DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 825 progress of Dayton and at all times cooperated in any movement which he deemed essential to its welfare and upbuilding. He was born on a plantation in Frederick county, Maryland, August 20, 1823 and in 1827 came with his parents to Dayton, Ohio. He was a son of Jacob H. W. Mumma, who was born in Maryland in the eighteenth century and was married in Frederick county, that state, to Miss Mary M. Blessing. They removed to Dayton in 1827 and in Montgomery county the father, who was a weaver by trade, purchased a tract of land, which he cultivated in connection with weaving until the '40s when he abandoned the latter pursuit. He then continued to engage in farming until his death and became recognized as one of the representative agriculturists of the community. Unto him and his wife were born nine children, of whom one died in early manhood, while eight reached years of maturity. John Philip Mumma was only four years of age when in 1827 he came with his parents to Dayton. Here he was reared and acquired his education in the common schools. He continued his studies until about fifteen years of age and through the periods of vacation worked on his father's farm which lay not far distant from the corporation limits of Dayton. He afterward gave his entire attention to general agricultural pursuits until about 1867, when he bought a livery stable in Dayton and conducted it with growing success until his death, which occurred February 23, 1904. In addition to his livery business he also dealt extensively in real estate, watching for favorable opportunity for investment. As the years passed by he prospered, owing to the capable management of his interests and to the rise in realty values. At his death Mr. Mumma left the following children : Cornelius Blessing, Frances S., Samuel M., Raymond A., John Franklin and Mary M. The mother still survives and yet makes her home in Dayton. Mr. Mumma belongs to no secret societies but was reared in the faith of the Lutheran church. In all of his business relations he commanded the confidence and good will of those who knew him and those whom he met socially enjoyed his friendship and entertained for him warm regard. JOHN JACOB SWARTSEL. John Jacob Swartsel, a well known and prosperous agriculturist residing on section 28, Jackson township, is numbered among the worthy native sons of Montgomery county. His birth occurred in Jackson township on the 21st of September, 1843, his parents being Joshua and Catherine (Miller) Swartsel, who were residents of that township. Our subject has been connected with farming pursuits throughout his entire business career and has met with a creditable and gratifying measure of success in his undertakings by reason of his well directed industry and capable management. He is a most public-spirited citizen whose aid and influence can ever be counted upon to further any movement instituted to promote the general welfare and was instrumental in the organization of the telephone company, the creamery and farmers' institutes, as well as various other 826 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY interests which have contributed to the material advancement and upbuiiding of his native county. On the 3d of November, 1863, Mr. Swartsel was united in marriage to Miss Missouri Miller, by whom he has three children : Etha, who married Frank Stump and lives in Farmersville ; Maud, who married Elijah Miller and resides in Dayton ; and Germanus, deceased. Mr. Swartsel is widely and favorably known throughout the county in which his entire life has been passed and in his home community is recognized as a man of excellent executive ability and keen discrimination, whose opinions are regarded as authority upon many matters of public concern. EDGAR GARBER DENLINGER. Edgar Garber Denlinger is filling the office of assistant prosecuting attorney of Montgomery county and his ability in the law well qualifies him for the onerous duties which thus devolve upon him and which he discharges in a thoroughly fair and impartial manner. He is one of the native sons of the county, his birth having occurred on a farm in Madison township, August 1, 1869. Tradition states that four brothers of the name came together to this country in colonial days and located in different parts of Pennsylvania. It is definitely known that his great-grandfather, Abraham Denlinger, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and became one of the substantial and representative farmers of that locality, where he died when forty-two years of age. His children were Elizabeth, Henry, Christian, Abraham, John, Martin, Hettie, Nancy, Christina, Susan, and Barbara, all of whom lived to marry and have families of their own. The fourth of this family was Abraham Denlinger, grandfather of our subject, whose birth occurred in Lancaster county on the 5th of August, 1806. He was reared to farm life and in early manhood became a resident of Montgomery county, Ohio, arriving about 1831. Soon afterward he wedded Miss Margaret Miller, whose birth occurred on Wolf Creek, Harrison township, this county, February 27, 1806, her parents being Daniel and Susan (Bowman) Miller. Her father was one of the first settlers of the county, arriving in 1804 from Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. He cut the first road up Wolf Creek through the forest west of Dayton, which city at that time was a tiny hamlet containing three families. He entered land from the government and also purchased a large tract, until his holdings comprised two thousand acres. With characteristic energy he began clearing and developing the land and in addition to agricultural pursuits he operated a saw and grist mill and a distillery, shipping his products down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans. In all of his business affairs he met with substantial success and contributed as well to the improvement and upbuilding of the county. His children were Benjamin, John, Daniel, Joseph, Mary, Elizabeth, Esther, Susan, Margaret, Catherine and Sarah. Mr. Miller died at the age of eighty-four years, in the faith of the German Baptist church, of which he had long been a devoted member. DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 827 Abraham Denlinger, grandfather of Edgar G. Denlinger, began his domestic life on an unimproved farm of one hundred and forty acres in Madison township but with characteristic energy he began to clear and develop the fields and, as his financial resources permitted, added to his property until he- had four hundred acres. His death occurred when he was eighty-seven years of age. He held to the faith of the Society of Friends or Quakers, while his wife was a member of the German Baptist church. Their children were John, Daniel, Abraham A., David, Israel, Mary and Joseph. Of this family Abraham A. Denlinger is the father of our subject. Born on the home farm in Madison township, February 25, 1836, he attended the common schools and by wide reading and study became one of the best informed men of his day. His youth was largely devoted to the arduous work of the home farm. On attaining his majority he was married March 26, 1857, to Sarah Garber, who was born March To, 1839, a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Wampler) Garber. The former in his youthful (lays was brought to this county by his father, Joseph Garber, from Rockingham county,. Virginia. Here he was reared and in time owned and operated one hundred and six acres of productive land, which his father had cleared from the forest. He lived to be more than eighty years of age and in religious faith was a German Baptist. His children were Sarah, Elizabeth, Mary A., William, Joseph, Anna, Philip, Lucinda and Jesse. Mr. and Mrs. Abraham A. Denlinger began their domestic life on her father's farm, of which he purchased one hundred acres, converting it into a valuable property through his careful cultivation and modern methods of farming. Unto him and his first wife were born eight children: Lavina G., Clara A., Ira G., Annie G., Lizzie G., Laura G., Edgar G. and Elmer 0. The mother, who was a devoted member of the German Baptist church, died March 1, 1872, and on the 6th of June, 1875, Mr. Denlinger wedded Annie Bowman, who was born in Randolph township, August 22, 1852, a daughter of Benjamin and Belinda (Hyre) Bowman. The children of the second marriage were Austin H., Sibyl E., Stella, Carl H. and Ralph R. In his political views Abraham A. Denlinger is a stalwart democrat and for many years capably filled the position of township trustee. He is a valued member of Randolph Lodge, No. 98, I. 0. 0. F., and of the Encampment and in the lodge has held all of the offices. He has long been accounted one of the representative agriculturists of his community, honored and respected by all who know him by reason of an upright life. Edgar Garber Denlinger was reared to farm life, remaining on the old homestead to the age of twenty-five years, during which time he mastered the studies taught in the district schools and then entered Otterbein University at Westerville, Ohio, where he pursued his studies for two years. Subsequently he engaged in teaching in Montgomery and Clark counties for two years and during the latter year took up the study of law. In the spring of 1897 he became a student in the law office of Hon. U. S. Martin and in March, 1899, was admitted to the bar, after which he practiced in connection with Judge Martin, who is his brother-in-law, up to the time Mr. Martin was elected prosecuting attorney of Montgomery county. Mr. Denlinger was then alone in practice until May, 1904, when he was appointed assistant prosecuting attorney by Judge Martin, under whom he served until the 1st of January, 1906. He was then re-appointed to the same office by Mr. Mar-- 828 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY tin's successor and has filled the position from the 1st of January, 1907, to the present time. He is a strong and able lawyer who prepares his cases with diligence and care and with almost intuitive perception sees the relation between cause and effect. On the 8th of August, 1894, Mr. Denlinger was married at Medway, Ohio, to Miss Mollie Kline and they have one son, Harold Adelbert. Mr. Denlinger is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Methodist Episcopal church—associations which indicate much of the character of his interests and of the rules which govern his life. He takes an active part in politics as an advocate of the republican party and is interested in all matters of progressive citizenship, giving loyal support to every movement which he believes will prove of public benefit. WILLIAM HERBERT VANDERVERE. The progress of the world toward a higher civilization, toward a clearer perception of the value and purposes of life, is indicated in no greater degree than in the almost world-wide attention which is today given to the development and education of the child. It is to this work of educating the young and promoting the efficiency of the school system that William FIerbert Vandervere is devoting his time, energies and thought. He is preeminently a self-made man, starting out in life as a poor boy and acquiring all of his education through his own efforts. One of Ohio's native sons, he was born in German township, about three miles southwest of Farmersville, on the 26th of July, 1874, and is a son of Charles and Mary Elizabeth. (Boomershine) Vandervere. William Herbert Vandervere was reared at home and acquired his preliminary education in the common schools of the neighborhood. He early recognized the value of thorough training and, being without the means to enable him to pursue such a course of study as he desired, he set about earning money with which to accomplish this end. Entirely through his own efforts he accumulated sufficient capital to pay for a course of study at the college in Lima and also Dayton, while he subsequently became a student at Miami University at Oxford. Thus well equipped he began teaching in 1893 and has steadily risen in his profession since that time until today he is superintendent of the schools at Farmersville and also those of Jackson township. He is constantly exerting his energies toward the betterment of the public-school system and his efforts have been most potent factors in advancing educational interests throughout this county. Mr. Vandervere chose as a companion for life's journey Miss Agnes Stocks-lager, a daughter of Philip and Alice (Ely) Stockslager. The wedding was celebrated May 4, 1902, and as the years have come and gone three children came to bless this union : Ruth, Lucile and Cora. Since age conferred upon Mr. Vandervere the right of franchise he has given loyal support to the democratic party, but he has never sought nor desired public office as a reward for party fealty. A man of broad general information, he has never ceased to be a student but is con- DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 829 stantly extending his knowledge by wide reading and research. The dominant elements in his nature have been his indefatigable energy and perseverance—qualities that have already brought him into important relations and which are sure to lead him to still greater success and prominence in his chosen profession. MRS. ISAAC MACY. Mrs. Isaac Macy, residing in Butler township, is the owner of a well improved and productive farm of one hundred and fifty acres. She was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, on the 14th of April, 1857, a daughter of Amos and Mary (Stevenson) Ardinger. Her father, whose birth occurred in Williamsport, Maryland, on the 4th of March, 1828, came to this county when a young man of nineteen years, walking most of the way. Throughout his active business career he was engaged in coopering at Tippecanoe City, Miami county, but is now living retired at that place, enjoying in well earned ease the fruits of his former toil. His wife was born near Little York, Montgomery county, Ohio, on the 22d of October, 1838, and passed away April 21, 1909, her remains being interred in the Maple Hill cemetery at Tippecanoe City. She was a faithful and devoted member of the Methodist church, to which Mr. Ardinger also belongs. Unto this worthy couple were born ten children. Alice B., the eldest, is the subject of this review. Adelaide A., born in August, 1859, resides in Tippecanoe City and is the wife of J. H. Fanner, by whom she has two children, Nettie and Frank. The latter is a minister of the gospel. Sarah G., whose natal day was April 22, 1860, is the wife of W. H. Springstein and makes her home in Dayton. Jacob E., whose birth occurred in October, 1864, married Miss May Bailey, now deceased, by whom he had a son, Jacob, Jr. Emma, who was born in December, 1865, died at the age of twenty-three years and was buried at the Maple Hill cemetery. She gave her hand in marriage to W. C. Ginn and they had one child, John F., now living with Mrs. Macy, who reared him from the time he was a babe of thirteen months. Loretta, born in 1873. passed away in June, 1875, and lies buried in the Maple Hill cemetery. Blanche, who first opened her eyes to the light of day on the 27th of July, 1877, resides in Dayton and is the wife of Charles H. Johnson. Harry, born in November, 188o, makes his home in Tippecanoe City. He wedded Miss Okla Dodson and they now have one child, Gladys. John, born April 4, 1882, who likewise resides in Tippecanoe City, married Miss Fay Davenport. They had one child, now deceased. Clyde, whose birth occurred in October, 1889, died at the age of sixteen years and was buried in the Maple Hill cemetery. Early in life Miss Alice B. Ardinger was brought to Johnston Station, Montgomery county, by her parents and later removed to Tippecanoe City, Miami county. She acquired her education in the common schools and remained under the parental roof until the time of her marriage. It was on the 21st of June, 1881, that she was joined in wedlock to Willard J. Hall, of Dayton, Ohio, whose birth occurred in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, in the year 1853. He had one brother, Charles P. Hall. He made the journey to Dayton, this county, in company with 830 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY his mother, who passed away October 4, 1889, and lies buried at Wilmington, Delaware. Willard J. Hall was a machinist by trade and was highly esteemed for his many excellent traits of character. He died October 4, 1885, in the faith of the Methodist church, of which he had long been a valued and exemplary member. His remains were interred in the Maple Hill cemetery. Unto Willard J. and Alice B. (Ardinger) Hall were born two children. Mary A., the eldest, horn June 21, 1882, has been twice married and had two children by her first husband, Mildred D. and Isaac, now ten and seven years of age respectively. Her second union was with Charles Booher and they make their home in Clark county, Ohio. Edith, the other child of Mrs. Macy's first marriage, was born October 31, 1884, and lived for but two weeks, being buried in the Maple Hill cemetery. Subsequent to the demise of her first husband Mrs. Hall was again married, her second union being with Isaac Macy, whom she wedded on the loth of March, 1887. He was born in Miami county, Ohio, on the 24th of May, 1822, his parents being John and Nancy (Yount) Macy. His father, whose birth occurred in Tennessee, August 8, 1795, became one of the pioneer agriculturists of Miami county, this state. The mother of Isaac Macy was born in North Carolina in July, 1798. Isaac Macy obtained his education in the common schools and chose the occupation of farming as a life work, eventually becoming one of the most prosperous agriculturists in the entire county. He was a stockholder in the Tippecanoe National Bank and a leading and influential factor in business circles. His success was all the more creditable by reason of the fact that it was attained entirely through his own efforts, for he had no outside assistance at the beginning of his career. He was a member of the Disciple church, in the work of which he bore an active and helpful part and the teachings of which he exemplified in his daily life. His demise, which occurred on the list of May, 1907, was the occasion of deep regret not only to the members of his immediate family but also to an extensive circle of friends and acquaintances. He was buried in the cemetery at Monroe, Miami county, Ohio. His widow belongs to the Disciple church at Frederick and is a lady whose many excellent traits of heart and mind have endeared her to all with whom she has come in contact. She owns a rich and arable tract of land comprising one hundred and fifty acres in Butler township, Montgomery county, and is comfortably situated financially. CHARLES BAILEY CLEGG. There are found many men whose industry has won them success—men who by their perseverance and diligence execute well defined plans which others have made—but the men who take the initiative are comparatively few. The vast majority do not see opportunity for the coordination of forces and the development of new, extensive and profitable. enterprises and therefore must follow along paths which others have marked out. Charles Bailey Clegg, however, does not belong to this designated class. The initiative spirit is strong within him. He has realized the possibility for the combination of forces and has wrought DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 833 along the line of mammoth undertakings until the name of Clegg stands in large measure as a synonym for urban and interurban railway building and manipulation in Dayton and this part of the state. He is one of the leading operators in this great field of labor and well deserves to be ranked among the captains of industry. His life record covers the period from the 5th of February, 1842, and throughout the succeeding years he has resided in Dayton, his native city. His parents were Joseph and Tirzah P. (Bailey) Clegg. His father, one of the pioneers of Dayton, came from England as a young boy and in a marked degree was identified with the early and later business and municipal affairs of the city. He erected a number of buildings which at the time were leading and prominent structures in Dayton and his capability and enterprise as a business man gave him a distinctive position as a pioneer manufacturer and railway official. His industry and enterprise in these various lines brought him into a most prominent position as a representative of those phases of business life which constitute the basis of the city's growth and prosperity. His was a most useful, active and honorable career and his record had covered eighty-four years ere he was called from this life. His father, Thomas Clegg, had been identified in his earlier years with the cotton industry in England. Through his maternal ancestry Charles B. Clegg traces his descent from Colonel William Shreve, a distinguished officer of the Revolutionary war. In the city schools Charles B. Clegg acquired his preliminary education and afterward attended Miami University. He inherited his father's business ability and has exceeded his financial success. He made his initial step in the business world in connection with the manufacture of linseed oil in partnership with his father and brother-in-law, and for many years the enterprise was conducted in a most profitable manner. However, he believed that a broader field was open for railway building and to that undertaking he turned his attention, acquiring a controlling interest in two of the horse railway systems, which he afterward consolidated. He then gave his undivided attention to the mastery of the business in every phase, studying closely every question bearing thereon. He built up the consolidated horse railways from Dayton View to Oakwood, two beautiful suburbs, to a splendid newly constructed and extended electric road, thoroughly equipped and managed upon the most approved methods. Gradually he acquired interest in all the other street railways of the city until he became the largest individual holder of their stock and was called to the position of president of the Oakwood Street Railway Company and a vice president to the City Railway Company. His progress in the business world as he has climbed to higher altitudes has given him a broader outlook and a wider view and reaching out beyond the railway interests of Dayton he soon realized the possibilities of traction lines leading to other cities. In connection with John H. Winters he purchased the Dayton & Western Traction Railway, rebuilt and reorganized it and so systematized its operation as to make it a valuable financial investment. Associating his son, Harrie P. Clegg, with him in his interurban railway interests they built the Dayton & Troy Electric Railway, which under his direction became one of the most prominent and desirable enterprises of the kind in the state. 834 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY A most attractive home life has ever offered Charles B. Clegg a relief from the strenuous cares of extensive and growing business interests. On the 31st of October, 1865, he married Harriet Buchanan Pease, and thus united two old and prominent families. He has one daughter, who married Valentine Winters, and a son, Harrie Pease Clegg, who was named for his mother, who died at the time of his birth. Association with his father and instruction from him in business affairs has made Harrie P. Clegg his valued assistant in the direction and control of street railway and traction line interests. The son is now the vice president of the Oakwood Street Railway Company and president of the Dayton & Troy Electric Railway Company, and his ability has been further recognized by his election to the presidency of the Ohio Electric Railway Association. Charles B. Clegg has never married since the death of his wife and finds his domestic pleasure in the homes of his children and that of his sister, Mrs. E. Morgan Wood. He is a popular member of the Dayton City Club and was its president for three terms, 1906, 1907 and 1908. The only interruption to his active business career came through his service in the One Hundred and Thirty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which command he defended the interests of the Union in the Civil war. He is still actively connected in controlling his important railway interests but now finds time for rest and recreation in travel both at home and abroad. His success has given him leisure in which to enjoy those things which contribute to the culture and to the pleasure of life and yet his career has been preeminently that of a successful business man. His railway affairs have been managed with marked success and many business concerns of the city have profited by his financial investment, his wise counsel and sound judgment. The accumulation of wealth has never been allowed to affect his relations toward those less fortunate. While he has never courted popularity he holds friendship inviolable and as true worth may always win his regard he has a very extensive circle of friends. He has made wise use of his talents and of his opportunities and his labors have not only had important bearing upon his personal fortunes but have been an element in the growth and improvement of the city and state. NEWTON TRACKER. Newton Thacker, a wholesale grocer of Dayton, was born in Perry county, Ohio, in 1844. Reared amid the scenes and environments of rural life, he is indebted to the country schools. for the educational privileges enjoyed. He remained upon his father's farm until twenty years of age, when he went to New Lexington, Ohio, establishing a retail grocery at that place. He remained there but two years, however, when he sold his interests and went to Zanesville as a salesman for a large wholesale grocery, traveling on the road for seven years in that capacity. At the expiration of that period he removed to Columbus where, for seven years, he was identified with jobbing interests. In 1884 he came to Dayton and entered the wholesale grocery business on his own account, continuing DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 835 in this line of activity to the present time. Each step in his forward career has brought him a broader outlook and wider opportunities of which he has eagerly availed himself in order to extend the scope of his labors and win larger success. He has given his energies toward administrative direction and executive control and his business has gradually developed until it has reached most gratifying proportions. Mr. Thacker early recognized the fact that satisfied customers are the best advertisement that a business can have and at all times the policy of the house has been such as to inspire confidence and trust in all of its patrons. In 1867 occurred the marriage of Mr. Thacker and Miss Vashti M. Montgomery, of Covington, Kentucky. This union was blessed with two children, namely : Edgar M., the president of the American Board & Box Company ; and Charlotte Myrtle, the wife of R. R. Dickey. The only interruption that came in his active business career occurred in August, 1863, when, in response to his country's call for aid, he enlisted in New Lexington, Ohio, as a member of Company I, One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He joined the regiment as a private but his bravery and valor won him promotion so that when he was mustered- out in 1864 he bore the rank of corporal. He was in many hotly contested engagements and participated in the Vicksburg campaign and although he saw much active duty he was never wounded or captured. Mr. Thacker holds membership in the Presbyterian church and his life has ever been in harmony with its teachings. Fraternally he is a Master Mason. He has ever been as loyal in his citizenship as when fighting on southern battle fields, while his personal worth has gained him the esteem and good will of all with whom he has come in contact. ARTHUR JOHN SHAFFER. Arthur John Shaffer, a farmer of Brookville, Ohio, was born in Clay township, Montgomery county, on the 19th of June, 1857. He comes of a family who on both sides have been for several generations connected with the fanning life of this county, for his father, Peter Shaffer, was born in Clay township, November 24, 1835, and his mother, who before her marriage was Miss Catherine Shank, was born in Perry township, on the 14th of August, 1834. Peter Shaffer was the son of David and Catherine (Besecker) Shaffer, and the eldest of ten children, those younger than he being Jacob, David, Joseph, Warren, George, Susan, Molly, Kate, and one died in infancy. Catherine (Shank) Shaffer was the daughter of John and Catherine (Heeter) Shank, and was seventh in a family of equal size, having as her brothers and sisters Noah, John, Joseph, Daniel, Ephraim, Elizabeth, Sarah, Mary and Margaret. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Shaffer had four children, two sons and two daughters, Elzina, Arthur John, Clarence D. and Katy Wilhelmina. The last two died in 1883. Arthur J. Shaffer grew to manhood in this section of the state, attending the public schools during such months as they were in session and as they did not interfere with the duties, always numerous, that awaited him as the son of a farmer. 836 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY On the 23d of August, 1887, he was united in marriage to Miss Jessie F. Bixler, who was born January 19, 1864, a daughter of George Bixler and Rachel (Clemmer) Bixler, who had long been residents of Perry township. Mr. and Mrs. Shaffer have five children, three sons and two daughters : Harry, Emma, Edwin, Florence and George. The family are all members of the Lutheran church and on more than one occasion have proved themselves valuable assistants to the pastor in the work of the congregation. Mr. Shaffer is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Brookville and is loyal to the ideals held up by these organizations. For a period of eight years Mr. Shaffer has been a member of the agricultural board of Montgomery county, which has for its object the improving of farm conditions in this part of the state. He has also served for a number of terms as a member of the school board and has ever been an advocate of a progressive policy with reference to the education of the young. CHARLES VAN AUSDAL. For almost sixty-five years the name of Van Ausdal has stood as a synonym for enterprise and integrity in commercial circles in Dayton, and in this connection the life work of Charles Van Ausdal fully sustains th.e untarnished family record. He today occupies an eminent position in mercantile circle's, being at the head of a business of extensive proportions, the control of which demands keen understanding and an abundance of that quality which, for want of a better term, has been called commercial sense. His father, Isaac Van Ausdal, representing one of the old families of th.e state, was born in Eaton, Ohio, February 13, 1821, and died in 1900. The grandparents were Cornelius and Martha (Bilba) Van Ausdal, both natives of Virginia, the former having been born in Berkeley county, October 2, 1783. He was a young man of about twenty-one years when he made his way to Preble county, Ohio, spending the winter with his brother, Peter Van Ausdal, in Lanier township. The opportunities of the growing west proved attractive to him and with the intention of some day returning to take up his former abode in Ohio he went to his old home in Virginia in the spring of 1805. The following spring, however, he reached this state, traveling with a wagon and horse to Preble county. At this time the white race was just beginning to reclaim Ohio from the domain of the redman and the town of Eaton was being laid out. Mr. Van Ausdal decided to open a store there and before he could find a building was selling goods direct from the Canestoga wagon in which they were transported to that place. In a little log cabin he opened his stock and later obtained another wagon-load of goods from Cincinnati. Within a very short time he became recognized as one of the most progressive and enterprising merchants in the new state and was handling a large line for that time, receiving in exchange the products of the country, including furs, skins, beeswax, maple sugar, ginseng and pearl ash. From time to time he enlarged his stock and within a few years was considered one of the foremost merchants of northwestern Ohio. His business was extended to include a wholesale as well as a retail department and in the DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 837 early days his patrons included many Indians, among them the famous Shawnee chief, Tecumseh. In 1810 Cornelius Van Ausdal took the first census of Preble county, having been appointed United States deputy marshal, and in the war of 1812 he served as paymaster of the army and a large amount of public money was disbursed by him. In 1819 he was elected to represent his district in the state legislature and while thus serving a warm friendship sprung up between himself and General William Henry Harrison, who was also a member of the assembly at that time and he was afterward entertained at the home of Mr. Van Ausdal. About the time he entered the legislature Mr. Van Ausdal became the owner of the Western Telegraph, published weekly at Eaton, but subsequently sold the paper. Removing to Cincinnati in 1828, he was for five years engaged in the wholesale dry-goods business there as senior partner of the firm of Van Ausdal, Hatch & Gray. As he acted as purchaser for the house much of his time was spent in New York. He was also from 1828 until 1832 associated with his brother-in-law, Judge Currey, of Hamilton, Ohio, in the pork business and in 1846 became a factor in the commercial life of Dayton as senior partner of the firm of C. Van Ausdal & Son. Withdrawing in 1863, he retired to private life and died August 1o, 1870. He stood as a high type of builder of this great commonwealth, his reputation remaining unsullied throughout his varied commercial, political and social relations. Cornelius Van Ausdal was married July 24, 1812, to Miss Martha Bilba and they had a large family including Isaac Van Ausdal, the father of Charles Van Ausdal. He was born in Eaton, February 13, 1821, and supplemented his public-school course by study in Miami University at Oxford, where he was graduated in 1842. In 1845 he became a dry-goods merchant in Dayton with Daniel McCleary, of Rossville, Ohio, as his partner. A year later he purchased Mr. McCleary's interest and was joined by his father, the firm of C. Van Ausdal & Son being maintained until the father's retirement in 1863. Different partnerships were formed in the interim to 1886, when Isaac Van Ausdal was joined by his son, Charles, under the firm name of I. & C. Van Ausdal. While the house was originally a wholesale dry-goods establishment, from time to time the business was extended in scope until carpets and almost every article of household furnishing were to be obtained, while the dry-goods department was abandoned in 1859. As Isaac Van Ausdal prospered he made investments in other business ventures, becoming financially and actively associated with various important corporations. He was a stockholder in the Third National, Fourth National and Teutonia National Banks, also in the Farmers, Ohio and Columbus Insurance Companies of Dayton. His judgment was highly valued for in business matters his opinions were sound, his sagacity keen and far reaching. In June, 1855, Isaac Van Ausdal wedded Miss Mary C. Roberts, a daughter of Orlistus Roberts, of Preble county. Seven children were horn unto them : Robert, who died at the age of seventeen years ; Cornelius, who died at the age of seven ; Mary, a graduate of Smith College of Massachusetts ; Charles ; Laura, a graduate of Bradford Seminary of Massachusetts and now the wife of Charles G. Stoddard, of Dayton ; Thomas E., who married Margaret Phillips and died in 1895 ; and Catherine C., a graduate of Comstock College of New York city. The death of the husband and father occurred in 1900 and the mother still survives. For fifty- 838 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY five years a resident of Dayton, his name was an honored one in commercial. and financial circles, not alone by reason of the success he achieved but also owing to the straightforward business policy he ever followed. His citizenship, too, was of the highest character, while in his home he was a. devoted friend and a most loving and considerate husband and father. His influence was always found on the side of justice, truth and progress and many tangible evidences are given of his loyalty to the best interests of Dayton. Charles Van Ausdal, now at the head of. the large mercantile establishment founded by his father, was born in Dayton, July 26, 1863, and at the usual age entered the public schools wherein his preliminary education was acquired. He afterward entered Princeton University and completed a full course by graduation with the class of 1885. Returning at once to his home in Dayton, the following . year he was admitted to a partnership by his father under the firm style of I. & C. Van Ausdal and has since remained an active factor in the control and management of the house, becoming its head upon his father's demise. This is today one of the oldest, the most extensive, the most progressive and most reliable houses of northwestern Ohio. Its interests have always been characterized by a spirit of enterprise and its management has always been in keeping with modern mercantile ideas. In his conduct there has always been maintained a high standard in the personnel of its representatives, in the business methods followed and in the character of its service to the public. Aside from his mercantile interests Mr. VanAusdal is a director in the Cooper Insurance Company and is vice president of the Herald Publishing Company. In Dayton, in 1888, was celebrated the marriage of Charles Van Ausdal to Miss Susie Weakley, a daughter of H. H. Weakley, long connected with journalistic interests as proprietor of the Dayton Daily Herald. The family now numbers two daughters and a son, Charlotte, Herbert Weakley and Katherine. The parents attend the First Presbyterian church and Mr. Van Ausdal is popular in various fraternal and club circles. He belongs to the Masonic order and to the Dayton City and Country clubs and the Buzfuz club. Spending his entire life here, he has a very wide acquaintance and that his leading characteristics are those which everywhere command honor and respect is indicated by the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from boyhood and have been witnesses of his life in all of its varied relations, day after day. GEORGE WILSON SHAW. The name of George Wilson Shaw is inscribed high on the roll of Dayton's citizens, whose life records have reflected credit and honor upon the city. As a lawyer in the trial of important cases, in the conduct of large mercantile, financial and industrial interests, he was ever the same honorable gentleman, whose word no man could question. He came to be regarded as one of the foremost factors in the business circles of Dayton, winning his position through the intelligent utilization of opportunity and the careful coordination of forces into a harmonious and resultant whole. DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 841 His birth occurred in Rising Sun, Indiana, in 1823. The ancestry of the family is traced back to John and Susanna Shaw. The family were originally English Friends or Quakers and their earliest American location was in Bucks county, Pennsylvania. By deed dated July 7, 1697, John Shaw acquired title to three hundred acres of land in the lower part of what is now Northampton, Bucks county. In 1709 he is on record as a resident of Southampton and his name and that of his son, James, are among the petitioners, December 11, 1722, for the separate township of Northampton. He and his wife were members of the Middletown monthly meeting of the Society of Friends. They had ten children. The eldest, James Shaw, born January 9, 1694, died December 3, 1761, at Plum-stead, Bucks county, Pennsylvania. He was married September 24, 1718, at Abington meeting house, in Montogmery county, Pennsylvania, to Mary Brown, who died June 9, 1764. She was a daughter of Thomas and Mary Brown. Her father, born in 1666, emigrated from Barking, Essex county, England, and after living some time in Philadelphia and Abington, Pennsylvania, located near Dyers-town, Bucks county, as early as 1712. By deed dated June 18, 1724, he conveyed to James Shaw two hundred acres of land in Plumstead. James and Mary Shaw had six children, including Alexander Shaw, the direct ancestor of our subject in the third generation. Alexander Shaw, the direct ancestor of George W. Shaw, in the third generation, was born November 4, 1734, and his life record covered the intervening years to the 11th of January, 1790. He married Sarah Brown, widow of Moses Brown, and, surviving her husband for twenty-two years, she passed away about 1812. All of their children were born on the Shaw homestead which Alexander inherited from his father and which was situated about three miles northeast of Doylestown, Bucks county, Pennsylvania. The family numbered eight children. The eldest was George Shaw, who was born April 2, 1760, and died on the 21st of August, 1801, while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Wilson, died at Evansville, Indiana, about 1828. After losing her first husband she became the wife of Johnston Watson, by whom she had a daughter, Elizabeth, who was married twice. A deed dated April I, 1797, recorded in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, shows that Thomas Brown conveyed land in Plumstead, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, to his son-in-law, James Shaw, on June 18, 1784, and on the 14th of December, 1759, James Shaw deeded part of this to his son Alexander Shaw, who died intestate and the orphans' court adjudged this land to his eldest son, George Shaw. On the 1st of April, 1797, George Shaw and his wife Mary, of Plumstead, deeded this land to John Fell. Mrs. George Shaw was born in 1763. Her parents were John and Elizabeth Wilson of Nockanixon, Bucks county, Pennsylvania. The father died in December, 1773, leaving two children, John and Mary. The mother afterward became the wife of William Keith, of Wakefield, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, who died in 1781. Her third husband was Robert Gibson, who was appointed guardian of David Shaw, minor son of George and Mary (Wilson) Shaw. George and Mary Shaw had three children. David Shaw, their youngest son, was born in Plumstead, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, February 26, 1796, and died at Madison, Indiana, December 24, 1860. About 1818 he removed west with his mother, two brothers and a half sister, Elizabeth Watson. He was married July 29, 1819, to Nancy Speer Andrews and 842 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY they resided for a time near Dayton, Ohio. Later they removed to Rising Sun, Indiana, and about 1836 David Shaw went with his family to Madison, Indiana, where he purchased the dry goods store of John Lodge, continuing in business there until his retirement a few years prior to his death. Unto him and his wife were born ten children. That number included George Wilson Shaw, who in his youthful days accompanied his parents to Madison, Indiana, where he was reared and acquired his primary education. Later he was afforded the advantage of instruction in Oxford college, from which he was graduated at the head of his class when only eighteen, years of age, being its youngest member. He was universally loved at college, not only by his classmates but by professors as well. After his graduation he returned to Madison, Indiana, where he engaged in practice for a few years, and then came to Dayton but never followed his profession in this city on account of ill health, as lie could not stand the confinement it necessitated. He then embarked in the wholesale dry goods business as a member of the firm of Perrine, Lytle & Shaw, which continued in business successfully for a number of years. Later Mr. Shaw turned his attention to the manufacture of threshing machines and that undertaking claimed his time and energies for five years, on the expiration of which period he retired from business to enjoy his remaining days in well earned rest. In all of his business connections he was energetic and resolute, overcoming the difficulties and obstacles in his path by persistent and honorable effort. He learned the lesson of each experience and adapted it to his own use. Not only did he figure in commercial and industrial lines but also became a factor in financial circles as one of the directors of the Third National Bank. He was likewise the vice president of the Reynolds & Reynolds Company and the vice president of the Dayton Paper Novelty Company. In business matters his judgment was keen and his sagacity enabled him to successfully solve many problems which to another of less foresight would have proven unsurmountable. He led a most busy and useful life, the only interruption to his business career coming at the time of the Civil war, when he enlisted in response to the country's call for men to serve for one hundred days. He was a wonderfully well read man, being posted on almost any subject, and possessed a, remarkable intellect which made him a very entertaining and clever conversationalist. He was honored and respected wherever known and was held in the highest regard by business associates and his many friends and acquaintances throughout the city. On November 24, 1852, Mr. Shaw was united in marriage to Miss Mary Perrine and unto them were born five children, of whom three are living: Nancy A., the widow of John B. Greene ; Julia S., the widow of Frank J. Patterson ; and George G., now president of the Dayton Paper Novelty Company. The death of Mr. Shaw occurred December 29, 1907, and Dayton mourned the loss of a citizen whom she had come to respect and honor by reason of his well directed activity and his allegiance to all that is commendable in citizenship as well as in private life. He was faithful in his friendships, fixed in an honest hatred of all shams and pretenses and exhibited in every judgment of his mind a strong common sense that illumined every dark corner into which he looked. He was a man of high moral character and of the best social position. He succeeded because he desired to suc- DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 843 ceed and he was in his community a leader because nature had endowed him bountifully and he had studiously and carefully and conscientiously increased the talents that had been given him. MRS. N. J. SLOAN. Mrs. N. J. Sloan is the owner of one hundred and six acres of land, situated in Wayne township, where she has made her home for many years. She is a native of Greene county, Ohio, born near Fairfield, June 1, 1851. Her parents were Alexander and Elizabeth (Lowrey) Dille, the former born near Dayton. December 17, 1816, and the latter also a native of Montgomery county, born September 20, 1818. Following their marriage they located in Clark county, Ohio, where Mr. Dille became a very successful farmer, having accumulated at the time of his death a considerable fortune. Their family numbered nine children but only three are now living. They were consistent and faithful members of the Presbyterian church at New Carlisle, and both lived to an advanced age, the mother passing away December 15, 1885, at the age of sixty-seven, while the father, surviving for several years, passed away September 8, 1892, at the age of seventy-six. The daughter was a little maiden of only four years when she was taken by her parents from Montgomery to Clark county, Ohio, and there she was reared and educated. She remained on the home farm, early being trained by her mother in the duties and cares of the household, so that at the time of her marriage she was well qualified to take charge of her own household. She was married in Clark county to H. C. Sloan, after which they located on a farm in Wayne township, the place comprising one hundred and six acres of valuable and well improved land and this has continued to be the home of Mrs. Sloan to the present time. Mr. Sloan here followed farming throughout his active business career and became very successful in his undertakings. He was particularly active in the moral development of the community as a member of the Presbyterian church, in which he was a ruling elder, being ordained to that office by Rev. J. R. Hughes, of Dayton. He likewise served as superintendent of the Sunday school and as a member of the church choir and his influence was ever found on the side of any movement that tended to uplift humanity and work for the betterment of various classes. Active in the organization of the Harvest Home Annual Association, Mr. Sloan served as its president until his demise. He was an ardent supporter of the temperance movement and at one time was a candidate of Montgomery county for representative on the prohibition ticket. While he took a very active part in many public movements, he was not unmindful of his family and thus as the years passed he accumulated a good property which was left to his heirs. He was a man who stood high in the community. He made and retained warm friends, was devoted to the welfare and happiness of his wife and children, and thus his death, which occurred June 6, 1908, was a sad blow to the 844 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY community, who can well sympathize with the household from which such a light has gone out forever. By her marriage Mrs. Sloan has become the mother of one son and two daughters. Blanche, who was born August 29, 1873, is the wife of Harry Kline, of Greene county, this state, where he is a very influential citizen, farmer and stockman, dealing in high grades of stock. They have two daughters and a son : Alma, who was born October 8, 1894, and is now a high-school student at Osborn; Marven, who was born January 3, 1896, and is a public-school student at Bath; and Leanna Blanche, who was born June 17, 1901, and is also in school at Bath. Herbert Sloan, the second member of the family, was born August 22, 1876, and on the 11th of February, 1897, wedded Miss Emma Kline, of Clark county, this state. They have two little daughters : Sarah Leota, who was born November 27, 1901 ; and Dorothy May, born February 13, 1904. The elder daughter is now in school at Osborn. Mabel E., the youngest member of the Sloan family, was born April Jo, 1881. She was married on the 2d of November, 1899, to Earl W. Burrowes, of Greene county, and by her marriage she has become the mother of a daughter and son : Thelma, who was born November 27, 1900, and is in school at Osborn ; and William Chalmer, who was born May 27, 1909. Mrs. Sloan still resides on the home farm and in its management displays excellent business ability. She possesses many traits of heart and mind which have endeared her to a host of warm friends, her standing in the social circles of the community being an enviable one. WILLIAM H. AHLERS. Well known among the progressive and prosperous business men of Dayton is William H. Ahlers, a furrier whose establishment is in all ways attractive to the purchasing public. Born in this city on the 9th of July, 1876, he here spent his youthful days, attended the public schools and also pursued a course at the Young Men's Christian Association. At the age of sixteen, however, he put aside his textbooks and entering business life began learning the more difficult lessons in the school of experience. After being employed at various places, during which time his ambition and his energy were carrying him steadily forward into the business world, he entered the fur and hat store of Brown & Williams in 1890 and continued in that house until the firm sold out to S. B. Williams, his connection with the business covering the years to 1903. This brought him broad and practical experience and, desirous of engaging in business on his own account, he began the manufacture of fur garments, being the pioneer in that industry in Dayton. Untiring in his efforts to build up a paying business he personally solicited patronage but when once he secured a patron was sure of his continued support because of the excellent manner in which all of the work of his factory was done and the thorough reliability of all of his business transactions. From a small beginning he has developed an enterprise of large and profitable proportions and moreover has earned the respect and esteem of all who know him. DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 847 In 1899 Mr. Ahlers was married in Dayton to Miss Harriet A. Soller and they have two children, Ila Esther and William Robert. Mr. Ahlers is a Scottish Rite Mason and has also taken the degrees of the Commandery and of the Mystic Shrine. He is likewise a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Royal Arcanum and the Fraternal Order of Eagles and is interested in the moral development of the city as manifest in his membership in and support of the First English Lutheran church. He is extremely thorough and practical in all that he does and the public knows him as a most reliable, industrious and energetic young business man, who well merits the regard which is so freely tendered him by his host of friends. FRANKLIN P. GRIMES. Nature seems to have intended that man should enjoy a period of rest in the evening of life. In youth one is filled with hope and enthusiasm, in mature years' his energy and determination are tempered by sound judgment and experience and therefore, if he is persistent in his labors, success will attend him and then when the evening shadows fall he will find it possible to enjoy a period of rest from labor. Such has been the history of Franklin P. Grimes who, having already passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, has spent nearly his entire life in the county of his nativity. Moreover he is entitled to special mention in this volume from the fact that, during his lifetime, he has watched the growth of Montgomery county from a wild and unimproved district to richly cultivated fields, and has ever borne his full share in the work of public progress and development. Mr. Grimes was born December 19, 1832, in Mad River township, Montgomery county, Ohio, and is a son of James and Edith (Williamson) Grimes. The father, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1785, removed to Virginia at the age of five years. There he was reared and became the owner of a fine farm of four hundred acres, while he became noted as a dealer in sheep and also made a specialty of raising fine blooded and fast horses. He came to Ohio in 18o5, locating in Montgomery county, and was one of the early pioneer settlers of that district. After his arrival in Ohio he continued to raise fine stock and also engaged in building boats, which he operated between Dayton and Cincinnati. His death occurred in 1853, his remains being interred at Woodland cemetery, Dayton. In 1811 he had married Edith Williamson, a native of New York, who was born in 1794 and later came to Montgomery county, Ohio. They became the parents of eight children, namely : John, William, James, Asa, Henry, Franklin, Martha and Mary Belle. After attaining his education in the common schools of his native county, Mr. Grimes took up' the occupation of farming and stock-raising, removing to Edgar county, Illinois, where he was thus engaged. He remained at that place two years and then returned to Montgomery county, taking up his abode in Wayne township. He purchased land there and engaged in general agricultural pursuits and in buying and selling stock. He possesses good business ability, keen discernment and capable management, and during his active connection 848 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY with farming interests these elements proved the salient characteristics in the gratifying degree of prosperity which he attained. Throughout his business career he was prompted by the laudable ambition to win success, and that this ambition was fulfilled is indicated in the fact that about ten years ago he was able to lay aside the active duties of business and enjoy in well earned rest the fruits of his many years of earnest toil. In 1857 Mr. Grimes was united in marriage to Marie Rohrer, a daughter of Martin and Elizabeth (Creider) Rohrer. The father, who was born in Pennsylvania, came to Ohio in 1836 and engaged in the distillery business, becoming one of the successful and wealthy business men of his community. He was thus actively engaged until his demise, which occurred in 1843, his remains being interred in Woodland cemetery. His wife, who was born, reared and married in Pennsylvania, passed away in 1896 and was laid to rest by the side of her husband in Woodland cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Grimes became the parents of two children, namely : Floyd, born January 29, 1859 ; and Shelby, born January 29, 1862. Floyd, the eldest son, is now married and lives upon the old home place. Formerly he was a resident of Spokane, Washington, for twelve years, being connected with an electrical company as manager. He has been a member of the township school board and is also a member of the agricultural board. Shelby married Molly Beyl, the daughter of Solomon Beyl, by whom he had three children, Carrie, Frank and Warren. He was a prosperous farmer who was accidentally drowned in the Miami river at Osborn, Ohio, in May, 1907. Well known throughout the district, he had a large number of warm friends who mourned his death, while his loss was felt throughout the entire county. Mr. Grimes holds membership relations with the United Brethren church at Sulphur Grove, Ohio, and has held several offices therein, being deeply interested in the work of the church in the community. Not only by reason of the success which he attained in his business interests has Mr. Grimes become well known throughout Wayne township and Montgomery county, but also because of the active and important part he has taken in the affairs of the township and county. He has been a trustee of the township, a member of the agricultural board and was instrumental in developing and making the county, fairs a success. He is eminently a public-spirited man, heartily endorsing all measures which are matters of civic virtue and civic pride, and does all in his power to further the general growth and upbuilding of the community. His has been a long, useful life, and he can look back into the past without regret and into the future without fear. JONATHAN HARSHMAN, SR. Jonathan Harshman, Sr., pioneer citizen of Montgomery county, Ohio, and founder of the Harshman family, which in direct descent and by intermarriage is one of the most influential and representative families of the county, was born in Frederick county, Maryland, on the 21st day of December, 1781. DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 849 His ancestral record shows that his grandfather, Andrew Herschman, (as the name was then spelled) was born in Germany, lived there all his life and died at the remarkable age of one hundred and twenty years. The exact place of his birth and residence in Germany we are unable to give. A son Christian, the father of the subject of this sketch, also born in Germany, came to the United States when a lad and settled in Frederick county, Maryland, and in course of time married the daughter of a neighboring farmer, which marriage we are informed was a most happy one. From this marriage nine children were born as follows : John, Anna Maria, Esther, Phillip, Christian, Jonathan, Susanna, Catherine and Christina. Jonathan Harshman, the sixth child of this marriage, in the year 1805 with some others from the same section of Maryland, emigrated to the state of Kentucky, settling near Lexington, but after remaining there about a year, he again returned to his former home in Maryland, when, after a short residence, he again became possessed of the desire to return to Kentucky, which he did, but not liking the institution of slavery then existing there and seeing no present hope for its abolishment he then came to Ohio and settled in Mad River township, Montgomery county, on a farm now owned by his grandchildren, George Harshman and Susan Harshman Cammann, and later on purchased the property which became the site of Harshmanville, where he resided until his death, March 31, 185o. On the 18th day of February, 1808, Mr. Harshman was united in marriage with Susanna Rench, who was born November 11, 1786, in Washington county, Maryland, and was a sister of John Rench, also a pioneer settler of this county, who came from Maryland soon after Mr. Harshman did. The first year Mr. Harshman settled on his farm, he built a cabin late in the fall, hanging the door and putting in a one four light window himself. He set to work with a will and soon became actively engaged in farming, milling, merchandising and distilling. Everything he touched seemed to bring him success. In connection with his brother-in-law, John Rench, Mr. Harshman opened a store, corner of Main and Third streets, Dayton, under the firm name of Harshman & Rench, in 1829. They also opened a warehouse at the head of the canal basin and started a number of boats on the canal just opened between. Dayton and Cincinnati, doing an extensive business in shipping and merchandising, their business in these lines extending all the way from Dayton to New Orleans. During his business career, Mr. Harshman had the entire confidence of the business community and by his industry and judgment accumulated the largest fortune possessed by any citizen of Montgomery county in his day. In the year 1825, Mr. Harshman was elected on the whig ticket from this county a member of the general assembly of the state of Ohio, serving one term, and on May 1st, 1845, he was elected president of the Dayton Bank, which position he held until his death. When the National road was authorized by congress from Cumberland, Maryland, to St. Louis, Missouri, Mr. Harshman in connection with other influential citizens of Dayton sought to have it laid out through this city, but on objection being urged that it would not be a straight line, by citizens of Springfield, the request of the citizens of Dayton was refused. Thereupon a number of Dayton men, in connection with Mr. Harsh-