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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 725 W. De Weese, Mrs. Mary Ellen De Weese, who died in February, 1911; and the third marriage was to Lucy Mowen, and they n0w reside at Sidney. Wyant A. De Weese completed the common school course and then entered the Normal School at Ada, 0., where he prepared for the profession of teaching, receiving his first certificate from A. B. C. Hitchcock. Since 1866 he has spent a part of every year in the educational field, mainly in Shelby county but also in Logan county, and in every neighborhood he finds a friendly welcome from some who have, at one time or another, profited under his instruction. On February 14, 1897, Mr. De Weese was married t0 Miss Marilla Gearhart, a daughter of Anthony and Elizabeth A. (Burditt) Gearhart. They were Ohio people and the father of Mrs. De Weese was born in Miami county and the mother in Hancock county. The latter resides in the home of Mr. and Mrs. De Weese, the father having died some years since. They had two children : Marina and George L., the latter of whom owns eighty-four acres of excellent land in Perry township. Mrs. De Weese is a member 0f the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically he is a stanch democrat, as is his father, and he has served two terms as township trustee and on many occasions has been chosen as an official of educational organizations. His only fraternal connection is with the Knights 0f Pythias at Quincy. SAMUEL MILLER, whose three tracts of land, all lying in Perry township, aggregate 170 acres, is one of the well known and representative men of this section and belongs to an old and respected Ohio family. He was born in Perry township, Shelby county, August 26, 1850, and is a son of Henry R. and Catherine (Beasley) Miller. Henry R. Miller and wife came to Perry township, from near Springfield, 0., where they had married. During his early married life he followed the blacksmith trade but afterward became a farmer and both he and wife died here and their burial was at Cedar Point. They hail three children : Samuel; John; and Mary, who. is the wife of John Doren. Samuel Miller attended the district schools in boyhood and then gave his father assistance on the home farm until his own marriage at the age of twenty-two years. After that event he rented farm land for over twelve years and then purchased the T00-tract on which his son Charles now resides. He inherited sixty acres from his father and subsequently purchased twenty additional acres. His land is devoted to general agriculture but Mr. Miller no longer is active in carrying on the farm industries, his son and a son-in-law very capably bearing the responsibilities. On June 27, 1872, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Nancy Jane Young, a daughter of Samuel and Jane ( Johnston) Young. Mr. and Mrs. Young's children were : Lucinda, Ellen, Elizabeth, Margaret, Nancy Jane, Retta Jane, James and Frank. To Mr. and Mrs. Miller three children have been born,. namely: Charles, who was married first to Ola Jenkins and after her death to Macey Mennier; Grace, who married Harvey De Weese And they have two children ; Roy and Millard; and Jennie Catherine, who resides at home. Mr. 726 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY Miller and family are active members of the United Brethren church. In politics Mr. Miller, like his late father, is a republican and has served his township in local offices. He has been particularly interested in the public schools and in forwarding the movement for good roads. ROBISON JAMES DEWEESE, who is a well known citizen of Shelby county, O. and a prominent resident and substantial farmer of Perry township owns 136 acres of very fine land. He was born on this farm, and is a son of Newton William and Sarah Jane (Thompson) DeWeese. Newton William DeWeese was born in Miami c0unty, O., but for many years was a farmer in Shelby county and died here in advanced age. His first marriage was to Sarah Jane Thompson, who was born in Shelby county, of Virginia parents. To this marriage the following children were born : John Bunyan, deceased; Smallwood Thompson, deceased; Robison James; Lewis McKelvey; Margaret Susannah, wife of David N. Spiece; and Sarah Jane, wife of Benjamin F. Struble. After the death of his first wife, Newton DeWeese married Elizabeth Epler and two children were born to them : Leota E., who is the wife of Jacob B. Strayer ; and Erma, who died young. The family belonged to the Baptist church and the burial of the parents was in Glenn cemetery at Port Jefferson, O. Robison J. DeWeese attended the district schools and afterward worked for his father on the home place for three years. He then embarked in the hardware business at Port Jefferson, where he continued for twenty years and for two years was in the same business at Piqua, and for one year, engaged in manufacturing elb0wS for tin spouting, being a tinner by trade. Finding an advantageous opportunity to dispose of this business he sold and in 1904 returned to the home farm, purchasing the interests of the other heirs in the same and ever since has devoted himself to agricultural pursuits here. In 1891 Mr. DeWeese was married to Miss Sarah Margaret Dutton, who was born in Shelby county. Her parents were Thomas and Mary (Field) Dutton, natives of England, the father being a miller by trade. Mr. and Mrs. Dutton had the following children : Frances, who is the widow of Abraham Allabaugh; Mary A., who is the wife of John W. Baker; William, who served in the Civil war, died shortly after its close; Edward, who is deceased; Elizabeth, who is deceased ; Sarah Margaret, who is the wife of Mr. DeWeese and Laura, who married D. F. Moreland_ of Sidney. Mr. and Mrs. DeWeese have two children : Mae Agnes, and Roy Newton, residing at home, the latter being a member of the senior class in the Sidney high school. In politics Mr. DeWeese is a democrat and at present is treasurer of Perry township and for five years was a member of the school board in this township. He is president of the Farmers Telephone Company and is a member of its board of directors. For many years he has been identified with the Odd Fellows at Port Jefferson and belongs to the encampment at Sidney. DAVID T. CLINEHENS, one of the prominent men of Perry township, who 0wns the fine farm of 100 acres on which he resides, was born in Shelby county, May 6, 1853, and is a son of George and Eva (Muth) Clinehens. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 727 George Clinehens was born in Baden, Germany, where lie was reared and from there came to the United. States before his marriage.. He was a farmer all his life, for many years being a respected resident of Dinsmore township, Shelby county, where his death occurred, and his burial was by the side of his wife in Pearl cemetery at Swanders, 0. They were members of the Reformed church. The following children were born to them : Nicholas, deceased; Mary, wife of George Wenger; Conrad; George, deceased; Elizabeth, wife of W. R. Park ; John; David T.; and Philip R., deceased. David T. Clinehens attended the district schools through boyhood and then worked for his father on the home farm until he was twenty-two years old when he started out for himself, buying the interests of the other heirs in the homestead, which he held until 1902 when he sold it and bought a one- half section in Salem township. After living there for six years he sold and then bought his present farm from Thomas Kiser. After improving to some extent and remodeling the farm residence, Mr. Clinehens now owns one of the most attractive homes on the Dingman turnpike road. He has 0ther property north of Sidney and also is a stockholder in the Farmers Telephone Company. In 1880 Mr. Clinehens was married to Miss Ida J. Lochard, who was born in Champaign county, 0., a daughter of Thomas and Eliza (Ellis) Lochard. Mrs. Clinehens had two brothers and one sister: John W., Isaac A. and Ella, who is now deceased and formerly was the wife of John Forry. To Mr. and Mrs. Clinehens the following children have been born : Ada May; Warthen Miller, who married Clara Clayton, died March 20, 1911, they having two children—Ralph C., and Ruth Luella; Charles E.; Raymond W.; Gertrude Hazel and David Ellis. The family belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically Mr. Clinehens is a democrat and has served in several township offices, for two terms being a member of the school board, and for two years turnpike superintendent. GEORGE L. GEARHART, who carries on general farming and stock raising on his valuable farm of eighty-four acres, which lies in Perry township, Shelby county, 0., was born in this township, January 18, 1870, and is the only son 0f Anthony and Elizabeth (Burditt) Gearhart. The father, who is nOW deceased, was born in Miami county, 0., and the mother in Hancock county and the latter resides with her only daughter, Marilla, who is the wife of Wyant A. DeWeese. George L. Gearhart remained on the home farm assisting his father after his school days were over, until he was twenty-three years old and then started out for himself. He began by renting 164 acres in Perry township, which he cultivated until his father died when he inherited his present farm of eighty- four acres and settled here. Many improvements seemed desirable and as rapidly as possible Mr. Gearhart brought them about, these including the tiling of the land in many places, the remodeling of the barn and the erection of a handsome residence with many modern comforts installed. He is a wide awake, progressive farmer and is prosperous. 728 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY In December, 1892, Mr. Gearhart was married to Miss Lavina J. Vogt, who was born in Shelby county, a daughter of John B. and Isabel (Ragan) Fogt. They were farming people of this county and the father died on his farm in Franklin township and his burial was in the Pearl cemetery. The mother survives and is a resident of Pemberton, O. They had the foll0wing children : Minnie, who is the wife of Frank Young; Elizabeth; Albert ; Elmer ; and Bertha, who is the wife of Charles Knief. Mrs. Fogt subsequently married William Line and they have one daughter, Ona, who is the wife of W. J. Foster. Mr. and Mrs. Gearhart have two children : Gladys Ruth and Joy Marie. They attend the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Gearhart has always been a democrat in his political preference, and fraternally is identified with the F. & A. M. at Port Jefferson, O. HENRY J. ZIMPFER, a very successful agriculturist and a well known and highly respected citizen of Dinsmore township, Shelby county, resides on his well improved farm of 165 acres, which lies two miles north of Anna, O. was born on this farm in 1875, and is a son of John and Margaret (Beamer) Zimpfer. The family is of German extraction but both parents were born in Ohio, the mother being a native of Franklin township this county. For a number of years the father carried on farming in Dinsmore township, where he was a leading member of the Lutheran church and a highly respected man. His death occurred July 2, 1912. On November 25, 1869, he married Margaret Beamer, who died N0vember 14, 1912, and they spent their entire married life in Dinsmore township. They had four children : Henry J., John, Jennie and Arthur, John and Arthur being deceased. Henry J. Zimpfer secured his education in the public schools. He has always resided on the home farm and learned all the practical details of farming under his father, and since the property came into his hands has not only continued the old industries but has widened his interests, improved on old methods and has made this one of the fine farms of the county. Mr. Zimpfer was married in 1896 to Miss Mertie Boyer, and all their children survive, the record being: James Arthur, born in 1898; Thelma Ruth, in 1901 ; Sylva Ruberta, in 1903 ; Robert, in 1904, and Claude, in 1906. Mr. Zimpfer is giving them every advantage in his power and they are bright, representative young Americans with every promise of usefulness in the future. Mrs. Zimpfer had four brothers and two sisters : John, William, Elmer, Della, Grace and one who died in infancy. Mr. Zimpfer and family are members of the Lutheran church. Like his late father, Mr. Zimpfer is a stanch democrat. He is treasurer of the Zimpfer special district school board. WILLIAM C. BAKER, who is one of the valued citizens of Jackson t0wnship, is a general farmer and lives one and one-half miles south of Montra, on the west side of the Hussey turnpike road, where are located his 200 acres of well improved land. He was born on this farm, July 22, 1847, and is a son of Jefferson Baker and a grands0n of Philip Baker. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 729 Grandfather Philip Baker was born in Pennsylvania and when he came first to Ohio he settled in Clark county, four miles from Springfield. He married Mary Elizabeth Kessler, whose parents were natives of Germany, and their children were all born and reared in Clark county, namely : George, William, Jacob, Jefferson, James, Elizabeth, Sarah, Mary and Susan. Of the above family, Sarah lived to the remarkable age of ninety-three years. Philip Baker died a few months before the birth of his son, Jefferson Baker. His widow survived until 1869 and her burial was in the old cemetery at Port Jefferson. Jefferson Baker came into the world fatherless but he was blessed with a careful mother and she gave him every educational advantage in her power. He became a scholar, for those days, and taught school and penmanship, being an expert with the old-fashi0ned goose quill, which has not been altogether succeeded by the steel pen, there yet being found old fashioned scriveners who prefer the flexible goose quill of long ago. Mr. Baker became a farmer, acquiring eighty acres of the large property above alluded to, and subsequently he purchased forty more acres and partly cleared his 120 acres but did not survive int0 advanced age, his death occurring in his forty-fifth year. His burial was in the Howell cemetery at Montra. In politics a stanch democrat he was elected on the democratic ticket to the office of township trustee and also served as school director. His marriage was with Margaret Critten, who was born in Virginia, a daughter of William Critten. She lived to be fifty-four years of age and was the cherished mother of the following children : William C.; Mary Elizabeth, who married Marion Rhynard and they live at Ashley, Mich.; F. M., who died in May, 1909, in Michigan; John H., who is a resident of Lake View, 0. The youngest born, a son, died when aged three years. William C. Baker attended the district schools in Jackson township and also a select school at Port Jefferson, and afterward followed farming on the homestead during the summers and for thirteen terms taught school in the winter seasons. During this time he married and afterward lived for one winter on his father-in-law's farm in Perry township and then came on the homestead. The present residence and barn were built by Mr. Baker's father in 1870 but he has enlarged and improved them and completed the clearing of the land and, as a business, carries on a general agricultural line. Very often he has been called to positions of public responsibility and on the democratic ticket was elected county commissioner and served six years; Served two terms as land appraiser ; was township clerk and a trustee of Jackson township and for twenty-five years has served on the school booard. He is interested in the Farmers Telephone Company. Mr. Baker was first married to Miss Mary C. Thompson, a daughter of the late James Thompson of Perry township. She is survived by one son, Allen, who married Alice Lefever. Mr. Baker's second marriage was to Miss Eureka Schmidt, and to this union the following children were born : Nora, who is the wife of Clarence Steenrod, residing at Maplewood, 0.; Milton, who is a resident of Maplewood, married Eva Clinehens ; May, who lives at 730 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY home; Leo and Lina, twins, the former of whom married Lillie Fogt and the latter, Sidney Ailes; Roscoe, who was a student at Harvard University, Boston, who is a natural mechanic, is in the well digging and pump repairing business at Montra ; Ida, who lives at home; and Bessie and Clara who are yet in school. The family belongs to the Disciples church. He is identified with the local Grange and with the K. O. T. M. Mr. Baker and family are among the most representative people in this part of Shelby county. ALLEN BAKER, general farmer and stock raiser, residing in Perry township, where he owns a farm of eighty-four acres, was born October 16, 1874, in Jackson township, Shelby county, and is a son of William C. and Mary (Thompson) Baker. William C. Baker was a well known citizen of Shelby county. After the death of his first wife, when their one child, Allen, was eighteen months old, William C. Baker married Miss Eureka Schmidt, of Jackson township and of German ancestry. To the second union the following children were born: Nora, wife of Clarence Steenrod; Milton, who married Effie Clinhens; May; Leo and Lina, twins, the former of whom married a Miss Fogt, and the latter, S. Ailes; and Boston, Ida, Bessie and Clara. Allen Baker obtained a common school education and remained with his father until he was twenty-one years of age, moving then to his present property, which was an inheritance. In November, 1896, he was married to Miss Alice LeFevre, who is a daughter of Jacob and Delcina (Line) LeFevre. The LeFevre family is one well known in Shelby county, substantial farming people, and it is connected by marriage with a number of the other old families of this section. Mrs. Baker had the following brothers and sisters : Edward, who married Gertie Pulmere; William; James, who married Edna King; Warren, who is deceased, married Callie Baker; Minnie, who is the wife of Lafe Vester ; Lagurney, who is the wife of Elza A. Baker ; and C0ra, wh0 is the wife of Samuel Retter. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have three children : Leroy Allen, Velma Alice and Mary Catherine. The family attends the Church of Christ. In his political views, Mr. Baker is a democrat. He is a well known and highly respected citizen of this community and should he carry out a plan he has under consideration, that of removing, early in 1913, to Salem township, this neighborhood will have lost a good resident and a reliable and dependable man. C. A. JACKSON, farmer ; P. O. Sidney, O.; son of Jesse S. and Mary E. (Sturm) Jackson, was born on the 15th day of April, 1861, in Wabash county, Ind. He is of German descent on his father's side and of Irish extraction on his mother's. His education is what could be obtained in the common schools of his youth and by close application to his studies at home. For a number 0f years he actively carried on the farming industry but, to some degree, has shifted his responsibilities to the shoulders of his sons in later years. As a side line he has been writing insurance for a number of years and has the bulk of that business, locally. He is an active citizen, possessing the confidence and esteem of those with w horn his life has been spent. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 731 Mr. Jackson has frequently been called upon to accept public office. For four years he was a justice of the peace of Greene township, Shelby county, and at the present time is township assessor. In his views on public questions, he is a progressive republican. Mr. Jackson married, June 18, 1885, to Miss Lucy E. Monroe, who was born at Pemberton, 0., March 9, 1868. The following children have been born to them, namely: Harry W., in 1886; Jesse C., in 1887; Mrs. Nora E. Manning in 1888; James E. in 1890, died in 1891 ; Lee M., born in 1892; Harvey, in 1894; Lyda R., in 1897 ; and Wilbur H. in 1902. Mr. Jackson and his entire family are members of the Christian church at Palestine, 0., and for many years he has been superintendent of the Sunday school. Fraternally, he is an Odd Fellow, identified with both the lower branch and the encampment, belonging also t0 the auxiliary order of Rebeccas. He is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and its auxilliary, Ladies of the Golden Eagle ; of the Improved Order of Redmen; and the Modern Workmen of America. WALLACE S. DU VALL, who, with his father, owns a valuable farm containing 163 acres, situated in Salem township, Shelby county, 0., was b0rn on this farm, November 28, 1874, and is a son of Elias L. and Amanda (Scott) Du Vall. Elias L. Du Vall was born also in Salem township, October 2, 1848, and is a son of Nimrod and Amassie (Le Fever) Du Vall, and was reared to an agricultural life. He had two brothers, Jacob and Manford, and three sisters, Adeline, Sarah and Malissa. In 1873 Elias L. Du Vall married a daughter 0f John and Nancy (Keith) Scott and their only child is Wallace S., of Salem township. Wallace S. Du Vall worked for three years on the home farm after his school days were over and then became a commercial traveler, going on the road for the Standard Tie Company, of Detroit, Mich. He continued with that house for three years and afterward traveled for seven years far the Page Fence Company, of Adrian, Mich., after which he returned to the farm and ever since has taken a practical interest in general farming and stock raising. Mr. Du Vall was married March 17, 1894, to Miss Clara Faulder, who died September 19, 1900. She was survived by two children, Hazel M. and Bertha I., and the following brothers and sisterS : Mrs. O. G. Shroyer, Frank Faulder, Harry, William, Mrs. Elza Pence, John, Mrs. Charles Valentine, Mrs. Dottie Bland and Wallace. Mr. Du Vall was married (second) in June, 1902, to Miss Ella M. Blue, a daughter of Henry Blue. Mrs. Du Vall had tw0 br0thers William and George, both deceased, and two half sisters ; Mrs. DeWitt Bush, of Sidney, 0., and Mrs. Gus Schnell, of Portland, Ore. Mr. and Mrs. Du Vall have one daughter, Anna M. Nominally Mr. Du Vall is a republican but exercises his own judgment when he casts his vote. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge at Maplewood, as does his father. 732 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY JOHN W. ZEDEKER, who is one of the best known citizens of Shelby county, now living retired on his farm of 190 acres, which is situated in Franklin township, came here thirty-eight years ago and has been a continuous resident. He was born in Montgomery county, O., six miles north of Dayton, O., February 18, 1836, and is a son of Jacob E. and Mary M. (Campbell) Zedeker. The Zedeker family was a pioneer one of Montgomery county and the father of John W. Zedeker was born on the old homestead there and remained through life on the same place on which his parents settled in 1805, passing away in his eighty-fifth year. He married Mary M. Campbell, who belonged to an old family of Highland county. O., and the following children were born to them : Eliza Jane, John W., Elizabeth, Mary, Sarah, Daniel S., Jacob E., Martha and Julia. They were among the founders of the Dunkard faith in Montgomery county and were liberal in church support. John W. Zedeker had district school advantages in boyhood and from youth took part in the farm industries, which he found congenial, and continued throughout all his active life. In 1874 he came to Franklin township, Shelby county, at which time he purchased his present farm from William Bryant. On August 20, 1862, Mr. Zedeker was married to Miss Mary Brandenberg, who was born in Montgomery county, a daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Brewer) Brandenberg, who came to Shelby county when Mrs. Zedeker was four years old. Samuel Brandenberg was born in Maryland and his wife in Virginia. They had the following children : Louis, Betsey, Samuel, Dorothy Ann, Christiana,. Joseph, Catherine and Mary. They were members of the German Reformed church. Mr. and Mrs. Zedeker have two sons : Oliver C. and George W. The former is a resident of Salem township and has one daughter, Ella, who is the wife of Orla Baker and they have two children, Ralph and Clyde. The second son married Mottle Wess and they have five children : Ethel, Hazel, John, Wilbur and Charles. Mr. Zedeker and wife attend the German Reformed church. Nominally he is a democrat but in many campaigns Mr. Zedeker has exercised his own judgment in casting his vote but has always taken an interest in public matters and tried to be useful as a citizen. For seven years he served as township trustee and has favored plans for increasing the benefits of the public schools. He is one of the stockholders in the Farmers Telephone Company. J. HENRY QUELLHORST, whose fine farm of 170 acres is situated one and three-fourth miles northwest of Kettlersville, in a desirable section of Van Buren township, is a well known and highly respected citizen. He was born October 4, 1855, in German township, Auglaize county, O., and is a son of J. D. and Sophia (Neiter) Quellhorst. The parents of Mr. Quellhorst were born in Germany and both came to the United States in their youth and were residents of New Bremen, O. A family of ten children was born to them and named as follows : Henry, Mary, Herman, Anna, Ferdinand, J. Henry, Minnie, Deidrick, William and PAGE - 733 - PICTURE OF JOHN W. ZEDEKER AND FAMILY PAGE - 734 - BLANK AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 735 Caroline. Herman married Minnie Egbert and they live in Van Buren township and have had two children, Sophia and Anna, the latter deceased; Anna, who is deceased, was the wife of Harmon 011erman; Minnie, who is deceased, was the wife of F. C. Roettger ; William, who is a resident of Kettlersville, married Henrietta Bartenstein; and Caroline is the wife of J. F. Roettger and they live in Van Buren township. The others, with the exception of J. Herry, are deceased. J. Henry Quellhorst obtained a district school education and farming and stock raising have been his business and occupation ever since. He inherited all but forty acres of his valuable farm, purchasing that tract, but has made all the improvements here and they are of a very substantial character. Mr. Quellhorst is a democrat in his political views and naturally takes pride in the great success of his party in the election of 1912. He belongs to the Evangelical church at Kettlersville, 0. Mr. Quellhorst has never married. J. E. WHITE, who has been a lifelong resident of Green township, Shelby county, 0., resides on the farm of eighty acres, situated ten miles southeast of Sidney, on which he was born, in 1881, and is a son 0f G. M. and Mary E. (Moore) White. G. M. White was a native of Miami county, 0., born in 1837, and came to Shelby county witih his bride and lived on the present farm through a long and worthy life, his death occurring in his seventy-second year. He married Mary E. Moore, who resides on the homestead with her son, being now in her sixty-fifth year. There were but two children : W. E., who resides on an adjoining farm ; and J. E. In the public schools of Green township Mr. White and brother secured educational training and both then devoted themselves to farm pursuits, J. E. White devoting his entire time and attention to the management, development and improvement of his farm, having sensible and practical ideas which bring him very satisfactory results. He raises wheat, corn, rye and oats and enough stock for his own use. Mr. White married Miss Maggie Minniear and they have one child. Treva. In politics Mr. White is a democrat. J. A. HELMAN, whose well improved farm of fifty acres lies two miles east of Newport, 0., on the south side 0f the Sidney and Newport road, running through Cynthian township, is serving as a member of the board of trustees of Cynthian township and otherwise is a representative citizen of this section. He was born in Indiana county, Pa., but in infancy was brought to Ohio, his parents, Silas and Almina Helman, settling in Darke county, where the father died. The mother survives and is a resident of Bradford, 0. J. A. Heiman attended school in both Darke and Miami counties. He was seventeen years of age when he came first to Cynthian township, which has been his continuous home with the exception of five years when he lived at Bradford, in Miami county. He purchased his excellent farm from the Carpenter heirs. Although he found the land in good condition, Mr. Helman 736 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY was not satisfied with the house and its surroundings and has made many improvements. He expended $200 in building an additional bed room and a pantry, on the west side of his residence, and on the east side built a 32-foot veranda, thereby adding greatly to its appearance. He also has laid cement and gravel walks and driveways to all approaches. He carries on a general agricultural line, including grain growing and stock raising and makes specialty of potatoes. Mr. Helman was married to Miss Mary Alice Cromer, who was born in Miami county, O., near Fletcher, and they have had six children : Harley H., Earl F., Ivan C., Leslie J., Agnes A. and Clarence S., the fifth born being now deceased. Mr. Heiman and family are members of the Church of the Brethren. Politically he is a republican. For eight years he served as a member of the board of education of the Oran special school district, for two years being clerk of that b0dy, and in March, 1912, was appointed t0wnship trustee to serve out the unexpired term of the late James Wolaver. THOMAS L. HIGGINS, whose excellent farm of sixty-five acres is situated five and one-half miles south of Sidney, O., was born March 2, 1873, in the Russell Settlement, in Turtle Creek township, Shelby county, O., and is a son of the late J. V. and Elizabeth (Dunn) Higgins, the former of whom is now deceased, but the latter lives on the old Dunn homestead. Thomas L. Higgins was educated in the public schools and ever since has devoted himself to farming and stock raising, remaining on the home place until his marriage, when he came to his present farm and occupied it for two years and then moved into Miami county, where he rented farm land until 1907, when he returned and bought this place after renting it for five years, it formerly belonging to his father-in-law. Mr. Higgins is a careful, intelligent, experienced farmer and his crops and stock compare very favorably with any others in this section. Mr. Higgins married Miss Eva Hauver, who is a daughter of the late J. C. Hauver, who came here from Maryland and was a well kn0wn farmer in Orange township. Mr.. and Mrs. Higgins have four children : Bessie, Howard, Wayne and Catherine. In politics he is an independent voter and fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows at Kirkwood. WALKER ZIMPHER, one of the enterprising citizens and excellent farmers of Perry township, Shelby county, O., now serving in his first term as a member of the board of township trusteeS, is operating a farm of T0o acres, belonging to his father-in-law, J. J. Maxwell, and has other interests. He was born in Shelby county, O., in 1872, and is a son of George and Susan (Dill) Zimpher. George Zimpher, who now lives retired at Pemberton, O., was a farmer in Shelby county for many years and both he and wife were natives of the county. Her death occurred in 1907. They had the following children : John ; Lewis ; Hannah, wife of Elmer Killian ; Clara, wife of Frank Spangy; Walker ; and Lucy, wife of Harry Wirick. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 737 Walker Zimpher went to school during boyhood and youth and since then has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, after reaching manhood working for two years for his father, and, following that, operated rented land until 1910, when he took charge of Mr. Maxwell's farm which he is conducting along modern methods, with good results. Mr. Zimpher was married October 20, 1892, to Miss Maude Maxwell, a daughter of J. J. and Elizabeth (Key) Maxwell, and they have four children : Harry, who is employed by a telephone company; Bonnie, who, with her sister Helen, attends School ; and Mabel, who is the youngest and still at home. Mr. Zimpher and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically he is a democrat and fraternally is an Odd Fellow, belonging to the order at Quincy and the Encampment at Rosewood. Mr. Zimpher is one of the stockholders in the Farmers Telephone Company. JOHN W. HERRING, who is one of the reliable and representative men of Salem township, Shelby county, O., resides on his excellent farm of 114 acres which he devotes to general agriculture. He was born in Salem t0wnship, August 23, 1859, and is a son of Alexander and Sarah (Studebaker) Herring. Alexander Herring was a prosperous farmer and well known man in Salem township, where, for many years he also followed threshing. Both he and wife died here and their burial was at Port Jefferson. Their surviving children are all well known and respected people and mainly residents of Shelby county : Henry; Isaac ; Thomas ; John W.; Laura, who is deceased, was the wife of William Frey; Bell, who is the wife of Frank Smith ; Clara, who is the wife of Byrl Roach ; Daniel ; and Jennie, who is the wife of R. O. Weeks. After his school days were over John W. Herring gave his father assistance on the home farm until he was thirty-eight years of age, at which time he came to his present property on which he has made many substantial improvements. On March 13, 1898, Mr. Herring was married to Miss Louie Arthur, who was born in Stokes township, Logan county, O., a daughter of John N. and Mary R. (Taylor) Arthur. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur now live at Lake View, in Logan county, he having been a farmer during all his active life. Their family consisted of the following children : Arnold ; Malissa, wife of Nicodemus Preston; William; Thomas; Mrs. Herring; Libby, deceased, who was the wife of Samuel Kemp; Austin, who is deceased; and Orlando. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Herring: Wesley Van; Karl, who died when aged two years and seven months; and Marion Robert. Mr. and Mrs. Herring are members and liberal supporters of the Christian church, of which Mr. Herring is a trustee. He was reared an old-time democrat but is a man who studies political questions f0r himself and is apt to vote entirely as his on judgment dictates, but in any event, whichever way he decides, he is a quiet, law supporting citizen. 738 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY J. W. THOMPSON, who operates his father's farm of 258 acres, situated nine miles southwest of Sidney, 0., in a pleasant part of Washington township, Shelby county, was born in this township and is a son of Freeborn and Mary (Flynn) Thompson, who have lived retired at Piqua since 1909. The family contained three children : J. B., R. W. and J. E., the last named being deceased. Since the end of his school days, R. W. Thompson has been continuously engaged in agricultural pursuits on this place, having no particular specialties but following both farming and stock raising. The Thompsons have all been farmers since the family was established here in 1818. R. W. Thompson married Miss Edna C. Burnett and they had one daughter, Nina E., who died when a babe of eight days. In his political sentiments Mr. Thompson has always been a republican and has been active and useful as a citizen and at present is serving as a member of the township board of trustees. WILLIAM F. SALM, a leading citizen of Clinton township, Shelby county, 0., a member of its board of trustees, is one of the representative business men of Sidney, being associated here in the furniture line with his father. He was born at Sidney, 0., July t, 1876, and is a son of Fred and Catherine (Drescher) Salm. There are few better known or more highly respected men in Shelby county than Fred Salm, who, for forty-seven continuous years has been in the furniture business at Sidney, and also, is the senior member of the firm of Salm & Taylor, undertakers. William F. Salm was reared at Sidney and was educated in the parochial school belonging to Holy Angels' Catholic church. Immediately afterward he entered his father's store and learned the furniture business in every detail and later became his assistant in the undertaking business and holds an embalmer's license. The quarters occupied are situated on West Poplar street, Sidney, where the largest display of fine furniture is afforded the public in the county. The business policy continues the same which has brought prosperity for almost a half century. Mr. Salm was married to Nora Knapke, who was born at Coldwater, 0., and they have three children : Mary Elizabeth, John William and Richard Louis. Mr. and Mrs. Salm are members of the Catholic church and he is identified with the Knights of Columbus and with the Elks. He is one of the township's influential democrats and is serving in his second term as trustee. WALDO M. GAINES, M. D., physician and surgeon, at Pemberton, 0., has been professionally established here since June, 1910, and has built up a very satisfactory practice, and, as a permanent citizen, has identified himself with the best interests of the place. After completing the high school course at Covington, 0., he entered the Ohio Northern University at Ada, and subsequently the College of Physicians and Surgeons, at Indianapolis, Ind., where he was graduated in the class of 1905. For five years he was engaged AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 739 in medical practice at Covington and from there came to Pemberton. Dr. Gaines is a son of Dr. Charles E. and Laura (Stevens) Gaines, the former of whom has been engaged in medical practice at Covington for twenty-five years. The other two members of the family are residents of Covington, namely: Mabel, wife of Clifford T0wnsend, and Theodora. In 1908 Dr. Waldo M. Gaines was married t0 Miss Lena Brown, who was born in Miami county, O., a daughter of William and Mary (T0bias) Brown. The father of Mrs. Gaines was a contractor in Miami county and died there. She has one sister and one brother : Cora, who is the wife of George Th0mpson; and Edward. Dr. and Mrs. Gaines have one daughter, Mary Frances. They attend the Methodist Episcopal and Baptist churches. Dr. Gaines iS identified with the leading medical organizations of the county, is a republican in his political views, and fraternally is connected with the Knights of Pythias at Covington. GEORGE STENGEL, who is one of the substantial citizens of Franklin township, Shelby county, O., owns a valuable farm of ninety-five acres and a comfortable residence at Sidney, O., situated on the corner of St. Mary's and Maple streets. Mr. Stengel was born on this farm, December 31, 1856, and is a son of John M. and Sarah (Schiff) Stengel. John M. Stengel and wife are both deceased. They were well known and highly respected people of Franklin township and the following children were born to them : Michael, wh0 is deceased; Mary, who is the wife of J. P. Fogt; Barbara, who is the wife of John Brightweaser; Lena, wh0 is the wife of Joseph Beemer; Sophia, who is the wife 0f Andrew Bertsch; Caroline, who is the wife of L. F. Fogt ; Margaret, who is the wife of Solomon Staley; and George. George Stengel attended the district schools when he was a boy and early began to give his father assistance on the farm and has continued to be interested in farm industries all his life. His property is valuable, the location of his farm being a favorable 0ne as regards transportation and under his methods is as productive as any land in Franklin township. On September 22, 1882, Mr. Stengel was married to Miss Nancy Arena Shaffer, who was born in Shelby county, a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Blakely) Shaffer. To Mr. and Mrs. Stengel the following children have been born, all of whom survive : Edward, who married Anna Davis and they have three children—Mary, Viola and Agnes; Lewis Franklin; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Ira Slusser and they have three children—Irene, Unice and Gale; Bonnie, who is the wife of James Taylor and they have one child, Ileen; and Ora, who is the wife of Clarence Sturm and they have 0ne child— Lois ; and Walter and Milton. Mr. Stengel and wife were reared in the Lutheran faith and they and children belong to this church. Like his father before him, Mr. Stengel is a democrat. HON. WILLIAM C. WYMAN, probate judge of Shelby county from 1876 until 1882, was born in County Wexford, Ireland, September 29, 1832, 740 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY and was eleven years old when his homesick, boyish eyes rested last on the green shores of his native land from the ship Keying, that was bearing him away to that land of promise across the sea—America. He left hiS parents, Patrick Cousins and Mary (Furlong) Wyman, behind, and they spent many more years there, the father dying when aged ninety years and the mother when still five years older. As a cabin boy, with his brother John, on the brig Keying, bound from Liverpool to Newburyport, Mass., with a load of salt, William C. Wyman no doubt learned many hard lessons of life before land was reached. John Wyman later was given charge of one of Captain Cushing's vessels and again went to sea, but William started to complete his education in what was known as the West Male Grammar School. When he left school he once more became cabin boy on a vessel which sailed from Beverly, Mass., to Charleston, S. C., reaching port after a fearful struggle with the elements off Cape Hatteras. Later he once more went to sea, making two more trips across the Atlantic ocean, between Charleston and Liverpool. By thiS time he was tired of the sea and through a happy combination of circumstances, was led to find his way to Cincinnati, O. There his first work was done as a clerk in a grocery store and afterward he learned the plastering trade and followed that until 1853. Chance brought him to Sidney and fortunately he was pleased with the good people he met and with the evidences of thrift and business opportunity and shortly afterward came here as a permanent resident, becoming a contracting plasterer and gradually acquired not only a heavy financial standing but became a citizen who was justly regarded with confidence and esteem. In 1876 he was elected probate judge and served six continuous years. In 1884 he was elected a trustee of Clinton township and in 1885 was elected mayor of Sidney and served through two years, also becoming librarian of the public library, continuing for eight years. For many years he served as a justice of the peace and more recently has been health officer 0f Sidney. Judge Wyman was active also during the Civil war and served as lieutenant of the military organization known as the "Squirrel Hunters." On October 6, 1856, Judge Wyman was married t0 Miss Ellen E. Ryan, who was born and educated in Boston, Mass., and was the first teacher in the Catholic school at Sidney. She is a daughter of John S. and Bridget Ryan. Judge and Mrs. Wyman have five children living: Mollie, Nellie, Celia, Sidney and Charles. The second born, John, died in young manhood, when just ready to be admitted to the bar. During his whole life Judge Wyman has been a democrat in politics and a Roman Catholic in religious faith. He is a very versatile man and, among his other capacities, at one time added school teaching, being a very acceptable substitute teacher on one occasion in Orange township. At present he is a notary public and is engaged in the insurance business, including fire, plate glass and accident protection. PRESTON R. HUNT, who is a well-known resident of Plattsville, O., where he has lived for the past eighteen years, pleasantly occupies a part of his time in overseeing the industries successfully carried forward 0n his PAGE - 741 - PICTURE OF PRESTON R. HUNT AND FAMILY PAGE - 740 - BLANK AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 743 valuable farm of 143 acres, which adjoins the village. He was born in Green township, Shelby county, 0., one mile south of Palestine, December 25, 1845, and is a son of Heman R. and Anna (Conover) Hunt. Heman R. Hunt was one of the pioneer settlers of Shelby county. He was born in Butler county, 0., and became a permanent resident of Shelby county in 1832, always afterward following farming and stock raising on his original farm until the close of his life, when aged seventy-five years, being survived by his wife for five years. They had but two children : Preston R. and his brother, Bruce S., who is a physician at Sidney. Preston R. Hunt obtained a district school education, reading, writing and arithmetic being its main elements, and afterward, for a short time before settling down to farming, taught school in Green township. For many years he carried on extensive operations by himself on his large acreage but for some years all heavy responsibilities have been turned over to his son. Mr. Hunt married Miss Rosannah Search and they have five children : Mrs. Florra F. Cornell, of Orange township ; Charles Walter, who married Clara Martin; Viola, wife of L. L. Knoop; Kate J., wife of Findley Webster Brown and Heman Earl, who resides at home. In politics Mr. Hunt and sons are republicans. At times he has consented to serve in public office and for ten years was clerk of the Board of Education and for seven and one-half years was township clerk. Mr. Hunt is a member of the Universalist church. ROGER W. STALEY. Perhaps there is no old family name better known or more highly respected in Salem township than that of Staley, which has been familiar here for eighty-one years. Roger W. Staley, who resides on his farm of 109 acres and has a one-half interest in a thirty-eight acre tract lying in Perry township, is a member of this family, the younger of two sons born to his parents, Oliver C. and Anna (Cargill) Staley. His birth took place at Port Jefferson, June 20, 1874. Oliver C. Staley was born in Shelby county in 1847, a son of William Staley, who was born in Montgomery county, 0., in 1821, and came with his father, John Staley, to Salem township in 1831. In 1844 William Staley married Barbara Harshbarger, a daughter of Jonas and Hettie (Jacobs) Harshbarger and they had four children. In 1869 Oliver C. Staley married Anna Cargill, the latter of whom still lives and occupies the old h0mestead of 209 acres, situated on section 20 Salem township. The death of the father occurred in February, 1911. He was a representative citizen of this section, was a school teacher in his youth and later served in numerous township 0ffices and for four years was county treasurer. After his school days Roger W. Staley assisted his father on the home farm and later, with his older brother, Orrin C. Staley, took entire charge of it. The only heirs are the two sons. Mr. Staley is an energetic and progressive farmer and a well informed citizen. In 1900 he began the breeding of draft horses and thoroughbred Duroc Jersey hogs and at the present time is one of the most active and successful breeders in his community. On December 23, 1896, Mr. Staley was married to Miss Grace Inskeep, 744 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY who was born in Perry township, a daughter of Joseph and Ellen (Lindley) Inskeep, both now deceased. The other members of their family were: Nettie, wife of John Dingman; Jerry; Minnie, wife of Dr. J. E. Johnston, of Piqua ; Bertha, wife of John R. Bentley; Charles and Grace. To Mr. and Mrs. Staley two children have been born: Laird and Kenneth. Mr. Staley and family are members and supporters of the Baptist church at Sidney. They are hospitable people and have a wide circle of friends in this section. In politics Mr. Staley is a democrat as have been the older members of the family for generations. FRANK G. HENEISEN, who is a successful general farmer residing in Dinsmore township, where he owns 160 acres of very fine land, situated one and one-half miles southeast 0f Botkins, O., was born in 1879, in Van Buren township, Shelby county, and is a son of Martin and Ellen (Gibson) Heneisen. Martin Heneisen, like many other well known and respected men of Shelby county, was born in Germany. He came to this section a young man and was married to Ellen Gibson, who was born in Shelby county. The following children were born to them: Catherine, who is the wife of George Smith and they live at Dayton, O.; Joseph, who died young; Phillip, who died at the age of seventeen years; Rosa, who is the wife of Henry Sitzman, and they live at Botkins, O.; Mary, who died at the age of eight years ; Martin, who is a soldier in the U. S. Army; Nora, who is a Catholic Sister in Mercer county, O.; and Frank G., who was the third in order of birth. Since his school days, Frank G. Heneisen has followed farming and Stock raising, now owning the old homestead which he purchased from the other heirs. He is an enterprising and progressive agriculturist and understands how to make his industries profitable. Mr. Heneisen married Miss Louise Jakob, whose father was born in Germany and whose mother was born at Minster, O. She was one of the following family: Caroline, Anna, Edward, Antoinetta, Mayme, Frank, Louis, Rosa, Vincent, Frances, Urban and Louise. Mr. and Mrs. Heneisen are members of the Catholic church. Politically he is a democrat and possesses the confidence of his party, at present serving as central committeeman for Dinsmore township. JACOB M. LE FEVRE, a highly respected retired farmer living at Port Jefferson, O., where he has a comfortable residence, owns also a fine farm of eighty acres situated in Salem township, Shelby county, O., and on that farm he was born, May 31, 1843. His parents were Henry Jackson and Elenore (Morgan) Le Fevre. Henry Jackson Le Fevre was born in Warren county, O., and after marriage moved to Salem township, Shelby county, where he engaged in farming until his death, in 1848. After his decease his widow married ThomaS Stewart. To her first marriage four children were born : Mary Jane, Morgan, Jacob M. and Henry J. To her second marriage three children were born : John M., Millard F. and Ansel M. Jacob M. Le Fevre attended the district school when he could be spared AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 745 from farm work. He was five years old when his father died and when yet a boy worked for two years on a farm in Warren county. When the civil war broke out his step-father, a half brother, and two full brothers enlisted and Jacob M. then came back to the homestead and remained helping his mother until the close of the war and after her death purchased the property. He is a self made man, few advantages having been afforded him in youth, but in making his own way in the world he has found many friends and has won the confidence and approval of those with whom he has had business relations. Mr. Le Fevre was twice elected a trustee of Salem township, on the republican ticket, and also served usefully and efficiently as township supervisor and on the school board. On December 20, 1866, Mr. Le Fevre was married to Miss Dulcinna Line, a daughter of Solomon Line, of Perry township, the other members of the family being : Florence M,, Ella, Alice, Nancy, Esther and 0. T. To Mr. and Mrs. Le Fevre the following children have been born : Edwin Justin, William 0., James T., Jennie, Alice, wife of Allen Baker, Minnie, wife of Lafe Vesper, Guernie, wife of Elza Baker, and Cora, wife of Sanford Retter. Mr. Le Fevre and family attend the Disciples church. He belongs to the Odd Fellows- and attends lodge at Port Jefferson. SAMUEL M. KNOOP, who is one of the trustees of Salem township, conducts a butcher shop at Port Jefferson, 0., and also gives attention to his valuable farm of 120 acres, situated in Salem township. He was born in Orange township, Shelby county, 0., April 21, 1869, and is a son of John and Margaret (Martin) Knoop. John Knoop, who still resides on his farm in Orange t0wnship, was born in Miami county, 0., and is a well known and respected citizen. He was married first to Margaret Martin, who is deceased. She was the mother of the following children : Samuel M., Lee, John, William, and Dora, wife of George Leckey. Mr. Knoop's second marriage was with Celia Burton. Samuel M. Knoop obtained his education in the public scho0ls and from youth has been interested in farm pursuits. He carries on a general farming line on his property in Salem township, deals to some extent in stock, als0 bales hay and for the past two years has additionally been engaged in the meat business at Port Jefferson. Not only is he a man of business activity and ability, but he is also one who has been recognized as trustworthy by his fellow citizens and as a member of the township board Of trustees carries business methods into public matters to the advantage of all concerned. In November, 1891, Mr. Knoop was married to Miss Laura Fergus, who was born in Shelby county and is a daughter of Joseph Fergus. Mr. and Mrs. Knoop have eight children, namely: Ralph, Clifford, Grace, Arvesta, Lloyd, Mary, Edna and John Joseph. The family attends the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically he is a republican and fraternally is an Odd Fellow, attending the lodge of this order at Port Jefferson. 746 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY PHILLIP BONNORONT, whose excellent farm of ninety acres lies one- quarter mile east of Botkins, O., in a favorable section of Dinsmore township, is one of the prosperous and progressive agriculturists of this section. He was born in 1870, in Shelby county, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Bier- line) Bonnoront. Jacob Bonnoront was born in Germany and for a number of years was engaged in business at Botkins, O. He married Elizabeth Bierline, who was of German ancestry but was born in Ohio, and ten children were born to them : George, Jacob, John, Peter, Christian, Catherine, Caroline, Elizabeth, Lena and Phillip. George married Mary Linker and they live at Botkins ; Jacob married Sophia Kflopestein, who is deceased ; John married Mary Kies, who is deceased, and lives in Dinsmore township ; Peter lives at Wapakoneta, O., and married Dora Kaylor ; Christian married Emma Seitz and they live at Botkins ; Catherine, who lives at Wapakoneta, is the widow of Frederick Alenbaugh ; Caroline is the wife of Lawrence Thuman and they live in Auglaize county ; Elizabeth, who is deceased, is survived by her husband, William Elsass ; and Lena, who is the wife of William Boyer, lives in Dinsmore township. Phillip Bonnoront attended the public schools and afterward engaged in business with his father at Botkins and later embarked in the same on his own account and continued there for nine years, after which he bought the farm on which he lives and here carries on general farming and dairying. He made all the improvements here, which are excellent, fine substantial buildings with all necessary equipments, and all his operations are conducted along modern lines and with much success. Mr. Bonnoront married Miss Elizabeth Schuman, a daughter of William and Barbara (Grau) Schuman, and they have three children : Gaylord, Corien and Helen. Mrs. Bonnoront had the following brothers and sisters : Caroline, who married John King, lives in Dinsmore township; George, who married Minnie Kentner, lives in Auglaize county ; Louis, who married Louisa Ruck, lives in Auglaize county ; William, who married Louise Elsass, lives in the same county ; Henry, who married Anna Cooper, lives in Auglaize county ; and Amelia, who married Christian Elsass, and they also live in Auglaize county. Mr. and Mrs. Bonnoront are members of the Lutheran church, of which he is treasurer and is also a deacon in the same. Politically he is a democrat but the only public office he has accepted is membership on the school board. JOSEPH HUBER, whose valuable farm of 158 acres lies in Dinsmore township, adjoining the corporate limits of Botkins, on the north, is a representative citizen of this section and is something of a leader in democratic politics although never a seeker for political prominence. He was born in Auglaize county, O., in 1855, and is a son of Clement and Rosa (Weaver) Huber. The parents of Mr. Huber were natives of Germany and they came to America in 1840, and lived for a time in Auglaize county, O., and afterward AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 747 in Shelby county. There were eight children in the family, of whom Mary, Rosa and Matilda are deceased. Of the survivors : Catherine married Frederick Bauer and they live at Botkins. Theresa married Joseph Koenig and they live in Auglaize county. Elizabeth is a sister in a convent at St. Joseph, Missouri. Philomena also chose a religious life and is a sister in a c0nvent at Phoenix, Arizona. Joseph Huber was educated in the public and parochial schools and his occupation has always been farming. He received his property from his father's estate, which he has improved until it is one of the finest farms in this part of the county. Mr. Huber is a member of the Catholic church and for fourteen years has been treasurer of the same at Botkins. He is unmarried. JUDSON WARD SIMMONS, owner and proprietor of a grain elevator at Pemberton, 0., and a dealer in coal and farm implements, is one of the well known business men of Shelby county. He was born in Miami county, 0., May 19, 1875, and is a son of Benjamin Franklin and Rachel Jane (Sanders) Simmons. Benjamin Franklin Simmons and wife were born in Miami county and still reside there, well known and highly respected people, Mr. Simmons engaging in farming and stock raising. He is a democrat in his political views and he and wife are members and liberal supporters of the Christian church. The following children were born to them : Effie, who is deceased, was the wife of A. E. Wilson ; Judson Ward ; Harry E., who married Daisy Miller ; Frederick, who married Ella Lotz ; and Charles, who married Guirtude Motter. After leaving school, Judson W. Simmons turned his attention to assisting his father and remained on the farm until he was twenty years of age, when lie accepted a position as manager of a grain elevator at Fletcher, 0., for the Slauson Grain Company, of Piqua, and remained there for two years. He then leased the Robert Hasting elevator at Botkins, 0., continued there for two years and then came to Pemberton and in 1900 purchased his present plant of M. D. Burke and has continuously been engaged here, sometimes alone and at others having partners, the firm style for a season being Simmons, Faulkner & Cook. Mr. Simmons finds time also to look after the management of his two farms, the one in Jackson township containing 100 acres, and the second farm, in Perry township, comprising 160 acres, all valuable property. On October 20, 1897, Mr. Simmons was married to Miss Minnie McKnight, a daughter of William J. and Mary J. McKnight. William J. McKnight is a farmer in Miami county. His first marriage was to a Miss Bull and they had three sons : Thomas J., William R. and Edward. To his second marriage the following children were born : Leota, Minnie, Lillian, wife of Oral Walburn, and all are residents of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. SimmonS have one daughter, Marjorie Aileen. They attend the Baptist church, Mr. Simmons being one of the church trustees. In his political affiliation he is a 748 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY democrat and has always been an active citizen and his usefulness to his township has been more than once proved. He is no office seeker but has served two terms as township treasurer. FRANCIS MARION CLAYTON, who successfully operates his father's farm of 160 acres, situated in Perry township, belongs to old county families which have been leading ones of this section for many years. He was born in Jackson township, Shelby county, O., September 27, 1866, and is a son of Henry and Lucy (Stewart) Clayton. Henry Clayton and wife were born and reared in Shelby county and now live retired at Pemberton, O. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and their children were reared in this faith. They are five in number, as follows : Dora, wh0 is the wife of Albert A. Bell; Francis Marion ; Reuben Nelson ; Elzina, who is the wife of Dr. Seth Rogers; and Merlie, who is the wife of Harley Weatherhead. Francis M. Clayton obtained his education in the public schools and then engaged in farming until he was twenty-two years of age, after which, for five years, he was concerned in the manufacturing of tile at Jackson Center, as a member of the firm of Gross & Clayton. After selling his interest there, Mr. Clayton took charge of his father's farm and has continued here ever since. He carries on a general farming line and raises stock for his own use. Mr. Clayton has always been identified with the republican party but takes no active part in campaign work, his aim being to give support to those candidates who are best qualified to carry out the principles of government in which he believes. On January 24, 1889, Mr. Clayton was married to Miss Luella Littlejohn, who was born in Shelby county, a daughter of George W. and Emily (Smith) Littlejohn. George W. Littlejohn is a retired farmer, was formerly postmaster at Jackson Center, O., and is a veteran of the Civil war, as is also the father of Mr. Clayton. To Mr. and Mrs. Littlejohn the following children were born : Harry; Denton; Luella; 011ie, wife of John H. Stahler ; Orla ; Charles; Eva, wife of L. P. Heintz ; and Nellie, wife of Clyde Runyon. To Mr. and Mrs. Clayton four children have been born : Homer, Eunice, H0llis and Ralph, all surviving except Hollis. Mr. Clayton and family attend the Methodist Episcopal church at Pemberton. ISAAC MITCHELL WILKINSON, who owns one of the best farms in Perry township, containing 124 acres, is one of the enterprising and progressive young agriculturists of this section. He was born at Pemberton, O., May 6, 1885, and is a son 0f Joseph and Dorcas Ann (Lilley) Wilkinson. Joseph Wilkinson followed agricultural industries through0ut his entire life, accumulated a competency and was known as a man of sterling character. He was a member of the Baptist church and at death his burial was in Cedar Point cemetery in Perry township. His first marriage was to Louisa Nutt and she was survived by two children : Anna and Nellie, the latter being the wife of W. E. Meyers. His second marriage was to Dorcas Ann Lilley, PAGE - 749 - BLANK PAGE - 750 - PICTURE IRENUS ALEXIS ESHMAN AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 749 who left but one child, Isaac Mitchell. His third union was to Mrs. Sallie Ross. Isaac Mitchell Wilkinson, after completing the common school course, became actively interested in farming, taking possession of the ninety-three acres which he inherited and adding thirty-three acres which he purchased from G. H. Monroe. He has inaugurated many substantial improvements on his place and is justified in feeling proud of its appearance and of the productiveness of his land under his intelligent methods of cultivation. In 1909 Mr. Wilkinson was married to Miss Tima Faye Halboth, a daughter of J. A. and Emma B. (Baughman) Halboth, the father of Mrs. Wilkinson being a merchant at Pemberton, 0. She has one brother, Clay B. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson have an engaging little daughter, Ruth Elizabeth. They attend the Baptist church. As was his father, Mr. Wilkinson is a republican in politics, and fraternally he is identified with the Masonic lodge at Port Jefferson, 0. R. M. TOLAND, whose well improved farm lies one mile north of Anna, 0., where he owns sixty-seven acres, situated in Dinsmore township, Shelby county, was born in this county, in 1844, and is a son of E. B. and Nancy Toland. E. B. Toland was born in Virginia, and his second wife, the mother of R. M. Toland, was a native of Ohio. By two marriages E. B. Toland became the father of fifteen children, the survivors of his first union being: John, Anna and. Nancy, and of his second: Robert M., Alfred, George, James, Charles, Susanna and Martha. Prior to 1833 Mr. Toland followed farming in Miami county, 0., and afterward in Shelby county, where he spent the rest of his life. R. M. Toland worked on his father's farm until he was seventeen years of age and then enlisted for service in the Civil war and for three years performed every duty, dangerous or otherwise, that was assigned him. His first captain was J. C. Frey, of Sidney, 0., and under his leadership Mr. Toland took part in the battles of Fort Donelson and Shiloh and many others equally serious, and was honorably discharged. Since the close of his military service he has followed an agricultural life and is numbered with the prosperous farmers of Dinsmore township. Mr. Toland married Miss Hannah Elliott, a daughter of Samuel Elliott, and they have four children : Nellie, Clarence, Claude and Virgil, all living at home except Clarence, who is a resident of Piqua, 0. Mr. Toland and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In his political views he is a republican. HON. IRENUS ALEXIS ESHMAN, probate judge of Shelby county, 0., and an honored resident and leading member 0f the Sidney bar, was born September 5, 1870, on his father's farm in Loramie township, Shelby county, 0., and is a son of Francis J. and Margaret (Chaivre) Eshman. The father of Judge Eshman was born in Switzerland, grew up there and entered the Swiss army and after his obligatory service was over and 750 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY he had received his honorable discharge, in 1842 he came to America. His first home in the United States was at Massillon, O., and from there he moved to Detroit, Mich., and in March, 1865, came to Shelby county, and purchased a farm in Loramie township on which he lived during the remainder of his life, his death occurring in June, 1888, at the age of seventy-five years. He married Margaret Chaivre, who was born in the province of Alsace, France, and was a daughter of Louis and Margaret (Otill) Chaivre, who became residents of Detroit, Mich., after coming to the United States. In St. Ann's cathedral, in that city, she was united in marriage, in 1849, with Francis J. Eshman, and they became the parents 0f eleven children. Mary became the wife of Xavier Eshman of Loramie township. Margaret was the wife of Irenus De Broff, of McLean township, Shelby county. Frances, now deceased, was the wife of Joseph Rousiau of Versailles. Joseph, Odill and perhaps another died in infancy. Frank died in 1892, unmarried. Caroline is the wife of Sylvester Gigandet and they reside on a farm west of Sidney, O. Eugenia was the next in order of birth. Julia, who is now deceased, was the wife of Louis Piquignot, of Versailles, O. The youngest member of the family was Irenus Alexis. The mother died in May, 1897, being then sixty- eight years of age. Irenus Alexis Eshman attended the public schools of Loramie township and the Versailles high school and later the Lebanon normal school, after which he studied law under Hon. George Marshall until 1895. From 1899 until 1902 he taught school but as far back as 1894 became identified with educational matters, being then appointed a member of the board of school examiners and served in that capacity for six years. From 1902 until 1905 he was connected with the law office of Charles Marshall at Sidney, and in the latter year was first elected to the bench, and in 1912 re-elected, his earlier judicial record having been eminently satisfactory to his party and fellow citizens. Some cases have been carried to the supreme court, but so far none of his decisions have ever been reversed. He is a stanch democrat and has been active in politics since he reached manhood and in November, 1892, when only twenty-one years of age, was elected a justice of the peace. Although, as stated above, a strong party man, he is personally popular and in the election of 1905, in one precinct in which there are 106 normal votes, he received 104 of these, showing great public sentiment in his favor. Judge Eshman was married in 1896 to Miss Margaret Guilliott, a daughter of Henry and Leona (Larmanie) Guilliott, and the following children have been born to them : Raymond, Irenus, Francis, Robert, Margaret, Florence, James, Rosemary, Henrietta, Lawrence and Virginia, several of whom died in infancy. Judge Eshman and family are members of the R0man Catholic church. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Columbus, the Elks and the Eagles. DAVID R. KEY, whose fine farm of 122 acres lies in Perry township and adjoins the old homestead on which he was born in October, 1858, is one of the well-known men of this section and a representative of one of the old PAGE - 751 - PICTURES OF MR. AND MRS. DAVID R. KEY PAGE - 752 - BLANK AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 753 and sturdy families of Shelby county. He is a son of John and Anna (Rhinehart) Key and a grandson of John Key. Grandfather Key was born in Virginia in 1781 and about 1800 came to Ohio, settling in Montgomery county, where he died fifteen years later. He left a widow and five children, a son, John, being born six months after his death. John Key, father of David R. Key, was born in Montgomery county, 0., in 1816 and remained in Montgomery county with his mother until 1836 and then came to Shelby county, but returned to Montgomery county one year later and lived there until 1840, when he again came to Shelby county and rented land for several years, saving his money and then buying more land. He had but fifty dollars when he came here the first time, and this money he invested in land, entering forty acres in Jackson township and later, through industry, thrift and good judgment, securing the means to enter 160 acres in Indiana. That land he subsequently traded for eighty acres in Shelby county and to that tract he later added until his farm contained 240 acres. He improved all that land together with 300 acres in Perry township, 140 acres in Champaign county, and also acquired realty at Sidney and Millerstown, He at one time owned 983 acres in this and Champaign county. His first marriage was in 1841, to Lillie Lucas, who, at death, left two sons : John H. and Norman. In 1847 he married Anna Rhinehart for his second wife and seven children were born to them : Amanda, Rachel, Elizabeth, Jane, David R., Sherman and Orlando B. David R. Key attended the district schools through boyhood and then assisted his father and thus gained a very practical knowledge of farming. He has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits and for some years in the past dealt in stock but now confines himself to a general farming line and the raising of stock for home use only. In 1883 Mr. Key was married to Miss Maggie M. Heffner, a daughter of William and Sarah (Sargent) Heffner. The father of Mrs. Key waS a soldier in the Civil war and there lost his life, and her mother died while she was a child, The other members of her parents' family were : Mary, wife of William McLean; Jasel, deceased ; David L.; George and William, Mrs. Key being the youngest of the family. To Mr. and Mrs. Key four children have been born : Grace, who is the wife of L. E. Ranck; Mary Robinson; and Maurice H., who are twins; and Laura Murriel. The family attends the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Key is a republican in politics but has never been willing to accept public office. COL. JAMES B. TUCKER, a prominent citizen of Sidney, 0., and one of the city's leading manufacturers, is president, treasurer and general manager of the Tucker Woodwork Company, one of the largest business enterprises of this section. He is a native of Kentucky, a son of Thomas M. and Mary B. Tucker, the paternal line belonging to Southern Indiana and the maternal to Kentucky. Colonel Tucker received his primary education in private schools and when he reached the proper age, entered DePauw University at Greencastle, 754 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY Ind., where he was graduated with the class of 1886. He then engaged in the drug business for two years at Mt. Sterling, Ky. In the early nineties he located at Greencastle, Ind., where he organized the Greencastle Manufacturing Company, for the making of bicycle wood rims, but his factory was destroyed by fire in 1897. He then erected a temporary factory at Roachdale, Ind., where he continued his manufacturing until the completion of a new factory, at Urbana, O., and to that place he removed with his family in 1898. Again his plant was destroyed by fire, a conflagration taking place October 17, 1902. Colonel Tucker was not discouraged, however, but began prospecting for a new factory site, finding it at Sidney, where he located his new buildings and opened for business in 1903. The product of the factory, bicycle, sulky and automobile rims, is shipped to various points both at home and abroad and employment is given to from sixty to 140 men. His present plant consists of two buildings of brick construction, with dimensions of 60x200 feet, one of these being two stories and the other three stories in height. Colonel Tucker has devoted his life as a business man to manufacturing. He is largely a self-made man, at the beginning of his career starting out on borrowed capital, but it was entirely safe, as he is possessed of that something which is known as business sense and has always been successful despite the losses he has sustained through accident. Colonel Tucker married Miss Amelia Langdon, a daughter of Daniel Langdon, of Greencastle, Ind., and they have had two children Harold L. and Grace, the former being in school and the latter being deceased. The residence of Colonel Tucker, which bears the name of Bonyconnellan, is the handsomest residence in the county. In its building it was patterned after a castle of that name situated near the estate of a friend, in the vicinity of Cork, Ireland, who suggested the very appropriate name for the American home. In politics Colonel Tucker is a republican. He is a member of the Sidney Commercial Club, a member of the Fellow Craft Club of Detroit, Mich., the Toledo Club, Toledo, O., and formerly was a member of the Columbia Club of Indianapolis, and was active as a committeeman when the new buildings were erected there. He has always believed in life insurance and is one of the largest policy holders in Shelby and perhaps in adjoining counties. He carries more than $100,000, and has one policy of $50,000 in the Northwestern Life Insurance Company. He stands high in citizenship at Sidney and is a leading factor in both business and social life, has ever been liberal in his contributions to charity, and his high sense of justice has made him companionable with all classes. BERNARD P. WAGNER, president of the Wagner Park Conservatories Company, and vice president of the Wagner Manufacturing Company, both very important enterprises of Shelby county, is one of the solid, reliable and representative men of this section of Ohio and belongs to a prominent family of the state. He was born at Sidney, O., February 1, 1865, and is a son of Mathias and Anna M. (Rauth) Wagner. Considering the world-wide fame that the name of Wagner has brought to AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 755 Sidney, it is interesting to know that Mr. Wagner was not 0nly born here but secured his educational training here als0, attending both the public and parochial schools, and proving an apt and attentive student. His entrance into business life was when he assisted in the organization of the well remembered department store known as the Wagner Arcade, which was located in the building which is now occupied by the Wagner Hotel. He was interested in the establishing of the factories of the Wagner Manufacturing C0mpany, of which he has been vice president since the company was incorporated, and from that time until 1900, when he was instrumental in founding the Wagner Park Conservatories, he devoted all his time and attention to the manufacturing business. This is the most extensive manufacturing plant at Sidney and its wares find a market in every part of the civilized world. The products are aluminum cooking utensils and employment is given to more than 300 workmen. The Wagner Park Conservatories at Sidney were started in 1900, the main mover in this great enterprise being Bernard P. Wagner, whose natural gifts as a landscape gardener and whose inherent love of flowers had been marked from boyhood. When the present company was incorporated, with a capital of $1 00,000, the following officers were selected : B. P. Wagner, president and treasurer ; W. H. 'Wagner, vice president; and H. L. Brown, secretary, and these officers, with M. M., L. R. and J. F. Wagner and A. M. Brown, make up the board of directors. In the newly erected office building particular attention has been given to the admission of light for drafting room purposes and to the conveniences and comforts which modern business men enjoy in their surroundings. The greenhouses have 15,000 square feet of space under glass and a modern hot water system of heating is employed. In these greenhouses are found palms, roses of all varieties and other tender plants, not only grown but in many cases originated here. The growing fields are over i00 acres in extent and here flowers, shrubs and trees of all varieties are cultivated for the market, in the busy season seventy-five men being required to attend to the cultivation and shipment of these. The landscape department of the business is a very important feature and the taste and skill of landscape experts from this company have not only many times been employed in laying out the beautiful grounds for some of Sidney's handsomest residences, but persons in every state of the Union have also profited by the service of these experts. A visitor to the park will immediately become interested in one of the recent additions to its attractions—the arboretum, where every species of shrub and tree that can be grown in this locality will be grown for display. Evergreens and plants, flowers and shrubs from all countries, France, Germany, Holland and Japan. There has already been planted 0ver 300 varieties of evergreen, 300 varieties of shrubs and 250 varieties of trees. This arboretum extends the width of the grounds and doubles back, following the west park boundaries. Another unusual and interesting feature is the Isle of Nippon gardens. Mr. Wagner's own idea was followed out in the f0rmation of an artificial lake containing islands, and the building of a real Japanese garden, in which Nippon flowers, many 756 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY having been imported direct from Japan, are grown. Should a native of that far off, beautiful land visit this park and stand bef0re the typical Japanese gate built of logs and catch a glimpse 0f the placid lake within, and surrounded with winding walks and rustic bridges, he could not fail to express pleasure and wonder at the faithful reproduction that has been made. To Bernard P. Wagner the credit must be given for the inception and subsequent development of this remarkable business. Mr. Wagner married Miss Jennie Freschard, of Owensville, O., and they have three children ; Jerome, Bernard and Elizabeth. They have a beautiful home, their handsome brick residence being located on North Walnut avenue, on an eminence overlooking Sidney, Mr. Wagner completing its construction in 1895 and placing it in the center of a well kept park. Its outside attractions harmonize with its inside adornments for Mr. Wagner and family are people of culture and artistic tastes and their surroundings give evidence of the same. Perhaps no private collection of paintings in this part of Ohio have more value than those Mr. Wagner has hung on his walls and not only enjoys himself but, with justifiable pride, exhibits to other lovers of real art. Artists of world-wide fame have painted the following pictures which he considers the choice of his collection ; "Dutch Bargain" by Jane M. Dealy ; "The Little Housekeeper" by Ridgeway Knight ; "The Canyon Trail" by H. F. Farney, the great artistic portrayer of Indian life; "Highland Sheep" by William Watson; and "Loch Lomond" by Alfred De Breanski. While his private interests are so absorbing, including the enterprises above partially described, and in addition having large real estate holdings at Sidney, where he has erected at least TOO handsome residences, Mr. Wagner still finds time to perform all duties of good citizenship, taking a particular pride in the good name of his native place. He is not, however, a politician in the real sense of the word. He was reared in the faith of the Roman Catholic church, and is a valued member of the Catholic organization, the Knights of Columbus. To some degree, also, Mr. Wagner is engaged in literary work, having contributed to magazines and published a book entitled "Landscape Gardening for Amateurs," which is found in many a home where flowers are loved and successfully cultivated. He has given his name to a certain method of landscape gardening which has become a standard and may be thus briefly described. The Wagner method means the treatment of the selected land in a pictorial way with large effects ; flower borders and masses, shrubs and plants being introduced in such a way as to add to the repose and simplicity of the whole, harmony of color being especially studied, unsightly outlooks being obliterated, vistas being formed and illusions being manufactured by art. GEORGE W. FALER, one of the best known and most respected residents of Dinsmore township, Shelby c0unty, O., who now lives in comfortable retirement on his farm of 130 acres, which is situated three and one-half miles northeast of Anna, O., was born in 1833 in Pennsylvania, and seventy AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 757 years ago was brought to Dinsmore township by his parents, John and Elizabeth (Burkett) Faler. John Faler was of American birth but his wife was born in Germany. They were among the pioneers in Dinsmore township and for years were well known but have long since passed away. They had three sons and four daughters : George W., John, Christopher, Susan, Mary, Elizabeth and Catherine. George W. Faler attended the early schools under the conditions that then prevailed in Dinsmore township, and afterward learned the carpenter trade, at which he worked for many years, and also followed farming and stock raising. He was successful in his undertakings and acquired a competency and for some years has lived retired from active labor, his sons assuming his responsibilities and carrying on the farm industries in a capable manner. Mr. Faler married Miss Mary Ann Taylor, a daughter of John and Rebecca Taylor, and ten children were born to them, namely : John F., Margaret E., Jacob A., Amanda, Minnie, Alabel, Mary A., Dillie, Alonzo and Nora. John F. married Lillie Kepplinger and they live in Jackson township ; Margaret married William Wilferd and they live east of Anna, 0. ; Jacob lives on the homestead ; Mary A. married John Lease and they live in Dinsmore township ; Dillie and Alonzo live at home; Nora married Michael Metz and they live in Dinsmore township. Amanda, Alabel and Minnie are all deceased, Alabel having been the wife of Luther Whited. Mr. Faler has always been a citizen in whom his neighbors could rely and he has served the township in such offices as road supervisor and trustee. He is one of the pillars of the Reformed church, so to speak, and has long been a deacon in the church at Swanders, 0. JOHN QUINCY ADAMS PENCE, farmer and stock dealer, residing in Salem township, where he owns the old Pence homestead of eighty acres, was born at Springfield, 0., September 14, 1850, and is a son of Jesse G. and Elizabeth (Bare) Pence. Jesse G. Pence was born in Virginia and came to Ohio in early manhood. In 1861 he moved on the farm above mentioned, coming from Tremont, Clark county, a pioneer settler in this section. He was married in Ohio to Elizabeth Bare, who was born in Pennsylvania. For many years they lived in Salem township, Shelby county, quiet farming people, good neighbors and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. When they passed away in the course of nature, they were laid to rest in the cemetery at Port Jefferson. They had the following children : Samuel B., John Q. A., Hosea, Louvisa, Lucinda and Emanuel. Louisa became the wife of Jay Smith, and Lucinda married J. McCormick. John Quincy Adams Pence had district school advantages and afterward remained assisting his father on the home farm until the latter's death. For eleven years following he worked on farms by the month and then bought the old homestead, and all told has since spent thirty years here engaging in general farming and also dealing in stock. 758 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY Mr. Pence was married in 1880 to Miss Sarah E. Kizer, a daughter of Philip and Phoebe Kizer, who were farmers in Champaign county. Mrs. Pence is the sixth of their children, the others being : John Joseph; James ; Elizabeth, wife of John Hesselgesser; Catherine, wife of Edwin Russell ; Matilda, deceased; Etta, wife of Tobias Foltz ; Lillie, wife of John Philips ; and George. Mr. and Mrs. Pence have one son, Forrest K., of Zanesville, O., who married Bertha Price, and they have a daughter, Dorothy Louise. Mr. Pence and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In voting with the republican party, Mr. Pence follows the example set him by his honored father. JOHN C. GERBER, one of Dinsmore township's most substantial and best known citizens, was born on his present home farm of 160 acres, in Shelby county, O., October 7, 1837, and is a son of Peter Gerber, who was a pioneer here. Peter Gerber was born in Switzerland and probably lived in Pennsylvania after first coming to the United States, as his wife was born in that state. They were married at Miamisburg, O., and came later to Dinsmore township, Shelby county, settling in the wilderness, and, as all pioneers, had to battle with many difficulties. They passed the rest of their lives on this farm. Three children were born to them : Samuel, John C., and Lucinda, John C. being the only survivor. John C. Gerber had but meager educational opportunities in his youth but whenever his father could spare him in boyhood, attended the district schools. Farming in all its phases and stock raising engaged his attention until within a few years, since when he has lived in comfortable retirement. His home farm of 160 acres lies four miles northeast of Anna, O. and his total aggregate of land in Dinsmore township is 740 acres. These farms have been well improved through his own industry and with the assistance of his sons. Mr. Gerber married Miss Mary Catherine Smith and they have had a family of nine children born to them, one of whom died in infancy. Sarah, the eldest daughter, married George Metz, and they live near Jackson Center, O. Lizzie married George Billing and they live in Salem township. Edward married Elizabeth Metz and they live near Jackson Center. Albert married Catherine Sherer and they live four miles southeast of B0tkins, O. Clara married Samuel Fogt and they live in Dinsmore township. George, Henry and Anna all reside at home. Mr. Gerber and family belong to the Lutheran church. Politically he is a democrat and his sons are of the same faith. During his long life spent in Dinsmore township 'he has seen many changes take place and 0ld families and customs pass away and his reminiscences are exceedingly interesting. He has proved in his own case and his own family that investments in land are safe and profitable and that agriculture gives prosperity and contentment when intelligently and persistently followed. A. E. APPLEGETT, an enterprising and prosperous general farmer who owns two farms in Green township, Shelby county, O., one of forty-five AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 759 acres and the other of seventy-two acres, resides on and is operating Joseph Bolinger's farm of eighty acres, which lies also in Green township, twelve miles southeast of Sidney, 0. He was born in Miami county, 0., January 12, 1862, and is a son of Goff and Hannah Ann (Davis) Applegett. Goff Applegett was born in Hamilton county, 0., and in early manhood went to Miami county, where he followed the carpenter trade all thr0ugh his active life. He is a highly respected resident of Lena, 0., and is now in his eighty-sixth year. He married Hannah Ann Davis, who also survives, and they had eight children, seven of whom are living. A. E. Applegett has been a general farmer practically all his life and not only manages his own land advantageously but brings satisfactory results to the owner of the acres he rents. A general line of farming is carried on and considerable stock is grown. Mr. Applegett married Miss Emma Bolinger, a daughter of Joseph Bolinger, an old settler of Shelby county, and they have two children: Myrtle, who is the wife of Clyde Harbaugh ; and Mary, who resides with her parents. In politics Mr. Applegett is a republican and has served in the office of township trustee. Fraternally he is connected with the Red Men and the Knights of the Golden Eagle. WILSON DILL, whose finely located and well improved farm of 162 acres lies one mile north of Anna, 0., is one of the well known and enterprising farmers of this section. He was born in Dinsmore township, Shelby county, 0., in 1854, and is a son 0f James C. and Martha (Bodkin) Dill. The parents of Mr. Dill were born in Ohio, to which state their parents had come as pioneers. Nine children were born to them, as follows : Russell B., Olive, Elmer, Oliver, Harry, Charles, Burton, Carrie and Wilson. Russell, who is deceased, is survived by his widow, formerly Emma Brower, of Missouri, who now lives at Sidney. Olive married Richard Cannon and they live in Auglaize county. Elmer, who is a resident of Illinois, married Callie Meyers, of Anna, 0. Oliver died at the age of twenty-eight years and Harry died in infancy. Charles is a resident of New York and Burton of Kansas City. Carrie is the wife of James House and they live at Wapakoneta, 0. After completing his district school education, Wilson Dill learned the mason trade, which he followed for some time, but for the past thirty-five years has devoted his attention mainly to his agricultural affairs. His fine farm is easily reached, as the Ohio Electric Railroad passes in front of his handsome residence, which, with all other improvements, was placed here by Mr. Dill. He follows modern methods in carrying on his farm industries and his land responds with b0untiful crops and his stock is far above the average. Mr. Dill married Miss Elizabeth Fletcher, a daughter of S. F. and Delilah (Slegle) Fletcher, and they have five children : Homer, who asSists his father on the home place, married Clara Weaver ; Addie, who is the wife of Melvin Boyer, and they live near B0tkins ; William, wh0 is a resident of Wapakoneta, married Pearl Boyer ; Harry is a resident of Denver, Colo. ; and Zoe, who is 760 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY the wife of William Diensberger, of Delphos, O. Mr. Dill and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has been a trustee and steward for eighteen years. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of the Golden Eagle and politically is a member of the progressive wing of the democratic party. WILLIAM M. YOUNG, proprietor of a prosperous grocery business with quarters at No. 215 North Pomeroy street, has been a resident of Sidney, O., for seven years and is a native of Shelby county, born in Franklin township, July 2, 1879. His parents were William and Loretta (Rairdon) Young. William Young, Sr., Was born in Pickaway county, O., August 31, 1819, and came to Shelby county with his father, Adam Young, who secured a claim on a small tract of land in Franklin township. When these pioneer settlers, William Young, Sr., being then a lad of twelve years, reached their new homestead, November 12, 1832, the only shelter they found was under the branches of an oak tree and cold weather came upon them before they could complete their log cabin. Pioneers, however, in those days were made of courageous men and women who did not fear hardship or expect much material comfort. Two year later they moved to Dinsmore township on which place William Young, Sr., spent his subsequent life, living to be over eighty-seven years of age and dying December 17, 1906. He was a farmer - and also a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church.. He married Loretto Rairdon, who was born in Logan county and died in Shelby county, May 27, 1888. William M. Young was reared in Franklin township and attended the country schools until he was fifteen years of age, after which he worked for his father until he was twenty-one years old. He had, however, an ambition to learn the art of telegraphing and when he became legal master of his own time, entered the Ohio Normal University at Ada and studied telegraphy and later continued at Edgerton, O. On October 14, 1901, he went to work for the Chicago & Northwestern railroad at Bertram, Ia., being then transferred to Des Moines, and in all spent two years in Iowa, coming then to Anna, 0., and in 1903 went to work for the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton railroad, continuing with them at Lima, Troy and Tippecanoe City. For six years he was with the Big Four railroad, at Sidney, and was also agent at Sidney from July 10, 1909, to January 12, 1910; cashier for the Big Four until June 30, 1911, and from July to December 15, 1911, was train dispatcher for the Western Ohio Electric railroad, his headquarters being at Wapakoneta. After this varied railroad experience he decided to become a permanent resident of Sidney and bought his present mercantile business from E. J. Evans, taking possession on January 1, 1912. In 1903 Mr. Young was married to Miss Faye Knief, of Bloom Center, Logan county, O., and they have three children : Lucile, Warren and Wallace. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 761 JONATHAN STOUT,* one of the substantial and representative citizens of Salem township, Shelby county, 0., now serving in his second term as a member of the township board of trustees, was born in Salem township, in December, 1847, and is a son of Abraham and Jelesie (Fly) Stout. The parents of Mr. Stout were farmers in Salem township for many years and were worthy of the universal respect in which they were held. They were liberal supporters of the Methodist Episcopal church and at death they were buried in the Methodist cemetery at Port Jefferson. They had the following children : Elizabeth, who is deceased, was the wife of John Lefton; Nathan; Malinda, who is now deceased, was the wife of George Fox ; Sarah, who is now deecased, was the wife of Andrew Cargill ; and Jonathan. Jonathan tout attended the district schools in boyhood and afterward worked for his father on the home farm and subsequently acquired and still cultivates land of his own. His well developed farm of forty acres is situated three miles east of Port Jefferson and in this town he has twenty more acres and two residences. Mr. Stout is well known all over Salem township and enjoys the esteem of a wide circle. In 1889 he married Miss Sallie Stockstill. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Stout married Miss Nancy Wilkinson. They attend the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically a democrat, his party, on more than one occasion, has called upon him to accept offices in its gift and in the faithful performance of official duties, he has won the approval of all his fellow citizens, irrespective of party. He belongs to the order of Golden Eagles, at Maplewood, 0. NICHOLAS CHARLES ENDERS, who at this time (April, 1913) is serving his third term as clerk of Perry township, Shelby county, 0., owns over ninety-four acres of land near Pemberton, which he devotes to general farming and stock raising. He was born at Sidney, 0., March 16, 1874, and is a on of Christian and Margaret (Dormire) Enders. Christian Enders was born in Lengsfeld, Germany, April 7, 1838. At the age of seventeen he came to America and located at Sidnev. He was for several years engaged in weaving with his br0ther Henry, in East Sidney. In the early days of the Civil war he enlisted in Schultz's battery, First Ohio Light Artillery, and was at Shiloh, Murfreesboro, and in several minor engagements. Having received an honorable discharge he returned to Sidney and engaged in wagon making, his place of business being on North Ohio avenue. Soon after engaging in this trade he was married to Margaret Dormire of Green township, with whom he lived until her death, September 20, 1878. To this union were horn six children, four of whom are still living: Nicholas C., the subject of this sketch ; Jacob H., a farmer in Perry township; George C., ,dean of the Christian Biblical Institute at Defiance, 0.; and Emma E., superintendent of Flower Hospital at Toledo, 0. In 1875 Christian Enders gave up his trade as wagon maker and devoted the remainder of his life to farming, living first in Perry, and later in Franklin township, where he died June 24, 1902, his burial being at Swanders. In 762 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY 1879, he married Barbara King of Butler county, who is still living at his late home. To this union four children were born : Sadie, wife of Charles Richards, a farmer of Franklin township; Mary, a professional nurse; Herman, a farmer; and Catherine, a school teacher. Nicholas C. Enders attended the public schools and afterwards was a student in the university at Lebanon, O., for several months, during which time he pursuel a commercial course. Previous to this time, he had learned the trades of painter and paper hanger, and after his return from Lebanon he followed these trades for seven years, when he bought his farm in Perry township, upon which he has since engaged in farming. In February, 1902, Mr. Enders was married to Miss Daisy Pence, a daughter of Noah and Clara (Wibel) Pence, the former of whom is a retired farmer living at Sidney. Mrs. Enders has one sister, Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Enders' only son, Christian Henry, was born June 26, r910, and died the same day, but a daughter, Clara Margaret, born April 9, 1912, is living. The democratic party claims Mr. Enders' fealty in national affairs but in local matters he uses his own judgment. He and wife are members of the Baptist church at Pemberton, O. LOUIS R. WAGNER, secretary and general manager of the Wagner Manufacturing Company, of Sidney, O., a very important industrial enterprise of Shelby county, was born at Sidney, October 12, 1871, a member of cne of the old county families. Louis R. Wagner was educated in the schools at Sidney and St. Mary's College at Dayton, O., and since earliest manhood has been identified with business enterprises of this section. He now devotes his entire time to the interests of the Wagner Manufacturing Company, with which he has been connected since its organization. At the plant of the Wagner Manufacturing Company three hundred men are employed, with good wages and constant work, the product of the plant being cast aluminum cooking utensils, known as the famous "Wagner Ware." In 1892 Mr. Wagner was married to Miss Catherine Burkhardt, who was born at Dayton, O. They are members of the Roman Catholic church and Mr. Wagner is a fourth degree member and is deeply interested in that noble organization, the Knights of Columbus, of which he was its first grand knight, Sidney council. ROBERT V. JONES, postmaster at Sidney, O.:, where he has other interests, owns property and is connected with church and fraternal organizations, has been a resident of Shelby county for twenty-two years. His birth, however, took place in Carmarthenshire, Wales, December 5, 1856, and he is a son of Rev. David Jones, D. D. Rev. David Jones was a Congregational minister. He was liberally educated in his native land and remained there until 1869, when he came to America. His first charge was at Cambria, Wis., where he remained for one year and was then transferred to Gomer, O., where he was in charge for PAGE - 763 - PICTURES OF ROBERT V. JONES PAGE - 764 - BLANK AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 765 eleven years. In 1880 he became pastor of the Welsh congregation in Cincinnati, where he labored for fifteen years, retiring then to Granville, O., where his death occurred in 1904. His venerable widow, now in her eighty- ninth year, lives at Lima, O. Of their eight children, five reached maturity and two survive : Robert V., and Elizabeth, who is residing at Lima. Robert V. Jones. attended the pubic schools of .Lima, 0., completing the high school course before he embarked in the hardware and lumber business, having interests both at Lima and Sidney, and in 1890 took up his residence at the latter place, continuing his lumber business here. In June, 1898, he was appointed postmaster and he has an unblemished record as a public official. Mr. Jones is widely known and at present is serving in the office of president of the National Association of second and third class postmasters. In politics he is a republican. In 1884 Mr. Jones was married to Miss Anna Williams, who is a daughter of John and Margaret Williams, of Pennsylvania. They have no living children. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are members of the Presbyterian church. His fraternal connections include membership with the Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Elks. JACOB METZ, who is one of Jackson township's most respected citizens, has spent almost all of his long and busy life in Ohio. but his birth took place in Alsace, Germany, April 21, 1839. He was but one year old when his parents, Jacob and Catherine (Elsass) Metz brought him to America. They settled in Stark county, 0., with their seven children and two more were born after coming to the United States. Jacob, the eldest, died in Germany ; Philip and Christian live in Jackson township; Catherine is the widow of Peter Regula; Sophia is the widow of Jacob Wildermuth ; Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of Philip Helmlinger; Jacob; Caroline died when aged six years; and Christiana died in infancy. The father of the above family followed farming in Stark county for nine years and then moved into Shelby county and located tw0 miles north of Jacks0n Center, on a tract of eighty acres, in Jackson township, itS situation being on the north county line between Shelby and Auglaize counties. He improved that farm and bought several other tracts so that he was able to give each son a farm of 160 acres. He was an earnest member of the Lutheran church and gave his assistance in the erection of the log church edifice in Jackson township, the first Lutheran church. He never learned the English language but this made little difference as the larger number of the neighbors were also Germans. He died at the home 0f his son Jacob, in 1864, when aged sixty-seven years, survived by his widow who lived to the age of eighty-one years. Jacob Metz remained on the home farm and took care of his parents as long as they lived. He attended school before leaving Stark county and afterward, for one winter, went to school in Dinsmore township. All his later youth was given to work on the farm which he assisted his father to clear, and in the course of years became a man of large possessions, owning 766 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY some nine hundred acres of land. As his father before him had done, he gave each of his children a valuable farm, retaining only thirty-nine acres for his own home, which lies in section 5, in Jackson township. On December 24, 1861, Mr. Metz was married to Miss Catherine Gross, who was born December 13, 1842, in Clay township, Auglaize county, a daughter of Philip and Barbara (Norrit) Gross, the former of whom was born in Germany and died in Clay township, while the latter was born in France and died in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Metz. Mrs. Metz was one of a family of eight children and she has one living brother and sister : Nicholas, who lives at Santa Fe; and Elizabeth, who is the wife of Philip Zorn, of Jackson township. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Metz : Catherine, who is the wife of Henry Kempfer, of Dinsmore township, and they have three childrenCaroline, Albert and Luella ; Jacob J., who married Lena Pulfere, lives in Auglaize county and they have, Albert, Roy and Harley; Elizabeth, who married John Wildermuth of Jackson township and they have—Clarence, John, Harley, Clara, Arvel and Melvin, twins, Edna and Roy ; Philip, who married Catherine Banhart, lives in Logan county and they have—Carrie, Emma, Edna, Tressie, Lenora and Lester Philip; Christian ; John, of Jackson township, married Ella Fogt; Barbara, who married Nathan Sliroyer of Logan county, and they have, Velma, Ernest and Chrystal; Lewis J., who lives in Jackson township, married Cora Ambos and they have two children, Wilma Marie and Luetta Viola ; William, of Jackson township, who married Ida Boyer and they have three children—Ralph, Florence and Evelin Loraine; Sophia, who died at the age of twenty-one years ; Caroline, who died when aged two years and four months; and Christiana, who died in infancy. Mr. Metz has always been a farmer and still enjoys looking after his little property which his son Christian, who still lives at home, practically manages. He has been a very liberal man and has a family that holds him in loving esteem. In politics a stanch democrat, he has served at times in such local offices as school director and road supervisor. He has been a consistent member and generous supporter of the Lutheran church ever since boyhood. EMANUEL J. STRUBLE,* who is one of the representative citizens of Perry township, Shelby county, O., a large land owner and a public official for many years, was born in Perry township, October 30, 1851, and is a son of Peter and Susan (Riser) Struble, both parents being now deceased. The father died away from home and his burial was in Minnesota. He foll0wed farming as his occupation. The mother died in Perry township. Of their nine children the three survivors are : Benjamin, Jessie and Emanuel. Emanuel Struble had district school advantages in boyhood and afterward devoted himself to agricultural pursuits for a number of years and owns two farms in this township, both containing eighty acres, both being now rented to good tenants, Mr. Struble having his time taken up with official duties. He served three years as a justice of the peace and is turnpike superintendent AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 767 and township assessor. Mr. Struble is a stockholder in the Farmers Telephone Company and, as a good citizen, frequently has given encouragement to local enterprises. In 1873 Mr. Struble was married to Miss Sarah L. Hensel, who was born in Shelby county, 0., a daughter of Jacob Hensel and wife, the other members of the family being : George; Jacob; Rose, wife of Adam Fredley; Callie, wife of James McManaway; Susan, wife of Jacob Rosier; and Anna, wife of Mark McCauley. To Mr. and Mrs. Struble five children have been born, the survivors being : Bessie, wife of George Wallcott; Harley, who married Grace McMillan; and Frank, who married Leila Enders. Mr. Struble and family attend the Baptist church. He is a democrat and is more or less prominent in local politics. CALVIN 0. BOYER, a successful agriculturist of Perry township, Shelby county, 0., where he manages the old Lucas farm of fifty acres and his own farm of thirty-two acres, known as the Locust Grove farm, was born March 31, 1873, in Dinsmore township, Shelby county. He is a son of Samuel Fisher Boyer and his first wife, Emma (Botkin) Boyer. Samuel Fisher Boyer was a general farmer in Dinsmore township and a -man of standing in his community. His first wife died October 24, 1878, and her burial was in Dinsmore township. His second marriage was to Clara Botkin and children were born to both unions, four to the first and eight to the second : Calvin 0. and Melvin, twins; Charles, Stanley, Clarence, Edith, Ida, Willard, Herbert, Alvin, Vernon and Thelma. Of the above all survive except Edith. Ida is the wife of William Metz. Samuel Fisher Boyer died October 25, 1912, and his burial was at the Loramie Valley cemetery. Calvin 0. Boyer attended the public schools until old enough to enter the factory at Botkins, 0., where he worked for three years and afterward, for the same length of time, was in the livery business in that village. For eight years prior to coming on the farm he was in the employ of the Sheets Manufacturing Company. Mr. Boyer is thoroughly interested in an agricultural life and devotes close attention to his industries here, raising excellent crops and a sufficiency of stock for his own use. The Lucas farm belongs to his mother-in-law, Mrs. P. G. Lucas and the other Lucas heirs. Mr. Boyer was married May 6, 1900, to Miss Ethel Lucas, a (laughter of P. G. and Thirza (DeWeese) Lucas, both of whom were born in Shelby county. The father of Mrs. Boyer was a substantial farmer and highly respected citizen. His death occurred June 25, 1906, and his burial was at Port Jefferson. His two children survive : Marcellus N., who owns seventy acres situated in Perry township; and Ethel, who is the wife of Mr. Boyer and they reside with Mrs. Lucas on the homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Boyer have three children : Ralph, India and Howard. He was reared in the Methodist Episcopal church; Mrs. Boyer is a member of the Baptist church at Pemberton. In politics he has never been very active but votes the republican ticket as did his father. He belongs to Lodge N0. 63, Knights of the Golden Eagle at Anna Station. 768 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY JOHN DEITERS, whose valuable farm of 100 acres lies in sections 20 and 20, McLean township, Shelby county, O., resides on the north side of the Deiter turnpike road, five miles northeast of Minster, O. This is the old homestead of the Deiters and here he was born, October 17, 1855, a son of Bernard and Mary (Humbers) Deiters. Bernard Deiters was born in Hanover, Germany, and was about nineteen years of age when he accompanied his mother and step-father to the United States. The family lived for a time in the city of Cincinnati and during that period Bernard worked along the Ohio river as a teamster. Then they took passage on the canal boat and in that way reached Minster and from there to Shelby county. Bernard Deiters bought sixty acres of wild land in section 20, McLean township, which under other conditions now is a part of the son's farm. He found that one acre had been cleared and started immediately to clear the other fifty-nine acres and succeeded in accomplishing the task. He continued to live in the old log cabin until his death, his tastes being simple and the house comfortable, and there he died at the age of sixty- eight years. He was about twenty-five years old when he was united in marriage with Mary Humbers, who was also a native of Hanover, Germany, where her parents died. In the log cabin referred to, their six children were born and there the mother died at the age of seventy years. Herman, the eldest, died at Gary, Ind., a merchant at the time, a blacksmith by trade. He married Katie Bower of St. Patrick Special School District. John was the second in order of birth. Catherine is the wife of Frank Lehmkule of McLean township. Mathias is a merchant at Cincinnati. Mary is the wife of Henry Danzig, of Cynthian township. Agnes, who is now deceased, was the wife of Henry Dickman, of Minster, 0. The parents of the above family were faithful members of the Catholic church, at Minster, O. John Deiters attended school in the Deiter Special School District, which was so named in honor of his father, and afterward remained at home to give his father needed assistance, and in the course of years he came int0 possession of the homestead. He erected the comfortable farmhouse now standing but the barn, built by his father in 1872, is yet usable, Mr. Deiter keeping his different structures in good repair. With the exception of ten acres of woodland, all the land is under cultivation and the land produces satisfactory returns for the careful attention given it. Mr. Deiters married Miss Mary Lineman, a daughter of Bernard and Mary Lineman, of St. Rosa, Mercer county, O., where the father died at the age of seventy-two years. The mother survived for a time and died at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Deiters at the age of seventy-six years. Mr. and Mrs. Deiters have six children : Bernard, who lives at home ; Catherine, who lives at Dayton ; Henry, Amelia, Herman and Rosa, all of whom live with their parents. They all have enjoyed school advantages in the Deiter Special School District and their father, at different times has been a member of the school board. In politics he is a democrat and has served in the office of turnpike superintendent. The family belongs to the Catholic church at McCartiville, Shelby county. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 769 J. G. THIE, residing on his finely improved farm of 160 acres, which lies one-half mile west of Anna, 0., in Dinsmore township, Shelby county, was born in this township in 1855, and is a son of John H. and Frederica (Zimpher) Thie. The parents of Mr. Thie were born in Germany but they spent many years in Shelby county, where they were highly respected. They had five children : Jacob, who lives at Anna, O.; Margaret, who died at the age of fourteen; Julia, who is the wife of W. Moothart, of Anna ; Caroline, who lives with her brother Jacob, neither having ever married; and J. G. J. G. Thie is well known all through this section as prior to embarking in business he taught school for a number of years. He spent some time as a student in what is now known as the Northern Ohio University at Ada where he was prepared for teaching. Afterward he became a merchant for a few years and then returned to the farm. In 1900, he was married and settled on his present farm which he has so improved that it is denominated the model farm of this part of the county. Progressive and enterprising in every way, he carries on his agricultural operations according to scientific teachings and prospers accordingly. Mr. Thie married Miss Emma Bertsch, a daughter of Christian and Magdalina Bertsch, who were born in Germany, and they have four children : Alma, Herman, Mabel and Ernest, all of whom live at home and are receiving educational advantages. Mr. Thie is a member of the school board of Anna, which maintains a high school. With his family he belongs to the Lutheran church of which he is secretary and is also a member of the board of deacons. He is an unswerving democrat in his political views. In every way he is a representative and useful citizen. ELMER E. HARBOUR, senior member of the firm of E. E. Harbour & Son, operating a grain elevator at Pemberton, 0. and dealing also in farm implements at this place, and additionally the owner of 360 acres of some of the finest land in Perry township, Shelby county, was born in Perry township, March 18, 1866, and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Persinger) Harbour. Henry Harbour was born in Champaign county, 0., but lived many years in Shelby county, where his death occurred in 1906, at the age of eighty-three years, his burial being in Cedar Point cemetery. He was a veteran of the Civil war and was widely known. He married Elizabeth Persinger, who is now a resident of Pemberton, and they had four children : Charles William Beatty, Elmer E., Harry P. and Wallace Royal. Elmer E. Harbour obtained his education in the public schools, afterward worked on his father's farm and for a number of years has been connected with the elevator and implement business. He built his first elevator in partnership with L. G. Shanley, subsequently selling it to L. G. Shanley & Co., and afterward built the one he now owns and operates. As a business man Mr. Harbour has been successful and enterprising and. as the handling of farm implements and grain are among the most important business activities 770 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY of Pemberton, he may almost be said to be the father of the town. He is interested also at Dayton, 0., where he owns a coal yard. He owns considerable valuable realty at D'ayton O., and at Pemberton, including a number of dwellings and well-improved lots and his holdings in association with his wife, in Shelby county, aggregate about 700 acres. In politics he is a republican, and, although no office holder, has always taken a useful part in the affairs of the community and has given hearty support to all public movements that have promised to be beneficial in a large way. In 1889 Mr. Harbour was married to Miss Fay Wilkinson, who was born in Shelby county and is a daughter of Isaac T. and Cynthia J. Wilkinson, this being an old county family. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Harbour : Kenneth W., Florence and Mary. Mr. Harbour and family attend services at the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Harbour has been for many years a free contributor to both churches, Methodist and Baptist. He is a thirty-second degree Mason and well known to the fraternity all over the state, and belongs also to the Knights of Pythias, attending the De Graff lodge, in Logan county. HENRY WAGNER,* vice-president and general manager of The John Wagner & Sons Brewing Company, of Sidney, O., may be said to have been associated with this concern since boyhood, it having been founded in 1854 by his uncle, Joseph F. Wagner and ever since has been in the family. Henry Wagner was born at Sidney, O., July, 1858, and is a son of John and Mary A. Wagner. John Wagner was born in Columbiana county, O., and died at Sidney, in 1881. In early life he was a tallow candler and later learned the butcher business. He was a poor boy at that time, in fact, when he had learned his trade and wished to move to St. Mary's and open a meat shop there, he had to borrow the money with which to do so. In 1859 he came to Sidney and rented the brewery that his brother had established, and in 1860 bought an interest in the business and in 1876 bought the entire plant. He was a shrewd and able business man and very soon enlarged the original plant and through his energy and enterprise built up a great business. From his death in 1881 until 1896 the brewery was operated by his sons under the name of John Wagner's Sons, when it was incorporated as The John Wagner Sons' Brewing Company, with Mary A. Wagner, widow of John Wagner, as president ; Henry Wagner as vice-president and general manager ; and Edward J. Wagner as secretary and treasurer. In the winter of 1911-12 the company installed some of the latest and finest bottling machinery in use in the United States, the capacity of their plant permitting them to bottle 00 barrels of beer every ten hours. John Wagner was married in 1857 to Mary Ann Mayer, who survives and lives in the old home at Sidney, and nine children were born to them, two of whom, Henry and Edward J., are interested with their mother in the brewery. Henry Wagner began to work in his father's plant as soon as his school AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 771 days were over and is a practical brewer and brewmaster. He married MisS Josephine Eme, of Fort Wayne, Ind. He maintains fraternal relations with the Elks and the Eagles and belongs also to the United Commercial Travelers. Edward J. Wagner, secretary and treasurer of the above company, was born at Sidney, January 6, 1860, and, like his brother, has been connected with this brewery during his entire business life. He married Miss Elizabeth Kraft, of Sidney, and they have two sons : Carl J. and George E. Mr. Wagner belongs to the Eagles, the Elks and the United Commercial Travelers Association, and is more or less active in local politics and during 1884, 1886 and 1888, served in the city council. Both he and brother are solid, reliable business men, and in both public and private life are trustworthy in every particular. HARRY E. BENNETT, who is manager of The Oldham-Bennett Realty Company, and the junior partner, is one of the representative business men of Sidney, 0. He is a son of Milton and Ella (Emley) Bennett, and born November 5, 1873, in Franklin township, Shelby county, 0., three miles north of Sidney, on land that his great-grandfather, Nehemiah Bennett, had entered from government. Nehemiah Bennett was born in Pennsylvania but farther back the family records have not been preserved. He married Sarah Slusser in 1817, of Franklin county and came to Shelby county in 1820. He located on a farm in Franklin township which became the family homestead. His son, Charles Bennett, was born here, October 25, 1825, and married Nancy M. Dickensheets. Their son Milton Bennett was born December 19, 1851, and married Ella Emley, their son Harry E. being born on the same homestead. In the course of time Milton Bennett became a well-known business man and later admitted his son Harry E., to a partnership and for twelve years conducted his business under the firm name of M. Bennett & Son, dealers in gravel and sand. Milton Bennett is, at present, president of The Oldham-Bennett Realty Company, which was incorporated on July 1, 1912. Harry E. Bennett was educated in the public schools, living in Franklin township until he was nine years old and then moving to Clinton township and, with the exception of two and one-half years, has been a life-long resident of Shelby county. For five years prior to the consolidation of The Oldham Bennett realty interests, Mr. Bennett was associated with John Oldham in the real-estate business. He is a wide-awake business man and a great believer in the future of Shelby county. In 1894 Mr. Bennett was married to Miss Mary Joslin, a daughter of C. R. and Lou V. Joslin, and they have two children : Ruth and Milton. Mr. Bennett is identified with a number of civic bodies for the public welfare and in every way is a useful citizen and fraternally is identified with the Odd Fellows. 772 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY D. J. THOMPSON, one of Shelby county's most highly respected and universally esteemed citizens, a veteran of the great Civil war and for forty years a successful educator of the youth 0f this county, now lives in comfortable retirement on his farm in Washington township, ten miles southwest of Sidney, O. He was born on this farm August 25, 1829, and is a son of James and Elizabeth ( Jeffrys) Thompson. James Thompson, father of D. J. Thompson, was born in Ireland and was brought to America in his boyhood by his father, John Thompson, settling in Pennsylvania where he grew to manhood and where he married Ellen Briggs. To this union were born four sons : Freeborn, James, John and A. Wesley. His wife dying, he was married secondly to Elizabeth Jeffries and moved to Warren county, Ohio, but remained there only one year and then came to Shelby county in 1824. The Thompsons were among the pioneer settlers and became identified with the county's early civilizing agencies. Of the issue of his second marriage five children grew to maturity : Huldah, Eleanor, D. J. Thomas and Arza B. D. J. Thompson is the only survivor. D. J. Thompson married, June 17, 1852, Miss Sarah K. Diltz, a native of New Jersey and a daughter of William Diltz, who came to Shelby county in the early 'forties. Mrs. Thompson died January I, 1905, and was the mother of eleven children, six sons and five daughters, as follows : Warren B.; David B., who died at the age of thirty-two years; John M.; James L.; William M. P.; Thomas S.; Mrs. D. W. Gearhart of Piqua, O.; Mrs. D. M. Pruden of Sidney, O. ; Mrs. J. C. Suber, of Fletcher, O. ; deceased ; Huldah Catherine, who died at the age of fifteen years; and Sadie who died aged six years. Mr. Thompson attended the district schools in his youth and had two terms of instruction in the Piqua schools, and afterward began to teach school. For his services he at first received the sum of twelve dollars a month, which was then considered ample pay, and according to the custom, was given boarding and lodging in the homes of his patrons, each in turn taking care of the teacher for a specified period. Very vividly does Mr. Thompson recall his first primitive school houses, the rooms having no desks but instead slab benches, and greased paper taking the place of glass in the window apertures. He found congenial work in teaching and for forty years gave his life to his profession and all through Washington and Loramie townships and in other parts of the county, there are happy and successful women and men who remember him with regard as their beloved and patient teacher. He also recalls them with warm-hearted feelings and has always taken an interest in the careers of those with whom his close association as an instructor, through so long a period, made him well acquainted. In 1862, heeding his country's call, he enlisted as a private for service in the Civil war, entering Company B, Fiftieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. While engaged in the service he was unanimously elected first lieutenant of his company, in which he served until March 22, 1863, being a participant in the great battle of Perrysville. After this battle, a captain's commission was tendered him, which he declined. At the close of his military service he returned and resumed teaching and also took charge of the home farm which his son now AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 773 operates. Mr. Thompson, in the evening of his life, is surrounded by seven living children, fourteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, and a wealth of domestic affection, and cannot fail to be proud of his numerous, bright, attractive and intelligent descendants. He is one of the old members of the Methodist church at Lockington, in which he has held all the offices at various times and to which he has given liberal support. In politics he is a republican and frequently has served as township assessor and as t0wnship trustee, and has long been one of the men whose advice and clear judgment have been consulted in local affairs. He is identified with the Grand Army of the Republic and has attended many reunions. He is now spending his latter days on the home farm with his youngest son, Thomas S, and his wife Emma (Hinskey) Thompson, and two loveable grandchildren. Davis J., Jr., his namesake, and Mary Adyline. CHARLES W. BENJAMIN,* junior member of the reliable old business firm of C. R. Benjamin & Son, handle manufacturers, and manager of the same, is additionally interested in business as a dealer in coal, lumber and cement, at Sidney, 0. He was born at Lakewood, N. Y., November 10, 1870, and is a son of C. R. and Mary ( Johnson) Benjamin. In 1884 C. R. Benjamin came to Sidney and deeming it a promising business point, established here his handle factory and the success of his enterprise justified his judgment. For years he has been numbered with the city's m0st reliable and substantial citizens and has interests aside from his manufacturing, being one of the directors of the Citizens National Bank at Sidney. Although for some time considerably hampered by failing vision, he has kept in the business field, but in 1912 the misfortune of blindness settled on him occasioned by cataract. While this is deplored nevertheless his advice and business judgment is still at the service of the firm and the calamity is thus largely personal. On June 17, 1912, the factory for the manufacturing of shovel handles was completely destroyed by fire. At the present writing it is being rebuilt on a larger scale and when completed as many as forty workmen will be employed in carrying on the industry. Charles W. Benjamin was fourteen years old when his parents came to Sidney and here his education was completed and his business career begun and continued. He married Miss Nellie Robertson and they have two children: Charles R. and Mary Emily. Mr. Benjamin is identified fraternally with the Knights of Pythias, the Elks and the -United Commercial Travelers. Of genial, pleasing personality, Mr. Benjamin has many friends and is one of the city's most popular citizens. FERNANDO W. APPLE, a farmer and stock dealer of Perry township, Shelby county, 0., has lived in this section of the state for the past thirty-two years and is well known in township and county, For many years he was active in farming and handling stock and still retains 298 acres of valuable land. He was horn in Champaign county, 0., August 16, 1858, and is a son of John and Sarah Jane (Pence) Apple. 774 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY The parents of Mr. Apple were of solid old Pennsylvania German stock. They lived in Champaign county, O., for many years and died on their farm there and their burial was in Spring Grove cemetery at Millerstown, 0. They belonged to the Evangelical Lutheran church. Fernand0 W. was their eldest child, the others being: Charles N.; Mary Alice, wife of William Circle; Otta and Walter. Fernando W. Apple obtained his schooling in Champaign county and afterward assisted his father on the farm, doing much hard work as in those days much of the labor-saving machinery now in use was not on the market. In 1880 he came to Shelby county and for sixteen years contented himself with renting land but then started to buying and continued until he had 298 acres, all of which is fine, arable land. While he no longer engages in the labor of the farm, he remains interested in all its industries and is anxious that it should be brought to the highest state of production. Mr. Apple was married in 1879, to Miss Ella Wibel, who was born in Champaign county, O., a daughter of Jacob and Anna (Plank) Wibel. Mr. Wibel was a prominent farmer near Millerstown. Both he and wife are deceased and their burial was in the Spring Grove cemetery. They had four children : Mary, wife of Daniel Brubaker ; Clara, wife of N0ah Pence; Albert; and Ella, wife 0f Mr. Apple. To the latter have been born three children, namely : Carl, who married Pearl Fahnestock ; Chloe, who married Vern Ward and they have one son, Virgil Richard; and Anna, who is the wife of Frank Peppers. Mr. Apple has always given his political support to the democratic ticket. He and family attend the Methodist Episcopal church at Pemberton, O. WILLIAM HOEWISHER, who is one of the heavy tax payers of Franklin township, where he owns 225 acres of fine land, has been a continuous resident since 1893, with the exception of two years, and as a raiser of high grade stock is known all over this part of the state. He was born in Auglaize county, O., February 18, 1862, and is a son of Henry and Gustina (Lampiding) Hoewisher. Henry Hoewisher was born in Germany and there attended school and afterward learned the carpenter trade. He was only seventeen years of age when he came to America but was a good workman and followed his trade until he acquired land and afterward gave his attention to farming. He married Gustina Lamping, who was born in Auglaize county, and died in 1893, having been the devoted mother of a large family, as follows : Gustave; Frederick ; Matilda, who is the wife of L. C. Langhorst ; William; George; Henry; John; Mary, who is the wife of August Fritz; Emma, who married (first) Henry Miller, and (second) Henry Brandt; Edward; Lizzie, who is the wife of August Kettler; and Ida, who is the wife of Edward Tecklenburg. William Hoewisher attended the public schools and afterward remained assisting his father until he was twenty-five years old. He then rented land from his father for five years, when he retired from farming and during the next two years was engaged in a mercantile business at Kettlersville. He PAGE - 775 - WILLIAM HOEWISHER AND FAMILY PAGE - 776 - BLANK AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 777 found, however, that an agricultural life was more congenial and in 1893 bought his present property from George Malcolm, and ever since, with the exception of two years during which he returned to the home place when his father retired to New Bremen, where he still lives, Mr. Hoewisher has actively pushed his industries on this farm. He grows grain to some extent but is more interested in his fine stock, among which are some thirty head of imported Percheron and Belgian horses. Mr. Hoewisher was married April 21, 1887, to Miss Sarah Roettger, a daughter of Henry and Mary (Koch) Roettger, farming people of Shelby county, who have the following children : Sarah; Anna, who married Henry Sollman; Katie, who married Henry Hoewisher, a brother of William; Charles; Henrietta, who married Frederick Edgbert ; Malinda, who married Henry Isenhut; Elsie, who married Benjamin Solomon; and Alfred, Mary, Esther, Herbert and Minerva. Mr. and Mrs. Hoewisher have five children: Harry, Elda, Harvey, Walter and Sarah. The family belongs to the Lutheran church at Sidney, 0. In politics Mr. Hoewisher is a stanch democrat. While living in Van Buren township he served one term as assessor and has been a school director in Franklin township. THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK of Jackson Center, 0., was organized June 19, 1895, under the style of The Farmers & Merchants Bank of Jackson Center, with Shelby Baughman as president, and P. R. Clinhents as cashier. The first account was opened by the Jackson Center Elevator Company, and the second name on the books of the institution was John Johns. After a service of two years, P. R. Clinhents died and Frank Baughman succeeded him as cashier and F. M. Wildermuth became assistant cashier in 1905. Mr. Baughman resigned on October 19, 1909, and was succeded by F. M. Wildermuth. In the meanwhile, on February 1, 1907, the business was reorganized, the bank becoming The First National Bank of Jacks0n Center, when it entered upon a new and still more prosperous career. The initial capitalization was $,000, while its present capital is $33,000, and according to its statement of September 4, 1912, it has assets of $392,830.92, surplus $66,000, and $45,000 undivided profits. The bank owns its own substantial building and it is equipped with a screw-door safe, the wall being twenty inches in thickness. The officers of the bank are. Shelby Baughman, president; G. A. Swikard, vice-president ; F. M. Wildermuth, cashier, and Walter C. Meranda, assistant cashier, with a board of seven directors. WILLIAM O'LEARY,* who, as chief of police, occupies a very responsible position, at Sidney, 0., is a man well qualified for the same both by experience and through those personal traits and natural endowments that are absolutely necessary for official position of this nature. He was born in Green township, Shelby county, 0., March 25, 1871, and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Kelley) O'Leary. Until Chief O'Leary was ten years old his 778 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY parents lived on the farm of his birth but then came to Sidney and lived in this city during the remainder of their lives. William O'Leary attended the Catholic school at Sidney and under the direction of the gentle sisters became a well informed youth. He then learned the blacksmith trade with his brother, Hugh O'Leary and continued to work as a blacksmith until 1892, when he joined the police force and was gradually advanced in rank until, fourteen years ago, he was made chief of the department. Firmness and efficiency have marked his administration and perhaps there is no city of its size in Ohio that is better policed or in which the life and rights of its citizens are more securely guarded. Chief O'Leary was married to Miss Emma Simmons and they have three sons : William, Emerson and Hugh. The family belongs to the Catholic church. For a number of years Chief O'Leary has been identified with the Knights of Columbus and he belongs also to the Elks. EDWARD H. BILLING, postmaster at Swanders, O., and pr0prietor. of the leading general store of the town, is a representative citizen of this part of Shelby county. He was born in Franklin township, Shelby county, November 30, 1881, and is a son of Jacob and Philipina (Geib) Jacob Billing and wife were of German ancestry and for many years they were respected residents of Franklin township, and there both died, their burial being in the cemetery of the Lutheran church to which they belonged. They had a family of seven children : Edward H., Minnie, Albert, Harry, Dora, Webster and Myrtle. Edward H. Billing attended the public schools in Franklin township, afterward taking a commercial course in a business college at Sidney, and this was followed by two years of work on the home farm. He then came to Swanders and for two years worked for J. B. Wyatt, then proprietor of his present store, from whom he purchased in July, 1907, and has conducted it ever since. In politics he is a democrat and for the past five years has been postmaster here. On September 25, 1907, Mr. Billing was married to Miss Theda Foster, who was born in Shelby county, a daughter of George W. and Anna (Snawley) F0ster. Mrs. Billing has two brothers, Guy and Marion. Mr. and Mrs. Billing have one son, George Foster. They attend the German Reformed church. FRED D. CLARK, D. O., who has been engaged in the practice of osteopathy at Sidney, O., for the past two years and is in the enjoyment of a large and lucrative one, was born at Piqua, O., June 23, 1880, and is a son of Dr. George W. and Sallie (Maderis) Clark. The father of Doctor Clark was born in Clark county, O., the family being a pioneer one 0f that section. He practiced at Piqua, O., a graduate of the Fort Wayne College, married Sallie Maderis, and died when their one child was but two years old. His widow survives. Fred D. Clark was afforded excellent educational advantages and early AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 779 developed an inherited tendency toward the healing art. For five. years of early manhood, before entering the College of Osteopathy, at Kirksville, Mo., he was secretary of the St. Mary's Machine Company, St. Marys, 0. In the class of 190 he was graduated from the American School of Osteopathy, at Kirksville, the venerable founder of which still survives, and then came to Sidney, where he has met with truly gratifying success. Since graduation he has kept closely in touch with medical and surgical progress all over the world and is identified with all the leading organizations of his special system; the American Osteopathic Association, the Ohio State Osteopathic Society and the Missouri Valley Osteopathic Society. Doctor Clark belongs to Temperance Lodge No. 73, F. & A. M., at Sidney; Summit Lodge, Knights of Pythias, at Sidney; the Knights of Korassen and the Commercial Club, and also retains membership in his college society, the Iota Tau Sigma fraternity. Doctor Clark was married in 1901, to Miss Eva Davenport, a daughter of C. P. Davenport, of Hardin, Shelby county, 0., and they have one daughter, Juanita. Doctor and Mrs. Clark are members of the Presbyterian church at Sidney. BROACHEY T. BULL, who is one of the representative business men of Shelby county, has important interests in several directions and has been a leading citizen of Sidney for the past twelve years. He was born on his father's farm in Green township, Shelby county, 0., September 30, 1861, and is a son of David T. and Lucinda H. Bull, the former of whom died in the fall of 1904, the latter surviving. Broachey T. Bull was reared on the home farm and attended the country schools and one year at Ada, 0. Farming and stock raising have largely claimed his attention and he is one of the best known stock men in this section of the country and is at the head of the firm of B. T. Bull & Co., meat dealers at Sidney. Mr. Bull owns a large amount of valuable land in the county, his well improved farms lying in Green and Orange townships. Mr. Bull was married in 1885 to Miss Lottie Sleeter, who is a daughter of F. H. Sleeter, a retired farmer now residing at Sidney. Mr. and Mrs. Bull have one son, Sleeter Bull, who, at present, is an instructor in the agricultural department of the University of Illinois. He is a graduate of Buchtel College, at Akron, 0., and also of the Ohio State University at Columbus, and additionally is a post graduate of the Pennsylvania State University and took his degree 0f master of science in that institution. He is married but has no children. Sleeter Bull is a fraternity man, being a Mason and an Odd Fellow, and grand president of his college fraternity. Broachey T. Bull is identified prominently with several fraternal b0dies, being past grand in the order of Odd Fellows, an encampment member I. 0. 0. F., and a member of the Red Men. Although never very active politically, Mr. Bull is an earnest and thoughtful citizen and has given support to public policies which have been approved by his judgment, but his larger interests have been along agricultural lines and his usefulness to his section in developing farm industries and in improving stock is very generally acknowledged. 780 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY GEORGE A. RHEINISH,* who is engaged in the tin, iron work, sheet metal and furnace business at Sidney, O., including spouting and roofing work, is a well known, reliable and necessary business man of this place where he has been established for about ten years. He was born at Cincinnati, O., April 1, 1871, and is a son of George Rheinish. The father of Mr. Rheinish was born in Germany and there learned the brewing business and after coming to the United States worked at the same in the city of Cincinnati. In 1875 he moved with his family to Sidney and was engaged as brewmaster by the Wagner Brewing Company and under his direction the first lager beer ever produced by this company was brewed. His death occurred at Sidney where his widow still lives. George A. Rheinish was four years old when his parents came to Sidney and here he was reared and attended the parochial school. For four years he worked in the Sidney Wheel Works and learned wheel making, after which he started to learn the tinner's trade with James Ristron with whom he worked for eleven years and then engaged in business for himself. He is qualified to do any kind of sheet metal work and in his different lines is called all over the county when work of this kind is of special importance, having four men beside himself and a bookkeeper constantly employed. Mr. Rheinish belongs to the Catholic church. SINCLAIR JOHNSON HATFIELD, a man of many public achievements and numerous professional honors, for many years was an honored member of the Sidney bar. He was born in Wayne county, O., September 21, 1845, and died October 30, 1911, the eldest son of George D. and Matilda (Patterson) Hatfield. The other members of the family were : Margaret, James, Robert, William, Alice and Sarah Adelaide, the last named being the wife of Dr. D. J. Satterfield. Sinclair Johnson Hatfield spent his early life on a farm near Apple Creek, where he attended the common schools and afterward taught for several years. His literary tastes and mental quickness being recognized by his parents, he was sent for several years to Vermillion Institute, at Hayesville, O., and afterward attended Western Reserve College at Hudson which he left at the end of his junior year. He subsequently entered the law school of Michigan University at Ann Arbor, where, in 1875, he was graduated, in the fall of the same year coming to Sidney. After admission to the bar 0f Ohio, he entered upon the practice of the law. At the time of his death he was the oldest member in years of practice of the bar ass0ciation. On September 3, 1868, Mr. Hatfield was married to Miss Caroline McClure, who was born in Wayne county, O., a daughter of Samuel B. and Sabina (Carey) McClure. The father of Mrs. Hatfield was a substantial farmer and well known citizen of Wayne county. She was the youngest in a family of five children : Alfred ; Mary E., wife of George Jameson ; Jemimah, wife 0f Isaiah Dunlap; and Susan, being the others. To Mr. and Mrs. Hatfield three children were born: George Avery, who is superintendent of the water works at Sidney, 0., married Florence Nealey and they have one AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 781 daughter, Gertrude Matilda; Gertrude, who is an instructor in the Ohio State School for the Deaf and Dumb, at Columbus; and Alfred Sinclair, who died in his first year. In politics Mr. Hatfield was an ardent and active member of the republican party and was its candidate for representative and prosecuting attorney. Governor Bushnell appointed him a member of the State Board of Pardons, an office he held for more than ten years, in which he distinguished himself by the wisdom and humanity of his views and by the care and attention he gave to his duties. Shortly before his death he was appointed a member of the board of trustees of the Shelby County Children's Home. Mr. Hatfield was a learned man, a sound lawyer, well versed in the fun- disregards trivialities and seeks only to do justice between man and man. A firm and wise counselor, he ever maintained the rights of his clients, but did so with true courtesy and the utmost consideration for those to whom he was opposed professionally. It has been said of him that his kindly humor more than once brought about the solution of many an otherwise difficult situation. Virtually, all his life he was a member of the Presbyterian church, to which his family also belongs. While he never tolerated evil, his gentle Christian nature was such that he abhorred the wrong while forgiving the wrongdoer. A man of such kindly consideration for others naturally made a legion of friends who responded in kind to his genuine affection. To sum up, he was an honorable, high-minded Christian gentleman, who all his days sought to do his full duty. His death was universally regretted. SAMUEL D. CRUMBAUGH,* one of the well known business men of Sidney, who has been identified with the farm implement trade for the past thirteen years and has been an individual dealer since 1909, was born on a farm in Perry township, Shelby county, 0., December 10, 1866, and is a son of Daniel and Naomi (Keplinger) Crumbaugh. The Crumbaugh family is a pioneer one of Perry township, Grandfather John Crumbaugh securing the present Crumbaugh homestead by entry, at an early day. Daniel Crumbaugh was born on that farm and spent his life there, his death being accidentally caused by a runaway team, in 1899. His wife was also a native of Shelby county, a daughter of Mathias Keplinger, who came here from Clark county. Samuel D. Crumbaugh remained during his father's lifetime on the home farm and after his death sold the property and entered his present business and was engaged in selling farm implements until he embarked in this line for himself, purchasing the store and stock of Homer Wright. He carries the goods of those standard companies which experience has proved to him as most in demand, having a complete stock of the International Harvester goods and the products of the Weber Wagon Company. Mr. Crumbaugh was married to Miss Viola Hoover and they have had two children : Harry, who died when aged seven years ; and Forrest, who is in the jewelry business with E. E. Kay. Mr. Crumbaugh in his active interest in local public matters follows in the footsteps of his honored father and was appointed to fill out his father's unexpired term as township trustee. In 782 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY every way he has shown a disposition to be a useful citizen. In early manhood be became identified with the Odd Fellows and his interest in this fraternal organization continues. MILTON BAKER, a general farmer in Salem township, Shelby county, O., who is serving in his sec0nd year as turnpike superintendent, operates a farm of eighty-six acres, one-third of which he owns. He was born in Shelby county, November 15, 1881, and is a son of William C. and Frederika (Schmidt) Baker. The parents of Mr. Baker reside on their farm in Jackson township, Shelby county, and Mr. Baker is a well known man and prominent politician and for six years served as a county commissioner. He has been twice married, first to a Miss Thompson who was survived by one son, Allen. To his second marriage the following children were born : Leo, Roscoe, Boston, Nora, Milton, May, Lina, Ida, Bessie and Clara. Nora is the wife of Clarence C. Steenrod. Milton Baker obtained a good public school education and since then has engaged continuously in farming and stock raising. In February, 1903 he was married to Miss Eva Clinehens, a daughter of Conrad and Catherine Clinehens who have other children, namely : Edith, wife of Ernest Wones ; and Elmer, Chester, Harry, Omer and Roscoe. Mr. Clinehens' first wife was a Miss Mead and they had one daughter, Emma, who is the wife of John Piper. To Mr. and Mrs. Baker four children have been born : Mabel, Alma, Chloe and Elmer, the older ones attending school. Mr. Baker is identified with the democratic party. He is a man of good standing in his neighborhood and his fellow citizens recognize the fact that when he is elected to an office its duties will be performed honestly and efficiently. GEORGE R. LOUDENBACH,* one of the well known business men of Sidney, O., who operates a general repair shop and is a bicycle dealer, came first to Sidney in 1883, and has been a permanent resident since 1892. He was born on a farm in Champaign county, O., March 4, 1849, and is a son of Emanuel and Anna (McCoy) Loudenbach. Emanuel Loudenbach and wife came to Ohi0 from Virginia, now West Virginia, and the father engaged in farming in Champaign county, where his death occurred. His widow survived and died at Oakley, Ill., while on a visit, being then aged eighty-two years. George R. Loudenbach grew up on the home farm and early discovered that he possessed not only mechanical aptitude but mercantile ability, the latter being shown when he easily sold farm implements and this led him to engage in the business at Urbana, where he continued for two years. He then was engaged as a traveling salesman for the Long-Alstater Company, manufacturers of farm implements, of Hamilton, O., and traveled for that house for eleven years, his territory being northern Ohio and Illinois, and during this period his first visit was made to Sidney. When he retired from the life of a commercial traveler and desired to go into business for himself PAGE - 783 - PICTURE OF CROFT LAUNDRY PAGE - 784 - LOUIS G. CROFT AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 785 he came to Sidney, where he dealt in farm implements for twenty years, closing out that branch of his business in 1908. He keeps busily occupied repairing bicycles, automobiles, sewing machines, vulcanizing and in similar work and also sells bicycles for which there is a steady demand, this handy vehicle yet claiming many votaries of healthful exercise. Mr. Loudenbach was married first to Miss Ida Dickensheets, a daughter of John D. Dickensheets, March 8, 1883, who died in 1900, survived by one daughter, Margaret. At Sidney, O., Mr. Loudenbach was married (second) to Miss Mabel Snyder, in August, 1912. Politically a democrat, Mr. Loudenbach has, at times, been called upon to serve in responsible offices and for seven years was a trustee of the water works and on two occasions was elected a member of the board of public service. Fraternally he is identified with the Red Men and the Tribe of Ben Hur and belongs to both branches of Odd Fellowship. Mr. Loudenbach enjoys out door sports and is a member of the Shelby County Deer Hunters' Associati0n. LOUIS G. CROFT, proprietor of Croft's Steam Laundry, the largest, most modern and best equipped laundry in Shelby county, iS an experienced man in this business, in which he has been concerned for twenty-six years. He was born at Anna, Shelby county, O., November 2, 1871, and is a son of Christian and Mary Croft, who came to Sidney when he was a babe of six months. Mr. Croft's career is an interesting one to consider in that it shows how a poor boy, left an orphan at the age of eight years, managed, through his own inherent sterling qualities, to secure an education and to maintain himself in the respect and confidence of those with whom it was his lot to live. After his parents died he resided with an aged man by the name of H. Enders, who was a potter and also worked at gardening, and the otherwise homeless youth worked for him for about seven years and shared his fortune. He then became an employe of the Sidney Steam Laundry, where he continued for four and one-half years, after which he worked in a similar place for nine months at Findlay. From there he went t0 St. Mary's, O., and there invested in a hand laundry, which he conducted successfully for six months and then started a steam laundry, admitting F. M. Smith as a partner. After three years he sold out to Mr. Smith and started a laundry at Piqua, O., which he operated for two years and then returned to Sidney. It must have afforded Mr. Croft considerable satisfaction to be able, at this time, to buy the Sidney Steam Laundry, the same concern in which he had been first employed, and afterward he changed the name to Croft's Steam Laundry, which he has since conducted with great success. In t9w he erected his fine cement laundry building and has installed all modern equipments including the Troy and American laundry machinery, and here steady employment is aff0rded from fifteen to eighteen men and women, and in delivering and collecting both a wag0n and an automobile are used. This laundry is a monument to Mr. Croft's industry. He knows every detail of the business and has forgotten nothing and in times of great stress does not disdain to once more work the 786 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY shirt ironing machine or other laundry device with his well-paid employes. Mr. Croft was married first to Miss Minnie Salm, of Sidney, who died January 14, 1904, leaving four children : Frederick, Martha, Leo and Edna. His present wife was formerly Mrs. Mary Stolle, and they had one son, Edward. Mr. Croft belongs to the Elks, the Red Men and the Knights of Columbus, and is a leading member of the Ohio State Laundrymen's Ass0ciation. He is a consistent member of the Roman Catholic church. He is serving at present as a member of the city council, being councilman at large. C. D. McCULLOUGH, a substantial citizen and general farmer of Shelby county, 0., resides in section 22, Cynthian township, where he owns 169 acres of fine land well adapted for both farming and stock raising. He was born January 13, 1869, in Auglaize county, 0., and is a son of Robert and Margaret (D0wny) McCullough. Robert McCullough was born and reared in Columbiana county, 0., but moved to Auglaize county soon after he was first married. He followed farming all through his active life and owned 116 acres of land in Auglaize county and later bought forty acres in Turtle Creek township, Shelby county. His death occurred on the latter farm when aged seventy-nine years, eleven months and eighteen days. His first marriage was to Jane Hoey, who died in Auglaize county, the mother of five children : Susan, Margaret, Sophia, James and John. His second marriage was to Margaret Downy Guilbert, wh0 was born in Clark county, 0., and died in Auglaize county, nine years after her husband, when aged seventy-nine years, six months and twenty-four days. She was a widow when she married Mr. McCullough and had three children : Walter D., James and Mary A. Guilbert. To her second marriage two children were born : Alice, who is the wife of Isaac Anderson, of Wapakoneta, 0. ; and C. D. McCullough. Mr. and Mrs. McCullough were estimable people in every relation of life and were members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Hardin, 0. Their burial was in the Olive Branch cemetery in Auglaize county. C. D. McCullough was eight years old when his parents moved on the farm in Turtle Creek township and he attended the common schools there and afterward assisted his father until his own marriage, since when he has resided in Cynthian township. His present farm had been somewhat improved by his father-in-law, the late Jonathan Wegley, and the supplementary improvements made by Mr. McCullough have been of a very substantial character. With the exception of fifteen acres in timber, all the farm is well drained and Mr. McCullough raises excellent crops and stock. He has always dev0ted his main attention to agricultural interests and for Seven years has been a member of the Shelby county Fair Board and for two years served as vice-president of this body. Mr. McCullough was married to Miss Sarah A. Wegley, a native of Mercer county, 0., a daughter of Jonathan and Sarah Wegley. Mr. Wegley married Sarah Circle, of that county, in which they continued to live until 1876, when they moved to Washington township, Shelby county, and lived there until AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 787 1885, when they removed to Cynthian township and settled on a tract of 170 acres. The parents of Mrs. McCullough remained 0n that farm until the death of the father, in 1892, when aged fifty-five years, when the mother retired to Lockington, O. and later to Piqua, where her death occurred in 1911, the burial of both being in the cemetery at Lockington. They were members of the United Brethren church and much esteemed people wherever they lived. They had the following children : James, Mary, Emanuel, Fred, Joseph, Eva, Sarah A., Daisy and Olive. To Mr. and Mrs. McCullough seven children have been born, namely : Carrie Margaret, deceased ; and Warren C., deceased ; Sarah Josephine ; Wilma ; Robert Ross ; Mabel and Harold. All were given educational opportunities in the Hopewell special school district. HOWARD VERTNER,* who is associated with his father in business at Sidney, O,, conducting the Vertner hardware store, is one of the enterprising young men of the city, of which he has been a resident for several years. He was born on a farm near Beaver Dam, Allen county, O., June 24, 1881, and is a son of Samuel and Ida Vertner. Howard Vertner was reared on the home farm and remained there until he was twenty years of age, in the meanwhile attending the schools near his home and the Beaver Dam high school. His first work that called him away from home was in the oil fields around Beaver Dam. His next employment removed him still further as he went to Detroit, Mich., where he was in the employ of the A. T. & T. Telephone Company and remained for two years, returning then to Beaver Dam and from there came to Sidney in August, 1910. In partnership with his father he bought out the old established hardware house of Line & Davis. Mr. Vertner has made a very favorable impression on the people of Sidney as a business man and he carries a full stock of all goods in his line, including stoves. Mr. Vertner married Miss Bessie M. Main, of Addison, Mich., and their attractive residence is at No. 514 South Main street, Sidney. Mr. Vertner is identified with the Masonic fraternity. He is not very active in politics but he keeps fully abreast the times in all that concerns solid, reliable and honorable citizenship. JOHN MAY, JR., who is one of the well known and highly respected citizens of Van Buren township, in which he is a heavy landowner, having three valuable farms which aggregate 220 acres, was born in this township, in 1857, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Baumbauer) May. The parents of Mr. May were born in Germany and when they came to the United States, in the forties, settled near New Bremen, 'O. Of their fourteen children only three survive : John, Henry and Adam. Henry resides also in Van Buren township, where he married Sophia Keck. Adam, who is a resident of Wapakoneta, married Flora Ouellhorst. John May, Jr., obtained his education in the public schools. He may be numbered with the most successful and progressive farmers and stock raisers 788 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY of this section of Shelby county, and for a number of years he has also been engaged in stock buying. All his land is highly improved, handsome dwellings, barns and other farm buildings showing forth the justifiable pride he takes in his property and in no less degree he is active as a citizen, being liberal and public-spirited. Mr. May was married first to Miss Caroline Mauer, who died in 1893, the mother of two children : Emma and Caroline, the latter of whom is deceased. The second marriage of Mr. May was to Mrs. Augusta (Mauer) Burmeister, widow of William Burmeister, who had one daughter, Dora. The parents of Mrs. May were Charles and Mary (Shafer) Mauer. To this marriage eight children were born : Bertha, Harry, Clara, Alma, Clarence, Homer, Florence and Frances. Of these, Harry, Clarence, Homer, Florence and Frances live at home. The other chlidren of Mr. May are married, as follows : Emma is the wife of Carl Kettering and they live at Wapakoneta ; Bertha is the wife of Lloyd Catterman and they live at Lima, 0.; Clara is the wife of Henry Deigle and they live in Auglaize county; and Alma is the wife of Irvin Gritzmaker and they live on the old home farm in Van Buren township. Mr. May and family are members of the Lutheran church and he belongs to its board of trustees. In politics he is a democrat and in local circles exerts considerable party influence although too busy a man to consent to serve in public office. ROBERT K. BEAMAN, general farmer and reliable and representative citizen of Orange township, resides on and operates the J. N. Woodmancy farm of 140 acres, situated five miles south of Sidney, 0. Mr. Beaman was born in Orange township, in 1877, and is a son of John and Anna (Pruden) Beaman. John Beaman was born at Boston, Mass., was well educated there and was about twenty years of age when he came to Shelby county and has followed farming here ever since and is a well known and highly respected citizen. The family of nine children all survive. Robert K. Beaman obtained his education in the public schools and learned the principles of farming through assisting his father, remaining with him until his own marriage, when he came to the farm of his father-in-law, which he has successfully managed ever since, developing its productive possibilities to the highest extent and raising a sufficiency of good stock for home use. Mr. Beaman was married in 1905 to Miss Laura Dale Woodmancy, wh0 is a daughter of J. N. Woodmancy, one of the well known men of this section. They have three children : John Walter, Bernice Irene and Dorothy Dale. He has never been an office seeker but has taken an active interest in all matters pertaining to section and country at large and casts his vote with the republican organization. For some years he has been identified with the Odd Fellows at Kirkwood, 0. ANTHONY BENSMAN, who owns eighty-eight acres of fine land in Turtle Creek township, is one of the well known citizens and successful agri- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 789 culturists of this section. He was born December 16, 1867, at Minster, Auglaize county, O., and is a son of William and Catherine (Densing) Bensman. William Bensman was born in Germany and came early to the United States, and during a large portion of his life was a farmer in Auglaize county, O., where he died. His wife, Catherine Densing, died in 1880. To this union six children were born : William, Henry, Herman, John, Anthony and Charles. In politics he was a democrat and in religious faith a Catholic. Anthony Bensman attended the public schools until he was fourteen years of age and then gave all his time to work on the home farm. When he married he purchased his present place in Turtle Creek township. He found the property needed a great deal of attention and immediately set about making improvements and these included the remodeling of the farm house and the erection of a new barn and other farm buildings, and all these have been completed in a substantial manner. He makes no feature of stock- raising, producing only enough for home use, but carefully superintends his crop growing, using methods that produce very satisfactory results. Mr. Bensman is a very industrious man and looks after his affairs in a careful and practical way. He casts his vote with the democratic party. On May 18, 1892, Mr. Bensman was married to Miss Anna Schmitmeyer, who was born March 29, 1870, in Shelby county, O., a daughter of Frederick and Liesetta (Lamping) Schmitmeyer, who had other children as follows : Elizabeth, Mary, Barney, John, Louis, Stephen, Joseph, Henry and Anthony. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bensman : Julius, Mary, Jerome, Leonard and Lietta. The family belong to the Catholic church at McCartyville, O. MARION ROBERTS,* who is a worthy representative of one of the old and respected families of Salem township, Shelby county, O., lives on the home farm of eighty acres with his widowed mother, was born on this place, August 14, 1876, and is a son of Andrew and Florence (Hartman) Roberts. For many years the father of Mr. Roberts carried on farming and stock raising here and was one of the solid and reliable men of this section, and in business affairs as well as in social and family life was held in high esteem. His death occurred September 22, 1911, and his burial was in the Port Jefferson cemetery. In politics he was a republican and in religious faith he was a Methodist. In early manhood he married Florence Hartman, who survives, and they had the following children : Emma, Marion, Cora, Blaine, Oliver, Minnie, Lettie and Lela. Cora is the wife of Lloyd Case. Marion Roberts secured a common school education and until he was twenty-three years old continued to assist his father on the home farm. He then started out independently and for the next six years worked by the month for farmers in Shelby county and then returned to the home farm of which he has had charge since his father's death. A general farming line is carried on and stock for home use is raised, all the different industries being well looked after. Mr. Roberts is identified with the Masonic frater- 790 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY nity at Port Jefferson and with his mother attends the Methodist Episcopal church there. He was reared to believe in and support the republican party. LAFAYETTE MERRICK STUDEVANT, who is vice-president of the First National Exchange Bank, at Sidney, 0., has additional banking interests and is also a leading manufacturer of Shelby county and one of the foremost men of this section. He was born in Whitley county, Ind., June 21, 1858, and is a son of John F. and Mary Wood (Cochrun) Studevant. John F. Studevant was born at Emporia, Va., and now resides, in his eighty-seventh year at Sidney, 0. In 1847 he married Mary Wood Cochrun, who was born in Green county, 0., in 1929, a daughter of Elisha and Sarah Cochrun, natives of Kentucky. Mrs. Studevant died August 23, 190, after sixty-three years of happy wedded life and left many to mourn her loss, she being an admirable woman in every relation of life. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Studevant lived in Ohio and then moved to Indiana and from there, in 1875, removed to Anna, Shelby county, 0. Several years afterwards they settled permanently at Sidney, Mr. Studevant being a cabinetmaker by trade. Five children were born to them, Lafayette M. being the only one to survive the age of five years. Until he was seventeen years of age, Lafayette M. Studevant devoted himself mainly to his school books. Afterward he was variously employed for a time, keeping continually occupied, and for several years he followed the painting trade. After his parents moved to Sidney, he learned the printing trade in the office of the Sidney Journal, having previously, however, taken a course in the Normal School, passed the teacher's examination satisfactorily and taught one winter term. In 1879 Mr. Studevant went to Columbus Grove, where he purchased a newspaper, although then but twenty-one years old, and conducted it for one year but not with the success that encouraged him to devote his life to journalism. In 1880 he entered a commercial school at Lima, O., where he took a business course and then accepted a position as bookkeeper in a bank, this being the beginning of his banking connection. The business proved congenial and he continued to advance until he became cashier of a bank at a village called Ridgeville. While the place was small and offered little field for endeavor, he there gained banking experience and it proved valuable. From there he came to Sidney again and accepted a position with Philip Smith, who conducted a machine shop and continued and at present is vice president of the Philip Smith Manufacturing Company. He soon developed business astuteness in other directions. In January, 1886 he started into the fire insurance business, and in October of the same year organized the Peoples Saving & Loan Association, being managing officer of the same, and on September 1, 1899, organized the First National Exchange Bank, of which he was cashier for seven years. The Peoples Saving & Loan Association is the largest enterprise of that class in any town of the size of Sidney, in Ohio, and none in that state have PAGE - 791 - LAFAYETTE MERRICK STUDEVANT PAGE - 792 - AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 791 been more successful. This enterprise is capitalized at $50,000, with a surplus of $110,000 and its present standing is shown by the January 1, 1913 statement to be : capital, surplus and deposits, $1,463,088.97, which means that its resources are larger than both of the National banks at Sidney. Mr. Studevant continues to be secretary of this remarkably successful concern. He is president also of the Eclipse Folding Machine Company and is a director in the following prospering industries : the Sidney Tool Company, the Sidney Manufacturing Company, the Monarch Machine Company, the Royal Manufacturing Company, The Philip Smith Manufacturing Company and the Sidney Telephone Company. On May 28, 1891, Mr. Studevant was married to Miss Abbie Benjamin, a daughter of C. R. Benjamin, and they have raised two children : Mary Helen and Thomas F. Both have been given exceptional educational advantages. Thomas F. graduated from the Howe Military School in the spring of 1911 and at present is in the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. Mary Helen completed her education at Mrs. Stewart's School for Girls, an exclusive institution at Washington, D. C. Mr. Studevant and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a democrat and he served in the town council for one term, and was National Bank Examiner during Cleveland's last term. He is a charter member of the Commercial Club and is president of its board of managers. His fraternal affiliations include membership in the following orders : Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Elks, Red Men and all the Masonic bodies. As may be seen Mr. Studevant is one of Sidney's most valuable citizens, awake to every public duty and capable of meeting every business responsibility. JAMES J. EPPERSON, an old and respected resident of Shelby county, O., and a veteran of the Civil war, resides on a well improved tract of three acres situated in Turtle Creek township and owns a farm of fifty acres located farther westward. He was born May 20, 1844, in Harrison county, Ky., and is a son of John and Maria (Elizer) Epperson. John Epperson was born in Virginia and followed an agricultural life. He married Maria Elizer, who was born in Missouri, and they were parents of the following children : William, Sarah, wife of Mahlon Leggitt; Martha, Stephen, Mary, wife of Purnel Slade ; Nancy J., wife of Purnel Hill ; and James J. The parents of the above family were members of the Methodist Episcopal church (North). James J. Epperson had but meagre educational opportunities in his boyhood compared to those of the present day. He was assisting his father on the home farm when civil war was declared and on October 21, 1861, enlisted in Company I, Twentieth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, and remained in the service until honorably discharged, September 18, 1865. Ever since then until he retired, with the exception of four years, Mr. Epperson has been an active farmer. On July 22, 1869, he was married to Miss Melissa Humphrey, who was born in Kentucky, where her people were farmers and members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Her father was Emanuel 792 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY Humphrey, who married Louisa Toadvine, and the children born to them were the following: James, Melissa, Purnel, Ellen, Robert, William, Johanna, wife of Benjamin Brown; Belle, wife of Charles Stewart ; Thomas ; and Sallie, wife of George Patricks. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Epperson, all of whom are married, namely : Nellie, who is the wife of Robert Criswell, and they have tw0 children, Ernest and Lucinda ; Alva, who married Blanche Shelley, and they have two children, Melvin and Austin; Claude, who married Bertha Green and they have two children, Edith and John ; Samuel, who married Sadie Eaton; Effie M., who is the wife of Milton Lennox and they have one daughter, Mildred. The family belongs to the Presbyterian church and Mr. Epperson is much interested in the Sunday school and serves as assistant superintendent. He is a republican in his political views and served four years as trustee of the township. He and family are people of standing in their community and are more or less known all over the county. WILLIAM J. SMITH, whose excellent farm is situated three-fourths of a mile west of Jackson Center, on the north side of the Arnett turnpike road, devotes much of his attention to raising Jersey thorough-bred cattle and also Plymouth Rock poultry. Mr. Smith was born in Jackson township, Shelby county, 0., on a farm that adjoins his own on the south, November 24, 1861, and is a son of Hardin A. and Rhoda ( Jenkins) Smith. Hardin A. Smith was born in Virginia and lived there until thirteen years of age when he accompanied his father, John Smith, to Clark county, O. After leaving Clark county, Hardin A. Smith went to Champaign county and there married Rhoda Jenkins and they had twelve children, ten of whom survive: Elizabeth, who is deceased, was the wife of W. V. Hughes, of Jacks0n Center; Martha, who died when three years old; Jane, who is the wife of Milton Meranda ; Mary, who is the wid0w of Wesley Pence; Christina, wh0 is the widow of Martin A. Baker; Lydia, who is the wife of J. F. Davis; Minerva, who is the wife of R. W. Davis ; William J.; Albert, who lives at Jackson Center ; Laura, who is the wife of D. W. Ware; George, wh0 lives two miles south of Jackson Center ; and Frank, who lives one mile east of Montra. Hardin A. Smith is one of the pioneers of Jackson township, having moved here in 1858. He was one of the early mail carriers between Urbana and Springfield, making the trip on horseback. Few men are better known in Jackson township. William J. Smith grew to manhood and attended school in his native township and then learned tanning and harnessmaking with his father, the latter havng started a tannery in 1858. William J. Smith continued the tannery until 1911, when he removed this old landmark in order to build a barn on the site for some 0f his valuable cows. For many years this tannery was one of the leading business enterprises of the township. This farm is probably one of the most carefully drained properties in this section and all the impr0vements were placed here by its present owner. Both as a cattle and poultry farm it AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 793 is widely known and Mr. Smith may reasonably be very proud of the success that has attained his undertakings. On September 27, 1883, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Marie Cox, who was born at Port Jefferson, a daughter of Noah and Mary E. (Brown) Cox. The father of Mrs. Smith died at the age of seventy-two years and the mother when aged sixty-eight years and their burial was in the Pleasant Hill cemetery at Jackson Center. Mr. and Mrs. Cox had seven children : Joshua, residing at Lima, O.; Rosanna, deceased ; Marie and John, twins, the latter dying when five years old; George living at Lima ; Triphena J., deceased ; and Daniel, of Lima. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have had four children : Roy E., who died at the age of seven weeks; Warren L., who died when aged three years ; Edward Franklin, who is a successful teacher in Jackson township; and Oliver L., wh0 is a student in the Jackson Center high school. Mr. Smith and family are members of the Christian church. He is a democrat in political preference but is perfectly satisfied to have others than himself assume the worries as well as the emoluments of office. WALLACE A. LOCHARD,* one of the industrious and successful young agriculturists of Salem township, Shelby county, O., who operates the Walnut Grove Farm belonging to his father, a valuable tract of 160 acres, was born in Salem township, February 1, 1886, and is a son of Isaac A. and Alma (Fox) Lochard. The parents of Mr: Lochard are well known people of Shelby county and when they removed from the farm in Salem township they retired to Sidney, -where they still reside. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Sidney. Their family consisted or three children: Wallace A., Iva and Charles. Wallace A. Lochard was educated in the public schools and the Western University at Delaware, O., in which institution he remained one year and then returned to his father whom he assisted until he was twenty-two years of age. Afterward, for three years, he rented and operated a farm in Perry township and then took charge of the Walnut Grove Farm, all but twelve acres of which lies in Salem township. Farming and stock raising are the industries carried on and Mr. Lochard is meeting with the success his energy and progressive methods justify him in expecting. On October 22, 1908, Mr. Lochard was married to Miss Grace Wooley, a daughter of William and Jennie Wooley, of Perry township. Mr. and Mrs. Lochard have one daughter, Beulah. They attend the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Lochard is a wide awake citizen and is interested in all that promises to make better conditions all over the country, but he feels that he has no time for office holding. Like his father he votes the democratic ticket. LEWIS J. METZ, who is a well known and highly respected citizen of Jackson township, a member of the township board of education and a general farmer, resides on his 160 acres of well developed land that lie three and one- 794 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY fourth miles northwest of Jackson Center, 0. He was born one mile north of this farm, in Jackson township, March 28, 1878, and is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Gross) Metz. Jacob Metz was born in Germany and was brought to America by his parents when an infant. They located in Stark county, 0., but later moved to Shelby county and settled in Jackson township. In early manhood Jacob Metz married Catherine Gross, then a resident of Jackson township, and they had twelve children born to them, nine of whom are living. Mr. Metz has been a very successful business man and has given each of his children a farm and retains one of 39 acres just north of the farm of his son, Lewis J. Metz. Lewis J. Metz attended the public schools in Jackson t0wnship and afterward assisted his father on the home farm. He has been on his present place ever since he has carried on farming for himself. On December 13, 1905, he was married to Miss Cora Lee Ambos, who was born at Montra, in Jackson township, Shelby county, July 12, 1887, and is a daughter of Jacob and Charlotta (Allenbach) Ambos. Jacob Ambos was born in Germany and was brought to the United States when eight years old. In Auglaize county, 0., he was married to Charlotta Allenbach. To them were born eight children, seven of whom are yet living. The family home was at Montra for many years as he was a skilled carpenter and builder and many of the substantial barns all over the county are of his construction. He was a veteran of the Civil war and was a valued member of the G. A. R. Both he and wife belonged to the Lutheran church and were people held in the highest respect. Mr. Ambos lived to the age of sixty-nine years. Mr. Metz has a fine property, well drained and well improved and a general line of agriculture is successfully carried on, all of his land being under cultivation with the exception of forty acres still preserved in valuable timber. Two little daughters make up the family, Wilma Marie and Luetta Viola. Mr. and Mrs. Metz belong to the Lutheran church at Montra and have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. In politics a democrat, Mr. Metz takes pleasure in the success of his party but has never accepted any public office for himself except in school matters and since February, 1911, he has been a member of the board of education of Jackson township. ELMER D. KISER, who is serving Shelby county most efficiently in the office of county treasurer, is one of the representative citizens 0f Sidney. He was born on the home farm in Miami county, 0., not far from Fletcher, May 8, 1868, and is a son of B. L. and Mary Ann Kiser. For many years B. L. Kiser was a farmer in Miami county and his death occurred just prior to his son's removal to Sidney, his decease being induced to some degree from the ravages of disease contracted while he was loyally serving as a soldier during the Civil war. He enlisted in 1861 in Company E, Seventy-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served out his first enlistment, then reenlisted and continued until the close of the war, in the meanwhile taking part in all the important battles in the western army. His family consisted of three sons and one daughter : Elmer D.; F. D., who is a practicing PAGE - 795 - PICTURE OF ELMER D. KISER PAGE -796 - BLANK AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 797 physician at Casstown, O. ; I. C., for a number of years a physician at Fletcher, in November, 1912, was elected to the Ohio State Senate ; and Minnie, who is a resident of Piqua. Elmer D. Kiser had only common school advantages in his youth. For some years his father was in an invalided condition, and, as he was the eldest son, many responsibilities early fell on his shoulders. Later on the other two younger brothers were sent to college and both became physicians. Elmer D. Kiser, however, did not profit in this way. His inclinations were directed by a very practical mind and after coming to Sidney, in 1895, he sought a business opening and after working in one of the manufacturing plants for a short time, opened a butcher shop and continued a dealer in meats until his election to his present responsible office, in the fall of 1910, to which, in November, 1912, he was reelected by the largest vote received by any candidate in Shelby county. Mr. Kiser is a prominent factor in the democratic party in this section of the state. He has long been recognized as an upright citizen and public approval has been given of his management of the county finances. To the management of public matters he has applied the sound business principles that he has found secures the best results in his own affairs. Mr. Kiser was married in 1888, to Miss Lulu D. Bird, a daughter of S. R. and Celina J. Bird. Mrs. Kiser was born and reared on a farm in Green township, Shelby county, but her parents moved to Sidney in 1894 and here her father died in the following year. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kiser: Dale, who died at the age of sixteen years ; John B.. who continues his fatherls meat market at Sidney ; and Hilda. L., who lives at home. Mr. Kiser is well known and valued in fraternal circles, having membership with the Masons, the Odd Fellows, lower branch and Encampment, the Knights of Pythias and the Red Men. THOMAS H. WARD, who resides on his well cultivated farm of eighty- nine acres, which is situated in Perry township, Shelby county, O., was born on this place December 21, 1856, and is a son of Thompson and Lucinda (Cargill) Ward. Thompson Ward was born in Ohio and during his active years was both blacksmith and farmer. He was an excellent citizen, interested in all that concerned the general welfare, voted with the republican party and liberally supported the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was a member. He married Lucinda Cargill, who was born in Zanesville, O., and a large family was born to them, the most of the children still living and the majority being well settled in life. The eldest, Mary, married Charles Gearhart; Ellen is the wife of James Monroe; Martha married Samuel Kiser ; Addie married Joseph Kerns; John ; Lucy is the wife of Samuel S. Crumbaugh; Charles is deceased; Thomas H.; Alice is the wife of Elmer Maxwell; Belle is the wife of Jacob H. Baker; and David. Thomas H. Ward has always lived on his present farm and has practically had charge of it since his school days, carrying on a general line of agriculture. He has made many improvements here in the way of tiling and fencing and 798 - HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY erected the present comfortable and attractive residence. He is a man of enterprise and owns stock in the Farmers Telephone Company. Mr. Ward was married November 11, 1880, to Miss Ida Forsythe Smith. Her father, Pearson Forsythe, gave her when a babe of ten weeks, on the death of her mother, to her aunt, Mrs. Maria Smith, whose name became practically hers although she was never adopted. She had four brothers and one sister : William, Ethan, George, Edward, and Maria, the last named being the wife of John Ogden. Mr. and Mrs. Ward have four children : Edna, who is the wife of James Woolley; and Cora, Lola and Donald. Mr. Ward has served several times as road supervisor, elected on the republican ticket, and is much interested in that subject, realizing that good roads are a necessity to an agricultural community. With his family he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. He is identified with the local organization known as the Protective Association. HENRY CARGILL,* who is one of the old and substantial business men of Port Jefferson, 0., where he has conducted a general store for the past fifty years, and, in association with his son, owns five farms in Shelby county, was born at Zanesville, 0., April 25, 1833, and is a son of David and Mary A. (Wyant) Cargill. They were natives of the state of New York. Their family consisted of three children that grew to maturity : Andrew, Henry and Mrs. Ward. Henry Cargill attended the schools of Zanesville, afterward worked on a farm and at the cooper trade until he embarked in his store enterprise. In 1849 the family moved from Zanesville to Piqua and in the same year he came to Port Jefferson. In 1850 his parents moved on a farm north of this place and he made his home there until permanently established in his present business. He married Louisa Elliott, who was born in Shelby county and died here, her burial being at Port Jefferson. Four children were born to them, three of whom are deceased, the one survivor being David Judson, who is a representative citizen of this place. David Judson Cargill, who, for a number of years was a veterinary surgeon in active practice but n0w professionally retired, was born in Shelby county, 0., September 1, 1867. - After completing the common school course at Port Jefferson he attended the Normal School at Lebanon, 0., for two terms and subsequently the Ohio Veterinary College, at Cincinnati; from which he was creditably graduated. Since then his home has been at Port Jefferson and he resides in the old homestead with his father, in association with whom he owns five valuable farms in Shelby county. He is identified fraternally with the Masons at Port Jefferson and belongs to the Commandery at Sidney, 0., and also is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle at Maplewood, and the Odd Fellows at Port Jefferson. Both father and son are republicans and the latter served as town treasurer for a number of years and for several years past has been treasurer of the cemetery at Port Jefferson. Henry Cargill is one of the pillars of the Methodist Episcopal church at Port Jefferson and the enviable reputation among those who know him best and with whom AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 799 he has spent the greater part of his life is that of a man of unswerving honesty, upright in thought and deed. THOMAS STOCKSTILL, a highly respected citizen and retired farmer, residing at No. 806 South Main avenue, Sidney, O., for many years carried on large farming operations in Orange township, two miles south of Sidney. He was born on a farm in Miami county, O., May I I, 1833, and is a son of Elias W. and Elizabeth (Schroyer) Stockstill. Elias W, Stockstill moved with his family to Shelby county, and settled in Salem township in 1834, where he owned over 300 acres of woodland, which, with the help of his sons in after years, was cleared and a large part put under cultivation. He was the father of eleven children, eight sons and three daughters, seven sons of the family still living, Thomas being the second in order of birth; a daughter being the first-born. Thomas Stockstill was reared in Salem township from the age of one year and remembers going to school in the old log school house near his father's farm. The first work he ever was seriously engaged in was clearing off land and following the various industries carried on on the home place. Farming continued his main business during his entire active life and he still owns 110 acres of his former farm of 160 acres. At one time he owned another farm of forty acres directly south of Sidney but he has disposed of it. In 1863 he moved into Orange township and at first rented land but later purchased the farm directly across the road, which he greatly improved, doing a large amount of clearing and ditching on the same. He made a specialty of raising fine hogs and in all his farm activities was counted a successful man. In 1911 Mr. Stockstill retired and moved to Sidney August 8, 1912. Mr. Stockstill was married in 1853 to Miss Martha Ellen Mitchell, who was born in Miami county, O., a daughter of Wilson and Lottie Mitchell, who moved to Shelby county when Mrs. Stockstill was a girl. Eleven children were born to this marriage, namely : Addle, who died over thirty years ago, was the wife of Peter Rodecker and she left one child, Edith, who is the wife of Dr. C. O. Young, and they have one child, Mamie, the only great-grandchild in the family; Elizabeth Belle, who keeps house for her father, is the widow of J. H. Keplinger, who was born in Shelby county in 1852 and owned eighty acres of fine land in Green township, and died February 16, 1912, and they reared Mrs. Dr. Young; Elias, who is a retired farmer of Jackson Center, O. ; Sarah Minerva, who is the wife of Louis Nauswander, who is one of the gardeners employed at the Toledo Asylum; Celia May, who died at the age of twenty year's; William, who is a resident of the state of Washington; Peter O., who lives in Orange township; Webster, who is a minister in the Methodist church, is stationed at Bryan, O.; Etta, who is the wife of Charles Elliott, of Toledo, O. ; Winters, who is a veterinary surgeon, lives in Clinton township; and Herman, who is a resident of Toledo—a large and creditable family. Mr. Stockstill has been almost a lifelong member of the Meth0dist Episcopal church. For many years he has been identified with the Masonic fraternity, in which he is a Knight Templar. He and family are known all over Shelby county.