Allen County, Ohio - Chapter 21: Conclusion, 1906 (part 1 of 4)

Chapter 21: Conclusion

Influences That Helped to Build a Great County - A Brave, Demoted and Enterprising People - Allen County a Type of the Great American Nation of To-day.

History is a record of what man has done. The tides of old ocean; the storms of winter; the torrid blasts of summer - all the influences of Nature combined have not wrought as great changes upon the earth's surface as has man, the type of an endless life.

Long before the dawn of civilization man commenced to make history, to change the face of Mother Earth. In all the ages of civilized man, these changes have been growing at an increased rate. The great virgin forests, once covering the earth with a shield, have been laid low by the hand of man. The streams have been bridged, and the marshes drained. The black diamond and the amber oil have been brought from the depths for the comfort and necessity of man. The East and the West, the North and the South have been brought together by steam and electricity, almost causing us to forget time and space.

The old Black Swamp - once a menace to health and a bar to progress - has been made to blossom like the rose, and well-ordered farms with commodious dwellings and giant barns, are seen on every hand. The primeval forest has been converted into polished floors or "quartered" oak ; and in a thousand useful ways it serves the convenience of man, and has filled his pockets with shining gold.

tillage, have been converted into a source of wealth. Within a radius of five miles of Delplios, 35 sawmills (now perhaps doubled) are constantly employed in the manufacture of lumber, and a value nearly equalling the product of these mills is annually exported in the form of lumber. Excepting in the manufacturing of maple sugar, and for local building and fencing purposes, no use until recent years had been made of the timber, and its destruction from the face of the earth was the especial object of the pioneer farmers and in this at that time supposed good work they had the sympathies of all others who were interested in the development of the country. The gathering of the ginseng crop once afforded employment to the families of the early settlers, but the supply was scanty and it soon became exhausted. Some 18 years ago, when the business of the town was suffering from stagnation, Dr. J. W. Hunt, an enterprising druggist and now a citizen of Delphos bethought himself that he might aid the pioneers of the wilderness and add to his own trade, by offering to purchase the bark from the slippery elm trees, which were abundant in the adjacent swamps. For this new article of commerce he offered remunerative prices, and the supply soon appeared in quantities reaching hundreds of cords of the cured bark; and he has since controlled the trade in Northwestern Ohio and adjacent regions. The resources found in the lumber and timber and in this bark trade, trifling as the latter may appear, have contributed, and are yet contributing, almost as much to the prosperity of the town and country as the average of the cultivated acres, including the "products of the orchard." (From Knapp's History of the Maumee Valley." - 1S72.)

School-houses and churches stand at every crossing of the ways, and these silent emblems are the means by which a great and noble people was evolved. Allen County, with her millions of wealth, her yet undeveloped resources, is an excellent type of the great American Nation of which she is a part. The same brand of patriotism that was born in the breast of Otis, Hancock, Jefferson, Henry and Adams, was found, fully ignited in the breasts of the people of Allen County when Lincoln sent forth his call for help, and in just 60 hours thereafter soldiers from this county were en route for Washington. Of the 100,224 common soldiers which Ohio sent to the war, Allen County furnished 776.

In the veins of the people of this county pours a flood of rich blood, formed from the mingling of the best of many races - the German, the Welsh, the Scotch-Irish, the French, the Danish and the English - and the product is a type of citizens whose energy and determination built the Faurot Block, and the Masonic Temple; organized and managed The Lima Locomotive & Machine Company, and the Deisel- Wemmer cigar company, or financed a great bank or a railroad.

In intellectual pursuits the people of the county have always taken an advanced standing. They have been prominent in law, medicine and statesmanship. While the county is not an old county, yet her voice has been heard in the councils of the State, and of the Nation. Her people are independent and courageous - they could live well if shut off from the rest of the world by some impassable barrier. From the soil, responsive to the farmer's patient toil, comes annually 400,000 bushels of wheat, and a million bushels of shelled corn, and other cereals in like proportion.

Samuel Collins

AMUElJ COLLINS, who is numbered with the retired business citizens of Lima, was formerly largely interested in the grocery line here, accumulating a competency and taking his place with men who have contributed largely to the development of Lima as a business center. Mr. Collins was born in Belmont County, Ohio, March 6, 1824, and is a son of John and Rachel (Cunningham) Collins.

The grandparents of our subject were residents of Pennsylvania. From that State his parents removed as pioneers to Belmont County, Ohio. They belonged to that hardy, industrious class who led contented, agricultural lives and reared families which have made Ohio notable in every line of activity. Their nine children grew to maturity and all became respected members of the communities in which they subsequently settled. The parents left Belmont County in 1834 and moved to Logan County, where they lived the remainder of their lives.

Samuel Collins grew up on his father's farm and attended the local schools. It was in 1852 that he came to Lima and established himself in the grocery business, in what is now known as the Boone Block, where he continued until he built the Collins Block in 1874, which he now owns and where he now makes his home. For many years he continued in business, took a prominent part in public matters, supported movements for various public improvements and at all times did his full duty as a man and citizen. In 1865 he retired from the grocery business and from that time to this he has been engaged in caring for his extensive

In 1847 Mr. Collins was married to Mary Brinser, a daughter of Christian Brinser. To them \yere born three children, viz : Rose, wife of J. Hinkle, deceased February 14, 1902; Daniel, who married Emma Pierson and resides in Lima; and Perry, who married Catherine Fenlon and makes bis home in Detroit, Michigan, where he is engaged in merchandising. Mrs. Collins died December 21, 1903. Mr. Collins is a Democrat and for some years he was active politically. In 1861 he was elected sheriff of Allen County and served with great efficiency until 1865. Fraternally he is a member of the Odd Fellows and the Red Men. His portrait accompanies this sketch.

ON. JAMES MACKENZIE. The late Judge Mackenzie, long a resident and leading citizen of Lima, both inherited and won fame. As the son of his father he was distinguished, but he was more so because of his own brilliant intellect and conspicuous services in the editorial field and as a member of the bench and bar of Northwestern Ohio. He was born in Dundee, Scotland, July 14, 1814, and was a son of William Lyon Mackenzie, M. P.

William Lyon Mackenzie was born in Scotland, March 12, 1795. In 1820 he removed to Canada and four years later established the Colonial Advocate at Toronto. In 1828 he was elected to the Provincial Parlia- ment for York and at once entered upon a public career that aroused both personal enthusiasm and gVjeat animosity. He was the leader of the great Reform party and in 1832, upon the termination of his first service in Parliament, was sent as a delegate to London with a petition of grievances. Elected the first mayor of Toronto, in 1834, he continued to insist on reformatory movements in every branch of the government, publicly attacked the Lieutenant General of the Dominion in his newspaper, the Constitution, and in 1837, despairing of redress, headed a band of armed insurgents who demanded of this high official a settlement of grievances complained of. Long since, reforms far more radical than ever demanded by Mackenzie and his followers have been granted, but the times were not yet ripe and the reformer was excluded from Canada, and resided in the United States until the amnesty proclamation of 1849, when he returned to Canada and was there conspicuous in public life until his death, being a member of Parliament from 1850 until 1858. His death occurred at Toronto in 1861.

James Mackenzie learned the printing business with his father and could not fail to be in sympathy with the latter in his great ideas for the free government of Canada. In 1837 he came to the United States and took part with the insurgents in the fighting on the frontier, with youthful enthusiasm assisting in all the insurrectionary movements. He was his father's closest friend and sympathizer and later he started a newspaper at Lockport, New York, designed to help the Canadian cause, naming it the Freeman's Advocate. This journal was widely circulated, especially along the frontier, but was discontinued in 1839 for reasons of expediency.

At a later date Mr. Mackenzie was engaged by Vick & Company, of Rochester, New York, who were then conducting a daily paper - the Workingmen's Advocate - in the interests of the American working man, as their editor, and when they sold out to a successor who established the Rochester Advertiser, Mr. Mackenzie continued on that journal for a time in the capacity of reporter and local editor. From Rochester Mr. Mackenzie came to

Ohio and located at Cleveland where he resumed his law studies which he had previously commenced at Lockport, New York, and was prepared by the firm of Bishop & Backus for the bar, to which he was admitted in 1843.

His selection of a field for practice was Henry County, Ohio, and while awaiting cases he taught school and entered into politics, being elected township clerk and, in 1844, prosecuting attorney of Henry County. The latter position he resigned in 1845 and removed to Putnam County, where he could not resist the temptation to reenter journalism, purchasing the Kalida Venture, a paper, of Democratic politics, which was generously supported in Putnam and other counties as soon as he assumed its management and which he ably conducted for 10 years. He soon became a leader in political life in Putnam County and in 1846 was elected prosecuting attorney, being subsequently re-elected in 1848 and 1850. In 1853 he was elected a member of the Ohio State Legislature and after a term of faithful service was again made prosecuting attorney of Putnam County in 1856.

The removal of Mr. Mackenzie to Allen County in 1858 was only a breaking of old ties to make new ones. For two and a half years he was editor and publisher of the Allen County Democrat, and in 1861 and 1863^ was elected prosecuting attorney of Allen County. In the fall of 1865 he was elected judge of the Court of Common Pleas, to supply the vacancy occasioned by the death of Judge Metcalf, was elected judge in 1869 and again in 1874, completing his long term of judicial service in February, 1879, retiring from the bench with the respect and esteem of the members of the bar of Allen, Putnam and Shelby counties.

Upon leaving the bench, Judge Mackenzie resumed the practice of the law at Lima, in partnership with Theodore D. Robb. Added years only brought increased honors and his name is numbered with the eminent ones of his profession in his adopted State. He was a man scrupulously upright and he never could be convinced that a question was right unless his judgment told him so. This solid judicial sense, with a kind of intellectual honesty and freedom from all Lias, made him admirably fitted for so responsible a position as that of judge. He was also an effective advocate and his wise counsel preserved peace on many occasions when a less honest man would have advocated appealing to the machinery of the law.

Judge Mackenzie was married to Lucina P. Leonard, and they had seven children, the two sons being Eugene C. and William L, the latter being a member of the law firm of Hotter, Mackenzie & Weadock, of Lima.

In closing this review of a notable man, it is right to add that all during the Civil War Judge Mackenzie's sympathies were with the Union cause, his inherent love of liberty and freedom making him all his life opposed to slavery. He died at Lima, Ohio, on the 9th of May, 1901. His death left a great vacancy among the ranks of a profession which, in Allen County, has numbered many brilliant men.

I AVIS J. CABLE, senior member of the well-known law firm of Cable & Parmenter, of Lima, and an attorney of acknowledged ability, who has been in active practice for almost a quarter of a century, was born in Van Wert County, Ohio, August 11, 1859, and is a son of John I and Angie R. (Johnson) Cable.

Joseph Cable, the paternal grandfather of our subject, settled in Ohio prior to its admission as a State. He was one of the distinguished men of his time. From 1849 t° J853 he represented the Fifth Congressional District of Ohio, composed of Columbiana, Stark, Jefferson and Carroll counties, in the United States Congress and is noted further as being the author of the first homestead bill presented to Congress. He edited the first newspaper, issued at (New) Lisbon, Columbiana County, and later was associate justice of the State. The maternal grandfather, Davis Johnson, was one of the early pioneers of Van Wert County.

Davis J. Cable was reared in Van Wert County, where the family has always been a prominent one. On completing the common school course, he turned his attention to the law, subsequently entering the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. He then came to Lima, was admitted to the bar in 1881 and entered into practice. In 1882 he was elected city solicitor. The firm of Cable & Parmenter, which was formed in 1888, is one of the strongest in the county and handles a large part of the important cases coming before the various courts. Their wellappointed and commodious offices are located at No. 304 Masonic Building, Lima.

Mr. Cable organized The Lima Telephone & Telegraph Company and is now and has been for some years the president of the same. He was one of the organizers of the National Roofing Tile Company, of which he has always been secretary. He was the originator and one of the promoters of the Fort Wayne, Van Wert & Lima Traction Company and is at present vice-president and counsel of this company.

In 1882 Mr. Cable was married to Mary A. Harnly. They have a delightful home that they call "Springside Farm," which is located in the city environs.

Mr. Cable is a prominent Mason and has served as master of both the local lodges. Mr. Cable was one of the organizers of The Masonic Hall Company, of which he became president and served as such during the erection of the Masonic Building and for two years thereafter. While not an active politician, he has always been alert as to public conditions and has constantly performed every duty of a good citizen.

ON THEODORE E. CUNNINGHAM. Probably no citizen of Lima has passed off the active scene of life within the last quarter of a century, who possessed in higher degree the different qualities which command respect and encourage admiration and personal affection than the late Theodore E. Cunningham, who for many years was one of the leading members of the bar. Few men of his profession have left a more lasting impress upon the

.community. He was born October 31, 1830, in Wayne County, Ohio, and died April 16, 1889, at Lima, Ohio, aged 59 years. His parents were Dr. William and Anna (Ewalt) Cunningham.

Mr. Cunningham came of a combination of Scotch, Irish and French stock. Archibald C. Cunningham, his paternal grandfather, came to Ohio in 1821 from Washington County, Pennsylvania, taking up a large tract of farming land in Wayne County. His son William turned his attention to medicine and in January, 1832, came to Allen County, settling in the locality and among the straggling cottages which then represented the now thriving and important city of Lima. Here he, too, soon had a home, building his log cabin on what is now the southeast corner. of the Public Square. He became a well-known practitioner and a man who was as highly considered for his professional skill as he was for his sterling traits of character.

Dr. William Cuninngham married Anna Ewalt, who was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, being a descendant of an old Huguenot family which once owned estates along the Rhine. Seven children were born to Dr. and Mrs. Cunningham, the three survivors of these being: Eliza, a resident of Lima, wife of Josiah Williams; Clementine, wife of W. K. Brice, and Sarah B., wife of George Morris, of Putnam County, Ohio.

Theodore E. Cunningham attended school at Lima until about 16 years of age, when he was apprenticed to the printing business, entering the office of the Kalida Venture, which was under the editorial management of James Mackenzie. He remained three years with this journal, and then came to Lima as associate editor of the Lima Argus, which, in 1852, in partnership with William C. Tompkinson, he bought. This paper, previously had been owned by Mathias H. Nichols and at that time was the only newspaper printed in the town. In 1854 he retired in order to take up his law practice, having been admitted to the bar in 1852, following the completion of his law studies with the firm of Nichols & Waldorf. He was succeeded on the Argus by

Thomas M. Robb, who continued the paper until 1855 when Mr. Cunningham and a Mr. Poland took possession of the office. After, a year, during which period they conducted the paper under the title of the People's Press, Mr. Cunningham retired entirely from connection with the publication.

In the meantime he had entered into a law partnership with Mr. Waldorf, which continued until i860, when he was commissioned a member, of the Board of Enrollment of the Fifth District of Ohio and attended to these duties through the period of the Civil War. In politics he was a Democrat. In 1866 he was elected a delegate to the Philadelphia convention, and in 1873 was elected from Allen County as a member of the Ohio State Constitutional Convention. The able manner in which he here represented his constituents is a matter of history. He entered into political contests with the courage of his convictions and fought long and well, even when he foresaw defeat. He was long considered one of the ablest members of the Lima bar, not only on account of his native ability and intellectual force but also for other qualities. He was a man of magnetic presence, an orator who could hold his audience spellbound and a conversationalist whose slightest effort brought new and entertaining views to light. Then he was so genuine. When he gave the clasp of friendship, he meant it, and even when, in course of conducting a case, his facts and arguments bore heavily on his opponent, there was no personal malice and no professional arrogance. He was a man of refined, scholarly tastes, an incisive writer and a man of wide reading. To him those in need of advice or sympathy naturally turned and, without consideration of financial obligation, none was ever turned aside.

In 1855 Mr. Cunningham was married to Elizabeth Hyatt, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, who died February 5, 1904, aged 72 years. To them were born six children.

Hon. William H. Cunningham, now filling the responsible and honorable office of judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Allen County, is a son of Hon. Theodore E.

Cunningham, the subject of this sketch. He was first elected to his present position in 1898 and was reelected in 1902. He has every qualification for able work at the bar and is regarded as an honor to the bench and bar of Lima. He is noted for the fair and impartial decisions that have characterized his service on the common pleas bench.

Judge Cunningham read law in his father's office and was admitted to the bar in 1876, beginning at once the practice of his profession in Lima. He is a strong Democrat and no man in Allen County or this section of the State stands higher in the estimation of his fellow-citizens than he. In his fraternal relations he is a Mason, an Odd Fellow, an Elk and a Red Man. His wife, whose name before marriage was Emma L. Funk, died in 1888, leaving one son, Allan, who is now engaged in business in Texas.

B. HINER, M. D., one of the most prominent physicians and surgeons of Lima and president of the Lima Hospital, was born in 1838 in Wayne County, Ohio, and is a son of John Hiner, one of the early settled agriculturists of that section.

S. B. Hiner enjoyed the best educational advantages that the time and locality afforded in his boyhood and youth. In 1864 he was graduated in medicine from the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, and immediately afterward he entered the Union Army as an assistant surgeon, being detailed to hospital work at Knoxville, Tennessee. He remained there until the spring of 1865. After the close of the war, he located at Lima, Ohio, where he has continued in practice ever since. Perhaps not the "Nestor" of the profession here, but surely one of the most eminent, Dr. Hiner is respected, beloved and valued all over the city. He has been president of the Lima Hospital eyer since its founding and his skill and professional ability as well as his executive capacity have made the position especially his own. He has been president of the Allen County Medical Society and the Northwestern Medical Association and in addition to having membership in these two societies has also membership in the Ohio State Medical Society and the-American Medical Association and the Association of Erie Railroad'. Surgeons.

It was principally through Dr. Hiner's efforts that the first steps were taken toward organizing the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association. He was one of those who brought: about the joint meeting of the medical societies of Allen and Van Wert counties, held at Lima on April 4, 1869. It was then and there pro posed that a medical society should be formed to include the counties of Allen, Van Wert,. Putnam, Auglaize, Hardin, Hancock, and Mercer, which constituted the congressional district. At this meeting he proposed that another meeting be held the following June. He again wrote to the physicians in this congressional district and a very creditable meeting was the result. Physicians from Lima, Wapakoneta, Kenton, Mendon, Delphos, Ottawa,. Van Wert, Columbus Grove, St. Marys and Spencerville - in all, 20 - were present at this meeting, which was held June 1, 1869. At this time a permanent organization was effected and the constitution and by-laws adopted. The first president of the association was Dr. W. H. Harper, who was elected in 1899. Dr. Hiner was elected president in 1881. It was not until December, 1871, that the territorial limits were so changed as to include all of Northwestern Ohio.

Dr. Hiner has been the surgeon for the Chicago & Erie Railroad ever, since transportation over that line began, and for a like period has been surgeon for the Detroit Southern and the Western Ohio. Through post-graduate courses in New York, Dr. Hiner has kept up with modem methods of thought and practice and his years of varied experience have added to his skill.

Dr. Hiner is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Fraternally he belongs to the Masons and the Knights of Pythias. He has two sons - Edward W. and Harry C., - both residents of Lima. A portrait of Dr. Hiner accompanies this sketch, being shown on a foregoing page.

Liver Boston Selfridge

LIVER BOSTON SELFRIDGE, manager of the Timcs-Dcmocrat, was born in Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio, and is the second son of O. B. and E. E. Selfridge. With his par- -ents and the other members of their family, he came to Lima in the autumn of 1865, and this city has since been his home. He received Tiis education in the Lima Union Schools, and, after completing the course, in order to equip himself for his future work in the newspaper field and to become perfectly familiar with all the details pertaining to the publishers' profession, he entered a local printing office and learned the printer's trade in all of its branches.

In 1879, in partnership with E. B. Halladay, he began the publication of a Democratic weekly newspaper called the Democratic Times, and five years later during Grover Cleveland's first campaign launched a daily edition of the same newspaper. Five years later this newspaper was consolidated with the Allen County Democrat and the present name Times-Dcmocrat was adopted.

In 1887 Mr. Selfridge was married to Anna E. Brice, the eldest sister of the late Senator Calvin S. Bruce. Their children consist of two sons, Oliver Brice Selfridge and Calvin F. Selfridge, aged respectively 16 and 14 years. They are intelligent and courteous young men, with every indication of a great and useful future.

The subject of this sketch, in addition to his newspaper work, is identified with a number of Lima's leading business enterprises. He is the controlling spirit in The O. B. Selfridge Company, a corporation doing an extensive manufacturing business. He is a stockholder in The First National Bank, The Metropolitan Bank, The Lima Trust Company and other enterprises.

He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Elks and the Knights of Pythias. He is a consistent member of the Market Street Presbyterian Church. Mr. Selfridge has long been recognized as a trenchant writer. His pen has a power not often found in the hands of the country's able editors. His standing as a citizen is of the highest rank and his influence is always found on the side of the common people, stoutly maintaining the integrity of manhood at all times. His guiding hand is constantly seen in the growing city of Lima, and his usefulness extends to all classes and conditions of life.

EORGE H. METHEANY, secretary and manager of The Lima Telephone & Telegraph Company, and also interested in other successful enterprises, was born at Lima, and is a son of Charles A. Metheany.

The father of Mr. Metheany was born at Wapakoneta, Auglaize County, Ohio, and came to Lima in boyhood when the present busy, prospering city was only a village. He served for 21 years as chief clerk for the Cincincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railway, was a water-works trustee, served in the City Council and for a long period was connected with the old Lima National Bank. After a long and useful life he died in 1903. His three sons are: George H., of this sketch; A. L., who is assistant city engineer of Lima ; and C. F., who for 20 years was chief clerk of the motive power department of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railway.

George H. Metheany was reared and educated at Lima. For three years he was assistant to the city engineer and for two years was in the office of the Board of City Water-Works and then went into the Postoffice and remained there four years under Postmasters George Hall and William R. Mehaffey. When The Lima Telephone & Telegraph Company was organized, he accepted its management. He started with 250 telephones but the number increased rapidly under his management and he now has 2200 telephones in the city and country and gives an entirely satisfactory service to the patrons. In 1903 appreciation of his work was shown by his election as secretary of the company.

The Lima Telephone & Telegraph Company was organized and incorporated in August, 1895, with $150,000 common stock and $100,000 preferred. The officers of the company are: Davis J. Cable, president; William H. Duffield, treasurer; and George H. Mer{ irr Ji gr i , i o:> f

RANCIS 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 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, as some of the notable modern undertakings of the present appeared 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 Allen county. 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 success 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.

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 in the county, and is the senior member of the Stallkamp Grocery & Queensware Companq. 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.

W. ARGUE, one of the prominent business men of Lima, a leader in the oilproducing business and identified with many of the city's important and successful business enterprises, is a native of Canada, where his early life was spent and where his education was secured.

fields of Pennsylvania and thence to Bolivar,. New York, and in 1901 he came to Lima, where he became largely interested in the oil fields. He has other interests in the fields of Kansas, Indian Territory and Oklahoma, having some 60 wells in the West and about 90 in Ohio. His properties are all wonderfully productive and conveniently located. He is one of the directors of The Lima Trust Company and is a member of its finance committee. In his many business combinations, Mr. Argue has shown the acumen and foresight of a real captain of industry and has a financial standing which has made him a dominating force in the city's commercial life. During his resdence here he has also proven himself a citizen who performs with credit to himself and satisfaction to others, the multiform duties imposed upon a man of large and important affairs.

Mr. Argue was married in 1880 to Eva Allport, formerly of Canada, and they have four children, viz. : May, Edith, Ethel and Walter. The eldest daughter has recently returned from a delightful European trip. The family isprominent in the city's social life.

ON. JAMES LATIMER PRICE. The roster of distinguished jurists whohave brought honor to the bench and bar of Ohio contains no better known name than that of James Latimer Price, formerly judge of the Third Judicial Circuit, and now judge of the Supreme Court of the State of Ohio. Judge Price was born at New Hagerstown, Carroll County, Ohio. March 27, 1840, and is a son of Benjamin and Nancy (Douglas) Price.

The family came to Ohio from Pennsylvania in 1810, and the children were reared on the home farm, which, in our subject's boyhood, still offered many hard struggles before Nature was finally subjugated. Although his mind was set on other things and his ambitions reached far beyond the tilling of the soil. Judge Price has always recognized the value of that early training. During the winter months he attended the country schools,.

and later took a full course at the New Hagerstown Academy, where he was graduated in 1859. He entered immediately upon the study of the law under Gen. E. R. Eckley, at Carrolton, where he remained until April, 1865, removing then to Van Wert. There he entered into a law partnership with Judge Ira D. Clark, which continued for three years. Ira P. Shissler then became a member of the firm and the business was thereafter continued for some 10 years.

In 1883 Judge Price came to Lima and entered into partnership with Judge Geoge W. Overmeyer, which continued until 1887. Since that time Judge Price, when not on the bench, has practiced alone. His first official position was that of prosecuting attorney for Carroll County, in 1862; after removing to Van Wert County, he was elected to the office of prosecuting attorney three consecutive terms, serving in all six years - from 1868 to 1874. In November, 1894, he was elected judge of the Third Judicial Circuit for a term of six years, being elected in one of the greatest Democratic strongholds of the State. His election was not in the nature of a Republican triumph, of which party he has long been an active member, but was essentially a tribute to the man.

Judge Price was married on January 1, 1862, to Martha Guiney, of New Hagerstown, Ohio, who died in August, 1866. He was married second, on March 8, 1868, to Elizabeth Marshall, of Van Wert, Ohio, a member of a well-known family in the State. His one son, Charles F., is a journalist, who was formerly city editor of the Lima Daily Times and correspondent of the Cincinnati Enquirer, and has also been connected with the Lima Gazette. Judge Price is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Fraternally he is a Mason and a member of Shawnee Commandery, No. 14, Knights Templar.

Judge Price was elected a member of the Supreme Court Bench in the fall of 1901 and entered upon the duties of his office in February, 1902. As a lawyer he early took a place among the leading practioners at the local bar, his gifts as an orator and his capacity for close and logical reasoning making him an effective advocate. When called from private practice to assume more onerous duties, his course was marked by the sound judgment required in a jurist, and during the long period in which he lias presided as judge he has proven himself to be one of the ablest men who ever administered justice in a State, which points with justifiable pride to its untarnished bench. The people have testified to their confidence by frequent reelections ; he has been honored in every possible way by the bench and bar, and no man stands higher in personal integrity.

ALTER B. RICHIE, one of the leading members of the bar at Lima, and senior member of the law firm of Richie & Richie, is also vice-president of The First National Bank of this city and in every way is a prominent and representative- citizen. He was born January 24, 1851, in Van Wert County, Ohio, and is a son of John and Sarah (Eaton) Richie, substantial farmers.

Mr. Richie spent his boyhood and youth on his father's farm and obtained his education in the public schools. His natural inclinations led him to desire a professional life and after several years of careful preparation he was admitted to the bar on April 2, 1875. His untiring industry, honest purpose and faithfulness to his clients soon placed him in the path of success where his abilities have kept him until now he stands with the eminent men of the law in this part of the State. His law firm is considered a strong combination and it has the

Mr. Richie was married to Catherine Eaton, who is a daughter, of Reason B. Eaton, of Bucyrus, Ohio. They are leading members of the Presbyterian Church. Their beautiful home is situated at No. 606 West North street.

Mr. Richie is one of the city's philarH thropic and public-spirited men. He is very prominent in fraternal life and is associated with the Odd Fellows, the Masons, the Knights

HOHN DAVISON, superintendent qf the public schools of Lima, is an educator of almost 30 years' experience and is well-known and appreciated all over the State. He was born in Allen County, Ohio, on the 22d day of July, 1858, and is one of a family of four children born to his parents, Amaziah and Eliza (Nye) Davison.

The Davison family is an old one in Ohio, the parents of our subject having resided on a large estate in the vicinity of West Newton, Allen County, for more than half a century. His grandfather, Joseph Davison, was born in Virginia, and there grew to manhood. Before he came to Ohio, where his last years were spent, he had become prominent in his native State and had served in the General Assembly. Amaziah Davison, father of our subject, was born in Virginia and there followed farming before his removal to Ohio, where he engaged in similar work.

John Davison's education was a liberal one, including attendance at the lpcal schools and the Ohio Normal University at Ada, from which noted institution he was most creditably graduated in 1879.

From the university Mr. Davison immediately entered the educational field, teaching first in the public schools and later in the normal department of Lima College, where his efficiency was so generally recognized as an instructor of teachers that universal regret was expressed when he left this institution to accept the chair of English literature and language in the Ohio Northern University, where he succeeded Prof. Warren Darst, also a wellknown educator. For five years, until he came to Lima to take charge of the schools, Mr. Davison was identified with that great educational institution, where he was instructor to classes which averaged 300 students. In assuming the superintendency of the public schools of Lima.

The schools of Lima have always been of a high order, in keeping with the superior intelligence and high character of the city's founders. Mr. Davison has proven himself well equipped for the work he has undertaken. He possesses the university training which is almost a necessity,- as well as the native ability, the well-balanced judgment and tact, the required social culture and years of experience.

In 1886 Mr. Davison was married to Clara E. Hay, a daughter of James Hay, who was a pioneer of Allen County. Her father was born in Ireland and died in this country. Mr. Davison's politics are Republican. He and his wife reside at No. 734 West Market street.

|\COB M. HALLER, deceased, formerly one of Lima's leading business men, was well-known all over the county by reason of his connection with an extensive real estate business. Mr. Haller was born March 30, 1838, in Fairfield County, Ohio, and was a son of J. B. and Leah (Myers) Haller.

The Haller family is of German extraction and the parents of Mr. Haller came to Ohio from one of the counties of Pennsylvania, bringing yvith them habits of thrift and industry. They settled first in Fairfield County, but after the birth of our subject moved to German township, Allen County, where the remainder of their lives was spent. They reared five children, of whom our subject was the eldest.

Jacob M. Haller's boyhood was spent in attending to farm duties and in obtaining his education in the local district school. When he reached the years of discretion, he decided to devote his energies to business pursuits rather than to agricultural, and his tastes also led him into politics to more or less degree. Prior to establishing his large real estate business in 1881, he had traveled extensively while associated with several leading business houses, but after that date he gave his attention exclusively to his property interests. He was succeeded in the same line by his son, Jacob W. Haller, who conducts probably the largest real estate business in Lima, His offices are located at No. 23734 North Main street.

Mr. Haller was married December 10, 1857, to Anna Stevenson and they had three children, viz : Christiana, wife of A. O. Deweese, of Columbus, Grove. Ohio; Jacob W. and Frank. Mrs. Haller still survives and occupies the comfortable family home at No. 523 North Jameson avenue.

In i860 Mr. Haller was elected assistant auditor of Allen County and in 1863 was elected recorder, in which office he served for, six years. He was favorably and widely known, was scrupulously honest as a public official and as a private citizen and at all times endeavored to promote the welfare of the community.

WEN FRANCIS, a substantial and representative citizen of Lima, president of the Citizens' Loan & Building Company, was born in Wales, January 18, 1841, and is a son of Ellis and Catherine (Jones) Francis, both natives of Wales.

Our subject's parents came to America in 1852, settling for a few years in Pennsylvania, but later locating permanently in the rich farming districtsNof Ohio. Ellis Francisz-resided in Putnam County from 1855 to 1862, in which year he came to Allen County, where he died in 1879, survived by six of his eight children.

Owen Francis, the eldest of the children, was reared a farmer boy, and obtained his education in the localities in which the family was settled during his youth. Almost before he had formed any settled plans for his future, the Civil War broke out, and early in 1861 he donned a suit of Union blue. After three months of service in the 21st Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., he reenlisted in the same year

Company A, 57th Reg., Ohio, Vol. Inf., which he rose from private through successive promotions to be 1st lieutenant, being commissioned on September 19, 1864, these promotions being the result of personal valor and military ability. On March 12, 1865, near Fayetteville, North Carolina, while in charge of a foraging party, he was captured ; he was held as a prisoner of war for two months, part of the time in the Bennettsville (South Carolina) jail. He was finally paroled, but as the war closed soon after, he never saw more service with his regiment. At the time of his capture, the colonel of his regiment had forwarded to the War Department a recommendation that Mr. Francis be given a captain's commission, but this he never received.

Mr. Francis returned to Allen County after his military service and in 1873 he was married to Annie J. Lewis, a native of Wales, but when married living in Delaware, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Francis have four children: Nannie, Richard Ellis, Edna and Hugh Lewis. The family home is located at No. 125 South West street.

In 1882 Mr. Francis established himself at Lima in the boot and shoe business, which he carried on until April, 1900. He is a business man whose prosperity well represents the commercial importance of this city. Personally he is held in the highest esteem, the confidence reposed in his reliability as well as capacity being; shown by his selection as president of the Citizens' Loan & Building Company, a flourishing" enterprise of Lima, which has been in business for almost a quarter of a century. The 23rd annual report of the company, given December 31, 1904, showed total assets amounting to $745,822.83, of which $717,040.00 was in loans on mortage security. The increase in amount of assets for the year, was $40,436.02.

W. HENDERSON, M. D., of West Cairo, was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, June 29, 1857. In early life he worked on a farm and attended school in the country and was left homeless at the age of 1 5. The following year he taught his first term of school in Ross township, Greene County, Ohio, and contiiiued this vocation for 18 years. He married Emma Diefenderfer, of Hancock County, Ohio, on January 7th, 1885. They taught school after they were married and attended the Ohio Normal

Dr. Henderson graduated from Starling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio, in 1892 and located in West Cairo in 1894, having practiced two years prior to this in Vaughnsville, Ohio. He later took a post-graduate course, and so far has made a general practice his specialty.

ALTER H. STANDISH, deceased, for many years a resident of Lima, closely identified with its business, public and social life, died April 1 5, 1904, a man sincerely mourned by the whole community. Mr. Standish was born in this city, January 4, 1841, and was a son of Henry and Amanda (Beemus) Standish.

The parents of Mr. Standish were natives of New York and came to Allen County, Ohio, about the year 1821. Henry Standish secured a large body of land in Amanda township where he lived a number of years but subsequently removed to Lima, where the remainder of his life was taken up in caring for his various investments. He was the father of eight children, seven of whom grew to maturity. Of these, Walter H., Wallace, Mrs. Angeline Hadsell and Mrs. Malvina Malby are deceased, while Marion and Mrs. Jerome Shockey, of Lima, Ohio, and Mrs. Lemuel Carlisle, of Avoca, Iowa, are living.

The late Walter H. Standish spent almost his whole life in Lima. Here he was educated and from here, in 1861. he enlisted in the 20th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., and served faithfully through his full term, and was honorably discharged. He returned home but ere long was again in his country's service, this time enlisting in the navy and serving in the Mississippi squadron, under Admiral Porter. During the whole period of his service his duties were faithfully performed and he set an example of obedience as well as bravery. After his second return to Lima, he began to look ahaut for a business location, finally deciding to visit Knoxville, Tennessee, where he spent two years in the dry goods business. In 1865 he came home and followed the same line of business for a year and then engaged for five years in business at Toledo. In 1877 he returned to Lima and settled here permanently, engaging in an extensive merchantile business until 1885, when he established a cooperage manufacturing industry, operating factories in various parts of the State.

Mr. Standish was married on February 12, 1872, to Florence Self ridge, who is a daughter of the late O. B. Selfridge, Sr. They have two children, Harold S. and Miles W. Mrs. Standish still survives and resides af No. 512 West Market street.

In all that goes to make a good citizen, Mr. Standish was notable. He was honest and upright in business, was loyal and patriotic both during and following the war, was a sincere friend and a devoted husband and father. Not very active in politics, he still took enough interest to endeavor to bring about good legislation. He was for several terms president of the City Council and chairman of the Board of Equalization. The fraternal organizations to which he gave support were the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and the Masonic order ; in the last mentioned order he held the office of junior warden of Shawnee Commandery, No. 14, K. T., of Lima.

EORGE FELTZ, county auditor of Allen County, was born in Seneca County Ohio, March 18, 1843. and is a son of Florentz and Margaret (Loefler) Feltz.

The parents were born in Germany, where the father followed the occupation of gardening. He served in the French Army for nine years and came to the United States in 1840, settling first in Seneca County. Ohio, where he engaged in farming until 1850. when he removed to Mercer County, where he died , aged 85 years and four months. He had two children.

Rev. Harrison Maltbie

then engaged in teaching for some seven years at Sidney, Ohio, and other points. In 1867 he came to Allen County, engaged in the insurance business and established and was the editor and proprietor of the Lima Courier. He was very active in the organizing of building and loan associations ; the three that he was instrumental in establishing proved beneficial to all concerned. For 30 years he was secretary and manager of building and loan associations at Lima and at present is on the board of directors of The Citizens' Loan and Building Association.

Mr. Feltz is serving his second term as auditor of Allen County, having been first elected to the office in 1900 and reelected in 1903.' In every way he has been an acceptable official, conscientiously discharging every duty and being faithful to every trust.

Mr. Feltz was united in marriage with Elizabeth Holtgreve, who is a daughter of Anthony Holtgreve, of Delphos. Ohio. Mrs. Feltz was formerly a popular and successful teacher in Van Wert and Auglaize counties. They have four children, viz: Leander A.,

Albin G., Arthur C.. and Otmar J. Leander A. is secretary and manager of The Citizens' Loan and Building Association, of Lima ; Albin G. and Otmar J. are managers of the dry goods store of Feltz Brothers & Company, of Lima, while Arthur C. is assistant cashier of The Ohio National Bank, of Lima.

Mr. Feltz is a finished musician and for 30 years has been organist of St. Rose's Catholic Church, to which he and his family belong. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Elks.

LEXANDER HAMILTON McCOY, deceased, was torn in Madison County, Ohio, October 18, 1831, and died at his home, located in section 24, Shawnee township, Allen County, June 15, 1905. after a brief illness of one week. He was laid to rest in Shawnee Cemetery after impressive services by Rev. James Mount, of Van Wert, who was pastor when Mr. McCoy united with the church in 1861, and Rev. J. H. Smith, of Allentown, a former, teacher of his children. His death was a serious loss to the community and one from which it will be long in recovering. A man of strong character, sterling worth and uncompromising principles of honor, he was unostentatious and preferred doing his many deeds of kindness in a quiet and unnoticeable manner, thus following the precepts of the Master. He was a Republican and a prohibitionist- who based his theories on facts devolved from a careful study of the situation. He was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church to which he was a liberal contributor both of his time and his means.

His parents were David W. and Esther (Gillespie) McCoy, the former a native of West Virginia, born in 1805, and the latter a native of New York. They were married in Fayette County, Ohio, in 1830, and in 1837 located in section 26, Ridge township, Van Wert County, where David W. McCoy had entered 360 acres of government land. There were few white families in the township at that time and their family was reared in true pioneer manner. There were four children, viz : Alexander H., the subject of these memoirs; Sarah Jane, deceased wife of Enoch Longsworth; William C, a resident of Rockford, Ohio; and Eleanor,, widow of David Harnly, of Van Wert, Ohio.

Alexander Hamilton McCoy came to Allen County in 1883 in the month of October, and engaged in farming and carpentering. He was married March 7, 1861, to Margaret A. Maltbie, of LaFayette, Allen County. Mrs. McCoy was born in Centerville, Montgomery County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Rev. Harrison and Susannah (Dowling) Maltbie. To Mr. and Mrs. McCoy were torn seven children, namely : David Harrison, who married Mollie Why man, of Spencerville, and resides on the State road ; Jennie, wife of Charles Adgate Hover and the mother of two children - Myra Ethel and Harry Howard ; Josephine, wife of Charles Edman, who resides near Hume - they have one child, Velma Lenore; George Albert, who married Ada Roberts, of Van Wert, and has three children, Jesse Ralph, Albert Russell and Margaret - they live on the old McCoy farm;

Silas Arthur, who lives at home; Myra Luella, who died at the age of seven years; and Francis Maltbie, who married Edith Peters, of Henry, Illinois, and has charge of the home farm.

Benjamin Maltbie, the grandfather of Mrs. McCoy, came from Connecticut to Montgomery County, Ohio, where her father, Harrison Maltbie, was born and reared a short distance below Dayton. He attended Lane Seminary on Walnut Hill, Cincinnati, walking a distance of five miles daily, that he might unravel the mysteries of the Greek and Latin languages. It was not his good fortune to graduate from this school, however, as an epidemic of cholera caused a cessation of studies. For several years he was engaged in teaching in Centerville and other places and then took up the work of the ministry, in which he was wonderfully successful. He preached at various places, including St. Marys, Leipsic, Hardin, Delphos, Wapakoneta and other points. In 1847, either in January or February, he brought his family to Allen County where he had entered a large tract of land some three years before. With the exception of a few years, this was his home from that time until his death and is now the home of his daughter, our subject. He lived with Mr. and Mrs. McCoy from 1889 to May 27, 1892, when the star of his life sank low behind the western hills of life's horizon to shine with increased luster in the vale beyond. To his union with Susanna Dowling were born three children, viz : Silas Benjamin, a minister of the Gospel, who lives in Baltimore, Maryland; William Francis, who died May 5, 1905; and Margaret A. (McCoy). His second union was with Nancy Jane Wilkerson, by whom he had two children : James Hiram, who died in his fifth year, and Thomas A., who resides in Lima. His third marriage with Emily Jane Wilkerson, a cousin of his second wife, resulted in the birth of one child which died in infancy. He was married again to Ann Moore.

Mrs Margaret A. McCoy is a most estimable lady, whose pleasing personality has made her friends wherever she is known. In the church her unselfish devotion to the cause of right has made her an example well worthy of

ENRY F. DESENBERG a reputable agriculturist of German township, is a native of Allen County, having been born in Jackson township, October 16, 1867. He is a son of John and Rachel (Dickenson) Desenberg and a grandson of Jacob Desenberg, who came from Pennsylvania to Ohio, settling in Ashland County. The father removed at an early day from Ashland County to Jackson township, Allen County, where he died in 1876. The mother is still living.

Henry Desenberg was reared and educated in his native township and it was not until his 19th year that he located in German township and engaged in farming. He owns 40 acres of land in section 15 and resides on a tract of 42 acres, which descended to his children through his first wife. He has been twice married. On December 7, 1889, he was married to Princess East, daughter of Samuel East. She died March 21, 1900, leaving three children, - Harley, Grace and Princess. On August 10, 1901, he was married to Mrs. Hannah Beckman, widow of the late William L. Beckman and a daughter of Albert and Mary Ann Hunt, of Wood County, Ohio. Mr. Desenberg is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge at Elida and also of the Eldia Methodist Episcopal Church and is a man who is well liked and popular.

RED L. BATES, M. D., one of the most thoroughly equipped physicians and surgeons of Lima, and the junior member of the important firm of general practitioners, Vail & Bates, was born at Bryan, Ohio. November 29, 1866. and is a son of Rev. John L. and Mary (Law) Bates, being one of a family of two children. Fred L. Bates received his earlv educationt'rio :i :g > .

al training in the public schools and the Sidney High School, and then commenced his colgiate work in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. He read medicine with Dr. S. Brumbaugher, of Dayton, Ohio, was graduated at the American Eclectic Medical College in 1888, and then matriculated at the Cincinnati College__of Medicine and Surgery, where he was graduated in 1889. In 1896 he spent three months at the great Ormond Hospital for sick children, in London, England. Dr. Bates has built up a fine practice in Lima and the vicinity, and is known and respected as an able member of his profession. He has kept fully abreast of the times and in 1904 took a post-graduate course at the Chicago Polyclinic. He is instructor in anatomy and physiology in the training school for nurses of Lima Hospital, and was formerly professor of chemistry and advanced physiology in Lima College. He is assistant surgeon for the Pennsylvania and Lake Erie & Western railroads and medical examiner for the^Canada Life Assurance Association, the Washington Life Insurance Company, the Bankers' Life Insurance Company and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen. He is a valued member of the Allen County Medical Society, of the Ohio State Medical Society, of the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association and of the American Medical Association, attending their sessions and frequently contributing to their literature.

Besides being prominent in his profession, Dr. Bates is also one of the city's clear-headed, public-spirited citizens. For the past eight years he has been a member of the Lima Board of Education and has served as its able president. He has served on the medical staff of the Lima Hospital and in every way has demonstrated a helpful interest in the general welfare of the residents of the city where he makes his home.

In political sympathy Dr. Bates is a strong Republican. His fraternal connection is limited to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World. He has well and the Woodmen of the World. He has well appointed offices in the Opera House Block.

A. BENDURE, manager of the Lima §fl & Toledo Traction Company, at Lima, 1 and one of the city's foremost citizens, lii=g=ll] was born in Illinois but was reared and educated in Kansas, to which State his parents removed in his childhood.

Ever since entering into business life, Mr. Bendure has been more or less connected with big enterprises. He was first associated in Ottawa, Kansas, with a large flouring mill business, and later at Kansas City; subsequently he became interested in the manufacture of corn starch and glucose. He operated the first factory at Ottawa, which manufactured sugar from sorghum, and glucose from the ordinary sorghum seed, using 500 bushels of seed per day. The company with which he was interested manufactured granulated sugar that took first premium at the New Orleans Exposition. This factory was operated by the Franklin Sugar Company and the majority of the stock was owned in New York City.

In 1 88 r Mr. Bendure removed from Ottawa to Topeka and became foreman and custodian of the second incandescent electric light plant ever erected west of the Mississippi River. This was followed by an appointment as superintendent of the construction of two electric light plants, one at Ottawa and the other at Cherryvale, Kansas. In addition to these important contracts, Mr. Bendure built and operated, in connection with a gas plant at Pittsburg, Kansas, a third electric light plant and also an electric street railway system.

In 1892 he was called to Atchison, Kansas, where he transformed a horse-car line into an electric railway and built a large electric light plant which he operated as general manager for eight years, also contracting for and building water works and electric light plants at other points, his last work in this line in the West being at Paris, Missouri. Then, in 1902, he came to Lima where he accepted a position as general manager of The Lima Electric Railway & Light Company. He built an entire new system, power house, etc. Mr. Bendure is also a member of the executive committee of the National Roofing Tile Company. His location in this city has resulted in much benefit to the city, as he is just the type of man needed where enterprise and energy are appreciated and are sought. He is the originator of the Lima Progressive Association, is interested in numberless movements designed for the public welfare and he onjoys to the fullest extent the confidence and regard of the public. For years he has been a Mason.

On July 1, 1905, The Lima Electric Railway & Light Company was succeeded by the Lima & Toledo Traction Company, which has leased the property and has powers almost unlimited.

ALVIN HALLADAY. Among the early business men of Lima, none was held in higher esteem than the late Calvin Halladay, whose death took place April 30, 1900. He was born at Suffield, Connecticut, June 4, 1832, and was the second of four sons born to his parents, Edmond T. and Caroline (Noble) Halladay.

Although Connecticut was his birthplace, it was in Ohio that Calvin Halladay was developed into the capable young business man and still later into the prominent citizen and capitalist. When he came to Ohio, in 1848, he was 16 years of age, just out of school and dependent on his own resources. He entered into an apprenticeship agreement with a Mr. King, with whom he remained during the stipulated term, providently saving what he could of his meagre salary, so that he was possessed of a small capital when ready to engage in business for himhelf. His first partnership was as the junior member of the firm of Harriot & Halladay, merchants at Lima, which continued but eight months, when he went into partnership first with B. P. Holmes and later with a Mr. Browm the firm of Halladay & Brown doing business here for 14 years. The firm style was then changed to Halladay & Holmes and this partnership continued with great prosperity, until the death oUB. P. Holmes, when Mr. Halladay sold his interest to A. C. Stutson.

After closing up his business affairs at Lima, Mr. Halladay went into a mercantile business in Hardin County, where he continued for three years, never removing his residence, however, from this city. Subsequently he returned to Lima and resumed a business here on Main street, in which he was more or less interested until his death. He was a man of exceptional business ability and built up a large estate. Strict honesty in business dealings, loyalty to his friends and care in the promotion of the welfare of his family made him personally respected and esteemed, while his strict sense of justice and responsibility made him an ideal citizen.

Mr. Halladay was married on September 19, 1854, to Isabella Kincaid, and they had three children, as follows: Edgar B., residing in Chicago, who has two children - Clara and Calvin; Fannie K., wife of Thomas R. Shaw, an oil operator of Lima, who has two sons - Ralph and Allan; Lelia, wife of John C. Winchester, a merchant clothier of London, Ohio, who has two sons - Fred and James. Mrs. Halladay, one of the city's most highly respected ladies, resides in her comfortable and wellappointed home at No. 751 West Spring street. Mr. Halladay was a 33rd degree Mason and very prominent in the business and social circles of the city.

FORGE H. MEILY, one of the representative members of the Allen County bar, was born at Lima, Ohio, August 28, 1849, and is a son °f John H. and Catherine (Fisher) Meily.

John H. Meily was a very prominent citizen of Lima and was identified with many of the industries and with public affairs here for many years. He was born in 1817 at Lebanon, Pennsylvania, where he learned the business of weaving. He was skilled in all kinds of machinery as he was also an iron molder and after he removed to Mansfield, Ohio, in 1836, he worked at a foundry business for some 10 years. In 1846 he came to Lima, settling on the site now occupied by the Meily Block on North Main street, where he carried on the business of weaving coverlets. He built the first foundry in the county, which was located on the site of the Glohe Machine Works. Later he engaged extensively in the manufacture of brick and did much brick building in this city, including the large brick Meily Block on Main street, the hardware store room on the Public Square and other structures. He was also engaged in the sale of agricultural implements and dealt largely in real estate; in fact, he was a man whose energies were far beyond the average and who succeeded in all he undertook. For some years he was also a political factor and served for six years as county clerk. His busy and useful life closed in 1884, after some years of retirement. He had a family of nine children, all of whom were afforded far better advantages than he was given in youth. He was a man who commanded universal respect.

George H. Meily was educated in the excellent schools of his native city and in 1868 he began the study of the law, his preceptors being prominent legal lights of that time - Messrs. Lamison and Ballard. In August, 1871, he was admitted to the bar and to practice in the United States Courts in 1874. He has continued in practice in Lima until the present time and is well and favorably known all over this section. He has been interested at various times in many of the large transportation lines of the State, and was one of the promoters of the Columbus, Lima & Milwaukee, Columbus & Lake Michigan, Detroit, Toledo & Milwaukee, Lake Erie & Western, Chicago & Atlantic, Chicago & Erie and Michigan & Ohio.

Almost from the outset of his career, Mr. Meily has displayed a helpful interest in civic affairs, though a disinterested one, as he has been in no sense an office-seeker. His clients find him in his well-appointed office at No. 301 Opera House Block. His pleasant and comfortable home is located at No. 541 West Spring street.

HARLES COLLINS, M. D. One of the well-known members of the medical fraternity at Lima, who has won public confidence through professional skill, is Dr. Charles Collins. whose well-appointed offices are located in the Holland Block. Dr. Collins was born July 28, 1868, at Lima, Ohio, and belongs to an old family here.

After completing the course in the Lima public schools, Dr. Collins entered Wooster College, where he completed his literary training. He then read medicine with the wellknown physician and surgeon, Dr. Brooks, and from his tutelage went to Rush Medical College, Chicago, where he was graduated in 1894. In the same year he went to London, England, and studied for the two succeeding years, taking post-graduate courses in the world famed institutions of that great city.

Upon his return to Ohio in 1896, Dr. Collins settled at Li-ma, where he has built up a large and lucrative practice and is yearly adding to his reputation as a master of his science. He is a valued member of the Ohio State and Allen County Medical Societies, and of the American Medical Association.

Dr. Collins married Coleen Wright, and they have one daughter, Dorothy H. The pleasant family home is situated on the corner of High and Elizabeth streets. Mrs. Collins is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Politically Dr. Collins is identified with the Democrat party, but his large practice prevents his being very active in public matters.

MBROSE SNYDER has always resided in Jackson township, where he was born October 8, 1853, and where he is engaged in operating a farm of 120 acres, located in sections 14 and 24. He is a son of William and Elizaabeth (Matthias) Snyder, and grandson of Adam Snyder, a native of Pennsylvania, who was still a young man and unmarried when he came to Perry County, Ohio. There he was married and lived until about 1834, when he came to Allen County and entered seven or eight hundred acres of land. His children were William, Rebecca, John, Sarah, Mary, Leonard, Susanna, and Nancy.

William Snyder was born in Perry County, Ohio, November 19, 1828, and lias always been engaged in farming. He married Elizabeth Matthias who was born in the same county as he in 1830. They are well-known residents of Allen County, residing on a farm of So acres adjoining that of our subject. They are members of the Reformed Church and honorable, upright people. Their children are Leonard, of Paulding County, Ohio; Ambrose; Samuel, of Hardin County, Ohio; and Jacob, of Michigan. The maternal grandparents of our subject were Samuel and Elizabeth Matthias, who resided in Allen County during their later years.

Ambrose Snyder was married in 1875 to Amelia A. Shrider, who was born in Jackson township, Allen County, Ohio, in 1857, and is a daughter of George and Mary Jane (Clum) Shrider, formerly of Perry County. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Snyder, viz : Lulu, wife of James Zerbe ; Pearl, wife of Ira Grant ; Alice ; Lorum ; Clyde ; Guy ; Oscar and Paul. They also have three grandchildren. The family are pleasantly located in one of the attractive homes of the township, the result of their industry and thrift. They are members of the Lutheran Church, of which Mr. Snyder was formerly deacon, and is at present trustee. In politics he is a Democrat.

p|S||EORGE H. RANKINS, who owns a g fry fine farm of 80 acres in section 16, I Perry township, and is one of the reptggaegQj resentative men of his locality, was born May 11, 1846, at Westminster, Allen County, Ohio, and is a son of John and Anna (French) Rankins, the former a native of Warren County, Ohio, and the latter, of Trumbull County.

The Rankins family is of Scotch-Irish extraction; its founders settled in Virginia at a very early day. There the great-grandfather of our subject, John Rankins, who was a large planter of Stafford County, lived and died. He married Isabel Bryan and to them were born three children, namely: Frances, who married Benjamin Hutchison; Peter and George. After the death of John Rankins, his widow came to Ohio and lived in Clinton County at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Benjamin Hutchison, until her death.

was born in Stafford County, Virginia, September 1, 1797, and was 15 years old when he enlisted in the army during the war of 1812. In 1814 he removed to Warren County, Ohio, and it is said that he covered the greater part of the distance on foot, his one-horse wagon being used to carry the household goods. Those were days when a steel cooking range had not yet been evolved, and an iron cook stove was such a rare addition to the kitchen equipment that Mr. Rankins at one stage of the trip was almost a hero. The people with whom he stopped had purchased a cook stove but none of the family had yet learned to operate it. Mr. Rankins had been about enough to have learned its use and construction and he imparted his knowledge to the very grateful owners. In 1839 he came to Allen County and located on what is now the Thomas C. Roberts farm, on the Marion road, which property at that time was still covered by the primeval forest. For the following six years he engaged in teaming from Cincinnati to Lima for J. W. King. Occasionally the trip in bad weather required 21 days ; as there were no accommodations for travelers on the route, it was often necessary to camp along the road for several days. While engaged for Mr. King, he was gradually clearing his place, his cabin having been built before he located permanently. This log hut stood until some four years since and was habitable for a long time. He subsequently moved to another farm south of his first one, misfortune having fallen upon him on account of his going security for a neighbor. With the $300 he saved he secured forty acres of land, the best he could do with his limited capital, and although then 60 years old went manfully to work to clear a second farm. He married Wealthy Ann Tunget, who was born May 14, 1800, and was a daughter of John and Mary Tunget of Stafford County, Virginia. Mr. Rankins died on his farm in Perry township July 14, 1881, while his wife died April 12, 1891, aged 91 years.

John Rankins, father of our subject, grew up in Warren County, Ohio, and accompanied his parents when they moved to Allen County. When he left the home farm and located at

John Carnes

Westminster, he went into partnership with J. B. Roberts in dealing in stock. He continued to reside there until a few months before his death. He was a Democrat in his political faith.' In religious belief he was a Baptist. He married Anna French, who was a sister of Samuel Davison French, of whom a sketch appears in this volume. They had five children, viz. : William, a soldier in the Civil war, who lost his life at the battle of Corinth, in October, 1862; Receba; George H., of this sketch; Lyman B., who resides in Perry township east of his brother George; and an unnamed infant, deceased.

George H. Rankins lived three years at Westminster and was then taken, with his youngest brother, by grandfather Rankins who reared them both, while the other child was taken by grandmother French. He was 11 years old when his grandfather went on his second farm and assisted him there until he reached his majority. After his marriage in 1867 he resided with his wife's people for nine years and bought his first farm in that neighborhood and lived on it until 1882 when he bought his present farm of 80 acres in section 16. Formerly he owned 280 acres but has sold 200 acres as he could no longer give a large farm the care it required. He has been an extensive stock-raiser but has much reduced his activity within the past three or four years. He has had numerous producing oil wells upon his property and four of these are still in operation.

On September 24, 1867, Mr. Rankins was married to Celinda Williams, who was born in Kentucky and is a daughter of J. L. and Nancy (Crain) Williams, old residents of Bourbon County, Kentucky. Their three surviving children are: Minnie, born December 9, 1868, who married George B. McDonald, of Perry township, and has three children - Stella, Helen and Howard ; A. E., born December 29, 1872, residing at Harrod, Ohio, who married Irene Henry, of Hancock County, Ohio, and has two children - Muriel and Ruth; and Roy, born March 25, 1885, who lives on the home place and assists his father in the management of the farm. Mabel died April 29, 1902, aged 15 years.

Mr. Rankins is a good citizen but is not identified with any particular political party, voting independently. He is a member of the Christian Church.

BOHN CARNES, founder of the Lima Locomotive Works, is one of the city's prominent and representative men, and is connected with one of the largest manufacturing plants in this section of the State. Mr. Carnes was born in 1822 at Barre, Vermont, and is a son of James Carnes of that city.

John Carnes doubtless inherited mechanical skill from his father, who in his day was a carpenter and joiner of considerable reputation, and this natural leaning was developed from boyhood. He relates with pardonable pride that he had made a pair of shoes and a fine door panel before he was 12 years old. He learned his trade with his father and extended his knowledge to mill construction and, prior to coming to Lima, followed the trade of building sash mills. His mechanical skill covered other lines and after, he came to Lima he made the first pattern for the first locomotive that was ever built here, in the infancy of an industry which has made Lima famous. Mr. Carnes had become acquainted, through a business transaction, with a Mr. Shay, a capitalist, who desired to enter into engine building. The plans and designs made by Mr. Carnes were accepted and the ultimate result was the building of the noted Shay engines, which are known all over the world.

Prior to coming to Lima, Mr. Carnes owned a water-mill at Sycamore and a machine shop at Upper. Sandusky. In February, 1869, he came to Lima and in association with George Disman, Jesse M. Coe and Frederick Agerter, bought out the establishment of Chatman, Donnelly & Company, and started what is now the great Lima Locomotive Works. The first line of manufactures was threshing machines, then sawmill machinery, but since 1885 the output has been locomotives. This industry is one of the most important of Northwestern Ohio,

Mr. Carnes was married in 1847 to Mary Baldwin, a daughter of Samuel Baldwin, and they have three children, viz : Ira P. ; Emma, widow of Charles Garrison ; and Homer, who is a skilled pattern maker. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church,. Mr. Carnes is a zealous member of the Prohibition party and to its advancement he has contributed time and effort.

Although now 83 years of age, Mr. Carnes has by no means retired into the background, his physical strength having been preserved and his mental outlook being as clear as it was years ago. During the past year, when many of his contemporaries sought the rest and retirement of the fireside, he was looking after the erection of a fine three-story brick building on his property on the corner of Spring and Central streets. His energy and talents have made his life a busy one and he can look back over many years filled with notable achievements. His portrait accompanies this sketch.

0~ REDERICK C. BEAM, auditor of the city of Lima, is recognized as one of the most efficient public officials of the county, and is also a highly esteemed citizen. He was born in Mercer County, Ohio, and is one of a family of four children born to his parents, John H. and Mary A. Beam, formerly of Mercer and later of Allen County. His birth took place September 27, 1871.

Mr. Beam was reared and educated in Mercer County, and engaged in business there prior to coming to Allen County in 1892. Until 1902 he was a telegraph operator for the Buckeye Pipe Line Company, which position he gave up upon being elected city clerk of Lima. In 1903 he was elected city auditor and has served in this capacity until the present, making a record for himself for accuracy which has never been excelled in this office. He has been active in the Republican party for a number of years and bis election to responsible offices shows a just consideration for his services. Mr. Beam is a man of sterling character and of admirable public spirit. His fraternal connection is with the Masons.

Mr. Beam married Bertha Ryan, who is a daughter of George A. Ryan, one of Lima's oil producers. The pleasant family home is situated at No. 316 North Washington street.

UGENE JACOB BARR, M. D., who is efficiently serving his second term as sheriff of Allen County, was for 15 years a recognized and successful medical practitioner throughout Champaign and Allen Counties, Ohio. He was born in Auglaize County, Ohio, September 21, 1857, and is a son of Dr. Tobias and Margaret (Weaver) Barr. Dr. Tobias Barr was a wellknown physician in his day. He died in 1857,. leaving two children.

Eugene Jacob Barr first attended school in Clark County, Ohio, but when he was 12 years old he went to Lebanon, Ohio, and there continued his studies. For some time he taught school through Clark and Champaign counties and then entered the Medical College of Ohio at Cincinnati, where he was graduated March 3, 1880. In 1885 he settled in Allen County and continued to practice his profession until 1895 when he engaged in the oil and timber business, in which he continued to be interested until he was elected to his first term as sheriff of the county, in 1901. His opponent was William McComb. In 1903 public approbation of his administration was shownby a reelection for a second term of two years. He has always been a strong supporter of the Democratic party. In addition to his duties as a public official, Dr. Barr attends to the management of the Consolidated Bottling Company, of Lima, manufacturers of soft drinks,, and he is also largely interested in Southern lumber, and is an official of the Ohio Hardwood Lumber Company.

In 1877 Dr. Barr was married to Sadie C. Michael, of Tremont City, and to this union was born one child, Ortha. In 1883 Dr. Barr was married to Mattie A. Miller, who is ai

Fraternally Dr. Barr is a Knight of Pythias and an Elk. He is a man qualified for the important position he so efficiently fills. The work of the sheriff's office requires the assistance of two deputies. He has a large personal following, being popular with all classes, both professionally, personally and officially.

IRAM A. HOLDRIDGE, president of The Hall & Woods Company, operating the Model Mills, and one of the directors of The Ohio National Bank, is one of the most prominent and universally respected citizens of Lima. 'He was born in Knox County, Ohio.

When Mr. Holdridge was but a child, his parents removed to New York City where his father was engaged some years in business ; but they subsequently returned to Ohio and settled on what are known as the Sandusky Plains, where the father carried on a mercantile business.

Our subject was reared in this home until the age of 18 years, and then entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, where he was a promising student when the Civil War broke out. Backed by generations of loyal forebears, the young man's patriotism led him to leave the university halls for the camp field at the first tocsin of war. His first service covered six months with the 15th Ohio Regiment, and then he was given an appointment in the provost marshal's office of the Fifth Congressional District located at Lima. After one year of office work he reenlisted, becoming first lieutenant of Company I, 192nd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. He was on detached duty, serving as aidede-camp to the general commanding the brigade, and afterward served in the capacity of inspector general and then as adjutant general of the brigade. When he was mustered out of the service at Winchester, Virginia, it was with the rank of acting assistant adjutant general of his brigade. Pie is a member of the Ohio Commandery, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, at Cincinnati, ao

After the war Mr. Holdridge returned to his home at Sandusky and engaged with his father there in the mercantile business for four years, and then removed to Pittsburg and for two years was in the live stock commission business, after which he engaged in a commissionand a hotel business in Philadelphia. The latter enterprise was carried on during the Centennial Exposition. In 1880 he came to Lima,.. Ohio, where he renewed old associations and. went into a wholesale business which he carried, on for three years. Failing health then compelled a rest for a period extending over several years. Later he again became engaged in business, this time in the development of Ohio oil fields. Other interests also claimed him and in October, 1899, he organized The Hall & Woods Company, with a capital stock of $60,- 000, for the operating of the Model Mills, which are the largest flouring mills in the city of Lima. Mr. Holdridge is president of this company, I. O. Hover is vice-president and S. B. Douglass is secretary and treasurer. Mr. Holdridge is also a director in the Ohio National Bank and is president of the Northwestern Millers' Association. Although engaged in various important lines of business, he still finds time to take an interest in civic improvements of various kinds and to attend to social and religious duties. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Holdridge was married in September, 1869, to Lenore Roberts, a daughter of the late J. B. Roberts. They have a family of four children, viz. : Mary Alice, wife of Theodore

McManus, of Toledo; W. R., who is engaged in mining at Johannesburg, South Africa; Margaret, wife of W.' F. McGuire, of Sarnia, Canada; and Louise, of Lima.

AMUEL LIGHT, one of the most progressive agriculturists of Allen County, owns 80 acres of land in section 23, Monroe township, where he has resided for 30 years. Pie was born in Franklin township, Richland County, Ohio, February 11, 1837, and is a son of Michael and Catherine (Heinlcst) Light.

the father of Dauphin County and the mother of York County. When children, they came to Ohio with their parents in wagons. Here they grew up and were married in Richland County, which was their home as long as they lived. He was a man of small stature, while she was woman who weighed 275 pounds. The paternal grandfather, John Light, was a native of Pennsylvania, of German extraction. Both the grandfather and the father of our subject used the German language almost entirely in their families. The grandfather had a family of two sons and five daughters. He died in Richland County at the advanced age of 93 years. The children of Michael and Catherine Light were as follows : Mary Reppert, deceased ; Daniel, of Oklahoma ; Samuel ; John, who died at the age of 10 years; Catherine (Bradley), deceased, and Lydia (Urich), of Richland County, who were twins ; George, who died in Oklahoma ; Michael, who died at the age of 18 in Richland County; and Maggie (Rhodes), of Shelby. George Light served four years as drummer boy in the Civil war, being too young to enlist for regular service. Like his father, he was. small of stature "but was a man of prominence wherever he lived, popular and of affable manner. He was a -school teacher a number of years and was sent to the Legislature two terms by the Democrats of Putnam County, where he had been engaged in medical practice for 15 years before locating in Oklahoma.

Samuel Light made his home in Richland County until he moved to Shelby, Ohio, where he was employed in operating a jack in the woolen mills for five years, his machine taking 150 threads. He also assisted in the office. He then engaged in the grocery business with two partners for about three years and did a large volume of business, buying and shipping practically all the eggs produced in the vicinity of Shelby. In March, 1871. he came to Monroe township, Allen County, and for 10 years ran a threshing machine here, introducing and operating the first threshing machine engine in Allen County. In 1876 he purchased his present farm of 80 acres in section 23, Monroe township, and the same spring moved into the log cabin which had been built on the property. Since 1881 he has given his entire time to farming and to improving his place which, under his intelligent methods, has become twice as productive as it was originally, and never fails to yield good crops. He has about 77 acres cleared and has beautified it with handsome buildings and other improvements.

Mr. Light has been twice married, his first union being with Mary N. Hood, a native of Wayne County, Ohio. Two children were bom to this marriage, viz. : Sherman, who resides in Monroe township and is the father of four children; and Emma Catherine, wife of Rev. W. V. Davis, pastor of the United Brethren Church at Robinson, Utah, and formerly stationed in Monroe township for 15 years. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have three children : Clyde, who is an electrician in the United States ; Army ; Leo, who is a talented musician ; and Virgil E., a minister of the Gospel. Mr. Light's present wife was the widow of Jeremiah Hershiser, her maiden name was Mary Cline. She had three children by her first union, the only one living being Mrs. Jennie Bistline, of Williams County, Ohio. The second union resulted in the birth of two children : Maggie Elizabeth, who married Oscar Weaver, of Monroe township, and has five children ; and Carrie Luella, who married Clark Kidd, of Orange township, Hancock County, and has five children. Mr. Light is a member of the United Brethren Church at Columbus Grove and has been an active worker since his conversion at the age of 23 years. He was class leader during the entire eight years he lived at Shelby and has also acted in that capacity here. He has been a life long Democrat; has served as justice of the peace and township treasurer two terms each, and for six years was an infirmary director.

B. WILLOWER, manager of The Bessemer Gas Engine Company, of Lima, was born in Auglaize County, Ohio, in 1877, but has resided in Lima since his fourth year, his father. C. A. Willower. having located here at that time. C. A.

The first employment in which our subject engaged was with the grocery firm of Watson & Company, for whom he worked four years. He then accepted the position of foreman of the L. E. & W. freight house in Lima and retained that position about eight years. In June, 1901, he accepted the office of assistant manager of The Bessemer Gas Engine Company and when, in the fall of the same year, A. A. Little, the manager, was transferred to Western territory, Mr. Willower was made manager of the company and has shown that he is well qualified for the place. He is also interested in a number of the leading industries of the city, being connected with the Willower Grocery Company and with the manufacture of gas pumps.

Mr. Willower was married December 18, 1903, to Helen Eleanore Whistler, daughter of Mrs. L. E. Whistler, of Lima, and a lady of pleasing personality and a favorite in Lima society. They are attendants of the Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church, to which they are liberal contributors both of their time and means. Mr. Willower is a member of the Knights of Pythias.