Representative Citizens

REV. JAMES F. MOUNTS, a superannuated minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church (if it be permissible to speak of a minister as retired who still takes a very active part in church work), has been engaged in work for the Master since 1858, the greater portion of this long period within a few miles of Van Wert where he now resides. He was born December 17, 1824, on a farm in Pleasant township, Marion County, Ohio, and is a son of Humphrey and Sarah (Fleming) Mounts, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania.

The parents of Mr. Mounts were married in Delaware County, Ohio, and later moved to Marion County where the father purchased and cleared a farm of 160 acres. They were honest, hardworking people, who bravely faced the hardships and dangers of the new country in order to found a home for themselves and children. The nearest white neighbors were five miles distant, while the Indians were numerous and always in evidence. Both parents died on this farm, the father passing away during the Civil War, in which he was too old to take part, although he had been a soldier in the War of 1812. There were 13 children in the family, 11 of whom reached maturity and were married, their progeny being numerous and widely scattered—but of the 11 children mentioned, the only survivor is the subject of this sketch.

James F. Mounts remained with his parents, assisting in the work of the farm, until his 19th year, when his earnest ambition to obtain an education resulted in his entering the Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio. Lack of means, however, caused his withdrawal at the expiration of two and a half years; but this period had been spent in hard study, and the knowledge there obtained was the foundation which which, by a course of systematic and comprehensive reading, he reared a structure of useful and almost unlimited information. For a few years after leaving college he was engaged in teaching in the common schools, the union schools and as principal of the Delaware school, during the last four years residing at Prospect.

An important epoch in Mr. Mounts' career and one which had great influence over his entire life was his marriage on September 18, 1847, to Ellen Landon, who was his constant inspiration and guide. Mrs. Mounts was born in October, 1825, in the southern part of Marion County, near the village of Prospect, and was a daughter of Darius and Mary (Bowen) Landon, who were natives of the State of Pennsylvania, whence they came as pioneers to Ohio. Their family consisted of

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3 sons and 6 daughters. Mrs. Mounts was engaged in teaching school for 12 years previous to her marriage and in that, as in all that she undertook, was most successful. She was a lady of rare charms, both physical and intellectual, her personal beauty being of an unusual type—her rosy cheeks and coal-black eyes being in striking contrast with her beautiful auburn hair, which surmounted pleasant and kindly features. She took great interest in her husband's work and the influence she exercised over all those about her was a most wonderful gift, contributing in a marked degree to smooth many of the rough places in the road traveled by the pioneer circuit rider. Mrs. Ellen Mounts answered the summons which called her to the higher life on October 5, 1897, amid the universal and heartfelt sorrow of those she left behind. Something of the wonderful patience and lovableness of the lady may be gained from these words of the bereaved husband : "In all the 50 years and 18 days of our married life I have never once seen her real angry." The children of Rev. and Mrs. James F. Mounts were as follows : Mary Ellen, who is the wife of D. H. Myers, of Allen County; Sarah Florence and a child, both of whom died in infancy; James E., who is married and resides with his father; and Emma Luella (Oyler), who died at the age of 26 years.

In September, 1858, James F. Mounts received a recommendation from Prospect to the Methodist Episcopal Conference of Central Ohio, which met at West Liberty, Ohio, and appointed him to the Richwood circuit. He was given a hearty invitation to return to this field after his term concluded, but the conference thought best to give him a new charge and he was sent to Celina, Ohio. After two years there, in 1861, he was assigned to the Van Wert circuit where he remained two years. In the fall of 1863 he was assigned to the Delphos circuit, where he remained three years. From Delphos he went to St. Marys, where he remained two years. He was then assigned to the Van Wert circuit for two years, one year of which he had a regular station in connection with the circuit work. For the two years following he had charge of the Marysville (Union County) circuit, after which for two years he had the Bryan (Williams County) circuit. He then had the Mendon circuit for two years, during which period he made his home at Van Wert. He was then assigned to the Elida circuit ; he moved his family there and remained in charge of that circuit two years. For more than 40 years he was pastor of the various charges within a radius of 20 miles of Van Wert and resided here 12 years of this period. After leaving Elida he was at Convoy, St. Marys, Ohio City, Celina, Rockford and Dixon, during which period he resided in Van Wert, except when h served in Rockford.

Mr. Mounts has been one of the most successful ministers in this circuit, and never failed to raise the money with which to pay off the indebtedness on church or parsonage wherever he was stationed. Churches were built by him at Newton and Salem, and two in this circuit. In 1897 he was superannuated, but his lifelong habits of industry have ill fitted him to be content with idleness and he has acted as supply many times, besides preaching at about 50 funerals, within the past two years, and performing an equal number of weddings. He has united over 900 couples in his life, and read the last words of hope and comfort over as many caskets, often exceeding 40 per year. There are numerous cases where he has married the father and mother and all their children ; where he has married and preached the funerals of whole families. During the first three years of his ministry he drew a salary of

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$300 per year, out of which he paid his own house rent; his highest salary has never exceeded $900; during all the years of his ministry his yearly salary averaged about $700. Out of this, by rare good management, he has managed to lay aside a competency. His savings were carefully invested here and in addition to a 75-acre farm on the Defiance road, about two and a half miles from Van Wert, he owns a tract of 1 1/4 acres just outside the city limits, upon which he has recently completed a comfortable residence.

Rev. James F. Mounts is a Republican, and still takes the liveliest interest in the outcome of a political struggle. While teaching in Marion County, he was a candidate for county treasurer. and received a very flattering vote ; his opponent, a cousin, who was a local preacher and a Democrat, was elected by a majority of only 60 in a county which usually went Democratic by an overwhelming majority. Even now, when possible, Mr. Mounts is a faithful attendant at primaries and other political meetings. For a number of years he has been a member of the Masonic fraternity and is a man whose friends are not only legion, but scattered through all the secular walks and found in every religious denomination. A portrait of Mr. Mounts accompanies this sketch.

GEORGE JOSEPH EBLEN, M. D., for many years one of the leading medical practitioners of Van Wert County, retired from active practice of his profession some years ago to give his whole time and attention to the Home Guards of America, a fraternal insurance society of which he was one of the founders and of which he is now Supreme Counselor. He was born September 22, 1852, at Vevay, Switzerland County, Indiana, and is a son of David and Sarah (Buchanan) Eblen.

David Eblen, father of Dr. Eblen, was born in 1806 in Virginia, but was reared in Indiana, where he resided all his life, being variously., engaged in brick-laying, farming and merchandising in Vevay. His death occurred in 1882 while on a visit in Kentucky. In 1830 David Eblen was married in Indiana to Sarah Buchanan, who died in 1858. His second marriage was to Mrs. Mary Sachwell, of Ghent, Kentucky. The children of the first marriage were : Sarah, deceased ; James; Elizabeth ; John Lawson ; Nettie ; Fletcher, deceased ; George Joseph ; and Charles, deceased. One daughter was born to the second union. David Eblen was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was identified with the Republican party.

George Joseph Eblen, after the death of his mother, lost interest in what had been his happy home and, a child of 10 years, accepted a home with a neighboring farmer, finding in him a just and ,generous protector. He was given school advantages which in his case were thoroughly appreciated. At the age of 19 years he passed a teacher's examination and secured a license to teach. In 1873 he was graduated at Bryant & Stratton's Business College, at Louisville, Kentucky, and then accepted a position on that institution's faculty for a year, going from there to another commercial college in the same city, where he taught a year. Returning to Indiana, he continued to teach school until 1875, in the meantime reading as many medical works as his leisure time afforded, and then attended a course of lectures in the Kentucky School of Medicine at Louisville. His next five years he spent with Dr. J. M. Sweezy, at Cross Plains,

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Indiana, and subsequently he was a student in the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, where he was graduated in 1880.

When Dr. Eblen took up the practice of his profession, he located at Shasta, Van Wert County, Ohio, where he continued for six years. In 1886 he removed to Van Wert and for one year was associated with Dr. W. H. Christopher. He then practiced alone until 1899, when he relinquished his practice to devote his talents and energies to the Home Guards of America, then a young organization. When engaged actively in his profession, he kept abreast of the progress made in the medical world and enjoyed post-graduate work in the New York Polyclinic College. He is a valued and useful member of the Ohio State Eclectic Medical Association.

On December 7, 1881, Dr. Eblen was married to Carrie Niles, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, January 19, 1854, and is a daughter of the late venerable Barnabas Niles, whose sketch follows this.

In addition to valuable property in Cincinnati, Dr. Eblen owns a considerable amount in Van Wert, including one of the handsome residences on South Washington street, which is frequently the scene of pleasant social functions. Both Dr. and Mrs. Eblen are member, of the First Methodist Episcopal Church at Van Wert. The family stands as one of the leading ones in social life in this city.

Dr. Eblen is fraternally connected with a number of the leading organizations of the country, being a Mason and an Odd Fellow, and is prominent also in the beneficiary orders of the National Union and the Home Guards of America.

That the large fraternal insurance society known as the Home Guards of America has met with unqualified success in its life of a little more than six years, has been chiefly due to jthe efforts of Dr. Eblen. The organization of the society was perfected in Van Wert in the year 1899 and has shown a remarkable growth in the succeeding years. On December 31, 1905, the number of benefit certificates was 8,908 and up to that time $237,174.30 had been paid out in settlement of death claims. There are 125 Homes in the following States : Ohio, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Michigan and Kentucky. On another page of this work will appear a view of the Home Guards Temple, erected in Van Wert in 1906, which was planned by Dr. Eblen, at a cost of $75,000, which is acknowledged to be the most pretentious and substantial structure in the city. It is four stories high and has ground dimensions of 66 by 132 feet. At the time that the Home Guards of America was organized, Dr. Eblen gave up his medical practice and has ever since labored most earnestly in behalf of the Order, giving it his entire time and attention. Whenever there have been responsibilities to be assumed, he has accepted them, furnishing funds during the early years of the order to keep it going until it was well established. At the present time Dr. Eblen is at the head of the order, serving in the office of supreme counselor. He is also managing editor of the Home Guards Monitor, published at Van Wert every month, which is the official-organ of the fraternity.

BARNABAS NILES. The late Barnabas Niles, whose death occurred September 19, 1905, at the age of 98 years, deserves from the biographer much more than a passing notice. His life covered a long period of his country's history and was replete with all that goes to make true and noble manhood. He was born in a log cabin on what is known as Delta avenue, in Cincinnati,

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Ohio, September 20, 1807, a son of Barnabas Niles, the name being a family one, appearing in every generation since 1642, when three brothers of the name of Niles, came to Massachusetts from England, passengers in the good ship "Speedwell." The elder Barnabas Nile removed from Haverhill, Massachusetts, to Cincinnati, Ohio, in December, 1806, making the journey over the mountains by way of wagons to Pittsburg, and then floating down the Ohio River in a flatboat. He lived for a short time in a house at Columbia and then bought several hundred acres of land, all of which is now included in the city of Cincinnati. The elder Barnabas married a daughter of Capt. William Butler, who was one of the heroes of Bunker Hill. He owned a residence on the west side of Main street, in Cincinnati. Both the Butler and Niles families were closely connected with the early history of Cincinnati and owned many of the early utilities of that city and acres and acres of the surrounding land. Old Wesley Chapel Cemetery, in the heart of the city of Cincinnati, is a most interesting spot to these families as in, that sacred enclosure rests the dust of many of their ancestors. Among the living, the most distinguished families of that city trace their connections with these families.

The late Barnabas Niles was married at the age of 27 years to Parnell Lame, and it is interesting to note that his marriage license was signed by William Henry Harrison, who afterward became President of the United States. His wife preceded him to the grave by many years. The two surviving daughters are, Mrs. J. W. Evans and Mrs. G. J. Eblen, of Van Wert. Quoting from a journal issued at the time of his death, the following lines are given concerning this remarkable man, whose blameless life had so far exceeded that of almost all of his contemporaries : "A conscience void of offense in all his dealings with his fellowmen; a sense of justice and commercial honesty; a devotion to his family and friends which often led him to share with those less fortunate than himself; a dignity born of selfrespect and conscious rectitude; an industry that never ceased —these were the characteristics which gained him the respect and admiration of his friends." The last years of Mr. Niles' life were passed at Van Wert, where his death took place.

JOSEPH N. SADDLER D. D. S., who is engaged in the practice of dentistry at Delphos, his office being located in the Hemick Block on Main street, is a son of Professor and Mrs. William H. Sadler, and was born July 13, 1877, at Mount Healthy, Hamilton County, Ohio.

Prof. William H. Sadler was born at Elizabethtown, Ohio, in 1844. For a great many, years he was a professor in Hamilton County schools until compelled to retire on account of poor health. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary E. Bush, was born in 1849 at Aurora, Indiana.

After completing his education in the schools of Hamilton County, Joseph N. Sader took up the study of dentistry, entering the office of Drs. A. J. Swing and Eugene Cox, of Cincinnati; who were the proprietors of the best equipped dental laboratory in the State. :n the year 1899 he was appointed demonstraor of prosthetic dentistry and orthodontia in he Miami College of Dental Surgery, which position he filled until 1901 when he became a trident in the dental surgery department of the Ohio University at Athens, Ohio. In 1903 he graduated from this institution with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery, bearing off

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the honors of the class. Following his graduation he practiced for a year and a half in Venice, Ohio, and then located permanently at Delphos, opening his office on Main street, where his superior work has attracted public attention and brought him a large per cent. of the dental work in Delphos and vicinity, placing him with the leading dentists of the city.

On April 26, 1905, Dr. Joseph N. Sadler and Bessie Hay were united in marriage.

LEVI F. ZIMMERMAN, whose beautifully situated home, "Lyndon Cottage," is located at the east end of Central avenue, Van Wert, with 20 acres of improved land surrounding it, is one of the city's most respected and esteemed retired citizens. Mr. Zimmerman has passed the greater part of his life in Van Wert County. He was born in Ashland County, Ohio, November 13, 1835, and is a son of Abraham and Rebecca (Todd) Zimmerman.

The Zimmerman family is of German extraction. Abraham Zimmerman, father of our subject, was born in Union County, Pennsylvania, May 20, 1813. Left an orphan at an early age, he was reared to the age of 15 years in the home of an uncle, and then removed to Ashland County, Ohio, learned the trade of a carpenter with his brother John, married in that county and lived there until 1839, when he came to Van Wert County, of which he has been a resident ever since. After the death of his wife in 1904, he removed from his farm to the home of his son, Levi F. Zimmerman. He is one of the oldest residents of the county. Until his health failed, he followed his trade, doing a great deal of the carpenter work required in his neighborhood in the early days. When he settled in the county, there were butfew sawmills and it was difficult to obtain prepared lumber. In case of death, the carpenter often officiated also as undertaker. Mr. Zimmerman remembers a coffin he fashioned ; having no lumber on hand, he constructed it with slabs cut from an old cherry stump, dressed with a broad-axe and plane. In going to the place of interment it was customary at that time for the undertaker to lead the funeral procession, taking the coffin with him in a wagon, while the bereaved members of the family followed on horseback or in wagons. Mr. Zimmerman assisted in laying the floor of the first frame Court House of Van Wert and also helped in the finishing work. When he came to Van Wert County, he walked the entire way from Ashland County. His first land in Van Wert County was a tract of 160 acres, located in Tully township. Later he bought a farm of 40 acres on the Jennings road in Ridge township. After these two farms were sold, he purchased his present farm, which then consisted of 120 acres, and later added 25 acres. He improved this land and lived upon the property until a little over a year ago ; a portion of it was disposed of it some time ago and he is now the owner of 114.77 acres. He has owned and disposed of other lands and properties. During the greater part of his mature life he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Abraham Zimmerman married Rebecca Todd, who was born in Ashland County, Ohio, in May, 1813, being just seven days younger than her husband. She died October 17, 1904. Their married life was just 13 days less than 70 years. The children of this marriage were : Levi F.; Eliza Jane, who married H. G. Lehmann, a veteran of the Civil War, who lives in Van Wert; Sarah Elizabeth, who died in young

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womanhood ; Mary Ann Amanda, who married Madison Northrup, an old soldier, who resides east of Van Wert; Esther Ann, who died in infancy; Naomi Helen, who married David McNall, of Northern Indiana, now a resident of Van Wert County; and John A., a promising young man who died at the age of 18 years, just after completing his education, being the first male student to graduate from the Van Wert High School.

Levi F. Zimmerman was about four years of age when he accompanied his parents to Van Wert County. His education was obtained in Van Wert, school sessions being held in a log house; before this was ready, school was taught in a private dwelling. Off and on, Levi remained in school until he was 15 years old and then entered upon a mercantile career, with which he was more or less connected all through his active years. Mr. Zimmerman was a born merchant, his leaning in this direction becoming apparent in his childhood, when one of his favorite plays was to gather his companions about him and "play store."

The young man began clerking about this time in the general store of Edward R. Wells. When he was 18 years of age, he began to teach school and continued to teach in his home neighborhood for about nine terms, mainly in the winter season, living at home in the meanwhile. He alternated teaching with clerking, being an employee of Abraham Jacobs, who conducted the first clothing store in the city. He also clerked in Anderson's and other stores and for one season was in the photographic business. He worked a year for his father but was not pleased with an agricultural life and afterward secured a clerkship in a dry goods store at Mansfield, Ohio, where he remained four years. Upon his return to Van Wert, he continued to clerk until 1866, when he formed

a partnership and entered into a dry goods business with T. S. McKim. Their first store was located on Washington street back of the McKim corner, but in a short time they moved to a frame building on Main street, owned by Mr. McKim. Later on, George Hall bought Mr. McKim's interests and the firm for a short time was known as Zimmerman & Hall; then Mr. Zimmerman bought Mr. Hall's interests and continued the business as sole proprietor for a time at the same stand, finally purchasing a brick block, now owned and occupied by J. 0. Roberts. He continued in business a number of years after moving into this building and then gradually retired from business activity. After he had disposed of the greater part of his commercial interests, he conducted a notion store for a while and finally withdrew entirely.

September 15, 1869, Mr. Zimmerman was married to Mary E. Webster, who was born in Jamestown, Greene County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Rev. Ebenezer T. and Sarah Sophiniah (Lane) Webster. The father was born in New York in 1795 and was taken to Ohio by his parents when young. He grew up an ambitious youth and educated himself and was subsequently admitted to the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church. It is said that he carried his grammar with him and studied on the long horseback trips he had to make over the country. At a coherence of his church, held in 1820, when the bishop called for volunteers to go to the far West, meaning the State of Missouri, Mr. Webster was one of the four who. expressed themselves willing to accept the hardships of such a life. After six years on the border he returned to Ohio and with the exception of one year, during which le was stationed at Parkersburg, West Virginia, his charges were located in this State,

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living some years in Union County, but passing the last six years of his life in Van Wert, where he died in 1877.

Mr. Webster's wife, Sarah Sophiniah Lane, was born in Buncombe County, North Carolina, on the Blue Ridge Mountains, November 6, 1804. She was 11 years old when her parents moved to Missouri, the long wagon trip taking from November to March. She resided with our subject for the last 16 years of her life. Dying in 1892. Of the 10 children born to Mr. and Mrs. Webster, a number died in childhood. Of those who grew to maturity, Rev. Barton A.. Webster became a well-known minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church ; he died in Van Wert in 1866. Mrs. Zimmerman's oldest sister died in Kansas City, Missouri, 1894. Her maternal grandfather, Capt. Charles Lane, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and was with General Washington at Valley Forge. He enlisted from Georgia and, died in Missouri. Mrs. Zimmerman was afforded excellent educational advantages and was graduated at Delaware College, Ohio, in 1863 and subsequently taught school, both in Ohio and Iowa. She began teaching in Van Wert, Ohio, in March, 1868, and was one of the first teachers in the Central school building. This most estimable lady is now president of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of the first Methodist Episcopal Church of Van Wert, to which position she was elected some seven years since. Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerman have two children, viz.: Mary Levinna and Ernest Merle, both living at home.

Mr. Zimmerman has been identified with the Republican party all his life. He has always taken an active part in the duties and privileges of the church, and while living at Mansfield he was librarian of the Sunday-school and was also a member of the church choir. Upon his return to Van Wert, he assisted in organizing the first choir in the First Methodist Episcopal Church, and was secretary of the Sunday-school for a number of years. Since August 27, 1866, he has been secretary of the Van Wert County Bible Society, and since April 25, 1876, has been secretary of the board of trustees of the First Methodist Episcopal Church. He was one of the largest subscribers to the fund for building a new Methodist church. Mr. Zimmerman was, also, one of the first directors of the Van Wert County Mutual Fire Insurance Company, which was organized in 1876. When the building of what is now known as the Cincinnati Northern Railroad was first agitated, Mr. Zimmerman was one of the first subscribers to the fund. He is a man whose long life and honorable achievements have entitled him to the respect and esteem shown him on every side.

ALEXANDER MENTZER, one of the leading citizens of this county, president of the Board of County Commissioners, is the owner of a fine farm of 160 acres, together with 11 acres within the limits of the town of Convoy. He was born in Van Wert County, Ohio, January 19, 1852, and is a son of Alexander and Elizabeth (Roop) Mentzer. His parents were old-time residents of Van Wert County and the father was one of its representative men. He was elected county commissioner a number of terms and was well and favorably known in all parts of the county. The father died April 9, 1905, at the age of 86 years. He was a man universally respected and left a large property to his family. He reared nine children, four of whom are living.

Alexander Mentzer, our subject, was educated in his native county and was reared to

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manhood on his father's farm. As stated above, he owns a choice farm in the county, but makes his home in the growing town of Convoy. Politically Mr. Mentzer is a Democrat. In 1899 he was first elected to the office of county commissioner and in 1902 was re-elected, his record for efficiency in guarding the interests of the public gaining him the confidence of his fellowcitizens of both parties.

Alexander Mentzer was. united in marriage with Hattie Miller, and they have two daughters—Marion and Lelia. Mr. Mentzer's family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They have many pleasant social connections and show much hospitality to their neighbors and friends.

ANDREW JACKSON GLEASON, a resident of Van Wert, and one of its

honored and esteemed citizens, is a survivor of the great Civil War in which he bore a prominent part. He is a descendant of one of the pioneer families of this county, but was born November 27, 1836, in Manchester township, Ontario County, New York. He is a son of Joseph and Mary (Brown) Gleason.

The family removed from New York to Ohio in 1837, and in 1839 settled in the little hamlet that then represented the present busy, prosperous city of Van Wert. By the time he was old enough to begin his education, a village school had been established, which he attended until he was 16 years old, when he entered his father's sawmill. Gifted with a natural talent for music, the youth had comparatively little opportunity to develop it until 1859, when he enjoyed one term at the Normal Musical Institute, Chicago, returning to that city in 1860, when he came under the instruction of those notable masters of music—Dr. Mason, George F. Root and William B. Bradbury. Perhaps it is not always a profitable matter of consideration, but it is undoubtedly interesting, to speculate as to the outcome of the lives of ourselves and our contemporaries, had circumstances been other than they were. On the very threshold of manhood, in the possession of talents which seemingly only awaited time, training and experience to make him a great musician, every current of his being was suddenly changed by the outburst of the Civil War. He did not pause to temporize, but at once put heart and soul into the business of organizing a company for his country's service, entering the ranks of what became Company H, 15th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. He saw as much hard service as any other member of the regiment and participated in many of the most serious battles of the war, beginning with the battle at Pittsburg Landing. He was at Corinth, and after the march of General Buell's army to Stevenson, Alabama, was promoted to the rank of 2nd sergeant, soon after being detailed with a recruiting detachment which left for Ohio and had many stirring adventures. By the middle of October he reported to his regiment, accompanied by 15 recruits, all thoroughly equipped; and found that during his absence he had been promoted to be 1st sergeant of Company H. He participated in the battles which succeeded each other so rapidly—Stone River, Liberty Gap and Chickamauga. At the last named engagement he was twice wounded, the second injury, received while he was gallantly leading his command, being of a very serious nature. He was one of those fallen heroes who were forced to remain on the battlefield, seemingly neglected, despite the almost superhuman efforts of their comrades to relieve them. It was not until the evening of the second day that Sergeant Gleason managed to reach Ross-

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ville and Chattanooga, and subsequently, after sufferings terrible to recall, the hospital at Nashville. After some attention there, he was sent home on a furlough, where his home surgeon accomplishd his recovery. It was during this period that he received a conditional commission as 2nd lieutenant.

After the expiration of his first term of service, Mr. Gleason re-enlisted as a veteran, joined his command at Nashville, and, although still feeble from the effects of his wound, marched with his company to Chattanooga. Shortly afterward he was promoted to be sergeant-major of his regiment, and served as such at Resaca, Pickett's Mills and Kenesaw Mountain, in front of Atlanta being commissioned 2nd lieutenant of Company A. Lieutenant Gleason remained with his company during the siege of Atlanta, the subsequent flank movement to Jonesboro (which resulted in the city's capture) and the return movement to Tennessee under General Thomas. He took part in the battles of Franklin and Nashville and at the latter engagement the command of the company fell to him by the death of Lieutenent Hanson, who was killed on Overton Hill.

Lieutenant Gleason continued in command of the company during the pursuit of General Hood into Alabama and until the arrival of the Fourth Army Corps at Huntsville, when the troops went into winter quarters. For the gallant manner in which he had performed a soldier's duties he received here a commission as 1st lieutenant, and was appointed adjutant of the regiment. He participated in the advance of the forces into Eastern Tennessee, the rendezvous at Nashville, after the surrender of the Confederate leaders, and the expedition to Texas, in July, 1865. While at San Antonio, Texas, Lieutenant Gleason was proffered a captain's commission, but, from reasonswhich did credit to the manliness of his character, declined the advancement. After some four months in Texas, his regiment was mustered out at San Antonio, November 21, 1865. On December 25th following the regiment reached Columbus, Ohio, and, after his honorable service and discharge, Mr. Gleason returned to the bosom of his family at Van Wert. Through the years of prosperity which have attended him since, he has remained true to his home in this city.

Shortly after the war, Mr. Gleason embarked, with others, in the manufacture of wagon and carriage wood stock, the firm of J. A. Gleason & Brother standing very high in commercial circles to the present day. In everything of a public-spirited nature promising to benefit Van Wert, he has also taken a very active interest and has given moral and financial encouragement to a number of its laudable enterprises.

Mr. Gleason was married February 28, 1866, to Dorothea Adeline Disbrow, who was born January 17, 1841, in Lorain County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Orville and Fannie M. (Buck) Disbrow, natives of Delaware County, New York. In 1853 the father of Mrs. Gleason removed to Hardin County, Ohio, in 1854 to Van Wert County, and in 1859 to Fulton County. Mrs. Gleason's beautiful life closed on March 15, 1893, at the age of 52 years and two months, and her mortal remains rest in the shades of Woodland Cemetery, at Van Wert. She was a member of the Disciples Church with which she had been associated since girlhood. For a number of years she took a prominent part in the auxiliary organization of the Odd Fellows—the Daughters of Rebekah—of which she had been past noble grand and a delegate to the State assembly of the order. From its organization she had been interested in the Woman's Relief Corps and

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was past president of William C. Scott Corps. Until failing health prevented, she was untiring in the performance of the duties of membership in these organizations and in other philanthropies into which she was led by her loving sympathy with all in need. Mrs. Gleason was the mother of seven children, three of whom died in early childhood, those who survived to maturity being: Mariette, born November 25, 1866, who died April 30, 1893, formerly a successful and beloved teacher; Fannie M., wife of I. N. Giffin, county surveyor of Van Wert County—Mrs. Giffin is a past noble grand of Pearl Lodge, Daughters of Rebekah; Lillia M., wife of D. W. Armentrout, a railroad man residing at Van Wert; and Nellie E., who is also a past` noble grand of Pearl Lodge, Daughters of Rebekah. Nellie E. Gleason was married February 11, 1906, to George W. Bevington, of Chicago, where they reside.

Politically Mr. Gleason is a Republican. Fraterally he has been prominently identified with the Odd Fellows, G. A. R. and A. O. U. W., filling high offices in these organizations. His portrait accompanies this sketch.

WILLIAM A. CLARK, one of Van Wert's most prominent citizens, with whose interests he has been intimately associated for many years, was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, November 21, 1830, and is a son of Samuel McKnight and Lydia (Daugherty) Clark.

Samuel McKnight Clark came to Van Wert in 1838. In 1834 he removed from Cincinnati to the vicinity of Chillicothe, Ross County, and lived there two years, removing then to Allentown, Allen County, and, as above stated, two years later to Van Wert. Samuel M. Clarkwas one of the earliest as well as most enterprising business men at Van Wert. He started the first blacksmith shop and general store and he also conducted a hotel. In his family of seven children, William A. was the second born.

William A. Clark was four years old when his parents moved to Ross County and eight years old when they settled at Van Wert, where he attended school until he was 14 years of age, since which time he has practically made his own way in the world. Very early in life he-encountered difficulties and very early learned that industry and honesty would materially assist in overcoming them. In the early days boys naturally turned to the trades for a means of livelihood. Before William A. Clark found a favorable opening in the wagon-making industry he attended to the horses connected with a hotel stable. After working two years as a wagon-maker, his health failed be, fore completing his apprenticeship, and hence he gladly accepted an offer made by Robert Gilliland to come to his home and attend to the chores and also to go to school again. Mr. Clark remained with Mr. Gilliland for two years and then accepted a position as a clerk in a dry goods store at Van Wert. That he proved himself a young man of reliability and one in whom his fellow-citizens could repose confidence, was shown in 1854, when he, a young man of but 24 years, was elected recorder of Van Wert County, in which position he served satisfactorily for a term of three years.

Mr. Clark continued to be a prominent factor in the business and political affairs of his locality, and he became so representative a citizen that after the election of President Lincoln he was appointed postmaster at Van Wert. He continued to serve in this office during the Civil war and until the assassination of Pres-

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ident Lincoln. Following this public calamity when the administrative power fell into the hands of Vice-President Johnson, Mr. Clark was deposed, as a result, in all probability, of his freely-spoken convictions of political honesty and his free declarations regarding then existing conditions in public affairs. He remained out of office until the election of General Grant again brought the Republican party to the front, when he was again appointed. In all Mr. Clark served as postmaster at Van Wert for nine years and established a record of being a notably efficient public officer.

Since 1861 Mr. Clark had been in business for himself. He first started a book and news depot, and shortly afterward became agent for the American Express Company, being the second appointee of this company in Van Wert. For several years he prospered' in business, but there came sudden misfortune upon him, brought about by the very qualities which have made Mr. Clark esteemed by those who know him best. In a business transaction he was led to endorse the paper of a friend and this ultimately caused him to lose nearly all he possessed. He had by this time numerous interests. In association with his father-in-law he built a mill and ran it for a short time, but the enterprise did not prove profitable and he was sold out by the sheriff. He then went to Paulding and engaged in a mill enterprise which also failed. Returning to Van Wert, he purchased the mill which he had formerly owned and resumed milling. He continued to operate this mill for 21 years, until it was destroyed by fire, in January, 1896. Mr. Clark did not rebuild the mill but utilized the old mill property in another way. He had on the property a substantial building, which he remodeled so as to provide comfortable homes for five families. He has also four dwelling houses on theold mill site. Mr. Clark's own residence, which is situated at No. 233 West Jackson street, is the largest on the property, excepting the flat building.

Mr. Clark has been twice married. On August 6, 1854, at Marion, Ohio, he married Lydia A. Baker, who was born in that city and was a daughter of Rev. George W. Baker, a minister of the Free Will Baptist Church. They had three children, viz.: George W., who died in infancy; Luella Hollington, who died aged 16 years ; and Princess Lydia. The latter is the wife of E. C. Long, of Paris, Kentucky. Mrs. Long is a musician of exceptional attainments and is remarkably gifted as a vocalist. She is a graduate of the Fort Wayne Musical College and has devoted a large portion of her life to the development and use of her musical gifts. She has given many private concerts and is widely known all over the United States as an evangelistic singer.

On October 12, 1864, Mr. Clark was married to Virginia A. Mahan, who was born near Jamestown, Greene County, Ohio, and was a daughter of Charles Mahan. The death of Mrs. Clark took place September 7, 1887. She was survived by five children, as follows : Charles W., Alice, Maude A., John Frederick, and Margaret A. Charles W. Clark, who is distinguished as one of the finest baritone singers in the musical world, is now (1906) touring in the United States under the direction of F. Wight Neumann. His home is in the city of Paris, France. Alice is a trained nurse, a graduate of the Boston City Hospital Training School, and resides at home. Maude A. is the wife of Joseph Scott, of Bakersfield, California. John Frederick is a practicing physician and surgeon at Denver, Colorado. Margaret A. is the wife of H. M. Wilkinson, of Toledo, Ohio.

For a period of 55 years William A. Clark has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal

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Church, and for a protracted period has been one of the trustees of the church at Van Wert. He has always been notably public-spirited and many of the infant industries, which now make the city one of importance, have felt his helping hand. Through his life Mr. Clark has been known as a thoroughly honest, outspoken man, and his numberless friends, neighbors and fellow-citizens have never been left long in doubt concerning his sentiments where right and wrong were in question. At the same time, his bearing toward others, in the conduct of the affairs of business and of official life, has been genial and considerate, marking him as one whose impulses are governed with the highest conception of integrity and also of the fullness of the obligations of one man to another. Thus he has forged ties of friendship strong as steel. In all that concerns the public welfare of this city of residence, William A. Clark still remains generous with his time, means and interest.

FRANCIS H. STALLKAMP, vice-president of the Delphos National Bank, a venerated citizen and the oldest merchant of the town, has been a resident of the United States for many years, but was born in Hanover, Germany, September 25, 1824, his parents living at that time in the province of Osnabruck.

Mr. Stallkamp remained in his native land until past his majority, complying with the laws and securing the education accorded every German child. In 1847 he embarked on a sailing vessel and crossed the Atlantic to the shores of America. His first permanent location was at Buffalo, New York, and he remembers crossing the first iron bridge built in that city, which structure was looked upon as being as great a feat of engineering at that day, assome of the notable modern undertakings of the present appear to be. In 1848 Mr. Stallkamp came to Ohio and found work in a sawmill near Delphos. Game was very abundant in the forests where he was engaged in cutting and hauling logs, and wolves were troublesome and sometimes dangerous. The leading inn at Delphos was the American House, a hostelry which accommodated the traveling public at this trading station. For a time he acted as hostler here and also did other work in the neighborhood, butchering and dealing to some extent in cattle and horses. No railroads had yet been built through this section, but engineers were making surveys, and he recalls driving one party of engineers from Delphos to Elida and Lima.

In 1853 Mr. Stallkamp embarked in a grocery and provision business on the bank of the canal, the greater part of the patronage coming "from the boats which would stop and provision at his place as they passed up and down. This continued for two years and then Mr. Stallkamp went into partnership in the same line with Theodore Wrocklage under the firm name of T. Wrocklage & Company, which continued until the death of Mr. Wrocklage in 1890. Since that date the firm has been known in business circles as F. H. Stallkamp & Company. When Mr. Wrocklage entered the business, a line of queensware was added, and the firm soon had one of the finest grocery and queensware stores in Van Wert and Allen counties. Mr. Stallkamp also bought cattle and prepared them for shipment, supplying the up and down canal trade as mentioned. His first quarters were in the rear of a building right on the canal, and in those days it looked scarcely possible that from that beginning should grow the present important wholesale and retail house. By old traders on the canal Mr. Stallkamp is easily recalled, and the suc-

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cess to which he attained was in great measure the result of his honest dealings and ,good management. In February, 1903, Mr. Stallkamp retired from the grocery and queensware business in favor of his sons who still carry it on, using the same honest methods and progressive ideas that have marked it from the beginning. Five of Mr. Stallkamp's sons are interested in the business.

In 1853 Mr. Stallkamp was united in marriage with Josephine Hedrick, who died in November, 1880, leaving eight sons and one daughter, viz.: Theodore J., Frank, Sylvester A., Otto W., Edward L., cashier of the Delphos National Bank; John H., deceased; Josephine M., Louis C., George H. and Fred.

Mr. Stallkamp has always been interested in the various enterprises which have promised to benefit Delphos, and has contributed liberally in support of public-spirited movements. For many years he was connected with the Ohio Wheel Company. In financial circles he stands high as vice-president and one of the largest stockholders of the Delphos National Bank. He is a consistent member of St. John's Catholic Church. He has never sought political honors.

THEODORE J. STALLKAMP, the eldest son of Francis H. and Josephine (Hedrick) Stallkamp, was born in the family home at Delphos, on the west side of the canal where his parents lived and his father carried on his business for so many years.

Mr. Stallkamp was given excellent educational opportunities, taking lessons in both English and German in the public and parochial schools. Since 1868, with the exception of one year during which he was clerk in a dry goods house, he has been associated with his father; first as assistant and later as partner. With his four brothers he now conducts the largest grocery and queensware business inthe county, and is the senior member of the Stallkamp Grocery & Queensware Company. The firm now occupies a fine two-story and basement brick building, with front of 39 by 72 feet and rear of 39 by 38 feet. The first story is devoted to groceries and the second to queensware. A complete stock of staple and fancy groceries of excellent quality is carried and can be supplied in any quantity.

Theodore J. Stallkamp is an excellent business man and possesses many of the traits of a father who was for years one of the most successful men in his line in this section. Since 1903 he has been a member of the City Council. For the past 18 years he has been connected with the Delphos fire department, entering as a volunteer, but now only holding honorary membership. He is also a member of the Catholic Knights of America.

Theodore J. Stallkamp married Isabel Stevenson and they have an interesting family of four children, viz.: Elizabeth, Alexander, Raymond and Florence. Mr. Stallkamp, like his venerable father, is a valued member of St. John's Catholic Church.

JAMES WEBSTER. Among the different lines of business. successfully carried on at Van Wert, that of general insurance is looked after by capable and experienced men. Among these is James Webster of the insurance firm of James Webster & Son. He is a son of Nathaniel and Betsey (Abbott) Webster, and was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, January 1, 1832. The father and mother of Mr. Webster were natives of New Hampshire and Montreal, Canada, but their last years were spent in the State of Ohio. They reared seven children.

After completing his education in the corn-

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mon schools, James Webster came to Van Wert County in 1851, then a young man of 19 years, and embarked in a mercantile business in which he remained until 1853. He was then appointed deputy county auditor, to fill out the unexpired term of John Shaw and he served two years more under County Auditor Robinson. He was then elected auditor of Van Wert County and served in this responsible position for two terms, his administration of the affairs of this office reflecting credit upon his capacity and integrity.

Mr. Webster then embarked in the timber business, in partnership with L. H. Wise and for 15 years, or as long as the business continued to be profitable, the firm of Webster & Wise remained in the field. After disposing of his lumber interests, Mr. Webster then entered into general insurance and is now associated with his son, Robert. The firm of James Webster & Son represents some 22 companies, all of them being old-line substantial organizations.

On December 5, 1861, Mr. Webster married Mary H. Sweet, who after a happy wedded life of over 38 years died February 10, 1901, and lies buried in Woodland Cemetery. To them were born five children, as follows : Robert, Jennie, Lemuel K., deceased October 8, 1901 ; John M.; and James Ferdinand. All of the children reside in the beautiful family home at No. 809 South Washington street, except Jennie, the wife of Eugene R. Conn, of Van Wert, who lives in a home adjoining that of Mr. Webster. John M. and James Ferdinand Webster are the leading druggists of Van Wert; the former served two terms as deputy sheriff and was later elected sheriff, in which office he continued to serve for two more terms. Mr. Conn also has served as sheriff of Van Wert County ; he is now in the insurancebusiness. He and Mrs. Conn have two sons—Donald W. and Robert E.

Politically the subject of the sketch is identified with the Republican party. Fraternally he is a Mason, being a charter member of Van Wert Chapter, No. 71, R. A. M. He is the only surviving charter member of this chapter which held its 50th anniversary on February 26, 1906, and has a present membership of 131.

HON. AUGUSTUS L. SWEET, judge of the Probate Court of Van Wert County, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, is one of the leading citizens of this county and one of the honored survivors of the Civil War. He was born in Ohio, October 17, 1842, and is a son of John and Lucy (White) Sweet. The father of Augustus L. Sweet was a carpenter by trade. He came to Van Wert County in 1852 and here reared his family of three children.

During his boyhood Augustus L. Sweet attended school and assisted his father on the home farm, but before he had reached his majority he was wearing the Union blue as a private in Company H, Fourth Reg., Ohio Vol. Cav., enlisting September 14, 1861. He was subsequently promoted and became quartermaster-sergeant. He served until his honorable discharge in July 15, 1865 ; during three months of this service he endured the horrors of the military prison at Salisbury, North Carolina.

Upon his return to Ohio, after peace was declared, the young soldier turned his attention to the study of the law and was admitted to the bar in 1880. He practiced his profession at Van Wert for the succeeding seven years, and was then elected by the Republican party

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prosecuting attorney of Van Wert County, later city attorney of Van Vert, and on February 9, 1900, was elevated to his present position on the bench. Judge Sweet was re-elected in November, 1905, for a second term of six years on the probate bench, leading his ticket and having a plurality of over 500 votes. In his judicial administration he has as much honored the office as it has honored him, and his record is one to which he can refer with justifiable pride. His reputation is that of an incorruptible public official and a high-minded, public-spirited citizen. Further he is as much a patriot in times of peace as he was years ago, when he served at the front, and his duty to his fellow-citizens is as carefully performed as a member of the judiciary, as it was when soldiering in 1861.

Judge Sweet was united in marriage with Margaret V. Fugit, who is a daughter of I. Fugit, and they are the parents of the three following children, viz.: Forest H. ; Edna H., who is the wife of A. R. Springer; and Goldie St. Clair, who is the wife of John Webber. The family belong to the Presbyterian Church. Judge Sweet is a very popular as well as able citizen of Van Wert, and he has numerous fraternal connections, belonging to these orders : Ancient Order of United Workmen, Knights of Pythias, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Home Guards of America and W. C. Scott Post, G. A. R., at Van Wert.

RUDOLPH REUL, M. D., deceased, was for 30 years a wellknown medical practitioner at Delphos. He came from Germany in 1848 and settled in Delphos, where he engaged in the practice of medicine. When Company F, 118th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., was organized, he was made

captain, and as such served throughout the Civil war. He passed away August 19, 1879, universally esteemed and loved.

Of his three sons, only the youngest, Walter W. Reul, of the Delphos Hardware Company, is living. The two elder sons, Carl and Rudolph, were sent to Germany, after passing through the common schools of Van Wert County, and there studied medicine in the University of Heidelberg. Returning to Delphos, they followed their profession in this vicinity, and were accounted among the city's most skillful and successful practitioners. Dr. Carl Reul was actively engaged in his work up to his death in June, 1895, but Dr. Rudolph Reul, Jr., who died in July, 1904, at the age of 48 years, was obliged to retire from practice some years before his death on account of ill health.

JASON L. MOSER, president of the Bank of Wren, at Wren, this county, is one of the most prominent businessmen of the southwestern section of Van Wert County and is prominently identified with nearly all of the most important industries and business combinations in the village. He also owns 103 .acres of the old family homestead, which is situated in section 17, Willshire township. Mr. Moser was born in the township named on April 28, 1853, and is a son of David and Aseneth (Wolf) Moser.

The Moser family is of German extraction and is an old established one in Pennsylvania, where, both our subject's father and grandfather were born. The latter, Joseph Moser, was a pioneer in Richland County, Ohio, and came thence to Van Wert County, in 1847, dying at the home of his son in 1876, aged 82 years.

David Moser, the father of Jason L., was

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born in 1826 in Washington County, Pennsylvania, and died in Van Wert County in 1884, aged 58 years. He accompanied his parents to this section and assisted in establishing the pioneer home in the woods, and here he subsequently became a man of prominence and substance owning at one time 200 acres of land. He was the youngest in the family of three sons and two daughters, who all came to Van Wert County, with the exception of a son and daughter who remained in Richland County. Mr. Moser was a strong Republican, one of the leading abolitionists of his locality and a member of the United Brethren Church.

The mother of our subject, Aseneth Wolf, belonged to one of the old families of Richland County, which also migrated to Van Wert County. In 1861 she died of consumption, when but 33 years of age. She was the mother of five children, viz.: Jason L.; Joseph, of Pleasant Mills; Rachel (Teeple), of Geneva, Indiana; and Jonathan Lewis and John Newton (twins), the former of whom died aged' three years, and the latter, aged 14 years. Mr. Moser married a second time and had five more children, all of whom survive.

Jason L. Moser remained with his parents on the farm until he was 27 years of age. His education had been pursued along liberal lines, including an attendance at the Ohio Normal University at Ada, after which he taught school for some 10 years in Van Wert County and in the State of Indiana. In 1883 Mr. Moser came to Wren and has the distinction of erecting the first building in the village—one which was utilized as a dwelling and store combined. Here he engaged in a general mercantile business for about eight years, under the firm name of J. L. Moser & Company. In 1890 he entered into partnership with W. B. Frysinger & Company, in the produce line, and for five years the partners conducted both amercantile and produce business. The latter is still continued under the old firm name, while Mr. Frysinger conducts their branch produce business at Rockford, Ohio.

As indicated above, Mr. Moser has numerous business interests. He is interested in the elevator business of Dudley & Company, at Wren, and in two elevators at Glenmore, with the firm of Garris, Dudley & Company. He also has an interest in the Decatur Produce Company, of Decatur, Indiana, of which his son is manager. Mr. Moser was one of the main organizers of the Bank of Wren, of which he is president, the institution beginning business in 1904, in a fine bank building erected for the purpose. He is also a stockholder in the local telephone company, of which he was one of the organizers. Further, he is a large property owner both in the country and in the village. Mr. Moser's handsome residence, built in 1887, was remodeled in 1902, and in 1905 he erected his present business building, which is constructed of cement block. He is a man of public spirit and liberal views, of excellent business perceptions and appreciative of all that goes to make a well-rounded life, being also fully alive to the benefits to be enjoyed in a well-organized community like the village of Wren, of which he is, in a way, the father. Politically Mr. Moser was reared in Republicanism. Although personally his many business interests have taken the place of political aspirations, he is ever ready to work in favor of friends and for good government. His fraernal connections include membership with he Odd Fellows and the Maccabees.

In 1882 Mr. Moser was married to Annis Teeple, who was born in Adams County, Indiana, and is a daughter of John Teeple. They lave three children, viz. : John W., who is in he produce business at Decatur, Indiana ; Maude M., who is the wife of C. C. Finkhouser,

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cashier of the Bank of Wren; and Esty May, who is attending school. Mr. Moser and family belong to the United Brethren Church, in which for many years he was superintendent of the Sunday-school.

JOHN J. HUMPHREYS, one of Van Wert's representative business men, for many years a member of the wholesale grocery firm of Humphreys & Hughes and now the head of its successor—The Humphreys Grocery Company—was born November 25, 1847, in Allen County, Ohio, and is a son of Richard and Jane (Jones) Humphreys.

Richard Humphreys and his wife were both natives of Wales and came to America in 1845 a few years after their marriage. After living a few months at Pittsburg they settled permanently in Allen County, Ohio. Mr. Humphreys died in 1884, having lived the last five years of his life with his daughter Jane, Mrs. J. D. Evans, his wife having died in 1879. Five children were born to them, all of whom still survive except Margaret. The family record is as follows : Jane, wife of J. D. Evans, of Allen County, Ohio ; Margaret, deceased ; John J.; Catherine, widow of W. E. Watkins, residing at Columbus, Ohio; and Thomas A., who is a Congregational minister located at Scranton, Pennsylvania.

John J. Humphreys was given common-school advantages, which were supplemented by commercial and normal school courses. Prior to taking up a mercantile life he engaged in teaching for several years. In 1874, in partnership with Mr. Dunathan, he engaged in the grocery business at Van Wert. Mr. Humphreys has ever since continued in the grocerybusiness having been associated with various partners, the firm name changing from Dunathan & Humphreys to Dunathan, Humphreys & Holbrook, to Dunathan & Humphreys again, then to Humphreys & Hughes, and finally to The Humphreys Grocery Company, which was incorporated in 1901 and of which Mr. Humphreys is the president and principal owner. In 1886 the firm commenced to give its entire attention to the wholesale trade, having previously carried on a business both wholesale and retail. The business has shown a steady increase from its inception and has now become one of the largest institutions of its kind in Ohio. The handsome business block on the corner of East Main and South Market streets, Van Wert, built to accommodate the firm's requirements, was long the finest business structure in the city.

On February 11, 1899, the firm of Humphreys & Hughes met with a severe loss the destruction of their entire immense establishment by fire. They immediately rebuilt and in September of the same year the business was established in their new building.

Mr. Humphreys was married in Van Wert County, Ohio, November 29, 1874, to Florence E. McCoy, who was born November 30, 1854, in Van Wert County, a daughter of Moses H. McCoy, a leading citizen and one of the oldest settlers of the county. Seven children have been born to them, viz.: Eugene C.; Wilber R. ; Agnes L., who died in 1902, aged 21 years ; Edna and Ethel (twins) ; and Helen L. and Harold L. (twins). Eugene C., who is a graduate of the Van Wert High School and also of the Spencerian Commercial College of Cleveland, Ohio, is head bookkeeper for The Humphreys Grocery Company. He has established quite a reputation as a local singer and has been called to neighboring cities to assist in con-

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ducting musical entertainments. Wilber R., also a graduate of the Van Wert High School, attended the University of Wooster and later graduated from Harvard University. He is now associate professor in the University of Oklahoma. Edna and Ethel, both graduates of the Van Wert High School, are attending college at the National Park Seminary, located in the suburbs of Washington, D. C. Helen L. and Harold L. are attending the Van Wert public schools.

JAMES B. SMITH, one of Van Wert's leading citizens, formerly mayor and for years identified with its business, social and political affairs, was born at St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada, July 15, 1838, and is a son of John and Ellen (McDermott) Smith. His parents, who were natives of Ireland, both came to America in 1832 and were married the following year at Buffalo, New York. Of their five children, the two survivors are James B., of Van Wert, Ohio, and George C., of Kalamazoo, Michigan. As a cooper, the father worked at different points prior to 1850, when he located at Jackson, Michigan, where he died 10 years later; the mother died at Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1892.

James B. Smith, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, attended school wherever his father's business interests led the family, acquiring so thorough an education that for a time he followed teaching as a profession. Finally, however, he learned his father's business, and after his marriage, in 1861, settled near Eaton Rapids, Michigan, moving in the succeeding year to Kalamazoo, where he worked as a cooper until 1865. He continued to be thus employed in Plainwell, Michigan, until 1868, and then removed to Wayland, that state. For a couple of years he engaged in the hotel business there; in 1871 became superintendent of the cooperage plant of Jaynes & Company, at St. Louis, Missouri ; and located at Van Wert in 1883. Until the fall of 1887 he was connected with the extensive business of George H. Marsh, of this city, but in that year organized the Leeson Cooperage Company, of which he has been secretary and manager.

Mr. Smith is now practically retired from business activity, but is still an important factor in the public life of Van Wert. He has always been affiliated with the Democratic party, and for years has been in close touch with its leaders in this section. In 1899 he was elected mayor of Van Wert and served one term to the complete satisfaction of his fellow-citizens.

On September 21, 1861, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Eunice Whitcomb, who was born in Eaton County, Michigan, and is a daughter of Luther and Louisa (Pierson) Whitcomb, natives of New England. They have two sons, viz.: Byron J., who is engaged in the electrical business at Van Wert, and Burton L., who is connected with the Times-Democrat, the leading newspaper of Van Wert County. Mr. Smith and family occupy one of the pleasantest homes in this prosperous little city, situated at No. 503 North Market street.

Mr. Smith was one of the organizers, with Dr. G. J. Eblen and J. W. Evans, of the fraternal society known as the Home Guards of America, and he holds the office of supreme treasurer in this organization, which, in its few years of existence has gained thousands of members. His frateral relations with the Masons and the Elks are also active.

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ABRAM BROWN GLEASON, president of the First National Bank of Van Wert, was born in this county, April 10, 1840, and is a son of Joseph Gleason, one of the best known early residents of Van Wert County. Mr. Gleason's educational opportunities were those afforded by the schools of Pleasant township. When but 15 years of age he was employed in a sawmill and grist-mill, and by the time he was 21 years of age was promoted to the position of head sawyer and general manager, continuing with the same company until 1866. In that year he entered the milling business himself, in partnership with his brother, Frank J., taking advantage of the opportunity to purchase the milling property and water rights of the plant where he had been so long engaged. In 1893 Mr. Gleason admitted into partnership, his son Earl and F. H. Carper, and with this addition of capital and energy the firm of the Gleason Lumber Company was formed, which eventually conducted one of the largest industries of its kind in the county.

As early as 1868 Mr. Gleason also displayed foresight and business ability in the purchase of large tracts of farming lands in this county, and now owns some 500 acres of well-improved realty. As a growing capitalist, he became a stockholder in the Van Wert County Bank, in 1869, and since March, 1883, has been president of the First National Bank of Van Wert. Other important and successful enterprises in which he is more or less interested have been : The Ohio Land & Livestock Company; the Van Wert Natural Gas Company ; the Eagle Stave Company ; Van Wert's first building and loan association, and others —each organization finding in him a man of sound business judgment and commercial probity. In the matter of public improvements and civic expansion, his fellow-citizens have foundhim more than ready to meet them half way.

Politically Mr. Gleason is a Democrat, but his private interests are so large that he finds little time to devote to the duties of official life. In 1869 and 1871 he served as sheriff of Van Wert County, performing his duties with the same completeness, which marks the management of his private affairs.

Abraham B. Gleason was married at Van Wert, on February 6, 1862, to Lucretia J. Fox, who died April 1, 1867. She is survived by two children, viz.: Lofnis Earl, who is associated with his father in the Gleason Lumber Company, and Mittie E., the wife of Dr. W. T. Chambers, of Denver, Colorado.

JOHN HOFFMANN, a well-to-do farmer and large land owner of Liberty township, resides on a fine farm situated in section 18. He was born in Marion County, Ohio, December 4, 1846, and is a son of Peter and Christina (Gearheiser) Hoffmann. Peter Hoffmann was born and raised in Germany and came to America in 1833, settling on an 83-acre tract of land in Marion County, Ohio, where he died May 3, 1895.

John Hoffmann was reared and educated in Marion County and remained there until he became of age. In 1870 he moved to Liberty township, Van Wert County, Ohio, and bought a farm of 66 acres which he farmed for three years before his marriage.

In 1873 he married Mary Riedel, a daughter of Andrus and Magdalena Riedel, who came from Germany and first settled in Marion County, Ohio, later removing to Van Wert County. Mr. Riedel died in the fall of 1872; his wife died in 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Hoff-

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mann have reared seven children, all of whom are living, namely : Elizabeth Magdalena, who married Peter Schaadt and has three children —they live on the old homestead first settled by Mrs. Schaadt's father; Peter, who married Ona Robertson and has three children—they live in Liberty township; John A., who married Mary Haverman, lives in Liberty township and has one child; Philip; Minnie, who married Christ Voltz, of Lima, Ohio; Henry; and Annie, who married Chester Chilcoat, of Liberty township.

Mr. Hoffmann is the owner of 294 ½ acres of fine productive farm land in Liberty township and 83 1/2 acres in Marion County, Ohio. He is a man of energy and enterprise and takes a very decided interest in public matters. He takes the part of a good citizen in promoting the welfare of the community. He served one year as trustee of Liberty township.

FERDINAND BREDEICK, the founder of the city of Delphos, was born at Verl, Prussia, Germany, in 1808. After a useful life, he passed away, February 17, 1846, far from his native land, in a community which he had founded and a section which his energy had assisted in developing.

It was through the religious zeal of his oldest brother, the late Rev. John Otto Bredeick, whose name is held in loving memory at Delphos, that Ferdinand Bredeick crossed the Atlantic and subsequently settled in Ohio. Possessed of learning and large means, the older brother was also a devoted priest of the Catholic Church and it was his desire to use his fortune in the teaching of the poor the tenets of his religious faith and in offering the comforts of the holy church. Having decided that America offered a. wider field of usefulness, he proposed to his younger brother that he should be the pioneer, go to America and search out a location where the desire of his heart could be carried out.

Hence it was that in 1841 a party consisting of Ferdinand Bredeick, his wife and their two children, with Theodore Wrocklage, his brother-in-law, located on the Auglaize River, in Putnam County, Ohio, awaiting the decision of the engineers as to which of three routes should be selected for the building of a proposed canal. It is probable that Ferdinand came to Ohio about 1833 and that eight years had elapsed before he was able to select a site approved by his brother. He visited many sections, riding on horseback all over Missouri and other States, finding at last a situation where cheap land could be procured and where proposed public improvements would enhance its value and would also bring an influx of people whose spiritual wants could be ministered to. While the final decisions were made which resulted in the selection of the present route of the Miami and Erie Canal, which bisects the city of Delphos, one-half being in Van Wert County and one-half in Allen, Mr. Bredeick and family lived in Putnam County, Ohio—eight years at Glandorf and one year at Fort Jennings. They came to the present site of Delphos in 1842, before the canal was built.

Ferdinand Bredeick first bought 80 acres on what is now the Van Wert County side of the canal, a part of this original purchase being now owned by his daughter, Mrs. Henry J. Moennig. He also purchased 80 acres on the Allen County side of the canal, and an additional 80 acres for his brother, Father John Otto Bredeick. This land is the site of Delphos, busy Main street passing through it and the Catholic church, cemetery and school of St. John the Evangelist standing upon it. In

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another part of this work will be found extended mention of the pious zeal as well as the remarkable enterprise of Father Bredeick. He gave himself and all he possessed to the church. He founded St. John's, finding congenial surroundings in extending spiritual help to the army of workmen who came during the construction of the canal, many of whom remained to make their homes here upon its completion, and to the settlers who came in the wake of the installation of convenient transportation facilities. Father Bredeick, who was born January 22, 1789, was the first priest of the church, serving without remuneration from 1844 until his death, which occurred August 19, 1858. Rev. Aloysius I. Hoeffel is now the officiating priest of this early-founded church.

Ferdinand Bredeick was married at Glandorf, Putnam County, Ohio, in February, 1836 to Mary Elizabeth Wrocklage, who was born August 20, 1819, in Germany and came to America with her brother, Theodore Wrocklage, when she was 17 years of age. Subsequently, in 1845, her parents came to America. Her father, Christian Mathias Wrocklage, was born in Germany, February 2, 1789, and died at Delphos, Ohio, April 9, 1846; his wife, whose maiden name was Mary Elizabeth Gerdeman, was born in Germany and died at Delphos, Ohio, October 2, 1846, aged 45 years. The children of Ferdinand and Mary Elizabeth (Wrocklage) Bredeick were : Elizabeth, who died in infancy at Glandorf, Putnam County, Ohio; Bernadina, widow of the late Henry J. Moennig, of Washington township, Van Wert County, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume; Mary Victoria, born December 23, 1841, and deceased August 15, 1886, who was the wife of Charles E. Schenck; Amelia J., the first white child born at Delphos, who married George F. Lang, now deceased, and still resides at Delphos ; and Ferdinand,born October 19, 1846, and deceased September 16, 1848. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Bredeick remained a widow five years and then married Joseph Ostendorf. Her death took place August 27, 1887.

HENRY J. MOENNIG, whose death occurred at Delphos, Ohio, October 17, 1897, was one of the leading men of the city during the active years of his business life. He was born January 15, 1830, at Bohmte, Hanover, Germany. In 1843 he came to the United States with his parents, the party also including his grandfather, his two brothers and his two sisters. From New Orleans where they landed in November, the party proceeded to Cincinnati, Ohio, in the same month, and there remained three months, finally moving to Delphos, locating here March 2, 1844. The trip was made by the canal from Cincinnati to Piqua and then by wagon. At that time Delphos was known as Section Ten.

Henry J. Moennig assisted his father in clearing the latter's land, which now is embraced in the northeastern part of Delphos and lies in Allen County. Entering commercial life he was employed as clerk by the firm of Esch & Wrocklage, taking up his duties on July 5, 1847. He remained with this firm until October, 1852, when he engaged in general merchandising with Joseph Ostendorf, the firm being known as Ostendorf & Moennig. He was thus engaged in mercantile business from 1852 to 1862. In October of the latter year he engaged in a general merchandise business on the southeast corner of Main and Second streets under the firm name of Moennig & Wulforst. In 1866 he erected the building on the corner of Main and Second streets, which is now owned by Aaron Fisher, and founded

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a hardware and agricultural implement business, which he conducted under the name of H. J. Moennig & Company until 1880, when he closed out the hardware line, thereafter continuing the implement business until 1893. In 1875 he erected the building now occupied by the National Bank of Delphos. Mr. Moennig was prominent in the civil affairs of Washington township and of the county of Van Wert. On April 1, 1867, he was elected treasurer of Washington township, which office he held for four years. He also served as a member of the City Council from 1868 to 1870 and from 1890 to 1894. On April 1, 1895, he was elected clerk of Washington township to fill a vacancy and on April 6, 1896, he was reelected for a full term.

On August 6, 1857, Mr. Moennig was married to Mary Bernadina Bredeick, the ceremony being performed by Rev. John Otto Bredeick, her uncle. Mrs. Moennig was born at Glandorf, Putnam County, June 16, 1839, and is a daughter of Ferdinand and Mary Elizabeth (Wrocklage) Bredeick, her father being the founder of Section Ten, now known as Delphos. Mrs. Moennig is the only survivor of the original party that settled at Delphos, being four years old at that time. An account of the founding of Delphos will be found in the sketch of her father, Ferdinand Bredeick, which appears elsewhere in this work and also in the history of Delphos, forming an important feature of this work. Mrs. Moennig was reared at Delphos and can recall much of its early history. She attended the early schools and completed her education at the Convent of Notre Dance at Dayton, Ohio. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Moennig, as follows : Ferdinand H. C., born January 17, 1859, who married Ada Pierce,. of Indiana, and died at Chicago, Illinois, January 17, 1902, leaving no children; Elizabeth B., born October 29, 1863, who resides at home with her mother; Mary W., born April 15, 1866, who died on the 17th of the following November ; Henry J., born January 6, 1869, who died July 17, 1892, at Cleveland, Ohio; being then 23 years and six months old; Agnes T., born March 31, 1872, who resides with her mother; Margaret M., born August 24, 1874, who died on the day of her birth; Otto William, born May 13, 1876, who resides at home ; and George H., born August 28, 1878, who died on the day of his birth.

Mr. Moennig was a member of the council and treasurer of the Church of St. John the Evangelist at Delphos, and a member of the Lima branch of the Catholic Knights of America.

LOUIS J. BARNETT, one of the substantial farmers of Jennings township, who resides on his fine farm of 140 acres in section 16, is a survivor of the Civil War in which he was a brave soldier from 1861 until 1865. Mr. Barnett was. born in Germany in 1843, and is a son and the only surviving child of Peter and Susan (Haslack) Barnett.

The father of Mr. Barnett died in Germany. His mother married as her second husband a German by the name of John Long, who was a cooper by trade. In 1846 the family came to America, settling first in Auglaize County, Ohio, but later moving to Deep Cut, Allen County. Our subject learned the trade of cooper with his stepfather and then worked at the same for three years as a journeyman.

In 1861 Mr. Barnett entered the Union Army, enlisting on October 16th in Company F, 64th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. He served faithfully until he was mustered out in Texas, in December, 1865, after having participated in

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all the battles in which his regiment was engaged. He survived all the dangers of a soldier's life and has a record for bravery of which his children may be very proud.

In 1872 Mr. Barnett came to Van Wert County and settled on 80 acres of his present farm, 15 acres of which had been cleared. The place had only been improved by the erection of a log cabin and stable; every other improvement, including an expensive system of ditching, has been put in by Mr. Barnett. Then he first came here he found plenty of wild turkeys and an occasional deer. His nearest mill point was Spencerville, which was almost impossible to reach when the locks of the canal were disabled. He experienced his share of pioneer hardships; through persevering industry he overcame them and not only cleared the 80 acres of his original farm but also an additional 20, making his farm one of loo acres, which is all neatly fenced, with rails split by himself.

Mr. Barnett was married on February 27, 1866, in Willshire township, to Malissa WaIters, who was born in Richland County, Ohio, and in childhood accompanied her parenis to Van Wert County. The children of this marriage were nine in number. The survivors are the following: John, now operating the home farm in Jennings township and living west of Monticello, who married Myrtle Ferrell ; Julia, wife of Alva Cooper, of Auglaize County; Sherman, of Jennings township, who married Stella Miller; Sylvester, who married Cora Decker and lives on a farm opposite his father's; Edward, who married Bridget Rupert and lives in Mercer County; Milta, who married George Snyder and lives in section 18, Jennings township, west of Monticello; and Virgil, who married Blanche De Vose and lives at Monticello. Mr. Barnett is very proud of his 21 grandchildren and they are, indeed, a finelot of young Americans, intelligent, industrious and respected.

Mr. Barnett is one of the old members of the United Brethren Church at Monticello and belonged when the services were held in a log cabin in this vicinity. The first gathering was in 1874. He has been a liberal supporter and was chairman of the building committee when the Monticello church was built. He has served two terms as township trustee and is superintendent of the Monticello turnpike.

JASPER DUDLEY, one of the prominent citizens of Wren, in Willshire township, formerly mayor of the village and incumbent of other offices, is interested in a large elevator business at this point and handles flour, coal, salt and cement. Mr. Dudley was born near Caldwell, Noble County, Ohio, on November 17, 1855 and is a son of James and Sarah (Walter) Dudley.

Judge Gilmore Dudley, the founder of the Dudley family in Noble County and the grandfather of our subject, was born in Maine and in young manhood came to the county named. He was a man of fine education and excellent parts, serving for 25 years as a justice of the peace and subsequently as probate judge. He lived to be 80 years of age. Except one, all of his children—three sons and four daughters —became school teachers. One son, Win, became a captain in the Union Army during the Civil war (taking out a company from Noble County) and afterward became a member of the legal profession.

James Dudley, father of Jasper, was born in Noble County, December 5, 1822, and died there October 20, 1877. By trade he was a carpenter, following that avocation during the

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summer seasons and during the winters teaching school, in Noble County and later in Van Wert County. He was a skillful workman and erected the first house in Caldwell, Noble County, as well as the Court House there. In 1864 he came to Wren and soon settled on a farm in Harrison township, three miles north of the village, working at first in the timber, but later teaching and engaging in carpenter work. He married Sarah Walter, who was born in Noble County, April 28, 1833, and now resides on the old homestead in Harrison township. Mrs. James Dudley is a daughter of George and Mary (Brownrig) Walter, natives of England, and the mother of nine children as follows: Flora (Hart), deceased; Mary (Zimmerman), deceased ; Jasper, of this sketch; Wm, of Harrison township; Eva, who died at two years of age; Lepha (Erwin), of Michigan ; Martha (Cowan), of Decatur, Indiana; James H., residing on the farm with his mother; and Elizabeth (Dull), of Malinta, Henry County, Ohio.

Jasper Dudley continued to reside on the home farm until 1875, and then for a year lived in Monroeville, Indiana. Subsequently he re, turned to the farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits until some nine years ago. In 1897, he located at Wren, and for about four years engaged in the grocery line, in partnership, with Peter Herl, under the firm style or Herl & Dudley. In the elevator business he is associated with J. L. and Nelson Moser, W. B. Frysinger and Fred Gehres, under the firm name of Dudley & Company, a strong organization formed in 1901.

On November 17, 1878, Mr. Dudley was married (first) to Katherine Pomeroy, who was born in Harrison township, Van Wert County, Ohio, September 9, 1862, and died April 20, 1887. She was a daughter of Frank and Phoebe (Balyeat) Pomeroy. They hadtwo children—Eva T., now deceased, and Floyd, a resident of Delphos. On March 9, 1892, Mr. Dudley was married (second) to Martha Heurless, who was born in Harrison township, Van Wert County, Ohio, October 2, 1862, and is a daughter of Jonathan and Hannah Heurless. They have one daughter—Ruth.

Mr. Dudley has been a lifelong Democrat, and on many occasions his fellow-citizens have called him to positions of honor and responsibility. For four years he served as clerk of Harrison township, was mayor of Wren for one term, and for four years was clerk of the village. He is a very important factor in the business, political and social circles of Wren.

SAMUEL COLLINS, a retired farmer, residing in Van Wert, whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, is a gentleman whom it is a pleasure to present to the reader as a representative of the highest type of American citizenship and one whose example it would be wise to take as a guide. The very obstacles which beset his path were made to serve as stepping-stones by which to reach the desired end of an honored, prosperous and a happy old age. Mr. Collins was born in Hocking County, Ohio, near the Ross County line, on October 2, 1822, his parents being Samuel and Sarah (Davis) Collins, the former a native of New York and the latter, of Hocking County, Ohio. The father came to Hocking County when a young man and remained there for the remainder of his life. He was twice married, his first wife preceding him to the grave many years and leaving five children—Eli, Nancy, Joseph, Samuel and Sarahof whom our subject is the only survivor. Mr. Collins had two children by his second marriage, who, with the widow, sur-

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vived him when he passed away at the age of 75 years.

Samuel Collins spent about 8 years of his earlier life at work in a grist-mill. He then engaged in agriculture, and in 1851 came to Van Wert County and purchased a tract of 388 acres about three miles south of Van Wert. He raised considerable stock in connection with his farming, thus continually building up his land and adding to its value until it is one of the most fertile in the county. About two years ago he sold all but 160 acres, the cultivation of which he takes great pleasure in overseeing. In 1885 he decided to move to the city and take life in a more leisurely manner, and, with his usual judgment, chose the best street in Van Wert on which to purchase a home. The residence is a comfortable brick structure, whose quiet elegance is in harmony with the unassuming habits of its owner.

In 1846 Mr. Collins was married to Elizabeth Featherolf, a native of Hocking County and a daughter of Benjamin and Hannah (Fish) Featherolf. She was born in 1826 and died in her 60th year. Of their family, three children died in infancy and five are living, namely: Lewis, of Topeka, Kansas; Martin, who resides in St. Paul, Minnesota; Mary Jane, wife of Edward B. Gilliland of Van Wert; Peter, who lives on a farm in Ridge township; and Hannah, who is her father's housekeeper. Mr. Collins had been a Democrat until some 12 years ago, when he joined forces with the Prohibitionists and he has since given his support to that party.

REV. JOSEPH J. BEUCLER, pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church, at Van Wert, is one of the well-known and very highly esteemed clergymen of this city. Father Beucler was born at Louisville, Ohio, December 23, 1863, and is one of a family of nine children born to his parents, Dr. Joseph S. and Mary (Girard) Beucler.

Father Beucler is a man of scholarly attainments. He is a graduate of St. John's University, Minnesota, and was ordained to the priesthood on December 18, 1892, at St. Cloud, Minnesota, by Rt. Rev. Otto Zardetti, D. D.

After his ordination Father Beucler was stationed in the Diocese of Nashville, Tennessee, where he ministered to spiritual needs at various places for 10 years. On October 3, 1903, he was transferred to Van Wert, becoming pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church, as the successor of Rev. P. J. Quinn. Father Beucler has some 35 families in his parish and he is much beloved by his congregation. Since taking charge at St. Mary's, he has shown both religious zeal and executive ability. The parish is in a very flourishing condition, but numerous improvements are in view, a most cordial feeling existing between the head of the church and its people.

PERRY R. KREIDER, one of the representative citizens and substantial farmers of Pleasant township, and the owner of a fine farm of 80 acres in section 28, was born in Ashland County, Ohio, February 12, 1855, and is a on of John R. and Sarah (Hersh) Kreider.

The parents of Mr. Kreider were born in Pennsylvania and removed to Ohio early in the '50's, residing in Ashland County for some 10 years and then removing to Pleasant township, Van Wert County, where the mother still survives. The father died in July, 1882. John R. Kreider was a man of high standing in the township, honest and upright in all his cleat-

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ings; of the children born to him and his wife, the survivors are: Joseph M. ; Naomi, wife of J. M. Baker; Jerry R., of this sketch; Mrs. John Gearheiser ; John F.; Howard V.; F. P., a physician of Van Wert; and Clara, wife of Harry Hogue.

Jerry R. Kreider was reared on his father's farm and there learned all the details of an agricultural life, which have been used to his advantage, as is demonstrated by his well-cultivated and productive land. He came to his present farm in 1889, when it was still covered and surrounded by dense woods. From such unpromising conditions Mr. Kreider developed a valuable farm, which is well stocked with cattle, hogs, and improved machinery.

Mr. Kreider was married January 25, 1876, to Mary E. Johns, who was born April 9, 1860, in Pleasant township, Van Wert County, and is a daughter of Jacob W. and Eliza (Huston) Johns, natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Johns came to Van Wert County in 1840, settling first in Harrison township and then in Pleasant township, where Mr. Johns died about 1865. His widow survives and resides with a daughter in Andrews, Indiana. The surviving children of Jacob W. Johns and wife are: Dallas W., of Willshire township; Margaret N., of Tyndall, South Dakota ; Sarah L. (Mrs. R.. J. Wybourn), of Andrews, Indiana ; Ira W., of Pleasant township; Clara D. (Mrs. Levin Kiehm), of Oregon; and Mary E.; wife of our subject. The children of Jerry R. Kreider and wife are Orlando H., Ella M., John F., Andrew C., Jerry C., Marion F. and Lucy E.

Like his father, Mr. Kreider is a stanch supporter of the Republican party and is now serving as one of the township trustees. He takes a deep interest in educational matters and does all in his power to increase the scope and usefulness of the public schools.

MOSES THOMAS GERMANN, of the representative young farmers of Washington township, where he owns 276 acres of fine farming land, was born February 22, 1884, and is a son of Moses I. and Mary I. (Payne) Germann.

While the Germann family originated in Germany, it has been long established in Ohio, and has many connections throughout the State. Moses Germann, the great-grandfather of our subject, took up a farm of 160 acres of Government land in Muskingum County, Ohio, but later removed to Licking County, where he died in 1856. The grandparents of our subject were Thomas and Mary (Hanley) Germann, who were married in Muskingum County. The grandfather died in 1877 and the grandmother in 1884. Their children were : William, of Missouri; David of Kentucky ; Margaret Hannah, deceased in 1890, who was the wife of Sampson Kohn; Moses I., the father of our subject; and Emma (Mrs. Theodore Fraser), of Logan County, Ohio, who died April 1, 1897.

Moses I. Germann, father of our subject, remained at home and secured his education in the district schools. At the age of 16 years he went to Paulding County, where. in 1862, he enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering Company I, tooth Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., as a private. His regiment saw considerable service and Mr. Germann participated in all its campaigns until the battle of Cumberland Gap, xi February 22, 1864, when he was captured )y the Confederates. He was compelled to remain in captivity until the following May, when he was released from prison after taking oath of allegiance to the Confederate government and donning a suit of Confederate gray. He watched his chance and soon after escaped o the Union lines.

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In 1862, about the time of his enlistment, Mr. Germann was married to Mary I. Payne, who was a daughter of George and Irene Payne. To them were born to children, eight of whom are now living, as follows : Rhoda Ellen, born in 1866, who married Jacob Huston, of Hocking County, Ohio,_ now residing at Portland, Indiana, and has two children—Doyt and Dora; Irene, born in 1868, who married George Reed, of Van Wert County, Ohio, and has five children—Nellie Cloyd, James, Myrtle and Harold ; Myrtle, born in 1870, who hase been twice married—first to Joseph Hay, and second to John Mowen, of Lima, Ohio; Clara, born in 1872, who married William Himmelright, lives in Chicago and has one child—Grace; Minnie, born in 1874, who married Abraham Piper, resides in the State of Washington and has two children—Paul and John; Grace, born in 1876, who married Mack Dickson and lives at Springfield, Ohio; Pearl, born in 1880, who married Henry Flick, of Delphos, Ohio, and has one child—Joseph ; and Moses Thomas, the subject of this sketch. George Gilmore, the eldest of Mr. Germann's children, was born in 1864 and died at the age of two years. Another child died in infancy. For the past 18 years Moses I. Germann has been a large dealer in real estate and engaged in other business enterprises at Delphos. He is one of the county's substantial men.

Moses Thomas Germann was reared at home and was 'afforded excellent educational advantages. He was trained to practical farming and on his large property, which was the generous gift of his father, he carries on extensive operations along modern lines.

On November 3, 1904, Mr. Germann married Rosella Metzger. They have a very comfortable, modern home. In religious views they are Catholics, being communicants of the Church of St. John the Evangelist at Delphos.

JOHN W. EVANS, Supreme Secretary of the Home Guards of America a fraternal insurance society, of Van Wert, is one of the most worthy and enterprising men of this pleasant little city. He was born among the mines in Jackson County, Ohio, May 21, 1847, son of William and Jane Evans, natives of Aberystwyth, Wales, who early came to America. His father was manager of the Cambria furnace in Jackson County, Ohio, and was killed while overseeing the loading of a huge stone ; the rope broke and the lever struck him on the head, which injury proved fatal. His son, the subject of this sketch, was then but seven years of age.

John W. Evans had received most of his education by the time he reached his 12th year, attending but three terms afterward, as at that age he was engaged in hauling ore, iron, coal, etc., at the mines and furnaces. 'When 16 years of age he started out for himself, with the lucky number $13, and this sum he was compelled to use for necessary clothing and traveling expenses to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he arrived without a dollar. However, he secured work at once on the gunboats, which were being built at that place, and here by industry and application soon commanded the confidence of his employers and the highest praise for his labor. He first came to Van Wert County, Ohio, in the fall of 1863, and attended the district school that winter in York township. The next summer he attended school at Ewington; Gallia County, Ohio, and at Lebanon, Warren County, Ohio, when he again came to Van Wert County, and taught school during the winters and worked on the farm in the summer. In the fall of 1867 Mr. Evans was married, and then engaged in farming and teaching for seven years. In 1874 he became a partner in the drug and book firm of Eysenbach &

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Company at Delphos, Ohio, in which business he continued two years, when Mr. Eysenbach retired and the firm became Evans & Evans (J. W. Evans and Hugh W. Evans). Early in 1883 another change occurred, when Hugh W. Evans sold his interest to Dr. C. C. Bliss, and the firm became Evans & Bliss, so remaining until 1890, when Mr. Evans sold his interest to his partner, Dr. C. C. Bliss. In 1888 Mr. Evans moved to Van Wert, where he engaged in the grocery business for one year and then founded the Central Drug Store, which he continued to operate until 1896. He owns some very valuable land in Van Wert County, consisting of several farms and city property. Since the above date he has been more or less engaged in superintending his agricultural concerns. In 1899 he assisted his brother-in-law, Dr. G. J. Eblen, a prominent physician and surgeon of Van Wert (a sketch of whom will be found in this volume), in organizing the Home Guards of America, the membership of which now reaches into the thousands. In August, 1904, he was elected to his second term of four years as Supreme Secretary of this fraternal order.

Mr. Evans was married (first) to Elizabeth Evans, who died in 1891, leaving two sons and one daughter—Richard J., John H. V. and Viola A. His second marriage was to Louise F. Niles, who is one of the three surviving daughters of the late venerable Barnabas Niles, whose death occurred at Van Wert, on September 19, 1905, at the age of 98 years. The grandfather of Mrs. Evans, also Barnabas Niles, came from Haverhill, New Hampshire, where the family was established in colonial times, and in 1806 settled in Cincinnati, Ohio. He became the possessor of a large body of land which is now included in that city, where the family has been prominent for the last 100 years. Mr. and Mrs. Evans have one daughter—Carrie Altruria—and their handsome family residence is situated at No. 402 South Washington street, Van Wert. Both Mr. and Mrs. Evans are members of the First Presbyterian Church.

Politically, Mr. Evans is affiliated with the Republican party. Fraternally, he belongs to the Masons, Odd Fellows, Tribe of Ben Hur, National Union, Brotherhood of American Yeomen, Royal Arcanum and the Home Guards of America.

HOMER S. AINSWORTH, D. D. S., the leading dentist of Van Wert, as well as of Van Wert County, was born in this county September 11, 1858, and is a son of William S. and Caroline

(Miller) (Vance) Ainsworth.

William S. Ainsworth was a merchant of Willshire during the early days of that village and also carried on farming. When the county seat was moved to Van Wert, he was sheriff of the county. He married Mrs. Caroline (Miller) Vance, widow of Elias Vance and the mother of four children by her first marriage. One son, Homer S., was born to her union with Mr. Ainsworth.

Homer S. Ainsworth was born at his present home in Van Wert, where he attended the public schools. He then entered upon the study of his profession and received his degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery at the Indianapolis Dental College on the 5th of March, 1884. He at once opened a dental office in Van Wert and has been busily engaged in his work here ever since. By careful and conscientious work, he succeeded in building up a fine practice which has grown to such proportions that he now employs an assistant. His ,office, located at 101 / East Main street, is a

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model of convenience and tastefully equipped and furnished. He resides at No. 1221 East Ridge road.

Dr. Ainsworth is a member of the Van Wert County Humane Society, president of the Odontological Society of Van Wert County and member of the Ohio State Dental Association. Since January, 1902, he has served as humane officer of the city of Van Wert. In politics he is independent.

JOHN G. BAKER, who is one of the leading citizens of Hoaglin township, this county, was born in Knox County, Ohio, April 15, 1859, being the eldest son of Simeon and Josephine (Tissern) Baker. The father was born June 9, 1830, in Holmes County, Ohio, and the mother at Paris, France. In 1860 the family removed from Knox County to Hoaglin township, Van Wert County.

Simeon Baker, the father, was for many years a leading man in this township and served at one time as township trustee. In the fall of 1901 he moved to Michigan, and now resides in Kalkaska County, that State. It was during his residence in Van Wert County that Simeon Baker joined the military service as a supporter of the Union cause, being drafted October 24, 1864, into Company F, 41st Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., Second Brigade, Third Division, Fourth Army Corps. He was mustered out in June, 1865, and during his eight months of service participated in the battles at Columbia, Franklin and Nashville, all in Tennessee. At the Nashville engagement he was wounded in the left knee and head, but as his waist belt was also shot away he felt, even with these injuries, that he had had a narrow escape. Although Mr. Baker has reached an advanced age, his wounds have caused him much trouble, especially during recent years. In politics Simeon Baker is a Democrat. The surviving children of Mr. Baker by his first marriage are: John G.; James K. and Nora E. (wife of William Sattler), both residents of Michigan; William M., of Shelby County, Ohio; Alma, widow of the late Charles Murphy, who resides in Van Wert; Frank E., of Kalkaska County, Michigan; Harry, of Benzie County, Michigan; and Cora E., wife of David Davis, of Sidney, Ohio. Mrs. Baker died July 7, 1880.

On February 7, 1889, John G. Baker, immediate subject of this sketch, was married to Elizabeth J. Sattler, who was born June 29, 1868, and is a daughter of Joseph and Mary A. (Kotterman) Sattler. Mr. and Mrs. Bake& have four children, viz.: Joseph V., Mary R., Dennis A. and Jesse L. Politically Mr. Baker is a Republican. He is one of the representative men of the township and has filled various local offices, serving as road supervisor to the satisfaction of all concerned. The family is one of social prominence, and its members are generally respected where best known.

JOSEPH SATTLER, a : veteran of the Civil War, and a well-known, venerable citizen of Hoaglin township, residing in section 10, owns 189 acres of land in Hoaglin and 40 acres in Union township, Van Wert County. Mr. Sattler was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, February 28, 1827, and is a son of Joseph and Rosanna Sattler. His parents were natives of
Wurtemberg, Germany, emigrating to America in 1817, and first locating near Lancaster.,
Pennsylvania. Thence they removed to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, buying land in Sandy

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township, where the mother died. Later the father passed away in Shelby County, Ohio.

Joseph Sattler was in his 16th year when his mother died, but the family continued to live in Tuscarawas County for many years. The boy received his education in one of the pioneer schoolhouses—constructed of logs, with rough, slab benches. The instruction there given was of an elementary character, but from those humble little log cabins have emerged pupils, equipped with useful knowledge, who have attained distinction in various callings.

Mr. Sattler had become a resident of Shelby County prior to his enlistment for service in the Civil War, on September 19, 1862. He became a member of Company I, 118th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., serving under Generals Burnside, Schofield and Sherman. He saw much hard service, participating first in the skirmish at South Fork of Licking River, Kentucky ; then in the engagement at Mossy Creek, Tennessee, and later suffered all the hardships with which General Sherman's valorous army contended. Mr. Sattler participated in the battles at Buzzards' Roost and Atlanta, and later, under General Thomas fought through the terrible conflicts at Franklin and Nashville. He escaped serious injury, although in his three years of service he faced almost certain death a hundred times. He was honorably discharged at Salisbury, North Carolina, on June 24, 1865.

After the war, Mr. Sattler returned to Shelby County, where he continued to reside until 1884, when he removed to Hoaglin township, Van Wert County, where he has resided ever since. Formerly he was an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic post at Scott, but as the infirmities of age have crepton he no longer retains his active connection with the patriotic fraternity. In his political views, Mr. Sattler is a Republican, and religiously is a valued member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Joseph Sattler was married (first) in Tuscarawas County, on June 8, 1848, to Gottliebe Barley, who was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and died January 17, 1859. They had five children, the three survivors being : John and Christian, of Hoaglin township; and Jacob, of Pike County, Indiana. Mr. Sattler was married (second) on January 11, 1860, to Mary A. Kotterman, who was born at Miamisburg, Ohio, and died March 30, 1894. The seven surviving children of this marriage are: William S., of Northern Michigan ; Elizabeth J. (wife of John G. Baker) and Ulysses G., both of Hoaglin township; and Matilda, wife of John Ayers, of Michigan.

FRANKLIN CARLO, proprietor of the "Fountain Farm," one of the finest and best improved properties in Van Wert County, is one of the leading citizens of the county in which he has been treasurer and commissioner. Mr. Carlo's farm contains 320 acres, 190 of which comprise his home farm in section 30, Hoaglin township. He was born in Champaign County, Ohio, October 5, 1842, and is a son of Dr. Morris and Anna B. (Sutor) Carlo. The father was born in Saxony, Germany, and after coming to America settled first in Cincinnati, where he practiced medicine, and then removed to St. Paris, Champaign County, Ohio, where he not only continued his professional work but also engaged in farming.

Our subject was reared in Champaign

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County and enjoyed the advantages of the common schools, preparing himself also in his chosen field of farming. On May 2, 1864, he enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering Company I, 134th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. His regiment was attached to the Army of the Potomac, and during his service of four months he participated in the fighting along the Weldon Railroad and before Petersburg. On February 11, 1865, he re-enlisted, entering Company E, 185th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served in the Army of the Cumberland, mainly through Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee, being honorably discharged in October, 1865.

Mr. Carlo then returned to Champaign County, his father having died while he was in the army. For a short time he farmed the homestead. In 1866 he took a trip through Northern Idaho and Montana. In partnership with his brother Edwin, he was engaged in freighting across the plains from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Virginia City, Montana. He also experimented in gold mining at Alder Gulch, Montana, but later returned to Champaign County, making the homeward trip of 2,850 miles down the Yellowstone River in a rowboat. This adventurous voyage was commenced at the mouth of the Yellowstone Canyon, the boat being rowed down the Yellowstone River to Fort Buford, and thence down the Missouri River to Omaha, Nebraska, a total distance of 2,850 miles. Mr. Carlo then took a stage across to Des Moines, Iowa, where he first struck the railroad, and thence easily reached his home in Champaign County. In 1869 he settled on his present farm, and in 1882 erected the fine brick residence which is an ideal of comfort and attractiveness—probably the finest in Hoaglin township and perhaps in all his section of the county.

On May 20, 1869, Franklin Carlo was united in marriage with Mary A. Hattery, who was born in Van Wert County, February 1, 1851, and is a daughter of Edward and Mary A. (Barleen) Hattery. Mrs. Carlo's father, who is a Pennsylvanian by birth, came to Van Wert County some 50 years ago, settling as a pioneer in section 30, Hoaglin township, and is. still living, in his 94th year, as one of the county's most esteemed and aged residents. His life has covered a wonderful period of his country's history, and his memory deserves to be preserved as one of those whose courage and industry transformed this once wild section to its present civilized prosperity. In his earlier years Mr. Hattery served as township trustee and at one time was one of its most prominent men. His aged wife died on August 24, 1884, the mother of three children—Virginia E., now Mrs. Edwin Carlo, of Champaign County; Mary A., wife of our subject; and Baty, of Hoaglin township.

The following named children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Carlo: Edward F., of Hoaglin township; Bertha L., wife of Adelbert McMillen, of Ridge township; Jenny L. (Mrs. J. G. Eirich), of Toledo, Ohio; and Bessie G., Chester A., and Ernest Rutherford and Gladys Ruth (twins), the four last named all living at home. Both Mr. Carlo and wife are members of the English Lutheran Church.

Politically Mr. Carlo is a Republican. He has served one term as township clerk, three years as county commissioner and four years as county treasurer. In every way he has demonstrated his public spirit, having given special attention to the promotion of school interests and the building of good roads. Formerly he also took a decided interest in the Grange movement in Hoaglin township. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Carlo accompany this sketch. On a preceding page is shown a view of their home place—"Fountain Farm."

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FRED J. HOTT, one of the well-known citizens of Van Wert, who was elected sheriff of Van Wert County on the Democratic ticket in November, 1905, was, until that event, engaged in a general blacksmithing business at No. 114 South Walnut street. He is a native of this county, born November 25, 1868, and is a son of Philip and Mary (Hoffman) Hott. The parents of Mr. Hott were highly respected residents of Van Wert County for a number of years, the father, who was a carpenter by trade, dying in 1895. He reared a family of three children, as follows : Charles, of Van Wert; Minnie, wife of S. W. Shaffer, of Van Wert, and Fred J.

Mr. Hott has always lived in Van Wert, acquiring a good common-school education

and then learning the trade of a baker. He was thus employed for some three years, and then learned the blacksmithing business, being well equipped for the earning of a livelihood as master of two excellent trades. From 1898 until his election to the shrievalty Mr. Hott continued in the general blacksmithing business and conducted the leading shop in the city; but he has always been interested in public matters and has filled a number of the local offices. In 1900 he was made city marshal, and the duties of that office were so efficiently performed that on September 9, 1905; his party nominated him to the office of sheriff of Van Wert County, his past record certainly speaking well for the future. He has the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens, and in his present office of responsibility they feel sure that he will continue to guard the interests of the public without fear or favor, and with the greatest efficiency. In politics he has been a lifelong Democrat.

Mr. Hott was united in marriage with Mary Ours and they have two children—Walter P. and Harold F. He is a member of the Home Guards of America and in religious belief is connected with the German Reform Church.

C. W. SITES, postmaster and general merchant at Monticello, Jennings township, was born April 1, 1857, in Virginia (now West Virginia) and is a son of Conrad and Catherine Sites. His parents both died in West Virginia, the mother passing away when her son was an infant, and the father dying in 1877. The latter was a farmer and part owner of a grist-mill.

C. W. Sites enjoyed only the advantages offered by the district schools, and his rearing was of a very practical nature. In 1883 he came to Ohio and settled in Van Wert County, being employed as a carpenter until 1887. He was a settler at Monticello when the surrounding country was a wilderness, and the little hamlet contained but six families with a population of about 100. At that time there was a little general store and an elevator had been built, but there was no evidence of the present thrift and business activity. In 1889 he established himself as a general merchant on a capital of $150, his entire store being one half the size of one of his present large departments. He is now thoroughly established, since his enlargement carrying general merchandise, groceries and provisions—the former branch including dry goods, clothing and shoes. The development of such a large business in so brief a time, from almost nothing, demonstrates a large amount of commercial ability.

Mr. Sites is now serving his 12th year as postmaster, being first appointed by President Harrison. He has held a number of other local

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offices and has always, since locating here, been more or less of a leader. He has had the foresight to invest in real estate, and in addition to his store stock, which is valued at $2,000, owns three lots besides his own comfortable residence, and 20 acres of good farming land in section 17, south of the village. Mr. Sites is also interested in the Spencerville Home Telephone Company and in other like enterprises. He has always been one of the town's most public-spirited citizens, and has been tireless in his efforts to favorably place this section before investors, in this way having brought much outside capital to the place.

Mr. Sites was married to Frances R. Hesser, who was born in Minden, Ohio, and they have three children, viz.: Frederick A., Verdia Ellen and Mary Reta. He is a charter member of the United Brethren Church, at Monticello, and has always been active in Sunday-school work, at times having held as many as three official positions in the church. Altogether he is a highminded, valuable citizen and, withal, a genial, pleasant gentleman. In politics Mr. Sites is a stanch Republican, and an active supporter of the present administration. On many occasions he has represented his section at important conventions and is well and favorably known throughout the county, both in political as well as business circles.

ALVIN WALTER, one of the promising young farmers of Liberty township, owner and operator of a farm of 80 acres in section 15, was born in York township, Van Wert County, Ohio, on January 12, 1870, and is a son of Andrew and Catherine (Hummel) Walter.

Andrew Walter was born and raised in Hocking County, coming with his parents to Van Vert County about 1846, and settling on a farm in York township. He was married in Delaware, Ohio, to Catherine Hummel, a daughter of David Hummel of Delaware, who was a shoemaker by trade. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Walter had a family of 10 children, six of whom are living, namely : Alvin, the subject of this sketch, who is still single and lives on the home place; Frances, who married James Hammond; Margaret, the wife of George May, who lives at Alma, Michigan; Eliza, who married Philip Mosier, of Ohio City; Tina, married to Lewis L. Tomlinson, who lives on the home farm; and Ada, wife of William Wiseman, of Ohio City. The oldest child died as an infant, unnamed; Lewis died 111 1901, aged 28 years ; and Perry and Clyde died when infants.

Alvin Walter came with his father to Liberty township when 11 years of age, and settled on a farm of 80 acres, which he assisted his father in clearing, as there were over 60 acres of timber. His father died on January 25, 1903, at the age of 75 years; his mother still resides on the home farm. In 1905 our subject erected the fine large frame house which the family now occupy, the homestead being situated half a mile northwest of Ohio City.

EDWIN A. WALBORN, a farmer living on his estate in section 32, Hoaglin township, was born March 21, 1860, and reared in Van Wert County, Ohio, being a son of Adam and Louisa (Carlo) Walborn, both of whom were natives of Campaign County, Ohio. They, moved to Van Wert County in 1859, settling in Hoaglin township where nine years later the • father died from typhoid fever. The mother still survives and is in her 74th year, a venerable and highly esteemed resident of the township.

Mr. Walborn received a public school edu-

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cation, although the death of his father, when he was eight years old, left a heavy responsibility on his young shoulders, and made it necessary for him to assume control of the farm at an early age. This responsibility, however, tended to develop his resources and strength, making him self-reliant and independent, and he is today one of the most successful and thorough farmers in the county. About 1881 he moved to his present farm, which he has since cultivated and which contains loo acres of rich land. In addition to general farming he makes a specialty of breeding Duroc-Jersey hogs and Lincolnshire sheep, and in the 18 years so engaged has produced a strain of these animals which are in demand at a good figure throughout a wide territory. In his political belief he is a Democrat.

Mr. Walborn was married November 24, 1887, to Sarah Ridenour, a native of Allen County, Indiana, and a daughter of Lewis and Esther (Brenneman) Ridenour, both deceased. Five children resulted from this union, namely: L. Earl, Herschel E., Beulah, Ivan and Cecil R. (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Walborn are devout members of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, in which Mr. Walborn was formerly deacon. Mrs. Walborn is a member of Hive No. 74, Ladies of the Maccabees, of Van Wert, and is a lady of strong character and pleasing personality. Mr. Walborn is now serving his second term as a member of the township School Board, and his voice and vote may always be depended upon to advance the cause of education.

HON. HIRAM C. GLENN, formerly judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Van Wert County, formerly mayor of Van Wert and the acknowledged leader of the bar of Van Wert, was bornin Tuscarawas County, Ohio, October 8, 1838, and is a son of William Glenn.

The Glenn family is of Irish extraction. Judge Glenn's grandparents, Thomas and Nancy Glenn, emigrated from Ireland to America in the latter part of the 18th century and located in Jefferson County, Ohio, where Thomas Glenn purchased land. He took part in the War of 1812 as did his son John, and died in 1852. William Glenn, father of Hiram C., was reared in Jefferson County and moved in 1839 to Van Wert County, where he lived until his death on May 18, 1856.

Hiram C. Glenn was only four months old when his parents settled in Van Wert County, and he has been identified with its interests ever since. After completing his education, for some years he engaged in teaching and then entered newspaper work. Many recall his editorship of the Van Wert Bulletin and the predictions then made that he had an assured career before him. In 1865 he commenced the study of_ the law, remained one year under the tutelage of Attorney J. H. Kroh, later read under Judge O. W. Rose, and was admitted to the bar in 1867. He was then elected justice of the peace in Pleasant township and served as such until 1870, when he entered into active practice.

In 1879 Mr. Glenn formed a law partnership with Hon. G. M. Saltzgaber, which continued for 10 years as Saltzgaber & Glenn. His next association with W. S. Johnson brought into notice the firm of Glenn & Johnson, which lasted for two years, after which he practiced alone until 1893, when the firm of Glenn & Walcott came into existence, which continued until the removal of Mr. Walcott from Van Wert in 1895. In 1892 Mr. Glenn was appointed by Governor McKinley to fill the vacancy on the bench caused by the resignation of Judge Day, of the Court of Common Pleas.

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Judge Glenn was one of the original stockholders in the Van Wert Gas Light Company and was elected its president. From 1862 until 1865 he served as township clerk, and filled other local offices, culminating in his election as mayor of Van Wert in 1870. In 1884 he was his party's choice as Representative in the Sixth Congressional District, and in the election he ran 1,500 votes ahead of his ticket, but as it was a landslide for the opposite party, he was defeated.

On August 16, 1865, Judge Glenn married Georgiana C. Baughman, who was a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Armstrong) Baughman, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Glenn died in 1898. He was married (second) to Alice Mann. Their pleasant home is at No. 408 North Jefferson street.

Judge Glenn was for a period chairman of the board of trustees of the Odd Fellows Orphan Home at Springfield, Ohio. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow and has served as deputy grand master of the order. His portrait accompanies this sketch.

CAPT. HENRY P. HOLMES, whose fine farm of 185 acres is jointly located in Union and Tully townships, and whose handsome residence is situated in section 31 of the former township, is a substantial citizen of this locality and is also an honored veteran of the Civil War. He was born in the village of Windsor, Richland County, Ohio, on March 1, 1840, and is a son of Samuel and Clarissa Maria (Page) Holmes.

Captain Holmes is of Scotch-Irish extraction. His ancestors settled in Virginia in colonial days. His grandfather, Jacob Holmes, who was a native of the Old Dominion, wasa pioneer of Harrison County, Ohio, and later a settler of Richland County and finally a resident of Crawford County, where he passed away.

Samuel Holmes, the father of Captain Holmes, was born in Harrison County, Ohio, in 1812. His early years were passed as a farmer and carpenter and, prior to the Civil War, he was engaged in hotel-keeping. In 1849 he visited California, but remained there for only a short time on account of the prevalence of cholera. He then turned south into Mexico, where he bought 116 head of horses, and, with a companion, drove them into Texas, where, however, all but two stampeded and disappeared forever. In 1852, unfortunate but undaunted; he came to Van Wert County and built the Wayne Hotel in Van Wert, which he conducted for a time before engaging in the milling business, and finally died in Van Wert County in, 1889.

The mother of Captain Holmes was Clarissa Maria Page, who was born in Vermont and was six years of age when she was brought by her parents to Ohio. In 1839 she was married to Samuel Holmes, at Windsor, Richland County. She died in Van Wert County in February, 1902, at the age of 82 years. Jacob Page, her grandfather, a native of Vermont, was the pioneer of the family' in Ohio. The children of Samuel Holmes and wife were: Henry P., of this sketch ; Mary and Clarissa M,. both deceased ; and Mrs. Emma Thomas, of Chicago.

Henry P. Holmes was nine years old when his father left home to go to California, in the early days of the gold excitement, and he accompanied his mother to her father's home in Wyandot County, where they lived until the father returned in 1852. Mr. Holmes then, decided to settle in Van Vert County, and the journey was made with horse and wagon, the

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party reaching Van Wert in July, 1852. As occasion offered, the youth attended school, but had made no business arrangements which prevented his offering his services to his country almost at the first hour of her need. He enlisted on April 19, 1861, under Capt. Israel D. Clark, in Company E, 15th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., for a period of 90 days, it then being the general hope that within that period the rebellion would be crushed. He returned safely at the close of this enlistment, although he had participated in the battles of Philippi, Laurel Hill, Cheat River and Carrick's Ford, and had been roughly brought to realize the stern, unromantic facts of war. Nevertheless, on August 6, 1862, he reenlisted, entering Company A, 99th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and marched away under command of Capt. William C. Scott. The, record of the regiment's valorous work is both interesting and most creditable. After the battle of Perryville, Captain Scott's company was engaged in skirmish duties around Nashville, being thus employed when its brave commander was killed. The command then encamped at Murfreesboro until February, when Mr. Holmes was promoted, rising in rank from orderly sergeant to 2nd lieutenant; subsequently, on account of personal bravery, he rose to the position of 1st leiutenant and then to a captaincy. With this rank he was transferred to the command of Company E, 99th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. The regiment followed in the wake of the enemy to McMinnville, Tennessee, where an order was received that three commanding officers and six non-commissioned officers should be sent to Ohio to recruit, and Captain Holmes was one assigned to this duty. After six weeks of recruiting duty, he was ordered to rejoin his regiment and reached it during its retreat after the battle of Chickamauga. This was the period of that 34 days of distress, when the troops were obliged to subsist on quarter rations. Horses died by the hundred and many a brave soldier nearly succumbed from exhaustion. It is a matter of history how at length the 11th and 12th corps of Hooker's army and a detail of Sherman's army, by herculean efforts, reached their suffering comrades and relieved their distress.

Captain Holmes' regiment belonged to the famous Whittaker's brigade, which was the first to surmount Lookout Mountain, on November 24th, taking the brunt of the battle, and was in the second line at Mission Ridge, was in the thickest of the fight all the way to Atlanta, and was a part of the 15th Army Corps at Resaca and Kenesaw Mountain. At the latter place this regiment was transferred to the 23rd Corps, engaged in the flank movements and constructed the pontoon bridge across the Chattahoochee River. It was the first brigade to cross the river, going thence to Decatur, Georgia, and' then across to Atlanta, destroying the railroad to Jonesboro. Subsequently this regiment, which had covered itself with glory, was sent back to Nashville and participated in the fight at Franklin, with Hood's forces. The march to Nashville was one of peril and hardship, the enemy having prevented direct communication and forcing upon the command a weary tramp of 200 miles. By December 31, 1864, the gallant 99th was so reduced in numbers—the falling away of its comrades being marked by green hillocks scattered over every battlefield in Tennessee and Georgia—that the few members of it remaining were included in the 50th Ohio, of which Captain Holmes was a member when he was mustered out.

Upon his return Captain Holmes was greeted by his fellow-citizens with the hearty admiration inspired by bravery and manly qualties of mind and heart. Many years have since

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elapsed but his loyal deeds and unselfish patriotism are not forgotten, and he is one of the most honored members of Capper Post, No. 236, G. A. R., at Convoy. Until the spring of 1866 he worked with his father in the mill, and then located on his present farm in Van Wert County. A portion of this was his father-in-law's old homestead, and the only house was a log cabin in the woods. He had the land cleared, added to his possessions until he had 400 acres, and then engaged in the raising of sheep. As long as it was profitable, he continued in that line, but at present he is engaged in general farming. He has divided 200 acres among his children, retaining 185 acres of finely improved land. His old-time log cabin long since gave way to a modern, convenient, commodious home, attractive architecturally as well as comfortable in all its arrangements.

In August, 1866, Captain Holmes was married to Emeline Burt, who was born in Coshocton, Ohio, August 27, 1846, and is a daughter of D. W. and Catherine (Creater) Burt, who came to Van Wert in 1856. The children of Captain Holmes and wife were : Burt, of Pleasant township; Elizabeth, wife of William Dwyer, of Convoy; Harry, of Union township; Catherine, wife of Noel Baker, of Tully township; Walter, actively operating the home farm; and Grace and Anna, also living with their parents.

Captain Holmes has always been a Republican, his first presidential vote contributing to the second election of President Lincoln. He has served in various public offices in the township, and has always proven himself as faithful a citizen as he was a loyal soldier. In 1893 he was elected probate judge of Van Wert County, and served three years. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Tribe of Ben Hur, at Van Wert.

FREDERICK GIESSLER was born in Holmes County, Ohio, November 1, 1842, and was a year old when brought to Van Wert County by his parents, who located in Willshire township, where they died on the old home farm in section 1. Mr. Giessler lived on his father's farm until he entered the Union Army, enlisting in Company C, 41st Reg., Ohio. Vol. Inf., serving with General Thomas in his campaign against Hood and participating in the engagements at Spring Hill, Franklin and Nashville, which were among the hardest fought battles of the entire war. He was discharged in June, 1865, and returned to his father's home. The same year he purchased 80 acres in Willshire township, much of the purchase price coming from army wages, which he did not squander like many soldiers. Two years later he sold the farm in Willshire township and bought 120 acres in section 23, Harrison township, where he has since lived and engaged in farming.

John Giessler, the father, came from Germany and located in Holmes County, where he entered loo acres of land, which, with the assistance of his son, Frederick, he cleared within the following three years of his residence there. The latter also cleared a portion of the first 80 acres which his father purchased in Willshire township, and as later he cleared all but 20 acres of his present farm he has certainly had his share of this kind of pioneer labor. John Giessler married Margaret Schaadt, and had six children, three of whom are living, namely : Frederick ; Margaret (Mrs. William Exley) and John, who lives on the home farm in Willshire township.

Frederick Giessler was married in 1869 to Elizabeth Kreischer, a native of this county and a daughter of Peter Kreischer., They have had

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six children, as follows : John D,, a resident of Harrison township, who taught school for 13 years in succession and has recently given it up on account of his health and resumed farming; F. Joseph, who lives at home; Margaret (Greulach), whose husband is superintendent of the Convoy schools; Frieda, who teaches in the Convoy schools, and two children who died in infancy. Mr. Giessler and his family are all members of the Evangelical Church. He is a Democrat in politics, and has held a number of township offices, having served as infirmary director for three years, township trustee one term and supervisor two terms.

JOHN VAN LIEW, a former resident of Van Wert, was born in Crittenden County, Arkansas, October 18, 1851, and is the son of Henry C. and Hannah J. (Foster) Van Liew. The father was born in the town of New Brunswick, New Jersey, May 7, 1825, and the mother in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1833, and in the latter city the couple first met and were there married in 1848. they resided in Tennessee until 1851 when they located in Crittenden County, Arkansas, where the father followed farming until 1854, when the family removed to Richland County, Ohio, where the father farmed until 1855 when they moved to De Witt, Michigan, where he engaged in the lumber trade until 1856 and then continued in the same business for a year in Mansfield, Ohio. From there they removed to Columbia City, Indiana, thence in 1860 to Larwill, Indiana, and in 1870 to Chicago, Illinois, where Mr. Van Liew was engaged in the drug business until 1872 when the family returned to Indiana and located at South Bend, where Mr. Van Liew handled drugs until his death, which occurred in 1888. He was a finely educated gentleman, an honored member of the Masonic fraternity and in politics a Democrat.

John Van Liew, the subject of this sketch, led a somewhat nomadic life with his parents until 1865, when he began his business life as a brakeman on the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway, which position he held for one year and then acted as clerk for the freight agent of the company at Columbia City, Indiana, until transferred to Larwill, Indiana, where he filled the position of acting agent until 1871. In this year he was transferred to Ada, Ohio, where he became agent for the company and in 1877 he came to Van Wert, where he filled the position of agent until 1887 when he resigned to accept the position of general freight and passenger agent of the Ohio Division of the Cincinnati, Jackson & Mackinaw Railroad Company. A year later he retired from the employ of the company on account of a change of administration. No more competent gentleman could have been chosen to fill these responsible positions and his retirement from the employ of the company was by far a greater loss to it than to himself. The two succeeding years were passed in traveling through the Western States in pursuit of pleasure and business. In politics Mr. Van Liew is a Democrat and in 1889 he was elected common pleas clerk of Van Wert County and so faithfully and ably did he perform the duties of the office that he was triumphantly re-chosen for the same position in 1892. During his second term he was solicited, January 19, 1895, to accept the position of cashier of the First National Bank of Van Wert. In April, 1902, he resigned as cashier of the First National Bank to accept a position as auditor and treasurer of the Empire Construction Company, of Toledo, Ohio, which had a contract to build and equip a telephone exchange at Los An-

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geles, California, as well as exchanges at Santa Barbara, Santa Ana, Riverside, Redlands, San Bernardino, Pasadena and Hollywood, as well as the long distance telephone lines to connect all the exchanges in Southern California. After the completion of the plant at Los Angeles, he was made general manager of the exchange, which was then and is at this time the largest independent (non-Bell telephone exchange in the United States, having at this time 22,000 telephones. The Empire Construction Company having finished its work in the southern part of the State, it ceased operations July 1, 1905, and Mr. Van Liew resigned as general manager of the Home Telephone Company. January 1, 1906, he accepted the position of auditor and treasurer of the Empire Construction Company, of California, organized for the purpose of building telephone exchanges in San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Fresno and surrounding towns ; the work of construction in Oakland has already commenced.

John Van Liew has been a busy man all his, life and has accomplished what few men would have undertaken. Mr. Van Liew was married at Larwill, Indiana, to Emma A. Robinson, daughter of S. F. and Mary Robinson. To this union were born two daughters—Lou E. and Winifred. Mr. Van Liew is a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine.

HON. EDWARD C. STITZ, attorney-at-law at Van Wert, formerly mayor of the city and a man of education and influence, was born October 14, 1868, at Dayton, Ohio, and is a son of August and Susan (Betcher) Stitz. His parents removed from Dayton to Van Wert County in 1871. His father followed the trade of shoemaker. The children of the family were three in number.

As Mr. Stitz was so young when he came, to Van Wert County he may almost be considered a native, for here he was reared from infancy and was educated at Van Wert, ,graduating from its High school. In 1889 he entered the office of Alexander & Darnell, with whom he read law. He was admitted to the bar June 4, 1891, and is now in active practice in this city. He has served as city solicitor and also as mayor, but the duties of his practice now absorb all of his time, and the results have earned him a high standing as a member of the bar of Van Wert County.

On June 2, 1897, Mr. Stitz was married to Lucy M. Jackson, a daughter of James M. Jackson, deceased, and four children have been. born to this union—Suzane, Dona, Kenneth and Miriam. Mr. and Mrs. Stitz are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and they reside in a beautiful home at Euclid and Forest avenues. In the prosecution of his professional work Mr. Stitz occupies commodious offices at No. 111 1/2 East Main street. Politically he is identified with the Republican party and fraternally belongs to the Odd Fellows (of which he is past grand and past chief patriarch) and to the Modern Brotherhood of America.

A. A. GIFFIN, president of the Van Wert County Agricultural Society and a prominent citizen of Hoaglin township, where he owns a fine farm 3f 110 acres, situated in section 29, was born in Miami County, Ohio, November 26, 1850, and is a son of William and Martha (McKee) Giffin.

The father of Mr. Giffin removed with his

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family from Miami County to Van Wert County in 1858, and settled in York township. In 1861 he located in Hoaglin township, settling on section 32 and living on his property there until his death in June, 1879. He served as surveyor of Van Wert County for two terms and had previously held a similar office in Miami County. In politics he was a Republican and in religious observance, a Presbyterian. Of his children, the following survive : John of Logansport; Indiana; Elizabeth, wife of James Earhart, residing near Portland, Oregon; Paulina, widow of Adam Rodabaugh, of Cass County, Indiana; Reuben T., of Wabash County, Indiana; David J., of Hoaglin township; A. A.; Isaac N., of Van Wert; Winfield S., of Hoaglin township; and Edward L., of Loudon County, Tennessee.

A. A. Giffin was reared and educated in Van Wert County. In young manhood he learned the carpenter's trade and resided for four years in Putnam County, engaged in the manufacture of drain tile, at Ottawa, prior to 1882, when he settled on his present farm, where he has been engaged in farming and stock-raising ever since. His fine estate is known as the "North View Farm" and in location, productiveness and improvements it stands second to none in the northern section of the county. In 1901 Mr. Giffin erected his beautiful modern residence, doing much of the work himself, thus insuring its substantial character. This model rural home is modern in every particular, among other up-to-date improvements being a system of hot-air heating, which is entirely satisfactory, while it is lighted by acetylene gas. It is not often that farmers can enjoy the substantial comforts of both city and country life at the same time, but Mr. Giffin has solved the problem in the erection and arrangement of his homestead residence.

On January 13, 1875, Mr. Giffin was married to Elizabeth J. Hattery, who was born in Van Wert County and is a (laughter of the late Nathaniel Hattery, an early settler in Hoaglin township. Mr. and Mrs. Giffin have had three children, viz.: Edward P. and Martha E., both deceased ; and Hermia A. The family belong to the Presbyterian Church.

Politically Mr. Giffin is a Republican, but is liberal in his views and on occasion supports the man rather than the party. He has served as assessor of Hoaglin township; for a number of years has been a leading member of the Van Wert County Agricultural Society, and on January 6, 1906, was elected its president. Mr. Giffin is a man of progressive agricultural ideas, and it is generally conceded that the choice was a wise one. As a farmer he has been deeply concerned in all movements looking toward the .improvement of agricultural conditions, and belongs to Pleasant Grange, No. 399, Patrons of Husbandry, of Pleasant township. He is also a member of Alpha Lodge, No. 1, Home Guards of America.

In 1892 the Victor Horse Breeding Company was organized in Van Wert County, its object being the improvement of the horse stock of this locality, and Mr. Giffin has been secretary of the organization since its founding. In its membership are represented several of the important farming interests of this section, and its objects and results are eminently practical.

GEORGE H. MARSH, capitalist and banker, one of the leading men of Van Wert for many years, has been identified with many successful business organizations in this and other States, and is one of the best-known financiers in Northwestern Ohio. He comes of New

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England ancestry and of Ohio pioneers. He was born in Connecticut, on Christmas Day of 1833 and is a son of George and Caroline (Gilbert) Marsh.

James Marsh, the paternal grandfather, was also a native of Connecticut, and remained in that State throughout his long life, following agricultural pursuits during the years of his, active life. His son George, the father of our subject, was born in the same State ; learned the trade of clock-making and doubtless did much to give popularity to what were known in that day as "Yankee clocks." Indeed he is credited with making the first brass clock in the United States. During his earlier years, according to the custom of the time, he traveled through the country selling the products of his skill, and later formed a partnership with William L. Gilbert, who, after Mr. Marsh's removal to Ohio in 1833, continued in the business and became the largest clock manufacturer in New England.

On his first visit Mr. Marsh remained but a short time in Ohio, but returned in 1833 and settled at Athens, later removing to Dayton. He bought and sold lands and also engaged in clock-making; but in 1841 his manufactory was burned and he removed to Bond County, Illinois, where he followed stock farming until 1843. He owned large tracts of land in Ohio, which, by this time, had greatly enhanced in value, and shortly afterward he came to Van Wert County, bringing his family to the town of Van Wert in 1847. In the following year he removed to the southern part of the State, where he owned property, and died at Marshfield in 1862. In partnership with other capitalists he owned land in a number of counties. Mr. Marsh married Caroline Gilbert at Litchfield, Connecticut, and they had five children, the mother dying in 1848.

George H. Marsh was 13 years of age when his parents came to Van Wert. He had attended school at Farmington and later returned there for added educational advantages, and prior to his 16th year secured collegiate training at Athens, Ohio. When the surveyors were at work on the Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad, the youth secured a position with them as assistant and continued with them for several months, afterward, for a short time becoming a clerk in a mercantile establishment at Van Wert. He doubtless inherited an inclination toward machinery, and when he entered the railroad shops at Crestline showed remarkable aptitude in his work as clerk to the master mechanic. He continued with the company in the same capacity until the shops .were removed to Fort Wayne, when he entered the establishment as a mechanic.

Until 1871 Mr. Marsh was variously engaged—in a cotton warehouse in Louisiana, in a livery business at Van Wert, in farming and stock dealing, and as general manager of the Eagle Stave Works at Van Wert. After holding this last named position for two years, he became proprietor, and not only enlarged the plant, but became interested in the stave works at Belmore, Latta and Geneva. Eventually he was the largest stave manufacturer in the United States, in addition to being connected with the great cooperage supply house at Scott, Ohio. For a number of years he has been active in banking circles, and at one time was financially concerned in 15 national banks in Ohio and other States. He has been president of the Lima Locomotive & Machine Company, the Lima Steel works, and the wholesale boot and shoe house of Ainsworth, Wickenheiser & company, of Toledo ; owns thousands of acres of land in various portions of the State; is one of the owners of the First National Bank of Van Wert and sole proprietor of the Marsh Motel—conceded to be the finest hostelry in

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Van Wert County. All of these large and important interests have been managed with great success, as Mr. Marsh is a thorough man of business, well qualified—both naturally and through years of experience—to conduct and develop such enterprises. But all of his activities are not absorbed by business cares. Travel and social life claim his leisure; philanthropy finds in him a friend, and in him his fellow-citizens recognize one whose attention can invariably be secured for any laudable public-spirited movement.

On November 26, 1862, Mr. Marsh was married to Hilinda Vance, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, June 13, 1844. They have one daughter, Katie, who is' the wife of Arthur L. Clymer, of Van Wert. Mrs. Marsh is a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Fraternally Mr. Marsh is in affiliation with the Blue Lodge, F. & A. M., of Van Wert, and is a 32nd degree Mason. His portrait accompanies this sketch.

WILLIAM IRA REED, one of the county commissioners of Van Wert County, as well as a leading
farmer of Pleasant township, where he has carried on extensive agricultural operations for a number of years, was born in Ashland County, Ohio, September 8, 1851, and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Strickland) Reed. Mr. Reed received his education in the public schools of Ashland County and at the age of 21 years, with his young bride, removed to Tully township, Van Wert County, and engaged in farming for 22 years on a place he had purchased. In 1895 he fixed upon his present place of residence.

Mr. Reed was reared on a farm, his life has been devoted to agriculture, and as a progressive and successful farmer he is favorably known throughout the county. He has also been prominent in public life, while residing in Tully township, having served as township trustee and as justice of the peace. Since 1902 he has been one of the county commissioners, having been elected to that office by a majority of 126 votes. Since Mr. Reed became a member of the board he has been instrumental in bringing about many public improvements and necessary reforms.

On February 11, 1873, Mr. Reed was united in marriage with Fannie B. Staman, who is a daughter of Jacob Staman, a well-known farmer and miller of Ashland County, and they have four children, as follows : Olin O., residing at home, who is engaged in the poultry business; Francis E., a graduate of the Ohio Medical University, of Columbus, who is a practicing physician in Van Wert; Pearl, a milliner of Van Wert; and Millie, wife of Clark Good, a prominent attorney of Van Wert.

Mr. and Mrs. Reed are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically Mr. Reed is a Democrat, socially an Odd Fellow. Their hospitable home in Pleasant township is frequently the scene of family and friendly gatherings, for both Mr. Reed and wife are very well known and highly esteemed.

ADAM GREULACH was born in Germany October 4, 1846, and died at the family home in Pleasant township, Van Wert County, August 8, 1899. He received his education in the schools of the fatherland and at the age of 15 accompanied his parents, Peter and Magdalena(Wagen) Greulach, to this country, coming atonce to Ohio and locating in Pleasant town-

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ship, on the farm which is now the home of his widow. The remainder of his life was passed in this locality, where he engaged in farming, and he became noted for his thrift .and industry, his integrity and uprightness. A hard working man and a good manager, he succeeded in accumulating considerable property, which was left to his wife and children with the legacy of a good name. For some two years after marriage he resided in Harrison township, but in 1873 located on the Greulach homestead, than which few country residences are better known in Van Wert County.

Mr. Greulach was married February 2, 1871, to Margaret Wendel, who was born in Germany February 20, 1846, being a daughter of Peter and Mary E. (Hofmann) Wendel. At the age of six years she came to America with her parents, who located in Harrison township, Van Wert County, Ohio, and it was there Mrs. Greulach received her education and developed into womanhood. She is a lady of pleasing personality, who commands the respect and esteem of all who know her, and her friends are legion. To Mr. and Mrs. Greulach were born six children, namely: Jacob, of Pleasant township; Emma P., wife of Charles Schaadt, of Willshire township; John A., superintendent of schools at Convoy; Henry, of Pleasant township; Philip, deceased and Martin, of Pleasant township. Mr. Greulach was a Democrat in politics, and in religion a member of the German Evangelical Association, with which his widow is also identified.

JOSEPH McMILLEN, a representative business citizen of Van Wert, and a partner in the McMillen Grain Company—which operates six elevators and owns the largest mill in this section—is a native of Ohio, born in Allen County. July 15.1855. He is a son of James J. and Harriet (Gilliland) McMillen. In the founding of the American branch, the McMillen family came from Ireland to Pennsylvania, and many of its members participated in the Revolutionary War. The paternal grandfather of Joseph McMillen was born December 22, 1794, and in 1836 emigrated to Knox County, Ohio, where he entered a tract of 200 acres of land. He lived there until 1842 when he removed to Allen County, where he died in March, 1880. James J. McMillen, father of Joseph, was more liberally educated than many youths of his time, completing his course in the Delaware (Ohio) University and being for some years a successful teacher. In 1854 he married Harriet Gilliland, a member of one of the prominent families of Van Wert County, and they had 10 children, the survivors being: Joseph, of this sketch; Alice, widow of M. D. Mann, of Van Wert; Alonzo B., of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Ida, wife of Thomas Pollock, of Middlepoint, Ohio; Charles S., of Woodburn, Indiana; Albert and Delbert (twins), of Van Wert County; and Hattie, wife of Edward Carlo, of Van Wert.

In 1852 James J. McMillen engaged in a general mercantile business at Elida, Ohio, to which, in 1856, he added grain and produce, and in 1858 he further increased his responsibilities by the purchase of 60 acres of land in Allen County, on which he began farming and the raising of stock. By a successful combination of these various interests he became one of the substantial men of this part of Van Vert County. He was also a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity and a stanch Democrat. His death occurred October 1, 1897.

Joseph McMillen was educated in the common schools, and throughout most of his business life, has been identified with the grain business, although he is also a practical farmer

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and the owner of valuable property. In 1893 he engaged more extensively in the grain business, and in 1901 built the present elevator in Van Wert, at a cost of $10,000, it being the equal in capacity of any in this section. In connection with it and in partnership with his son, Dale W., Mr. McMillen operates six elevators in Paulding and Van Wert counties, giving employment to a number of people.

Mr. McMillen's wife was formerly Jennie Willmore, a daughter of J. H. Willmore, of Virginia. They have six children, as follows : Dale W., who married Agnes Stewart, of Battle Creek, Michigan, and resides at Grover Hill, Ohio—they have one child, Stewart W. ; Anna Bernice, wife of C. S. Fergus, D. D. S., of Van Wert; Nellie B., wife of Dr. R. R. Richison, of Van Wert, and the mother of one daughter—Pauline; Louis G., Ralph Otis and Geraldine, all living at home. Mr. and Mrs. McMillen are members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically he is a Democrat. Fraternally he is a Mason. The handsome family residence is situated in West Main street.

JAMES R. TILLOTSON, M. D., a rising young physician of Delphos, who has already won the confidence of the people and the respect and esteem of the medical fraternity, is certain to make his way to the very top of his profession, if his past record is a criterion by which we may judge his future. His grandfather, Elkanah Tillotson, came from Brooklyn, New York, to Adams County, Ohio, where the father of our subject still resides. Dr. Tillotson was born in Dunbarton, that county, November 26, 1877, and is one of four children, all of whom except our subject, settled down near the old home in Manchester, Ohio. His parents are John W. and Lucinda D. (Jobe) Tillotson. His brother, Granville M., was born April 28, 1874, and died at Manchester December 27, 1903. Both his sisters are living, Lucy being the wife of C. C. Smalley and Ella, the wife of Ephraim P. Martin.

James R. Tillotson was ambitious to obtain a superior education and, after leaving the public school, entered the normal school of Adams County and later the National Normal University at Lebanon. Having decided to enter the medical profession, he taught school to obtain the money to pursue his studies. Hi winters were devoted to teaching while in the summer he attended college. In 1898 he entered the Ohio Northern University at Ada, graduating in the class of 1900. He then accepted a position as teacher in the public schools of Van Wert. After teaching here for one year, he entered the University of Louisville, Kentucky, and was there two years. Another year was spent in the medical department of the University of Cincinnati before he felt justified in entering upon the active career for which he was preparing himself so carefully.

Dr. Tillotson first practiced for a few months in Sardinia, Brown County, Ohio, in partnership with a fellow-townsman, Dr. John N. Ellison. On September 1, 1904, he located in Delphos and was associated with Dr. Charles W. Moots, who withdrew from the partnership at the expiration of the first year and opened an office at Toledo. Dr. Tillotson has since been alone, and has been successful in building up one of the best practices in this section. His unblemished character, affable Ind prepossessing manner, and absorption in his chosen work, have gained for him the good )pinion of all with whom he has come in contact, and given him an entrance to the best homes in the city. Fraternally he is connected ,with the Masonic order.

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THOMAS P. JOHNSON, a prominent resident of Van Wert, the owner of a fine farm of 160 acres in section 21, Hoaglin township, and a veteran of the great Civil war, is a native of this State. He was born in Allen County, Ohio, February 4, 1841, and is a son of Thomas Xenophon and Mary F. (McClure) Johnson.

The father of Mr. Johnson was born in Scott County and the mother in Harrison County, Kentucky. In 1829 they moved to Champaign County, Ohio, and from there, in 1839, they moved to Allen County, where they settled in the woods as pioneers. Their land was in Bath township, where Samuel McClure, our subject's uncle, had been the first settler. He found the Indians trustful and kind, and they assisted him in the building of his cabin. As far as our records reveal, this family had no troubles with the aborigines.

Thomas P. Johnson was reared on his father's farm in Bath township. His educational opportunities were the best the locality afforded during his boyhood; but as he grew older, he enjoyed instruction in the Lima High School. After completing his education, he taught school for 15 winters through Allen and Van Wert counties, and in this way became known over a wide extent of country. He recalls many of the warm friends of those days and many interesting experiences.

Among the very first to respond to the call for troops at the opening of the Civil war which, to the dismay of the North, dragged its weary length over years of suffering and death, was Thomas P. Johnson, who came forward with his life in his hand, leaving behind him the quiet school-room and his hopes of higher literary training. On April 22, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, 20th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and with his loyal companions was hurried to Virginia, where the almost raw recruitswere put to guarding railroads. During this first enlistment of three months duration, Mr, Johnson fought in his first battle, that at Carrick's Ford, Virginia, and became a seasoned soldier. He served out his time, and then returned to Bath township. Mr. Johnson re-entered the army on May 2, 1864, enlisting in Company B, 151st Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., for, loo days, but served for a considerably longer period, during which time he was commander of a brigade of transportation at Washington, D. C. Again he was honorably discharged, and again returned to peaceful pursuits; but when another call came for troops, he again responded for the third time, enlisting on September 8, 1864, in Company A, 180th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf.

The regiment to which his company was attached became a part of the 23rd Army Corps, under command of General Schofield. During this term of service Mr. Johnson participated in the battle of Wise's Forks at Kingston, North Carolina, and in numerous very serious skirmishes and hot engagements. Good fortune attended him, and although he had thrice enlisted in the service of his country, and had been exposed in company with others of his command, he was able to return home uninjured. He was honorably discharged at Columbus, on July 25, 1865, the regiment having been mustered out at Charlotte, North Carolina, on July 12, 1865.

Mr. Johnson came to Van Wert County in 1865, and two years later secured possession of the 160 acres of land in Hoaglin township, which he still owns. At that time it was but a wild tract, still in its virgin state. Mr. Johnson immediately commenced its clearing and development and now, almost 40 years later, it is one of the most valuable properties in the county.

On November 15, 1874, Mr. Johnson was

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united in marriage with Jennie M. Ford, who was born in Champaign County, Ohio, and died on August 10, 1875. On July 15, 1877, Mr. Johnson was married to Mary A. Russell, who was born December 12, 1844, in Licking County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Daniel A. and Fanny (Townsend) Russell. Mr. Russell was a native of Ohio, but his father was born in New Hampshire of New England stock. Mrs. Russell was born in New York. When Mrs. Johnson was seven years old, her parents moved to Allen County from Licking County, and were very early settlers in Jackson township, where they became respected residents and substantial people.

In 1878 Mr. and Mrs. Johnson removed to Bluffton, Ohio, where he entered into business and became a very prominent citizen. The esteem in which he was held was evidenced by his election as mayor. During a part of his residence at Bluffton, he was city engineer. For a time he served as assessor of Richland township, Allen County, being a man whose qualifications for office as well as sterling character in every relation of life have commanded the recognition of his fellow-citizens. Politically, Mr. Johnson is a Democrat, and during four years of his residence in Hoaglin township he served as a justice of the peace.

For some years after leaving Bluffton, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson lived on the farm in Hoaglin township ; later they settled at Van Wert. They are members of the Christian Church at Van Wert and are leaders in its activities.

Mr. Johnson is a popular member of the W. C. Scott Post No. 100, G. A. R., of Van Wert. In large measure he is a selfmade man. Early in life he determined to possess a good education and worked hard for the means to procure it. Although public events brought about a possible change in his aspiration, hehas shown the same determination to succeed in whatever he undertook, which marked him in his early youth.

ROBERT A. GAMBLE resides on a farm of 80 acres in section 36, Ridge township, and has been a resident of the township since his seventh year, when his parents, George W. and Martha (Davis) Gamble, located in the township named. He was born September 26, 1842, in Carroll County, Ohio, both of his parents being natives of Ireland. George W. Gamble the father, came to America with his parents, when but a child, and lived in Carroll County, where he was educated, grew to manhood and was married to Martha Davis. A large family blessed their union, but only the following five are living: Robert A.; Amor L., a resident of Spencerville, Ohio ; Sarah J., wife of Charles Shank of Detroit, Michigan ; George P., a resident of Middlepoint; and Eva L., wife of Charles C. McMillen, of Ridge township. George W. Gamble was trustee of Ridge township for some years. He was a soldier of the Civil war for three years, being a member of Company A, 99th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and the oldest man in the regiment. He died in February, 1892, having reached the good old age of almost 80 years.

Robert A. Gamble has always devoted his life to farming in Ridge township, where he grew to manhood and acquired his education. On September 22, 1864, he enlisted in Company H, 15th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and was assigned to the commissary department; his entire service was less than one year. On September 6. 1866, he was joined in marriage to Fannie Gipe, who was born in Richland Coun-

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ty, Ohio, December 25, 1839. Her parents, Samuel and Martha (Harnley) Gipe, were natives of Pennsylvania and resided in Richland County, Ohio, until about 1850, when they moved to Ridge township, Van Wert County. Of the large family of children born to them, nine are living, viz. : Fannie, wife of Robert A. Gamble; Catherine (Mrs. W. L. McClure), of Argos, Indiana; Amos, a resident of Wabash, Indiana; Reuben L., of Paulding, Ohio; Amanda, widow of L. W. Bethards and a resident of Belleville, Kansas ; Harriet, wife of Erwin Edson, of Portland, Missouri; Emanuel C., of Chicago; Lonvina, of California; and Mary E.,. wife of Samuel Burden, of Van Wert.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Gamble are the parents of nine children, the eight living being: Amanda E., wife of P. V. Sheley, of Middlepoint ; Alpha O., of Lima ; Samuel W., of Pleasant township; Harvey L., of Ridge township; Amos F. of York township; David C., of Van Wert; John E., of Elwood, Indiana; and Emma J., wife of Joseph Sterling, of Jackson township; Cora A., a young lady of 18 years, died on the 30th of June, 1899. Mr. Gamble is a member of the G. A. R. post and also of the tent of the Improved Order of Red Men at Middlepoint. A picture of the family of our subject accompanies this sketch, being presented on a foregoing page.

CHARLES A. LEASENHOFF, who is a leading dealer in staple and fancy groceries at Ohio City, is one of the city's progressive business men, being interested in a number of important enterprises. He was born at Miamisburg, Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1864, and is a son of the late Egratz Leasenhoff, whose wife Jane was a native of France. The father wasborn in Germany. From Montgomery County he moved to Van Wert County, where he was the first miller to operate the City Mills, of which he was long the superintendent and prominent in his special industrial line.

Charles A. Leasenhoff was reared and educated in Van Wert County, and then learned the baking business, at which he was engaged in Van Wert until 1889, when he moved to Ohio City and established a bakery, which he successfully conducted for 15 years. In 1903 he sold the establishment and since then has been engaged in the grocery business. To accommodate his large and varied stock he erected his present handsome two-story brick block, which has a frontage of 44 feet and a depth of 133 feet. It is well equipped with modern conveniences and the upper story is suitably arranged and fitted up for residences purposes. Mr. Leasenhoff is also a director in the Farmers' Bank of Ohio City and is interested in the Liberty Oil Company, his many business interests and his continued public spirit making him one of the city's most prominent residents.

In February, 1890, Mr. Leasenhoff was married to Lottie Gephart; who was born in Auglaize County, Ohio, and they have one daughter, Josephine. Mr. Leasenhoff is a member of the Catholic Church. In fraternal circles he is a Mason and a Knight of Pythias.

MATHIAS FORNEFELD, manufacturer of drain tile, is one of the leading business men of Washington township, and resides on his farm located in section 33. He was born in Marion township, Allen County, Ohio, June 30, 1855, being the only child of Henry W. and Mary Fornefeld, natives of Westphalia

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and Hanover, Germany, respectively, but who were married in Delphos, Ohio. Henry W. Fornefeld spent the greater portion of his life in farming and was one of the pioneer settlers of the locality near Delphos, where he purchased and cultivated a farm of 130 acres. His death took place in 1890; his wife died in 1886.

Mathias Fornefeld was reared and received a common-school education in Allen County, remaining at home and assisting his father with the work on the farm until he was 23 years of age, when he moved to Van Wert County. Married in Allen County, in 1878, to Anna Stippich, daughter of Joseph Stippich, his first year in Van Wert County was spent in general work, after which he cleared the land which belonged to his wife. At first he built a house of round logs, which the young couple occupied until January 4, 1884, when it was destroyed by fire, but he immediately erected the house which the family now occupy. and to which he has since made many additions and improvements. In 1892 he became associated with John Mueller in the manufacture of drain tile, which partnership continued for five years, when Mr. Fornefeld sold his interest in the business to his partner and retired to his farm. After farming for two years, he built in 1889 his present tile mill. He has installed an Anger tile machine, a clay crusher and other machinery, and has a capacity per season of about 25 kiln of tile of various sizes. Mr. Fornefeld employs one man to operate the mill, who furnishes his own assistants, most of the product being sold from his yard ; the mill is kept running at its full capacity.

Mr. and Mrs. Fornefeld have nine children, all living, namely : Mathias J., who married Louise Sendelbach and lives in Delphos, the father of two children; Anna (Mrs.

Joseph Kimmet); Lizzie; Verrona M.; Mary; Frances; Joseph; Alice and Rosa. Mr. and Mrs. Fornefeld are members of St. John's Catholic Church at Delphos, and he is a member of St. Joseph's Society. He is a man of influence, having served one term as supervisor of Washington township.

JOHN SEMER owns a well-kept farm of 40 acres in section 33, Jackson township, and has been so busily engaged in the faithful discharge of the various duties the public has placed upon him, that few men are more widely or more favorably known within the confines of the county. He was born February 3, 1847, and is a native of the State of Pennsylvania, as were his parents, John H. and Catherine (Matz) Semer. . In 1851, the elder Semer and his family moved to Fairfield County, whence, a year, later, they came to Van Wert County and settled in section 28, Jackson township. One of the few white settlers of that wild region, John H. Semer at once became a leader among his fellows, and used his influence for the advancement of the new settlement. It was at his suggestion that the new township—the last one formed in the county—was . named in honor of that remarkable man, Andrew Jackson. He was treasurer of the township for a time, but his career of usefulness was cut short )y death in 1862. His wife survived him many years, passing away March 20, 1895. [hey were the parents of 10 children, seven of whom are now living, viz.: Henry, of Haviland ; John; Catherine, widow of Joseph Osenga, of Putnam County; Emma, wife of George Hedrick, of Michigan ; Polly, wife of Vincent Ladd, of Paulding County; Allen, of Overton, Ohio; and Cassie, wife of William

416 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY

Dunlap, of Montana, Ohio. William, Lydia and Edward are deceased.

John Semer, the subject of this article, has lived practically his entire life in Jackson township, attending the public schools and engaged in the duties of farm life. In 1870 he settled on his present farm, which is one of the best cultivated in the county. He has been ' twice married, his first wife having been Margaret Simpson, of Delphos, to whom he was married July 31, 1869. Seven children were born to them, six of whom are living at this time, viz. ; Edward L., of Jackson township ; Eliza, wife of William Pangle, of Jackson township; Cassiah, wife of Elwood Snelling, of Wan Wert; Luella, wife of David Rhodes, of Hartford City, Indiana ; Bytha, wife of Alfred Mowery, of Van Wert; and Millie, who resides with her father. On May 23, 1901, Mr. Semer was married to his present wife, formerly Mrs. Frances Ruth, widow of Thomas Ruth of Vincennes, and daughter of John and Margaret (Reams) Carpenter, Her father was a native of Virginia, and her mother of Fairfield County, Ohio; they were among the early settlers of Van Wert County, locating in Washington township. By her first marriage Mrs. Semer had five children, namely : Lenna, wife of Henry Ahrens, of Toledo; Frederick, also of Toledo; Arthur, of Jackson township; and Walter and Noel T., both of whom are at home. Mr. Semer is a Democrat and has served as trustee and clerk of the township, has served on the School Board and for more than a quarter of a century has been justice of the peace. He enjoys the confidence and esteem of all and his well-known rectitude and integrity have caused him to be chosen many times to administer on various estates. He is connected with Middlepoint Lodge, No. 665, I. O. O. F., and has held various offices in the organization.

JAMES W. HARVEY, who resides in section 22, Hoaglin township, is one of the pioneers of Van Wert County, who is closely identified with the history and growth of this section of the State. He was born April 29, 1829, in Richland County, Ohio, and is a son of , William and Sarah .(Watson) Harvey, with whom he came to Van Wert County in 1841. William Harvey was a Democrat, a devout member of the United Brethren Church and a man who made many friends. He was treasurer of Hoaglin township for some time, and a most capable and efficient official.

The family resided in Union township for a number of years before coming to Hoaglin township, where our subject owns a farm of 60 acres. He has always engaged in farming, and seldom fails in harvesting good crops. He was married October 24, 1850, to Wilhelmina Reese, a native of Germany and a daughter of Christopher and Charlotte Reese. When about 15 years old she came to the United States with her parents. They resided for a short time in Dayton, Ohio, and later came to Van Wert County and settled in Union township. Mrs. Harvey died February 17, 1900. Of the eight children born to her, five survive, namely : Lewis A., a resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana ; and George H., Francis D., Clara A. and Perry H., who live in Hoaglin township. Mr. Harvey is a Democrat and has served as trustee of the township for several terms.

N. A. LOE, furniture dealer and undertaker, at Ohio City, is one of the reliable business men of the place. He was born in Greene County, Ohio, in 1873, the son of John Loe, a prominent agriculturist of the county named. Mr. Loe was

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reared on his father's farm, attended the neighboring schools, and then enjoyed collegiate advantages at Antioch. Subsequently he pursued a course in embalming, received a State license, and in November, 1901, selected Ohio City as his place of residence, buying out the furniture and undertaking business already established here. Later he erected a fine two-story building, 28 by 80 feet, centrally located, which gives him sufficient room for the expansion of his business and greatly facilitates its transaction. He is a man of high standing in the community, and is serving both as treasurer of Liberty township and as president of the Ohio City School Board.

In 1902 Mr. Loe was married to Lydia A. Warner, the accomplished daughter of John G. Warner, who was a soldier during the Civil War, then a farmer in Clark County and now a retired resident of Greene County, Ohio, his home being at Yellow Springs.

Mrs. Loe was educated at Antioch College, Valparaiso, Indiana, and at Chautauqua, New York, subsequently teaching for 10 years, during which period she spent many summer vacations in attendance upon normal schools. Both Mr. and Mrs. Loe are members of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church and are active in its work, Mr. Loe being the superintendent of the Sunday-school. Politically Mr. Loe is a stanch Democrat, and fraternally is a Mason and an Odd Fellow.

REV. JAMES ALEXANDER GORDON, D. D., pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Van Wert. whose portrait accompanies this sketch, is one of the most scholarly members of this religious body, widely known in the pulpit, the lecture field and literature. Dr. Gordon was born at Fannettsburg, Pennsylvania, October 19, 1861, and is a son of Rev. J. Smith Gordon, who was for many years a distinguished clergyman in Pennsylvania.

The Gordon family originated in Scotland, but at a very early day became established in the North of Ireland, whence its American founders emigrated to the United States and settled in Pennsylvania. Alexander Gordon, the grandfather of Dr. Gordon, was born in Pennsylvania, and there became an agriculturist of substance and influence. The father, Rev. J. Smith Gordon, was born August 18, 1829, at Greencastle, Pennsylvania, and after a pastorate of 47 years died at Fannettsburg in 1904. He married Mary Catherine Montgomery, who was born in Fannettsburg in. 1840, and died in 1864. Mrs. J. Smith Gordon was a granddaughter of Judge Elliott, a well-known jurist of Pennsylvania, whose brother, Rev. David Elliott, D. D. LL. D., was president of Washington and Jefferson College and one of the founders of the Western Theological Seminary, at Allegheny. In 1837, at the time of the division of the Presbyterian Church into Old School and New School, Dr. Elliott was serving as moderator of the General Assembly.

The children of Rev. J. Smith Gordon and wife were : James A., of this sketch; Mary, who lives at home; Clementine; Clarence M., Ph. D., a member of the faculty of Central University at Danville, Kentucky; and John K., a physician located at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.

James Alexander Gordon attended the schools of his native place, in which, with his father's instruction in higher branches, he had prepared for college by the time he was 17 years of age. Entering the University of Wooster, at Wooster, Ohio, he completed its classical course in 1882, graduating with the

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first honors of his class. Thence he went to Princeton, New Jersey, and was graduated from the Princeton Theological Seminary in 1885, on June 9th of that year being ordained to the ministry by the Presbytery of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. After a few months of mission work at Crookston, Minnesota, he received a call tO Decatur, Michigan, and remained in charge there from January, 1886, until September, 1889, resigning in order to take advantage of a Williams fellowship of $500, which he had been awarded at Harvard University, after a competitive examination open to all theological graduates. His competitive thesis was entitled "The Incarnation as the Goal of Evolution." After a year of post-graduate study at Harvard on November 1, 1890, he accepted a call to the First Presbyterian Church of Van Wert. His work here speaks for itself—in improved and increased church facilities and in a spiritual advancement most marked.

On September 1, 1887, Dr. James A. Gordon was married to Alice Clark Hill, who is a daughter of Hon. E. Parker Hill, formerly one of the most prominent citizens of Decatur, Michigan. Mr. Hill was born in Yates County, New York, May 1819, enjoyed only common-school advantages, and became a cooper.. In 1843 he married Harriet E. Hatch, who was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, and in 1858 removed to Decatur, Michigan. He was one of the originators of the First National Bank there—its first cashier and subsequently its president—and was also elected to many honorable positions in the public service of the county and State. He was an elder in the Presbyterian Church and one of its most liberal supporters. After a happy married life of 62 years, Mr. Hill died August 20, 1905, leaving a wife and two children, his son, L. Dana Hill, being the present cashier of the First State Bank of Decatur. Dr. Gordon and wife have an adopted daughter—Helen Emily.

In 1902 Dr. Gordon was honored by his alma mater with the degree of Doctor of Divinity. In the following year, accompanied by, his wife and Mr. and Mrs. Lee R. Bonewitz, of Van Wert, he made a tour of Europe. and the Holy Land, and upon his return prepared and delivered a series of travel lectures which proved so full of interest that they were published in book form, the volume bearing the title "A New Pilgrimage in the Old World." Dr. Gordon served for 11 years as stated clerk and treasurer of Lima Presbytery to which he belongs, and is a member of its home mission committee, in charge of the smaller churches of the presbytery. He has represented the presbytery in the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church—at Saratoga, in 1896, and at Winona Lake, in 1905. Dr. Gordon's pastorate isby far the longest in the history of the Van Wert church, and the congregation is known as one of the most flourishing in the State—harmonious and progressive, and generous in all good works.

AMOS H. WATTS, master mechanic of the Cincinnati Northern Railroad, with headquarters at Van Wert, has been engaged in this line of work for more than 40 years. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, January 19, 1847, and is a son of Reuben and Sophia (Koontz) Watts, both of whom were natives of Maryland, where they were married. The Watts family is of English descent.

Reuben Watts was a blacksmith and machinist in the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad shops at Baltimore until 1850, when he moved to

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Cincinnati, Ohio, to take a position as engineer on the Little Miami Railroad. It was while on duty on the latter road that he met his death in 1861 as the result of a collision. His wife survived him about five years. Five daughters and three sons were born to them, six of whom grew to maturity, and four of whom, our subject and three sisters, are now living.

Amos H. Watts attended public school in Cincinnati until his 16th year. Being ambitious to do for himself, he entered the Little Miami Railroad shops soon after the death of his father, and for 11 years remained there as apprentice and machinist. In 1873 he was promoted to the position of general foreman of the same road, with headquarters at Xenia, and had served in that capacity about eight years when he went to Covington, Kentucky, as master mechanic of the Kentucky Central. Three years later he went to Marshall, Texas, to accept the position of master mechanic of the Texas & Pacific, and remained with that road until January 1, 1890, when he accepted his present position as master mechanic in, charge of the entire system of the Cincinnati Northern road. In 1896 the headquarters were moved to Van Wert, at which time Mr. Watts became a resident of this city. These shops employ about 185 men and send out about 60 engineers and firemen. Mr. Watts has been devoted to his work from the first, and has been a faithful employee, having never lost any time since he started to work in 1862.

Amos H. Watts was married in 1871 to Mary Rosetta Arthur, a native of Clermont County, Ohio, and a daughter of S. E. Arthur, a distant relative of the late Chester A. Arthur, ex-President of the United States, as well as a descendant of the same ancestors as George Washington. Mrs. Watts is one of the heirs to the great Ball estate of Washington, and a lady whose many admirable qualities have won her a host of friends. They have had four children, two pairs of twins, viz.: Frank, a machinist who died in April, 1905, at the age of 33 years, being then a widower and childless ; Arthur, who was drowned in the Ohio River about 16 years ago; Laura, wife of O. G. Tague, of Lima; and John C., who sailed from New York on January 6, 1906, for the Isthmus of Panama, to become foreman in charge of machines for the United States on the canal. Mr. Watts is a Presbyterian. In politics he is a Republican. He was made a Mason in Cincinnati in 1869; belongs to the Foresters ; Home Guards of America ; Improved Order of Red Men and Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

JOHN D. BECK, one of the substantial citizens and representative farmers of Pleasant township, whose well-cultivated farm of 80 acres is situated in section 3, was born May 11, 1854, in Union township, Van Wert County, Ohio. He is a son of Michael and Mary Ann (Feighner) Beck.

The parents of Mr. Beck were natives of Pennsylvania, and were pioneer settlers. "in the heavily timbered part of Union township, Van Wert County. They built their log cabin there, and endured many of the privations and hardships which fell to the lot of early settlers. Michael Beck was a man of sterling qualities, and became one of the best known Ind most highly respected citizens of Union township, where he served many years as a justice of the peace ; he also served as township trustee and township treasurer. He was one of the liberal, early supporters of the Lutheran Church, and through life was a con-

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sistent member. Of the children born to Michael Beck and wife, four survive, as follows : Daniel S., of Union township; Elizabeth E., of Paulding Center, Ohio; John D., of this sketch; and Sabina A., wife of John Roat, of Union township.

John D. Beck spent his boyhood and youth on his father's farm in Union township, and obtained his education in the best schools the vicinity of his home at that time afforded. His life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits, and his successful methods have often been adopted by his fellow farmers, with good results. He has a very fine farm and comfortable and attractive buildings.

Mr. Beck was united in marriage with Amanda J. Burtsfield, on December 26, 1878. She was born in Richland County, Ohio, March .17, 1858, and was 12 years old when she accompanied her parents, John and Catherine (Shoup) Burtsfield, to Union township, where they were early settlers. Mr. and Mrs. Burtsfield were natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Burtsfield served as a justice of the peace in Union township and was also township treasurer. He died June 15, 1902, his wife having passed away September 21, 1898. The surviving children of Mr. and Mrs. Burtsfield are : Sarah L., John H. and Prudence A. (Mrs. S. A. McClure), of Union township; Amanda J., wife of our subject; Jacob, of Union township; and Samuel Stephen, of Toledo, Ohio; and Jessie A. (Mrs. Charles Elder), of Van Wert.

Mr. and Mrs. Beck have had five children, viz.: Catherine M. (Mrs. Charles C. Robinson), of Van Wert County; Alice A.; Stephen G.; George G.; and Flo L. The family belong to Pleasant Chapel, Methodist Episcopal Church.

Politically Mr. Beck is identified with theDemocratic party. He was one of the school directors of District No. 3, Pleasant township, and has always taken a great deal of interest in educational affairs. He is a man who stands very high in his neighborhood and enjoys the respect of all who know him.

JOSEPH H. RIDER, whose fine farm in section i6, township 4, range 4, Jennings township, stretches over 120 acres of valuable land, is also an honored survivor of the great Civil War, to the settlement of whose issues he gave three years of his early manhood. He was born in May, 1841, in Allen County, Ohio, just five months after his parents had moved there from Michigan. He is a son of Isaac T. and Eliza (Saltsman) Rider, natives of Vermont and New York, respectively.

Pioneer conditions prevented Mr. Rider from enjoying many educational advantages. The country round about was thinly settled, and during his school days the children of the locality were gathered in subscription schools, which were sometimes held in log structures in the clearings, and sometimes in the homes of the pupils. By the time Mr. Rider was grown, conditions were materially changed and a later generation had many more advantages. He grew to manhood on the homestead and was trained in practical farming, an occupation that has claimed his attention through life.

In 1862 Mr. Rider enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering Company A, 81st Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served three years, mainly in the Army of the Tennessee, participating in all the hardships, long marches and battles of General Sherman's memorable campaign. He was one of the bronzed veterans who took

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part in the Grand Review at Washington after the triumphal closing of the war.

Upon his return from the army, Mr. Rider made arrangements to resume farming, and on August 24, 1865, he purchased 80 acres of land, situated in the woods, in section 16, Jennings township. He lived in a log cabin, all his early buildings being constructed of logs. As he cleared and improved his land, he gradually added to its extent, until he now owns 120 acres and has 105 of these cleared. The old log buildings well served their purpose, but they have long since given way to comfortable, commodious and substantial buildings of modern architecture. This valuable home and farm which Mr. Rider literally developed from the wilderness, represents the industry and judicious management of 40 years.

On December 20, 1866, Mr. Rider was married to Mahala Jane Rupert, who is a daughter of George and Lavina (Parrott) Rupert, the former of whom lived to the venerable age of 102 years, 4 months and 12 days, while his wife lived to the age of 86 years. Mr. and Mrs. Rider have eight children, namely: Lavina, wife of Frank Simptons; of Auglaize County; Minnie Etta, wife of Perry Bodey, of Salem township, Auglaize County; Rachel Belle, wife of John Adams, of Lima; Lettie May, wife of Harley Slentz, of Jennings township; Naomi, wife of Augustus Neytermayer; John H., who married Samantha Adams and lives at Monticello; and James William and Thomas Grover, both living at home. There are also 19 grandchildren in the family.

Mr. and Mrs. Rider are members of the New Salem Presbyterian Church; of Salem township, Auglaize County, in which Mr. Rider is a deacon. He is one of the representative men of his township and has been one ofits most useful citizens, having lent his influence for years to the movements calculated to promote the section's best interests.

J. O. ROBERTS, one of the representative citizens of Van Wert, who has been identified with a number of its large business interests for some 1 years, was born in Montgomeryshire, North Wales, April 11, 1872, and is a son of Owen and Anna Elizabeth (Evans) Roberts.

The parents of Mr. Robert's were also natives of North Wales. The father was engaged in the brick and lime business and also operated a stone quarry. He was a good business man, but died early in middle life, when our subject was only 12 years of age, his wife having died four years previously. They had a family of seven children, namely : John, of North Wales; David, of Australia; Hugh, of Venedocia, Ohio; Anna, who died in Wales; William, a farmer living at Venedocia ; J. O., of this sketch ; and Owen, who died in Wales.

After the death of his parents, our subject went to live with a dry goods merchant by the name of James, with whom he remained until he was 17 years of age, attending school and working in the store. In 1889 he came from Liverpool, England, on the steamship "Etruria," to the American metropolis, and from New York to Venedocia, Ohio, where his uncle resided. After two weeks with his uncle, he moved to Van Wert and secured employment in the dry goods store of H. G. Lehmann & Son, the same business that he now owns. He remained continuously with Mr. Lehmann for about seven years, with the exception of three months spent at Lima, and then, in partnership with D. W. Williams, bought the business. In six months time Mr.

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Roberts had acquired the whole business, through purchase, and since 1897 it has been conducted under his own name. Three years ago he purchased the building, a three-story and basement structure, located at No. 106 West Main street. Here he has excellent accommodations for his large and constantly increasing business in dry goods, cloaks, carpets and notions, his stock being probably the largest and most carefully selected in the city.

In addition to making a success of his mercantile enterprise, Mr. Roberts has been identified with other business interests. Some four years ago, in association with J. D. Rowland, he started a skirt and wrapper factory, which for a time was operated under the title of Roberts & Rowland. In 1902 Mr. Roberts having become interested in the possibilities of oil development, leased 1,o88 acres of oil land in the vicinity of Venedocia, and among his Welsh friends formed the Cambrian Oil Company, with a capital stock of $300,000. On its incorporation, Mr. Roberts was made manager and treasurer. The leases owned by this company have proven of the greatest value, many wells being now in operation and more projected for the spring of 1906. Formerly, Mr. Roberts also operated branch stores at Willshire, Ohio City and Scott, but he has disposed of these. Recently, with Edward Roberts and Glenn H. Mcllvain, he came into possession of the Avenue Hotel, at Van Wert, which is now one of the best hostelries in the city.

On January 30, 1891, Mr. Roberts was married to Louise Mabel Mcllvain, who is the daughter of James R. and Susan (Shultz) Mcllvain, natives of Delaware County, Ohio, but residents of Van Wert. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts have one daughter—Helene Gordon. The beautiful family home is situated at No. 613 South Washington street. Mr. Roberts owns a farm of 120 acres in York township and Mrs. Roberts one of 80 acres, in Pleasant township. They are prominent members of the First Presbyterian Church, of which Mr, Roberts is a trustee. He is president of the church choir, having a trained tenor voice.

Mr. Roberts is a Republican in his political views, but takes no very active interest in political campaigns. His fraternal connection is with the Knights of the Maccabees.

For the past three years Mr. Roberts has taken a decided interest in automobiles, making many excursions in a handsome one of his own. During 1904, with his wife and daughter, he enjoyed a delightful tour in Europe.

JOSEPH SPIELES, township trustee for the past five years, and one of the representative and influential farmers of Washington township, residing on his fine farm of 80 acres in section 10, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, August 15, 1857, and is a son of Philip. and Magdalene (Wulshire) Spieles.

Philip Spieles and wife were both born, reared and married in Germany and came to America about 1835, locating on a farm in Fairfield County, where Mr. Spieles lived until the time of his death in 1880. His wife survived him 10 years, passing away in 1890.

Joseph Speiles was reared in Fairfield County and obtained his education in the district schools, being also married in that county to Johanna Runser, a native of that county and a daughter of Sebastian Runser. Mr. Spieler moved to Van Wert County in 1882, and purchased 80 acres of land in Washington township, which is his present home. About half the land was in timber, and the family lived for many years after their arrival in an old log cabin, which is now doing duty as a

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woodshed. Mr. Spieles has made many improvements on the property, especially in the line of putting up substantial buildings. In 1892 a fine large brick house was erected, and in 1901 a large barn was added to the many other improvements.

By his first marriage Mr. Spieles had six children: Clara, who married Chris. Huysman and has one child—Carletto ; Leo, who died aged 19 years ; Edward, who died at the age of nine; Frank; Theresa and Isabelle. Mrs. Johanna Spieles died in 1894 and in November, 1895, Mr. Spieles married Maggie Noll, by whom he had two children—Henry and Margaret, who both died in infancy. The second Mrs. Spieles died in 1898. Mr. Spieles and family are all members of St. John's Catholic Church, of Delphos.

Mr. Spieles has held a number of local offices, having served for eight years as assessor of Washington township. In 1901 he was elected trustee and in 1904 was reelected to serve another term of three years.

JAMES MONROE DULL, one of the capitalists and representative citizens of Liberty township, who owns a very valuable farm of 360 acres in sections 18, 19 and 20, and resides in the section last named, was born in Willshire township, Van Wert County, Ohio, January 23, 1846. His parents were Lenhart and Susanna (Ream) Dull. John Dull, the grandfather, was born in Pennsylvania in 1778, and soon after his marriage to Hannah Lenhart settled in Fayette County. In 1832 he moved to Stark County, Ohio, where he entered 320 acres of land. In 1834, during the prevalence of an epidemic of cholera, both he and his wife died. Lenhart Dull was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, August 18, 1815, and was 16 years of age when his parents moved to Stark County. He grew up to be a practical farmer and in 1840 entered 160 acres of heavily timbered land in Willshire township, Van Wert County, paying for it at the rate of $2.50 an acre. In 1842, after his marriage, he settled on his land, building thereon a round-log cabin, and subsequently, with the assistance of his sons, cleared it and developed it into a fine farm. He made many improvements, among the first of which being the erection of a two-story log house in place of the first rude cabin. Mr. Dull continued to add to his land until he owned 1,000 acres, all of which he disposed of to his sons, either by sale or by gift. He died May 8, 1892. His widow afterward married his brother, Elias Dull, and still resides in Willshire township at a venerable age. She was born May 10, 1824, and was married to Lenhart Dull on February 17, 1842. There were 13 births to this marriage.

The surviving children of Lenhart Dull and wife are: Mrs. Celesta Robinson, of Liberty township, born December 2, 1843; James Monroe, of this sketch ; Thomas Jefferson, born April 7, 1848, who lives in Michigan; George Washington, born June 2, 1850, who is a resident of Oklahoma ; Franklin Pierce, born January 31, 1855, who lives in Liberty. township; James Buchanan, born July 11, 1857, and living at Rockford, Mercer County, Ohio; Lafayette Jackson, born April 15, 1861, who resides at Salt Lake City, Utah ; Joseph Elmore, born August 20, 1863, who resides in Oklahoma ; .Isabella, born September 5, 1866, who lives at Rockford; Mrs. Arabella Cushwa, born September 5, 1866 (a twin sister of Isabella), who resides at Tippecanoe City, Ohio; Mrs. Mary C. Estell, born March 5, 1871, who lives in Toledo, Ohio; and two children who died in infancy.

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James Monroe Dull has devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits, remaining on the home farm until his marriage and immediately afterward moving to his present homestead in Liberty township. In 1891 he erected his handsome brick residence, which is conceded to be the finest in the township and one .of the most comfortable and well kept in all Van Wert County. His other buildings are in accordance with the residence. The great barn, which is also one of the most substantial in his section of the country, was erected in 1887. In addition to his large farming and stock-raising interests Mr. Dull, in association with his two sons, A. P. and E. M., operates a large grain elevator; is in the flour mill business at Rockford, Mercer County and also runs a feed store at Celina, Mercer County. He is a man of great business enterprise, having, moreover, the foresight and sound judgment to successfully carry out his plans.

On May 17, 1868, Mr. Dull was married to Martha Ann Lintemoot, who was born in Liberty township, Van Wert County, Ohio, February 10, 1851, and is a daughter of Martin and Amanda Lintemoot, both natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Dull have reared the following 12 children, no death having yet invaded their happy domestic circle: Wilbert Austin, born March 14, 1869, who married Florence Anspaugh, on March 24, 1892, and resides in Willshire; Arthur Pierce, born April 13, 1870, who married Maud Shipley, on October 2, 1894, and is a resident of Rockford, Mercer County; Morris Lenhart, born June 14, 1871, who was married September 20, 1902, to Cecil Maud Hallenbeck, and resides at North Baltimore, Ohio; Fanny Maud, born June 7, 1873, who married Frank Custer, on August 19, 1891, and lives in Liberty township; Edgar Martin, born October 9, 1874, who married Ida May Phellis, on March 2, 1904, and is a resident of Celina; Serena May, born April 18, 1876, who married W. O. Taylor, April 8, 1893, and lives in Liberty township; Daisy Florence, born October 15, 1877; Curtis Elmer, born March 25, 1879, who married Mary Christina Smith on September 3, 1904, and lives on the home farm; James Monroe, Jr., born June 29, 1880, who married Hazel Aileen Bodkin, on June 11, 1905, and is a resident of Celina; Herbert Oscar, born May 12, 1882, who married Mary Luticia Bolenbaugh, on November 15, 1903, and is also living on the family homestead ; Grover Cleveland, born April 17, 1884; and Thurman Allen, who was born April 19, 1888.

Mr. Dull has long been one of the most prominent men of his township, for years closely identified with its general advancement. Thus, in 1879, his wishes had weight, when he made application to have a railroad station built at a little hamlet in the vicinity of his property. The place was still insignificant, but a postoffice had been established there, known to the Government as McKee. Mr. Dull served as postmaster there for many years, and when he suggested that the name be changed to Dull, on account of the family being largely interest in the locality, his wishes were regarded; :he result has been the neat station of Dull, Ind the postoffice of that name, which will assist in keeping in memory one of the most prominent and useful men of this section of Van Wert County, one who has greatly adranced its interests and assisted in its development.

It is not common to find a busy man in these days freely giving of his valuable time or the advancement of general education, but or years Mr. Dull has consented to serve on he School Board and to take the responsibility of its presidency. The result is shown in the excellence of the public schools of Liberty

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township and the economical manner in which they are conducted. As has been remarked,. Mr. Dull takes unusual interest in this matter, believing thoroughly in the public school system and its vast amount of influence for good. He so carefully investigates the practical value of the methods that the other members of the board rely implicitly upon his judgment.

Politically Mr. Dull has always been affiliated with the Democratic party, and on many occasions it has honored him with official position. He has served as township clerk and assessor, and on two occasions has been chosen as the party standard-bearer in the race for the Legislature. The district, however, is hopelessly Republican and does not very often permit a prominent Democrat to be elected. Mr. Dull is one of the leading members of the United Brethren Church and is a trustee of church and parsonage. He is superintendent of the Sunday-school also, and, in fact, is closely identified with all the various activities which contribute to the good standing and continuous development of Liberty township.

Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Dull accompany this sketch, being presented on a foregoing page.

GEORGE J. WISE, who for many years has been engaged in farming a tract of 156 acres situated in section 2, Liberty township, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on December 20, 1847, and was the oldest of a family of nine children, born to George M. and Elizabeth (Hertel) Wise, both natives of Germany. George M. Wise came to this country when a young man. A full story of his life will be found in this work in the sketch of Jacob A. Wise.

George J. Wise was two years old when his parents moved to Stark County, Ohio. Here his father ran a bakery for about two years. In 1851, when our subject was but four years old, his parents moved to Van Wert County and settled on a farm in Liberty township, which is now owned by our subject. The original farm was a tract of 80 acres of timberland ; at that time there were no roads, schoolhouses or churches. His father erected a log cabin and double log barn, which stood until some 10 years ago, when they were torn down by Mr. Wise. Here George J. Wise was reared, assisting his father to convert the timberland into a tillable, productive farm. A great deal of hard work, patience and energy was necessary to bring about such a change. On October 12, 1874, he was married to Virginia Catherine Holland, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Knittle) Holland. John Holland was born in Allen County, Ohio, and was Van Wert County's first surveyor. He was married in this county, and owned a farm of 80 acres in Ridge township.

John Holland enlisted February 25, 1862, in Company K, 46th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. He had been in the army but a short time when he was given a furlough on account of sickness. He died May 18, 1862, at Paducah, Kentucky, while en route to his home. At that time his daughter Virginia Catherine was only four years old.

Mr. and Mrs. Wise have had seven children, all of whom are living. Charles, the !West, who is a school teacher in Liberty townhip, married Gertrude Clarke; they have three children—Cecil, Lucile, John Gordon and Ivy day; Charles lives on a farm of 40 acres. Elizabeth Margaret married Jacob Eber and lives in Harrison township. The other children are: Rozella, William Edward, Frances Amelia, Albert Ray and John Nelson.

Mr. Wise has added to the original 80 acres until he now has 156 acres, all in Lib-

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erty township. In 1897 he built the frame house which the family occupies, and in 1900 a good substantial barn was erected. Mr. Wise is a member and trustee of St. Peter's Evangelical Church, of Liberty township.

ERNEST KOHN, M. D., who is practicing at Cavett and in the vicinity, was born June 17, 1870, near Ottoville, Putnam County, Ohio, being a son of Rev. Horace and Josephine (Simpson) Kohn, well-known residents of Van Wert County. Rev. Horace Kohn is a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church now residing on a farm in retirement from active ministerial duties. He was born in Franklin County, Ohio, October 10, 1843. When our subject was one year old the family removed to Jackson township, Van Wert County. After a year they moved to Washington township, where they resided 12 years on a farm year Middlepoint. They spent one year in Convoy and then moved to Willshire, where the father still resides. The family consisted of 10 children, four of whom died in infancy. The six now living are : Ernest ; Clarence, who is in the county auditor's office ; Laura, wife of John Banta, a merchant of Willshire; Florence, wife of E. E. Smith, city ticket agent for the "Big Four" Railroad at Indianapolis; Homer, a clothier of Willshire; and Walter, who is studying medicine at the school in which our subject was a pupil. Mrs. Kohn was born in Illinois September 2, 1848, and died in Willshire. November 2, 1889.

Ernest Kohn attended school at Middlepoint, at Ada and the preparatory school at Delaware. He then taught one year in Willshire township, when he entered Fort Wayne Medical College, which is now the medical department of Purdue University, and from which he was graduated in 1894. He at once entered upon the practice of his profession, spending the first two years at Preble, Indiana. Ile located in Cavett in September, 1896. Dr. Kohn has ,gained an extended and enviable reputation as a skilled physician, and is building up a practice which places him at the head of his profession in his section.

Dr. Kohn was married September 24, 1895, to Hattie Mook, who was born in Bradley, Michigan, May 24, 1872, and is a daughter of Jacob Beam, but was adopted by Mr. Mook when she was seven years of age. They have one child, Farmer, who was born in Willshire, September 29, 1896, and is now in school. The Doctor owns a nice home of six acres in Cavett, and built his residence in 1898. He is justice of the peace, and endeavors to give a true interpretation of the law. Dr. Kohn is a member of the Masonic lodge at Van Wert. In politics he is a Democrat.

JACOB R. BEAM, postmaster at Willshire, was born near Ansonia, Darke County, Ohio, January 29, 1844, and is a : son of John and Elizabeth (Riffle) Beam.

The parents of Mr. Beam were born in Pennsylvania, and accompanied their parents to Darke County. They were reared there and were also married in that county, but both died in Mercer County, Ohio, the father aged 66 years and the mother aged 70 years. Their children were : Martha, who died aged 22 years ; Johnson, a member of the 47th Regiment, Indiana Vol. Inf„ who was killed at Vicksburg; William, who is a retired farmer, living at Willshire; Silas, of Celina, who served during the latter part of the Civil War ;

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Aaron and John, both deceased at an early age; Rachel (Ireland), of Geneva, Indiana; Milton, of Venedocia; and Jacob R.

Jacob R. Beam, who was the third in order of birth in his parents' family, enjoys the distinction of being the oldest resident of Willshire. He was 14 years old when his parents removed to Mercer County, Ohio, and settled on a farm just south of Willshire. He assisted in the farming until 1861, when he enlisted in Company E, 46th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under Captain Pinney and Colonel Worthington. Although many years have glided by since those stirring days, merely to mention the names of Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg, Jackson, Chattanooga, Buzzards' Roost, Resaca and Kenesaw Mountain, will bring a light to the eye and a glow to the heart not only of those who in these battles passed through a baptism of fire, but to those old enough to remember the breathless days of suspense that attended those left at home. Mr. Beam passed through all of these battles unscathed, and with his regiment took part in the campaign attendant upon the siege of Atlanta, the battle at Bentonville, on to the sea with Sherman, back through the Carolians and helped to fight out the last battles of the war. Mr. Beam frankly confesses to being "mortally scared" on many occasions ; but he was not injured and was able to participate in the triumphal review at Washington.

After the war, Mr. Beam returned to Willshire and engaged in farming for one summer, and then went to Allegan County, Michigan, where for seven years he was engaged in railroad contracting and farming. His next return to Ohio was final. For one year he farmed in Willshire township, and then moved into the village, which has been his home ever since. For two years he worked at the carpenter's trade, for some 14 years was employed by others in a butcher shop, then ran a shop of his own for two years, after which he was in a grocery business for 13 years. On December 15, 1901, he was appointed postmaster at Willshire, and was reappointed in 1905. Of a family comprising a father and six brothers, he was the only Republican.

Mr. Beam was married first to Harriet Weimer, who was born in Adams County, Indiana. At her death she left two children: Lulu, wife of Wallace Johnson, of Adams County, Indiana ; and Hattie, wife of Dr. Kohn of Cavett. Mr. Beam was married (second) to Ellen Detter, who was born in Mercer County, Ohio, and is a daughter of John Detter. They have four children : Myrtle, John, Jesse and Harry, the last named being assistant postmaster. Mr. Beam owns his pleasant family home. He has served on the Board of Education and as a member of the Council. He belongs to Heath Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and is the only survivor of the 30 men from his neighborhood, who, like himself, bravely took up arms in refense of country. He is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias at Willshire.

GUST. AD. ANDERSON, superintendent and general manager of The Anderson Piano Company, one. Of the leading manufacturing organizations of Van Wert, is a man who occupies a prominent position in the business world of this locality. He is a native of Sweden, born in November, 1856, and is a son of Carl and Dorothea (Gustafson) Anderson. .The father of Mr. Anderson was a mechanic during his active years, and reared a family of eight children. He came to the United States in 1891 and located first at Erie, Pennsylvania, . but later removed to Rockford, Illinois, where he ;till resides.

432 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY

Gust. Ad. Anderson enjoyed but limited educational advantages in his native land, at an early age turning his attention to practical matters. From his father he doubtless inherited a certain mechanical skill, which he developed until he was considered an excellent workman in Stockholm, the city of his residence. In search of better business opportunities, Mr. Anderson decided to come to America and in August, 1886, landed in the city of New York, the bearer of a valued medal, which he had won in token of his fine workmanship. Ten years later, on April 15, 1896, he became a resident of Van Wert, Ohio.

Mr. Anderson's wife was formerly Margaretha Jacobson. Both Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are members of the Lutheran Church. The family circle also includes three children. Their pleasant home is located at No. 620 South Washington street. In his political views Mr. Anderson is a Republican, his fraternal connections being with the Home Guards of America, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Masons and the Modern Brotherhood.

THE ANDERSON PIANO COMPANY. The name of the present firm was at first The Anderson-Newton Piano Company. The Anderson Piano Company is a corporation with a capital stock of $200,000, and manufactures only fine pianos, the output being some 400 instruments a year. The pianos made by this firm possess all the qualities required in superior instruments—marvelous tone quality, artistic appearance and durability; and they are found in homes all over the country. The company is officered by men of large capital and business prominence, as follows : President, J. G. Rupright; vice-president, George H. Marsh; treasurer, R. J. Cavett; secretary, C. F. Manship; superintendent and general manager, Gust. Ad. Anderson ; and assistant superintendent, O. C. Nelson. Mr. Nelson is a man of excellent mechanical skill, having worked with Mr. Anderson for 16 years.

THOMAS TURNER WRITTEN has been for many years a resident of Liberty township. He owns a farm of 185 1/2 acres in section 24,145 1/2 acres being situated in the eastern half of the section and the remaining 40 acres in the western half. He was born March 13, 1835, in Jackson township, Guernsey County, Ohio, and is a son of Philip and Rebecca (Jackson) Witten.

Philip Witten was a son of Thomas Witten and was born in the southern part of Ohio. The grandfather of Philip Witten went from Wales to England at the time of the Revolutionary War, and was sent to America to report the progress of the war. After coming here he decided to join the American Army, and became a soldier under Washington. On his mother's side, Mr. Witten is a member of the Jackson family, of which President Andrew Jackson was a member.

Thomas T. Witten was reared and educated in Guernsey County, where he lived with his parents until he was about 24 years of age. In 1859 they moved to Liberty township and settled on a farm of 320 acres, which his father acquired through a trade of his Guernsey County farm. Mr. Witten followed the footsteps of his ancestors and became a tiller of the soil. He has lived in Liberty township for the past 47 years, and has become one of the influential and highly respected citizens of his community. He was married in Van Wert County to Sarah Ann Rowland, a daughter of Levi Rowland, one of the early settlers. Mr. and Mrs. Witten have had seven children,

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namely : Delilah, who was born February 17, 1866, and died September 3, 1872; Levi Homer, born January 16, 1868, and deceased January 28, 1887; Philip Arthur, born May 24, 1870, and deceased September 6, 1872; Charles William, born August 24, 1872, who married Minnie E. Bell, and has two children, Harold and Gaylord, and lives on part of his father's farm ; Rachel, born October 4, 1875, and deceased August 20, 1889; Francis Scott, born October 24, 1877, who married Margaret Ross, has two children, Dwight L. and Edith Norma, and lives on a farm of 50 acres; and Norma Rebecca, born June 29, 1885, who lives at home. Mrs. Witten died March 25, 1904, aged 61 years. Mr. Witten has served several terms as trustee of Liberty township and also as school director. Mr. Witten is a veteran of the Civil War, having served four months during 1864 in the Army of the Potomac.

PETER SNYDER, one of the oldest and most highly respected residents of Van Wert County, has resided continuously on his present farm in section 8, Jackson township, ever since he first located in The county shortly after the close of the Civil war. He is not only the owner of 190 acres in Jackson township, but of 40 acres in Morrow County, Ohio, as well. Mr. Snyder was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, August 30, 1832, and is a son of John M. and Anna (Heiste) Snyder, both of whom were natives of Germany. He was a child of perhaps three years when his parents removed with their family to Richland County, Ohio, where he spent the intervening years before coming to Van Wert County.

On January 3, 1862, Mr. Snyder enlisted in Company K, 81st Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., andserved until the close of the Civil war. He took part in many fierce battles and was one of Sherman's "bummers" during the march to the Sea.

Peter Snyder has been twice married. His first wife was Matilda Hams, a native of Morrow County, Ohio, who left him two children—Clarilda Ann, wife of W. L. Thomas, a prosperous merchant of Hardin County ; and John M., a farmer of Jackson township. Mrs. Mary Hardesty hams, the mother of our subject's first wife, is still living in Morrow County, Ohio, at the advanced age of 100 years, her birth having occurred December 27, 1805, in Belmont County, Ohio. Mr. Snyder's second union was with Mrs. Amelia Snyder, of Galion, Ohio, and daughter of George Spraw of that place. Three children have been born to this union, two of whom are living, viz.: George F., of Jackson township; and Lola A., wife of Alva Ashbaugh, of Paulding County. Mr. Snyder has been a lifelong Republican. For a number of years he served as trustee of the township, and, both in public and private life, is a gentleman of the highest integrity who has won the friendship of all who have had any dealings with him. On a preceding page, in connection with this sketch, is shown a view of Mr. Snyder's residence, which also includes pictures of himself and children.

ABSALOM A. MILLER, one of the venerable citizens and well-known pioneers of Jackson township, who resides on his excellent farm of 85 acres, located in section 18, was born in Ross County, Ohio, February 24, 1829, and is a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Adams) Miller. The parents of Mr. Miller were natives of Ross County and belonged to pioneer families