association. Mr. Schmidt was born at Xenia, Ohio, January 19, 1888, the son of H. E. and Ella N. (Sinz) Schmidt. H. E. Schmidt, who died September 19, 1931, was widely known as a wholesale and retail grocery merchant at Xenia. Both he and his wife were born there. Mr. Schmidt retired from the firm of H. E. Schmidt & Company in 1921. He was a Republican, a member of the German Reformed Church, and affiliated with Xenia Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 48; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree; Antioch Temple; Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and Knights of Pythias. Two sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt: 1. Ernest H., lives at Xenia. 2. Clarence B., the subject of this sketch. 704 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO The boyhood of Clarence B. Schmidt was spent at Xenia, Ohio, where he received his early education. He also attended Mercers-burg Academy and spent two years at Franklin and Marshall College. As mentioned above, Mr. Schmidt is interested in dairying and general agriculture. However, since 1927 he and his wife have resided at 1839 North Fountain Avenue, Springfield. In 1912 Mr. Schmidt married Miss Helen Wilson Frey, the daughter of Anna (Wilson) Fry. She is deceased, and was the daughter of William Wilson, who was a member of the firm of Wilson & Whitely, pioneer manufacturers of mowers and reapers in Springfield. Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt have two children: 1. Mary E. 2. Nancy W. Mr. Schmidt is a Republican and in August, 1927, was appointed county commissioner to fill the unexpired term of the late Rev. Trout. He was elected to the office in 1928 and reelected in 1930. He is a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church; and is affiliated with the Masonic Fraternity; Springfield Temple Club; Knights of Pythias; Junior Order United American Mechanics; Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity; Springfield Country Club; and Rotary Club. He also belongs to the Clark County Farm Bureau. William D. Holl.—Identified with the funeral establishment of Jacob Holl & Son, at 430-32 West Columbia Street, William D. Holl is recognized as one of the prominent business men of Springfield. He was born in this city, January 27, 1880, the son of Jacob and Angeline (Heil) Holl. Jacob Holl was a native of Germany, born at Hammelbach, Hesse-Darmstadt, January 18, 1845. He was a cabinet maker by trade and emigrated to the United States in 1866. He located at Winchester, Indiana, and later removed to Dayton, Ohio. Throughout his life Mr. Holl was an undertaker, and in 1886 established a business in Springfield which is now conducted HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 705 under his name. His son, William D. Holl, became his associate in 1901. Mr. Holl was a Democrat and belonged to the Knights of Pythias and Order of Red Men. He died in 1924, and his wife, who was born at Wapokaneta, Ohio, died in 1918. They are buried in Ferncliff Cemetery, Springfield. To Mr. and Mrs. Ho11 were born eleven children: 1. Philip. 2. Elizabeth, deceased. 3. Jacob, Jr., deceased. 4. Philomene. 5. Emma. 6. Mary Pfeiffer. 7. William D., the subject of this sketch. 8. Henrietta. 9. Carl. 10. Julius. 11. Alma. All live in Springfield. Jacob Holl was the son of Peter and Oppolonia Ho11, natives of Hammelbach, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. During the early history of the family in Germany they were identified with the undertaking business, being expert cabinet makers. Angeline (Heil) Holl was the daughter of John Heil, a native of Germany. He was an early settler of Ohio and engaged in general farming near Wapokeneta, Ohio, where he is buried. William D. Holl is a graduate of the public schools of Springfield. As a boy of 14 years he learned the trade of moulder in the Ross foundry and later became a tool maker in the employ of the Owen Machine Tool Company. He was graduated from the Cincinnati College of Embalming in 1901 and since that year has been identified with the business which was established by his father. He is an active member of the Springfield Funeral Directors Club, Ohio Funeral Directors Association, and National Funeral Directors Association. On June 21, 1906, Mr. Ho11 was united in marriage with Miss Lydia Annie Recknagel, the daughter of Carl and Augusta (Bauroth) Recknagel, natives of Aberschanel, Germany. They emigrated to the United States in 1882, and Mr. Recknagel died in October, 1882. After a return visit to her native land, Mrs. Recknagel again made the voyage to the United States and now resides at Springfield. Two daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Holl. 1. Louise E., a graduate of Springfield High School, class of 1925, and received the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Master 706 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO of Arts at Wittenberg College in 1929 and 1930 respectively. She married Rev. John E. Slater, a minister of the Lutheran Church, at Wilkensburg, Pennsylvania, and they have a son, William E. 2. Christine H., a graduate of Springfield High School, class of 1929, and received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Wittenberg College in 1933. She is a teacher of Latin, English and Music of the Olive Branch High School in Bethel Township, Clark County, Ohio. Politically Mr. Holl is independent. He is affiliated with Anthony Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 455; Euphriam Lodge, No. 146, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; the German Beneficial Union and the German Benevolent Society. Edward S. Montanus, who is secretary of the Springfield Machine Tool Company, ranks among the representative business men of Springfield. He was born in this city, March 10, 1885, the son of Philip Edward and Harriet (Armstrong) Montanus. A complete sketch of Philip Edward Montanus appears elsewhere in this history. Edward S. Montanus attended St. Raphael's parochial school in Springfield and in 1902 was graduated from Wittenberg Academy. He also attended Wittenberg College. Throughout his business career he has been identified with the Springfield Machine Tool Company, of which his father served as president for a number of years. Before being elected secretary of the company, Mr. Montanus had been identified with the sales department, and previous to that was foreman of the lathe department. He is a director of the Lagonda Citizens National Bank, president of the Brakes Equipment Company, and director of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce. He is also past president of the board of trustees of City Hospital, and served as a member of the building commission. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 707 In 1910 Mr. Montanus was united in marriage with Miss Mary L. Whalen, the daughter of James J. and Bridget Whalen, natives of Champaign County, Ohio. The former is deceased and the latter resides at Springfield. Mr. and Mrs. Montanus have a daughter, Helen L. She is a graduate of the Academy of the Sacred Heart, Cincinnati, and received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Wittenberg College in 1933. Politically Mr. Montanus is independent. He and his family are members of St. Theresa Catholic Church, and he belongs to Springfield Council, No. 624, Knights of Columbus, Fourth degree, and Springfield Country Club. Philip Edward Montanus, deceased, was among the highly esteemed citizens and successful business men of Springfield. He was president of the Springfield Machine Tool Company and vice president and director of the Citizens National Bank, now the Lagonda Citizens National Bank. He was also a charter member and the first secretary of the National Machine Tool Builders Association, and vice president of the National Manufacturers. Association. Mr. Montanus was born at Dresden, Ohio, June 5, 1854, and died at Coral Gables, Florida, January 15, 1932. He is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Springfield. Mr. Montanus was educated in the parochial schools of Sidney, Ohio, and in 1870 became interested in the retail drug business. He was the founder of the Springfield Machine Tool Company in 1887, and during the remainder of his life was identified with the business and civic interests of Springfield. He was especially interested in the development of the Springfield Park system, and served as a member of the park board, being president of that body at the time of the development of Snyder Park. Mr. Montanus married Miss Harriet Armstrong, who died in July, 1907. She is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Springfield. To 708 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Mr. and Mrs. Montanus were born three children: 1. Paul A., married Ada Bevington, and they have the following children: William, Richard, Francis, Pauline, Ada, John, and Edward. 2. Edward S., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history. 3. Helen Marie, deceased. Mr. Montanus held membership in the Lagonda and Commercial Club of Springfield, and was secretary and treasurer of the Springfield Choral Society. He was independent in politics and held the office of Mayor of Coral Gables, Florida. They were members of St. Raphael's Catholic Church and he was director of its choir for thirty-five years. Joseph A. Mills.—One of Springfield's leading young business men is Joseph A. Mills, who is vice president of the Mills Brothers Company, dealers in coal and builders supplies. He was born in Mad River Township, Clark County, May 24, 1900, the son of William and Mary (Carr) Mills. A complete sketch of William Mills appears elsewhere in this history. Joseph A. Mills was educated in the public schools of Springfield and attended Miami Institute. He also was a student at Wittenberg Academy. He enlisted for service in the World War, May 11, 1917, as a member of Troop B, First Ohio Cavalry, later reorganized as Battery C, 136th Field Artillery. On account of his youth, however, Mr. Mills was discharged from the service on February 18, 1918. He then became associated with Green & Green Company, of Dayton, and later was identified with the Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company, and Robbins & Myers, of Springfield. For a time he served as office manager of the Y. M. C. A. at Springfield, and on March 1, 1920, became branch manager of Mills Brothers Company. He was elected to the office of vice president in January, 1930. He was one of the organizers HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 709 and served as first president of the Springfield Retail Coal Merchants Credit Association during 1930-31, and is vice president of the Ohio Coal Conference and a member of National Retail Coal Merchants Association. On March 15, 1920, Mr. Mills was united in marriage with Miss Frances Todd, daughter of William Brand and Armenia P. (Nave) Todd, the former a native of Springfield and the latter of Green Township, Clark County. Mr. Todd is a retired grocer and lives at Springfield. Mr. and Mrs. Mills are the parents of five children: Joseph William, Eula Lee, Warren Todd, Frances Emily, and Richard Ramsey. Politically Mr. Mills is a Democrat. He is an active member of Christ Episcopal Church and belongs to the Lions Club. He also is affiliated with Clark Lodge, F. and A. M. No. 101; Springfield Chapter, R. A. M. No. 48; Springfield Council, R. & S. M. No. 17; and Palestine Commandery, K. T. No. 33. The family residence is at 335 West State Street. William Mills.—As treasurer of the Mills Brothers Company, and director of the Morris Plan Bank of Springfield, William Mills has long been recognized as one of the city's successful business men and influential citizen. He was born at Springfield, October 10, 1856, the son of William and Mary (Johnson) Mills. William Mills and his wife were natives of Ireland, and after their marriage emigrated to the United States in 1847. They settled at Springfield and Mr. Mills became well known as a road contractor. He was a Democrat and served for two terms as street commissioner. He and his wife were members of the Episcopal Church. They died in 1877 and 1864 respectively and are buried in Ferncliff Cemetery, Springfield. There were six children in the Mills family: 1. Rachel. 2. Mary, married Alex G. McKenzie. 3. Sarah. 4. Essa, married Judge J. P. Goodwin. 5. 710 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO William, the subject of this sketch. 6. Robert R. All are deceased except William Mills. Following his graduation from the public schools of Springfield, William Mills attended Van Syckle Business College. He was associated with his father's business for a number of years and from 1881 until 1885 held the office of street commissioner of Springfield. He with his brother Robert R. Mills purchased a quarry in 1887 and he was identified with that work until 1917 which was known as Mills Brothers. In March, 1920, The Mills Brothers Company was incorporated, as dealers in builders supplies. Coal was later made a feature of the business. At the date of incorporation Mr. Mills became president and treasurer. The present officers are: Robert Mills, president; Joseph A. Mills, vice president; William Mills, treasurer; and J. W. Anderson, secretary. In 1890 Mr. Mills married Miss Mary Carr, the daughter of Joseph and Jane Carr. Both were born at Carbondale, Pennsylvania, and are deceased. They are buried in Ferncliff Cemetery, Springfield. To Mr. and Mrs. Mills were born five children: Mary, married Willard Bell. 2. William C., married Dorothy Brain. 3. Agnes. 4. Joseph A., whose sketch appears elsewhere. 5. Robert H., whose sketch appears in this work. All live at Springfield. Mr. Mills is a Republican. He is a member of the vestry of Christ Episcopal Church, and belongs to 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; Antioch Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S.; and Temple trustee. Edward F. Myers is a representative and widely known business man of Springfield, where he is superintendent of French & Hecht, Inc. He was born at Wellington, Kansas, March 6, 1889, the son of William Henry and Ruth Caroline (Hancock) Myers. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 711 William Henry Myers was a native of Ohio, born at Portsmouth. He spent his early life as a farmer in Illinois and later lived in Kansas. After his removal to Springfield he spent 20 years as night superintendent for the International Harvester Company. He was living retired at the time of his death in 1927. Mr. Myers is buried in Ferncliff Cemetery, Springfield. He was a Republican and held membership in the Central Methodist Church. Ruth Caroline (Hancock) Myers was born at Murphysboro, Illinois, and resides at Springfield. To Mr. and Mrs. Myers were born four children : 1. Etta, married Fred L. Wildsan, lives at Cleveland, Ohio. 2. Nancy, married John J. Perkins, lives at Murphysboro, Illinois. 3. Fred, lives at St. Louis, Missouri. 4. Edward F., the subject of this sketch. Edward. F. Myers attended the public schools of Springfield and became an apprentice pattern maker at the International Harvester Company. He attended night school at the Y. M. C. A. for four years, where he studied mechanical drawing, and then entered the employ of the John Deere Plow Works at Moline, Illinois. After two years with the Kelly Motor Truck Company at Springfield, Mr. Myers became foreman of the pattern department of the American Seeding Machine Company. He also was director of manual arts at Springfield High School for five years, and during that time took special engineering work at the Summer school of the University of Chicago. From 1917 until 1924 he was maintenance engineer for the B. F. Goodrich Company at Akron, Ohio, and in the latter year assumed his present position as superintendent of French & Hecht, Inc. Mr. Myers was one of the organizers and first presidents of the Springfield Foremens Association, and first vice president and second president of the National Association of Foremens. He is the author of "Shop Management," "Safety," "Fire Prevention," "Factory and Industrial Management," and numerous other widely read publications of this nature. He is a director of the Lincoln Institute, director of the Salvation Army, chairman 712 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO of the Springfield Community Fund during 1932, and member of the Budget Committee for six years, director of the Association of the Boards of Education of Ohio, member of the Industrial Committee of the State of Ohio, member of the Vocational Association of Ohio, and director of the Y. M. C. A. since 1927. He has also served as a member of the Springfield Board of Education, being appointed to fill an unexpired term, and elected to that office in November, 1931. In 1912 Mr. Myers married Miss Grace L. Staley, the daughter of Albert and Mary E. (Beck) Staley, natives of Springfield. Mr. Staley is deceased and his widow resides here. To Mr. and Mrs. Myers were born three daughters : 1. Betty, a graduate of Springfield High School, class of 1933. 2. Virginia Anne, attends Springfield High School. 3. Helen, a student. Mr. Myers is a Republican and is a member of the First Lutheran Church, being past president of the First Lutheran Brotherhood, and president of the First Lutheran Men's Class. He was president of the Kiwanis Club of Springfield in 1932, and is affiliated with Anthony Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 455; Springfield Chapter, R. A. M., No. 448; Springfield Council, No. 17; and Temple Club. He and his family reside at 132 East Third Street. James Everett Milner.—A substantial citizen, highly esteemed in the community is James Everett Milner, who is superintendent of the Ohio Independent Order of Odd Fellows Home at Springfield. He was born on a farm in Waterford Township, Washington County, Ohio, the son of Thomas and Frances (Roberts) Milner. Thomas Milner, deceased, was a representative farmer of Washington County. He was born in Belmont County and his wife was a native of Pennsylvania. Both are buried in Milner Cemetery, Waterford Township, Washington County. Through- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 713 out his life Mr. Milner was interested in general farming and was the owner of a fine farm of 200 acres. He was a well known fruit grower and was also interested in the raising of pure bred stock. He was a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and belonged to Beverly Lodge, I. O. O. F. To Mr. and Mrs. Milner were born the following children: 1. Arthur, deceased. 2. William, lives at Waterford. 3. Mattie, married Fred Wagner, lives at Waterford. 4. Mary, deceased. 5. James Everett, the subject of this sketch. 6. Annie, married Murray Bingham, lives at Watertown. 7. Fannie, married Arthur Hart, lives at Beverly. 8. George, lives at Waterford. James Everett Milner acquired his education in the district schools of Waterford Township and is a graduate of Waterford High School, and Marietta Business College. He also attended Zanarian Art School at Columbus, and for two years was a member of the faculty of Marietta Business College. After two years as a teacher at Canton Business College, Mr. Milner became a bookkeeper for the Kanneberg Roofing and Ceiling Company of Canton. For a time he was interested in the real estate and insurance business with the Fife Agency at Canton. Mr. Milner served as superintendent of the Starke and Columbiana County Home at Alliance, Ohio, and in October, 1927, received his present appointment as superintendent of the Ohio State Independent Order of Odd Fellows Home. His wife is matron of the institution. He holds membership in the South Central District Superintendents and Matrons Association. Mr. Milner married Miss Laura Weirich, the daughter of David and Sarah (Werner) Weirich, natives of Canton, where they reside. Mr. and Mrs. Milner have a daughter, Grace. She married Elvin Gram, and lives at Springfield. Mr. Milner is a Republican, a member of the United Brethren Church, and is affiliated with Springfield Lodge, I. O. O. F. No. 33, past noble grand; Canton Encampment, No. 112; Springfield Cantons, No. 21; Canton Lodge, F. & A. M.; Canton Chapter, R. A. 714 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO M.; Canton Council, R. & S. M.; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree, A. A. S. R.; Order of Eastern Star. He also belongs to the Kiwanis Club. On October 1, 1933, the decoration of chivalry was conferred on Mr. and Mrs. Milner. This honor was conferred upon them by the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs of Ohio for meritorious service, and celebrating their sixth anniversary in charge of the Odd Fellows home. The jewel was presented to Mr. Milner by the Odd Fellows of Ohio and the jewel was presented to Mrs. Milner by the Rebekahs of Ohio. Samuel W. Gerstner.—Prominent among the leading men of Springfield is Samuel W. Gerstner, who is resident manager of the Shawnee Hotel. He was born at Indianapolis, Indiana, September 9, 1889, the son of Anthony J. and Martha Elizabeth (Hooberry) Gerstner. Anthony J. Gerstner, deceased, was a native of Germany, born at Markleuten, Bavaria. He emigrated to this country in 1848 and settled at Dayton, Ohio, where he conducted a well established tailoring business for a number of years. At the time of his death he was located at Indianapolis, Indiana. Mr. Gerstner died in 1906 and his wife, born at Nashville, Tennessee, died in 1917. Both are buried in Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis. Mr. Gerstner was a Republican and held membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Gerstner were born two children: 1. Barbara Ellen, married Frank Whally Watson, lives at Portland, Oregon. 2. Samuel W., the subject of this sketch. Samuel W. Gerstner acquired his education in the public schools of Indianapolis and is a graduate of Shortridge High School. He began hotel work as a clerk at the Claypool Hotel, Indianapolis, and later served in various capacities at the French Lick Springs Hotel at French Lick Springs, Indiana. He was later HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 715 manager of the Somerset Hotel, Chicago. He located in Los Angeles, California, in 1923, and remained there for one year being interested in a hardware manufacturing business. Upon his return east Mr. Gerstner became resident manager of the Shawnee Hotel in 1924. In 1920 Mr. Gerstner married Miss Margaret Ruth Clarke, of Indianapolis, the daughter of John E. and Dade (Schooley) Clarke. They have a daughter, Katherine Ruth. Mr. Gerstner holds membership in the Kiwanis Club, Springfield Country Club, Ohio Hotels Association, Ohio Hotels Association Accountants Division, and in the American Hotels Association. He is affiliated with French Lick Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 126; French Lick Chapter, R. A. M. No. 34; Bedford Council, R. & S. M.; and French Lick Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. C. R. Noble.--Numbered among the well known men of Springfield is C. R. Noble, who is secretary of the Springfield Automobile Club. He was born here February 28, 1892, the son of Charles C. and Lillian (Eisen) Noble. Charles C. Noble lives retired at Lincoln, Minnesota. He is a native of Highland County, Ohio, and his wife was born at Dayton. She died April 22, 1926, and is buried in Ferncliff Cemetery, Springfield. As a young man Mr. Noble learned the trade of jeweler, and for 20 years was identified with C. C. Fried, jeweler, of Springfield. He then engaged in business for himself at Los Angeles, California, and upon his return to Springfield became associated with the John Hancock Insurance Company. He retired in 1926. Mr. Noble is a Democrat, a member of First Lutheran Church, and has the following lodge affiliations: Anthony Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 455; Springfield Chapter, R. A. M. No. 38; Springfield Council, R. & S. M. No. 17; Palestine Commandery, K. T. No. 33; Almalikah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Los Angeles, California; 716 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO and Red Star Lodge, Knights of Pythias. To Mr. and Mrs. Noble were born two sons: 1. C. R., the subject of this sketch. 2. Jack, deceased. C. R. Noble is a graduate of Springfield High School, class of 1908, and attended Wittenberg College. He became an accountant with Robbins & Myers Company, of Springfield, and resigned as assistant auditor to become personal secretary to C. F. McGilvay. Mr. Noble was later auditor for the Springfield Dairy Products Company, and during 1925-27 was authorized Ford dealer at Troy, Ohio. In the latter year he sold the business and became an accountant in Springfield. He has been secretary of the Springfield Automobile Club since 1930. He also is a member of the safety committee of the Ohio State Automobile Association, and counsellor for the American Automobile Association. In 1911 Mr. Noble was united in marriage with Miss Edna C. Goodwin, daughter of the late Judge James P. and Essa (Mills) Goodwin. Both were natives of Springfield and are buried in Ferncliff Cemetery. Judge Goodwin was probate judge of Clark County and chairman of the Republican central committee. He also held the offices of city solicitor and mayor of Springfield. Mr. Noble is a member of the First Lutheran Church and belongs to the Kiwanis Club; St. Andrews Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 619; Springfield Chapter, R. A. M. No. 48; Springfield Council, R. & S. M. No. 17; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree, A. A. S. R.; Antioch Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.; and F. O. Eagles. Edgar G. Weller.—One of the progressive and widely known educators of Springfield is Edgar G. Weller, who is principal of Roosevelt Junior High School. He was born at London, Ohio, the son of Franklin Pierce and Mary G. (Clingan) Weller. Franklin Pierce Weller lives retired at Urbana, Ohio. He is a native of Morgan County and his wife, who died in 1910, was HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 717 born in Madison County. Throughout his active career he was identified with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company and at the time of his retirement was an inspector. He is a Democrat, a member of the Methodist Church, and belongs to the Junior Order United American Mechanics and Knights of the Golden Eagle. There were three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Weller: 1. Edgar G., the subject of this sketch. 2. Flora H. 3. DeWitt. Both live at Urbana. Edgar G. Weller acquired his early education in the public schools of Urbana. His entire university work was taken during the summer and Saturday sessions while he was a teacher in the schools of Champaign, Darke and Clark counties. In 1912 he came to Urbana as principal of the South Ward school and in 1917 was appointed principal of Lincoln school, Springfield. Two years later he opened Highland Elementary School, and in 1922 was the first principal of Snyder Park Junior High School. He also organized Roosevelt Junior High School in 1923 and has served as its supervising principal since that date. Mr. Weller received the degrees of Bachelor of Arts at Wittenberg College and Master of Arts at Columbia Universities in 1919 and 1925, respectively. He holds a diploma in secondary education from Teachers College, Columbia. During 1925-27 he was president of the Springfield Teachers Association, and in 1932-33 was a member of the Education Council of the Ohio Education Association. In this connection he served as chairman of a committee to study the P. T. A. from school point of view. He is a life member of the National Education Association. During 1929-33 he was chairman of the committee on Courses of the Ohio Congress of Parents and Teachers. He is a life member of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers and in 1927-29 was chairman of the Committee on Courses. He is a member of the National Committee, Student Forum on the Paris Pact during 1930-33. As an instructor in Parent-Teacher courses he has conducted the following classes: Wittenberg College, sum- 718 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO mers 1925-26-27; Dayton Extension Course, 1927; Summer Session at Wittenberg College, 1926-28; Critic Principal, Department of Teacher Training, Wittenberg College, 1929-33-; summer sessions in West Liberty Normal School, West Virginia, 1926; University of Kentucky, 1926-; University of Georgia, 1927; University of Florida, 1927; and University of Virginia, 1928-29-30. In 1910 Mr. Weller married Miss Leota B. Bucher, the daughter of William and Jennie Bucher, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Indiana. Mr. Bucher lives at New Carlisle, Ohio. His wife is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Weller are the parents of two children: 1. William F., a graduate of Springfield High School, class of 1931, attends the summer sessions of Wittenberg College. He is a teacher at Fulton School, Springfield. 2. Merrill B., attends Springfield High School. Politically Mr. Weller is independent. He is an active member of the Central Methodist Episcopal Church, being a member of the official board during 1927-33, member of the board of trustees during 1927-33; president of the Mens Club during 1920-21-23-2427-30-; and superintendent of the Sunday School during 1930-33. Edwin J. Price.—Highly esteemed and widely known throughout West Central Ohio is Edwin J. Price, who is superintendent of the Ohio State Masonic Home, at Springfield. He was born in Union Township, Champaign County, Ohio, the son, of Jacob S. and Mary Ellen (Cheney) Price. Jacob S. Price, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born on a farm near Urbana, Ohio, November 14, 1844. As a youth he ran away from home and enlisted in the 44th Reg. Ohio Vol. Infantry, with which he served throughout the Civil War. He was interested in the lumber business at Mutual, Ohio, and later became a successful buyer and shipper of hardwood lumber at Delaware. Mr. Price was living retired at Springfield at the HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 719 time of his death, September 18, 1929. His wife was born near Mechanicsburg, Ohio, September 30, 1844, and died April 5, 1889. Both are buried at Mutual. He was a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and active in its Sunday School. There were three children in the Price family: 1. Samuel Cheney, who died February 15, 1933. He was a graduate of Ohio University and served for many years as superintendent of schools at Mount Clemens, Michigan. At the time of his death he was editor and publisher of the Mount Clemens Daily Leader. 2. Edwin J., the subject of this sketch. 3. Elizabeth, married Delbert J. Fuller, lives at Pasadena, California. Edwin J. Price spent his early life at Delaware, Ohio, and acquired his education in the public schools. He began his business career as a clerk in the employ of Snodgrass Brothers, Delaware, and later was employed in the general store of Dr. Preston at Mutual, Ohio. He then was a salesman with the Kaufman Clothing Company, at Springfield, and for a time was traveling representative for the Ohio Cities Gas & Oil Company. In 1919 Mr. Price became assistant superintendent of the Ohio Masonic Home, and was appointed superintendent in December, 1923. It is located west of the city of Springfield on U. S. Route 40, and is numbered among the largest and finest Masonic Homes in the United States. His wife is matron there. In 1932 Mr. Price was president of the West Central Ohio District of Superintendents and Matrons Associations. On January 28, 1897, Mr. Price was united in marriage with Miss Emma J. Mumma, daughter of Theodore and Catherine (Conklyn) Mumma. Both were natives of Champaign County, Ohio, and are deceased. They are buried at Urbana. Mr. and Mrs. Price have two sons : 1. Paul, married Laura Spencer, lives at Springfield. 2. Robert E., a graduate of Springfield High School and Ohio State University. He is engineer for the Springfield Water Works Company, and holds membership in the Engineers Club, and Junior Chamber of Commerce. 720 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Mr. Price is a Republican, a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, and has the following Lodge affiliations: Clark Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 101, 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.; Temple Club; Junior Order United American Mechanics, No. 240, past counsellor; and United Commercial Travelers, Champion City, No. 23. John E. Fox.—Identified with the Fox Funeral Home, 625 North Limestone Street, Mr. Fox has long been numbered among Springfield's prominent and successful business men. He was born near Dayton, Ohio, January 12, 1884, the son of Arthur and Margaret (Shaner) Fox. Arthur Fox was born in Frederick County, Maryland, and his wife was born at New Lebanon, Ohio. At the age of seven years he came to Ohio with his father, Solomon Fox, and settled near Dayton in Montgomery County. Throughout his life Arthur Fox was a farmer. He died in 1895 and is buried at Brookville, Ohio. He was a Republican and held membership in the Dunkard Church. His widow resides at Brookville. To Mr. and Mrs. Fox were born the following children: 1. Ada, married Arthur Hay, lives at Brookville. 2. Lulu, deceased. 3. John E., the subject of this sketch. 4. Rev. Ralph M., a minister at Eaton, Ohio, resides at Dayton. 5. Eva, married Martin Weaver, lives at Brookville. 6. Charles, lives at Englewood, Ohio. John E. Fox grew up at Brookville, and in 1901 was graduated from Brookville High School. He spent three years at Miami University, and taught for three years in the Brookville public schools before being appointed superintendent there, in which capacity he served for eight years. Mr. Fox was graduated from the Cincinnati College of Embalming in 1917 and in that year was regis- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 721 tered in the State of Ohio. In 1918 he purchased the business of C. W. Gath Company, funeral directors, of Hamilton, Ohio, and sold it in 1924. He then came to Springfield and took over the interests of the Frank E. Snypp Funeral Home, at 143 West High Street. In the following year he purchased the Harris Thiebaud residence at 625 North Limestone Street, which he completely remodeled into one of the finest funeral homes in this section of the state. He is president of the Springfield Funeral Directors Club, and holds membership in the Ohio and National Funeral Directors Association. In 1907 Mr. Fox was united in marriage with Miss Maude Ullery, daughter of Steven and Ella (Conover) Ullery, natives of Montgomery County, Ohio. Mr. Ullery is a retired farmer and lives at Trotwood, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Fox have no children. Politically, Mr. Fox is a Republican. He has served as elder of Covenant Presbyterian Church and also as Sunday school superintendent. His lodge affiliations are : St. Andrews Lodge No. 619 F. & A. M.; Springfield Chapter R. A. M. No. 48; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree; Antioch Temple; Temple Club; Knights of Pythias; and Junior Order United American Mechanics. He also is a director of the Rotary Club. Herbert A. Littleton, who is associated with the firm of J. B. Littleton & Son, funeral directors, at 414 South Limestone Street, is a veteran of the World War. He was born at Yellow Springs, Ohio, November 23, 1895, the son of Joel B. and Amy T. (Carr) Littleton. Joel B. Littleton is numbered among the prominent business men of Springfield, where he has engaged in business during the past 30 years. He has been in business since 1886. He was born at Clifton, Ohio, November 22, 1857, and his wife is a native of Fayette County, Ohio. Mr. Littleton was educated in the public 722 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO schools and as a young man was associated with the undertaking business of his brother, Fisher Littleton, at Yellow Springs. He was later graduated from the Cincinnati College of Embalming, and also attended the Barnes School of Embalming at Chicago. He located at Springfield in 1905 and established his present business, being associated with his son, Herbert A. Littleton, since 1922. Mr. Littleton is a member of the Methodist Church, and belongs to Ephriam Lodge, I. O. O. F. No. 146, past Noble Grand, treasurer and trustee, Mad River Encampment, and Rebekahs. To Mr. and Mrs. Littleton were born four children: 1. Burr E., a World War veteran, lives at Springfield. 2. Lois I., a teacher, lives at Elyria, Ohio. 3. Herbert A., the subject of this sketch. 4. Gladys, married George Erickson, lives at Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey. After his graduation from Springfield High School in 1916, Herbert A. Littleton attended Wittenberg College for one year, and on June 1, 1917, enlisted for service in the World War being assigned to the Seventh Engineering Corps. He attended the officers training school at Camp Taylor, Kentucky, and on June 1, 1918, was commissioned a second lieutenant of infantry, and assigned to a machine gun unit at Camp Hancock, Georgia. After his discharge from the service, December 20, 1918, Mr. Littleton resumed his studies at Wittenberg College, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1921. In the following year he was graduated from the Cincinnati College of Embalming and became a licensed embalmer in the State of Ohio in that year. He has since been associated in business with his father as a member of the firm of J. B. Littleton & Son. Both are active members of the Springfield Funeral Directors Club, Ohio and National Funeral Directors Association. In 1923 Mr. Littleton married Miss Kathryn Flook, the daughter of Harry G. and Arvilla (Ryman) Flook. Both were born in Clark County, Ohio, and are residents of Northhampton, where Mr. Flook is a dealer in farm implements. Mrs. Littleton is a HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 723 graduate of Wittenberg College, class of 1923, and belongs to Alpha Delta Pi sorority, and Arrow and Mask Club. Mr. Littleton is a trustee of Central Methodist Episcopal Church, and belongs to Clark Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 101; Springfield Chapter, R. A. M. No. 48; Springfield Council, R. & S. M. No. 17; Temple Club; Ephriam Lodge No. 146; Independent Order ,of Odd Fellows; American Legion, George Cultice Post No. 6, and Phi Gamma Delta fraternity; Omega Phi Delta; and J. R. 0. U. A. M. Politically he is a Republican. Earl W. Tiffany.—As principal of Springfield's Senior High School, Earl W. Tiffany is recognized as a leading figure in the educational life of the city with which he has been identified since 1896. He was born here July 27, 1873, the son of George and Margaret E. (Neal) Tiffany. George Tiffany was born on a farm near Meadville, Pennsylvania. He spent many years as a bridge carpenter in the old New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio Railroad, now the Erie Railroad, and in 1872 located at Springfield, where he was associated with the business of Amos Whitely, manufacturer of farm machinery. Later the business was purchased by William N. Whitely and subsequently reorganized as part of the International Harvester Company. Mr. Tiffany was recognized as an authority on the manufacture and operation of the binder and traveled throughout the United States as a representative of the Whitely interests. He died in 1908, and his wife, who was born in Springfield, died in 1930. Both are buried in Ferncliff Cemetery. He was a Democrat. Their children were: 1. Earl W., the subject of this sketch. 2. Olive M., married Maxwell Kissell, lives at Springfield. 3. Minnie B., who died in 1887. Earl W. Tiffany is a graduate of Springfield High School, class of 1890. He received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Antioch 724 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO College in 1905. Before taking university work he was identified with the James Lumber Company, of Springfield, as a bookkeeper and from 1892 until 1895 was a teacher in the Mad River Township schools. During 1896-97 he taught at Rockway School, Springfield Township, Clark County, and in the latter year was appointed as a member of the faculty of Northern School, Springfield. He has been connected with Springfield Senior High School since the fall of 1897 and in 1916 assumed his present duties as principal. Mr. Tiffany has been president of the Ohio State Mathematics Association, president of the Ohio State Senior High School Principals Association, and holds membership in the Ohio Principals Association, National Principals Association, Ohio Education Association, and National Education Association. He is president of the Kiwanis Club of Springfield. In 1896 Mr. Tiffany married Miss Anna M. Schaefer, the daughter of Charles and Susan B. (Netts) Schaefer, natives of Germany and Springfield, respectively. Mr. Schaefer was the founder of the Schaefer Baking Company in Springfield. To Mr. and Mrs. Tiffany were born eight children : 1. Wayne, a graduate of Springfield High School and Wittenberg College, member of the faculty of Springfield High School. He married Miss Esther Agle, and they have a daughter, Virginia. 2. Don, a graduate of Springfield High School, attended Wittenberg College, received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Antioch College and Master of Arts at the University of Cincinnati. During the World War he served with the Student Army Training Corps. 3. Margaret, a graduate of Springfield High School, attended Antioch College. She married Rupert Tarbutton, and lives at Catawba, Ohio. They have a daughter, Joan. 4. Lois, a graduate of Springfield High School, employed by the Barrett Publishing Company, Springfield. 5. Philip, a graduate of Springfield High School, mechanical draftsman. He married Miss Marinna Keechie, and they have a son, John. 6. Helen, a graduate of Springfield High School, and Miami University, teacher, Hayward Junior High School, Spring- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 725 field. 7. Dorothy, deceased. 8. Norman, a graduate of Springfield High School, class of 1933. Mr. Tiffany is a Democrat. H. Stanley McCoy.—Widely known in the educational affairs of West Central Ohio is H. Stanley McCoy, who is principal of Snyder Park Jr. High School. He was born in Ross Township, Greene County, Ohio, January 4, 1892, the son of Burch and Effie (McKillip) McCoy. Burch McCoy, who died in 1921, was a native of Ohio, born in Highland County. He engaged in general farming and in later life specialized in the breeding of pure bred Hampshire hogs. His wife was born in Greene County and died in 1912. Both are buried at Jamestown, Ohio. Their children were: 1. Glenn, lives at Springfield. 2. H. Stanley, the subject of this sketch. 3. Lester W., lives at Springfield. 4. Carl V., lives at Columbus. Mr. McCoy held membership in the Methodist Church and belonged to the Knights of Pythias. The early education of H. Stanley McCoy was received in the district schools of Greene and Madison counties. After his graduation from Stokes Township high school in 1909, he took a year at Antioch College. He then taught in the district schools of Stokes Township for eight years, and for two years was principal of the township schools. Mr. McCoy attended the summer sessions at Ohio University and Wittenberg College and received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at the latter institution in 1920. During 1921-22 he was superintendent of Port Williams, Clinton County, Ohio, and during 1922-23 was superintendent at LaRue, Ohio. In 1923 Mr. McCoy assumed his present duties as principal of Snyder Park Jr. High School. He received the degree of Master of Arts at Columbia University in 1926. Mr. McCoy is an active member of the Springfield Teachers Association, Central 726 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Ohio Teachers Association, Ohio Educational Association, and National Education Association. He is a life member of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers Association, and during the summer sessions has represented that group as an instructor at the following institutions: Northern Arizona Teachers College, Flagstaff, Arizona; New Mexico Normal University, Las Vegas, New Mexico; University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia; University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; University of Kentucky, Lexington; Wittenberg College, Springfield; Arkansas State Teachers College, Conway; and Yale University, New Haven. In 1913 Mr. McCoy was united in marriage with Miss Loa Evans, the daughter of U. G. and Lily (Powell) Evans, natives of Fayette and Madison counties, Ohio, respectively. Mr. Evans was cashier of the Farmers and Traders Banking Company at South Solon, Ohio, from 1906 until 1929. He has also been interested in farming. Mr. and Mrs. McCoy have a daughter, Marthina, who attends Springfield High School. Mr. McCoy is independent in politics and belongs to Fielding Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 192, at South Charleston, Ohio. He is an Elder of Oakland Presbyterian Church, and for seven years has been superintendent of the Sunday School. E. H. Brown.—A widely known educator of Clark County is E. H. Brown, who is principal of Hayward Junior High School, in Springfield. He was born at Crooksville, Perry County, Ohio, the son of Alexander and Roselba (Search) Brown. Alexander Brown was a native of Ohio, born at Crooksville. He was a potter by trade and in later life lived on a farm. He was a Republican and served as trustee of the Methodist Church for over 40 years, as well as Sunday school superintendent. His wife was born at Roseville, Ohio. Their children were: 1. E. H., HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 727 the subject of this sketch. 2. Gilbert L., a graduate of Ohio Northern University, Bachelor of Arts, and University of Wisconsin, Master of Arts. He is a member of the faculty of Northern State College, at Marquette, Michigan. 3. Rollo W., a graduate of Ohio Northern University, Bachelor of Arts, and Harvard University, Master of Arts, lecturer and writer, and for 20 years a member of the faculty of Wabash College, at Crawfordsville, Indiana. He also taught at Harvard University, and is now a resident of Cambridge, Massachusetts. The early education of E. H. Brown was received in the public schools of Crooksville, Ohio, and he attended Ohio Northern University Academy. In 1902 he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Ohio Northern University. He also received the degree of Master of Arts from the same institution in 1921. Mr. Brown's teaching career follows: 1902-06, a teacher at Stockport (Ohio) High School; 1906-09, a teacher at Bloomdale High School; 190913, superintendent of schools at Ada, Ohio; 1913-19, superintendent of schools at Napoleon, Ohio; 1918-23, superintendent of schools at Upper Sandusky, Ohio; 1923-25, principal of old Central Junior High School at Springfield; 1923 until 1930, principal of I. Ward Frey Junior High School, at Springfield; and since September, 1930, Mr. Brown has held his present position as principal of Hayward Junior High School in Springfield. Mr. Brown is past president of the Northwestern Ohio Teachers Association, chairman of the City Superintendents and Principals Division, Central Ohio Teachers Association, member of the Ohio, National Education Associations, member of the Ohio Principals Association, and delegate to the convention in Chicago in 1933 of the Ohio Teachers Association. He also is past secretary of the Springfield Parent Teacher Association. Mr. Brown married (first) in 1894 to Miss Alta M. Rambo, who died in 1921. She was the daughter of Andrew and Sarah (Crawford) Rambo, natives of Ohio. Both are deceased and are buried at Crooksville, Ohio. To E. H. and Alta (Rambo) Brown were 728 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO born two children : 1. Rev. Burl S., a graduate of Ada High School, received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Ohio Northern University and Master of Arts at Ohio State University. He is a minister of the Methodist Church at Lewistown, 0. He married Miss Lindy Kolbs, and they have two children, Ruth and Paul. 2. Mildred, a graduate of Napoleon High School and Defiance College, lives at home. Mr. Brown married (second) in 1926 Miss Anna Margaret Peters, the daughter of Henry and Mary Margaret Peters, natives of Ohio. They reside at Upper Sandusky, and Mr. Peters is a retired farmer. Mr. Brown is a Republican, a member of the official board of Central Methodist Episcopal Church, and has the following lodge affiliations: Warpole Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 176; McCutcheon Chapter, R. A. M. No. 96; Upper Sandusky Council, R. & S. M. No. 98; Warpole Chapter O. E. S. No. 366. Robert H. Mills.—Outstanding among Springfield's successful young business men is Robert H. Mills, who is president of The Mills Brothers Company, dealers in builders supplies and coal, with offices at 201 East Washington Street. He was born in Mad River Township, Clark County, March 23, 1906, the son of William and Mary (Carr) Mills. A complete biography of William Mills appears elsewhere in this history. Following his graduation from Mad River Township High School in 1926, Robert H. Mills entered Wittenberg College, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1930, together with an honors course certificate in the field of speech. He took a prominent part in all college and campus affairs, being for three years a member of the varsity debating team and varsity oratory staff. His entire business career has been identified with The Mills Brothers Company, which had been founded by his father HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 729 and Uncle Robert R. Mills many years ago. In 1930 Mr. Mills was elected to the office of president. The company maintains the following branch offices: 308 South Fountain Avenue; 602 West Southern Avenue; and 414 East Street. Mr. Mills is a member of the Springfield Retail Coal Merchants. Association, Ohio Coal Conference, National Retail Coal Merchants Association, Ohio Builders Supply Association, and National Federation of Builders' Supply Associations. He also is a director of the Automatic Musical Instrument Company, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the Bell Lock Sales Company of Chicago, Illinois. Politically, Mr. Mills is a Republican. He holds membership in Christ Episcopal Church, Kiwanis Club, 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, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Blue Key Fraternity, and Tau Kappa Alpha. While at college he was president of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity for two semesters, president of the Wittenberg College Men's Glee Club for one year, and during 1932-33 was president of Alpha Tau Omega Alumni Association of Springfield. Mr. Mills is unmarried. George A. Schaefer, Jr., who is secretary-treasurer of Schaefer, Inc., 512-18 West Main Street, is a progressive and well known young business man of Springfield where he was born March 9, 1905. His parents are George A., Sr., and Florence M. (Randall) Schaefer, a complete sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history. George A. Schaefer, Jr., is a graduate of Springfield High School, class of 1923. He spent three years at Ohio State University, and since 1926 has been identified with the bakery business which was established by his grandfather, Charles H. Schaefer, 730 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO in 1872. He has been secretary-treasurer since its incorporation in 1928. The company holds membership in the following organizations: Ohio State Bakers Association; Miami Valley Bakers Association; and Quality Bakers of America. It has received honorary mention on five different occasions from the latter group for high quality of production. Mr. Schaefer is secretary of the Wholesale Food Industry, and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Schaefer is a member of High Street Methodist Episcopal Church and belongs to the Rotary Club and Springfield Country Club. He holds membership in Beta Theta Pi fraternity, and is president of the society's alumni association in Springfield. George A. Schaefer, Sr.—One of Springfield's most successful business men is George A. Schaefer, Sr., who is president of Schaefer, Inc., bakers, 512-18 West Main Street. He was born in this city, March 26, 1874, the son of Charles H. and Susan E. (Netts) Schaefer. Charles H. Schaefer was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and died in July, 1926. He is buried in Fern Cliff Cemetery, Springfield. In 1867 Mr. Schaefer emigrated to this country with his cousin, Jacob Schaefer, and they located at Springfield. Later, they lived at Dayton, where both followed the trade of baker. In 1872 Charles H. Schaefer purchased the Fink Bakery in Springfield, and at that time founded the present widely known business of Schaefer, Inc. Politically, Mr. Schaefer was independent. He was affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias. His widow still resides in Springfield, where she was born. To Charles H. and Susan E. (Netts) Schaefer were born the following children: 1. Mrs. Earl W. Tiffany, lives at Springfield. 2. George A., the subject of this sketch. 3. Mrs. Cora Beach, lives at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 4. Mrs. Howard HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 731 Callendar, lives at Rutherford, New Jersey. 5. Carl W., lives at Cleveland, Ohio. 6. Mrs. Richard Cross, lives at Springfield. 7. Frederick. 8. W. E. Both live at Springfield. George A. Schaefer, Sr., has always lived in Springfield. After completing his schooling he became associated with his father's bakery business in this city, and held the position of manager of the concern until its incorporation in 1928. He has since been president. In 1901 Mr. Schaefer married Miss Florence Randall, and they have two children: 1. George A., Jr., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history. 2. Marjorie, who is society editor on the Sun-News, Springfield. Politically Mr. Schaefer is independent. He is an active member of High Street Methodist Episcopal Church and has the following lodge and club affiliations: Anthony Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 455; Springfield Chapter, R. A. M. No. 48; Springfield Council, R. & S. M. No. 17; Palestine Commandery, K. T. No. 33; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree; Antioch Temple; Temple Club; Springfield Country Club; and Chamber of Commerce. E. W. Fulmer is a representative and widely known business man of Springfield where he is president and treasurer of the E. W. Fulmer Company, with offices at 133 West Jefferson Street. He was born at DeGraff, Logan County, Ohio, February 28, 1881, the son of Thomas J. and Josephine (Witcraft) Fulmer. Thomas J. Fulmer was a well known building contractor at Urbana, Ohio. He retired from business in 1920 and resided in Springfield until his death in 1930. His wife was born at Cranberry, N. J., and died in 1931. Both are buried in Fern Cliff Cemetery, Springfield. Mr. Fulmer and his wife held membership in the Methodist Church. They were the parents of three sons: 1. Harry, deceased. 2. Capt. Walter S., deceased. He was a veteran 732 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO of the Spanish American War. 3. E. W., the subject of this sketch. After his graduation from Urbana High School in 1898, E. W. Fulmer was employed by J. E. Wagner, grocer and meat dealer at Urbana. He came to Springfield in 1902 and was identified with the meat business of Harry Krapp until 1909, at which time he established a business of his own at Yellow Springs and Pleasant Streets. A second store was opened in 1912 in West Main Street, and the business expanded until at the present time the company owns and operates fifty-one stores in West Central Ohio, forty-two being located in Springfield. Other stores are: New Carlisle, one; Osborn, two; Fairfield, one; Troy, three; Tippecanoe, one; and Northampton, one. In 1913 Mr. Fulmer was united in marriage with Miss Lizetta Keesecker, the daughter of Charles Keesecker, of Springfield, Ohio. He is deceased. They have two daughters, Jeanne Elizabeth, and Martha Witcraft. The former is a student at Wittenberg College, and the latter attends Springfield High School. Mr. Fulmer is an elder and a member of the official board of the First Lutheran Church, and is affiliated with St. Andrews Lodge, F. Si A. M. No. 619; Temple Club; Chamber of Commerce; Springfield Industrial Bureau, and National Chain Stores Association. Ralph H. Wetherbee, who is resident manager of the Samuel Bingham's Son Manufacturing Company, 400-10 East Street, is among the representative business men of Springfield. He was born in New York City, March 12, 1886, the son of Frederic and Melvina A. (Houghton) Wetherbee. Frederic Wetherbee was born at Harvard, Mass., and died there in 1922. He began his business career as a clerk in the office of the C. F. Hovey Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 733 dress goods, and was subsequently a traveling representative for that concern with headquarters in New York City. Later he represented the C. A. Aufmordt Company, a German concern, and in 1907 Mr. Wetherbee retired and returned to Harvard, Mass. He was a Republican, a member of the Unitarian Church, and belonged to the Knights of Pythias, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Royal Arcanum. His wife was born at Lowell, Mass., and died in February, 1933. Their children were : 1. Mabel G., lives in New York City. 2. Mona Gallagher, lives at Flushing, L. I. 3. Frederic, Jr., lives at Indianapolis, Ind. 4. Ralph H., the subject of this sketch. Ralph H. Wetherbee is a graduate of the public schools of New York City. He spent some time as a bookkeeper in the employ of the China-Japan Trading Company, New York City, and in 1910 located at Pittsburgh, Pa., as a sales representative of the Hart & Zugelder Company. In 1912 Mr. Wetherbee became associated with the Pittsburgh branch of the Samuel Bingham Son Mfg. Company, and two years later established a branch office for that company in Columbus. Since 1915 the concern has maintained its headquarters in Springfield with Mr. Wetherbee as resident manager. They are widely known manufacturers of printers' rollers. In 1910 Mr. Wetherbee married Miss Ruth Bagster, the daughter of Will and Nancy (Wright) Bagster, of Harvard, Massachusetts. They have a son, Ralph H., Jr., who is a graduate of Springfield High School and Miami University, Bachelor of Arts class of 1933. Politically Mr. Wetherbee is a Republican. His lodge affiliations are: B. P. O. Elks, No. 51, past exalted ruler; past district deputy grand exalted ruler; Anthony Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 455; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree; Antioch Temple. He also belongs to the Springfield Lions Club, Miami Valley Country Club, and Columbus Athletic Club. Mr. Wetherbee and his family are members of Covenant Presbyterian Church. 734 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Garrett P. Trostel.—One of the able young business men of New Carlisle is Garrett P. Trostel, who is associated in business with his father, George W. Trostel. He was born at New Carlisle, June 23, 1900, the son of George W. and Cliffie M. (Saylor) Trostel. A complete sketch of George W. Trostel appears alsewhere in this history. Following his graduation from New Carlisle High School in 1917, Garrett P. Trostel attended Wittenberg College for two years. He was graduated from the Cincinnati College of Embalming in 1920 and has since been a partner in his father's business at New Carlisle. In 1922 Mr. Trostel married Miss Elizabeth Sutton, the daughter of William R. and Anna M. (Stafford) Sutton. Mr. Sutton, deceased, was a well known merchant of New Carlisle. His wife is also deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Trostel have two children, George William and Marjorie Jean. Politically Mr. Trostel is a Republican. He has been president of the Commercial Club of New Carlisle and belongs to New Carlisle Lodge, F. and A. M. No. 100, of which he is Senior deacon. He also belongs to Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Mr. Trostel is a trustee of the Presbyterian Church and served as Sunday School superintendent for four years. Arthur M. Barrett.—One of Springfield's most successful business men is Arthur M. Barrett, who is a member of one of the city's oldest and most prominent families. He is associated with Barrett Brothers, manufacturers of legal blanks. Mr. Barrett was born at Springfield, December 17, 1879, the son of Edward L. and Flora C. (Lyon) Barrett. Edward L. Barrett, who died September 13, 1932, was a native of Massachusetts, born at Ashburnham. As a boy he came to Springfield with his parents, Edwin L. and Nellie Pitts Barrett, HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 735 also natives of Massachusetts. They are buried in Ferncliff Cemetery, Springfield. Edwin L. Barrett was a professor of Music at Oxford College for Women, before coming to Springfield in 1864. He then became interested in business as proprietor of the Barrett Publishing Company, manufacturers of legal blanks. He was subsequently associated in the same business with his sons, Edward L., Fred W. and George, the firm being reorganized as E. L. Barrett & Sons. After the death of the father the enterprise was carried on by the son, Edward L. Barrett, who was later associated with his son, Arthur M. Barrett, as E. L. Barrett & Son. George and Fred W. Barrett formed Barrett Brothers at that time, and took over the manufacture of legal blanks for county officials, leaving the work of township, municipalities and schools to E. L. Barrett & Son. Upon the death of George Barrett his interest in the business of Barrett Brothers was continued by his widow. Flora C. (Lyon) Barrett resides at St. Petersburg, Florida. There were seven children in the Barrett family: 1. Elmer, lives at Atlanta, Georgia. 2. Nelle, deceased. 3. Arthur M., the subject of this sketch. 4. Walter, deceased. 5. Herbert, lives at Spokane, Washington. 6. Mrs. Mabel Reel, lives at St. Petersburg. 7. Mrs. Bertha Hauer, lives at Cincinnati. Arthur M. Barrett has always lived in Springfield. Since his graduation from Springfield High School in 1897 he has been identified with the publishing business which was established by his grandfather in 1864. The plant and offices are located at 108 West Columbia Street. In 1903 Mr. Barrett married Miss Gertrude Wachter, the daughter of Wesley Noah and Sarah (Easterday) Wachter, both natives of Middletown, Maryland. They are deceased and are buried in Ferncliff Cemetery, Springfield. There are three children in the Barrett family: 1. Elizabeth, a graduate of Springfield High School and Wittenburg College, Bachelor of Arts degree. She is a teacher in the Springfield public schools. 2-3. Richard E. and Robert W., twins. Both are graduates of Springfield 736 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO High School and Miami University, Bachelor of Arts. They are associated in business with their father. Politically Mr. Barrett is independent. He is a prominent member of the First Lutheran Church, and is affiliated with 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 Consistory 32nd degree; A. A. S. R. Antioch Temple; A. A. 0. N. M. S. and Knights of Pythias, and Junior Order United American Mechanics. E. E. Greiner.—As treasurer of the Buffalo-Springfield Roller Company and vice-president of the Laconda Citizens Bank Mr. Greiner is accounted one of the prominent and most influential business men associated with the industrial interests of Springfield. He was born at Buffalo, New York, March 26, 1893, the son of Charles M. and Harriet (Evans) Greiner. Charles M. Greiner is a native of Buffalo and his wife was born at Tonawanda, New York. He is a retired manufacturer and lives at Washington, D. C. There were two sons born to Mr. and Mrs. Greiner: 1. Carl, a World War veteran, lives at Springfield. 2. E. E., the subject of this sketch. E. E. Greiner is a graduate of Hackley Preparatory School, Tarrytown, and Nichol School, Buffalo. As a young man he became identified with the Buffalo-Springfield Roller Company and has served as treasurer and director of the concern since 1923. In May, 1918, Mr. Greiner enlisted for service in the World War and served with the Motor Transportation Corps, being promoted to first lieutenant in September, 1918. He served as commanding officer of M. T. C. Unit No. 420, and saw service in France, being discharged in May, 1919. On August 2, 1911, Mr. Greiner married Miss Helen Burton, the daughter of K. M. and Effie (Johnson) Burton, the former a native of Cincinnati and the latter of Springfield. Both are de- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 737 ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Greiner have three daughters: 1. Harriet, married Robert Murphey, lives at Urbana, Ohio. 2. Katherine, married George P. Morrett, of Springfield, Ohio. 3. June, student. Politically Mr. Greiner is a Republican. He is a vestry man of Christ Episcopal Church and belongs to Kissell Lodge, F. and A. M. No. 674; Theodore Grimes Post No. 1031, Veterans of Foreign Wars; George Cultice Post, No. 6, American Legion; and Tecumseh Council, Boy Scouts of America, treasurer. He is president of the Springfield Country Club, president of the Springfield Community Fund, and a member of the Advisory Board o fthe Ohio State Chamber of Commerce. On July 7, 1928, Mr. Greiner was aboard the 85-foot schooner, "Azara," which was one of five to participate in the race for the cup awarded by the King of Spain, and he was subsequently made an honorary member of the Royal Yacht Club of Spain. He has taken an active interest in aviation and was largely responsible in the development of the Springfield air port. Since October, 1929, Mr. Greiner has held a private pilot's license. Ross M. Greenawalt.—As manager of Greenawalt Farms and secretary of the Greenawalt Realty Company, Ross M. Greenawalt is well and favorably known in Springfield. He was born in this city, January 31, 1892, the son of Rev. Dr. Samuel E. and Anna Mary (Mitchell) Greenawalt. A complete sketch of Rev. Samuel E. Greenawalt appears elsewhere in this history. Ross M. Greenawalt acquired his early education in the public schools of Findlay, Ohio. He attended Bellefontaine High School, and in 1909 was graduated from Wittenberg Academy. He received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1913, at Wittenberg College, and during the following year was a chemist in the employ of Lowe Brothers, paint and varnish company, at Dayton. 738 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO He then entered Ohio State University, where he received the degree of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1916. Mr. Greenawalt has since been identified with Greenawalt Farms as manager. He is vice president of the Clark County Farm Bureau, and vice president of the Clark County 4-H Club Council. On October 11, 1921, Mr. Greenawalt was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth R. Northcraft, the daughter of James 0. and Effie (Wiant) Northcraft, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Champaign County, Ohio. They are residents of Columbus. Mr. and Mrs. Greenawalt have a daughter, Elizabeth Ann, born in 1925, and a son, Ross Mitchell II, born in 1933. Mr. Greenawalt is a Republican. Mr. Greenawalt is chairman of the Clark County Farm and Home Protective Committee, appointed by Governor White. He belongs to St. Andrews Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 619; Springfield Chapter, R. A. M., No. 48; Springfield Council, R. & S. M. No. 17; Dayton Consistory 32nd degree, A. A. S. R., Antioch Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S., and is a member of the Beta Theta Phi Fraternity. He is a member of the Fourth Lutheran Church, of which he is assistant superintendent of Sunday School, and member of the church council. Dennis T. Igou.—Prominently associated with the business life of Springfield, Dennis T. Igou, of the Igou Manufacturing Company, 23 North Center Street, is a highly esteemed citizen of Clark County. He was born near Mutual, Champaign County, Ohio, January 30, 1872, the son of Peter French and Loureatha (Bayless) Igou. Peter French Igou was born on a farm six miles northeast of Urbana in Champaign County, and his wife was a native of the same section. At the age of 16 years Peter French Igou left home and went to Illinois, where he enlisted for service in the civil war. He became a member of Company I, Second Illinois Vol. Cavalry, and served for four and one-half years. After the HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 739 close of the war he returned to Champaign County where he became successful as a breeder and dealer of thoroughbred trotting horses. He was living retired at Springfield at the time of his death. He was a Democrat, a member of the Methodist Church, and belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic. Both he and his wife are buried in Ferncliff Cemetery, Springfield. Their children were: 1. Iona, married Ivan T. Johnson, lives near Cabel, Ohio. 2. Hugo H., deceased. 3. Albert, lives at Cleveland. 4. Dennis T., the subject of this sketch. 5. Arnett, lives at Springfield. 6. Effie, married William E. Sullivan, lives at Springfield. 7. Duward B., lives at Cleveland. 8. D. C., lives at Springfield. 9. Edward, deceased. 10. Maude M., married Charles Webber, lives at Springfield. Peter French Igou was the son of Peter and Elizabeth Pertlebaugh Igou, natives of Ross County and Champaign County, Ohio, respectively. After the death of Mr. Igou she married Benjamin F. Madden. They are buried at King's Creek, Champaign County. He was a general farmer and stock dealer and also a "petty-fogger," not being an attorney but permitted to plead cases. Peter Igou was the son of Lewis and Elizabeth (Hare) Igou. They were natives of Pennsylvania, and are buried on the old Igou homestead near Bourneville, Ohio. Lewis Igou was a cooper by trade and also a cabinet maker. His father was Daniel Igou. He was a government agent. Daniel Igou was the son of Lewis and Mary Igou, who were natives of France and early settlers of Harve de Grace, Maryland, where they are buried. The family name is variously spelled in the United States, Igou, Igo, Igoe, and Igow, although the original French spelling is Igou and pronounced Egou. Any family who spelled the name Igou traces it back to the original Lewis Igou. They had seven children. 1. Margaret. 2. Elizabeth. 3. Peter. 4. William. 5. Mary. 6. Esther. 7. Daniel.. He purchased a tract of land and named it Friend's Discovery. It has been handed 740 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO down through the generations that they were French Huegonots and came to the U. S. during the religious disturbances and came here to worship God according to the dictates of their own conscience. Daniel T. Igou grew up in Champaign County, where he attended the district schools. As a young man he learned the trade of machinist in the employ of the Warder-Bushnell and Glessner Harvester Company, now the International Harvester Company, of Springfield, and subsequently became a moulder in the Springfield shop of the O. S. Kelly Company. For many years Mr. Igou has been widely known as a manufacturer of candy machinery. He has been located in his present plant in the Greenawalt Industrial Building since 1925. Mr. Igou is a successful inventor and holds 15 different patents on candy making machines. He also is interested in the Washington Candy Company of Washington Court House, Ohio. In 1908 Mr. Igou married Miss Bertha H. Mathys, the daughter of John and Amelia Emma (Coon) Mathys, natives of Ohio. Mr. Mathys served throughout the Civil War and is now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Igou were born three children: 1. Miriam, a graduate of Springfield High School. 2. Dennis T., Jr., a graduate of Springfield High School, attends Ohio State University, class of 1934. 3. Martha, attends Springfield High School, class of 1934. In politics Mr. Igou is independent. He and his family are members of the First Lutheran Church, and he is affiliated with Clark Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 101, and Knights of Pythias. He also belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and Beaver Valley Country Club. Arthur Milton Spining.—As treasurer and manager of the Springfield Coffin & Casket Company, 302-10 South Spring Street, Arthur Milton Spining holds a responsible position in the business affairs of Springfield, and is a member of one of the city's oldest HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 741 and best known families. He was born here October 25, 1867, the son of Isaac Milton and Harriet (Taylor) Spining. Isaac Milton Spining was born in Springfield, September 15, 1813, and his wife was a native of Hardwick, Vt. During his early life Mr. Spinning engaged in business in Springfield as the owner of a book store. He later conducted a hardware business at Findlay, and also lived in Cleveland. Upon his return to Springfield he was interested in the retail drug business. At the time of his death, March 1, 1878, Mr. Spining was living at Springfield. He was a Republican and held membership in the Second Presbyterian Church. His wife died October 23, 1900. Both are buried in Ferncliff Cemetery, Springfield. Their marriage took place January 8, 1851, and they were the parents of the following children: 1. John Franklin, born March 5, 1852, died August 9, 1930. 2. Pierson Taylor, born August 7, 1854, died January 24, 1928. 3. William Vernon, born February 19, 1856, died at Los Angeles, Calif. 4. Carrie Louise, born December 26, 1857, resides at Los Angeles. 5. Milton, born July 23, 1860, died February 22, 1865. 6. Arthur Milton, the subject of this sketch. The parents of Isaac Milton Spinning were Pierson and Mary (Schooley) Spining. Pierson Spining was born October 5, 1786 and died at Springfield, January 24, 1857. His wife was born in 1790, and died February 9, 1876. They are buried in Ferncliff Cemetery, Springfield, Ohio. The original Spining homestead in Springfield was located on the present site of the Zimerman Building and Pierson Spining was one of the outstanding merchants of the city during its early history. He was also a road contractor and was one of the builders of the National highway through this section, U. S. route 40. The first piano in the city was purchased by Mr. Spining for his daughter, Mary Catherine, and it is now in the possession of the Clark County Historical Society. There were eleven children born to Pierson Spining and his wife. Isaac Milton, father of the subject of this sketch; John Newton; Earl Pierson; Charles Elliott; Mary Catherine; Pierson 742 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Augustus; Elizabeth Yateman; Frank Pierson; Emily Louise; Sarah; and Harriet Augusta. Pierson Spining was the son of Judge Isaac and Catherine (Pierson) Spining, natives of New Jersey. Isaac Spining was born October 3, 1759, and his wife was born March 11, 1767. He was a soldier throughout the Revolutionary War, serving with the Continental Army from New Jersey and later with the militia. He was married January 13, 1785, and in 1808 came to Ohio with his family and settled near Cincinnati. Later he conducted a general mercantile business at Middletown. He served for many years as Judge of the Northwest territory. Judge Spining died December 20, 1825, and his wife died September 6, 1818. They are buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Dayton. Arthur Milton Spining attended the public schools of Springfield but on account of ill health left school and for several years lived in the mountains of Tennessee, his constant companions being a dog and gun. Upon his return to Springfield he continued his studies at home and subsequently attended Nelson's Business College. He became a bookkeeper in the employ of W. W. McCracken, at 18 Market Street, and later served in a clerical capacity for the company. At the age of 17 years he was employed as a foreman by the Whitely Steel Company, and after several years became a bookkeeper for William N. Whitley, at that time known as "Reaper King" of the world. Mr. Spining was employed by the Lookout Iron Company at Harriman, Tennessee, as bookkeeper, and resigned in 1894 to become bookkeeper for the Springfield Coffin & Casket Company, with which he has been identified for many years as treasurer and manager. In 1888 Mr. Spining was united in marriage with Miss Mary Estella Wade, the daughter of John and Cecelia (Ashcraft) Wade. Both were natives of Cincinnati, and are deceased. He was the son of General M. Wade. To Mr. and Mrs. Spining were born six children: 1. Harriet, deceased. 2. Mary Louise. 3. Edith Cecelia. 4. Susie Wade, married Carl W. Tuttle, and they have two chil- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 743 dren, Wilbur Spining and Mary Jane. 5. Catherine Pierson, married Edgar Roy Wyant, and they have two children, Edgar Roy, Jr., and Stella Katherine. 6. Arthur Milton, Jr., married Elizabeth Baker. All are residents of Springfield, except Arthur Milton, Jr., who resides at Old Hickory, Tenn. Politically Mr. Spining is a Republican. He is an active member of 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, commander during 1928; Temple Club; United Commercial Travelers, past councillor; and George Rodgers Clark Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, past president. William Payne Metz is widely known among the progressive business men of Springfield, where he is identified with the Springfield Manufacturing Company as president. He was born at Versailles, Ohio, November 30, 1888, the son of D. W. and Elizabeth E. (Miller) Metz. D. W. Metz was a native of Cumberland, Maryland, and his wife was born at Osborne, Ohio. He conducted a lumber business at St. Mary's, Ohio, for more than 30 years, and died there in 1931. His wife died in 1929. They are buried at St. Marys. Mr. Metz was a Democrat, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and belonged to the Masonic Lodge, Maccabees, and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. There were two children in the Metz family: 1. William Payne, the subject of this sketch. 2. Georgiana, married Fred Morris, lives at St. Marys. William Payne Metz is a graduate of St. Mary's High School, class of 1907. He spent three years at Georgia Technical College where he studied engineering. He served as engineer's apprentice, later as assistant foreman for the Inter-State Motor Car Company, at Muncie, Ind., and subsequently was supervisor of the experimental department of the Wilcox Motor Car Company at 744 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Minneapolis, Minnesota. After holding the office of foreman of the tool room of the Monarch Machine Tool Company at Sidney, Ohio, Mr. Metz became superintendent of the Phillips-Smith Company at Sidney, during 1915-16. During the following three years he was factory manager of the Sidney Production Company and during 1919-20 was manager of the Sidney Washing Machine Company, of which he was also one of the founders. In 1920 Mr. Metz was factory manager of the Kauffman Metal Products Co., at Bellefontaine, Ohio, and in 1922 organized the Springeld Manufacturing Company, of which he is president. They are nationally known manufacturers of cylinder heads and gears. Mr. Metz is a charter member of the Automotive Parts Equipment Manufacturers Association, being chairman of the group gear manufacturers, and for four years was national chairman of the Motor Equipment Gear Manufacturing Association. In 1912 Mr. Metz was united in marriage with Miss Myra Brulport, the daughter of Edward and Lillian Brulport, natives of Fayetteville, Ohio, and now residents of Springfield. Mr. and Mrs. Metz are the parents of two children : William Payne, Jr., and Mary E. Both are graduates of Springfield High School and attend Wittenberg College. Mr. Metz is a Republican and is affiliated with B. P. O. Elks No. 51. George W. Trostel.---Among Clark County's most outstanding citizens George W. Trostel is highly esteemed as a leading figure in the civic and business life of New Carlisle, where he conducts a furniture and undertaking establishment. He was born here September 18, 1875, the son of Jacob A. and J. Anna (Peters) Trostel. Jacob A. Trostel, who died August 5, 1924, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and spent his early life on his father's farm in that section. Throughout the Civil War he served with a regiment of Pennsylvania In- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 745 fantry, and after his marriage in 1868 he located at New Carlisle. In 1889, in partnership with T. J. Scarf, he established a furniture and undertaking business there, and two years later erected a modern store building and funeral home. They also became well known manufacturers of kitchen cabinets. In 1895 Mr. Trostel's son, George W. Trostel, took over the interests of Mr. Scarf. The building was completely destroyed by fire in 1910, and in that year the present building was erected. Jacob A. Trostel retired from the firm in 1914, and it was thereafter conducted by his son. Mr. Trostel was a Republican and served as a member of the city council and school board. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. J. Anna (Peters) Trostel was born at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and died at New Carlisle in 1910. Her parents were George and Hannah (Smith) Peters, natives of Pennsylvania. They are buried at Troy, Ohio. To Jacob A. and J. Anna (Peters) Trostel were born five children: 1. Mary Heffner, lives at Troy. 2. Charles E., lives at Troy. 3. Margaret Black, lives at New Carlisle. 4. N. P., lives at Enid, Oklahoma. 5. George W., the subject of this sketch. George W. Trostel obtained his education in the grade and high schools of New Carlisle from which he was graduated in 1893. His entire business career has been identified with the funeral establishment which was founded by his father, and of which he became sole owner in 1914. He is a graduate of the J. J. Sullivan School of Embalming, and is a registered embalmer and funeral director. Mr. Trostel is also a director of the New Carlisle Building and Loan Association. He holds membership in the Master Funeral Directors Association. On September 14, 1899, Mr. Trostel was united in marriage with Miss Cliffie M. Saylor, the daughter of William and Minerva (Perrine) Saylor, natives of Ohio. They are buried at New Carlisle. To Mr. and Mrs. Trostel were born two sons: 1. Garrett P., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history. 2. William, M. D., lives at Piqua, Ohio. He is a graduate of New Carlisle 746 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO High School and received the degrees of Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine at Ohio State University in 1918 and 1922 respectively. During the World War he served at the Student Army Training Corps and at the present time holds a commission as reserve officer in the medical corps. He married Miss Mary Wilson, and they have two children, Caroline and Richard. Mr. Trostel has always been a Republican, and for two terms served as a member of the Republican County Committee. He has served as a member of the local board of education for a period of 29 years, 28 years as secretary-treasurer and one year as president. He is an elder of the Presbyterian Church, as well as president of the Board of Trustees, and has the following lodge affiliations: New Carlisle Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 100, past master for two terms; New Carlisle Chapter, R. A. M. No. 57, past high priest; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree, A. A. S. R. Antioch Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.; New Carlisle Chapter, O. E. S. No. 423, past patron; Caritas Lodge, I. O. O. F. No. 505, past noble grand; and present financial secretary; past grand district deputy, I. O. O. F.; New Carlisle Encampment No. 222, past chief patriot and scribe; Junior Order United American Mechanics. Mr. Trostel is a trustee of Clark County Tuberculosis Sanitarium and past president of the Commercial Club. Frank E. Thompson.—Well known throughout Clark County is Frank E. Thompson, who is president of the New Carlisle National Bank, and one of the most prominent farmers in this section of West Central Ohio. He was born in Elizabeth Township, Miami County, Ohio, Aug. 27, 1865, the son of William and Anne Maria (MacNeal) Thompson. William Thompson, deceased, was a leading farmer and stockman of Miami County. Both he and his wife were born in Elizabeth Township. He became the owner of 246 acres of land. He was a Democrat and held the offices of school director and trus- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 747 tee of Elizabeth Township. He also was a member of the Miami. County Board of Agriculture for over 20 years. Mr. Thompson died February 8, 1923, and his wife died September 23, 1887. They are buried at New Carlisle. To Mr. and Mrs. Thompson were born the following children: 1. Mary Frances, deceased. 2. Emma A., married Thomas Mooney, deceased. 3. Frank E., the subject of this sketch. 4. James E., deceased. 5. Firman, deceased. William Thompson was the son of Mark and Rebecca (Borden) Thompson, who were natives of Bordentown, New Jersey. A section of the first railroad to be built in the United States passed through their home property at Bordentown. The Thompson family came to Ohio in the early 30s and settled in Miami County. Both Mark Thompson and his wife are buried in Saylor Cemetery, Elizabeth Township. Frank E. Thompson grew up on his father's farm in Elizabeth Township and attended the district schools. He spent two years at Ohio State University and while a student there took military training. He has been identified with the farming interests of this section throughout his life and in 1903 took over the management of the Thompson homestead. Upon the death of his father in 1923 he became owner of the place, which is among the finest stock farms in West Central Ohio. Mr. Thompson is an extensive feeder of stock. Mr. Thompson served for many years as a. director of the New Carlisle Bank and became its president in 1922. Upon the merger of that bank with the First National Bank in 1930, Mr. Thompson was elected president of the New Carlisle National Bank. He is also president of the Miami County Non-Partisan Tax Payers League, and president of the Miami County Wheat Allotment Committee. On December 25, 1898 Mr. Thompson was united in marriage with Miss Mary Janet Widener, the daughter of Walter and Jane Ann Rosealtha (Kepper) Widener, both natives of Elizabeth 748 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Township. Mr. Widener, retired, is the owner of a farm of 400 acres in Elizabeth Township. His wife died in 1924 and is buried at Casstown, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Widener were born the following children: 1. Thomas Vernon, farmer. 2. James Blaine, farmer. 3. Dora B., married Guy Parsons, farmer. 4. Benjamin Harrison, farmer. 5. Mary J. Thompson. All reside in Elizabeth Township. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have a son, William Walter, born February 13, 1908. He is a graduate of Elizabeth Township High School, and attended Oberlin Business College and Ohio State University. He is farm manager for his father. He married Miss Mary Eidemiller. Mr. Thompson is a Democrat and has held the offices of township trustee, four years; justice of the peace, 16 years; and member of the Elizabeth Township Board of Education for 12 years, 11 years of which he served as president. He was mainly responsible for the centralization of the township schools in Miami County, being president of the board of education at that time. Perry M. Stewart.---The late president of the Miami Deposit Bank, at Yellow Springs, was a scion of one of the honored pioneer families of Clark County, which in successive generations has been one of prominence and influence in connection with the civic and industrial development and advancement of Clark and Greene counties. Perry M. Stewart was born on the old homestead of his father in Greene Township, Clark County, July 6, 1866, the son of Captain Perry Stewart, who was reared on the pioneer farm of his father, and born there, June 6, 1818. On the 15th day of July, 1862, he recruited Company A, Ninety-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and he served as captain of this company until after its participation in the Battle of Chickamauga in the autumn of that year. He then returned home, his physical disability having disqualified him for further service at the front. During 1866-67 Captain Stewart served as commissioner of HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 749 Clark County, and in 1868-9 represented the county in the Ohio State Legislature, his political allegiance having been given to the Republican party. On October 15, 1844, Captain Stewart married Miss Rhoda A. Wheeler, who was born December 20, 1824, the daughter of Ebenezer and Jemima (Miller) Wheeler, who were born in New Jersey, and whose marriage took place at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1803. They had established their home in Clark County, Ohio, in 1806. To Captain and Mrs. Stewart the following children were born: 1. Harriet J., born October 7, 1845, married James Hatfield. 2. Julia A., born July 3, 1847, married R. N. Elder. 3. David W., born December 19, 1848. 4. John T., born August 21, 1850. 5. Mary E., born July 25, 1852, married Samuel Kerr. 6. Charles F., born August 2, 1856, former county commissioner of Clark County. 7. Ellen J., born July 16, 1859, married George Nicholson. 8. Jessie, born July 12, 1861, died September 23, 1865. 9. Perry M., the subject of this sketch, born July 6, 1866, died November 30, 1931. 10. E. W., born October 27, 1868. Captain Perry Stewart was the son of John T. and Anna (Elder) Stewart. John T. Stewart was born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, March 3, 1781, the son of Samuel Stewart, whose father, Robert, was a son of John Stewart, who was born in Scotland, and was numbered among those who left their native land and established homes in the north of Ireland on account of religious persecution in Scotland. Samuel Stewart (1st) came to the United States in company with his brother, Hugh, and they settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1735. Perry M. Stewart, subject of this sketch, was educated in the local schools of his community and attended Antioch College. He served for two years as a clerk in a general store at Selma, Clark County, and for two years was deputy in the office of the county auditor. During 1897-1901 he was deputy county treasurer under James M. Todd, and in 1900 was elected county treasurer, in