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Mr. Radenbaugh located in this county in 1851, moved to Blue Creek township in 1869, returning to Harrison township in 1876, and followed pike and ditch contracting until 186o, was then elected township trustee for three years. After the completion of the Nickel Plate railway he was owner and proprietor of the Union House and livery barn until 1895. On July 4th, 1898, his hotel and livery barn were destroyed by fire. He erected a brick business block , where the hotel stood and built the barn of which he is still proprietor.

Politically, Mr. Radenbaugh is a Republican, and is a member of John Stabler Post, 179, G. A. R., and I. 0. 0. F., 725, and is also an active member of the M. E. Church.

AUGUSTUS E. HAINES.

Passing now over into the mellow and radiant evening of life, are the subject of this sketch, Augustus E. and his good wife, Emiline W. (Crowder) Haines, the former being born in Logan county, Ohio, September 11th, 1831, and the latter, April 13th, 1829, in Champaign county, Ohio. Augustus E. Haines is the son of Joseph Haines, who was born in Culpeper county, Virginia, and a soldier in the War of 1812. His mother, Rachel Ballinger, was also a Virginian. Emiline W. Haines is the daughter of John Crowder, a Virginian by birth, and also a soldier in the War of 1812, and Elizabeth Crowder, who was born in Virginia.

Augustus E. and Emiline W. Haines were united in marriage in Union county, Ohio, April 15, 1852, and to them were born the following children; Alice G. (now the wife of Mr. W. A. Phelps), Martha P. (who married Mr. Frank Bashore, ex-recorder of Paulding county, and now a leading

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hardware merchant of Paulding), Salmon W. (a farmer of Paulding county), Elnora C. (deceased), Cynthiana (who married Mr. J. Bashore), Mary L. (wife of Mr. Henry Worley, a leading farmer of Paulding county), Elmer A. (whose history will be found elsewhere in this volume), and Ida May (now the wife of W. Biddle). All of the children now being grown to man and womanhood, and all have families of their own and are enjoying all the common comforts of life. They are all active members of the church. This leave Mother and Father Haines to spend their declining years in a quiet and somewhat lonely peace.

Mr. Haines has been a supervisor, a member of the township school board. Both he and his wife are active and influential members of the Methodist Episcopal church, Mr. Wortsville, Ohio. They both keep in touch with both. old Haines being the superintendent of the Sabbath school at and young, the young people especially enjoying their fatherly and motherly influence in all church work and neighborhood sociability, they being a couple whom time can never- make old. Mr. Haines possesses that ease and poise, and Mrs. Haines that modest grace, which came from generations of good people. This earth would be a worthy place if all its citizens were of the character of Mr. and Mrs. Haines.

PROF. E. S. CUMMINGS.

The subject of this sketch came to this county in 1886. He was born near Marshall, Ohio, January 5, 182. His father was a farmer and there his early life was spent working on the farm in summer and attending the country school in winter. He received his first certificate and taught his first school when he was eighteen. He has taught every

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year since and has served a greater number of consecutive years as principal than any man in the county—fifteen years. In 1881 he attended school at Lebanon, Ohio, and has since attended school at Angola, Lima and Ada. After teaching five years in Pike county, he returned to his native county Highland—where he taught one year and engaged the same school for the next year. As stated above, in 1886 he came to Paulding county as a book agent. Admiring the new county and the fertility of the soil here, he accepted the principalship of the Latty Schools, after being honorably released in Highland, where he taught the previous winter.

He was married in 1889, and the Paulding "Democrat" of that time says :

"E. S. Cummings, principal of the Latty Schools, and Miss Mary Thompson, a teacher of Idaho, Pike county, Were married Monday evening, March 11th, 1889, at the residence of the bride's parents. So quietly had the arrangements been made that not enen the bride's mother, brothers or sisters knew of their intentions until the merry young couple arose to take the marriage vow. To prevent suspicion which would have been aroused had a minister been called, a neighboring Justice, by previous arrangement, math inconvenient to call on an errand and when the family had all gathered in, he playfully remarked that as there were sc many girls present, a wadding would be very appropriate Mr. Cummings and his bride arose and at once were made husband and wife before those present could recover from their astonishment."

Mr. Cummings has served four years as principal of the schools at Latty, four at Oakwood, four at Broughton one at Melrose, and two at Grover Hill. He is now superintendent of the Grover Hill Schools and President of the Board of School Examiners. On leaving the Melrose

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School, the Melrose correspondent to the Paulding "Republican" says :

"Prof. and Mrs. Cummings, we are sorry to say, will not teach our schools another year, but will go to Grover Hill. They taught the best school in the history of Melrose, and all regret to see them leave us."

The editor of this paper, Pulding "Republican. says "He is one of the leading educators of the county."

SAMUEL S. SHISLER.

The subject of this sketch, hardware merchant of Oakwood, and one of Paulding county's most energetic and successful business men, was born July 30, 1841, near Lancaster, Fairfield county, Ohio. He was the son of a carpenter. His father was Samuel Shisler, and his mother, Elizabeth (Stoneburner) Shisler, who were good people but were not successful in the accumulation of property. The father died in Wisconsin in 1900, and the mother in Delaware county, Ohio, in . At the age of 12 years the subject of this sketch, with his parents, moved to Delaware county, Ohio, where they remained six years, coming to Paulding county in the fall of 1859, living about two years near Hartzburg, then came to Oakwood, where he has been one of its honored and respected citizens ever since.

Mr. Shisler has been twice married his first wife being Caroline Keck, with whom he was joined in marriage September 13th, 1865, she having been born November 1, 1847, and died July 22nd, 1870. To them were born two children, Lilly May and Franklin, both deceased. Mr. Shisler was married the second time January 8th, 1871, at Amboy, Michigan, Miss Hannah A. Wollam becoming his wife. She was

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born in Delaware county, Ohio, January 12th, 1851. She was the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Shisler) Wollam, both of whom died in Dupont, Ohio. To this second marriage were born five children : Auta B. (November 14, 1871, at Iokwood, Ohio), Etta D. (September 26, 1873, at Oakwood, Ohio), Bertha H. ( January 28, 1878, near Oakwood, Ohio, on a farm), Lottie L. ( July 28, 1880 near Oakwood), and Ralph C. (May 11,____ , at Oakwood).

When our country was in the throes of fraternal strife, Mr. Shisler was not found wanting in patriotism, but answered to the bugle call to arms and was enrolled July 10, 1862, as a private in Company I, 100 O. V. I., and served his country faithfully until June 30, 1865, when he was mustered out at Greensboro, North Carolina. He participated in the following terrific battles : Knoxvi:le, Tenn.; Columbia, Tenn.; Rocky Face, Ga.; Franklin, Tenn.; Nashville, Tenn.; Ft. Anderson, N. C.; Town Creek, N. C. Mrs. Shisler had three brothers in the service, Louis, Samuel and Solomon Wolfram, Louis having died in the service.

Mr. Shisler returned from the hard service of war to take up the struggle of life, penniless, having sent his wages during the war to his father at home, who was not in good circumstances. He continued to assist his father until his death in 1900, to the extent of many hundreds of dollars. The years immediately following the war were years of struggle mingled with misfortune. With a family to support, he commenced farming, and a flood destroyed his crops and he lost all his stock except one horse which he hitched to an old wagon and drove into Iakwood, and as he came into town he was bantered to trade his horse and wagon for three acres of land and a stock of about $75.00 worth, called a grocery, and from this humble beginning he has, through hard work, good management, and business tact, made him-

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self one of the substantial and highly respected business men of Paulding bounty. His occupation is that of a hardware merchant. At Oakwood, his lower floor is of two rooms, the one 48x60 feet, the other 24 x30 feet. The second floor is 24x60. His building is modern and well stocked with $5,000 worth of general hardware. At Grover Hill, he and his son-in-law carry a $7,000 stock of hardware with a room 3oxioo feet, under the firm name of "Shisler & Zimmerman." Mr. Shisler has been in the hardware business for the past seventeen years, and understands his business and the demands of the trade thoroughly. He also owns a farm of 78 acres one mile east of Oakwood. His business and residence property in Lakwood are important properties of the . town and show a splendid appearance.

Mr. Shisler is a great lover of blood hounds and his experience with criminals is full of interest and importance, but too lengthy for insertion in this biography.

Mr. Shisler is, in politics, a staunch Republican, and a strong factor in his party. He has been township trustee six years, and member of the school board three years. He was a candidate for county commissioner, but withdrew when prospects were bright in favor of the nominee, Mr. Weible. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and G. A. R. orders. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

The Shisler family is one of great influence both in business and social life.

AMERICUS R. GEYER.

Americus R. Geyer, scholar, banker, abstract and loan agent, thirty-second degree Mason, sportsman and active Christian and benevolent gentleman, was born February 18,

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1858, in Kalida, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Amos Geyer, who was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, pioneer days of 1834, when nearly the whole of northwestern Ohio, and even much of the state, was a primeval solitude. March 29th, 1813, and came to Putnam county in the early pioneer days of 1834 when nearly the whole of northwestern Ohio, and even much of the state, was a primeval solitude. He died in Kalida, Ohio, March loth, 1878. His mother, Emogene (Wells) Geyer, was born in Oneida county, New York, August 19th, 1824 ,and came to Putnam county in 1841. She was a woman of literary attainments and strong intellectuality, characteristics that were transmitted to her children. She is now living in Kalida, Ohio, at the advanced age of seventy-seven years, a venerable lady, respected by all and venerated by her children. She was a grand-niece of Martin Van Buren, President of the United States.

The Geyers are of Pennsylvania German stock. Mr. Geyer, after attending the public schools until being able to secure a teacher's certificate, entered a Normal School at Kalida, Ohio, and taught four hours and recited three hours per day for two years. He commenced teaching when 18 years old, taught six years, when he became a civil engineer in Putnam and Paulding counties. He graduated from the public schools of Kalida in 1877 and completed a civil engineer and business course at the Northwestern Normal School at Kalida, in 1880. He came to Paulding county in 1883, where he, in co-partnership with his brother, Hon. John L. Geyer, followed the profession of civil engineering. He followed that business until 1890, when he purchased the Old Reliable Hakes Abstracts of Paulding county, the only complete set yet made of the county. In 1895 he organized the Farmers' Banking Company with a' capital stock of $25,000.00, and also the Geyer and Dickinson Abstract and Loan

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Company, both companies of which he was elected president, and has held that position ever since. Both of these companies are strong financially and have the entire confidence of the people, and owe much of their prestige to the business ability and genial management of Mr. Geyer, their careful and ever-watchful president.

Mr. Geyer and Miss Maud T. Crawford were united in marriage May 6th, 1886, in Paulding, Ohio, Mrs. Geyer being the daughter of W. R. Crawford, who was born in Medina county, Ohio, and Elizabeth R. (Barnes) Crawford, also born in Medina county. The Crawford family came to Paulding county in 1858, and are of the old and well-known families of Paulding county. Mrs. Geyer was born in Jackson township, Paulding county, November 25th, 1866, and was one of Paulding's most popular and accomplished young ladies. To this union were born Velma Deane, Alta Marie and Elizabeth Emogene. Mr. Geyer's oldest brother. Orville N. Geyer, served through the entire Civil War, serving nearly five years. His brother, Hon John L. Geyer. served six years in the lower house of the Ohio legislature, and two years as senator from this district, composed of the counties of Paulding, Williams, Defiance, Van Wert, Mer'cer, Allen and Auglaize, being elected by a majority of 18,000. He had the distinction of being the Democratic leader of the General Assembly.

Mr. Geyer and family are active, influential and philanthropic members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Paulding, and he has been recording steward of the church for six years and has been a member of the official board ever, since being a member. He places his church work first in his different businesses of life, and is a power for good in the organization.

Mr. Geyer is a many-sided man, being a great lover of

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the hunt and the chase, and is a "crack" marksman, with a record of twenty-five straights on two different occasions. He is, in politics, an uncompromising Democrat, with no office proclivities. In secret orders, his standing is high, being a charter member and now serving his second term as Worshipful Master of Widow's Son Lodge, No. 571, & A. M. ; charter member Chapter 165, R. A. M. ; member of the Defiance Commandery, No. 304, The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of the 18th Grade, Toledo Ohio ; Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, 32nd Grade Vallet, of Cincinnati, Ohio ; Zenobia Temple, A. A. 0. U. M. S., Toledo, or Shriner. He is a charter member of the K. of P. lode, Paulding, Ohio.

The foregoing sketch proves Mr. Geyer to be a man of full-rounded character, well-known and deserving of the highest respect in his business relations, his church work, his secret orders, his fellowship as a sportsman, and in his domestic relations as a husband and a father.

OLIVER E. WINEMAN.

On the opposite page will be found a correct likeness of the popular ex-county infirmary director, Oliver E. Wineman. The board of which he was a member is regarded by many as being the best that Paulding county ever had, and by everybody as being a very excellent body of officials. They found the poor fund very much involved and left it with a good sum on hand and the poor of the county well cared for.

The Winemans are truly American, and have had a long residence in America. His great grandfather lost an arm in the French and Indian war. He is of German descent.

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They were pioneers in the state of Ohio. His grandfather was born in Belmont county, Ohio, in 1793, and lived fifteen miles from the nearest settlement. This was only five years after the first settlement in the state at Marietta, Ohio.

Oliver E. Wineman was born in Belmont county, Ohio, October 29th, 1847, near the town of Fairview, and moved to near Cedar Grove, Harrison county, when a child, where he lived until 18 years old, when he went west for a couple of years, then returned to Harrison county and came to Paulding county October 5th, 188o, since which time he has been an honored citizen of the county.

January 2oth, 187o, near Cadiz, Harrison county, he was united in marriage with Rebecca H. Porter, who was born near Cadiz, June 21 st, 184o. To them have been born Charles E., Mary R. (deceased), Adam P., Leonidas (deceased), and Flora M. (deceased).

The father of Mr. Wineman was Christopher Wineman, who was born near Fairview, Belmont county, Ohio, in 1825, but who is now dead. Her mother is Mary (Medley) Wineman, who was born March 2nd, 1824, and is now living in Belmont county, Ohio.

Mrs. Oliver E. Wineman's father was Samuel Porter, born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and her mother Rebecca (Dickerson) Porter, also born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania. Both are now deceased.

Mr. Wineman belongs to the Order of Redmen, the Knights of Pythias and the Patrons of Industry. He has been a very active Granger for many years. He has held the offices of school director, township trustee and infirmary director. He is a Democrat in politics and a popular man.

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GEORGE Y. LUDWIG.

The Ludwigs are of German descent, and have been a family of historic renown in German history, and of the name are found even kings. The geneology of the family of the subject of this sketch was born near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 9th, 1816,, and moved into Wyandot county, with his parents when that county was inhabited by Indians, and when there were only two huts where Tiffin is now situated. He was a mechanic and worked at the carpenter's trade for 4o years. The mother of the subject of this sketch was Julia Ann Freet, who was born in Virginia in 1820.

George Y. Ludwig, the subject of this sketch, was born in McCutchensville, Wyandot county, Ohio, November 6th, 1852, and came to Paulding county, Ohio, in 1877, since which time he has followed farming, carpentering and veterinary surgery.

In 1876 he was united in marriage in Wyandot with Miss Emma C. Pugh, who was born in Paulding county, Ohio, January 12, 1861. She is the daughter of Eli and Jane Pugh, well known pioneers of Paulding. county.

To Mr. and Mrs. Ludwig were born : Charles E., August 3o, 1877, in Wyandot county, Ohio; infant son, November 5, 1879; Otto Eugene, October 27, 188o; Etha and Edna twins, born October 14, 1882; Arthur J , December 12, 1884, and Leonard L., January 1, 1891.

Mr. Ludwig had one brother Henry M., in the Civil war and an uncle, Frederick Ludwig, who was confined 18 months in that loathsome Confederate prison of Libby at Richmond, Virginia. He had one brother, T. J. Ludwig, who moved to Santa Rosa, California, and became one of the largest contractors of that part of the country.

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Mr. Ludwig and family have been leading members of the Christian church for years. He has, for several terms, served as a member of the school board. He lives on a farm in Harrison township, Paulding county, upon which he has erected a fine dwelling.

Mr. Ludwig is well known throughout Paulding county and highly respected.

ABRAHAM EDMAN.

The subject of this sketch, one of the well known and popular farmers of Paulding county, was born in Licking county, Ohio, January 5th, 1849, and was reared upon a farm in Delaware county, Ohio. His father, William H. Edman, was one of Delaware county's most prosperous and highly respected farmers, owning a farm of several hundred acres and large brick residence and frame barns. He was known throughout the county as a thorough going, hard-working and strictly upright and honest man and a staunch Democrat. He is now living in Kansas. His mother was Mary Ann Fry, who died in Delaware county.

Mr. Edman, the subject of this sketch, was thoroughly schooled in industry and integrity, virtues that mark his character to the present day. He was united in marriage in Franklin county, Ohio, in 1871, with Miss Sarah Jane Mattocks, who was born in Franklin county, Ohio, in 1855. She is the respected daughter of Abednago and Margaret (Boner) Mattocks. The Mattocks were a highly respected family of that county. To them were born Mary Ann (now Mrs. Schull, of Franklin county, Ohio.)

In 1879, Mr Edman and family moved to Paulding county, Ohio, settling in the woods and followed hard labor,

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timbering, clearing, farming and helping his neighbors, at whichever he worked, he always did 'an honest day's work.

Mr. Edman has held the offices of school director and township trustee both offices he filled honestly and with credit. He was renominated for township trustee but being too honorable for the Democratic "ring." 'They therefore caused his defeat.

Mr. Edman was initiated in the Arc Lodge No. 27, Worthington, Ohio, I. 0. 0. F., in 1879, and became a charter member at Payne, Ohio, Lodge 725. He has passed the chairs and was appointed District Deputy Grand Master which he held two years.

Mr. Edman is one of Paulding county's good citizens.

CHARLES T. KLINGER.

The subject of this sketch, a retired farmer of Paulding county, was born in Perry county, Ohio, October 18th, 1845. His parents moved from Perry to Hardin county when he was quite young, he coming from there to Paulding county, September, 1881, and settled upon a farm of eighty acres two and one-half miles southwest of Paulding, which he thoroughly improved with all the improvements that are necessary to make a beautiful profitable and comfortable home. He is the son of David A. Klingler, who was a large and thrifty farmer of Hardin county. He was born in Perry county, in 1824, and died in Hardin county, September 5th, 1875, and Sarah (Brocious) Klingler, who was also born in Perry county, Ohio, in 1826, and died in Hardin county, Ohio. They were active and influential members of the Reformed church and through his influence, he had a large brick church built upon his farm, two acres of which

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he deeded to the church. He was a Democrat and party worker and was township trustee a number of years. He was a pioneer of Hardin county, moving into the woods. He made for himself one of the best farms of his community thoroughly improved with an abundance of choice fruit. The Klinglers came from Pennsylvania to Ohio in an early day, settling first in Perry county, Ohio. They are a numerous and thrifty people.

The subject of this sketch was married January 29th, 1871, in Allen county, Ohio, near the town of Lafayette, Miss Ursula Jane Shrider becoming his wife. She was the daughter of Peter and Caroline (Binkley) Shrider, both born in Perry county, Ohio, and both now living in Paulding county and both passed 70 years of age. To this union were born twelve children : Jacob I. born August 15, 1871; Addie A., born November 21, 1872; Allen D., born February 4, 1874; Charles E., born August 28th, 1875; Amos D., born Marc,14, 1876; Melville R., born January 30, 1879; Bertha O, born July 15, 1880; Daniel C., born November 11, 1881, in Paulding county ; John C., born August 5, 1883 ; Grace A., born February 16, 1887; Frederick Eugene, born July 25, 1890, and Raymond Grover, born February 20, 1893.

Mr. Klingler, February 18, 1864, at the age of 18 years, enlisted at Kenton, Hardin county, as a private in Company K, 33 0. V. I. and was wounded August 12, 1864, in front of Atlanta. His Company was a part of General Thomas corps and Jefferson C. Davis' brigade. He was wounded by a shell and lost his right lower limb just abov the knee. He laid in the hospital three months at Chattanooga and three months at Nashville when his father came and took him home.

Mr. Klinger, after the war, attended school at Ada,

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Ohio, after which he taught with success a number of years. He is a- Granger of prominence and has always been a strong supporter of everything pertaining to his profession and those engaged in the same. He and his entire family are members of the Reformed church. They organized with a membership of thirteen and now have a membership of about 50 with a comfortable frame church of which Mr. Klingler was secretary of the building committee. He has constantly been one of the leading church or Sabbath school officers and is at present an elder of the church.

Mr. Klingler is a true Democrat and an advocate of the people controlling the party rather than the party controlling the people and is an enemy of "ring rule"in all its forms. He was assessor four years, a member of the election board four years and was the candidate of his party for county recorder in Hardin county and was defeated by 100 votes.

Mr. Klingler and family Dave a broad acquaintance and are held in high esteem everywhere.

LEVI ANSPACH.

Among the well known families of Paulding county is that of the subject of this sketch, Mr. Levi Anspach. He was born February 26, 1833, in Perry county, Ohio. He was married in Hardin county, Ohio, February 7, 1863, to Miss Elizabeth Klinger, who was born December 23, 1844, in Perry county Ohio. To this union were born. Emiline, August io, 1863 ; Lydia, June 2, 1865 ; Amanda, deceased; Ella M., September 2, 1870; George A., and Charles A., twins, January 16, 1880.

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Mr. Anspach is the son of Peter and Lydia (Linn) Anspach, the former died in Hardin county in 1882 and the latter is now living in Hardin county, Ohio.

Mrs. Anspach's parents are George Klingler, who was born in Perry county, Ohio, August 16, 1822, and is now living in that county, and Emiline Overmire, who was also born in Perry county, the date being October 17, 1825. She died January 12, 1895, in Perry county, Ohio. Mr. Anspach is one of the representative farmers of Paulding county, owning a farm of 80 acres thoroughly improved with good substantial buildings. Both the Anspach and Klinglers are of Pennsylvania German blood and settled in Perry county, Ohio, from that state some time in the early part of the last century.

The subject of this sketch, Mr. Anspach, has never been a seeker after office although being a strong Democrat. He prefers to give his attention to his farm and private business. He has been road supervisor and school director. He and family are respected members of church of which they have been members for years.

Mr. Anspach and family are widely known and have a large circle of friends who hold them in high esteem.

GILES M. BRATTAIN, M. D.

Dr. Giles M. Brattain, the leading physician and surgeon of Antwerp, Ohio, was born October 7th, 1863; upon a farm in Logan county and came to Paulding county in 1886. He is the son of Ralph L., and Arelia (Hubbard) Brattain, the former jq now living in Paulding county, Ohio, the latter was born in Deerfield, Portage county, Ohio, and died in the fall of 1884.

June 30th, 1891, he was united in marriage in Colum-

324 - GILES M. BRATTAIN, M.D.

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bus, Ohio, with Miss Bertie A. Franks who was born October 12th, 1870. She is the daughter of Owen and Elizabeth (Host) Franks, of Columbus, Ohio. To this union were born Elizabeth, October 27, 1893, and Ralph Owen, February 28, 1897.

Dr. Brattain's parents being poor people he was denied the advantages of an education from the bounty of his parents but was thrown upon his own resources at the age of ten years and has supported himself ever since. His mother being a lady of education and culture, he received Ci most of his education from her aside from his professional studies. He studied medicine one and a half years before entering college, he spent one year of hard college work at Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and two at Columbus, Ohio, from which place he graduated. He also graduated in New York in polyclinic and special surgery of the nose and throat. These different collegiate medical courses makes him thoroughly equipped in his profession, both in medicine and surgery. The Brattains are of Irish descent and his mother's people are Virginians. His maternal grandmother of the sixth generation was the first white child born in the Western Reserve. His wife's father was a soldier in the Civil war and was confined thirteen months in a dismal Confederate prison.

Dr. Brattain is a member of the F. & A. M. order. He has two brothers, professional men, Dr. G. W. Brattain, of Payne, Ohio, and W. B. Brattain, a leading attorney of Paulding, Ohio.

His success in life is entirely the result of his own efforts. Thrown upon his own resources at the tender age of ten years he has educated himself thoroughly in his profession and is at present one of the leading and most thoroughly prepared doctors in Paulding county.

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GUSTAF G. LINN.

One of the best known and most public spirited young men of Paulding county is the subject of this sketch; Gustaf G. Linn. He was born in Lafayette, Alien county, Ohio, February 5th, 1868. He, with his parents, Gottlieb and Eliza (Reinhart) Linn, came to Paulding county in 1870 from Allen county and lived for one year in Paulding, after which they removed to the farm now owned by.the subject of this sketch. He is of German descent, his father having been born in Nordenberg, East Prussia, and his mother in Hessen-Cassel. His father is now living in Paulding.

Mr. G. G. Linn was united in marriage with Miss Frasa J. Gensel, of Payne, Ohio, daughter of George W., and Lucinda (Pease) Gensel. Both her father and grandfather were soldiers in the Civil war.

To Mr. and Mrs. Linn were born Floyd R., and Mabel Linn.

Mr. Linn operates a farm of 16o acres. He has been prominent in public affairs ever since reaching manhood. He is a leader among the Grangers and is at present deputy state master. When the Populist movement overspread this country, Mr. Linn believing that party to more nearly represent his interests and those of his fellow farmers, joined that party and at once became one of .its leaders in Paulding county. He has been a candidate of his party for assessor, recorder, coroner on the Fusion ticket when he lacked two votes of an election, recorder on the Union Reform ticket in 1899. He was defeated each time with his ticket.

He is at present the efficient secretary of the county organization of his party. Gustaf Linn has been before the public not as an office seeker but as a public spirited man

327 - GUSTAF G. LINN AND WIFE

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who was willing to give his time and means for the good of the public and for the promulgation of those principles which he believes to be right.

PARMENAS F. HARRIS.

The subject of this sketch, ex-postmaster of Antwerp, Ohio, and ex-county recorder of. Paulding county, was born July 8, 1845, in Gambier, Knox county, Ohio: He is the son of John V. Harris, who was born in England in 1822 and came to America in 1838 and settled in Knox county, Ohio, and moved to Defiance county in 1858 and to Iowa in 1856 and to Paulding county in 1859, where he died in 1864, a citizen well known and highly respected by every one. The Harris family in this county is very numerous and many of them very prominent in all the different walks of life and rarely, if ever, found in indigent circumstances.

The Harrses in Paulding county are numerous and a powerful family in regard to the social and industrial affairs of the county. The mother of the subject of this sketch is Mary J. Wilkins, who was born in Logan county, Ohio, and is now living in Carryall township; a highly respected citizen.

When the country was in the throes of the Civil war Mr. Harris was not found wanting in patriotism but when a mere boy of 17 years, he enlisted August, 1862, in Company I, ioo O. V. I., and took part in the following bloody engagements : Rock Face, Resact, Eutoy Creek, where he was slightly wounded by gunshot wound; Atlanta, Nashville, Franklin, Wilmington, Columbia and Raleigh. He was taken prisoner February, 1863, by John Morgan's

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forces while down with typhoid fever from which he never fully recovered. His father served in the 132 0. V. I. and died of sickness contracted in the service.

January 1, 1870, he was united in marriage in Hillsdale, Michigan, with Miss Georgia Murphy, who was born in Paulding county, Ohio, June, 1853, and is one of the pioneer families of Paulding county, her father, Thomas Murphy, having been born in Paulding county February 1st, 1832, when the county was almost an unbroken wilderness. To this union were born : Minnie, now the wife of Harry Stinger; Ella, wife of Harold Gasser; Thomas D., who with his proprietors of the 'Harris hotel, Antwerp, Ohio; Eva, deceased, a girl loved and respected by everybody. Mr. Harris has been prominent in the politics of the county and always popular with the people and has held the following offices : Township trustee one term, clerk of school board, Antwerp, special district, township clerk three terms, postmaster at Antwerp under President Harrison, county recOrder two terms and eight months, the eight months by appointment. In all of these different important positions of public trust he has given universal satisfaction and upon his retirement from the office of the county recorder the Paulding "Democrat," the organ of the opposition, spoke in the very highest praise of his entire efficiency and his gentlemanly treatment of all callers to his office and the exceptionally excellent record kept by him. The Republicans point with pride to him as an official of the county. His record in the office Will always be a monument to his carefulness as an official.

Mr. Harris and his wife are valued and behevolent members of the M. E. church at Antwerp, Ohio, and in their lives live out the professions of their faith. He is a. member of the I. 0. 0. F. and encampment and the G.

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A. R. He and son are proprietors of the well known Harris hotel at Antwerp, Ohio, a hotel elegantly furnished, newly papered and painted where all guests receive homelike treatment from their genial hosts and hostesses. The table is always supplied with the best of the substantial foods and the delicacies and fruits of the season. Everything from basement to garret receive careful inspection and are kept clean, neat and comfortable. Mr. Harris' acquaintance is broad and his friends are innumerable and we predict for the Harris hotel a future of great popularity and prosperity and a place where the traveling public will seek to reach as a place of rest and comfort.

THOMAS CARR.

The subject of this sketch, and one of the most widely know citizens of Paulding county and proprietor of the Antwerp flour mills, was born September 30, 1847, in southern England and 'possesses that sturdy English business integrity which has characterized him during his entire life. He is one of the pioneers of this county, having lived in Paulding county and the adjoining Indiana border near Woodburn for the past thirty-five years. He is the son of William A. and Mary (Holliday) Carr, both born in England. The former died in Antwerp, Ohio, and the latter died when the subject of this sketch was a mere child of three years.

Mr. Carr, the subject of this sketch, was reared upon a farm which profession he followed until going into the tin milling business at Antwerp, Ohio, and owning at present a good farm of 142 acres in Crane township. Mr. Carr as a miller, makes a specialty of manufacturing good flour

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and the product of his mill is so well known that any words of commendation seem almost useless. One incident comes to mind that llustrates the reputation of the product of his mill. While the writer was boarding with an old and prominent family of the county, the lady of the house, whose reputation as a bread maker was widely known, had from some cause or other succeeded in getting some very poor bread from Antwerp flour bought at the store. When she cut her bread for the table she discovered it was of a poor quality and after thorough questioning of the gentlemen of the house in regard to its being Antwerp flour and a re-examination of the brand of the sack, all of which seemed to point to its genuineness. She reached the conclusion that the dealer, whose reputation was not good, had filled Antwerp sacks with some other make of flour Two things were thoroughly fixed in her mind ; first, the impossibility of getting poor Antwerp flour, and second, the impossibility of her making poor bread from good flour. The belief of the writer is that it was genume Antwerp flour made of the wheat of that year which was nearly all of a poor quality and as good as could be made of the wheat.

Mr. Carr was united in marriage April 26th, 1872, near Bull Rapids, Indiana, with Miss Ruth Foster, who was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and who was the daughter of Edward and Rachel (Grimm) Foster. He had been previously married to Miss Sarah Nelson to whom was born one child, Alice. To the second marriage was born Frank F., Ermina M., Olive, Edward and Frederick, twins ; Lula A., Joseph H., Ralph F., and Thomas.

Mr. Carr has held the following public positions : Trustee of Crane township nine pears, member of the Antwerp school board ten years and village council two

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years, being a Republican in politics. He is a member of the K. of P. lodge at Antwerp, Ohio, of which he is past chancellor, and of the I. 0. 0. F., in which he haS passed the chairs and of the encampment. He is also a member of the F. & A. M. lodge at Antwerp and of the chapter at Paulding.

Mr. Carr in all his dealings is perfectly honorable and a business promise of his is on a par with gold among all who know him.

GEORGE CROLL.

George Croll, the subject of this sketch, who is at present a genial and business-like member of the board of county infirmary directors, was born May 26th, 1864, in Wood county, Ohio. He ,is of that sturdy German stock that has contributed so much to the solid and substantial citizenship of this country.

His father, Michael J. Croll, was born in Germany, November 28, 1838, and his mother, Sarah Ricard, in Pennsylvania, July 20 1849. His father being dead and his mother is still living in Wood county, Ohio.

August 25th, 1892, Mr. Croll was united in marriage in Wood county, Ohio, with Miss Nettie Challen, a lady of education and refinement who was for several years a successful teacher in both the country and graded schools of Wood county, Ohio. Mrs. Croll was born in Wood county Ohio, November 15th, 1869, her parents being Henry Challen, born in Fngland, February, 1839, and Pauline F Peinard born in Germany, February 21, 1849, who is now living with Mr. and Mrs. Croll, the subject of this sketch, her husband, the father of Mrs. Croll, being dead.

335 - MR. AND MRS. GEORGE CROLL

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To Mr. and Mrs. Croll were born four children : Henry Fray, Ada, Igerma and Nellie G.

Mr. Croll and family moved to Paulding county in 1893 and settled upon a farm of 8o acres which is now well improved and has substantial buildings. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, both take an active part in everything that pertains to the church and the advancement of religion as well as the morals of the community and live in their everyday lives what they profess in their church worship.

Mr. Croll is a member of the school board of his township and his connection with the board has been business-like and for the good of the public. He is a Republican in politics and a firm believer in the doctrines and principles of his party. He has served two years as central committeeman and in 1900 was elected to the office of county infirmary director.

JOHN M. GIDEON.

The Gideans have long been prominently identified with the business interests of Paulding county. Their business is extensive and varied being at the present actively engaged in sawmilling, merchandising and farming.

John M. Gideon the subject of this sketch was born November 21, 1848, in Franklin county Ohio. His father was Henry Gideon, who was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania and died in 1868. His mother was Mrs. Lydia Turner whose maiden name was Bevelheimer, who was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, in 1813 and who died in Adams county, Indiana, October 12, 1880.

The subject of this sketch settled in Paulding county

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in 1872. He was united in marriage in Adams county, Indiana, February 9th, 1873, with Miss Mariah E. Steele, who was born January 31, 1857, in Ashland county, Ohio. To them were born Leota A., John W. and Orpha H. Mrs. Gideon died May 3rd, 1886. Mr. Gideon married for his second wife, Mrs. Hannah E. Gideon, his brother's widow whose maiden name was Stephens. She was born in Adams county, Indiana, July To, 1848, and was the daughter of James Stephen, who was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and died May 31st, 1877, and Sarah (McWharter) Stephens, who died January 15, 1879. A branch of the McWharter family moved to West Virginia and became very prominent in state affairs, Henry Clay M. Wharter being now a judge of the Supreme court of the state and his brother, James M., is now a criminal judge and ex-state auditor.

John M. Gideon is one of the leading farmers of Benton township, his farm consisting of 315 acres in an excellent state of cultivation with splendid buildings. He is also engaged in merchandising and saw milling at McGill in Benton township and the owner of 460 acres of timber land in Clay county, Arkansas. He is one of Benton township's foremost business men.

HON. FRANK E. GIDEON.

Farmer, merchant and lumberman, was born April 6, 1852, in Franklin county, Ohio. He is the son of Henry Gideon, who was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, and who died December 17, 1868, and Mrs. Lydia (Turner) Gideon whose maiden name was Bevelheimer, who was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, in 1813, and who died in Adams

339 - HON. FRANK E. GIDEON AND WIFE

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county, Indiana, October 12 1880. The Gideons are of German descent.

May 17, 1872, Mr. Gideon was united in marriage in Adams county, Indiana, with Miss Kate Mumma, who was born in that county April 28, 1854. She is the daughter of David and Annie (Burrell) Mumma, who are both now deceased. To this union were born two children : Rolland V. and Glen G.

In 1872 Mr. Gidean came from Adams county, Indiana, to Paulding county, Ohio, and located in Benton township since which, time he has been thoroughly identified with the business interests of the county. He owns a farm of 315 acres in Benton township under a splendid state of cultivation thoroughly tiled with excellent buildings and everything around presenting a neat and homelike appearance. He also owns in Benton township a sawmill and store at McGill on the Findlay, Ft. Wayne & Western Railway. In Missouri, he owns several thousand acres of timber land upon which he is operating saw mills.

Mr. Gideon had two uncles who served their country during the Civil war.

In politics he is an uncompromising Democrat, but not in the sense of an office seeker. He served one term as a member of the board of education and was his party's choice for the legislature over several strong competitors, but was defeated at the polls, going down with his party. His candidacy cost him few, if any, friends and made him many. He is a stronger man since the people know him better. Mr. Gideon would be one of the strong members of the house should he be elected and one that would reflect credit upon Paulding county. He is one of Paulding county's strongest and most reliable business men and commands respect wherever known.

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HIRAM NOGGLE.

The subject of this sketch, one of the respected farmers of Blue Creek township, was born October 3, 1847, in Shelby county, Ohio, and came to Paulding county in 1893. He was married November 28th, 1884, in Marion county, Ohio, to Rebecca J. Tidd. She was born January 11, 1844, in Lawrence county, Ohio. To this union were born John W., Mary J. and Joseph G. Mr. Noggle's father was John Noggle who was born in Hocking county, Ohio, and who died in Union county, Ohio. His mother was Annie M. (Haines) Noggle, who was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, and who died in Union county. Mrs. Noggle's father was Moses Tidd, deceased. Her mother was Sarah (Golden) Tidd, who was born in Lawrence county, Ohio, and who died in Delaware county, Indiana. He served in Company I, 43 0. V. I., eighteen months, the war closing before his three years' service expired.

His grandfather served in the war of 1812 as was also Mrs. Noggle's grandfather.

Mr. Noggle is a member of the Quaker church and is one of the good citizens of Paulding county.

ELMER E. CRAMER.

The subject of this sketch, tailor, farmer and politician, was born in Scott county, Indiana, September 2, 1863. He is the son of Hon. Simon W. Cramer, ex-legislator of Paulding, who was born in Clark county, Indiana, in 1829, and is now living in Paulding. He served in the Civil war as a member of Company K, 66th regiment. He was taken prisoner at Richmond, Ky., by Kirby Smith and was soon afterward paroled. He took part in the battle of Jonesboro and was with Sherman on his famous march to the sea.

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His mother, Frances L. Fverett, was born in Allen county, Ohio, December 11, 1840, and died in Paulding, Ohio, May 28th 1900.

November 23, 1886, Mr. Cramer was married in Paulding, Ohio, to Miss Henrietta E. Blizzard. She was born March 19th, 1866, in southern Indiana and is a daughter of John M. Blizzard who was born in and who died in and August Cunningham, now living in. Paulding, Ohio, she being a sister of Dr. Cunningham one of the oldest and best known doctors in Paulding county having commenced the practice of his profession in Pauldng county in the early pioneer delays and who is yet a leading physician of the county.

To Mr. and Mrs. Cramer were born Frances A. and Charles C.

Mr. Cramer's father, Hon. Simon W. Cramer, has long been a well known figure in Paulding county politics. The subject of this sketch clerked nearly twelve years for M. C. Powell, of Paulding, Ohio, afterwards he followed farming for five years and is at present owner of a good farm which he keeps well stocked, giving his attention largely to cattle and sheep, the latter of which, aside from those upon his own farm, he has other flocks farmed out upon shares. He is at present in the tailoring business and represents many of the leading tailoring establishments in the United States. In his business he spares no pains in putting out satisfactory work and any statement made by him in regard to goods or fits can be absolutely relied upon. He is a Democrat and takes an active part in party work and in regard to active politics is one of the best informed men in this part of the state and is a power in campaign work. His place of business is on the south side of public square at Paulding, Ohio.

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DAVID C. STEWART.

One of the best known families of Blue Creek township is that of the subject of this sketch, David C. Stewart, known everywhere as "Clint" Stewart. Neighborhood inquiries are apt to be with reference to distance and direction from Clint Stewart.

The subject of this sketch was born in Shelby county, Ohio, January 6th, 1849, and came to Paulding county in the fall of 1879. Mr. Stewart is of Kentucky blood, his father, Hiram Stewart, and his mother, Elizabeth (Hardsock) Stewart, both having been born in that state and both are now deceased.

Mr. Stewart grew to manhood in Shelby county, Ohio, and was married there in Port Jefferson July 12, 1874, Mary S. Coe becoming his wife. She was born in Miami county, Indiana, December 21, 1854. She was the daughter of Dr. Alonzo Coe, a leading physician and surgeon of that county, but who is now deceased, and Anna (Lee) Coe, who was born in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, and now living in Denver; Miami county, Indiana. To this I union were born : Maude, born in Port Jefferson, Shelby county, Ohio, May 27, 1875, and who is now the wife of Mr. R. W. Litzenburg ; Susie, born in Quincy, Champaign county, Ohio, April 15 1877 now the wife of Mr. J. C. Birkhold ; William Harley, who was born in Paulding county, Ohio, September 2*, 1884; Harold, born in Paulding county, January 4, 1891 ; Willie and Harrold are living at home.

Mr. Stewart is of Scotch-Irish blood. His father migrated from Kentucky to Logan county, Ohio, and settled on Brandywine Creek the next year after the Indians were removed to the west. He became on of the substan-

345 - DAVID C. STEWART AND WIFE

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tial farmers of that county. His family consisted of twelve children, four died when small. The rest grew to maturity. Three of the boys became farmers, one a doctor and one is now presiding elder at Westerville, Ohio.

The Stewarts are generally 'large and very powerful men and thrifty in business.

He had two brothers, Daniel and William, and two brothers-in-law, Charter Welch and Philip Hodge in the Civil war.

Mr. Stewart is a thoroughly informed and successful farmer and takes an active part in everything that is of interest to the county. He was elected constable and held the office one year and resigned. He was also school director one term. In politics he is a staunch Republican but not in the sense of an office seeker. He owns a good farm which he successfully operates and keeps well stocked with good stock.

His postoffice address is Worstville, Ohio.

A. W. BATSON.

Of the prominent and well known citizens of Paulding county, the subject of this sketch has long been a leader both in politics and material development of the county and at the present time the senior member of the large and thoroughly modern hardware and implement company with the company name of "A. W. Batson & Son." This company occupies a large, new, up-to-date and well-filled room where you will find everything in the line of hardware and implements that any occupation in our community can use. Here you will be waited upon by hardware men who are competent and will be pleased to show and explain any article or implement in their line. Neither member

347 - A. W. BATSON AND WIFE

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of this firm needs any introduction to the people of this community. A. W. Batson, the immediate subject of this sketch and the senior member of the firm, was born July 29, 1845, in Perry county and came to Paulding county in 1862 and settled in Benton township. He was the son of Thomas Batson, born near Culpeper, C. H., Virginia; and died in Perry county, Ohio, in 1863, and Patsy Jane (Lacy) who was also born in Virginia and who was of that prominent family of Lacys who have been so eminent in the Presbyterian ministry, two of whom have been presidents of the Virginia Synod. She died in 1861 in Perry county, Ohio.

February 22, 1867, Mr. Batson was united in marriage with Miss Nancy C. Plum in Perry county, Ohio, she being the daughter of William and Polly (Anspach) Plum, both deceased. From this marriage there have been born George W., now member of the firm of A. W. Batson & Son ; Cora A., Mary C., Harry G., and Emma L.

When this country was in the throes of a Civil war Mr. Batson was not found wanting in patriotism but enlisted and became a member of Company D, 62 0. V. I., and served as a true soldier about two years in that terrific fighting along the Shenandoah around Richmond and at the surrender of General Lee.

He has been prominent in public affairs, having served nine years as school director, three years as township clerk and four years as county commissioner, and is now a member of the city council of Payne. In both public and private life he has always been active, progressive and energetic. He also owns a farm in Benton township and is vice-president of the Payne Canning & Preserving Company, a company which he was very instrumental in organizing.

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SIMON W. CRAMER.

Simon W. Cramer, son of Levi and Rebecca (Phillips) Cramer, born April 14th, 1838, in Knox county, Ohio, of German descent on the father's side, and Welch on the mother's. The second child in a family of eleven children being the older of seven brothers. Removing with his parents at the age of six years to the then wilds of Allen county, Ohio, being reared on a farm to the age of seventeen, when he became apprenticed to the cabinet trade serving three and a half years as an apprentice boy, receiving for his services the small pittance of $35.09 per year. He remained in the shop one year after completing his apprenticeship doing piece work, at the end of which time he began contracting and building in the counties of Allen, Hardin, Hancock and Putnam until 1881, when he removed to Paulding, Ohio, still following his occupation, that of contractor and builder, until 1895, when he retired from active business life. In 1897 he was nominated and elected to the Ohio legislature on the Democratic ticket the county being strongly Republican. His education was received in the pioneer log school house. During the war he served in Company E, 151 0. V. I. In 1861 Mr. Cramer was united in marriage with Miss Frances Louise Everitt, a beautiful and intelligent young lady of Allen county, Ohio. To this union were born four children : Thomas R., Elmer E., Della E., now the wife of James Richards, and George C., all now living. A sad accident ended Mrs. Cramer's life May loth, 190o. Mr. and Mrs. Cramer are both members of the Christian church.

Mr. Cramer is also a member of the Masonic Fraternity. As a member of the general assembly of Ohio, Mr. Cramer made a brilliant logical and entertaining speech in

350 - SIMON W. CRAMER

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defense of a bill abolishing "Capital Punishment," arguing from the following proposition :

First. That the infliction of death as a punishment for crime is a relict of the laws of revenge and retaliation.

Second. That crime is not lessenedby, and that the protection of society in no way demands the death of the offender.

Third. That the infliction of capital punishment does not deter others by way of example from the commission of crime.

Fourth. That its effect upon society is to debase and blunt the finer sensibilities and thereby increase the disposition for the commissions of crime.

Fifth. That by it one of the legitimate purposes of punishment, the reformation of the criminal, is wholly defeated.

Sixth. That by capital punishment the divine right to life is violated under sanction of the law, the sacred regard for human life destroyed, and many times innocent persons put to death.

Seventh. That by the substitution of imprisonment for life for the death penalty convictions and punishment would be rendered far more certain and thereby crime would be lessened ; all the purposes of punishment be accomplished.

ORIN W. DONART.

Among the popular and successful young lawyers of Paulding, Ohio, Orin W. Donart, the subject of this sketch, holds a prominent place and so far as educational preparation, broad practical experience with the world and its vari-

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ous peoples' and pursuits is concerned few men of his age are so thoroughly schooled.

Born at Wiltshire, Van Wert county, Ohio, September 6th, 1875, he was educated in the public schoo!s of Wiltshire, Ohio, Geneva, Indiana and Mendon, Ohio, after which he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, where he remained two years, completing his course. He then entered Soule College at Murfreesboro. Tennessee, and completed a course in bookkeeping and commercial law after which he studied law at Cumberland University, Lebanon, Tennessee, and graduated in June, 1896, from that old and thorough, southern university with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. After removing to Ohio he was examined by the Supreme court of this state and was admitted to the bar in March, 1897, since which time he has been engaged in the practice of his profession at Paulding and with this thorough educational preparation he is meeting with deserved success in his chosen field of labor.

As a youth his time was not all spent in school and educational pursuits but was interspersed with long seasons of hard practical work on the farm, in the store and as an engineer and miller in his father's flouring mills.

When war was declared and his country called for volunteers and at a time when all indications pointed to a fierce and destructive international contest, the subject of this sketch volunteered his services as a soldier in defense of his country.

The sacrifice as he then saw it was great for he not only expected to follow the fortunes of war wherever they would lead him and for whatever length of time required but he had spent much time and money in preparation for the law and had a young and growing practice which he

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was building up, all of which and even life itself, he stood ready to sacrifice if destiny so decreed, but fortunately the war was of short duration and he was permitted soon to return to the practice of his profession.

He assisted in the organization of Company M of the 2nd Ohio Volunteer infantry, and was mustered into the service of the United States at Columbus, Ohio, June 23rd, 1898, to serve for two years or during the war. He served with his company at Columbus, Ohio, Chicamauga Park, Macon, Georgia, Knoxville, Tennessee, and on detached duty at Cienfuegos, Cuba, under Major John A. Logan. He entered the service as a duty sergeant, but during his enlistment served as acting quartermaster sergeant, drum major, first sergeant and sergeant-major of battalion and was mustered out at Macon, Georgia, February loth, 1899.

During his college life Mr. Donart was prominent in athletics and was a member of the university football team and of the university male quartette, He is a member of the Alpha Tau Omega College Fraternity and of the Independent Order of Red Men and also of the M. E. church. He is a musician of some ability having been a member of the Paulding band for some years past.

The geneology of the Donrat family has not been carefully preserved. His father, George W. Donart, a graduate of Cumberland University, ex-postmaster at Mendon, Ohio, a man of business and affairs was born in Mercer county, Ohio, September 26th, 1848, and is of German descent whose ancestors came from Germany early in the 19th century and settled in Pennsylvania and removed to Mercer county, Ohio, a half century ago. His mother, Celesta Hartzog, was born in Van Wert county, Ohio; March loth, 1856. The Hartzogs came from Germany and settled in Pennsylvania, removing from there to Colum-

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bus, Ohio, in 1830, and afterwards to Van Wert county, Ohio. A number of the Donarts and Hartzogs served with distinction in the war of the Rebellion. Miss Katherine Donart, a sister to the subject of this sketch, is a young lady of unusual musical ability, is a composer of piano, music as well as an accomplished vocalist.

Since coming to Paulding Mr. Donart has not only built up a large clientage but has become one of the popular and widely known young men of the county and is a strong member of the Paulding county bar.

J. CARROLL HEATON, L. L. B.

The subject of this sketch is the very natural product of certain conditions of which he may well feel proud, both parents being of the best blood of old England, a family of literary taste of culture, and of refinement rarely met with in an entire family, born not rich, and lastly his own sturdy thorough going character building.

An American citizen of the present day whose ancestors have been for any great length of time citizens of this country, can hardly be found whose parents have both descended from distinguished members of the British parliament. John C. Heaton is of the same family as Henrikes Heaton, a distinguished member of the present parliament who is also one of the most famous chess players of the world. His mother was a Stranahan (also spelled Strahan.) The Stranahans have been distinguished for generations and it was at the beginning of the Revolutionary war that Benjamin Franklin wrote his historic letter to W. Stranahan (or Strahan) a leader in the English parliament and a great patron of science beginning with "You are a

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member of parliament, and ending with "You and I were long friends. You are now my enemy and I am yours. Benjamin Franklin." Thus was the fast friendship of years broken because of the national strife between the two countries ; a friendship made congenial because of many similarities of character ; both were leaders in an epoch making period in their respective countries ; both were learned in both politics and science and both were great social leaders that formed the center of any gathering of the great ones of earth whether of the scholar the statement or the diplomat.

The immediate ancestor of the subject of this sketch was John Heaton a lawyer of ability and of literary attainments as is characteristic of the Heaton family to an eminent degree. John Heaton was born in Coshocton, county, Ohio, October 31st, 1798. His mother was Frances Stranahan '(or Strahan) who was born near Cleveland, Ohio, in 1832, and now lives in Tiffin, Ohio.

One of the most interesting subjects of thought is the every day life and early character of the child and youth of he who has afterwards become known to fame. Perhaps a still more interesting subject, is the every day life of a family each member of which has achieved success. The children of John and Frances Heaton are C. A. Heaton, M. D., a successful physician and surgeon of McCutcheonville, Ohio, through his practice and good business management, became well to do. His second brother, S. J. Heaton, D. D., one of the leading Methodist ministers of the west, a trustee of Baker University of Baldwin, Kansas, a college of wide reputation and also chairman of the committee of education of the St. Louis conference. His sermons are noted for their scholarship and power. He is also a well known character upon the American lecture

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platform. His accomplishments are varied and his labor is unceasing. He never wearies in well doing. Rev. C. E. Heaton, A. M., Ph. D., located at Harrisonville, Mo., is a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church He was for three years professor of Greek, three years in Marionsville college at Marionville, Mo., and professor of higher mathematics of Farmington Institute, Farmington, Mo. Through overwork he has greatly injured his health and now devotes his entire time to the ministry. His sister is Mary F. (Heaton) Torrey, doctor of pedagogy of Tiffin, Ohio. John C. Heaton, LL. B., the subject of this sketch, a leading and one of the most scholarly' lawyers of Paulding, Ohio. These are the children that Evade up the home and played around the fireside of John and Frances. Heaton and who are a happy commentary on the lives and labors of these good people. It certainly is a family that well deserves notice and will be an inspiration to both parent and children who read this brief sketch.

John Carroll Heaton was born in Seneca county, Ohio, March 29th, 1870, attended the public schools, taught school with success four years, entered college and received the degree of LL. B. and in looking over the field for a place of activity in his chosen profession, decided to locate in Paulding, which he did October loth, 1897, and from the day he located with us he has grown in the estimation of all who know him both as a lawyer and a scholar possessed of those refined traits of character which make the true gentleman and which dispel at once all suspicion of littleness and trickery.

He is at present city solicitor and in the discharge of the business of that office he has received no adverse criticism. He was attorney for and director of the Paulding Electrical Corporation which evidences both his legal and

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business ability. He does a general law practice but makes a specialty of questions in regard to real property.

He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. of which he is Noble Grand and also of Paulding Encampment I 0: 0. F. of which he is at present Chief Patriarch.

Those desiring professional service of a legal nature will find in Mr. Heaton a man thoroughly equipped for the rendition of such service and they will also find in him a man who is strictly honorable in his professional as well as in his private life. He loves his profession in all its varied lines and intricate complications and all his court arguments and legal papers are stamped with literary as well as legal scholarship. Aside from his law library which, when contemplated additions are made, will be one of the best he possesses, a carefully selected private library of the best that is to be found in science, history and fiction in which he devotes very much of the time that he is able to take from the labors of his profession.

In politics, Mr. Heaton is a stirling Republican and stands high in his party the rank and file of which would be pleased to honor and be honored by bestowing upon him anything they have to give.

JUDGE VANCE BRODNIX.

Judge Brodnix, the subject of this sketch, ex-probate judge of Paulding county and one of the leading lawyers of the Paulding bar, was born November 25th, 1859, in Van Wert county, Ohio. He is the 'son of Hon. J. B. Brodnix, a lawyer of broad experience who was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 3, 1832, and served as a private in the 15th 0. V. I. He responded to Governor

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Todd's first call for volunteers and served faithfully aboi three years when he was discharged owing to disability. He is now living in Paulding, Ohio. The judge's moth( was Jennie (Neil) Brodnix, who was born near Gallipoli Galia county, Ohio, and who died November, 1852. M Brodnix, the subject of this sketch, was educated in th union schools of Van Wert and Cincinnati law school an went to Kansas where he was admitted to the bar in that state July, 188o, and came to Paulding county, Ohio, in 1881, and was admitted to the bar by the Supreme tour of the state in 1882.

Mr. Brodnix was united in marriage February 28 1884, with Miss Zoe Z. Ayers, who was born January 18 1864, in Putnam county, Ohio. She is the daughter of Dr Hiram M. Ayers, a well known and successful pioneer doc for of Paulding county who died in 1898. Her mother name was Mary A. Varner, now living n Paulding, Ohio To this union was born Cyril, March 4, 1885, who now a the age of 16 is six feet one-half inch in heighth and weighs 190 pounds, and Kent, born November 5th, 1888

He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. and has held all the offrces in the subordinate lodge and is at present financia secretary. He belongs to the encampment .at Van Wer and the Rebeccas at Paulding. He is also a Knight of Pythias and is in that lodge K. of R. & S. and M. of F He belongs to the Home Guards of America of which he is councilor. He and his wife are valued members of the Christian church.

Judge Brodnix is a man of large and powerful built and great activity. He is an expert sportsman and take: great delight in all games of sport in each of which h( holds a high record. He owns an ideal home out from the

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noise and dust of the town, shaded by trees of primeval growth.

The Brodnix's are of French descent, the original spelling of the name being "Brod de Nix," the spelling of the name indicating aristocratic blood and official position of the family in France.

THOMAS T. ARMSTRONG.

One of the best known families of Paulding county is that of the subject of this sketch, Thomas T. Armstrong and family. They are well and favorably known in all the different professions. Thomas T. Armstrong was born September 2, 1846, in Guernsey county, Ohio, on a farm

and moved to Franklin county in 1853, coming to Paulding county March, 1878. He is the son of Robert H. R. Armstrong, a farmer, born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and died in Franklin county, Ohio, in 1888, at the age of 81 years, and Ann E. Caldwell, born in Allegheny

county, Pennsylvania. She died in 1872.

The name "Armstrong" originated in Scotland sometime in the fifteenth century, the name previously being "Fleming." The King being engaged in a personal encounter in a battle, had his horse killed and in remounting Flemming took the king by the thigh and lifted him bodily into the saddle and for this he was knighted Sir Armstrong by the King. The Armstrong family figure largely in the history of Scotland. The grandfather of the subject of this sketch came to America in 1792. The Caldwell family are prominent in business and political affairs of both West Virginia and Ohio.

February 12, 1864, at the age of seventeen years, Mr.

363 - THOMAS J. ARMSTRONG AND FAMILY

364 REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

Armstrong enlisted and became a Corporal in Co. A, 60th I. V. I. at Hilliard, Ohio. He served in the army of the Potomac and participated in the battles of Wilderness, Ney River (where his regiment charged a bridge and drove a battery away and lost 150 men in 15 minutes). Spottsylvania, North and South Ann, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor (where he was wounded by a gunshot wound in leg) Bottom Ridge, Devil's Half Acre, Hatcher's Run; Weldon R. R., Jerusalem Plank Road, Horse Shoe, Ft. Steedman, assault and capture of Petersburg, pursuit and capture of General Lee at Appomattox Court House. He was wounded in the head while asleep at Petersburg by a minnie ball in which his skull was broken. His regiment in eleven months, lost 505 men (not including sickness) 78 of whom were prisoners. Of fifteen neighboring boys who enlisted when he did, eight were killed and four others were wounded. His four other brothers were in the service and his father being too old for the regular service, enlisted as one of the Squirrel Hunters for the defense of Cincinnati during the raid of Kirby Smith. His son, Ernest, was a private in Company M, Second 0. V. I. during the Spanish American war and is the fifth generation of a direct line of soldiers.

August 25th, 1870, Mr. Armstrong was united in marriage in Franklin county, Ohio, with Miss Susan Van schoyck, who was born on a farm in Franklin county, Ohio, May 16, 1844. She is the daughter of William T. and Elizabeth (Weeden) Vanschoyck. The former was born in Green county, Ohio, and died in Franklin county, Ohio, in 1881. The latter was born in Franklin county, Ohio, and died there in 1883. Mrs. Armstrong's great-great-father, George H. Weeden, was a soldier in the revolutionary war. Her grandfathers on both sides were in the

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war of 1812. To Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong were born three children : Effie A., (who is living at home and who is an interesting writer for the local papers) Ernest F.. (who married Miss Grace W. Phillips and are now living in Hicksville, Ohio, and is a leading insurance and real estate agent), William H., who died in infancy.

Mr. Armstrong is active in many walks of life. He has been a granger since 1872, of which he is Past Master at Columbus. He later joined at Hicksville, Ohio. He is a great advocate of Farmers Institutes. He has been crop reporter for the state and National Department for the past 20 years. He is thoroughly in love with rural life and his home is everything that that word includes. He joined the G. A. R. at Columbus, Ohio, in 1866, and joined the I. Donafin Post at Hicksville, Ohio, and has filled every office of importance in the Post. He was Assistant Department Inspector and District Commander with rank of Brigadied General and at present he is aide on the staff of Gen. Taggart. At the regimental reunion in 1901, his regiment presented him with a beautiful gold-headed cane. He delegate-elect to the National Encampment in 1901 in Cleveland, Ohio. He is a staunch Republican and has at different times. been -chairman of the Republican County Conventions. He is an advocate of pure politics and an anti-saloon man. When he first settled on his present farm in 1878, he went into the woods, and now has his farm most thoroughly improved and tiled and one of the finest systems of waterworks to be found on any farm and everything about his buildings most conveniently arranged.

Mr. Armstrong and family are very active members of the Methodist Episcopal church. His mother's people were Scotch. He has nearly all his life been an officer in the

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church. He and his wife were both school teachers, she teaching 96 months in ten years. They are a family widely known and highly respected.

N. E. PRENTICE.

The name Prentice is of English origin. It is variously spelled as Prentiz, originally in England; Prentice, Prentiss and Prentis in America. The first historic mention of the name in England is Rymer's Fodora, Vol. III., page 730, mentions Thomas Prentiz, A. D. 1318, reign of Edward II., also William de Prentice de Leak England 1341, Pelkinton's "Derbyshire" London, 1789, Vol. II., speaks of Peter Prentiz, member of the House of Commons from Derby 34 and 35 years of the reign of Fdward III., also 1361-2, John Prentiz, a member from Derby and also of Elizabeth Prentise who married the Earl of Ferran. There are numerous other historic mention of the name in England, but the above are sufficient to show the honorable position held by the Prentice family in England. The Prentice family in the United States consisting of several thousand souls is made up of three distinct branches whose ancestors in this country was respectively Henry Prentice "Planter," of Cambridge, Mass., of the Cambridge branch, Valentine Prentis, of Roxberry, Connecticut, of the Roxbury branch and Captain Thomas, the "trooper," of Newton, Mass., of the Newton branch. The latter, Captain Thomas, the trooper, or the Newton branch, is the one in whom we are especially interested, he being the paternal grandfather eight generations back of the present subject of this sketch, Mr. N. E. Prentice, of Payne, Ohio.

Capt. Thomas Prentice was born in England in 1621,

367 - N. E. PRENTICE

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and is supposed to have served tinder Lieutenant-Colonel Harlakenden in Cromwell's army. The earliest notice of Captain Thomas Prentice in America is in 1636, is on the records of the First Church (now the Shepard church) of Cambridge, Mass. The First church was previously that •of the Rev. Thomas Hooper before his emigration to Hartford, Connecticut. It is recorded in the Colonial records, "He and his troops of horse were a terror to the Indians by his sudden attacks and impetuous charges." His son, Thomas Prentice, Jr., married the daughter of Captain Thomas Stanton, the famous Indian interpreter. The third in descent was Samuel Prentice, Sr., who owned a large track of land in Stenington, Connecticut before 1700. Most of the land remains in the family handed down by inheritance from one generation to another. The old house is still standing, a substantial two-story dwelling. The fourth generation from the captain is Joseph Prentice who removed to Worthington, Mass., where he died in 1791. The fifth Manassah Prentice, Sr., resided in Prestoh, Connecticut. Sixth Manassah, Jr., removed to Cazenovia, New York, about 1800, and was a captain of militia in the war of 1812, and died of camp fever while in the service at Sacketts Harbor, New York. Seventh, Levi Prentice, who died on a farm in Margaretta township, Erie county, Ohio, April 12, 1834. Eighth, Nelson Epraim Prentice, the subject of this sketch, was born July 6th, 1832, in Margaretta township, Erie county, Ohio. He was raised upon a farm and after growing to manhood followed successfully the occupations of farming and bee raising. He was educated in the country schools and in the Academy of Norwalk, Ohio. April 18th, 1855, Mr.Prentice was united in marriage with Miss Emily Wadsworth, a school mate and a relative to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the poet. She was born

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June 17th, 1836, in Avon Springs, New York. Her father was Richard Wadsworth, born at Farmington, Connecticut, near the Charter Oak, they being relatives of Captain Wadsworth, who stole the charter of the colony and hid it in the hollow of the oak since famous as the Charter Oak. Her mother was Susan Barnes, who died in 1854, in Margaretta township, Erie county, Ohio. Her father's family were very successful and extensive farmers, owning a farm of 400 acres in Erie county. They were a family of very honorable people and prominent in the business and social affairs of the county. She had two borthers in the civil war, Captain D. C. Wadsworth, of Company C, 24th 0. V. I., who was killed in the battle of Chickamauga on the 16th of December, 1863. The other brother, W. H. Wadsworth was taken prisoner at the battle of Stone River and sent to Libby prison where he was so reduced that when he was exchanged he came home and died. He was a private in Company F, 49th 0. V. I., Col. Gibson's regiment. Her grandfather, Gen. Wadsworth, was a general m the revolutionary war. His grandfather on his mother's side, Ebenezer Hartwell, was one of the pioneers of Erie county, and settled in Erie county in 1813, and the first white child born in Margaretta township was his daughter. He came from Vermont.

To Mr. and Mrs. Prentice were born Emma (wife of John Lee, of Grover Hill, 0.), Kate Cooper (wife of Homer Ward, of Milton Center, 0., a hardware merchant), Nelson Dearborn (living on a farm near Grover Hill, Ohio), Eudora May (wife of Thomas Ainslie, living at Batson, Ohio, a farmer), Maggie Wadsworth (wife of Elijah Witter, a farmer of Castalia, Ohio), Nettie Sophia (wife of W. B. *piece, a druggist of Payne, Ohio).

Mr. Prentice has been a. very important factor in the

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business affairs of the county. He with Messrs. J. K. Barnes and Edwin Cowell organized in October, 1881, the N. E. Prentice & Co., bucket factory. They removed to Payne, Ohio, in November, 1881, and commenced cutting staves in February, 1882, and continued in business until 1891. They employed about twenty men. Mr. Barnes withdrew from the business in 1885. Their product was about ten carloads per month. He was also a member of the Benton Hoop & Lumber Company, located at Batson, Ohio. They employed about fifty hands and made about 30,000 hoops a day.

Mr. Prentice has been and is at the present time largely interested in real estate and other properties located at various places, one of which is the Welcome Drug Store at Payne, Ohio, where will be found the best stock of drugs and druggists sundries in Paulding county, managed by his son- in-law and daughter, two graduates of a Pharmaceutical College, and fully competent to fill any prescription that may be presented.

Mr. Prentice joined the Masonic Order in 1863, while in the army, he having joined June 25th, 1863, as a private in Company M, 1st Ohio Heavy Artillery, at Sandusky, Ohio, and was mustered out as first lieutenant at Knoxsville, Tennessee, August, 1865, his company being a part of the Army of the Tennessee under Gen. Schofield.

He is at present treasurer of the Masonic Lodge at Payne, and has been ever since its organization. He is a member of the G. A. R. He and family are substantial arid benevolent members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Payne and he has been the church treasurer for a number of years.

Mr. Prentice is a Prohibitionist in politics but is a business man and not a politician.

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Mr. Prentice and family stand high in the esteem of 'their host of friends.

DR. LEROY FAST.

Dr. Le Roy Fast, the leading physician and surgeon of Paulding county, Ohio, was born near Celina, Mercer county, Ohio, September 3rd, 1867. He is a son of Philip and Mary (Kiser) Fast, prominent farmers and pioneer settlers of Mercer county, Ohio, having been born in Franklin county, Ohio. The grandfather of the subject of this sketch, Abraham Fast, removed to Mercer county in 1837, when Northwestern Ohio was generally a primeval wilderness. He was a typical pioneer, sturdy, industrious, a hale fellow and a great lover of music, and many an evening the neighbors gathered at the home of this thrifty pioneer and were entertained with the music of the violin, the fife, the bass viol and the drum. He was a true patriot, being too old

to enlist as a soldier, he fifed for the boys as far as Lima and

Piqua and had three sons who served their country faithfully in the union army. The Fasts are of German descent and many of them have become eminent in theology Law and medicine and one a congressman from the Wheeling. West Virginia, district and W. S. Fast, of Wisconsin, an historian and Rev. Jacob Fast, late instructor of Greek in the German Lutheran College at Lima, Ohio, he being a son of Ephraim Fast, the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, who was captured in Western Pennsylvania by the Wyandot Indians and carried into Western Ohio and held captive three years and was present at the burning of Col. Crawford at the stake at Upper Sandusky, Ohio. After three year of captivity, he made his escape. There is a monument 30

372 - DR. LEROY FAST

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feet high at Ashland, Ohio, erected to his memory. His paternal grandmother was Sarah Gardner, of Pennsylvanian descent, Yorktown, Pennsylvania, being built on a part of the Ginter estate. The grandfather of the subject of this sketch, Abraham Fast, ha a family of mne boys and one girl. His son, the father of Dr. Fast, ha five sons and four daughters, all living and all in prosperous circumstances. His mother, Mary F. Kiser, was the daughter of one of the most successful of Mercer county's farmers, who lived to the dvanced age of 79 years, a loved and respected citizen.

Dr. Fast's life has been earnest, energetic and eventful. Reared upon a farm, his boyhood was quiet, modest and studious, being given entirely to preparation for something useful in the future. His spare moments in childhood were spent in study rather than the haunts of the neighborhood boys. His early life is now distinctly reflected in his quiet, gentlemanly tastes and habits. His early education was obtained in the country schools, the high school at Celina, Ohio, the Portland Normal school, completing the commercial course, afterwards the scientific and classical courses, at the same school and availing himself of his advanced standing, he completed the medical course at the Northwestern Normal in 1891, and during. the year was demonstrator of Anatomy. In the years 1897 and 1898 he completed the medical course at St. Louis, Mo., and took a post graduate course at New York city in 1901 on diseases of the rectum. In the meantime, he taught school in both college and country and was Professor at Northwestern Normal College at Coldwater, Ohio.

June 5th, 1890, Dr. Fast was united in marriage with Miss Ella Thompson whose sketch appears on the following page. To them were born two children, Edith Francis and Bernice Ella.

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Dr. Fast's reputation extends beyond the limits of his own county and his name is frequently found upon the programs of the Medical Association. A paper read by him before the meeting of the Association at Fmdlay, Ohio, elicited much favorable comment from the most learned of the city practitioners. He is also a contributor to the Medical Brief.

Aside from his general practice, the doctor is a specialist on Genita Urinary Surgery and surgery of the rectum. In surgery, his reputation is very high. His offices and residence are an ornament to the town of Paulding, Ohio. He and family are members of the M. E. church, also of the L 0. 0. F., and K. of P. and in the Encampment he holds the office of high priest. He is ex-secretary of the Paulding county Medical Association and a member of the Northwestern Association of the state and a member of the American Medical Association and Cherurgical Association.

The doctor is thoroughly equipped for his profession and has been the leading physician of Paulding since 1891.

CHARLES A. BISSELL.

The pioneer grain dealer of Antwerp, Ohio, was born in Steuben county, New York, February 15, 1859. He is the son of Aaron Bissell, who was born in Watertown, New York, July 29, 1827. He followed the business of lumbering and farming, and Ellenor (DuVall) who was born near Corning, New York, in 1833. They are both living in Crane township, Paulding county, Ohio.

April 5th, 1880, Mr. Bissell was united in marriage in Antwerp, Ohio, with Miss Rosetta Tryon, who was born near Bedford, Ohio, March 13th, 1857, and is the daughter

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of Jesse and Ruth (Gibson) Tryon, the former was in Hartford, Connecticut, September 17^th, 1819, thee latter at Lumberton, New Jersey, April 14, 1817. Both are deceased. The Tryons are an old and historic family of the same family as General Tryon of the Revolutionary war.

To Mr. and Mrs. Bissell were born Claude C. and Edna G.

The Bissells are of French descent and settled in New York in an early day.

Mr. Bissell is now engaged in the grain and live stock business in Antwerp, Ohio, in which business his experience is broad, extending through a period of 16 years. Previous to going into the grain and stock business he followed farming and school teaching, having taught six terms, after which he went into the store of the Antwerp Stave Company and after two and a half years, he settled up their business and went with one of the partners, Mr. B. J. White, with whom he stayed until he went into the elevator and live stock business at which business he continues up to the present time, the firm being first "Fleck, Chester & Bissell," then "Fleck, Ely & Bissell," then "Ely & Bissell," and now a stock company, styled "The People's Elevator Company," of which he

the' superintendent. In his different vocations of life he has been noted for strict honesty and courteous treatment of everybody. He is in politics a Republican and has held the. offices of township trustee and member of the village council. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. and National Union, an insurance company.

Mrs. Bissell is an active and an influential member of the Presbyterian church. They are wed known throughout the county and held in high esteem everywhere.

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HON. ALFRED N. WILCOX.

The subject of this sketch, one of the leading lawyers of Northwestern Ohio, was born March 9th, 1864, in Ashland, County, Ohio. He is the son of Rev. James M. Wilcox, of the Methodist Episcopal church who was born in New York state and died in Paulding county, Ohio, in 1898; and Delia (Travis) Wilcox, who was born in Wakeman, Ohio, and who is now living in Paulding county, Ohio.

His paternal grandfather and grandmother, were of Puritan descent and came from Connecticut. His maternal grandfather Travis was a Yankee and his maternal grandmother was a McFall of Scotch-Irish blood.

The subject of this sketch has been twice married, his first wife being Miss Annie M. Ice (deceased) daughter of Captain Joseph Ice and grand-daughter of Judge A. S. Latty who for twenty years ably filled the office of Common Pleas Judge in this judicial district. His second wife Miss Ruth Barnes, with whom he was married in 1899, at Paulding, Ohio. born in Medina county, Ohio, November 9th, 1879, and is the daughter of Mr. E. E. Barnes, a well known and prosperous farmer of Jackson township.. To them was born Erwin Marshall. Alfred N. Wilrox attended school two years at Oberdin, Ohio, after which he taught school and studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1891, since which time he has "practiced his profession with success at Paulding, Ohio, now being one of the foremost lawyers of the Paulding bar with a law library that would be a credit to any office.

Mr. Wilcox at the opening of .the war between Spain and the United States, took a leading part in the organization of Co. M at Paulding and upon its organization was elected first lieutenant. His grandfather, Thomas Wilcox, was a

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soldier in the war of 1812, and died at the advanced age of 98 years. His first wife's father was Captain of Company G in the 68th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

Mr. Wilcox's acquaintanceship is large. He was a candidate for congress in the fifth congressional district in 1898. The majority of the two years previous was reduced nearly 2,30o. He is a member of the I. O. 0. F. and F. & A. M. orders. He and his wife are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Paulding.

Mr. Wilcox, in his intercourse with the people, is free and unassuming. There is not a bit of cant or ostentation in his character. He is always just what he is. In his practice which is general, he is careful and painstaking, always careful of the interests of his clients.

OLIVER P. BAILEY

Among the prominent and successful farmers in Paulding county, very few stand as high as the subject of this sketch, Mr. Oliver P. Bailey, the present Ditch Supervisors of Paulding township, who was born at Faton, Preble county, Ohio, January 5th, 1861, from which place he moved to Darke county, Ohio, in 1882, and from there to Paulding county, Ohio, August, 1888, and moved upon his present farm which he has, through his good management and hard labor, cleared and improved and upon which he has erected good buildings until he has made for himself one of Paulding county's best improved farms. His parents were John I. and Mary A. (Lehmar) Bailey. His father was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, January 23rd, 1807, and died in Preble county, Ohio, March 9th, 1878. He was a faithful member of the Christian church for more than forty years,

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of which church he held the office of Deacon. His mother, Mary A. Bailey, is now living in Preble county. They were prosperous farmers, owning a farm of 166 acres and were people well known and highly respected.

Mr. Bailey, the subject of this sketch, was united in marriage in Darke county, Ohio, November 8th, 1883, with Miss Addie Stump, who was born January 23, 1864, in Darke county Ohio. Her father was David Stump, a prominent farmer of Darke county, Ohio, who was born in Pennsylvania, and who is now living in Darke county, Ohio. Her mother, Rebecca (Smith) Stump, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, and is now living in Darke county, Ohio.

To Mr. and Mrs. Bailey were born James E. (October 25, 1884) ,Ora B. (May 24, 1887), William H. (June 8, 1889), ReRoy (September 4, 1892), and Hazel M. (October 8, 1894).

Mr. Bailey had a brother, William, who served through the entire civil war.

The Baileys came, originally, from Ireland, in which country they were a historic family, Bailey Castle being one of the well known castles of the island. He and his wife are leading members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Latty, Ohio, of which church he is trustee and was also president of the building committee of the church. He is a member of the Kmghts of Pythias at Laity, Ohio, of which he has passed the chairs. He held the office of township trustee two terms, president of the school board, special district of Latty and is at present ditch supervisor of Paulding township. In politics, he is a Republican and a strong member of his party.

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LAFAYETTF PAULUS.

Lafayette Paulus, farmer, stockman and undertaker, was born in Darke county, Ohio, February 1o, 1861, of parents Henry Paulus born in Preble county, Ohio, May 31st, 1833, and died in Paulding county, Ohio, March 17, 1897, and Mary C. Bope, who was born in Germany and is now living on the homestead near Brictton, Ohio. They were widely known, respected and substantial citizens, their farm beings thoroughly improved with good modern buildings, and one of the best in the community.

The subject of this sketch came with his parents to Paulding county in 1871 and is familiar with all the privations and hardships, as well as the pleasures of a pioneer life. He was united in marriage with Miss Lydia A., daughter of Levi and Elizabeth (Klingler) Aunspach, prominent farmers of Paulding township. To Mr. and Mrs. Paulus were born the following children : Arthur C., Edna, Lela and Esther.

Mr. Paulus is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. He and his family are members of the Lutheran church. He was constable four years, a member of the school board and is now president of the township board. He was a director of the Paulding County Agricultural Society four years and is now ( 1wo) president of the society. He has been a member of the Paulding County Farmers' Institute and was president of the society two years.

Mr. Paulus has a fine farm of one hundred acres and a pleasant home located near Briceton, Ohio, where he and his family always extend a hospitable greeting to their hosts of friends. He is a breeder of fine stock both hogs and short horn cattle and is also owner and proprietor of a thoroughly up-to-date undertaker's establishment located upon his farm.

383 - LAFAYETTE PAULUS

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HENRY HYMAN.

Mr. Talmage, in one of his sermons on emigration, used the following : "German brain, Irish wit, French civility, ,Scotch love of country and English loyalty, all combined into one man and he an American." The typical German has other characteristics fully as distinctive of the race as brain, among which are energy, force of character, thrift, business ;sagacity and sociability. Mr. Hyman, the subject of this sketch, is in these different traits of character, a typical representative of the German race. He was born in Kaltenhalshousan, Germany, April 6th, 1846. He is the son of William C. and Margaret (Opperman) Hyman, both born in Germany and both of families of prominence in the "Fatherland." They came to this country in 1852 and settled near Bellevue, Huron county, Ohio, and with that business, energy and thrift that is so characteristic of the Hyman family, they soon placed themselves in the front rank of the successful and progressive farmers of the county. Mr. Hyman, the subject of this sketch, is therefore thoroughly familiar with all the details of successful farming.

August 30th, 1870, Mr. Hyman was united in marriage in Wyandot county, Ohio, with Miss Caroline Schonebarger, who was born in Wyandot county, July 27th, 1851. She was a daughter of George and Caroline (Long) Schonebarger, both of German blood and both died in Wyandot county, Ohio. The Schonebargers were a thrifty people and were extensive and successful farmers.

To Mr. and Mrs. Hyman were born Carolme (deceased), 'Charles E.; Harry W., Ralph S., Noble C. and Clarence H.

In 1882, Henry Hyman commenced business in Paulding county and moved to the county in 1884. Since 1882, his

385 - HENRY HYMAN

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business interests in this county have been varied, extensive and successfully managed. In fact, there is no enterprise in his town or community that does not, in some way, feel the business genius of Mr. Hyman. His principal business is that of timbering and banking. The amount of staves and heading he has manufactured is very large. He also owns and operates a factory at Lakeview, this state. In conversation with a gentleman familiar with the county in regard to the business ability of the business men of Paulding county he made this remark : "In my opinion Henry Hyman is one of the very best business men Paulding county ever had." In his banking business, he has been known to extend personal accommodations far beyond what the rigid rules of the business would warrant ; yet which, in the end, proved that his judgment of the man and his situation was correct. To illustrate by an example told the writer by the man assisted by Mr. Hyman. This gentleman was a farmer and ditch contractor, who, through unfavorable conditions in contract work, lost everything he had. He sought relief at different places, even his own brother, and was refused. He then arranged his affairs to take a night train for the Pacific Coast, and upon the night of his intended departure, concluded to make a full statement to Mr. Hyman, which he did and as a result, he is today one of our prosperous farmers. To say he is a friend of his would be a mild statement.

Mr. Hyman has been a member of the school board, corporation treasurer and county treasurer, in each of which positions he has been a business-like official. He and his family are influential and substantial members of the Reformed church. He is a member of the K. of P. Lodge No.

377, at Payne, Ohio.

387- PAULDING COUNTY, OHIO.

WILLIAM DALLAS GRAHAM.

The subject of this sketch, one of Paulding county's most energetic and successful farmers, was born January 23rd, 1845, in Warren county, Ohio. He is the son of James Graham, who was born in Warren county, Ohio, November I 1, 18o7, and died in the county of his birth after a residence there of 87 years. He was one of the foremost farmers of Warren county. His farm being known over the entire county for its neatness and thrifty management. His father was William Graham who was born in Ireland and emigrated to America with his parents William and Sarah Graham when two years of age and located in Pennsylvania in 1760, where his father died two days after they landed. His mother died in Warren county, Ohio, in 1823, at the extreme age of 101 years. William was raised in Pennsylvania and at the age of 18 years was drafted and served 'as a soldier in the Revolution in 1795. He emigrated to Kentucky and at the early pioneer days of 1798, he emigrated to Warren county, Ohio, and located at Deerfield in 1799. He was married to Phebe Frazee and in 1800 they located in Clear Creek township upon a farm, Section 28, of that township. He lived to the age of 75 years and she to the age of 100. They enjoyed an unbroken union of 56 years and were the parents of twelve children ; all lived to a ripe old age and highly respected. Their son, James, the father of the subject of this sketch, married Caroline Stokes in 1833, it Warren county, Ohio. The Stokes family was one of the most influential of Warren county's list of eminent citizens Granville eminent as a lawyer, William as a doctor and botl senators, Franklin eminent as a writer and editor, and Jarvis and Benjamin eminent bankers and financiers. The father of these children, William Stokes, was born in Burlington

388 - WILLIAM DALLAS GRAHAM

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county, New Jersey, January 14th, 1779, being the fourth child and the second of eight sons of a family of sixteen, his parents being Jarvs and Hannah (Rogers) Stokes. In his twentieth year, on April 8th, 1798, he married Hannah Hatcher of the same county, who was born August I 1, 1775, and settled and resided in Burlington county until May, 1817, being a wheel-rght by trade, and engaged in the manufacture of wagons. With nine children, he left New Jersey and in May, 1817, in a train composed of the ordinary road lumber wagons loaded with mover's outfit and after a journey of nearly two months' duration, arrived in Lebanon, Warren county, Ohio, July 4th, 1818. The trip, occurring nearly a century ago, was a trip beyond our full comprehension, both in the laboriousness of the journey and in the condition of the country passed through. Arriving in Warren county, he moved upon a farm one and one half miles south of Lebanon and established one of Warren's most noted and successful pioneer families.

Mr. Graham is a descendent of true pioneers. His grandfather Graham came from Kentucky and passed through Cincinnati when there were only a few block houses there and settled in Warren county long before Lebanon was laid out and became one of the very first farmers of Warren county. He died at the age of 103 years, 3 months and 3 days. The families of both parents of the subject of this sketch, the Graham and Stokes, are noted for their vigor and strength of character, their respectability and thrift.

W. D. Graham, in his earlier life, was of a. restless roving disposition and visited many of the states of the union and can relate many experiences of interest on the western plains and among the Indians when much of the central west was sparsely settled. He came to Paulding county in 1888

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from Darke county, Ohio, where he had lived and married on Christmas day, 188o, Miss Jennie Ludy, who was born January 7th, 1859, in that county. She was the daughter of Daniel Ludy who was born in Maryland in 1816, and who followed in Darke county the profession of school teaching, farming and merchandising. Her mother was Magdelene Warrenfelt, who died in Darke county, Ohio.

To Mr. and Mrs. Graham were born Bessie A. (one of Paulding county's successful school teachers), Ethel (deceased), Susie C., Jesse and Stanley Bryan.

Mr. Graham, during the war, gave his services to his country as a private in Co. A, 146th 0. V. I. and is a member of the G. A. R. He has held the office of assessor a couple terms. He is a Democrat from the beginning. He took a commercial course in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and for a while taught penmanship. He owns a good farm especially well drained, with good buildings.

Mr. Graham and family are among Paulding county's very best citizens.

B. F. BLANK.

The subject of this brief biography and one of the progressive and successful farmers of Blue Creek township, was born June 20th, 1852, in Auglaize county, Ohio, and came to Paulding county and settled upon his present farm February 6, 1881. He is the son of Peter Blank, who was born in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, May 7th, 1822, and who is now living in Auglaize county, Ohio, where he owns a farm of 154 acres under successful and profitable cultivation. His mother was Elizabeth Noaker, of Auglaize county, Ohio.

391 - B. F. BLANK AND WIFE

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Mr. Blank was united in marriage October 20, 1872, in Auglaize county, Ohio, with Miss Lauretta A. Hobbs, who was born in Auglaize county, Ohio, September 2nd, 1854. She is the daughter of Allen Hobbs now deceased and Elizabeth (Speers) Hobbs, of Auglaize county, Ohio.

To Mr. and Mrs. Blank have been born eight children. William A., Mary E., Clyde E., Effie M., Ida C., Peter, Dottie B. and Chloe, all living. Mr. Blank is the owner of a farm of 120 acres upon which he has just built a commodious and modern residence costing him about one thousand dollars.

He is one of the substantial citizens of his township and was township clerk two terms. His address is Tipton. Ohio.

L. J. FORNEY,

L. J. Forney, the subject of this sketch, the present postmaster of Charloe, and general merchant and genial gentleman, has long been a resident of Paulding county, his father being the pioneer miller of the county, located at Junction, Paulding county. They are a family who came from the eastern part of the state and include many people of prominence, including a superintendent of schools of Wheeling, W. Va. Mr. Forney has for years been the postmaster of Charloe, the old county seat town, and, in fact, although a young man, is the oldest postmaster in the county in regard to years of service, having held the office under two different political parties. In his business he keeps on hand a well selected and well assorted stock of general merchandise and holds the trade of a large section of the country. He is a genial and careful merchant, with whom it is both safe and pleasant to trade. He has recently

393 - L. J. FORNEY AND WIFE

394 REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

erected a beautiful residence on one of the most picturesque and historical spots in the county, commanding one of the most beautiful river scenes. Mr. Forney has been twice married, his present wife being from the eastern part of the state, and from one of the good families. She is a lady of refinement, adding many graces to a lovely home. Mr. Forney and family are widely and favorably known and are of Paulding county's very best citizens.

A. H. NICHOLS.

A. H. Nichols, one of the prominent and representative citizens of Paulding county, and a gentleman of sterling character, is entirely responsible for his own success, even from boyhood. He is of Virginia blood and through his veins courses the blood of too many of the prominent families of that state to be even enumerated in a sketch of the present length. He has a carefully constructed "family tree," which connects him with that splendid race, who have all intermarried, known as the First Families of Virginia. This is one of the best products of manhood that the world has ever seen : The Washingtons, the Lees, the Jacksons, the Jeffersons, the Madisons, the Tylers. These, together with the innumerable list, are true gentlemen, magnificent manhood to the "Manor born." Mr. Nichols has all his life been a man of industry and has by his own efforts made for himself a comfortable home and reared and educated a family and given them all the comforts of life. When he came to the county he located in the woods and has cleared and improved his farm and has placed himself in comfortable circumstances. He has held the offices of School Director and Justice of the Peace. He is prominent in

395A - H. NICHOLS

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every move that has been made of late years for the betterment of his community and that was for the farmers' interest. He is thoroughly informed on all phases of his profession and the needs of his community, His acquaintance is large and the circle of his friends extends over much of the state.

L. S. GORDON,

Of the firm of Gordon Brothers, and also a member of the Antwerp Hub and Spoke Company, is one of the popular and enterprising citizens of Carryall township. He was born in Orange county, New York, April 7th, 1835, the second son of Thomas and Sarah J. (Smith) Gordon, both natives of New York, and of Scotch-Irish parentage, members of the family being prominent in colonial times, The paternal grandfather, Samuel Gordon, was a farmer by occupation and served in the Revolutionary war, crossing the Delaware with General Washington. He experienced all the hardships of pioneer life, and died at the advanced age of ninety-three years. Thomas Gordon was the youngest of a family of eight sons and three daughters, and was reared on the farm, learning the carpenter and joiner's trade, which he followed through life. He was born in 1804; and died at the age of seventy-two years. When a young man he married a Miss Smith, who was born in 1807. She is still living, at the age of eighty-four years, in Antwerp, Ohio, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Gordon were the parents of eight children, all of whom survive, with the exception of one. The father came west to join his children in 1874, but died two years later. He was an old-time Whig, end later an ardent Republican. With his worthy wife he

397 - L. S. GORDON

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belonged to the Presbyterian church. L. S. Gordon, the immediate subject of this sketch, was educated in the common schools and at the Neversink seminary of New York. He began his business career as a clerk in a hardware store, and here remained for two years. In 1855 he came west, and for one year acted as clerk in the county offices of Paulding. In the fall of 1856 be commenced teaching a common school, and he taught successfully for three years, and then was nominated on the Republican ticket of the county for the office of County Recorder. He was elected and took charge of the office January 1st, 1860, being reelected In 1862. In October, 1865, Mr. Gordon was elected to the office of County Treasurer, and re-elected in 1867, resigning the position in 1869, to make the race for County. Auditor. He was defeated by thirteen votes. On April 8th, 1870, he was commissioned Probate Judge, to fill a vacancy of seven months. Subsequently, in February, 1871, Mr. Gordon moved to Antwerp to take charge of a hardware store, which he had previously started in connection with his brother, Harry H. Gordon. Since then these gentlemen have been successfully engaged in business for over a period of twenty-one years. In July, 1859, Mr. Gordon, having read law for two years under the supervision of Col. John S. Snook, was admitted to the bar by Judge Sutliff. He practiced but little while engaged in the official duties of Paulding county, and since locating at Antwerp has acted as counselor on various occasions, though not being actively engaged in the work of his profession. He has held a notary's commission since 1861. Mr. Gordon takes a lively interest in all that tends toward the improvement of his town and county, and is liberal with his means. He is an ardent advocate of the present school system whereby the masses may be educated. Mr. Gordon was nominated by the Re-

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publican party as the representative of Defiance and Paulding counties, in 1881; and overcame a Democratic majority of 1,350 by 349. He did active service for his constituents and acquitted himself with honor. His first vote was cast for President John C. Fremont, in 1856, and since that date he has always supported the Republican ticket. Mr. Gordon was married, February 9th, 1860, to Miss Margaret Voreis, a native of Crawford county, born in July, 1842. Her parents were Peter D. and Margaret (Luke) Voreis, natives of New jersey, and of Holland-Dutch extraction. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon are widely and favorably known, and are now enjoying the fruits of a well spent life. In 1888 Mr. Gordon was elected as presidential elector from the Sixth Congressional district and was formerly instrumental in forming the new district, being appointed on the redistricting committee in the Sixty-fifth General Assembly of Ohio. He has long been one of the influential and prominent citizens of Paulding county, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him.

FLOYD ATWILL,

A real estate and insurance agent of Paulding, was born in Harrisonburg, Rockingham county, Virginia, September 24. 1861, the son of James R. and Lucy (Bullard) Atwill, natives of the Old Dominion. He attended the St. Paul Episcopal school of Baltimore, Md., for a time, and at the age of thirteen years began life as a newsboy in Baltimore. Subsequently he entered the employ of Horace Abbott & Son, of Baltimore, as an office boy, for three years, and then as assistant bookkeeper in the Abbott Iron Company. March 3oth, 1881, he accepted a position as bookkeeper for the Paulding Iron Company, and re-

400 - FLOYD ATWILL

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mained with them for four years. He was the deputy auditor in 1885, sand the same year was appointed postmaster at Cecil to serve until 1887. Returning to Paulding in 1887, as deputy clerk, he established his present ''business, in which he has been successful. Mr. Atwill represents the Firemen's Fund, of San. Francisco ; Pennsylvania Insurance Company, of Philadelphia ; the North American Insurance Company, the, Northern Insurance Company, of London, Eng. ; the Glen Falls Company, of Glen Falls, N. Y. ; the Columbia Insurance. Company, of Dayton ; Amazon Insurance Company, of Cincinnati, Ohio ; the Lancashire Insurance Company, of Manchester, Eng., and the Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company. Politically, Mr. Atwill is a Democrat, and fraternally belongs to the Paulding lodge, K. of P., No. 270, also the Paulding council, National Umon. Miss Helen, the daughter of Joseph Ice, of Paulding, became the wife of Mr. Atwill in 1884.

THOMAS B. HOLLAND,

Attorney, one of the leading members of the bar of Paulding county, is the subject of this biography. He was born March 1st, 1845, in Allen county, Ohio, and is the son of B. A. and Lydia (Osborn) Holland. He received his early education in the public_ schools and graduated from the high school of Lima, Ohio. He read law with Judge Charles M. Hughes, of Lima, Ohio, and was admitted to the bar of Ohio by the supreme court on August 14, 1869, and commenced the practice of law at Ada, Ohio, in 1870. In 1874 he came to Paulding, where he has since been in the active practice of his profession. Mr. Holland was elected County Prosecutor in 1875, and filled the office until

402 - THOMAS B. HOLLAND

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1877. In 1861 he enlisted in the Thirty-second Ohio Volunteer. Infantry, and was discharged for sickness. In 1862 he enlisted in the Fourteenth Missouri Volunteer Infantry and was again discharged for sickness. In November of the same year he joined the One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was wounded in the shoulder and hand, and was discharged, by order of the war department, to accept the commission of a second lieutenant in the One Hundred Eightieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He commanded his company until the close of the war, and was discharged July 1st, 1865. Mr. Holland was married, September 24th, 1871, to Miss Mary D., a daughter of David Scott and by this union they are the parents of three children : Charles B., Maud R. and James C. Politically, our subject is a Democrat, and a leading spirit in his party. He is a member of Paulding lodge, No. 577, I. O. 0. F., and Paulding lodge, No. 270 K. of P.