Mercer County, Ohio - Chapter 12: Military Record of Mercer Covnty in the Civil War, 1907 (part 7 of 12)

During the younger days of our subject there were no railroads or good roads in this section of the country and he was many times obliged to travel through the mud to Celina to pay his taxes. He was quite fond of hunting at that time and bagged many wild turkeys and squirrels. He has an old fire-stone musket which came from England. The first time he used this gun, he shot three turkeys at one shot. He has an old violin which his old schoolmaster brought from the old country, which he learned to play, that he might accompany the school in their songs. He also has many other old relics, including an old time piece which is over 100 years old.

Mr. Bruns was married April 6, 1867, to Caroline Bergman, a daughter of Arnold Bergman, who was a native of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Bruns have had one child : Henry, who married Elizabeth Brackman, a daughter of John Brackman, and has had six children, namely: Caroline, Anna,

Mr. Bruns has for a number of years been school director and was township trustee for six years. He and his family are members of St. John's Catholic Church at St. Johns.

Henry Moorman

Henry Moorman, who resides on his valuable farm of 80 acres situated in section 16, Butler township, owns in all 160 acres of fine land. He was born in Hanover, Germany, October 31, 1858, and is a son of William and Engle Moorman, both of whom were born and also died in Germany.

Henry Moorman was reared in Germany and always worked on a farm. He was married in 1880 to Elizabeth Sager, a native of Germany, and they have had nine children: Lucy, who died at Dayton, Ohio, aged two years;

Fred, who works in the Barney & Smith Car Company's shops at Dayton; William, who married Josephine Rabe, lives on a farm in Washington township, but will soon move to his farm of 80 acres in Butler township; Emma, who lives at Dayton; and Annie, Clara, Nora, Charles and Edward.

In 1883 Mr. Moorman, his wife and two oldest sons, William and Fred, came to America and settled at Dayton, Ohio, where for eight years he worked in the Barney & Smith Car Company's shops. In 1891 he moved to Butler township, Mercer County, where he purchased a farm of 40 acres, about one mile from his present location, which he cultivated for six years and then sold and bought 80 acres in section 16, where he now resides. In 1902 he added 80 acres, situated in section 15, Butler township. He carries on general farming. Mr. Moorman is a member of the Lutheran Church.

John Joseph Luthmann

John Joseph Luthmann, one of Butler township's prosperous agriculturists, who resides on a highly-cultivated farm of 80 acres located in section 1, was born at Egypt, Auglaize County, Ohio, March 23, 1861, and is a son of John C. and Mary Luthmann.

John C. Luthmann was born in Germany. He was a school-teacher prior to and after coming to America. He located in Auglaize County, Ohio, and taught for some time at Wapakoneta and at Egypt. He died August 16, 1894, near Minster, leaving a farm of 149 acres in Adams County, Indiana.

John J. Luthmann was reared in Auglaize County. In 1884 he went to Adams County, Indiana, to cultivate the land left by his father, and acquired a farm of 69 acres in Adams County, which he sold in 1898, when he purchased his present farm in Butler township. In 1901 he built a large frame house and barn ; he has made other necessary improvements.

Mr. Luthmann was married (first) in 1884 to Dora Deneka, of Adams County, who died 22 months later. He was married (second) in 1886 to Tracy Robin, who died 13 months after marriage. They had one child, Casper, who died at the age of 10 months. Mr. Luthmann was married (third) in 1889 to Lizzie Bruening, and they had one child, Mary, who died October 16, 1900, aged 11 years. Mr. Luthmann and his wife are members of the Catholic Church.

John Alt

John Alt, who is one of the leading citizens of Liberty township, and a representative agriculturist, resides on his excellent farm of 160 acres, which he has occupied since 1864. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, November 29, 1838, and is a son of Frederick and Elizabeth (Keller) Alt.

Although Mr. Alt was born in Germany, he has lived in his adopted country since he was 15 years of age. When he reached this country, he was almost without resources, but he found farm work, first near Detroit, Michigan, and later, in Mercer County, Ohio. He was engaged in farming when the Civil War broke out and in 1862 lie decided to enter the Union Army. On August 1 2th of that year, he enlisted in Company F, 99th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served in the Army of the Cumberland under those great generals of the war, Buell and Rosecrans. He participated in a number of very heavy engagements, the greatest battle being that at Stone River. He was honorably discharged on account of disability, on November 17, 1863. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic post at Rockford, Ohio.

In the year following his return from the army, Mr. Alt settled on the farm where he now lives. It seemed very far from civilization at that time, woods covering the present fertile fields and no roads leading through the forests. After clearing his land, he gradually put it under cultivation and now has a valuable farm. He was one of the main movers in the project which resulted in the building of the good road which now runs east and west through the township, passing his residence. It has proved a great convenience to him but has also1 been of ecpial value to his neighbors. He has served as a trustee of the township for a number of years.

Mr. Alt was married (first) to Louisa Kable, who was born in Prussia and was a daughter of Christian Kable, a resident of Liberty township at the time. There were seven children born to that marriage and three of these still live, as follows: Sophia, wife of Valentine Brehm, of Liberty township; John, of Liberty township; and Phebe, wife of Michael Burger, of Liberty township. Mr. Alt was married (second) to Rachel Hoenie, who was born near Celina, Ohio, and they have one son, Henry F., who lives at home.

Although Mr. Alt favors the Democratic party, he is a thoughtful man and has opinions of his own and occasionally prefers the man for the office before the party. He has always liberally supported public-spirited enterprises and has cast his influence in favor of the public schools. He is a worthy member of the German Evangelical Church and is much esteemed in St. Paul's congregation. As one of the old settlers and as a survivor of the Civil War, Mr. Alt is entitled to consideration, but he also commands re- spect for the example of industry and integrity he has set. Dependent entirely upon himself, from boyhood, he has reason to feel some pride in what he has accomplished.

George F. Griffin

George F. Griffin, a representative citizen and leading farmer of Union township, resides on his finely improved farm of 240 acres, which is situated in section 1. Mr. Griffin was born on the old Griffin homestead in Union township, Mercer County, Ohio, March 2, 1851, and is a son of Claudius and Elizabeth (Arnold) Griffin.

Claudius Griffin, father of our subject, was born November 28, 1813, in a little log cabin, on the banks of the Ohio River, in Clermont County, Ohio. He still survives, a remarkable example of the effects of a life of industry, sobriety and of kindly interest in the welfare of those with whom he has come into contact, during almost a century of existence. His parents were Benjamin and Experience (Mitchell) Griffin, who were pioneers first in Clermont and later in Champaign County. In 1832 the grandfather of our subject sold his farm in Champaign County and removed to Van Wert County, settling on a wild tract of land which later was developed into a good farm. Benjamin Griffin died in i860, aged 76 years. His widow survived him seven years. They had 10 children, Claudius, the father of our subject, being the eighth in order of birth.

In 1839 Claudius Griffin was married to Elizabeth Arnold, a daughter of John and Rachel Arnold, natives of Kentucky, who were then residing at Venedocia, Van Wert County, Ohio. To Claudius Griffin and wife were born 13 children, as follows: Eunice, deceased, who was the wife of Caleb Kelley; Mrs. Hannah Fryer, a resident of Union township; Lucinda, deceased, who was the wife of William Lemunyon; John, a soldier in the Civil War, who died in the service; Benjamin, who died young; Nathaniel, who married Ann Dobson, and resides at Celina ; George F., the subject of this sketch; Martha Jane, who is the wife of Joseph G. Severns, of Union township; Rachel, deceased, who was the wife of William Partner; William, who died young; Priscilla, who is the wife of Calvin Krugh, of Union township; Isabelle, who is the wife of Elroy Hussey, a prominent merchant and also postmaster at Mendon; and Ida, who is the wife of Clement Vallandigham Hood, of Union township.

In the year of his marriage, Claudius Griffin settled as a pioneer in Union township, Mercer County, establishing the home which still remains in the family. Both he and his estimable wife endured many hardships which their their great-grandchildren of the days when all this beautiful, fertile, wellcultivated land was covered with a forest in which wild animals still lived and where many Indians yet made their home. Mrs. Griffin died July 26, 1906, aged 85 years, 6 months and 4 days.

George F. Griffin was educated in the school in the neighborhood of his home, which had been built through the personal efforts of his father. He grew up a practical farmer, he and his brother Nathaniel being the father's main helpers after the death of the older brother, John, in the service of his country. After his marriage, our subject settled on a farm located about three-fourths of a mile from where he now lives, but later removed to the old homestead farm. In 1897 lle moved to his present farm. For a number of years he resided in the old log house which had sheltered the family for sol long a time, but in October, 1901, he began the erection of the house which the family has occupied since 1902. It is a commodious, comfortable residence, finished in modern style and presents a most attractive appearance, all the surroundings indicating thrift and good taste. In reasonable proximity stands the splendid new barn, one which, for size, convenience and substantial qualities, has scarcely an equal in Mercer County. It is 100 feet long and 46 feet wide and cost over $3,000. Mr. Griffin did considerable work in its construction, himself; otherwise its actual cost would probably have reached $4,000. A structure of this kind was almost a necessity to Mr. Griffin on account of the large agricultural operations he carries on. In addition to engaging in general farming, he raises large numbers of cattle, swine, sheep and horses, devoting particular attention to swine and horses. He feeds 200 head of the former a year and usually feeds all his corn, on but two occasions having any for sale. He works along modern lines in his agricultural operations and his success has made him to be considered one of the best farmers of Union township.

On April 12, 1877, Mr. Griffin was married to Mary Orlida Partner, a daughter of Alexander and Martha Jane (Fryer) Partner. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Griffin, John Partner, was born in Juniata County, Pennsylvania, and died in Ohio, at the home of his son Alexander, in 1875, aged 80 years. His widow died a few years later, aged 82 years. One of theid children still survives, Mrs. Sarah Hance, of Spencerville, Ohio. The maternal grandparents were John and Jestinah (Raudabaugh) Fryer, the latter of whom still survives, at the age of 90 years, and resides with her daughter, Mrs. Martha Jane Partner, in a pleasant home at Mendon.

Alexander Partner, father of Mrs. Griffin, was born in Juniata County, Pennsylvania, February 21, 1832. He was seven years old when his parents moved to Trumbull County, Ohio, and in 1840 he came to Mercer County, settling on a farm of 120 acres, east of Mendon. He continued to reside there until 1890, when he moved to Mendon, where he died January 21, 1904, aged 71 years and 11 months. Mrs. Partner has passed her 71st birthday. Their three children still survive, namely : Mary Orlida, wife of Mr. Griffin ; William, who lives at Spencerville, Ohio ; and Orpha. The last named is the wife of S. H. Strite; they reside at Berkeley, California. William Partner was married (first) to Rachel Griffin, a sister of our subject. His second marriage was to Jennie Lochard, of Middlepoint, Ohio.

The children born to our subject and wife are six in number, as follows : Ona May, who married W. E. Bowland, a worker in the Indiana oil fields, and has two children, Walter and Jestinah; Ray G., a worker in the oil fields; Floyd B., who assists his father on the farm; John A., who also assists on the home farm; Charles J., who is a bright student of 17 years, now in the Mendon High School; and Velma Ruth, who is also attending school.

In political affiliation, Mr. Griffin is a Republican, but only an active one so far as casting his vote is concerned. Both he and his wife are members of the Church of God. Mr. Griffin was reared in this religious body. The home of his parents was always the home of the preachers as far back as he can remember, and it was through the efforts of his father that the first house of worship was built in this locality. Mrs. Griffin's father was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Her mother is a member of the Baptist Church at Mendon. She has two brothers, John and Lewis Fryer, and two sisters, Mrs. Barbara Cooper, of Union township, and Mary, wife of Isaac Slentz, who resides in the northeast corner of Mercer County.

Accompanying this sketch are shown views of Mr. Griffin's residence and barn, the old Griffin home and a family group showing five generations ; the names and ages of the members of this group are as follows : Mrs. Jestinah (Raudabaugh) Fryer, 90; Mrs. Martha (Fryer) Partner, 71; Mrs. Orlida (Partner) Griffin, 51; Mrs. Ona (Griffin) Bowland, 28; and Jestinah Bowland, 2.

Rev. Theodosius H. Brackmann

Rev. Theodosius H. Brackmann, C. PP. S., pastor of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Recovery township, was born May 18, 1873, in Hanover, Germany, and is a son of Joseph and Katharina (Boewer) Brackmann, who were farming people.

Of the 10 children in the parental family, but six are now living, namely: Mrs. Elizabeth Luehrmann, a resident of Germany; Joseph, who lives on the home place in Germany; Mrs. Bernardina Kemme, who lives in Germany; Theodosius H. ; Didacus A., professor in St. Charles Seminary, at Carthagena ; and Anna, who lives with her brother, Theodosius H., as housekeeper.

Theodosius H. Brackmann was reared and educated in Germany, and after leaving school worked on his father's farm for two years. In 1891 he came to America and entered St. Joseph's College at Rensselaer5 Indiana, from which he was graduated in 1898. He then became a student in St. Charles Seminary, at Carthagena, remaining there for five years. He left the seminary as a missionary in 1903, first as chaplain or assistant priest to Rev. George Hindelang, C. PP, S., at Celina. Among other places to which he has been called are: Fulda, Noble County, Ohio; Spring-field, Ohio; Germantown, Missouri, and West Jefferson, Madison County, Ohio. He became pastor of St. Joseph's Church, November 1, 1905, this being his first pastorate.

Noah Coate

Noah Coate, a well-known progressive agriculturist of Butler township, residing on his farm of 72 acres in section 14, owns also 116 acres of farm! land in section 23. He was born December 20, 1853, in Butler township, Mercer County, Ohio, and is a son of Benjamin and Mary Magdalene (Yaney) Coate.

Benjamin Coate was born near Ludlow Falls, Miami County, Ohio, where he was reared and educated. In boyhood, during the building of the Grand Reservoir, he came to Mercer County, where in time he acquired a great deal of land, at one time owning a section. He died in the fall of 1905.

Noah Coate was reared and educated in his native township, remaining on the farm with his father until 1885, two years after his marriage, when) he moved to his present location. He has built a fine, large, brick house, with a basement, and in 1902 he erected a substantial barn on the opposite side of the road. He has one of the best-improved farms in the county.

Mr. Coate was married to Catherine Cordier and they have nine children, all of whom are still living and are at home: Rosetta, Ray, Lily, Venial,

Clifton, Mary Hannah, Pearly Grace, and Melvie and Myrtle (twins). Mr. Coate belongs to the German Baptist Brethren Church, in which he is a] deacon. He is a member of the School Board.

John Henry Romer

John Henry Romer, president of the St. Henry Bank, belongs to one of the old and prominent families of Mercer County. He was born at St. Henry, Mercer County, Ohio, January 31, 1840, and is a son of John Joseph and Anna Maria (Klinetrimp) Romer.

John Joseph Romer was a son of Herman Henry Romer, who died in Germany. John Joseph came to America in 1834 and located at Cincinnati, Ohio, where in 1837 he married Anna Maria Klinetrimp, who had come from Germany about the same time as did her husband. They had eight children, as follows: Mary Agnes, who died aged four months; John Henry, of this sketch; John Bernard, born August 1, 1841, who (first) married Elizabeth Bose and (later) Elizabeth Landwehr, and died July 18, 1902; Anna Maria, born May 20, 1843, who married J. Henry Brinkman and died April 24, 1880: Agnes, born January 28, 1845, who is the widow of Wessel Meinerding and lives at Fort Recovery; Elizabeth, born April 20, 1847, who died: December 28, 1870, not long after her marriage; Mary Catherine, born February 11, 1850, who married M. A. Schlegel and died January 9, 1894; and Adam Joseph, born December 19, 1851, who married Caroline Anthony and lives at Celina.

John Joseph Romer and wife moved from Cincinnati to Mercer County, in October, 1838. His brother had bought 16 tracts of land of 80 acres each and John Joseph Romer purchased one of these. He was one of the founders of St. Henry and one of the town's very first business men, starting a store in 1840. Before the completion of the canal, he was accustomed to transport all his goods from Cincinnati by wagon. He also engaged in farming. His death occurred at St. Henry, January 17, 1889. His wife died February 12, 1884.

John Henry Romer, our subject, was the first white male child born at St. Henry. He assisted his father during boyhood, on the farm and in the store, and later hauled goods between Cincinnati and St. Henry, driving a four-horse team. It required three or four days to make the trip. In 1867 he opened a general store at St. Henry and conducted a business for about 37 years and then sold out to his nephew, Joseph John Romer, in December, 1903. Mr. Romer then made plans for a banking enterprise, on January 5, 1906, renting a room for the purpose, where business was commenced. Later the company built a brick bank building at St. Hefiry, and the bank was moved to that, which quarters have been maintained ever since.

On February 26, 1867, Mr. Romer was married to Rebecca Beckman, who was born at St. Henry and is a daughter of the late Henry A. Beckman. They have seven children, as follows: William Henry, born June 28, 1868, who married Amelia Moeller and is cashier of the St. Henry Bank ; Herman, born October 30, 1869, who died September 24, 1870; John G., bora May 12, 1872, who married Katheryn Van Oss and is a lawyer at Celina; Georg'e B., a resident of St. Henry, who married Nora Fredericks; Edward F., assistant cashier of the First National Bank at Celina, who married Josephine Goldie;

The grandparents of Mrs. Romer came from Germany. After living- a few years in Cincinnati, they came to the vicinity of the present town of Minster, Auglaize County, Ohio, which Gerhard and Rebecca Beckman and a Mr. Stall© laid out. Later the grandparents came to Mercer County and settled in Granville township. They had six children, namely : Mary Anna, Henry A., Catherine, Rebecca, Frank and Mary. Henry A. Beckman was 1 1 years of age when the family came to America. While living on a farm at St. Henry, he was married, February 11, 1844, to Elizabeth Borgerding, who also came from Germany. They had eight children, namely: John G., Rebecca, wife of Mr. Romer; Mary A., deceased, who married Bernard Frank Romer and died March 18, 1902; Frank; Catherine, who died unmarried; and Joseph, William and Clara, who died in infancy. Mr. Beckman died August 3, 1868, but Mrs. Beckman survived until August 16, 1887. They were well known and most highly respected people. Henry A. Beckman, while never having attended law school, built up a large law practice throughout this and adjoining counties.

Mr. Romer was twice elected township treasurer and served out one term to fill a vacancy. He and his family belong to St. Henry's Catholic Church at St. Henry, and he was secretary of the building committee when the handsome new church was erected. In politics he is a Democrat.

John Henry Wendeln

John Henry Wendeln, a substantial farmer of Marion township, whose well-developed farm of 120 acres is located in section 26, was born near Minster, Auglaize County, Ohio, and is a son of Fred Wendeln and the grandson of Henry Wendeln.

Henry Wendeln, who was a native of Germany, settled at Minster, Auglaize County, Ohio, as one of the earliest pioneers; there was only one house in the town when he first located there. He purchased three farms of 80 acres each in Auglaize County, paying for the three farms $100. Here he and his wife lived the remainder of their lives. He was the father of six children, namely: Engel, who married Christopher Greve; Mary, who married John Starkemp ; Henry, Anthony, William and Fred.

Fred Wendeln was born in Germany and was 15 years old when his parents came to America and settled in Cincinnati, shortly afterward removing to Auglaize County. Mr. Wendeln worked on his father's farm and on the canal for about three or four years, when he returned to Cincinnati. After residing there for some years, he returned to Minster, purchased a farm of 80 acres and engaged in general farming. Mr. Wendeln was twice married. He was the father of two children by his first wife, namely: William, who married Mary Russ and lives at Minster; and Louisa, who married William Hester and lives at Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Wendeln's second marriage was with Mary Bryankamp, who was a native of Germany and a resident of Cincinnati after coming to this country. Seven children were born to the second union : Christopher, who married Sophia Hertman ; Anna, who married John Kurter; Mary, who married John Bohmann; John Henry; Elizabeth, who married George Bohmann; Dina, who married John Bruns; and Anthony, who married Mary Meyers. Mr. Wendeln died in October, 1890. His widow is a resident of Minster.

John Henry Wendeln, the subject of this sketch, was reared on the Wendeln home farm, in Auglaize County, near Minster. After his marriage, when 21 years of age, he rented a farm in Auglaize County for four years, and then moved to Mercer County. He formed a partnership with John Bohmann and started a sawmill, which they operated together for eight years. He then bought Mr. Bohmann's interest in the mill and continued in the business for two years longer. Selling the saw mill to his brother-in-law, Henry Schulte, he moved to his present farm, which he had purchased two years previously. He purchased the farm from Anthony Tangeman, whose father had bought it from the government. The old government deed is in the possession of our subject. Mr. Wendeln has since been engaged in general farming and has made many improvements on the farm, having built an eight-room frame house, a large barn and other necessary buildings.

Mr. Wendeln was married to Mary Schulte, who was born in October, 1864, and is a daughter of Henry Schulte. Henry Schulte and his wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Wente, were both of German ancestry and were born in Auglaize County, Ohio. They were the parents of 10 children, namely: Mary; Anna, who married Benjamin Nagel, one of the wealthiest farmers of Auglaize County; Henry; Joseph and Louise (twins); Charles; Catherine; Barney; John; and Elizabeth, who married John Gaile. Mr. Schulte died in July, 1906; his widow is living on the home place. Mr. and Mrs. Wendeln have had six children: Frederick, Anna, William (deceased). Rose, Bernardina and Cecilia. Mr. Wendeln and his family are all members of St. John's Catholic Church near Maria Stein.

Joseph Johnston

Joseph Johnston, a representative farmer and well-known citizen of Franklin township, who is the owner of a fine farm of 357 acres, was born in

James Johnston and family came to America in 1851, settling at Piqua, Miami County, Ohio, where he worked as a farmer and teamster until 1854, when he moved to Mercer County, renting a farm within a mile and a half of Coldwater. There the family lived until 1856, when he settled on what is now our subject's homestead in section 13, Butler township, where he died August 31, 1871. His wife died just before the family moved to Mercer County. There were live sons in the family, of whom two survive : Joseph, and his older brother, Nicholas, who owns a farm of 170 acres in sections 13 and 24, Butler township. Two sisters survive: Theresa, who lives on the home farm, and Mrs. Matilda Franks, residing in Indiana.

Joseph Johnston was mainly reared and was educated in Butler township. He has devoted his attention to farming and to boating on the Miami and Erie Canals. His well-improved home farm has a commodious frame dwelling, and his two other farms are equally well tilled; on all of this land he carries on general farming and stock-raising.

In 1894 Mr. Johnston was married (first) to Ida Elizabeth Miller, a daughter of Joseph Miller, of Hopewell township. She died October 19, 1901, survived by three children, namely: Lester Hanson, Esther E. and Helen Goldie. On July 26, 1906, Mr.* Johnston was married (second) to Mrs. Mahala C. Lacy, a daughter of the late Daniel and Cynthia (Kerens) Long, who had 12 children; Mr. Long was a farmer in Franklin township. Mrs. Johnston had four children by her first marriage : Mellie, wife of Roy Botkin, residing in Franklin township; George, who married Nellie Clevenger, also residing in Franklin township; Dora, who resides at home; and Willis, who died in infancy.

Joseph John Romer

Joseph John Romer, one of the leading citizens of St. Henry, proprietor of a large general store, was born on his father's farm in Granville township, Mercer County, Ohio, December 21, 1863, and is a son of John Bernard and Elizabeth (Bose) Romer.

The Romer family is one of great prominence in Mercer County and its ancestry can be traced back to the great-grandfather, Herman Henry Romer, who was born in 1 776. He married Mary Agnes Macke, who was born in 1780 and died July 7, 1849. They reared a large family.

subject, was born January u, 1805, and died January 17, 1889. He married Anna Maria Klinetrimp, on July 18, 1837, who was born September 16, 1811, and died February 12, 1884. John Joseph Romer and wife had eight children, namely: Mary Agnes, who died in infancy; John Henry, born January 31, 1840, who married Rebecca Beckman and lives at St. Henry; John Bernard, born August 1, 1841 ; Anna Maria, born May 20, 1843, who became the wife of J. Henry Brinkman and died April 24, 1880; Agnes, born January 28, 1845, a resident of Fort Recovery, who is the widow of Wessel Meinerding; Elizabeth, born April 20, 1847, who died December 28, 1870, not long after her marriage; Mary Catherine, bom February 11, 1850, who became the wife of M. A. Schlegel and died January 9, 1894; and Adam Joseph, born December 19, 1851, who married Caroline Anthony and lives at Celina.

John Bernard Romer, second son of John Joseph Romer and father of our subject, was born at St. Henry. His father, with his two brothers, Henry and Bernard Romer, were the founders of this town. They were all men of thrift and enterprise, German home-builders. They invested in land and became identified with the infant industries of this section and as a family grew in substance and importance. John Bernard Romer was a farmer in Granville township and died there on his own land, July 18, 1902. For his first wife he married Elizabeth Bose, who was a native of Germany. They had four children, as follows: Joseph John, the subject of this sketch; Mary, who is the wife of Andy Rathweg, living at Coldwater; Anna, who is the wife of John Bushman, living at Columbus, Ohio; and Carrie, who is the wife of Henry Plageman, living at Fort Recovery.

After the death of his first wife, John Bernard Romer married Elizabeth Landwehr, and they had seven children, as follows: Bernard and Agnes, who died in infancy ; Frederick, who resides with his mother and sisters, at St. Henry; Alexander, who is a resident of Celina; Adolph, who died in infancy; and Elizabeth and Bernardina, who reside with their widowed mother and their brother Frederick at St. Henry.

Joseph John Romer, the immediate subject of this sketch, was educated in the country schools and worked on the farm for his father until he was about 17 years of age, and then went to assist his uncle, John Henry Romer, who was conducting a general mercantile store at St. Henry. After being four years in his uncle's store, he married and then went into partnership with Albert Goldie, his father-in-law, under the firm style of A. Goldie & Company, general merchants at St. Henry. This partnership continued for five years and after it was terminated Mr. Romer went into business for himself. He first rented a small room at St. Henry, but by the end of the first year his business had so increased that larger quarters were secured and Mr. Romer took in Mr. Feldhake as partner, the firm becoming Romer & Feld-

The firm of Romer & Bruns continued in business at St. Henry for the next five years, when the partners amicably divided the stock and Mr. Romer again began business as an individual. He had retained the old stand, where he remained until December I, 1903, when he purchased the stock of John Henry Romqr, for whom he had originally worked and this added to his own made another removal necessary and Mr. Romer settled then in his present commodious quarters.

Mr. Romer is a thorough merchant, h;s years of experience having made him thoroughly acquainted with the demands of the public. He carries a very large stock for a town of the size of St. Henry, which he selects with great care and which includes groceries, clothing, shoes, hats, caps, carpets and queensware. In addition to operating his store as mentioned above, Mr. Romer has also the agency for supplying customers with the finest custommade clothing.

On July 27, 1886, Mr. Romer was married (first) to Sophia E. Goldie, who was bom October 17, 1866, at Cincinnati, Ohio, and is a daughter of Albert and Sophia (Slosser) Goldie. The Goldie family came to St. Henry from Carrollton, Kentucky. They reared a large family, but only two survive, these being: Josephine, the wife of Edward Romer, of Celina; and Adelia, wife of Alexander Gottemollep, of Indianapolis. After the death of Mrs. Goldie, Mr. Goldie married Mrs. Frahces Martz ; they reside at St. Henry.

The first wife of Mr. Romer died on August 23, 1891. She was a most estimable lady and was the mother of four children, namely: Ernest Joseph Albert, born May 17, 1887, deceased, September 6, 1887; Herbert Otto Albert, born July 20, 1888; Sophia Dora, born October 16, 1889, deceased January 6, 1906; and Mary Alvenia, born July 20, 1891, deceased November 25, 1904.

Mr. Romer was married (second), August 24, 1892, to Anna Marie Hartings, who was born at St. Henry, Ohio, January 17, 1879, and is a daughter of John and Catherine (Schurman) Hartings. Mr. and Mrs. Romer have nine children, namely: Florentine Anna Henriette, born June 18, 1893; William Harold, born September 21, 1894; Adolph Henry, born December 9, 1895; Werner Edwin Frank, born March 18, 1898; Lucile Marie Catherine, born October 3, 1899; Stanley Alexander, bom May 27, 1901; Joseph Bernard, born March 15, 1903, deceased December 8, 1904; Herman Edward, born February 1, 1905; and Deloras Mary Antoinette, born October 1, 1906. Mr. Romer is of the disposition, and is able, to give his children many educational and social advantages.

never been a seeker for office, the demands of his private business always claiming his attention. He takes a good citizen's interest in all public matters, however, and as one of the representative men, his judgment is frequently consulted. Mr. Romer is one of the town's prominent and enterprising citizens, always alert to advance its interests. At present he is serving as town treasurer. He was a member of the School Board when the fine new school building was erected. He is a devout member of the Catholic Church.

David Howick

David Howick, a retired farmer of Center township, was born March 4, 1842, in this township, on the old home place just north of where he now lives. He is a son of Stephen Howick, who was born in Surrey County, England, in November, 1812.

Stephen Howick was about 16 years of age when he came to the United States. He first located in Lancaster, Ohio, where he cut cord-wood and also worked in a brick-yard. He was married while there. Later, in 1836, he removed to St. Marys, which was then in Mercer County, and worked there until he located permanently in Center township. At one time he was the owner of considerable property. He was engaged in operating a saw-mill for about 20 years. He resided for about 12 years in Celina. His death occurred in 1902, when in his 90th year. He married Eva Minehart, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, and a daughter of Jacob Minehart. Mrs. Howick's father was one of the first settlers of Fairfield County; he was one of the chain-men in the party that surveyed where Columbus now stands and could have taken land there instead of in Fairfield County. Stephen Howick was the father of five children, namely: David, subject of this sketch; Jacob, who lives in Idaho; George, who lives in Center township, southwest of Neptune; Robert, a resident of Celina, who was killed by lightning; and Daniel, who lives in the State of Washington.

David Howick has always lived in Center township. He grew to manhood on the home place, where he continued to live until he was about 25 years old. He has always been engaged in farming and for 15 years was engaged in the sawmilling business.

Mr. Howick was married in 1863 to Maria Jane Lehman, a native of Perry County, Ohio, and a daughter of Adam P. Lehman, who came to Perry County when she was about four years old and located near Oregon. Mr. Lehman served in the Union Army in the Civil War. Mr. and Mrs. Howick had four children, namely : Amanda, who married Charles M. Schunck, lives in New York and has one child, Carl; Ida, who married Edward J. Rauda- baugh, lives on Walnut street, Celina, and has three children - Fred, Alice and Dorothy; Stephen F., living on the home place which our subject bought when he first left his father's home, who married Edith Yocum and has two children - Edwin, and Mary ; and Mary, who married Dr. George Johnson, a dentist at Celina, and has a son, Wilford. Mrs. Howick died in 1902. About 1894 Mr. Howick left the farm to reside in Celina, where he remained until 1904 when he went to New York City to live with his daughter, Mrs. Schunck. He recently returned from the East and is now living with his^son, Stephen F., who has charge of the home farm in Center township. Mr. Howick is a Democrat in politics and has served as township trustee for about six years, was assessor for two terms, real estate appraiser for one term and served on the School Board for some time. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

John G. Romer

John G. Romer, attorney-at-law at Celina, was born at St. Henry, Mercer County, Ohio, May 12, 1872, and is a son of John Henry and Rebecca (Beckman) Romer.

The father of Mr. Romer was born January 31, 1840, being the first white male child born at St. Henry. He is a son of Joseph Romer, who was born in Germany and came to Cincinnati, Ohio, later, with his two brothers, Henry and Bernard, removing to Mercer County, where they laid out St. Henry in 1837. All three engaged in agricultural and mercantile pursuits here during the remainder of their lives, and all were prominently identified with the development of St. Henry and vicinity. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Henry A. Beckman, was one of the early pioneers of Mercer County. John Henry Romer, father of John G., is the president of the St. Henry Bank. For 35 years he was identified with the important business interests of that place and has but recently curtailed his activities. The mother of our subject was also born at St. Henry. They reared a family of six children, viz. : William Henry, who is cashier of the St. Henry Bank ; John G., of this sketch; George B., of St. Henry; Edward F., assistant cashier of the First National Bank at Celina; Elizabeth, teller of the First National Bank at Celina ; and Matilda, at home. The second born of the family, Herman, died in infancy.

Mr. Romer was reared at St. Henry and was educated there and at St. Xavier's at Cincinnati, later taking a course at St. Mary's Institute at Dayton. After spending six years as a commercial traveler, he took up the study of the law and in 1900 was graduated from the Kent College of Law, Chicago, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws ; in the following year he was given the degree of Master of Laws by the Illinois College of Law. He located immediately at Celina and has been in active practice ever since, meeting' with the recognition which his talents and thorough knowledge of the profession deserve. He has always been more or less interested in politics and has done considerable effective campaigning throughout the county.

On October io, 1905, Mr. Romer was married to Katheryn Van Oss, of Minster, Auglaize County, Ohio. Mr. Romer was reared in the Catholic Church. He Delongs to the Catholic Knights of America, of which he is the State vice-president.

John Bernard Haslinger

John Bernard Haslinger, junior member of firm of Haslinger & Son, general merchants at Coldwater, was born at Maria Stein, Ohio, April 26, 1872, and is a son of William and Catherine (Schmeising) Haslinger.

Mr. Haslinger received his early education at Maria Stein, and in laying the foundation for his future career in the business world he took a course in penmanship, bookkeeping, typewriting and stenography at the Coldwater Academy. After graduation he entered his father's shoe store at Maria Stein, but after a short time returned to Coldwater and became a clerk in the general store of John L. Phellis, later purchasing the business in partnership with his father. Under the new management it soon became recognized as one of the leading mercantile houses in this part of the county.

Mr. Haslinger's popularity among his acquaintances and associates was duly attested by his election as corporation treasurer, in which capacity he has served since 1894. In 1902 he was a candidate for county clerk on the Democratic ticket, but there were four candidates and he was defeated by about 200 votes. Mr. Haslinger is a member of the Catholic Church. He belongs to the Knights of St. John.

William N. Smith

William N. Smith, a well-known agriculturist and reliable citizen of Hopewell township, owns a farm of 60 acres, 40 of which are in section 29, where he resides. He was born July 19, 1853, in Liberty township, Mercer County, Ohio, and is a son of George and Gertrude (Wappas) Smith.

This Smith family is of German extraction and was founded in Liberty township by our subject's grandfather, John Smith. The latter brought his family here from Germany in pioneer times, his son George being about 12 years of age when they came to the United States and located in Pennsylvania, soon after removing to Mercer County, Ohio. George Smith became identified with the leading interests of Liberty township, where he lived a long and useful life, dying June 3, 1901, in his 74th year. He married Gertrude Wappas, also a native of Germany, who died in Liberty township, November 16, 1890, in her 59th year. They had 10 children and the survivors of the family are as follows: William N., of this sketch; Margaret, wife of F. P. Miller, of Hopewell' township; George W., of Liberty township; Louisa, wife of William Roberts, of Jefferson township; Emma, wife of Henry Smith, of Hopewell township; and Dulcina, wife of Edward Roettger, of Liberty township.

William N. Smith grew to manhood in Liberty township and has always followed agricultural pursuits. His educational chances were the same as other youths in his locality, and while they were neither so abundant nor so complete as at the present day they served to turn out well-informed men and women. Mr. Smith has always been a friend of the public schools and has testified to his interest by consenting to serve as school director in his district and also as clerk of the school district. Although he is independent in politics, he has been elected to a number of local offices, a pretty good proof of the confidence felt in him by his fellow-citizens. For four years he served as constable and for the past 10 years has been road supervisor of Road District No. 3, Hopewell township. His constant attention to the duties of this position has resulted in the excellent highways enjoyed in this locality.

On December 1, 1874, Mr. Smith was married to Caroline Myers, who was born in Hopewell township, Mercer County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Jacob Myers, who died when she was a child of four years. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have had seven children, as follows: Jacob W., Nora B. (deceased), Matilda J., Ruby D., George E., Gertrude E. and Alfred W. Religiously Mr. Smith and family belong to the Evangelical Association.

James M. Howick

James M. Howick, treasurer of Mercer County, is a progressive, intelligent young American, who has never shirked a citizen's duty nor permitted either business or pleasure to divert him from political responsibility. Mr. Howick was born at Neptune, Mercer County, Ohio, June 15, 1873, and is a son of Stephen and Mary J. (Bice) Howick.

The father of Mr. Howick was a prominent citizen and substantial farmer of Mercer County for many years. He was township clerk of Center township and later was postmaster at Neptune. For an extended period he was justice of the peace and was well and favorably known. His death occurred in 1902. He was the father of a family of 10 children.

James M. Howick was reared and educated in Mercer County, where for some years he engaged in teaching school. From early youth he has been a student of politics and has taken a very active part in county and township affairs. Politically in sympathy with the Democratic party, he has frequently been elected to various offices in its gift and served as deputy county auditor and deputy county treasurer and in 1904 he was elected county treasurer. His administration of the office has distinguished him as a man especially qualified for the position and his popularity is universal.

Mr. Howick was united in marriage with Anna M. Kistler, a daughter of John Kistler. Mr. and Mrs. Howick have a pleasant home on East Fulton street, Celina. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, socially and fraternally Mr. Howick is well known. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Eagles and other organizations.

Frank J. Sonderman

Frank J. Sonderman, a member of the firm of Frank J. Sonderman & Company, leading dealers in dry goods, clothing, shoes and carpets, at Fort Recovery, was born at Fort Recovery, January 7, 1870, and is a son of Anthony and Agnes (Harter) Sonderman.

Anthony Sonderman was a wagon-maker by trade and was one of the early pioneers of Fort Recovery. He was past 70 years of age at the time of his death, which occurred in the spring of 1896. He was the father of five children: Mary Elizabeth, deceased at the age of three years; John A., who died in 1882 aged 20 years; Mary Louise, a member of the firm of Frank J. Sonderman & Company, who married S. N. Seifert, and has four children - William L., August Frank, George and John V. ; Frank J., the subject of this sketch; and William, also a member of the firm of Frank J. Sonderman & Company.

Frank J. Sonderman was reared in Fort Recovery and at the age of 13 years left school and went to work in a hardware store, where he remained for three years. He then went to work as clerk for Krenning & Son in November, 1885, which position he held until 1891. His next position was that of clerk in a large dry goods store in Toledo, Ohio, where he worked for one year and a half, when he was obliged to return to Fort Recovery on account of his father's ill health. In 1893 he established the firm of Frank J. Sonderman & Company, consisting of his sister, Mrs. S. N. Seifert, his brother William and himself. The store was opened in a small way in a building owned by Charles Schneider, and the same lines were carried which they now handle, viz., dry goods, men's clothing, shoes, carpets, etc. They were in the

Schneider Building until 1903, when they moved to their present location in the Fetter Block, occupying the entire ground floor of two store-rooms, half of the second floor and the basement. The firm has increased the volume of its business each year, and now carries a very large stock of the lines dealt in, which have been , mentioned above.

Mr. Sonderman was married November 12, 1895, to Mary A. Schunck, a daughter of Jacob Schunck, of Celina. They have had three children : Catherine Agnes, Madonna L. and Agnes Florence. Mr. Sonderman is a member of the Catholic Church and also of the Catholic Knights of Ohio.

Eli H. Kelly

Eli H. Kelly, residing in section 22, Washington township, owns 150 acres of valuable farm land and is one of the survivors of the Civil War. He was born March 12, 1839, in Stark County, Ohio, and is a son of David and Catherine (Biler) Kelly, who were the parents of eight children.

The parents of Eli Kelly moved to Knox County, Ohio, in his infancy, where they lived for five years, then lived in Allen County for- two years, after which they resided for 11 months in Adams County, Indiana. They finally located in Liberty township, Mercer County, in 1851, and it was here that our subject was reared. His father bought a farm of 80 acres which Eli assisted in clearing and cultivating. By attending school during the winter he secured an education and after leaving school he taught for three years ; also one year after his marriage. In October, 1882, he enlisted in the 120th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., and served for 13 months. He had enlisted for three years but was severely wounded in the battle of Thompson's Hill, May 1, 1863, which prevented any further military service. He participated in the battles of Chickasaw Bluff and Arkansas Post, in the Army of the Mississippi under General Sherman. His regiment then went under the command of General Grant, going to Vicksburg, Mississippi, where it did hard labor building a canal, then ran the blockade at Vicksburg, on the Grand Gulf and marched all night to Thompson's Hill, going into battle the next morning without anything to eat. About 1 1 o'clock that morning Mr. Kelly was severely wounded in the left hand by a musket ball, which tore part of it away. He was then sent to the field hospital where he underwent an operation, being later removed to a hospital near Grand Gulf, where rations were cut off and Mr. Kelly had nothing to eat for four days. He was later moved to a camp near Vicksburg, where he took fever and was moved from camp to camp until June 1st, when he was sent to St. Louis where he lay in the hospital for three months. After leaving the hospital, he obtained quarters in St. Louis, and after examination was assigned to the Invalid Corps, but was rejected. He then underwent a medical examination and was finally discharged after 13 months of most trying experiences.

Mr. Kelly then returned to his home in Washington township, whither his wife had moved in the meantime, and where she owned a farm of 40 acres, which is now the residence property of Mr. Kelly and his family. He was ill for a long time after returning from the war, but upon his recovery engaged in farming. He bought 40 acres of land in Liberty township in 1865, which he later sold and bought 80 acres in section 12, Washington township; he has also 20 acres in section 24. He has cleared the greater part of this land and has left about 30 acres of timber.

Mr. Kelly was married in 1861 to Cynthia Kannard, a daughter of George Kannard, and they have had seven children, namely : John, who was educated at the Western Ohio Normal School, at Middlepoint, later taught school three years and is now interested in a stone quarry at Middlepoint - he has a family of five children ; George Albert, who is married and resides on his 40-acre farm in Recovery township; Rusha, who married Robert Mc- Queen and lives on her father's farm in section 12, Washington township; Viola, who married Michael Konrath and at her death left one child, which lived only a week; William; Etta, who married Jacob Clouse, lives in Kansas and has three children ; and Estella, who lives at home. Mr. Kelly is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and belongs to Washington Grange, P. of H.

Joseph S. Springer

Joseph S. Springer, owner and proprietor of tile works and a sawmill in Center township, is one of the most active and progressive business men of the county. Starting with nothing but a will to work, he has prospered in everything he has undertaken and to-day stands among the township's most substantial citizens.

Joseph S. Springer was born in Center township, September 11, 1856, and is a son of Abraham and Mary Ann (Zartman) Springer. Abraham Springer was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, April 14, 1824, and died in December, 1900. He was a son of Jacob Springer, who came from Rockingham County, Virginia, with his father, George Springer. Abraham Springer lived in Fairfield County until after his marriage. He was 18 years old at the time of his marriage to Rebecca Mohler; they moved to Mercer County in the spring of 1852 and his wife died shortly after they located in Center township, leaving five children, as follows : Mrs. Cassie Bupp, deceased ;

Rebecca, deceased, who was the wife of L. D. Conner; and Levi E., who lives at Montezuma. On April i, 1855, Mr. Springer was married to Mary Ann Zartman, who was horn and raised in Perry County, Ohio, and was a daughter of Solomon Zartman. Her death occurred in March, 1885. The following were the children of the second marriage: Joseph S. ; Mary Jane, who married A. J. Fast and resides at St. Marys; and Lucy Ann, who married E. E. Hayes and lives at Fort Wayne, Indiana. Our subject's father continued to live in Center township until about the year 1893, when he rented his farm and went to St. Marys to live.

Joseph S. Springer's boyhood was spent on the home farm assisting his father. In 1878, soon after his marriage, he rented the homestead. As the place was too small to keep him busy all the time, he farmed in summer and in the fall ran a threshing machine with some success. In the fall of 1882, while running a hay bailer for "Uncle" Wesley Copeland, the latter asked him why he didn't start a tile kiln, which the substantial farmers of the vicinity felt the need of. The reply of Mr. Springer was that he had no money, whereupon Mr. Copeland remarked that he and others had money and asked him to consider the project. After considerable urging, Mr. Springer agreed to establish the plant upon the condition that the men who advanced the money would accept his notes, secured only by such property as he himself i possessed, the notes to be paid in tile. This being satisfactory, $1,500 was raised in one day in sums of $100 and less. He leased of G. W. Raudabaugh the 12 acres on which his plant and home is now located, and set about clearing a place of sufficient size on which to build. I11 the following spring ( 1883) he erected a log cabin, which was not entirely finished, although the family had moved in, at the time of the great snowstorm of May 20th and 21st of that year, when 16 inches of snow fell. It sifted through the cracks to a depth of six inches on the second floor. Mr. Springer took his brother-inlaw, E. E. Hayes, into partnership with him and they started the tile-manufacturing business together. At the end of two years, Mr. Hayes was succeeded by a brother of our subject, Levi E. Springer; since the fall of 1887, Joseph S. Springer has been sole owner and proprietor. As his business increased, he found it necessary to enlarge his plant, which he did not wish to do on rented land. In the fall of 1892 he contracted with G. W. Raudabaugh for the purchase of the 12-acre tract on which he was located, the deal being consummated the following spring. As soon as the contract was entered into, Mr. Springer began clearing more of the land, starting a sawmill in the fall of 1892 in order to work up his own timber. That was the beginning of the mill branch of his business, which he has continued ever since. In the spring he began building new sheds and had the work nearly completed, when almost the entire family contracted typhoid fever, Mr. and Mrs. Springer and seven children being sick abed at one time. Later their three-weeks' old baby was taken down with the same disease. Although all were very sick and business and new improvements were at a standstill until the fall of 1893, Mr. Springer considers himself very fortunate in that all recovered. During the fall of 1893 the new sheds were completed, and work resumed in the sawmill. In the spring of 1894 he again started up with renewed energy, and has continued ever since without interruption, running from 16 to 22 kilns per year since that time. In 1903 he found it necessary to again rebuild, enlarging kiln and sheds, also installing a new boiler. He has six men employed in the kiln in addition to himself.

He has a farm of 120 acres lying contiguous to his original 12-acre tract. It is mostly timberland, having but 30 acres under cultivation. The acquisition of this property was another stroke of good fortune, and gave evidence of the great confidence the men with whom he had had business dealings had in him. Mr. Raudabaugh, the owner of the tract, died in 1897, and the executors of his estate urged Mr. Springer to purchase the property, as he was in a good position to handle the timber. He saw the great opportunity presented, and explained his inability, through lack of funds. The executors urged him to make the effort, saying they would require a first payment of but $1,500, and $500 annually thereafter until $4,000 had been paid. It was the first payment which bothered him, and it was here that the credit he enjoyed in the business world was demonstrated. Having had dealings with the St. Marys Wheel & Spoke Company, which had had dealings with him for some years, offered to- let him have $3,000 on the land if he wished. He wanted but $1,000, which they agreed to let him have, but at the last some slight differences came up between them and Mr. Springer refused the loan. An equal amount of money was then tendered him by Calvin E. Riley of the Commercial Bank Company, of Celina, and at the same time the executors agreed to waive the cash payment at first exacted. The deed was transferred in the fall of 1898. He then set to work with a will and managed to pay the hands without drawing on the St. Marys Wheel & Spoke Company, to whom he was shipping his product. He had an accounting with that company June 6, 1899, and with the $1,143 due him from them he paid the $1,000 mortgage and interest. Although the $500 payments were due on the first of May annually, he did not wait until May 1st, but paid as he could and in a little more than two years had his property free from all incumbrance. He received an offer of $30 per acre for second growth hickory, ash and oak timber standing, and that he was right in refusing this offer is shown by the fact that he has made $2,500 from the timber of the 30 acres he has cleared.

Joseph S. Springer was married December 21, 1877, to Phebe Ann Fast, who was born in Center township, Mercer County, Ohio, December 23, 1858, and is a daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Stuck) Fast. They have children, namely : Clarence W., who married Catherine Makley and has two children, Paul and Mary Magalene - he lives at St. Marys and is cashier and assistant manager of the St. Marys Wheel & Spoke Company; Nora Esther, who married A. A. Shupp and has two children, Dottie and Zelma; Dennis Sidney, bookkeeper of the St. Marys Wheel and Spoke Company; Ashley Plaine, at present a student at the International Business College, Fort Wayne, Indiana; Russell C., who is a student at the Lima Business College; Mary Ethel; Alice; Lawrence and Elsie H. Mr. Springer is a Republican in national politics, but is independent in local politics. He is a member of the United Brethren Church, and belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge at Celina.

Peter Alt

Peter Alt, one of Liberty township's most substantial citizens and extensive farmers, resides in section 15, his home farm comprising 80 acres, while the whole extent of the land he owns sums up to 280 acres. Mr. Alt was born in Oberalben, Kusel, Rheinpfalz, Bavaria, Germany, January 2, 1854, and is a son of Adam and Elizabeth Alt, natives of Germany. The father is deceased, but the mother survives and lives with her son Peter.

Peter Alt began his military service in the German Army in 1874, at the age of 20 years, and so continued for two years. In 1877 he emigrated to America in company with other members of his family and they settled on the farm where he has lived ever since. This property he has brought to a fine state of cultivation and carries on general farming.

Mr. Alt married Hermina German, who was also born in Germany and they have had six children, the four survivors being: Mary, wife of Jacob Gehm, of Liberty township; Caroline, wife of Valentine Deitsch, of Liberty township; and Annie and William P., who live at home. Mr. Alt has given his children many advantages and has reared them to be industrious and respected members of the community.

In politics he is a Democrat. He has served as a school director of District No. 5, one of the best regulated districts in the township. For almost all his life he has been a member of the German Evangelical Church, belong-

Bernard Leugers

Bernard Leugers, one of the prominent agriculturists of Marion township, residing on his valuable farm of 243 acres in section 33, was born on this, the old home farm, July 15, 1845, and is a son of George and Catherine (Herkenhoff ) Leugers.

The parents of Mr. Leugers were born in Germany and came to America about 1835, locating at Cincinnati, where they lived some two years and then came to Mercer County. The father bought a farm of 80 acres from the government, for which he paid $1.25 per acre, and with German thrift continued to add to his possessions until he had 300 acres. His family consisted of five children, namely: Henry, deceased, who married Theresa Post; George, residing at Burkettsville, who married Mary Rumping; Mary, who married Henry Mesker - both now deceased; Sophia, who died in childhood; and Bernard.

Bernard Leugers attended the schools nearest to his father's farm in his boyhood, his path leading through the woods that then surrounded the homestead. Deer were very plentiful in that neighborhood and he remembers seeing a herd of 27 one day on his way to school. Like other boys of his day he had a rifle, one his father bought in Cincinnati, and which he still owns, which did good service in supplying fresh meat for the family larder. It has provided many a wild turkey feast and in one fall Mr. Leugers killed 80 raccoons. The first house on the farm was a round-log cabin, but it was full of comfort as he recalls it. The father died on the old farm in 1880 and our subject, who had always remained at home assisting him, came into the possession of the farm and he still continues some of the industries his sensible, far-seeing father started. One of these is bee-keeping. He has a large assortment of bees and derives a large income from the sale of honey.

Mr. Leugers resides in a house his father built, it being the third one erected on the place, each one better than the one before, but he, himself, built the barn and other farm buildings and has made many substantial improvements. He operates, with the help of his capable sons, 243 acres, carrying on general farming, but has owned, at times, as much as 400 acres, some of which he has given his sons.

On February 8,, 1872, Mr. Leugers was married (first) to Caroline Orcling, who died January 4, 1880, the mother of four children, namely: Catherine, deceased ; George, residing in Darke County, who married Mary Sumbring, and has four children - Anna, Carrie, Henry and August ; Henry, re- siding in Mercer County, who married Philomena Sumbring and has one child, Rose; and Mary, who married Edward Hessalmann, lives in Mercer County and has had four children - Cecilia, Anna, Frances (deceased), and Bernardina.

In August, 1880, Mr. Leugers was married (second) to Catherine Laux, who died in 1895. She was a daughter of Adam Laux. They had these children : Catherine, who married Henry Geise, resides at New Weston, Darke County, and has three children - Laney, Freda and Frances; Barney, residing in Marion township, who married Elizabeth Heckman and has two children - Clement and Joseph; and John (born April 2, 1885), Gerhard (born August 22, 1887), and Herman (born August 24, 1889), who reside at home.

In February, 1898, Mr. Leugers was married (third) to Mrs. Elizabeth (Stearwal) Eyink, widow of Engelbert Eyink, and a daughter of Henry Stearwal. Elizabeth Stearwal was born in Germany and came to America alone, when 17 years of age. She was married (first) to Clemmens Heckman and after his death she married Engelbert Eyink, and was again left a widow. To her first marriage were born: Elizabeth, Rose and Joseph, and to her second, Anthony.

Mr. and Mrs. Leugers are devoted members of St. Rose's Catholic Church. Politically our subject is a stanch Democrat. He has served two years as road supervisor and during that period proved himself a faithful and capable public official. Mr. Leugers is a very pleasant man to meet and his fund of stories of his boyhood and early days on the farm and in the woods is inexhaustible and full of interest.

William Lewis Bolton

William Lewis Bolton, who has been engaged for the past 27 years in teaching school throughout Mercer County, is also engaged in farming in Union township. He was born December 29, 1859, and is a son of Lewis and Mary (Parker) Bolton.

childhood; Mary Loretta, wife of Ira T. Wollam, of Union township; Simon Peter, who married Martha Hinkle and resided at Mercer, where he died; and William Lewis. After her husband's death, Mrs. Bolton was married to Noah Pile, and had one child by the second marriage, namely, Basil T. Pile, who resides in Van Wert County, 10 miles west of Van Wert. The mother of our subject was living with her daughter, Mrs. Ira T. Wollam, at the time of her death, which occurred about 1872.

William L. Bolton first attended school at the Frisinger school in Dublin township and his first teacher was David Counterman, who is now a resident of Mercer. His stepfather, Noah Pile, then sold the Bolton home farm in Union township, which consisted of 160 acres, and located on the Nathan Frisinger farm in Dublin township for a time; it was while living here that our subject began his school attendance. A little later Mr. Pile bought an 8o-acre farm in Jefferson township. After a five years' residence in Dublin^and Jefferson townships, the family returned to the old home farm in Union township, as the purchaser had been unable to pay for the place. In 1872 the house, which is now occupied by Mrs. Ira T. Wollam, was erected, and Mr. Bolton resided here with his sister for several years after the death of his mother. Rev. Timothy Hankins, of Center township, who was a firm friend of his parents, was appointed his guardian and our subject resided with him for some time, after which he went to Celina and other places in order to learn some trade, but not being able to get an apprenticeship he attended a select school conducted by John W. Loree, who is at present one of the leading members of the bar at Celina. The following spring he attended a select school at Mendon conducted by Prof. Rush Hooper, where he received a certificate and then taught until he attained his majority, when he received his legacy and purchased the 40 acres of land where his house now stands. He spent two or three terms at the Ohio Normal University at Ada and has since been engaged in teaching school during the winter terms and also during some of the spring terms. With the exception of three terms, he has always taught in Union township, north of the St. Marys River; he has taught one winter term in Jefferson township, one in Dublin, and one term (winter of 1906) in York township, Van Wert County. Mr. Bolton has always been active in educational work and is regarded as one of the most successful instructors in the county. His farm, which consists of 80 acres, has all been cleared with the exception of 20 acres, and has been tiled and drained since he purchased it. He moved on the farm in 1889 and erected a new barn and residence.

Mr. Bolton was married on October 11, 1882, to Emma Brown, a daughter of Alexander and Margaret (Bevington) Brown. Mr. Brown was born near New Castle, Pennsylvania, and moved, when scarcely a man in years, to Van Wert County, Ohio, where he atid William Heath bought 40 acres of land, that became the nucleus of the Alexander Brown homestead. Brown was obliged to borrow $50 of his uncle, William Heath, tO' make the first payment on the place. He was the father of eight children and at his death left to each child 40 acres of land. Mr. Brown died May 26, 1896, aged 69 years and his wife, who was a native of York township, Van Wert County, Ohio, died December 17, 1896, aged 65 years. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Bolton were John and Elizabeth Bevington, who were among the earliest settlers of Van Wert County. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Bolton were Robert and Margaret Brown, who were also early settlers of Van Wert County, coming from New Castle, Pennsylvania, at a very early date.

born April 20, 1884, who is a student of the Ohio University at Athens; Edgar William, born March 1, 1886, a graduate of the Mendon High School, who is a student at the Ohio University at Athens ; Ross Lee, born October 15, 1888, who will graduate from the Mendon High School in the class of 1907; Bessie Ethel, born September 15, 1891, who will enter the Mendon High School in 1907; Louis, born October 24, 1893; Margaret Albina, born June 15, 1896; Harold O., born December 29, 1898; Bernice* Loretta, born July 29, 1901 ; and Garland and two other children that died in infancy.

Mr. Bolton is a member of Wesley Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church and is a member also of the fraternal insurance organization known as the Home Guards of America. He is a Republican in politics, but exercises the privilege of voting for the best man for the office, regardless of party.

Samuel J. Vining

Samuel J. Vining, who is engaged in a real estate and insurance business at Celina, being one of the representative men of the village, was born in Randolph County, Indiana, in 1864, and is a son of the late Robert M. Vining, who was in his day. one of the most prominent men of Mercer County.

When he was about six months old, the parents of Mr. Vining removed to Darke County, and he was educated there and at Portland, Indiana. In 1880 he located at Chattanooga, Mercer County, where he engaged in farming and also taught school in Black Creek township for 14 years. In 1896 he was elected clerk of the courts of Mercer County, and in 1899 he was reelected and served through six years, making a record for efficiency. Since leaving the clerk's office, he has been engaged in a real estate and general fire insurance business and represents the leading fire insurance companies of the country, some 23 in all. In his realty dealings he mainly buys and sells for himself, acting the part of a broker as occasion offers and placing safe investments when so desired. He is recognized as an honorable business man and enjoys the confidence of all who know him. He is a director in the Citizens' Banking Company, and is secretary of the Mercer County

In 1887 Mr. Vining was married to Addie Ellsworth, of Mercer County, and they have three children, viz: Vernon Ellsworth, who is a recent graduate of the public schools; Valley Echo and Leo Heath.

Mr. Vining is a man of social instincts and is a valued member of the Knights of Pythias, Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorassan, Odd Fellows, Woodmen of the World and Eagles.

Joseph Pleiman

Joseph Pleiman, who died May 31, 1896, on his valuable farm of 95 acres, located in section 4, Butler township, was born at Philothea, Mercer County, Ohio, in 1848.

Mr. Pleiman was married in 1883, in Butler township, to Theresa Zumberge, a daughter of Henry and Kate Zumberge, who died in Germany. Mrs. Pleiman was born and reared in Germany and when 21 years old came to America. She lived first in Minster, Auglaize County, but since her marriage has resided on the farm which she has capably managed since her husband's death, and to which she has added 18 acres, making 113 acres in all. Mrs. Pleiman had six children, namely: Josephine, who married

Joseph Ullerman and has two children, Rosella and Annie; Joseph; George; Frances ; and Rosa and John, who died in infancy. The family belong to St. Mary's Catholic Church at Philothea.

Mr. Pleiman was a widower with four children at the time of his marriage to Theresa Zumberge. The children by his first marriage were as follows: Mary, who married Henry Neiberding; Katie, who married

Joseph A. Kuhn

Joseph A. Kuhn, who resides on his well-developed farm of 40 acres, situated in section 9, Jefferson township, was born in Jackson County, Ohio, October 1, 1866, and is a son of Anthony and Hester Ann (Swartz) (Bucanon) Kuhn.

ried William Webster and lives in Piqua, Ohio; and William, who died aged three years. After the death of Mr. Kuhn, his widow married Jonathan Botkin. At the time of her marriage to Mr. Kuhn, she was the widow of Joseph Bucanon, and had one son, John L. Bucanon, a resident of Butler township. Mrs. Botkin died March 15, 1893.

Joseph A. Kuhn was reared and educated in Butler township, Mercer County, where his parents settled when he was but three years old, his father having purchased a farm of 80 acres. Mr. Kuhn resided in Butler township until after his marriage, when he moved to Jefferson township, purchasing the farm upon which he now lives in April, 1904.

Mr. Kuhn was married on November 15, 1894, ,to Rosa Goodnick, a daughter of John and Catherine (Schilling) Goodnick, both natives of Germany, who were brought to America by their respective parents when children. At the time of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Goodnick, she was the widow of Joseph Royer, of Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Goodnick died August I, 1884, his wife surviving him until March 9, 1903. Mr. Kuhn has two children, namely: John Anthony, who was born January 8, 1896; and

Eugene Robert, who was born February 2, 1905. Mr. Kuhn is also raising a niece, Millie Maria Goodnick. Mr. Kuhn is a Democrat and was elected by that party, in the fall of 1905, to serve a term of three years as township trustee.

J. B. Schmitt, a well-known citizen and one of the leading grocers of Celina, was born in Marion township, Mercer County, Ohio, August 24, 1861, and is a son of Barney Schmitt.

Barney Schmitt was born in Mercer County, where his father, a native of Germany, was one of the pioneer settlers, and where they both became prominent farmers.

J. B. Schmitt was reared on a farm in Marion township and was educated in the district schools, remaining on the farm until 26 years of age. After leaving the farm, he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, hoping to find suitable employment. Within a few days after his arrival in the city, he secured employment with Eckert Brothers, wholesalers and retailers of notions, and remained with them for three and a half years, at the end of which time he was employed by I. W. Klaw & Company, clothiers, and remained with them for the next three years. He then moved to Celina and engaged in the grocery business, in which he has since been engaged. Mr. Schmitt also has interests in several stock companies.

Schweitermann and has one child, Hilda. He and his family are members of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Celina. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of St. John, St. Joseph's Aid Society, and the} German Independent Aid Society and the Eagles.

Ira T. Wollam

Ira T. Wollam, a prosperous farmer of Union township, whose welldeveloped farm of 80 acres is located in section 5, was born March 15, 1847, in Columbiana County, Ohio, and is a son of Alfred and Nancy (Thomas) Wollam.

Alfred Wollam, a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, was born February 8, 1820, and died in January, 1898, in his 78th year. He was a son of Jacob Wollam, a native of Virginia, and a resident of Columbiana County during the latter years of his life, who was always engaged in farming. He was a son of Balsam Wollam. Alfred Wollam was married to Nancy Thomas in his native county, after which he moved to Fairfield County and lived there for a period of 16 years, then removing to Mercer County in, 1865 and locating two miles east of Celina in Jefferson township, where he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Wollam were the parents of sevfen boys and two daughters, as follows : Ira T. ; Hiram, a preacher of the Society of Friends, who resides in Richmond, Indiana; Warren J., carpenter by trade, residing at Hood River, Oregon; Byron, a painter by trade, living at St. Marys, Ohio ; Emma, who married Ellsworth Green and lives on a farm near Celina; Joseph M., who resides in York township, Van Wert County, where he is engaged in farming; Maria, who married Walter Townsend, of Neptune ; George H., who resides on the home farm two miles southeast of Celina; and Michael H., who resides on the line between Van Wert and Paulding counties. Mrs. Wollam died in 1902 at the age of 80 years.

Ira T. Wollam passed his early boyhood days in Columbiana County. He was about 16 years old when his parents moved to Mercer County, and he has resided in this county since that time. Mr. Wollam purchased the farm upon which he now resides in the spring of 1876, at which time it was wholly unimproved. He has made many improvements, having built a fine barn and other buildings and having cleared a greater part of the farm, which was chiefly timberland when he became the owner.

Knox County, Ohio, and settled in Mercer County just south of Mendon. Mr. Bolton was born January 12, 1825, and died November 25, i860. Mary Parker was born December 25, 1824, and was married to Mr. Bolton oni October 30, 1845. They had four children, namely: Matilda, deceased;

William Lewis, who resides on a farm in Union township; Simon Peter, deceased ; and Mary, the wife of our subject. After the death of Mr. Bolton, his widow again married, this time to Noah Pile, and has one son by this marriage, Basil T. Pile.

married Isam Ross and lives in Union township; Mattie, who married Parker Rhodes, resides on a farm in Union township and has three children - Hazel, Frank and Lena; Charles, deceased at the age of 10 years; Alice, who married Oscar Waltz, of Van Wert County, and has two children - Edna Pauline and Ira Kenneth; and Nannie and Bessie, who live at home.

In the Civil War, Mr. Wollam served in Company D, 193rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under Gen. Winfield S. Hancock. Lie was mustered in at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, and participated in battles throughout West Virginia and Maryland. He was mustered out at Winchester, Virginia, and discharged at Camp Chase. Lie is a member of McKendree-Murlin Post, No. 318, G. A. R. Mr. Wollam is a Republican and was first elected township trustee in 1884, serving for seven years. After an intermission of nine years, he was again elected, in 1899, and has since served seven years. In 1903, while Mr. Wollam was trustee, the splendid Town Hall at Mendon was erected jointly by Union township and Mendon village at a cost of about $12,000. It is one of the finest buildings in the county, being in every way modern in architecture, construction and appointments. The same building at the present time would cost at least $14,000. Mr. Wollam makes a popular officer and his services have been entirely satisfactory to his fellow-citizens. Mr. Wollam began life entirely on his own resources and to-day stands among the most prosperous farmers of the township. He has bought and paid for his home and farm of 80 acres. Lie is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge at Mendon, and is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Casper Clune

Casper Clune, a substantial farmer of Marion township, who resides on his 160-acre farm in section 10, was born on this farm January 28, 1866, and is a son of Gerhard and Bernardina (Wabler) Clune.

to America when a young man and settled in Mercer County, purchasing a small farm of 40 acres in Marion township, which is part of the farm now owned by Casper Clune. He was engaged in working on the canal in Auglaize County for a time, as well as managing the farm, to which he kept adding until at the time of his death, September 25, 1875, at the age of 48 years, he owned 200 acres. He was married to Bernardina Wabler, who died in May, 1904, aged 66 years. They became the parents of 11 children, namely: Frank, who died aged 20 years; Mary, who died in childhood; Barney, who married a Miss Bolsinger; Bernardina, deceased, who married John Betke; Joseph, residing at St. Joseph; Josephine, who married Henry Meyer; Casper; Henry, deceased; Elizabeth, deceased; Catherine, who married John Kroger; and Gerhard, who married Miss Gabbel.

Casper Clune was reared on his father's farm and assisted with the work until the time of his marriage at the age of 26 years. He bought his present farm from his mother in 1893. The first house built on the Clune farm was a log cabin, in which Casper was born, and the six-room house which Mr. Clune and his family occupy was built in 1871 by his father, who made his own brick and hewed his own timber. Mr. Clune remembers the time when the turnpike on which he now lives was a plank road, and also when his father was obliged to carry his grain on his back through the woods and brush, to the mill at Piqua, Ohio. In the spring of 1906, Mr. Clune bought a partnership in the Chickasaw Grain & Milling Company.

Mr. Clune has been married three times, (first) to Catherine Dabbelt, who had four children - Nora, Rose (deceased), Minnie and John - and died in 1900. He was married (second) to Josephine Schroeder, who died April 24, 1906. One child was born to this union, Joseph, who is deceased. Mr. Clune was married (third) to Anna Ashman, a daughter of Henry Ashman, a native of Germany, residing at Cassella, Mercer County. Mrs. Clune is one of a family of nine children born to her parents, namely : Elizabeth, who married Anthony Foscal; Mary, who married Dick Bieler; John; Joseph; Anna; Agnes; Catherine; Plenry and Philomena. Mr. Clune has been a member of the School Board for four years. He belongs to the Most Precious Blood Catholic Church at Chickasaw.

Peter Linn

Peter Linn, a prominent citizen of Liberty township and a member of the Board of County Commissioners, resides on his finely improved farm of 80 acres, which he has placed under a fine state of cultivation. Mr. Linn

The parents of Mr. Linn were also natives of Bavaria. His mother died when he was 11 years of age and he was 14 years old when his father brought the children to America and settled in Liberty township, Mercer County, Ohio. Two years later the father went back to Germany, where he died.

Peter Linn grew to manhood in Mercer County. The schooling he had received in Bavaria was supplemented by that he obtained in Liberty township, and as a large part of his life has been spent among intelligent people and as he has held important offices in his neighborhood, in the discharge of the duties of which offices he has been obliged to use great good! judgment, Mr. Linn may be fairly considered one of the best informed men in his locality. He has resided upon his present farm since 1882.

Politically Mr. Linn is identified with the Democratic party. For three years he was a trustee of Liberty township, of which he has also be^n land appraiser. In the fall of 1902 he was elected county commissioner and entered upon the duties of this important office in September, 1903, and is still serving, having been reelected in the fall of 1905. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. He stands as one of the representative citizens of his township and personally is held in high esteem.

John Henry Morrow

John Henry Morrow, a well-known citizen of Hopewell township, formerly assessor of the same for several years, resides on his home farm of 80 acres, in section 22, and owns 40 additional acres in the vicinity. Mr. Morrow was born in Hopewell township, Mercer County, Ohio, January 27, 1856, and is a son of William and Mary (Wilson) Morrow, both natives of Ohio.

Mr. Morrow was reared on his father's farm in his native township and attended the local schools. His occupations have always been of an agricultural nature, and as he was thoroughly trained in practical farming he has met with very satisfying success since he has been engaged on his own account. His 120-acre estate is valuable land and his home is one of comfort and convenience.

Weaver, of Plopewell township, and they had four children, as follows : Stella, Perry, Clara and Nora. Stella is the only survivor. With his family, Mr. Morrow belongs to the United Brethren Church, in which he is serving as a trustee. He is well known in his neighborhood and is held in esteem on account of his sterling qualities and good citizenship.

Orlington Barker

Orlington Barker, a substantial farmer of Butler township, residing on a farm of 120 acres situated in section 25, was born near Rushville, Fairfield County, Ohio, January 3, 1862, and is a son of William J. and Nancy E. (Palmer) Barker.

William J. Barker was born in Perry County, Ohio, in 1831, and died in Franklin township, Mercer County, August 31, 1905. His wife was born in 1832, and is now residing on the home place. In 1863 they moved from Fairfield to Mercer County.

Orlington Barker was reared and educated in Franklin township and attended the district schools. In 1884 he bought 40 acres of farm land in Butler township, which he farmed while living at home. In 1891 he erected a large frame house, and three years later added a large barn to the many other improvements. In 1894 he purchased 40 acres more farm land, across the road from his original purchase of 40 acres, and in 1901 added another 40 acres adjoining his second purchase, making, in all, 120 acres of valuable farm land. Mr. Barker engages in farming and stock-raising and takes a great deal of pride in his fine stock. He owns some pedigreed Shorthorn cattle, high-grade Percheron horses and Cotswold sheep, his collection being as fine as any produced in the county.

On October 8, 1890, Mr. Barker was married to Lavergnie Walmire, a daughter of Joseph Walmire, both of Perry County, Ohio. They have two children: Joseph Walmire and Elsie Leah. Mr. Barker has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 15 years of age, is a trustee of the church and for the past 15 years has been a steward. In politics he is a Democrat.

George W. Becher

George W. Becher, a well-known and successful agriculturist of Liberty township, residing on his well-improved farm of 90 acres, situated in section 7, was born in this township February 29, 1868, and is a son of

John Becher was a boy when he accompanied his parents to America, his father, Frederick Becher, locating in Black Creek township, Mercer County, Ohio, among the pioneers. After his marriage, John Becher settled in Liberty township and was a prosperous farmer and substantial citizen here for many years. His death occurred on July 25, 1883. The mother of our subject survives and is in her 70th year.

George W. Becher was educated in the schools of Liberty township and until his marriage resided on the homestead farm. He has always followed an agricultural life. His farm is a valuable one from every point of view. For the past three years the Darby Oil Company has been developing both oil and gas on his property and has sunk 11 wells, with quite a large degree of success.

Mr. Becher was married to Mary Schlenker, a daughter of the late John Schlenker, formerly a resident of Celina, and earlier, of Liberty township. Mr. and Mrs. Becher have five children, namely : Mabel L., William

Nelson Maffett

Nelson Maffett, residing on his 145-acre farm in Jefferson township, in section 4, township 6 south, range 2 east, was born in Carroll County, Ohio, January 2, 1844, and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Cheetham) Maffett.

The father of Nelson Maffett was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, and was a son of William Maffett, who- was a native of Loudoun County, Virginia. William Maffett married Catherine Lodge and they owned slaves and a large plantation, which they sold when they moved to Columbiana County, Ohio. He served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and was a man of some prominence in his locality. He died in 1865, aged 96 years, his sturdy strength having come from Scotch ancestors.

When Joseph Maffett was six years old he was taken by his parents to Carroll County, Ohio, where he later married Mary Cheetham, who was a daughter of John and Jane (Brown) Cheetham, substantial farmers, who were natives of Manchester, England. Mr. and Mrs. Cheetham both died in Carroll County. Mrs. Maffett was seven years old when she accompanied her parents to America.

the age of 12 years, when the family removed to Wyandot County, where his parents died, the father in 1880 and the mother in 1885. Mr. Maffett lived in Wyandot County until the fall of 1884, when he sold his farm of 40 acres and bought a farm of 105 acres in Jefferson township, Mercer County, mainly timberland. This land he has cleared and developed and has continued to improve, building here a large, comfortable frame house and substantial barn. He pays intelligent attention to the raising of Black Polled Angus cattle and Percheron horses. Mr. Maffett' s property would command a high price in the market and its value is mainly due to what hq has accomplished by his persevering industry and excellent methods.

On October 6, 1874, Mr. Maffett was married to Julia Landon, a daughter of James and Ruth Landon, of Ada, Ohio. Mrs. Maffett is a direct descendant of the ill-fated Lady Jane Grey, of English history, and her mother came from the noble old family of Dudley.

Mr. and Mrs. Maffett have four children, namely : Alberta, who married Newton Petrie, lives in Jefferson township and has two children, Harry and Gladys; Elmer Joseph, residing at home; Mary, who married William Preston Finley, lives in Jefferson township and has three children - Ruth, Irma and Berle; and Addie, who lives at home. Our subject and children, through his great-grandfathers, are eligible to the societies of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, both of these worthies having fought under General Washington.

Mr. Maffett does not take any very active interest in politics, but he is always concerned in the progress and development of his community. He is serving as a member of the township Board of Education and is one of the reliable, honorable citizens who reflect credit upon any neighborhood.

Hon. Franklin S. Collins

Hon. Franklin S. Collins, one of the leading citizens of Mercer County, conducting an extensive oil business at Celina, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was formerly probate judge of the county and for a period was mayor of Celina, as well as mayor of Mendon for two terms. He was born at Shane's Crossing (now Rockford), Mercer County, November 23, 1852, and is a son of Jacob and Adeline V. (Davis) Collins.

The Collins family is an old pioneer one of Mercer County, the grandfather, Moses Collins, having settled here at a very early date. Jacob Collins, father of Franklin S. Collins, was born in Miami County, Ohio, in May, 1832, and was married in Mercer County. The mother of our subject was born in

Green County, Ohio, August 6, 1832, and was reared by an uncle in Mercer County. Our subject was 18 months old when his father died, leaving- a widow and two children, Franklin S. and Emma, the latter now the wife of Dr. W. W. Small, of Toledo, Ohio. Some years after her husband's death, Mrs. Jacob Collins married H. F. Holbrook.

When Franklin S. Collins was about 15 years old, his mother left Shane's Crossing and removed with her children to Ashland County, where she settled on a farm. She gave her son every possible educational advantage that she could, which included one year at Baldwin University, Berea, Ohio. Upon his return home, he became a clerk in his uncle's mercantile establishment at Mendon, and after two years of commercial training he purchased the business and carried it on for some five years. After disposing of it, he farmed for some three years in the vicinity of Mendon and then returned to town and embarked in a hardware and grocery business there. In 1889 he sold out and went back to the farm, where he continued to follow agricultural pursuits until the fall of 1893 when he came to Celina. He has served as mayor of this city and for three years was deputy United States marshal under United States Marshal Updegraff.