Shelby County, Ohio - The whole text, 1883 (part 28 of 30)

" The arrival of the train from the west brought in the first delegation from a distance - the Union City firemen - a splendid set of boys, who are always met with the best feeling by their host of friends in Sidney. They were accompanied by the Union City Band, one of the largest and best in the State. They were the guests of our firemen, and were met at the depot by the firemen of Sidney, Committee, and Tappe's Band, and escorted into town. When the time for the train from the north arrived, the Sidney Lodge of Knights of Pythias, accompanied by the band, reported at the depot, and after waiting half an hour for a delayed train, met the Shawnee Commandery from Lima, and other visiting guests from Lima, Wapakoneta, and other points north. They were escorted to the square, and the same reception was given to the Coleman Commandery from Troy, and other visitors from Troy, Piqua, and other points south. The hotels were crowded, and a large number of persons went to the M. E. church, where the ladies of the church had provided a fine dinner. On the arrival of the train from the east, the Committee on Arrangements, accompanied by a band, went to the Bee Line depot and received the Bellefontaiue Lodge of Masons, accompanied by the Bellefontaine Band.

"The places of meeting for the different Orders were as follows: Knights of Pythias, at their hall over Zinn's store; Odd Fellows, in their hall in Thompson's building; Shawnee and Coleman Commanderies, in Piper's Hall ; and Blue Lodge of Masons, in Temperance Hall, in Fry's building. The Lodge from Bellefontaine came in as the procession was being formed, and entered it without going to any hall. The Masonic Lodges of Shelby County and visiting brethren met with the Sidney Lodge; the Firemen met at the headquarters of Valley City No. 2. Each organization appointed its own marshals, and the whole was under the direction of Chief Marshal E. M. Green and his Assistants, J. S. Laughlin, W. H. Taylor, E. E. Nutt, J. B. Edgar, and H. M. Lehman.

" The following is the order of the procession: Anna Band; County and City officials in carriages ; Pioneers in carriages ; Citizens in carriages; Martial Band; Grand Army of the Republic ; Piqua Band; Knights of Pythias ; Union City Band ; Fire Department; Odd Fellows; Lima Band; Shawnee and Coleman Commanderies; Bellefontaine Baud ; Bellefontaine Lodge of Masons; Tappe's Band and Sidney Lodge No. 73, Masons, which included the members of Stokes Lodge, at Port Jefferson, and Epler Lodge, at Jaokson Centre, and visiting members.

" The following was the line of march : North on Main Street to Poplar; East on Poplar to Miami; North on Miami to North; West on North to Ohio; South on Ohio to Dallas; East on Dallas to Main; North on Main to Poplar; thence to the square, where the ceremonies were conducted.

"By authority of the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in the State of Ohio, and in obedience to his order, I do now command and require all persons here assembled to preserve silence, and to observe due order and decorum during the performance of the ceremonies or Una. occasion.

" The following articles were deposited in a receptacle made in the corner-stone : A list of the present officers of the county ; a copy of the Constitution and By-laws, and a list of the present members and officers of Temperance Lodge No. 73, F. & A. Masons ; a list of the officers and members of Stokes Lodge No. 305, F. & A. Masons; a list of the members of Summit Lodge No. 50, Knights of Pythias; and the name of the architect, and a list of the names of the contractors and workmen employed on the stone and brickwork of the new court-house ; a list of the members of Tappe's Cornet Band ; a copy of the Shelby County Democrat; a copy of the Sidney Journal; a copy of the Sentinel; a copy of the record of the three first sessions of the Court of Common Pleas of Shelby County in 1819.

"The following is a copy of the report of the first three courts in the county : The first Court of Common Pleas for Shelby County met in the village of Hardin, in Turtle Creek Township, on the 16th day of May, 1819: President, Judge Jos. H. Crane, of Dayton ; Robert Houston, Samuel Marshal, William M. Cecil, Associates: Harvey B. Foote, Clerk. The term lasted only one day. The Journal of the Court mentions no one as Sheriff. Henry Bacon, of Dayton, was appointed by the Court as Prosecuting Attorney. The next term was held Sept. 13th and 14th, 1819, at same place, by the foregoing named Judges and officers. The third term was held at the same place, beginning Dec. 13th, 1819, same Judges and officers, and also Daniel V. Dingman as Sheriff. At the close of the December term, 1819, the Court ordered the next term to be held at the then newly situated county seat, viz., the village of Sidney, where the Courts have all been held ever since.

" The covering was then lowered to its place with appropriate ceremonies by Past Grand Master of the State, A. II. Newcomb, and the ceremonies closed with prayer by Grand Chaplain O. Kennedy.

" The oration was delivered from the stand erected by A. L. McKinney, of Troy, and was a brilliant, eloquent address. The ceremonies closed about half-past four o'clock.

" There was a large crowd in town, including a great many strangers .from abroad. The people came in from the country in the afternoon, and the city was filled with people. There were not less than five thousand people present. The procession was long and made a fine display. Good order prevailed throughout the whole day and evening, and every one seemed to be gratified with the entire success of the celebration."

On the 12th of April, 1839, the Legislature of the State passed "An Act to Authorize and Encourage Agricultural Societies in the Several Counties in the State and Regulate the Same." Under this a call was made by William Murphy, Esq. (then auditor of the county), for a meeting of the county to be held in the court-house, on the 21st of August, 1839, to form an agricultural society.

The meeting was organized by calling Stephen Wilkin to the chair, and appointing J. S. Updegraff secretary. At this meeting seventy-one names were recorded as members of the society.

The organization was perfected by the election of the following officers: President, H. Thompson; Vice-President, Luke Fish; Corresponding Secretary, William Fielding; Recording Secretary, W. A. Carey; Treasurer, John Shaw. A committee, consisting of George D. Leckey, William Fielding, and J. S. Updegraff, was appointed to draft a constitution. An adjournment was then had until the second Monday in September, at which time a constitution was reported and adopted, and 150 copies ordered printed.

The first annual meeting of the society was held on the 27th day of June, 1840, when the following officers were elected: President, Stephen Wilkin; Vice-President, James McLean; Treasurer, Samuel Mathers; Corresponding Secretary, H. S. Conklin ; Recording Secretary, H. Thompson. John Shaw, late treasurer, made his report. Balance in the treasury $27.81|.

A committee was appointed to wait on the county commissioners and solicit a donation from them in aid of the society in accordance with law.

On the 8th of October, 1840, the board met at the office of Dr. H. S. Conklin, and fixed the time for holding the first county fair on the 17th of October, and at the same time prepared a premium list amounting to forty-five dollars.

Among the premiums awarded at this fair was one of $5 to George D. Leckey for the best acre of corn, 99? bushels; one to Stephen Wilkin of $2 for the best ^ bushel of potatoes, 146 bushels; and one to J. II. Kirkindall, $5, for the best stallion, Tuckahoe. At tins fair there were twentysix premiums awarded. The record shows that the fair was considered a success, and augured well for the future success of the society, and that Shelby County was destined to take a prominent rank among the grain-growing and stock-raising counties of our flourishing Miami Valley.

The second annual meeting was held at the court-house on the 12th of June, 1841, when the following officers were elected: President, Benjamin Fulton; Vice-President, David Reynolds; Treasurer, H. Thompson; Recording Secretary, William Murphy; and Corresponding Secretary, J. S. Updegraff.

The prediction made by the secretary at the first fair was not realized, . for we find that there were but two fairs held under that organization ; and that on the 9th day of August, 1845, a meeting was held at the court-house for the purpose of reviving the society (a period of four years having elapsed since a fair was held). But we cannot learn that an organization was completed until April, 1851, when a constitution was reported and adopted, and an election for officers was held under it, as follows: President, Irwin Nutt; Vice-President, H. Walker; Secretary, J. P. Ilaggott; Treasurer, T. Stephenson. The fair for this year was held October 15, 1851.

March 26, 1852, the annual meeting was held, and the following officers were elected: President, Irwin Nutt; Vice-President, Curtis Kelsey; Secretary, J. P. Haggott; Treasurer, Thomas Stephenson.

At a meeting of the board held in August, it was resolved to have but one day of fair, as there was a show advertised for one of the days of the fair. This fair was held on the 28th of September. The exhibition of stock was very good. Twenty-three premiums were awarded on horses, fourteen on neat cattle, with a fair display of sheep, hogs, farm products, and miscellaneous articles.

At a meeting on the 6th of December, 1852, the treasurer made his report: Receipts $186, $67 of which had been received from the county ; $73.59 paid for premiums; balance in treasury, $112.41. An election for officers was held: President, W. J. Thirkield; Vice-President, Sam. Stephenson; Secretary, S. Alexander Leckey ; Treasurer, T. Stephenson.

The third annual fair was held on the 5th and 6th days of October, 1853, on the grouuds west of Sidney (known as the Jordan property), then owued by Dr. H. S. Conklin. There were 181 premiums awarded at this exhibition, consisting of silver cups, money, and diplomas. A greater display and variety of domestic and miscellaneous articles were on exhibition than at any previous fair held in the county. The display of poultry was the largest that had been seen in the county. A premium was awarded to Dr. Conklin' for a fine specimen of rat terrier dog.

December 6, 1853, the following were elected officers: President, Col. J-. W. Carey; Vice-President, Hugh McElroy; Secretary, S. Alexander Leckey; Treasurer, W. J. Thirkield.

The fourth annual fair was held October 12th and 13th, on the grounds of B. VV. Maxwell, east of the river. A fine display of thoroughbred cattle was exhibited by Dr. Thirkield, Spense, J. W. Carey, and others. An election of officers was held during this fair, which resulted as follows: President, A. F. Munger; Vice-President, H. Walker; Secretary, VV. P. Stowell; Treasurer, W. J. Thirkield.

The fifth annual fair was held on the grounds of I. T. Fulton, on the 4th and 5th'days of October, 1855. There does not seem to have been the same interest taken at this time that there had previously been, for we find that this was the last fair held for several years, or until 1860, when the present independent society was organized, under the name of the Shelby County Agricultural Institute.

The grounds now owned by the Institute were purchased from W. P. Reed and J. L. Thirkield, as administrators of the estate of W. J. Tliirkiekl, deceased, and contain twenty acres. Deeds were made on the 12th day of November, 1860, to John H. Mathers, S. Alexander Leckey, James A. Wells, 1. F. Fulton, and J. C. Coe, as trustees for the Institute. For the payment of the purchase-money' and the improvement of the ground there were 229 shares of stock subscribed, at $10 per share, by 222 persons, on which had been paid $2299.15, leaving a balance on slock subscribed and unpaid $290 85. From the above it will be seen that the grounds are not the property of the county, but belong to individuals who have invested their money for the purpose of furnishing a place for the accommodation of the agricultural and mechanical industries of the county to exhibit their productions, and from which the stockholders have^ never received one cent in the shape of dividends or interest on the investment - the annual receipts from fairs having been expended in the improvement and beautifying of the grounds, and much more is required at this time to make further improvements that must be made.

At the first election in 1860 for officers of the Institute the following were elected: President, James. A. Wells; Vice-President, E. Lytle; Secretary, S. Alexander Leckey; Treasurer, John Duncan.

The first annual fair was held on the 4th, 5th, and 6th days of October. At the second election in 1861 the same officers were re-elected, and the second annual fair was held on the 1st, 2d, 3d, and 4th days of October. At the election in 1862 the same officers were re-elected, and the third annual fair was held on September 30th, October 1st, 2d, and 3d. At the election in 1863 the same officers were re-elected, with James I. Elliott as secretary.

The fourth annual fair was held in October, 1863. At the election in 1864 the following officers were elected: President, E. Lytle; Vice- President, H. M. Reed; Treasurer, John Duncan; Secretary, A. B. C.

Hitchcock. The fifth annual fair was held on the 27th, 28th, and 29th of September. On the 16th of January, 1864, J. A. Lamb was elected trustee to supply the vacancy occasioned by the death of I. T. Fulton. January 21, 1865, at the annual election the same officers were continued, and the annual fair held in October. J. C. Coe tendered his resignation as trustee, and Edmund Lytle was elected to supply the vacancy. The annual fair was held in October. January 20, 1866, the following were elected officers: President, William Shinn; Vice-President, James A. Wells; Treasurer, John Duncan; Secretary, A. B. C. Hitchcock. The annual fair was held in October, 1867. The same officers were elected. At the annual meeting in 1868 the following were elected: President, John Duncan; Vice-President, W. A. Carey; Secretary, J. S. Read; Treasurer, O. J. Taylor. At the annual meeting in 1869 the following were elected: President, J. A. Wells; Vice-President, J. R. Kendall, with secretary and treasurer as before. The tenth annual fair was held in October. At the election in 1870 the following were elected: President, J. R. Kendall; Vice-President, Morris Honnell; secretary and treasurer same as before. The eleventh lair was held in October. In 1871 the following were elected: President, J. R. Kendall; Vice-Presiednt, Morris Honnell; Treasurer, L. E. Mathers; Secretary, H. B. Blake. The twelfth annual fair was held in October. In 1872 the following were elected: President, R. Joslin; Vice-President, D. M. Line; Treasurer, L. E. Mathers; Secretary, J. S. Read. The thirteenth annual fair was held in October. In 1873 the following were elected: President, R. Joslin; Vice-President, S. Alexander Leckey; Treasurer, C. C. Weaver; Secretary, J. S. Read. Iu 1874 the officers were: President, S. A. Leckey; Vice-President, M. Honnell; Treasurer, 0. 0. Mathers; Secretary, J. S. Read.

The fifteenth annual fair was held Sept. 22d. 23d, 24th, and 25th, 1874. At the election held Jan. 1875, the following officers were elected: Pres., Francis Bailey; Vice-Pres., Morris Honnell; Treas., 0. 0. Mathers; Sect., J. S. Read.

The sixteenth annual fair was held Sept. 21st, 22d, 23d, and 24th, 1875. Officers elected Jan. 15, 1876: Pres., Francis Bailey; Vice-Pres., M. Honnell; Treas., John Duncan; Sect., J. S. Read.

1877. The total amount of receipts for the eighteenth annual fair from all sources was $2081.28. Total disbursements were $2084.94, leaving a deficit of $3.66. The election for officers for the year 1878 resulted as follows: Pres., S. Alex. Leckey; Vice-Pres., Ed. E. Nutt; Treas., C. C. Weaver; Sect., J. S. Read.

The nineteenth annual fair was held Oct. 1st, 2d, 3d, and 4th, 1878. The total number of entries made in the different classes was 1320, an advance of more than fifty per cent, over that of the year before, showing that the Institute was at this time in a flourishing condition. The result of the election held Jan. 18, 1879, was the re-election of all the officers of the preceding year.

The time of the twentieth annual fair was Sept. 30th and Oct. 1st, 2d, and 3d. Th<5 total number of entries made at the twentieth annual fair was 1618. Total receipts from all sources $2590.08. This included $106.63 in treasury from the last year. Total disbursements $2160.30, leaving a balance of $419.76 in treasury. At the election held Jan. 17, 1880, the same officers were elected as those of the preceding year.

This year, 1880, the Institute purchased six and a half acres of ground in addition to their former grounds, for which they paid the sum of $1300. The number of acres in the grounds at this date was twenty-six and a half. Cash value of the grounds and improvements was $8000.

Sept. 6, 1880, S. Alex. Leckey, the president of the Institute, died. By his death the society lost one of its most efficient members. Appropriate resolutions were passed in honor of his memory, and the same were recorded in the secretary's book.

At a meeting held Jan. 15, 1881, the following officers were elected: Pres., Morris Honnell; Vice-Pres., Daniel Staley; Treas., O. J. Taylor; Sect., fl. Guthrie

The time of holding the twenty-second fair was Sept. 27th, 28th, 29th, and 30th. During the year 1881 the institute purchased one and a half acres of land adjacent to their grounds, for which they paid the sum of $325. The receipts for the fair held in Sept. 1881, were as follows: Received from sale of tickets, $2190 ; entrance fees, $209 ; received from State, $120.68; balance from last year, $180.77 ; from all other sources, $593.40 ; making a grand total of $3293.85. Total disbursements, $2433.22. Balance in treasury, $860.63. At the election for officers for the year 1882 the same persons were re-elected of the year previous.

The twenty-third annual fair was held Sept. 26th, 27th, 28th, and 29th. This was one of the most successful fairs ever held in the county, although the weather was very unfavorable, raining every day. The entries in all the departments (excepting that of fruit) were better than those of any previous year. The general attendance was better, and it is safe to say that if the weather had been favorable the receipts of the fair would have exceeded those of the year previous by from $500 to $1000. The total receipts for this fair were $3061.71. Balance on hand from previous year, $860.63. Total, $3922.34. Disbursements for the year, $3545.03.

At the aunual meeting of the society held Jan 1882, a resolution was offered to prohibit the sale of ale, beer, and wine on the fair grounds. This resolution met with some opposition, but was adopted by the board. The year previous they had received for the permit of the eating-house and the sale of beer, ale, and wine the sum of $135. This year they could get no offer for the privilege of an eating-house. It accordingly was given to the ladies of the First Presbyterian Church of Sidney free of charge, who made a success of it and gave universal satisfaction.

A noticeable feature at this fair was the quietness and good behavior of the large crowd of people in attendance. No drunkenness or disorderly conduct was seen. This proved, not only to the board of directors but to all who were there, that beer, ale, and wine are not essential to the succos8 of a fair in Shelby County.

The election for officers held Jan. 1883, resulted as follows: Pres., Daniel Staley; Vice-Pres., Isaac Betts; Sect., Harvey Guthrie; Treas., O. J. Taylor.

This enterprise was originally known as the Stone Bridge Warehouse, the building of which was erected in 1858 by Mathers & McGrew, and was a two story frame 70 by 70 feet, but without an elevator. It was first sold to J. F. Frazier, next to Frank Levering, again to J. R. Kendall, and finally to Kendall & Conroy. In 1871 it became the property of Forsyth, Nutt & Co.; but two years later E. E. Nutt purchased the interest of all his partners, attached a steam elevator, added a story to the building and a drive-way through the centre on the ground floor. About a year later Mr. Nutt associated his brothers in the business, and the firm style became Nutt Bros., the members being E. E., J. N., and J. M. Nutt. The building has a capacity of about 50,000 bushels; the annual handling of grain amounting to about 150,000 bushels. This showing assumes extra proportions wheu it is remembered there are thirteen other grain-dealing establishments within the county outside of Sidney.

The building used by this firm was erected about 1849 by Lamb & Zinn, but in 1853 it was converted into a steam flouring mill with six run of stones, by Mathers, McGrew & Co., who operated until about 1862. At this date it was reconverted into an elevator. It was afterward operated as an elevator until 1878 by J. B. Wilkin, who removed the milling machinery. It then passed through the hands of John Hart, H. M. Reed, and finally came in possession of W. R. Moore in 1875. Its style then became the Sidney Steam elevator, and an addition 24 by 55 feet was made to the main building, the dimensions of the whole building being now 55 by 82 £ feet and two stories high. In 1876 T. J. Orbison bought a half interest, and the firm became Orbison & Moore. About a year later Mr. Moore repurchased the whole interest, and operated alone until 1879, when he sold a one-half intevest to O. S. Marshall, since which time the firm style has been Moore & Marshall. In 1880 additions were made to both the building and the machinery.

0. J. Taylor commenced the hardware business in 1854 under the firm, name of McLain & Taylor, and continued under this style until 1856. First opened in the old Piper building, but in November moved into the room now occupied by G. C. Kelsey, and three years later to that now occupied by the German American Bank. In 1863 left here and moved into a building on Main Street. In 1859 the firm became Taylor & Stephenson, and in 1864, Taylor & Bro. In 1881 Mr. O. J. Taylor assumed sole proprietorship. In 1873 he erected a building 50 by 120 feet, on the corner of Main and Poplar, facing on Main. It contains two storerooms on first floor ; the second floor is used for offices, and the third floor as an opera hall with a seating capacity of about 1000 persons. The lower corner room is 100 by 25, with an iron room to the rear 22 by 66 feet - these being used as hardware sales and storeroom by Mr. Taylor, who carries a stock of from $18,000 to $20,000 at all times.

The proprietor of this establishment came as a grocer from Piqua in 1863 and opened a grocery in Sidney, with which he was connected until 1875. In 1865 he commenced the pork-packing business, having erected a main building 40 by 60 feet, an addition 20 by 60, and other buildings of a shed character. About 2800 hogs are slaughtered annually, which gives employment to about twenty-five men. In connection with this house the proprietor keeps a meat market in Sidney, where meats ol all kinds are constantly on sale. Aside from the demands of this market, his pork is packed and shipped, to a greater or less extent, all over the country.

In March, 1876, W. M. Hall established a buggy and spring wagon salesroom in Sidney, but kept enlarging his stock until it embraces wagons, reapers, mowers, and portable steam-engines. At present he handles the Haydock, Emerson & Fisher, Lewis Cook, Anderson, Harris & Co., and United States Buggy Co.'s buggies, as well as the best manufacture of wagons in the market. His agricultural machinery and implement stock embrace the best makes of the various machines or implements. To all this stock he also added firebrick, cement, fireclay, and stove-flues. He is doing a Very extensive and successful business.

In 1855 George Hemm started a small nursery in South Sidney, where may now be found elegant and opulent residences. In a few years his business had assumed such proportions that he was compelled to seek greater elbow-room, and so moved out to the " Blair" farm. His business kept swelling, and he kept increasing his area until he now has 280 acres. Twenty -five acres within the city limits are planted in fruit and ornamental trees; while he has about 300,000 trees and shrubs of different kinds; and roses of the choicest varieties may be found lending a charm at almost every turn on his lands. Having made a special study of his business, he has been enabled to produce some happy results from experimental cultivation.

This institution was organized July 15, 1870, and has since been in successful management. The original stockholders were : J. H. Mathers, L. E. Mathers, Edward Smith, William Johnston, J. A. Lamb, Jacob Piper, Samuel Rice, John Barkalow, Hugh Thompson, C. L. Pomeroy, James Murray, George Hemm, L. Marx, W. L. Alfele, and Kindall & Conroy. The capital stock was $34,000, which was a few years later increased to $82,100.

Present Board: J. A. Lamb, President; W. A. Graham, Cashier; S. Carey Cummings, Assistant Cashier; Hugh Thompson, William Johnston, O. O. Mathers, and William P. Medcalf.

Manufactories: Sidney Steel Scraper Co., American Steel Scraper Co., and Slusser & McLean, Steel Scraper Co.; Sidney Agricultural Works; P. Smith, Bro. & Co. Machine Works and Foundry; Eagle Plow Works; Sidney Plow Works; Sidney Pinning Mills and Lumber Yard; J. F. Black, Planing Mills and Lumber Yard; " D" Handle Factory; Excelsior Works; J. M. Blue, Sawmill and Lumber Yard; Flax Mill; Sidney Lime Kiln; J. S. Crozier, Carriage Factory; A. Miller, Carriage Factory; Sidney Marble Works; Shea & Buell, Marble Works; Sidney Wheel Works; New York Spoke Works; Sidney Hub and Spoke Factory; J. Dan, Hub and Spoke Works; Automatic Vise Works; Collar and Fly Net Factory; John Wagner's Brewery.

Lodges: Temperance Lodge No. 73 F. & A. M. ; Sidney Chapter; Sidney Council; I. O. O. F. No. 60; Osceola Encampment; Sidney Temple Patriarchar Circle; Summit Lodge K. of P.; Neal Post No. 62 G. A. R.

Newspapers: Weekly Valley Sentinel and Daily Sentinel, Democratic, J. T. Hearn, Editor and Proprietor; Shelby County Democrat , Democratic, Gen'l J. O. Amos, Editor and Proprietor; Sidney Journal , Republican, Trego & Binkley, Proprietors.

The Shelby County Democrat was established by William Ramsey in -1849. The first issue was published on the first of January of that year. It was then called the Democratic Yeoman. Mr Ramsey continued its publication for about two years, when he died, and the paper passed into the hands of S. Alexander Leekey. On the 30th of January, 1 852, under Mr. Leckey's management, the name of the paper was changed to Shelby Democrat. It was subsequently changed to Shelby County Democrat , but the exact time when it assumed the present name cannot be ascertained. During the time that Mr. Leekey had charge of the paper he took in partnership with him A. M. Hollabaugh, and in 1856 he sold his interest to Mr. Hollabaugh. Mr. Hollabaugh ran the paper a short time, and sold it to J. M. Miller, who only managed it a short time, and sold it to A. M. Dumbaugh. Mr. Dumbaugh did not succeed in the paper, and it was purchased in 1858 by A. Kaga, who came from Tiffin. Mr. Kaga was then a young man, and he made the paper an excellent one. In 1861 he went into the army, first as a three-month soldier, and afterward as captain of a company in the 20th regiment. For a time after he went into the service the Democrat was run for him by a committee of Democrats. In the early part of 1862 Gen'l Thomas L. Young purchased the Democrat , and published it until October, 1862, whi n he went into the 118th regiment as major, and the paper again was taken charge of by a committee of Democrats, and placed under the management of W. N. Skidmore. In the summer of 1x63 McGonagle & Lewis, of Cambridge, Ohio, purchased the paper, and it was published by them until 1871, when H. Hume bought out the interest of Mr. Lewis, and he and McGonagle published it until April 1, 1874, when J. S. Van Valkenburg, then a member of the Constitutional Convention from Sandusky County, purchased the paper, and placed it under the editorial charge of W. N. Skidmore until the close of the Constitutional Convention, when he took control himself. Mr. Van Valkenburg died in December, 1875, and, on the 28th day of January, 1876, James O. Amos purchased the Democrat from O. O. Mathers, the administrator, and has been the editor and proprietor ever since. During the time Van Valkenburg owned the paper he enlarged it from a twenty-eight to a thirty-two column paper, and afterwards to a thirty-six column paper. On the first of February, 1882, Mr. Amos changed the size from a four page to au eight-page paper, with fifty-six in place of thirty-six columns.

Under Mr. Amos's management it has largely increased its circula- . tion, and ranks as' one of the best and most enterprising papers in Northwestern Ohio. It has always been true to the principles of the Democratic party.

The Valley Sentinel . - The first number of this paper was issued September 1, 1880, by John T. Hearn and Van B. Baker. The latter gentleman retired from the paper after the second number was issued, and it has been under the management of Mr. Hearn, the present proprietor, since thnt time. The paper was started in response to a popular demand, and the fact that the Sentinel has grown in circulation and influence, with a large subscription list and a liberal advertising patronage, is evidence that there was an opening for the paper. The Sentinel is Democratic in politics, but has always been noted for fairness and caudor in treating political questions.

March 12, 1883, the proprietor of the Sentinel issued the first number of the Baity Sentinel, and that too has proved a success. It has received a generous support from the business men of Sidney, and its subscription list has been quite satisfactory to the publisher. The establishment of a daily paper in a town like Sidney is no ordinary event, and requires no small amount of nerve, but its success would indicate that its publisher had the judgment to perceive that the people would support his enterprise if it proved worthy of support.

The Sidney Journal , the oldest paper in the county, was established by J. Smith in 1832. Smith appears to have been an eccentric individual, and it is said he frequently walked from Sidney to Cincinnati, a distance of ninety -eight miles, where he purchased his paper and carried it to Sidney on his back. About 1842 the paper passed into the hands of William Armstrong and became the Bugle-blast of Freedom The name afterward became the Aurora. A little later it became the Herald , and was published by Clinton Edwards until 1851. It next appeared as the Sidney Banner, and was published by J. P. Haggott about two years, when it was purchased by Samuel H. Matthews, who changed its name to the Sidney Journal, under which title it is still published. In 1861 it passed into the hands of P. A. Ogden, and was subsequently edited by J. H. McElroy, J. Dubois, and Bliss & Adgate. In 1869 it came into the possession of the present proprietors, Messrs. Trego & Binkley. The Journal is an eight-page paper, ably edited, and Republican iu politics.

This name is found not only in judicial records of Ohio, but also in the legislative records of the Nation. Judge Goode was born in Prince Edwards County, Va., May 10, 1798, and came to Ohio, near Xenia, with his father in 1805. Here he worked on a farm until sixteen years of age, when he entered the classical school of Professor Espy at Xenia. Three years later he followed the same instructor to Philadelphia, Pa., where he remained about two years, and then removed to Lebanon, Warren County, and began the study of law under Judge Collett. At the age of twenty-three he was admitted to the Lebanon bar, which then boasted of such legal lights as Thomas Corwin, Benjamin Collett, and other advocates of celebrity. Removing to Madison, Indiana, he entered upon the practice of law, but in 1828 he moved to Liberty, Indiana, and again in 1831 to Sidney, Ohio. At the latter place he stepped to the front rank of his profession, but as the country was yet new, he devoted a portion of his time to teaching. About the year 1832 he was appointed agent of the State Sabbath-school Society, for Shelby and the counties north of it. For several months he was zealously engaged in this field, organizing Sabbath-schools and otherwise laboring in the interests of the society's cause. In 1833 he was elected to the Ohio House, and was honored by a re-election the following year. In 1835 he was a candidate for the Ohio Senate and received the certificate of election ; but as a number of votes for his opponent, Colonel Hunt, had been thrown out on technical grounds, the judge refused to claim the office to which he did not believe himself fairly elected. The following year he was elected to Congress from a district extending from Dayton to Toledo, and comprising fourteen counties. He was twice re-elected, but after the redistricting of the State he refused to be a candidate for a fourth term. In Congress he was an indefatigable worker, and received great praise from his constituents for his successful labors in behalf of improvements in the Maumee Valley. In 1844 the sixteenth judicial district was created, and was composed of Shelby and Williams, with all intervening counties, ten in number. Judge Goode was elected President Judge of this district by the General Assembly, for seven years, when the district was remodelled and the old constitution was superseded by the new. He then resumed the practice of law at Sidney, but finally abandoned this profession to enter the ministry. In 1855 the M. E. Conference gave him a temporary appointment to fill a vacancy, and the next year he was regularly appointed, so that by 1857 his full time was devoted to Gospel duties. In the fall of 1862 he attended the conference at Greenville, Darke County, where, owing to his knowledge of parliamentary law, he was burdened by grave responsibilities. These, taken in connection with the arduousness of his preceding labors, seem to have overtaxed his endurance, for he only survived the conference about two weeks, his death occurring at his home, October 7, 1862. On July 3, 1832, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary, daughter of Benjamin and Catherine Whiteman, near Clifton, Greene County, 0. They had three children, of whom two survived childhood. These were Catherine, who married Wm. McCullough, of Sidney, 0., and Benjamin W., who married Miss Anna S. Evans, of Franklin, O. Judge Goode was a lover of books, a classical scholar, and an earnest, persuasive advocate. In all the stations and relations of life he won the confidence and esteem of the constituency which he served and the people who had opportunities of knowing him. Everywhere he was given credit for highmindedness and a keen perception of justice, whether in the halls of Congress, on the bench, or in the pulpit. As a lawyer, too, he was said to have arisen above the abuses of that profession, and to have relied, not upon trickery or technicality, but upon the broader principles of fairness and justice. At the establishment of the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, he became a member of the board of college trustees, and held the same relation to the institution up to the time of his death. As nearly as we can to-day estimate his life-work and individual character, we feel safe in saying he shed a lustre upon Shelby County, and is entitled to the grateful veneration of the people not only of this county, but throughout that larger field to which his work and influence extended.

This gentleman needs but little introduction to the people of Ohio, less to the people of the 4th Congressional district, and none to the people of Shelbj' County, where it may be said he is familiarly known to every man, woman, and child. He is one of those large and genial individuals who can adapt himself to almost all the conditions incident to the organization of political forces. Although he lays no claims to ability as a public expounder of the principles of statesmanship of as an orator, he is possessed of that ease of manner and agreeableness of address which are calculated to make friends as they come in contact with the people. He belongs to an old family, and was born in Salem Township, October 8, 1838. During youth he worked on his father's farm, and did his reading largely at night by the light of a burning knot. During the school years he attended the log school-house until thirteen years of age, when he entered the Sidney school, then taught by a Mr. Arnott, in the old Presbyterian Church. After about a year's study here he worked along at farm labors until 1856, when he began teaching during the winter seasons and working and studying during the summer. He afterwards attended Miami University about three years and read law with Smith & Cummings, of Sidney, and in the mean time taught school to defray his expenses. He entered the army as a private in the Benton Cadets, and served through the Missouri campaign of Generals Fremont and Seigel, and was mustered out of the service at St. Louis in the spring of 1862, the Secretary of War having decided against the regularity of the organization. After the forced march at Springfield, Mo., he was promoted to 6th corporal upon the recommendation of Capt. Thos. L. Young, since Governor of Ohio. He next entered the 99th Ohio at Lima, and at the organization was promoted to adjutant, and served through the Kentucky campaign. At the battle of Stone River, upon recommendation of brigade, division, corps commanders, and General Rosecranz, he was promoted major, and served with the regiment in all its campaigns about Chattanooga. When the 99th and 50th Ohio regiments were consolidated he was retained as major of the consolidated regiment, and was mustered out at Salisbury, S. C., in the summer of 1865, after the surrender of Johnson. After final discharge at Camp Dennison, Ohio, he returned home, and, after a spirited contest, was nominated by the Democrats as representative in the Ohio General Assembly, to which office he was elected. While serving in this position he took an active interest in legislation, and devoted his energies to the passage of the free pike bill, which had been introduced by the Hon. James Hall, of Toledo. He was then the youngest member of the 65th and 66th General Assemblies. While serving in the Legislature he was nominated for Secretary of State by the Democrats, but suffered defeat, with his ticket, as the Republicans carried the State by about 40,000 majority. At the close of his House term, he was appointed Governor of Washington Territory by President Johnson, but on account of his youth the appointment was withdrawn, and he was appointed Consul to Neuremberg, Germany, in the spring of 1867. After his return to the United States he spent a few months in various interests, and was finally employed by Col. Thos. A. Scott to look after the revenue cases of that gigantic corporation, the Pennsylvania Railroad. During the period he was with this corporation he organized the First National Bank of Lima, and held the office of vice-president of the institution about six years. His resignation of the position he held with the P. R. R. was caused by his nomination to the 46th Congress by his home district. The contest for this nomination was one of the fiercest ever waged in a mass convention in this State, and lasted three days and three nights. On the 218th ballot Le Fevre was nominated by a majority of one and one-half vote. The contest was embittered and acrimonious, and from it sprang crimination and recrimination. Still Le Fevre was elected at the general election, although by a greatly reduced vote. Entering Congress, he served on the committee on agriculture and the committee on military affairs, and introduced the first House bill for the suppression of contagious diseases among domestic animals. He also introduced 'the resolution providing for a department of agriculture and was made chairman of the committee. Espousing the cause of the soldiers, lie introduced bills for the equalization of soldiers' bounties. His old district was composed of the counties of Shelby, Darke, Auglaize, Mercer, and Miami; but before the 47th Congress the State was redistricted, throwing him into a district composed of the counties of Auglaize, Allen, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam, Defiance, Shelby, and Van Wert. Five of these counties had been represented by Hon. W. D. Hill, and as the two members were thrown into the same district, a contest arose in the nominating convention which was held at Lima. The contest, however, was soon over, as Le Fevre was nominated on the first ballot. He was reelected by a majority of about 8000, although at the previous election his majority was only about 1800. During the 47th Congress he served on the appropriation committee. During this Congress, Ohio was redistricted, and Le Fevre found himself in the 4th district, composed of the counties of Allen, Auglaize, Darke, Mercer, and Shelby. The Democratic nominating convention was held at Wapakoneta, and such was Le Fevre's hold upon the party that he was nominated by acclamation and elected to the 48th Congress by a large majority in 1882.

In the life of this man we can read the favoritism of fortune, for capricious as she may be, she has smiled upon him at almost every turn in his life. Make all the calculations yon may as to probabilities, abilities, and determination, and yet it must be admitted that fate decides the general affairs of life. Le Fevre has been opposed by men of eminent ability and commanding oratory, and yet he has succeeded almost beyond his most sanguine expectations. Once in Congress, it is readily seen how Le Fevre has retained his position, for as a campaigner he is tireless and never sleeps. While at home he mingles with the people so freely and happily that the term mixer acquires a broad significance. While absent at his place in Congress his constituents are kept under continual obligations to him, or at least in constant recollection of him, for that family is not to be found in his district to whom he has not sent out from Washington an occasional report, pamphlet, printed speech, package of garden seeds, or box of bulbs. 'Besides all this, by some apparent concert or coincidence, he receives more press notices touching his personal appearance, affability, and gallantry than any other member of any Congress. It is fate which favors him, and no one individual will presume to account for the caprices of this destiny.

The parents of Wm. C. Wyman were natives of County Wexford, Ireland, where the father was born in 1780, and the mother in 1782. Their lives were passed in their native land, although their children drifted away to the land across the waters. Mrs. Wyman, nie Mary Furlong, was a close relative of Bishop Furlong, Prelate of the Diocese of Ferus, Ireland. Mr. Wyman, well advanced in years, passed away March 14, 1870, while his wife survived him some seven years, her death occurring September 7, 1877. They both died in their native county, and were survived by but two of their nine children. It will be proper here to relate an incident which was of much interest to the family and partakes somewhat of the tint of romance. The oldest son, John, when eleven years of age, left home and shipped on board a merchant vessel, but the storms and calms of a series of years failed to bring any tidings to the anxious parents. Eighteen years elapsed and his brother William, then a boy of ten, was attending school at the "National School-house," when a stranger in the dress of a sailor one day approached the school children and made special inquiries concerning the Wymans, which at once suggested the thought to William that the stranger was his own brother whom he had never seen, but of whom be had heard much from an ever anxious mother. So, satisfying himself, he hastened to his home, and almost overcame the feelings of his parents by announcing the return of their long absent and unexpected son. The scene of joy which followed can only be imagined. The returned sailor was first mate under Capt. George H. Flanders, of the brig Keying , then lying in Liverpool harbor.

William C. Wyman, the boy who carried the glad news of his brother's return to their mother, was born in County Wexford, Ireland, September 29, 1882, and remained with his parents until bis eleventh year, when he shipped with his brother as cabin-boy on the brig Keying , which with a cargo of salt left Liverpool for Newburyport. The destination was safely reached, and William commenced attendance at the "West Male Grammar School," while his brother shipped again in charge of one of Captain Cushing's vessels. From that time the brothers never met, as William had himself gone to sea before the return of John from his first voyage. Ill health soon compelled John to abandon the sea, and he located in Norfolk, Virginia, where he married and reared a son and daughter. His health, however, never returned, and in 1857 he died in his adopted State. His family afterward moved to Scottsville, Albemarle County, Va., where the mother and daughter still live, the son having died in 1863. William, on leaving Newburyport, secured a position as cabin-boy on the brig Ark , commanded by Captain Johnston. From Beverly, Mass., the vessel started for Charleston, S. C., and made a boisterous and dangerous voyage. Off Cape Hatteras a storm raged with great violence, and the cabin-boy resolved that if once he reached the land he would give up entirely the " rolling deep." On reaching Charleston he applied himself to a search for work, but stood confronted by slavery, an institution of which he had never dreamed, and which he contemplated with aversion and hatred. That hatred did not die out, and so when the great issue came, although a Democrat, he gave his vote to the author of the " Emancipation Proclamation." Disappointed at Charleston he again turned seaward, and through the kindness of Captain Black, secured a position on the Sarah Peneringlon, commanded by Captain Penerington, and bound to Liverpool. With this vessel he made two trips across the ocean. While returning the second time a three weeks' dead calm was encountered off the island of Cuba, where he first heard of the city of Cincinnati, to which some of the passengers were bound. From what he could learn of the town he resolved to seek it, and escape ocean life if possible. On arriving at New Orleans he was confronted again by that giant curse, Slavery ; but still he thought of Cincinnati, for which place he set out at once. On his arrival, his first friend was of the despised race, a free negro, who secured him a position in a grocery store. Soon afterward he was apprenticed at the plastering trade, which he followed until 1853 in that city. Coming to Sidney on something of a prospecting tour, he was pleased with the town and so settled here and followed his old trade. He was married in 1856, and has a family of seven children living. In 1875 Mr. Wyman was elected Probate Judge of Shelby County, to which office he was re-elected in 1878. His official career was highly satisfactorj' to his constituents and very gratifying to his host of friends. During his whole life he has been a Roman Catholic in religion, and a Democrat in politics. Of his brothers and sisters not already mentioned, we may add he has one brother living in Westmoreland County, Pa.; one sister died in Ireland; his brother James came to America in 1856, and died the same j ? ear; another brother, Francis, enlisted in the 27th Horse Dragoons of the British Army, and died in the East Indies.

The great-grandfather of the above - a Scotchman by birth - emigrated to the American Colonies about 1770: his family consisted of his wife and three sons. They located near Philadelphia, Pa. These three sons all took a part in the struggle for independence. One of the threfe - Samuel - married a Miss Hendricks, near Philadelphia, in New Jersey, about 1784. They moved to Southern Ohio at the close of the last century and located within the present limits of Warren County ; here he died, but the date of his death is not known. Of his family we will only speak of Samuel, the second son, who was born near Elizabethtown, N. J., in 1787. He learned the brickmason trade, and is said to have built the first brick house in Preble County, Ohio. This was in 1811. While building this house he formed the acquaintance of Miss Susan Van Winkle, of Preble County, whom he married the same year. In 1814 he entered the U. S. Army and received a commission as a major, by which title he was ever afterward known. They reared a family of eight children. About 1812 he entered a piece of land in Preble County, to which he moved his family and where he made his home during the remainder of his life. He died April, 1872; his wife died Oct. 1881, aged eightysix years. Major Robertson was a prominent man in his community ; he was an extensive contractor on public works, was Associate Judge of his county, and also Justice of the Peace for many years.

Andrew Jackson, his eldest son, was born in Preble County in 1825. He remained at home with his parents on the farm until seventeen years of age, at which time he went to learn the trade of stone-cutting. He worked as an apprentice about two years. In 1844 he, with a partner, went to Hamilton, Ohio, and built a mill on the Hydraulic, for the purpose of sawing stone for monumental and building purposes. They ran the mill about two years, when a freshet destroyed the Hydraulic, and left him without power to work. This was in 1846, the time of the war with Mexico. In May, 1846, he enlisted in the 4th O. V. I. under Charles Brough. They left Cincinnati the last of June, and went down the Ohio and Mississippi to New Orleans; from there to the mouth of the Rio Grande and up that river to Matamoras; from there to Vera Cruz; from there they marched to Pueblo, where they remained until the close of the war, when they returned to Cincinnati and were mustered out of the service. After his return from Mexico Mr. Robertson remained at home until 1851, when he came to Sidney and entered into partnership with Patrick Fehan in the marble business. This partnership continued about three years, when they dissolved, and Mr. R. went into the business for himself, which he has carried on until the present time. In 1860 he married Miss Mary E., a daughter of George D. Leckey, of Sidney. By this union there were six children born, viz., Lulu G., Clement \V., Lillie S., George S., Mary I., and Nellie. Mrs. Robertson died May, 1874. She was an estimable lady, beloved by all who knew her for her amiable and self-sacrificing disposition. At her death her loss was felt, not only by her devoted husband and loving children, but by the whole community in which she lived. It would not be out of place here to notice briefly some of Mr. Robertson's public life. While lie has always been a man of rather retired and timid disposition, never having aspired to public honors or emoluments, yet he has ever been prominent in all the public enterprises of his town and county. After the close of the late rebellion, the citizens of Sidney and vicinity took steps toward the erection of a soldier's monument. After a certain amount of funds had been raised for that purpose, but before anything was done toward its erection, Mr. Robertson conceived the idea of a monumental building instead of a monument. He suggested his idea to some of his friends, who heartily indorsed it. The conception was original with him, for at that time there was no such building anywhere in the United States. He was one of the Board of Trustees, and was appointed by them tiie Superintendent of the construction of the building, and to him more than any other one man is due the credit, not only of the conception, but the planning and erection of a structure that is a credit to Sidney and Shelby County, as well as an honor to their fallen heroes. t

Mr. Robertson has always been an ardent Democrat of the old Bourbon stamp. Although a strong partisan, he has never been a politician, nor an aspirant for office. Years ago, when his township was strongly against him in politics, he was elected as justice of the peace, much against his own desires and wishes. His abhorrence of having anything to do with law inclined him to resign the position, but by the advice of his friends he retained the office during the term, but did as little business as possible, always advising settlement to litigation. In 1869 he was elected to the office of County Treasurer, which he filled two terms. On his election to the second term he received a greater majority than any other man on the ticket. Beside these offices, lie has filled the various municipal as well as township offices, ail without solicitation on his part.

As a compliment to him, his comrades in arms at the organization of the Ohio State Mexican Veteran Association in 1814, held at Dayton, elected him President of the Association, and again re-elected him in 1882 and 1883, a position of which any man might be. proud, for among the veterans are found such men as Gen. George VV. Morgan, Gen. Thomas L. Young, Gen. Geo. W. McCook, and other men of national fame and reputation.

The Bushes are of German descent, came to the American Colonies about the middle of the last century, and located in Eastern Pennsylvania, where Henry Bush was born in 1754, and married Eva Huffman about 1780. They reared a family of ten children, viz., Sarah, Catharine, George, John, Henry, Jacob, Mary, Charles, Michael, and Elizabeth. Of this family five came to Shelby County; Catharine, the wife of Daniel Vandemark, was the first who came ; Charles came in 1821, and located in Sidney. The others came some years later. Jacob, the father of Daniel L., was born in Pennsylvania in 1794. He married Anna Labor in 1818. 1 hey raised a family of twelve children ; Daniel was the second of the family; he was born in 1820, and came to Sidney in 1844 anti worked at the carpenter trade until 1853, when he received the appointment of postmaster, which he held for a terra of eight years. He was then elected treasurer of the county, which office he filled for two terms. Since that time he has been justice of the peace two terms, and mayor of Sidney two terms. In 1846 lie married Sarah J. Bush (a daughter of Charles Bush), who came to Sidney in 1821. Esq. Bush's family consisted of live children, viz., Charles E., Albert, Anna, James J., and Eva.

was the son of Daniel Fielding and Elizabeth Henderson Fielding and was born in Canonsburg, Washington County, Pa., on May 1, 1796. Mrs Fielding was the daughter of Daniel Henderson. Daniel Fielding removed with his family to Cynthiana, Harrison County, Ky. There his son William received his scientific education, which qualified him to com mence the study of medicine under Dr. Burnet at Falmouth, twentv miles from Cynthiana. After a full medical course he commenced the practice of medicine in 1816 in Madison Countv, Ohio. He was in the war of 1812, and served six months under Col. Johnston *

In 1818 Dr. Fielding married Miss Elizabeth Vail, and they have bom to them five sons and seven daughters, eleven of whom reached raituritv In the same year he settled in Franklin, and remained there engaged S his profession until 1824, when great inducements were proffered* him and he settled in bidney, Shelby County, Ohio P r a fortune, now husband »n^ an ' ° llca ' anrt 1 10 travell ers, who met by miaresnonsibilitiesof Hf e " W,fe ' resolved to begin anew the duties ana T it vear however , ,ant f to that end returned to Winchester, Va. The nlnm'iwnn ' ^''ey returned to Geneva, and shortly afterwards i 1 1 * a *idoned mercantile life, and settled on a farm near

Uniontown, w iere lie at length became an extensive landholder. Mrs. Thompson, nee Rebecca Davenport, as stated, was the daughter of James Davenport, a man who coming from Ireland with his family, went to Tennessee to take possession of a large tract of land on the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers, one thousand acres of which lay ia Kentucky and three thousand five hundred in Tennessee. It was an inheritance which came through Mrs. Davenport'p brother, Captain Windsor Brown, to whom the land was granted by the Government, for services in the Revolution. Here Mr. and Mrs. Davennort and one nw two of their younger children passed away. Mr. Thompson took th«

° tl»er members of the family to his home in Fayette p° n ° this farm, after a residence of about sixty-three year« about eighty-four, Mr. Thompson passed from life i ^ tf ' e a # e of preceded to the silent land by his estimable wife b \\ Ue " as ,)e en the age of about fifty years. The son of this parent dW r in lHH1 at Thompson, well known to the citizens of Shclbv h; Jhd S e Hu gh born near Union town, Fayette County, Pa v ad <>pte<l county,

This appointment was{ 0 fi?| U ! 1 , ty ' whlie Y et in his ti V Sei ? an ass °- shall, resigned. At the J - t l f "nexpired term of Tear, tinued in the office for *P lrat| on of this term Afr Tl bamu el Mar- (Jeneral Assembly. He ti ensuin g full term by an, orn P 80n was confinding his researches as co,,tl '«* | ed in this positing 01 "?, ment of the

He also served as a member of the State Constitutional Convention of 1851, to which he was elected to represent Shelby and Darke counties. During seven years preceding this period he had held the office of prosecuting attorney of this county, and in 1857 to '59, inclusive, he served as a member of the lower house of the General Assembly. Being one of the most enterprising and active of the earlier citizens of the county, he did much to leave his impress upon the county history. In a certain sense, too, he is a self-made man, and to-day in his abundance only enjoys the reward of earnest toil. In religious matters Ins convictions are deep and abiding. His parents were of the old Reformed Church stock and faith, but for many years the Judge has been an ardent adherent of the Presbyterian body. Standing, as he does to-day, with the sunbeams of his seven ty-fourth year falling toward the east, he is a representative citizen, wearing the honors and enjoying the confidence of all his associates. Of his family we need only say two children, one son and one daughter, still survive. The son, Hugh W., is actively engaged in the drug business in Sidney. The daughter, Elizabeth, became the wife of John Mathers, Esq. Mr. Mathers died about seven years since, leaving his widow in the enjoyment of an easy competence. Another child, George M., attained the estate of manhood, became a lawyer of rare talents, and died in San Francisco in December, 1869. He was universally esteemed for his rare qualities of head and heart.

Although not a pioneer of Shelbj' County, Gen'l Amos is entitled to rank among the foremost men of the county, as well as among the prominent men of the State. His ancestry traces back to the settlement in Maryland under the Lord Baltimore grant by Charles II. in 1629. The descendants of this original stock are now distributed throughout the United States. He was born near Beallesville, Monroe County, Ohio, on the 30th day of March, 1833, a little more than a half century ago. He was reared on a farm, but after attaining his eighteenth year his time was divided between the labors of a teacher and those of a farmer until he was twenty-seven years of age. With the exception of one academic year, his education was acquired in the public schools and by private study at his home. While at his farm home he studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1859, when he immediately entered upon the practice of his profession. In 1861 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Monroe County, and was honored by a re-election in 1863. In 1860 he became a member of the board of school examiners of his county, which position he retained until 1870, when he resigned, and refused to further serve. In 1869 he was elected to the State Senate from the 20th senatorial district of Ohio, comprising the counties of Monroe and Geurnsey and a portion of Noble. He was re-elected to the General Assembly at the succeeding election, and thus served two terms in the Senate. In 1874 Governor William Allen honored him by his appointment as adjutant-general of Ohio, an office which he held two years. During his administration the present system of volunteer militia was inaugurated, and he also actively engaged in the settlement of the ordnance accounts between the State of Ohio and the United States. By this action he secured an exchange of the condemned arms, which were charged to the State account in 1863, for the new and improved arms now used by the Ohio National Guards. Since the close of his administration as adjutant-general he has been engaged in the newspaper business. In 1876 he came to Sidney, and purchased the Shelby County Democrat , and has since retained its editorship and proprietorship. Being a man of practical ideas, liberal views, and social qualities he has carried the Democrat to a higher level of ability and success than it ever before attained. The Democrat enjoys the distinction of ranking among the best Democratic weeklies in Western Ohio. General Amos was married September 9, 1856, to Miss Nancy J. Craig, whose ancestors were among the earliest settlers of Westmoreland County, Pa., she, however, being a native of Ohio. They have reared a family of eight children. Of these, M. Emma is married to Monroe C. Pegg, and resides near Columbus, Ohio. The others are all at home, and are named Delia E., who is connected with the local business department of the Democrat, Clara J3., Kate J., William T., Ernest A., Howard Allen, and Frank Beeman.

Moses H. Ailes, of Welsh descent, was born in Salem, New Jersey, in 1793. He served through the war of 1812 in a Virginia regiment. Moving to Ohio lie settled in Franklin Township, Shelby County, where he reared a family of five children. Of these children Hezekiah S. Ailes is the only survivor. He was born in Harrison County, Virginia (West), May 19, 1840, before the removal of his parents to Ohio in 1842. From his eighteenth year he was engaged chiefly in the profession of teaching until August 18, 1862, when he enlisted in Company I, 118th Regiment O. V. I. He entered the service as a private, was wounded at the battle of Resaca, May 14, 1864. He participated in the battles of Franklin and Nashville, and the other important engagements in which his regiment took part. He was promoted to sergeant-major of his regiment, and was mustered out at the close of the war. Returning home he resumed teaching, which he followed until 1875, when he was appointed deputy auditor of Shelby County, and served five years, at the expiration of which period (1880) he was elected auditor. He is at this time the candidate of the Democrats for re-election to the same office. He was married in October, 1867, to Miss Jane Elliott, of this county. Three sons and four daughters are the result of this union.

Judge Conklin was born in Jackson Township, Champaign County, Ohio, December 4, 1815. His father, Jacob Conklin, was born in Virginia in the vicinity of Harper's Ferry, in 1767. He was of English parentage, his father coming to this country as early as 1765, or perhaps a j'ear or two earlier, locating in Virginia, where the father of Judge Conklin was born. The removal of the family to Ohio was not long after the close of the last war with Great Britain, about 1814, or something over sixty-five years ago. He located in Champaign County, Jackson Townsltip, remaining there something over twenty-two years, coming to Sidney in 1836.

The mother of Judge Conklin was of Irish descent. Her maiden name was Barnes, her Christian name Margaret. Her birthplace was in Pennsylvania. She was several years younger than her husband, her birth occurring in the year 1776. Mr. Couklin died in 1837, aged sixtyeight. Mrs. Conklin in 18*3, aged sixty-seven. His death occurring soon after their removal to Sidney.

Our subject spent his early youth at the family home in Champaign County, and it was there that the foundation of his education was laid. It was during his seventeenth year (hat he left for Clarke County, where at the county seat, Springfield, he found employment in the outer court of the sanctum judicium; that is to say, in a clerkship in the offices of both county recorder and county clerk for over four years, both offices being held by the same person, the Rev. Samuel Haskle. This brings us down to October, 1836, when he came down upon his present locality, planting himself for a life residence in Sidney, Shelby County. At this point we find him commencing the practice of the law with the late Judge Goode.

The reputation he won in the early part of his career gave him the opportunity to extend his practice over a large amount of territory. The judicial district embracing Marion, Mercer, and Allen, including also Auglaize, after its creation into a county in 1848, were regularly visited in connection with court sessions, extending his visits occasionally into Logan, Putnam, Darke, Union, and Champaign, when cases of unusual importance were to be adjudicated. He attended also the first courts that were held in Celina and Wapakoneta.

In 1844, then in his twenty-ninth year, he was elected prosecuting attorney for this county. He however filled but the one term, refusing to be a candidate for re-election. But in 1847 his name was brought forward for representative in the Ohio Legislature from the district composed of the counties of Darke and Shelby. The result was decidedly in his favor, but he did not fill out his term, being brought forward 1 the' next year as candidate for State senator for the senatorial district composed of Miami, Darke, and Shelby. In this capacity he served his constituents for a whole term, making in all three years in the two branches of the Legislative.

For six years after his services in the Legislature, Mr. Conklin devoted himself solely to the duties of his profession. But in the year 1856 came on that memorable Presidential contest between the first nominee of the Republican party and the last successful candidate of the Democracy, Col. John C. Fremont and ex-minister James Buchanan. Mr. Conklin was one of the Fremont and Dayton electors. His vote, with the others from Ohio, was cast for the gallant Fremont.

In 1858 he was elected again as prosecuting attorney for this county, serving two years in that capacity, and also one term of court, to fill a vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Edmund Smith, Esq. He was not a candidate for re-election. Butin 1864 Judge William Lawrence was elected to Congress, leaving a vacancy on the Common Pleas bench. The eloquent and famous Democratic orator, John Brough, swept by the war feeling into the Republican party, had been placed in the Gubernatorial chair by a majority wholly unprecedented in Ohio. By his appointment Mr. Conklin was placed in the judgeship to fill out Judge Lawrence's term. The following year, however, he succeeded to that office for a full term by a still higher authority, the vote of the people of the judicial subdivision composed- at that time of Shelby, Logan, Hardin, Marion, and Union counties. He declined to run again for the office at the expiration of this term, and returned to the practice of law in Sidney, where had long been his family residence.

In the recent election in this State he allowed his name to come before the electors of Shelby County once more as a candidate for prosecuting attorney, and, though the opposite party has the undisputed political ascendency, he was successful, and was elected by an unexpectedly large majority, indicating the hold he had upon the friendship and favorable regards of the citizens of the county.

Judge Conklin was married in 1841, and has seven children: two sons, J. Wilson and Edward ; and five daughters, Clara, Alice, Florence, Minnie, and Etta.

Colonel Wilson, now a leading member of the Shelby County bar, was born near Cadiz, Ohio, March 15, 1841, and is a son of Thomas and Mary Wilson. His grandfather, Thomas Wilson, served as a private throughout the Revolutionary war, while he with five brothers served during the civil war. In 1846 his parents moved to Belmont County, Ohio, where our subject lived until 1854, when lie entered a manual labor university in Athens County, where he remained two years, working at eight cents an hour to pay for boarding and tuition. At fiiteen years of age he began teaching during the winter months, and entered upon a college course at the Ohio University at Athens. An older and a younger brother were pursuing the same course. The older brother, William, began teaching at the same time, and with Harrison he helped to support the younger brother, Lewis, until he was able to teach and support himself. At the beginning of the war Harrison was teaching school in Noble County, and dismissed his school one evening in May, wrote on the blackboard, "Gone to war," walked eighteen miles that night, and enlisted in the company of Captain John Mosley at Summerfield, Ohio. The company was assigned to the 25th 0. V . I. His two brothers had already enlisted, William in the 3d 0. V. I., and Lewis in Company C, 25th 0. V. I. Harrison served seven months in the ranks of the 25th, and was ordered home, and received a commission as second lieutenant without knowing to whom he was indebted for it. He was then assigned to the 79th Ohio, then recruiting at Athens. This regiment was consolidated with the 75th at Camp McLean, and as there were then more officers than needed by the regiment, Lieut. Wilson was transferred to the 20th Ohio, then recruiting at Cincinnati. He was assigned to Company I, and successively held commissions as second lieutenant, first lieutenant, adjutant, captain, major, lieutenant-colonel, and colonel of the regiment, and was finally mustered out with the regiment July 15, 1865. He was in forty -two battles and skirmishes, at tiie siege of Fort Donaldson, Vicksburg, and Atlanta, and lastly went with Sherman "to the sea." His brother William was in bibby prison a long time, and thereby deprived of promotion. Lewis was killed at Gettysburg, while ranking as second lieutenant. Three other brothers were in the army, making six of the family who volunteered.

His father was a self educated but thoroughly educated man. He died at the age of seventy-six. His mother died in 1845, while he was a mere infant. His father's family consisted of nine children, six sons and three daughters.

After the war Col. Wilson settled in Sidney, and studied law with Gen. James Murray'. Since his admission to the bar he has pursued the practice of law with that energy and zeal which have placed him at the head of his profession. Aside from the law profession he is an active, public-spirited citizen, ever taking an active interest in all enterprises and institutions of a praiseworthy' character. He is also one of the leading Republican workers in the county, and in all departments of life he sustains the confidence of his fellow-citizens. He married Mary C., daughter of J. T. Fry, of Sidney, on the 1st of January, 1867.

a son of Isaac A. and Ruth R. (nee Persinger) Wilkinson, was born in Shelby County, Ohio, and is the youngest of six brothers. He was reared on a farm, and remained with his parents until eighteen years of age, when he enlisted in the 99th 0. V. I., Company' C, the regiment being organized at Lima. The date of his enlistment was August 1 , 1862. He was with his regiment in the Kentucky, Tennessee, ancl Georgia campaigns, participated in the battles of Stone River and Chickamauga, one of his brothers being killed at the latter engagement. On Sunday after the battle he was with a wounded comrade, rendering him such assistance as he could, when he was captured by the rebels! After serving a long period of imprisonment he was finally released, and returned home in March, 1865. He then attended school for a. time, and prepared himself for teaching, which profession he followed about eight years. In 1875 he married Mary' A. McKee, of Piqua, Ohio, and soon afterward located at Sidney, and engaged in the lumber and planing mill business. In 1881 he sold his interest in this industry to accept the appointment of postmaster of Sidney, a position he still retains. Mr. Wilkinson's family consists of his wife and two children Kate S. and John A. 1C '

Having spoken of his long imprisonment during the war, it is fitting that we speak more fully of this subject as one illustrating SO me of tlie horrors and barbarities inflicted by a people of pretended civilization and culture upon the helpless prisoners of war. We will , .resent a sketch of Mr. Wilkinson's life in Southern prisons just as he narrated it to us: -

"I was captured at Chickamauga September 20, 1863, and conveyed to Bel e Island Virginia, where 1 was confined a few days. I was then taken to the city of Richmond, and confined there until in December, at w h.ch tune it became understood there would be no further exchange ol prisoners, and about five thousand of us were transported to Danville, Va., and confined in tobacco houses until the following April. During our confinement at tins place smallpox broke out among the which vy e \ °«' had no medicines whatever except red pepper pods, heneftcia.! '^L'd, an d administered the tea to the sick with apparent At this t,i xt ^ u lts, as it seemed to hasten the striking out of the disease, wweleen of e there -were twenty -three of my regiment with me hut alas' the olc\ a Mie number died in the prison pen, and only four ever saw

. .-.ii.tnre recall tl... - ZR t'on and plenty! To add one more horror to 1 1B .«nder of nrison illnous and diabolical order of John II. Winder, comma p Ons, who, hearing of the capture of Atlanta, and fearing for out 8a ety, issued the following notice, which he posted promi

'The officers on duty and in charge of the Battery of Florida ArtiK lery at the time, will, upon receiving notice that the enemy has approached within seven miles of this post, open upon the stockade with grape-shot^ without reference to the situation beyond these lines of defence.

Think of a man issuing an oi-der for forty guns to open a deadly fire upon 35,000 unarmed, sick, and helpless prisoners ! J t j 8 a woni j er (j 0( j hi in self would permit such an order to be issued f Jt is an infamv diabolical that history need not be asked for a parallel i* i, u said this man Winder 'died a peaceful death!' p e "J * * U ' . ^ case justice had not yet been meted out to him, and 8 °' ID , justice be which will ever pay him back in cnrieneV of I - Grn mi,8 . t t lat At Florence the prisoners numbered about 11,000 \i 8 ° Wn <:0llla o e - already been imprisoned about twelve months, and M ° St US * la< * same clothing in which we were captured. Tha't c)ntZ ere Wearin g the so ragged and tattered that it scarcely covered ou r l .f ,n S had become was approaching, and no prospect of release further ' a ., edness - Winter I lerman. Mortality was thinning our ranks and " Sn tlle ac *' ?an ce charnel house. Rations were reduced For four ° ur P rison "'as a down the James River, and turned over to United States officers. Quite a number of these were old prisoners. For inyself, it had been eighteen months since I had seen the old flag beneath which I had marched and fought. We were all sick and weak, but as we came in sight of the starry banner we yelled wildly and crazily at the top of our voices. The rebel authorities threatened to prevent our outbursts of cheers, but we. were in sight of men, and could not be restrained. We told them we would yell, and every one of us kept our word. The happiest moment of my life was when ( stepped ashore. Stepping from the boat we were met by Northern ladies, who had provided coffee and sandwiches for our reception. One of them, she seemed an angel, handed me a cup of coffee, which I gladly accepted and drank, but my stomach revolted at an article it had not known for a year and a half. The lady saw and appreciated my difficulty, and, as if 1 were her own child, she uttered the words ' poor fellow !' so sympathetically that they almost overcame me. Tho-c words were the first I had heard uttered by a woman from the time of m3' capture, and they came like an augel's benediction. This is all long since past, but while memory lasts I will not forget that the prisons of the South were conducted by heartless and murderous agents."

It is needless to add anything to this brief recital. The words convey horror enough, but a more revolting chapter may be read between the lines. We know the South, with all the dignity of insulted pride, has denied the charge of inhuman treatment of war piisoners, but the boys who suffered, as well as the thousands who died, attest the truth of the charge with an unanimity which cannot be challenged by a reasonable man.

Dr. B. M. Sharp, a grandson of Robert Sharp and son of Joseph Sharp, is of Scotch descent, his father having emigrated to this county in 1832, when he settled in Turtle Creek Township. Here he found a few scattered neighbors in what was only an inhospitable wilderness. He at once applied himself to the improvement of a piece of land, and soou found himself alone, his last neighbor having moved away. Dr. Sharp was born on the old homestead of his father in Turtle Creek Township in 1 844. His mother died when he was but eight years old, thus relegating him to the care of others, and placing him under the necessity of attending school with limited opportunities as best he could. When the first wild tocsin of war was sounded at Fort Sumter he was but about sixteen years of age, yet his enthusiasm would give him no rest until he had enlisted in his country's service. He was enrolled in the 15th Ohio, April 17, 1861, at Camp Jackson, where the regiment was organized, and proceeded at once to Virginia. After participating in the battle of Phillippi, the regiment went into camp for the remainder of the period of enlistment. Young Sharp then returned home and attended school until the summer of 1862, when he re-enlisted in the 99th Ohio, and was with his regiment at the battles of Nashville, Chattanooga, Kenesaw Mountain, Mission Ridge, Lookout Mountain, and Atlanta. During these campaigns he rose to the rank of corporal and orderly sergeant. From Nashville he participated in the pursuit of Hood, until the forces of that troublesome general were scattered and his strength destroyed. After the battle of Nashville the regiment was so badly cut up that it was consolidated with the 50th Ohio. At Kenesaw Mountain Mr. Sharp was knocked down by a spent ball but soou recovered, and during his whole service was never disabled enough to be unfit for duty. He was finally discharged at Raleigh, N. C., anil mustered out of service at Camp Dennison, when he returned home and again attended school in the spring of 1865. The next year he married Miss M. J. Moreland, of Turtle Creek Township, and moved to Logan Count}', where he lived on a farm eleven years, during four of which he was superintendent of the Union Schools. He also taught about five years in other schools. In 1874 he began the study of medicine, and, after a reading course of three years, he attended the Columbus Medical College, from which he graduated with honor. After looking about for a time he finally located at Sidney, and began the practice of medicine May 1, 1879. Since that time he has built up a growing and lucrative practice. After marriage he united with the M. E. Church, and has held important positions in that organization during the past ten years. His family consists of four children, named Frank M., Mary, Carl N , and Earl B.

Dr. Silver was born near Wooster, Ohio, April 1, 1844, and was reared on a farm. When eighteen years of age he entered upon an academic course at Vermillion Institute, Haysville, Ohio. At the completion of this course he entered upon the study of medicine with Drs. Robinson and Weaver of Wooster, and was finally graduated from the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia in March, la68. Returning to Wayne County, 0., he practised medicine three years at Apple Creek, and then removed to Sidney, Ohio. During the war he enlisted in Captain Robinson's company 102d 0 V. 1., but was rejected on accouut of disabilities. About the close of the war he taught school two terms in Wayne Co. On the 7th of June, 1872, he married Miss Jennie E. Fry, of Sidney. They have two children, Bertha, aged ten, and Arthur, aged three years.

Dr. Silver is a member of the Shelhy County Medical Society, and also of the Ohio State Medical Society. In 1873 he was elected elder in the First Presbyterian Church at Sidney, and is at present a member of the school board and board of health of the city.

Dr. Carroll was born in' Sidney, March 5, 1860. ne attended the public schools and assisted his father in the mercantile business until he was about fifteen years old. He then taught school in the count}' about two years, and entered the Homoeopathic College of Medicine at Cleveland, Ohio, where he attended two successive courses of instruction, and was graduated with a class of fifty members. During his college life he was a member of the Cleveland Humane Society and the College Society, of which he was librarian one year. Finishing his studies, he returned to Sidney and began the practice of his profession, in which he is achieving that success which comes only at the bidding of persistent application.

Professor Bearnes was born in Licking County, O., and worked on his father's farm; attended public school, and devoted some time to teaching during his minority. He entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, and in 1878 was graduated from that institution with a class of thirty-two. He was editor of his college society's paper, class historian, and valedictorian of his society. He acted also as tutor of mathematics during a portion of his course, and was one of fifteen students selected to deliver orations on commencement day. After devoting two years to the study of law and completing the legal course, he accepted the euperintendency of schools at Upper Sandusky, Ohio, but a year later resigned to accept the same position in the Sidney schools. In June, 1883, he abandoned the profession of teaching to embrace that of law, for which he had already prepared himself.

Mr. Huddle was born in Crawford County, 0., where he remained, assisting his father on the home farm until he had attained his twentyeighth year. In 1859 he married Miss E. E. Harshbafger, and four years after his father's death moved to Tiffin, where he resided about seven years. In 1873 he came to Shelby County and worked on a farm nearly three years. He was appointed janitor of the Sidney schools and of the M. E. Church of Sidney, both of which positions he is filling acceptably at this time. .

Almost a half century ago Dr. Conklin came to Sidney, a town which then had a population of about one thousand. The country for miles about was wild and largely occupied by wild beasts. For the most part the roads were merely trails or paths through the almost interminable wilderness, and much travel was done by the guidance of the sun and nofth star. Sidney as yet was without manufactures and the county was without gravel roads. Great changes have been wrought during the past forty-seven years. So many years ago rudeness, labor, hardship, and hospitality joined hands, and as years rolled by development went on apace. Even a few Indians yet remained in this section, and found here hunting grounds as rich as they desired. A physician's practice extended over a large area and carried with its lucrativeness a great deal of genuine exposure and hardship. Sleep was often found in the saddle, while the saddle-bags were capacious enough to carry both medicines and surgical instruments. In accouchement cases all the women and men of the whole community were invited, and whiskey was indispensable. Chickens, too, had to suffer, for a bounteous meal was to be provided. On such occasions the physician became the victim of all jokes, and of course bore the ordeal with fortitude if not enjoyment. Such were the general experiences of Dr. Conklin during his first years in this county. He was born in Champaign County, O., in 1814, and remained with his parents until he went to Springfield, where he read medicine with Dr. ltobt. Rogers. He finally graduated from the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati in 1836, and at once located at Sidney, where he is still in the practice of his profession. He was surgeon of the State militia about fifteen years, and in visiting Cincinnati, a distance of about one hundred miles, he could only travel on horseback, lie has held the offices of Vice-President and President of the State Medical Society, and aided largely in securing the D. and M. and C. C. C. and I. (old B. and I.) railroads for Sidney. He was called to Columbus as an examiner during the war, and was surgeon with Genl. Fremont. He is a great fancier of stock, and has a splendid collection of bees. In 1838 he married Miss Ann Blake, who was a native of London, England. After a long and useful medical career the doctor still devotes his whole energies to the practice of his profession, in which he has met decided success.

Rev. Bulle was born in Barclay County, Virginia, to which county his father had removed from South Carolina prior to the Revolutionary war. His father saw the shadows of coming events, and, turning his property over to the care of his brother, left his southern home. That brother was murdered in his own house, and the property confiscated. Mr. Bulle arteiward went South to take measures toward reclaiming his property, but finding the old records were destroyed at the burning of Charleston, lie abandoned all further efforts. He then went to Cincinnati, and went down the Ohio on a flatboat. David Bulle went from Hamilton to Greene County, and settled on a piece of wild land. Fourteen years later he moved to Sidney, and located on North Ohio Street, on the lot now occupied by the Crozier Carriage Factory. At that time there was little business in Sidney, as the town only contained two small stoics, kept by Jesse Bryan and F. W. Ruckman. Here Mr. Bulle followed cabinet-making about fourteen years, during which time he was once burned out and lost everything. He afterward turned his attention to painting, and has in his luxurious home several specimens of his artistic skill, which indicate a high order of merit. In 1855 or 1856 he joined the Central Ohio Conference, and has since labored in the ministry, at times travelling over a circuit of three hundred and fifty miles in four weeks. During his long experience as a pioneer of Methodism, Mr. Bulle has undergone a great many privations and hardships. At times he was compelled to swim his horse through streams filled with floating ice, and then build his fire at the appointed place of services. He married Miss Elizabeth Bird February 14, 1826, the ceremony being performed by Rev. William Dixon. They have reared ten children, named Mary, Ann Amelia, Rachel Ann Maria, Wilbur, Fisk, Emeline, M. Zatilla, David H., Caroline, and Elizabeth Josephine. Of these four are now living, viz., Mrs. Mary Reede, Mrs. Aun Crockett, Emeline McNutt, and Caroline Robertson.

was born November 8, 1835, in Germany, and came to America in 1854, landing at New York. Coming to Ohio he stopped at Piqua, but soon went into the neighborhood of Troy, where he worked in a brick-yard for five dollars per month. The following autumn he worked for a farmer at eight dollars, but left this situation to work at a saw-mill in town. The next year he returned to farm work at ten dollars per month, but after three months' service began working at fifty cents per day, wherever he could find anything to do. He afterward worked a farm two years, receiving one-third of the crops, and then tried farming on leased land. Again he sold out his farming utensils, and embarked in the mercantile trade as a clerk at one dollar a daj'. In 1863 he came to Sidney, and engaged in the grocery business with Mr. Piper, under firm name of Yenney & Piper. In 1870 he moved to Dayton, and embarked in the ice trade, but soon returned to Sidney with less capital than he took away. Again he entered the grocery business with his former partner, under firm style of Piper & Yenney. In 1878 he turned his attention to pork packing, and erected buildings at a cost of $9000. Three years later he was able to carry the business alone, and also opened a meat market. At this time his business employs a capital of about $45,000 per year. In 1864 he married Miss Elizabeth Piper, a daughter of his old partner. They have reared two children, name l Katie Ella and Bertie Wilheltnina. Mr. Yenney also has a stock fuf'm, which he manages in connection with his town industries.

was born in Sidney August 20, 1859, and moved with his parents to Michigan, where his father died in 1870 or '71. The young man then returned to Sidney, where he attended school, and afterward entered the office of Dr. Stipp as a student of dentistry. Four years later he went to Cincinnati, and attended the Ohio College of Dental Surgery, and after graduation returned to Sidney, where he took charge of the dent:il office of Dr. Orbison for about one year. He then went to Bellefontaine, and entered the office of Dr. Loofbourrow, but subsequently returned to Sidney, and opened an office of his own. While in college he was a prize member of his class, and was presented a fine case of filling instruments b}' the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. H. A. Smith, D.D.S., O.D.C. He was one of the youngest members of the class of 1 879 - '80, wliieli consisted of thirty-one members, and has now a growing and lucrative practice.