Shelby County, Ohio - Chapter 23: Miscellaneous, 1913 (part 11 of 14)

Ind., where he was graduated with the class of 1886. He then engaged in the drug business for two yeafs at Mt. Sterling, Ky. In the early nineties he located at Greencastle, Ind., where he organized the Greencastle Manufacturing Company, for the making of bicycle wood rims, but his factory was destroyed by fire in 1897. He then erected a temporary factory at Roachdale, Ind., where he continued his manufacturing until the completion of a new factory, at Urbana, O., and to that place he removed with his family in 1898. Again his plant was destroyed by fire, a conflagration taking place October 17, 1902. Colonel Tucker was not discouraged, however, but began prospecting for a new factory site, finding it at Sidney, where he located his new buildings and opened for business in 1903. The product of the factory, bicycle, sulky and automobile rims, is shipped to various points both at home and abroad and employment is given to from sixty to 140 men. His present plant consists of two buildings of brick construction, with dimensions of 60x200 feet, one of these being two stories and the other three stories in height. Colonel Tucker has devoted his life as a business man to manufacturing. He is largely a self-made man, at the beginning of his career starting out on borrowed capital, but it was entirely safe, as he is possessed of that something which is known as business sense and has always been successful despite the losses he has sustained through accident.

Colonel Tucker married Miss Amelia Langdon, a daughter of Daniel Langdon, of Greencastle, Ind., and they have had two children; Harold L. and Grace, the former being in school and the latter being deceased. The residence of Colonel Tucker, which bears the name of Bonyconnellan, is the handsomest residence in the county. In its building it was patterned after a castle of that name situated near the estate of a friend, in the vicinity of Cork, Ireland, who suggested the very appropriate name for the American home. In politics Colonel Tucker is a republican. He is a member of the Sidney Commercial Club, a member of the Fellow Craft Club of Detroit, Mich., the Toledo Club, Toledo, O., and formerly was a member of the Columbia Club of Indianapolis, and was active as a committeeman when the new buildings were erected there. He has always believed in life insurance and is one of the largest policy holders in Shelby and perhaps in adjoining counties. He carries more than $100,000, and has one policy of $50,000 in the Northwestern Life Insurance Company. He stands high in citizenship at Sidney and is a leading factor in both business and social life, has ever been liberal in his contributions to charity, and his high sense of justice has made him companionable with all classes.

BERNARD P. WAGNER, president of the Wagner Park Conservatories Company, and vice president of the Wagner Manufacturing Company, both very important enterprises of Shelby county, is one of the solid, reliable and representative men of this section of Ohio and belongs to a prominent family of the state. He was born at Sidney, O., February 1, 1865, and is a son of Mathias and Anna M. (Rauth) Wagner.

Sidney, it is interesting to know that Mr. Wagner was not only born here but secured his educational training here also, attending both the public and parochial schools, and proving an apt and attentive student. His entrance into business life was when he assisted in the organization of the well remembered department store known as the Wagner Arcade, which was located in the building which is now occupied by the Wagner Hotel. He was interested in the establishing of the factories of the Wagner Manufacturing Company, of which he has been vice president since the company was incorporated, and from that time until 1900, when he was instrumental in founding the Wagner Park Conservatories, he devoted all his time and attention to the manufacturing business. This is the most extensive manufacturing plant at Sidney and its wares find a market in every part of the civilized world. The products are aluminum cooking utensils and employment is given to more than 300 workmen.

The Wagner Park Conservatories at Sidney were started in 1900, the main mover in this great enterprise being Bernard P. Wagner, whose natural gifts as a landscape gardener and whose inherent love of flowers had been marked from boyhood. When the present company was incorporated, with a capital of $100,000, the following officers were selected : B. P. Wagner, president and treasurer; W. H. Wagner, vice president; and H. L. Brown, secretary, and these officers, with M. M., L. R. and J. F. Wagner and A. M. Brown, make up the board of directors. In the newly erected office building particular attention has been given to the admission of light for drafting room purposes and to the conveniences and comforts which modern business men enjoy in their surroundings. The greenhouses have 15,000 square feet of space under glass and a modern hot w:ater system of heating is employed. In these greenhouses are found palms, roses of all varieties and other tender plants, not only grown but in many cases originated here. The growing fields are over 100 acres in extent and here flowers, shrubs and trees of all varieties are cultivated for the market, in the busy season seventy-five men being required to attend to the cultivation and shipment of these. The landscape department of the business is a very important feature and the taste and skill of landscape experts from this company have not only many times been employed in laying out the beautiful grounds for some of Sidney's handsomest residences, but persons in every state of the Union have also profited by the service of these experts. A visitor to the park will immediately become interested in one of the recent additions to its attractions - the arboretum, where every species of shrub and tree that can be grown in this locality will be grown for display. Evergreens and plants, flowers and shrubs from all countries, France, Germany, Holland and Japan. There has already been planted over 300 varieties of evergreen, 600 varieties of shrubs and 250 varieties of trees. This arboretum extends the width of the grounds and doubles back, following the west park boundaries. Another unusual and interesting feature is the Isle of Nippon gardens. Mr. Wagner's own idea was followed out in the formation of an artificial lake containing islands, and the building of a real Japanese garden, in which Nippon flowers, many having been imported direct from Japan, are grown. Should a native of that far off, beautiful land visit this park and stand before the typical Japanese gate built of logs and catch a glimpse of the placid lake within, and surrounded with winding walks and rustic bridges, he could not fail to express pleasure and wonder at the faithful reproduction that has been made. To Bernard P. Wagner the credit must be given for the inception and subsequent development of this remarkable business.

Mr. Wagner married Miss Jennie Freschard, of Owensville, O., and they have three children : Jerome, Bernard and Elizabeth. They have a beautiful home, their handsome brick residence being located on North Walnut avenue, on an eminence overlooking Sidney, Mr. Wagner completing its construction in 1895 and placing it in the center of a well kept park. Its outside attractions harmonize with its inside adornments for Mr. Wagner and family are people of culture and artistic tastes and their surroundings give evidence of the same. Perhaps no private collection of paintings in this part of Ohio have more value than those Mr. Wagner has hung on his walls and not only enjoys himself but, with justifiable pride, exhibits to other lovers of real art. Artists of world-wide fame have painted the following pictures which he considers the choice of his collection: "Dutch Bargain" by Jane M. Dealy ; "The Little Housekeeper" by Ridgeway Knight ; "The Canyon Trail" by H. F. Farney, the great artistic portrayer of Indian life; "Highland Sheep" by William Watson; and "Loch Lomond" by Alfred De Breanski.

While his private interests are so absorbing, including the enterprises above partially described, and in addition having large real estate holdings at Sidney, where he has erected at least 100 handsome residences, Mr. Wagner still finds time to perform all duties of good citizenship, taking a particular pride in the good name of his native place. He is not. however, a politician in the real sense of the word. He was reared in the faith of the Roman Catholic church, and is a valued member of the Catholic organization, the Knights of Columbus. To some degree, also, Mr. Wagner is engaged in literary work, having contributed to magazines and published a book entitled "Landscape Gardening for Amateurs." which is found in many a home where flowers are loved and successfully cultivated. He has given his name to a certain method of landscape gardening which has become a standard and may be thus briefly described. The Wagner method means the treatment of the selected land in a pictorial way with large effects; flower borders and masses, shrubs and plants being introduced in such a way as to add to the repose and simplicity of the whole, harmony of color being especially studied, unsightly outlooks being obliterated, vistas being formed and illusions being manufactured by art.

GEORGE W. FALER, one of the best known and most respected residents of Dinsmore township, Shelby county, O., who now lives in comfortable retirement on his farm of 130 acres, which is situated three and one-half miles northeast of Anna, O., was born in 1833 in Pennsylvania, and seventy years ago was brought to Dinsmore township by his parents, John and Elizabeth (Burkett) Faler. John Faler was of American birth but his wife was born in Germany. They were among the pioneers in Dinsmore township and for years were well known but have long since passed away. They had three sons and four daughters: George W., John, Christopher, Susan, Mary, Elizabeth and Catherine.

George W. Faler attended the early schools under the conditions that then prevailed in Dinsmore township, and afterward learned the carpenter trade, at which he worked for many years, and also followed farming and stock .raising. He was successful in his undertakings and accpiired a competency and for some years has lived retired from active labor, his sons assuming his responsibilities and carrying on the farm industries in a capable manner.

Mr. Faler married Miss Mary Aim Taylor, a daughter of John and Rebecca Taylor, and ten children were born to them, namely: John F., Margaret E., Jacob A., Amanda, Minnie, Alabel, Mary A., Dillie, Alonzo and Nora. John F. married Lillie Kepplinger and they live in Jackson township ; Margaret married William Wilferd and they live east of Anna, O. ; Jacob lives on the homestead ; Mary A. married John Lease and they live in Dinsmore township; Dillie and Alonzo live at home; Nora married Michael Metz and they live in Dinsmore township. Amanda, Alabel and Minnie are all deceased, Alabel having been the wife of Luther Whited. Mr. Faler has always been a citizen in whom his neighbors could rely and he has served the township in such offices as road supervisor and trustee. He is one of the pillars of the Reformed church, so to speak, and has long been a deacon in the church at Swanders, O.

JOHN QL'INCY ADAMS PENCE, farmer and stock dealer, residing in Salem township, where he owns the old Pence homestead of eighty acres, was born at Springfield, O., September 14, 1850, and is a son of Jesse G. and Elizabeth ( Bare) Pence.

Jesse G. Pence was born in Virginia and came to Ohio in early manhood. In 1861 he moved en the farm above mentioned, coming from Tremont, Clark county, a pioneer settler in this section. He was married in Ohio to Elizabeth Bare, who was born in Pennsylvania.

For many years they lived in Salem township, Shelby county, quiet fanning people, good neighbors and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. When they passed av ay in the course of nature, they were laid to rest in the cemetery at Port Jefferson. They had the following children: Samuel B., John 0. A., Hosea, Louvisa, Luanda and Emanuel. Louisa became the wife of Jay Smith, and Lucinda married J. McCormick.

John Quincy Adams Pence had district school advantages and afterward remained assisting his father on the home farm until the latter's death. For eleven years following he worked on farms by the month and then bought the old homestead, and all told has since spent thirty years here engaging in general farming and also dealing in stock.

Mr. Pence was married in 1880 to Miss Sarah E. Kizer, a daughter of Philip and Phoebe Kizer, who were farmers in Champaign county. Mrs. Pence is the sixth of their children, the others being: John Joseph; James; Elizabeth, wife of John Hesselgesser ; Catherine, wife of Edwin Russell; Matilda, deceased; Etta, wife of Tobias Foltz; Lillie, wife of John Philips; and George. Mr. and Mrs. Pence have one son, Forrest K., of Zanesville, O., who married Bertha Price, and they have a daughter, Dorothy Louise. Mr. Pence and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In voting with the republican party, Mr. Pence follows the example set him by his honored father.

JOHN C. GERBER, one of Dinsmore township's most substantial and best known citizens, was born on his present home farm of 160 acres, in Shelby county, O., October 7, 1837, and is a son of Peter Gerber, who was a pioneer here. Peter Gerber was born in Switzerland and probably lived in Pennsylvania after first coming to the United States, as his wife was born in that state. They were married at Miamisburg, O., and came later to Dinsmore township, Shelby county, settling in the wilderness, and, as all pioneers, had to battle with many difficulties. They passed the rest of their lives on this farm. Three children were born to them: Samuel, John C, and Lucinda, John C. being the only survivor.

John C. Gerber had but meager educational opportunities in his youth but whenever his- father could spare him in boyhood, attended the district schools. Farming in all its phases and stock raising engaged his attention until within a few years, since when he has lived in comfortable retirement. His home farm of 160 acres lies four miles northeast of Anna, O. and his total aggregate of land in Dinsmore township is 740 acres. These farms have been well improved through his own industry and with the assistance of his sons.

Mr. Gerber married Miss Mary Catherine Smith and they have had a family of nine children born to them, one of whom died in infancy. Sarah, the eldest daughter, married George Metz, and they live near Jackson Center, O. Lizzie married George Billing and they live in Salem township. Edward married Elizabeth Metz and they live near Jackson Center. Albert married Catherine Sherer and they live four miles southeast of Botkins, O. Clara married Samuel Fogt and they live in Dinsmore township. George, Henry and Anna all reside at home. Mr. Gerber and family belong to the Lutheran church. Politically he is a democrat and his sons are of the same faith. During his long life spent in Dinsmore township he has seen many changes take place and old families and customs pass away and his reminiscences are exceedingly interesting. He has proved in his own case and his own family that investments in land are safe and profitable and that agriculture gives prosperity and contentment when intelligently and persistently followed.

acres and the other of seventy-two acres, resides on and is operating Joseph Bolinger's farm of eighty acres, which lies also in Green township, twelve miles southeast of Sidney, O. He was born in Miami county, O., January 12, 1862, and is a son of Goff and Hannah Ann (Davis) Applegett.

Goff Applegett was born in Hamilton county, O., and in early manhood went to Miami county, where he followed the carpenter trade all through his active life. He is a highly respected resident of Lena, O., and is now in his eighty-sixth year. He married Hannah Ann Davis, who also survives, and they had eight children, seven of whom are living.

A. E. Applegett has been a general farmer practically all his life and not only manages his own land advantageously but brings satisfactory results to the owner of the acres he rents. A general line of farming is carried on and considerable stock is grown.

Mr. Applegett married Miss Emma Bolinger, a daughter of Joseph Bolinger, an old settler of Shelby county, and they have two children : Myrtle, who is the wife of Clyde Harbaugh; and Mary, who resides with her parents. In politics Mr. Applegett is a republican and has served in the office of township trustee. Fraternally he is connected with the Red Men and the Knights of the Golden Eagle.

WILSON DILL, whose finely located and well improved farm of 162 acres lies one mile north of Anna, O., is one of the well known and enterprising farmers of this section. He was born in Dinsmore township, Shelby county, O., in 1854, and is a son of James C. and Martha (Bodkin) Dill.

The parents of Mr. Dill were born in Ohio, to which state their parents had come as pioneers. Nine children were born to them, as follows : Russell B., Olive, Elmer, Oliver, Harry, Charles, Burton, Carrie and Wilson. Russell, who is deceased, is survived by his widow, formerly Emma Brower, of Missouri, who now lives at Sidney. Olive married Richard Cannon and they live in Auglaize county. Elmer, who is a resident of Illinois, married Callie Meyers, of Anna, O. Oliver died at the age of twenty-eight years and Harry died in infancy. Charles is a resident of New York and Burton of Kansas City. Carrie is the wife of James House and they live at Wapakoneta, O.

After completing his district school education, Wilson Dill learned the mason trade, which he followed for some time, but for the past thirty-five years has devoted his attention mainly to his agricultural affairs. His fine farm is easily reached, as the Ohio Electric Railroad passes in front of his handsome residence, which, with all other improvements, was placed here by Mr. Dill. He follows modern methods in carrying on his farm industries and his land responds with bountiful crops and his stock is far above the average.

Mr. Dill married Miss Elizabeth Fletcher, a daughter of S. F. and Delilah (Slegle) Fletcher, and they have five children: Homer, who assists his father on the home place, married Clara Weaver; Addie, who is the wife of Melvin Boyer, and they live near Botkins ; William, who is a resident of Wapakoneta, married Pearl Boyer; Harry is a resident of Denver, Colo.; and Zoe, who is the wife of William Diensberger, of Delphos, O. Mr. Dill and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has been a trustee and steward for eighteen years. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of the Golden Eagle and politically is a member of the progressive wing of the democratic party.

WILLIAM M. YOUNG, proprietor of a prosperous grocery business with quarters at No. 215 North Pomeroy street, has been a resident of Sidney, O., for seven years and is a native of Shelby county, born in Franklin township, July 2, 1879. His parents v. ere William and Loretta (Rairdon) Young.

William Young, Sr., was born in Pickaway county, O., August 31, 1819, and came to Shelby county with his father, Adam Young, who secured a claim on a small tract of land in Franklin township. When these pioneer settlers, William Young, Sr., being then a lad of twelve years, reached their new homestead, November 12, 1832, the only shelter they found was under the branches of an oak tree and cold weather came upon them before they could complete their log cabin. Pioneers, however, in those days were made of courageous men and women who did not fear hardship or expect much material comfort. Two years later they moved to Dinsmore township on which place William Young, Sr., spent his subsequent life, living to be oxer eighty-seven years of age and dying December 17, 1906. He was a farmer and also a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church. He married Loretto Rairdon, who was born in Logan county and died in Shelby county, May 27, 1888.

William M. Young was reared in Franklin township and attended the country schools until he was fifteen years of age, after which he worked for his father until he was twenty-one years old. He had, however, an ambition to learn the art of telegraphing and when he became legal master of his own time, entered the Ohio Normal University at Ada and studied telegraphy and later continued at Edgerton, O. On October 14, 1901, lie went to work for the Chicago & Northwestern railroad at Bertram, la., being then transferred to Des Moines, and in all spent two years in Iowa, coming then to Anna, O., and in 1903 Went to work for the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton railroad, continuing with them at Lima, Troy and Tippecanoe City. For six years he was with the Big Four railroad, at Sidney, and was also agent at Sidney from July 10, 1909, to January 12, 1910; cashier for the Big Four until June 30, 191 1, and from July to December 15, 191 1, was train dispatcher for the Western Ohio Electric railroad, his headquarters being at Wapakoneta. After this varied railroad experience he decided to become a permanent resident of Sidney and bought his present mercantile business from E. J. Evans, taking possession on January 1, 19 12.

In 1903 Mr. Young was married to Miss Faye Knief, of Bloom Center, Logan county, O., and they have three children : Lucile, Warren and Wallace. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

JONATHAN STOUT,* one of the substantial and representative citizens of Salem township, Shelby county, O., now serving in his second term as a member of the township board of trustees, was born in Salem township, in December, 1847, and is a son of Abraham and Jelesie (Fly) Stout.

The parents of Mr. Stout were farmers in Salem township for many years and were worthy of the universal respect in which they were held. They were liberal supporters of the Methodist Episcopal church and at death they were buried in the Methodist cemetery at Port Jefferson. They had the following children: Elizabeth, who is deceased, was the wife of John Lerton; Nathan; Malinda, who is now deceased, was the wife of George Fox: Sarah, who is now deecased, was the wife of Andrew Cargill ; and Jonathan.

Jonathan tout attended the district schools in boyhood and afterward worked for his father on the home farm and subsequently acquired and still cultivates land of his own. His well developed farm of forty acres is situated three miles east of Port Jefferson and in this town he has twenty more acres and two residences. Mr. Stout is well known all over Salem township and enjoys the esteem of a wide circle. In [889 he married Miss Sallie Stockstill. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Stout married Miss Nancy Wilkinson. They attend the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically a democrat, his party, on more than one occasion, has called upon him to accept offices in its gift and in the faithful performance of official duties, he has won the approval of all his fellow citizens, irrespective of party. He belongs to the order of Golden Eagles, at Maplewood, O.

NICHOLAS CHARLES EXDERS, who at this time (April. 1913) is serving his third term as clerk of Perry township, Shelby county. O., owns over ninety-four acres of land near Pemberton, which he devotes to general fanning and stock raising. He was born at Sidney, O., March 16, 1874, and is a ton of Christian and Margaret (Dormire) Enders.

Christian Enders was born in Lengsfeld, Germany, April 7, 1838. At the age of seventeen he came to America and located at Sidney. He was for several years engaged in weaving with his brother Henry, in East Sidney. In the early days of the Civil war he enlisted in Schultz's battery. First Ohio Light Artillery, and was at Shiloh, Murfreeshoro. and in several minor engagements. Having received an honorable discharge he returned to Sidney and engaged in wagon making, his place of business being on North Ohio avenue. Soon after engaging in this trade he was married to Margaret Dormire of Green township, with whom he lived until her death, September 20. 1878. To this union were born six children, four of whom are still living: Nicholas C, the subject of this sketch; Jacob H, a farmer in Perry township; George C, dean of the Christian Biblical Institute at Defiance. O. ; and Emma E., superintendent of Flower Hospital at Toledo, O.

In 187s Christian Enders gave up his trade as wagon maker and devoted the remainder of his life to farming, living first in Perry, and later in Franklin township, where he died June 24. 1902, his burial being at Swanders. In

1879, he married Barbara King of Butler county, who is still living at his late home. To this union four children were born : Sadie, wife of Charles Richards, a farmer of Franklin township; Mary, a professional nurse; Herman, a farmer; and Catherine, a school teacher.

Nicholas C. Enders attended the public schools and afterwards was a student in the university at Lebanon, O., for several months, during which time he pursuel a commercial course. Previous to this time, he had learned the trades of painter and paper hanger, and after his return from Lebanon he followed these trades for seven years, when he bought his farm in Perry township, upon which he has since engaged in farming.

In February, 1902, Mr. Enders was married to Miss Daisy Pence, a daughter of Noah and Clara (Wibel) Pence, the former of whom is a retired farmer living at Sidney. Mrs. Enders has one sister, Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Enders' only son. Christian Henry, was born June 26, 1910, and died the same day, but a daughter, Clara Margaret, born April 9, 19 12, is living. The democratic party claims Mr. Enders' fealty in national affairs but in local matters he uses his own judgment. He and wife are members of the Baptist church at Pemberton, O.

LOUIS R. WAGNER, secretary and general manager of the Wagner Manufacturing Company, of Sidney, O., a very important industrial enterprise of Shelby county, was born at Sidney, October 12, 1871, a member of cne of the old county families.

Louis R. Wagner was educated in the schools at Sidney and St. Mary's College at Dayton, O., and since earliest manhood has been identified with business enterprises of this section. He now devotes his entire time to the interests of the Wagner Manufacturing Company, with which he has been connected since its organization. At the plant of the Wagner Manufacturing Company three hundred men are employed, with good wages and constant work, the product of the plant being cast aluminum cooking utensils, known as the famous "Wagner Ware."

In 1892 Mr. Wagner was married to Miss Catherine Burkhardt, who was born at Dayton, O. They are members of the Roman Catholic church and Mr. Wagner is a fourth degree member and is deeply interested in that noble organization, the Knights of Columbus, of which he was its first grand knight, Sidney council.

ROBERT V. JONES, postmaster at Sidney, O., where he has other interests, owns property and is connected with church and fraternal organizations, has been a resident of Shelby county for twenty-two years. His birth, however, took place in Carmarthenshire, Wales, December 5, 1856, and he is a son of Rev. David Jones, D. D.

Rev. David Jones was a Congregational minister. He was liberally educated in his native land and remained there until 1869, when he came to America. His first charge was at. Cambria, Wis., where he remained for one year and was then transferred to Gomer, O., where he was in charge for eleven years. In 1880 he became pastor of the Welsh congregation in Cincinnati, where he labored for fifteen years, retiring then to Granville, O., where his death occurred in 1904. His venerable widow, now in her eightyninth year, lives at Lima, O. Of their eight children, five reached maturity and two survive : Robert V., and Elizabeth, who is residing at Lima.

Robert V. Jones attended the pubic schools of Lima, O., completing the high school course before he embarked in the hardware and lumber business, having interests both at Lima and Sidney, and in 1890 took up his residence at the latter place, continuing his lumber business here. In June, 1898, he was appointed postmaster and he has an unblemished record as a public official. Mr. Jones is widely known and at present is serving in the office of president of the National Association of second and third class postmasters. In politics he is a republican.

In 1884 Mr. Jones was married to Miss Anna Williams, who is a daughter of John and Margaret Williams, of Pennsylvania. They have no living children. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are members of the Presbyterian church. His fraternal connections include membership with the Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Elks.

JACOB METZ, who is one of Jackson township's most respected citizens, has spent almost all of his long and busy life in Ohio but his birth took place in Alsace, Germany, April 21, 1839. He was but one year old when his parents, Jacob and Catherine (Elsass) Metz brought him to America. They settled in Stark county, O., with their seven children and two more were born after coming to the United States. Jacob, the eldest, died in Germany; Philip and Christian live in Jackson township; Catherine is the widow of Peter Regula; Sophia is the widow of Jacob Wildermuth; Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of Philip Helmlinger; Jacob; Caroline died when aged six years; and Christiana died in infancy.

The father of the above family followed farming in Stark county for nine years and then moved into Shelby county and located two miles north of Jackson Center, on a tract of eighty acres, in Jackson township, its situation being on the north county line between Shelby and Auglaize counties. He improved that farm and bought several other tracts so that he was able to give each son a farm of 160 acres. He was an earnest member of the Lutheran church and gave his assistance in the erection of the log church edifice in Jackson township, the first Lutheran church. He never learned the English language but this made little difference as the larger number of the neighbors were also Germans. He died at the home of his son Jacob, in 1864, when aged sixty-seven years, survived by his widow who lived to the age of eighty-one years.

Jacob Metz remained on the home farm and took care of his parents as long as they lived. He attended school before leaving Stark county and afterward, for one winter, went to school in Dinsmore township. All his later youth was given to work on the farm which he assisted his father to clear, and in the course of years became a man of large possessions, owning some nine hundred acres of land. As his father before him had done, he gave each of his children a valuable farm, retaining only thirty-nine acres for his own home, which lies in section 5, in Jackson township.

On December 24, 1861, Mr. Metz was married to Miss Catherine Gross, who was born December 13, 1842, in Clay township, Auglaize county, a daughter of Philip and Barbara (Norrit) Gross, the former of whom was born in Germany and died in Clay township, while the latter was born in France and died in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Metz. Mrs. Metz was one of a family of eight children and she has one living brother and sister: Nicholas, who lives at Santa Fe; and Elizabeth, who is the wife of Philip Zorn, of Jackson township. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Metz : Catherine, who is the wife of Henry Kempfer, of Dinsmore township, and they have three children - Caroline, Albert and Luella; Jacob J., who married Lena Pulfere, lives in Auglaize county and they have, Albert, Roy and Harley; Elizabeth, who married John Wildermuth of Jackson township and they have - Clarence, John, Harley, Clara, Arvel and Melvin, twins, Edna and Roy; Philip, who married Catherine Banhart, lives in Logan county and they have - Carrie, Emma, Edna, Tressie, Lenora and Lester Philip; Christian; John, of Jackson township, married Ella Fogt; Barbara, who married Nathan Shroyer of Logan county, and they have, Velma, Ernest and Chrystal ; Lewis J., who lives in Jackson township, married Cora Ambos and they have two children, Wilma Marie and Luetta Viola; William, of Jackson township, who married Ida Boyer and they have three children - Ralph, Florence and Evelin Loraine; Sophia, who died at the age of twenty-one years; Caroline, who died when aged two years and four months; and Christiana, who died in infancy.

Mr. Metz has always been a farmer and still enjoys looking after his little property which his son Christian, who still lives at home, practically manages. He has been a very liberal man and has a family that holds him in loving esteem. In politics a stanch democrat, he has served at times in such local offices as school director and road supervisor. He has been a consistent member and generous supporter of the Lutheran church ever since boyhood.

EMANUEL J. STRl'BLE,* who is one of the representative citizens of Perry township, Shelby county, O., a large land owner and a public official for many years, was born in Perry township, October 30, 185 1. and is a son of Peter and Susan (Kiser) Struble, both parents being now deceased. The father died away from home and his burial was in Minnesota. He followed farming as his occupation. The mother died in Perry township. Of their nine children the three survivors are: Benjamin, Jessie and Emanuel.

Emanuel Struble had district school advantages in boyhood and afterward devoted himself to agricultural pursuits for a number of years and owns two farms in this township, both containing eighty acres, both being now rented to good tenants, Mr. Struble having his time taken up with official duties. He served three years as a justice of the peace and is turnpike superintendent and township assessor.- Mr. Struble is a stockholder in the Farmers Telephone Company and, as a good citizen, frequently has given encouragement to local enterprises.

In 1873 Mr. Struble was married to Miss Sarah L. Hensel, who was born in Shelby county, O., a daughter of Jacob Hensel and wife, the other members of the family being: George; Jacob; Rose, wife of Adam Fredley; Callie, wife of James McManaway; Susan, wife of Jacob Rosier; and Anna, wife of Mark McCauley. To Mr. and Mrs. Struble five children have been born, the survivors being: Bessie, wife of George Wallcott; Harlev. who married Grace McMillan ; and Frank, who married Leila Enders. Mr. Struble and family attend the Baptist church. He is a democrat and is more or less prominent in local politics.

CALVIN O. BOVER, a successful agriculturist of Berry township, Shelby county, O., where he manages the old Lucas farm of fifty acres and his own farm of thirty-two acres, known as the Locust Grove farm, was born March 31, 1873, in Dinsmore township, Shelby county. He is a son of Samuel Fisher Boyer and his first wife, Emma (Botkin) Boyer.

Samuel Fisher Boyer was a general farmer in Dinsmore township and a man of standing in his community. His first wife died October 24, 1878, and her burial was in Dinsmore township. His second marriage was to Clara Botkin and children were born to both unions, four to the first and eight to the second: Calvin O. and Melvin, twins; Charles, Stanley, Clarence, Edith, Ida, W'illard, Herbert, Alvin, Vernon and Thelma. Of the above all survive except Edith. Ida is the wife of William Metz. Samuel Fisher Boyer died October 25, 191 2, and his burial was at the Loramie Valley cemetery.

Cabin O. Boyer attended the public schools until old enough to enter the factory at Botkins, O., where he worked for three years and afterward, for the same length of time, was in the livery business in that village. For eight years prior to coming on the farm he was in the employ of the Sheets Manufacturing Company. Mr. Boyer is thoroughly interested in an agricultural life and devotes close attention to his industries here, raising excellent crops and a sufficiency of stock for his own use. The Lucas farm belongs to his mother-in-law, Mrs. P. G. Lucas and the other Lucas heirs.

Mr. Boyer was married May 6, 1900, to Miss Ethel Lucas, a daughter of P. G. and Thirza (DeWeese) Lucas, both of whom were born in Shelby county. The father of Mrs. Boyer was a substantial farmer and highly respected citizen. His death occurred June 25, 1906, and his burial was at Port Jefferson. His two children survive: Marcellus N., who owns seventy acres situated in Perry township; and Ethel, who is the wife of Mr. Boyer and they reside with Mrs. Lucas on the homestead.

Mr. and Mrs. Boyer have three children : Ralph, India and Howard. He was reared in the Methodist Episcopal church ; Mrs. Boyer is a member of the Baptist church at Pemberton. In politics he has never been very active but votes the republican ticket as did his father. He belongs to Lodge Xo. 63, Knights of the Golden Eagle at Anna Station.

JOHN DEITERS, whose valuable farm of ioo acres lies in sections 20 and 29, McLean township, Shelby county, O., resides on the north side of the Deiter turnpike road, five miles northeast of Minster, O. This is the old homestead of the Deiters and here he was born, October 17, 1855, a son of Bernard and Mary (Humbers) Deiters.

Bernard Deiters was born in Hanover, Germany, and was about nineteen years of age when he accompanied his mother and step- father to the United States. The family lived for a time in the city of Cincinnati and during that period Bernard worked along the Ohio river as a teamster. Then they took passage on the canal boat and in that way reached Minster and from there to Shelby county. Bernard Deiters bought sixty acres of wild land in section 20, McLean township, which under other conditions now is a part of the son's farm. He found that one acre had been cleared and started immediately to clear the other fifty-nine acres and succeeded in accomplishing the task. He continued to live in the old log cabin until his death, his tastes being simple and the house comfortable, and there he died at the age of sixtyeight years. He was about twenty-five years old when he was united in marriage with Mary Humbers, who was also a native of Hanover, Germany, where her parents died. In the log cabin referred to, their six children were born and there the mother died at the age of seventy years. Herman, the eldest, died at Gary, Ind., a merchant at the time, a blacksmith by trade. He married Katie Bower of St. Patrick Special School District. John was the second in order of birth. Catherine is the wife of Frank Lehmkule of McLean township. Mathias is a merchant at Cincinnati. Mary is the wife of Henry Danzig, of Cynthian township. Agnes, who is now deceased, was the wife of Henry Dickman, of Minster, O. The parents of the above family were faithful members of the Catholic church, at Minster, O.

John Deiters attended school in the Deiter Special School District, which was so named in honor of his father, and afterward remained at home to give his father needed assistance, and in the course of years he came into possession of the homestead. He erected the comfortable farmhouse nowstanding but the barn, built by his father in 1872, is yet usable, Mr. Deiter keeping his different structures in good repair. With the exception of ten acres of woodland, all the land is under cultivation and the land produces satisfactory returns for the careful attention given it.

Mr. Deiters married Miss Mary Lineman, a daughter of Bernard and Mary Lineman, of St. Rosa, Mercer county. O., where the father died at the age of seventy-two years. The mother survived for a time and died at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Deiters at the age of seventy-six years. Mr. and Mrs. Deiters have six children : Bernard, who lives at home ; Catherine, who lives at Dayton; Henry, Amelia, Herman and Rosa, all of whom live with their parents. They all have enjoyed school advantages in the Deiter Special School District and their father, at different times has been a member of the school board. In politics he is a democrat and has served in the office of turnpike superintendent. The family belongs to the Catholic church at McCartiville, Shelby county.

J. G. THIE, residing on his finely improved farm of 160 acres, which lies one-half mile west of Anna, O., in Dinsmore township, Shelby county, was born in this township in 1855, and is a son of John H. and Frederica (Zimpher) Thie.

The parents of Mr. Thie were born in Germany but they spent many years in Shelby county, where they were highly respected. They had five children : Jacob, who lives at Anna, O. ; Margaret, who died at the age of fourteen ; Julia, who is the wife of W. Moothart, of Anna; Caroline, who lives with her brother Jacob, neither having ever married ; and J. G.

J. G. Thie is well known all through this section as prior to embarking in business he taught school for a number of years. He spent some time as a student in what is now known as the Northern Ohio University at Ada where he was prepared for teaching. Afterward he became a merchant for a few years and then returned to the farm. In 1900, he was married and settled on his present farm which he has so improved that it is denominated the model farm of this part of the county. Progressive and enterprising in every way, he carries on his agricultural operations according to scientific teachings and prospers accordingly.

Mr. Thie married Miss Emma Bertsch, a daughter of Christian and Magdalina Bertsch, who were bom in Germany, and they have four children : Alma, Herman, Mabel and Ernest, all of whom live at home and are receiving educational advantages. Mr. Thie is a member of the school board of Anna, which maintains a high school. With his family he belongs to the Lutheran church of which he is secretary and is also a member of the board of deacons. He is an unswerving democrat in his political views. In every way he is a representative and useful citizen.

ELMER E. HARBOUR, senior member of the firm of E. E. Harbour & Son, operating a grain elevator at Pemberton, O. and dealing also in farm implements at this place, and additionally the owner of 360 acres of some of the finest land in Perry township, Shelby county, was born in Perry township, March 18, 1866, and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Persinger) Harbour.

Henry Harbour was born in Champaign county. O, but lived many years in Shelby county, where his death occurred in 1906, at the age of eightythree years, his burial being in Cedar Point cemetery. He was a veteran of the Civil war and was widely known. He married Elizabeth Persinger, who is now a resident of Pemberton, and they had four children : Charles William Beatty, Elmer E., Harry P. and Wallace Royal.

Elmer E. Harbour obtained his education in the public schools, afterward worked on his father's farm and for a number of years has been connected with the elevator and implement business. He built his first elevator in partnership with L. G Shanley, subsequently selling it to L. G. Shanley & Co., and afterward built the one he now owns and operates. As a business man Mr. Harbour has been successful and enterprising and. as the handling of farm implements and grain are among the most important business activities of Pemberton, he may almost be said to be the father of the town. He is interested also at Dayton, O., where he owns a coal yard. He owns considerable valuable realty at Dayton O., and at Pemberton, including a number of dwellings and well-improved lots and his holdings in association with his wife, in Shelby county, aggregate about 700 acres. In politics he is a republican, and, although no office holder, has always taken a useful part in the affairs of the community and has given hearty support to all public movements that have promised to be beneficial in a large way.

In 1889 Mr. Harbour was married to Miss Fay Wilkinson, who was born m Shelby county and is a daughter of Isaac T. and Cynthia J. Wilkinson, this being an old county family. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Harbour: Kenneth W., Florence and Mary. Mr. Harbour and family attend services at the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Harbour has been for many years a free contributor to both churches, Methodist and Baptist. He is a thirty-second degree Mason and well known to the fraternity all over the state, and belongs also to the Knights of Pythias, attending the De Graff lodge, in Logan county.

HENRY WAGNER,* vice-president and general manager of The John Wagner & Sons Brewing Company, of Sidney, O., may be said to have been associated with this concern since boyhood, it having been founded in 1854 by his uncle, Joseph F. Wagner and ever since has been in the family. Henry Wagner was born at Sidney, O., July, 1858, and is a son of John and Mary A. Wagner.

John Wagner was born in Columbiana county, O., and died at Sidney, in 1 88 1. In early life he was a tallow candler and later learned the butcher business. He was a poor boy at that time, in fact, when he had learned his trade and wished to move to St. Mary's and open a meat shop there, he had to borrow the money with which to do so. In 1859 he came to Sidney and rented the brewery that his brother had established, and in i860 bought an interest in the business and in 1876 bought the entire plant. He was a shrewd and able business man and very soon enlarged the original plant and through his energy and enterprise built up a great business. From his death in 1881 until 1896 the brewery was operated by his sons under the name of John Wagner's Sons, when it was incorporated as The John Wagner Sons' Brewing Company, with Mary A. Wagner, widow of John Wagner, as president; Henry Wagner as vice-president and general manager; and Edward J. Wagner as secretary and treasurer. In the winter of 1911-12 the company installed some of the latest and finest bottling machinery in use in the United States, the capacity of their plant permitting them to bottle 100 barrels of beer every ten hours.

John Wagner was married in 1857 to Mary Ann Mayer, who survives and lives in the old home at Sidney, and nine children were born to them, two of whom, Henry and Edward J., are interested with their mother in the brewery.

days were over and is a practical brewer and brewmaster. He married Miss Josephine Erne, of Fort Wayne. Ind. He maintains fraternal relations with the Elks and the Eagles and belongs also to the United Commercial Travelers.

Edward J. Wagner, secretary and treasurer of the above company, was born at Sidney, January 6, i860, and, like his brother, has been connected with this brewery during his enure business life. He married Miss Elizabeth Kraft, of Sidney, and they have two sons : Carl J. and George E. Mr. Wagner belongs to the Eagles, the Elks and the United Commercial Travelers Association, and is more or less active in local politics and during 1884, 1886 and 1888, served in the city council. Both he and brother are solid, reliable business men, and in both public and private life are trustworthy in every particular.

HARRY E. BENNETT, who is manager of The Oldham-Bennett Realty Company, and the junior partner, is one of the representative business men of Sidney, O. He is a son of Milton and Ella (Emley) Bennett, and born November 5, 1873, in Franklin township, Shelby county, O., three miles north of Sidney, on land that his great-grandfather, Nehemiah Bennett, had entered from government.

Nehemiah Bennett was born in Pennsylvania but farther back the family records have not been preserved. He married Sarah Slusser in 1817, of Franklin county and came to Shelby county in 1820. He located on a farm in Franklin township which became the family homestead. His son, Charles Bennett, was born here. October 25, 1825, and married Nancy M. Dickensheets. Their son Milton Bennett was born December 19, 185 1, and married Ella Emley, their son Harry E. being born on the same homestead.

In the course of time Milton Bennett became a well-known business man and later admitted his son Harry E., to a partnership and for twelve years conducted his business under the firm name of M. Bennett & Son, dealers in gravel and sand. Milton Bennett is, at present, president of The Oldham- Bennett Realty Company, which was incorporated on July 1, 1912.

Harry E. Bennett was educated in the public schools, living in Franklin township until he was nine years old and then moving to Clinton township and, with the exception of two and one-half years, has been a life-long resident of Shelby county. For five years prior to the consolidation of The Oldham Bennett realty interests, Mr. Bennett was associated with John Oldham in the real-estate business. He is a wide-awake business man and a great believer in the future of Shelby county.

In 1894 Mr. Bennett was married to Miss Mary Joslin, a daughter of C. R. and Lou V. Joslin, and they have two children : Ruth and Milton. Mr. Bennett is identified with a number of civic bodies for the public welfare and in every way is a useful citizen and fraternally is identified with the Odd Fellows.

D. J. THOMPSON, one of Shelby county's most highly respected and universally esteemed citizens, a veteran of the great Civil war and for forty years a successful educator of the youth of this county, now lives in comfortable retirement on his farm in Washington township, ten miles southwest of Sidney, O. He was born on this farm August 25, 1829, and is a son of James and Elizabeth (Jerfrys) Thompson.

James Thompson, father of D. J. Thompson, was born in Ireland and was brought to America in his boyhood by his father, John Thompson, settling in Pennsylvania where he grew to manhood and where he married Ellen Briggs. To this union were born four sons : Freeborn, James, John and A. Wesley. His wife dying, he was married secondly to Elizabeth Jeffries and moved to Warren county, Ohio, but remained there only one year and then came to Shelby county in 1824. The Thompsons were among the pioneer settlers and became identified with the county's early civilizing agencies. Of the issue of his second marriage five children grew to maturity : Huldah, Eleanor, D. J. Thomas and Arza B. D. J. Thompson is the only survivor.

D. J. Thompson married, June 17, 1852, Miss Sarah K. Diltz, a native of New Jersey and a daughter of William Diltz, who came to Shelby county in the early 'forties. Mrs. Thompson died January 1, 1905, and was the mother of eleven children, six sons and five daughters, as follows : Warren B. ; David B., who died at the age of thirty-two years; John M. ; James L. ; William M. P. ; Thomas S. ; Mrs. D. W. Gearhart of Piqua, O. ; Mrs. D. M. Pruden of Sidney, O. ; Mrs. J. C. Suber, of Fletcher, O. ; deceased ; Huldah Catherine, who died at the age of fifteen years ; and Sadie who died aged six years.

Mr. Thompson attended the district schools in his youth and had two terms of instruction in the Picpia schools, and afterward began to teach school. For his services he at first received the sum of twelve dollars a month, which was then considered ample pay, and according to the custom, was given boarding and lodging in the homes of his patrons, each in turn taking care of the teacher for a specified period. Very vividly does Mr. Thompson recall his first primitive school houses, the rooms having no desks but instead slab benches, and greased paper taking the place of glass in the window apertures. He found congenial work in teaching and for forty years gave his life to his profession and all through Washington and Loramie townships and in other parts of the county, there are happy and successful women and men who remember him with regard as their beloved and patient teacher. He also recalls them with warm-hearted feelings and has always taken an interest in the careers of those with whom his close association as an instructor, through so long a period, made him well acquainted. In 1862, heeding his country's call, he enlisted as a private for service in the Civil war, entering Company B, Fiftieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. While engaged in the service he was unanimously elected first lieutenant of his company, in which he served until March 22, 1863, being a participant in the great battle of Perrysville. After this battle, a captain's commission was tendered him, which he declined. At the close of his military service he returned and resumed teaching and also took charge of the home farm which his son now operates. Mr. Thompson, in the evening of his life, is surrounded by seven living children, fourteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, and a wealth of domestic affection, and cannot fail to be proud of his numerous, bright, attractive and intelligent descendants. He is one of the old members of the Methodist church at Lockington, in which he has held all the offices at various times and to which he has given liberal support. In politics he is a republican and frequently has served as township assessor and as township trustee, and has long been one of the men whose advice and clear judgment have been consulted in local affairs. He is identified with the Grand Army of the Republic and has attended many reunions. He is now spending his latter days on the home farm with his youngest son, Thomas S. and his wife Emma (Hinskey) Thompson, and two loveable grandchildren, Davis J.. Jr., his namesake, and Mary Adyline.

CHARLES W. BENJAMIN,* junior member of the reliable old business firm of C. R. Benjamin & Son, handle manufacturers, and manager of the same, is additionally interested in business as a dealer in coal, lumber and cement, at Sidney, 0. He was born at Lakewood, N. V.. November 10, 1870, and is a son of C. R. and Mary (Johnson) Benjamin.

In 1884 C. R. Benjamin came to Sidney and deeming it a promising business point, established here his handle factory and the success of his enterprise justified his judgment. Eor years he has been numbered with the city's most reliable and substantial citizens and has interests aside from his manufacturing, being one of the directors of the Citizens National Bank at Sidney. Although for some time considerably hampered by failing vision, he has kept in the business field, but in 19 12 the misfortune of blindness settled on him occasioned by cataract. While "this is deplored nevertheless his advice and business judgment is still at the service of the firm and the calamity is thus largely personal. On June 17, 1912, the factory for the manufacturing of shovel handles was completely destroyed by fire. At the present writing it is being rebuilt on a larger scale and when completed as many as forty workmen will be employed in carrying on the industry.

Charles W. Benjamin was fourteen years old when his parents came to Sidney and here his education was completed and his business career begun and continued. He married Miss Nellie Robertson and they have two children: Charles R. and Mary Emily. Mr. Benjamin is identified fraternally with the Knights of Pythias, the Elks and the United Commercial Travelers. Of genial, pleasing personality. Mr. Benjamin has many friends and is one of the city's most popular citizens.

FERNANDO W. APPLE, a farmer and stock dealer of Perry township, Shelby county. O., has lived in this section of the state for the past thirty-two years and is well known in township and county. For many years he was active in farming and handling stock and still retains 298 acres of valuable land. He was born in Champaign county, O., August 16, 1858. and is a son of John and Sarah Jane ( Pence) Apple.

The parents of Mr. Apple were of solid old Pennsylvania German stock. They lived in Champaign county, O., for many years and died on their farm there and their burial was in Spring Grove cemetery at Millerstown, O. They belonged to the Evangelical Lutheran church. Fernando W. was their eldest child, the others being: Charles X. ; Mary Alice, wife of William Circle; Otta and Walter.

Fernando W. Apple obtained his schooling in Champaign county and afterward assisted his father on the farm, doing much hard work as in those days much of the labor-saving machinery now in use was not on the market. In 1880 he came to Shelby county and for sixteen years contented himself with renting land but then started to buying and continued until he had 298 acres, all of which is fine, arable land. While he no longer engages in the labor of the farm, he remains interested in all its industries and is anxious that it should be brought to the highest state of production.

Mr. Apple was married in 1879, to Miss Ella Wibel, who was born in Champaign county, O., a daughter of Jacob and Anna (Plank) Wibel. Mr. Wibel was a prominent farmer near Millerstown. Both he and wife are deceased and their burial was in the Spring Grove cemetery. They had four children: Mary, wife of Daniel Brubaker; Clara, wife of Xoah Pence; Albert; and Ella, wife of Mr. Apple. To the latter have been born three children, namely: Carl, who married Pearl Fahnestock; Chloe, who married Vern Ward and they have one son, Virgil Richard; and Anna, who is the wife of Frank Peppers. Mr. Apple has always given his political support to the democratic ticket. He and family attend the Methodist Episcopal church at Pemberton, O.

WILLIAM HOEWISHER, who is one of the heavy tax payers of Franklin township, where he owns 225 acres of fine land, has been a continuous resident since 1893, with the exception of two years, and as a raiser of high grade stock is known all over this part of the state. He was born in Auglaize county, O., February 18, 1862, and is a son of Henry and Gustina (Lampiding) Hoewisher.

Henry Hoewisher was born in Germany and there attended school and afterward learned the carpenter trade. He was only seventeen years of age when he came to America but was a good workman and followed his trade until he acquired land and afterward gave his attention to farming. He married Gustina Lamping, who was born in Auglaize county, and died in 1893, having been the devoted mother of a large family, as follows : Gustave: Frederick; Matilda, who is the wife of L. C. Langhorst; William; George; Henry; John; Mary, who is the wife of August Fritz; Emma, who married (first) Henry Miller, and (second) Henry Brandt; Edward; Lizzie, who is the wife of August Kettler: and Ida, who is the wife of Edward Tecklenburg.

William Hoewisher attended the public schools and afterward remained assisting his father until he was twenty-five years old. He then rented land from his father for five years, when he retired from farming and during the next two years was engaged in a mercantile business at Kettlersville. He found, however, that an agricultural life was more congenial and in 1893 bought his present property from George Malcolm, and ever since, with the exception of two years during which he returned to the home place when his father retired to New Bremen, where he still lives, Mr. Hoewisher has actively pushed his industries on this farm. He grows grain to some extent but is more interested in his fine stock, among which are some thirty head of imported Percheron and Belgian horses.

Mr. Hoewisher was married April 21, 1887, to Miss Sarah Roettger, a daughter of Henry and Mary (Koch) Roettger, farming people of Shelby county, who have the following children : Sarah ; Anna, who married Henry Sollman; Katie, who married Henry Hoewisher, a brother of William; Charles; Henrietta, who married Frederick Edgbert; Malinda, who married Henry Isenhut; Elsie, who married Benjamin Solomon; and Alfred, Mary, Esther, Herbert and Minerva.

Mr. and Mrs. Hoewisher have five children : Harry, Elda, Harvey, Walter and Sarah. The family belongs to the Lutheran church at Sidney, O. In politics Mr. Hoewisher is a stanch democrat. While living in Van Buren township he served one term as assessor and has been a school director in Franklin township.

THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK of Jackson Center, 0., was organized June 19, 1895, under the style of The Farmers & Merchants Bank of Jackson Center, with Shelby Baughman as president, and P. R. Clinhents as cashier. The first account was opened by the Jackson Center Elevator Company, and the second name on the books of the institution was John Johns.

After a service of two years, P. R. Clinhents died and Frank Baughman succeeded him as cashier and F. M. Wildermuth became assistant cashier in 1905. Mr. Baughman resigned on October 19, 1909, and was succeded by F. M. Wildermuth. In the meanwhile, on February 1, 1907, the business was reorganized, the bank becoming The First National Bank of Jackson Center, when it entered upon a new and still more prosperous career. The initial capitalization was $10,000, while its present capital is $33,000, and according to its statement of September 4, 1912, it has assets of $392,830.92, surplus $66,000, and $45,000 undivided profits. The bank owns its own substantial building and it is equipped with a screw-door safe, the wall being twenty inches in thickness. The officers of the bank are. Shelby Baughman, president ; G. A. Swikard, vice-president ; F. M. Wildermuth, cashier, and Walter C. Meranda, assistant cashier, with a board of seven directors.

WILLIAM O'LEARY.* who, as chief of police, occupies n very responsible position, at Sidney, O., is a man well qualified for the same both by experience and through those personal traits and natural endowments that are absolutely necessary for official position of this nature. He was born in Green township, Shelby county, O., March 25, 1871. and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Kelley) OXeary. Until Chief O'Leary was ten years old his

William O'Leary attended the Catholic school at Sidney and under the direction of the gentle sisters became a well informed youth. He then learned the blacksmith trade with his brother, Hugh O'Leary and continued to work as a blacksmith until 1892, when he joined the police force and was gradually advanced in rank until, fourteen years ago, he was made chief of the department. Firmness and efficiency have marked his administration and perhaps there is no city of its size in Ohio that is better policed or in which the life and rights of its citizens are more securely guarded.

Chief O'Leary was married to Miss Emma Simmons and they have three sons : William, Emerson and Hugh. The family belongs to the Catholic church. For a number of years Chief O'Leary has been identified with the Knights of Columbus and he belongs also to the Elks.

EDWARD H. BILLING, postmaster at Swanders, O., and proprietor of the leading general store of the town, is a representative citizen of this part of Shelby county. He was born in Franklin township, Shelby county, November 30, 1881, and is a son of Jacob and Philipina (Geib) Billing.

Jacob Billing and wife were of German ancestry and for many years they were respected residents of Franklin township, and there both died, their burial being in the cemetery of the Lutheran church to which they belonged. They had a family of seven children: Edward H., Minnie, Albert, Harry. Dora, Webster and Myrtle.

Edward H. Billing attended the public schools in Franklin township, afterward taking a commercial course in a business college at Sidney, and this was followed by two years of work on the home farm. He then came to Swanders and for two years worked for J. B. Wyatt, then proprietor of his present store, from whom he purchased in July, 1907. and has conducted it ever since. In politics he is a democrat and for the past five years has been postmaster here.

On September 25. 1907, Mr. Billing was married to Miss Theda Foster, who was born in Shelby county, a daughter of George W. and Anna (Snawley) Foster. Mrs. Billing has two brothers, Guy and Marion. Mr. and Mrs. Billing have one son, George Foster. They attend the German Reformed church.

FRED D. CLARK, D. O., who has been engaged in the practice of osteopathy at Sidney, O., for the past two years and is in the enjoyment of a large and lucrative one, was born at Piqua. O., June 23, 1880, and is a son of Dr. George W. and Sallie (Maderis) Clark.

The father of Doctor Clark was born in Clark county, O., the family being a pioneer one of that section. He practiced at Piqua, O., a graduate of the Fort Wayne College, married Sallie Maderis, and died when their one child was but two years old. His widow survives.

developed an inherited tendency toward the healing art. For five years of early manhood, before entering the College of Osteopathy, at Kirksville, Mo., he was secretary of the St. Mary's Machine Company, St. Marys, O. In the class of 1910 he was graduated from the American School of Osteopathy, at Kirksville, the venerable founder of which still survives, and then came to Sidney, where he has met with truly gratifying success. Since graduation he has kept closely in touch with medical and surgical progress all over the world and is identified with all the leading organizations of his special system; the American Osteopathic Association, the Ohio State Osteopathic Society and the Missouri Valley Osteopathic Society. Doctor Clark belongs to Temperance Lodge No. 73, F. & A. M., at Sidney; Summit Lodge, Knights of Pythias, at Sidney ; the Knights of Korassen and the Commercial Club, and also retains membership in his college society, the Iota Tau Sigma fraternity. Doctor Clark was married in 1901, to Miss Eva Davenport, a daughter of C. P. Davenport, of Hardin, Shelby county, O., and they have one daughter, Juanita. Doctor and Mrs. Clark are members of the Presbyterian church at Sidney.

BROACHEY T. BULL, who is one of the representative business men of Shelby county, has important interests in several directions and has been a leading citizen of Sidney for the past twelve years. He was born on his father's farm in Green township, Shelby county, O.. September 30, 1861, and is a son of David T. and Lucinda H. Bull, the former of whom died in the fall of 1904, the latter surviving.

Broachey T. Bull was reared on the home farm and attended the country schools and one year at Ada, O. Farming and stock raising have largely claimed his attention and he is one of the best known stock men in this section of the country and is at the head of the firm of B. T. Bull & Co., meat dealers at Sidney. Mr. Bull owns a large amount of valuable land in the county, his well improved farms lying in Green and Orange townships.

Mr. Bull was married in 1885 to Miss Lottie Sleeter, who is a daughter of F. H. Sleeter, a retired fanner now residing at Sidney. Mr. and Mrs. Bull have one son, Sleeter Bull, who, at present, is an instructor in the agricultural department of the University of Illinois. He is a graduate of Buchtel College, at Akron, O.. and also of the Ohio State University at Columbus, and additionally is a post graduate of the Pennsylvania State University and took his degree of master of science in that institution. He is married but has no children. Sleeter Bull is a fraternity man, being a Mason and an Odd Fellow, and grand president of his college fraternity.

Broachey T. Bull is identified prominently with several fraternal bodies, being past grand in the order of Odd Fellows, an encampment member I. O. O. F., and a member of the Red Men. Although never very active politically, Mr. Bull is an earnest and thoughtful citizen and has given support to public policies which have been approved by his judgment, but his larger interests have been along agricultural lines and his usefulness to his section in developing farm industries and in improving stock is very generally acknowledged.

GEORGE A. RHEIXISH,* who is engaged in the tin, iron work, sheet metal and furnace business at Sidney, O., including spouting and roofing work, is a well known, reliable and necessary business man of this place where he has been established for about ten years. He was born at Cincinnati, O., April i, 1871, and is a son of George Rheinish.

The father of Mr. Rheinish was born in Germany and there learned the brewing business and after coming to the United States worked at the same in the city of Cincinnati. In 1875 he moved with his family to Sidney and was engaged as brewmaster by the Wagner Brewing Company and under his direction the first lager beor ever produced by this company was brewed. His death occurred at Sidney where his widow still lives.

George A. Rheinish was four years old when his parents came to Sidney and here he was reared and attended the parochial school. For four years he worked in the Sidney Wheel Works and learned wheel making, after which he started to learn the tinner's trade with James Ristron with whom he worked for eleven years and then engaged in business for himself. He is qualified to do any kind of sheet metal work and in his different lines is called all over the county when work of this kind is of special importance, having four men beside himself and a bookkeeper constantly employed. Mr. Rheinish belongs to the Catholic church.

SINCLAIR JOHNSON HATFIELD, a man of many public achievements and numerous professional honors, for many years was an honored member of the Sidney bar. He was born in Wayne county, O., September 21, 1845, and died October 30, 191 1. the eldest son of George D. and Matilda (Patterson) Hatfield. The other members of the family were: Margaret, Tames, Robert, W illiam, Alice and Sarah Adelaide, the last named being the wife of Dr. D. J. Satterfield.

Sinclair Johnson Hatfield spent his early life on a farm near Apple Creek, where he attended the common schools and afterward taught for several years. His literary tastes and mental quickness being recognized by his parents, he was sent for several years to Vermillion Institute, at Hayesville, O., and afterward attended Western Reserve College at Hudson which he left at the end of his junior year. He subsequently entered the law school of Michigan University at Ann Arbor, where, in 1875, he was graduated, in the fall of the same year coming to Sidney. After admission to the bar of Ohio, he entered upon the practice of the law. At the time of his death he was the oldest member in years of practice of the bar association.

On September 3, 1868, Mr. Hatfield was married to Miss Caroline McClure, who was born in Wayne county, O., a daughter of Samuel B. and Sabina (Carey) McClure. The father of Mrs. Hatfield was a substantial farmer and well known citizen of Wayne county. She was the youngest in a family of five children: Alfred; Mary E., wife of George Jameson: Jemimah, wife of Isaiah Dunlap; and Susan, being the others. To Mr. and Mrs. Hatfield three children were born : George Avery, who is superintendent of the water works at Sidney, O., married Florence Nealey and they have one daughter, Gertrude Matilda ; Gertrude, who is an instructor in the Ohio State School for the Deaf and Dumb, at Columbus; and Alfred Sinclair, who died in his first year.

In politics Mr. Hatfield was an ardent and active member of the republican party and was its candidate for representative and prosecuting attorney. Governor Bushnell appointed him a member of the State Board of Pardons, an office he held for more than ten years, in which he distinguished himself by the wisdom and humanity of his views and by the care and attention he gave to his duties. Shortly before his death he was appointed a member of the board of trustees of the Shelby County Children's Home.

Mr. Hatfield was a learned man, a sound lawyer, well versed in the fundisregards trivialities and seeks only to do justice between man and man. A firm and wise counselor, he ever maintained the rights of his clients, but did so with true courtesy and the utmost consideration for those to whom he was opposed professionally. It has been said of him that his kindly humor more than once brought about the solution of many an otherwise difficult situation. Virtually, all his life he was a member of the Presbyterian church, to which his family also belongs. While he never tolerated evil, his gentle Christian nature was such that he abhorred the wrong while forgiving the wrongdoer. A man of such kindly consideration for others naturally made a legion of friends who responded in kind to his genuine affection. To sum up, he was an honorable, high-minded Christian gentleman, who all his days sought to do his full duty. His death was universally regretted.

SAMUEL D. CRUMBAUGH,* one of the well known business men of Sidney, who has been identified with the farm implement trade for the past thirteen years and has been an individual dealer since 1909, was born on a farm in Perry township, Shelby county, O., December 10, 1866, and is a son of Daniel and Naomi (Keplinger) Crumbaugh.

The Crumbaugh family is a pioneer one of Perry township. Grandfather John Crumbaugh securing the present Crumbaugh homestead by entry, at an early day. Daniel Crumbaugh was born on that farm and spent his life there, his death being accidentally caused by a runaway team, in 1899. His wife was also a native of Shelby county, a daughter of Mathias Keplinger, who came here from Clark county.

Samuel D. Crumbaugh remained during his father's lifetime on the home farm and after his death sold the property and entered his present business and was engaged in selling farm implements until he embarked in this line for himself, purchasing the store and stock of Homer Wright. He carries the goods of those standard companies which experience has proved to him as most in demand, having a complete stock of the International Harvester goods and the products of the Weber Wagon Company.

Mr. Crumbaugh was married to Miss Viola Hoover and they have had two children : Harry, who died when aged seven years ; and Forrest, who is in the jewelry business with E. E. Kay. Mr. Crumbaugh in his active interest in local public matters follows in the footsteps of his honored father and was appointed to fill out his father's unexpired term as township trustee. In every way he has shown a disposition to be a useful citizen. In early manhood be became identified with the Odd Fellows and his interest in this fraternal organization continues.

MILTON BAKER, a general farmer in Salem township, Shelby county, O., who is serving in his second year as turnpike superintendent, operates a farm of eighty-six acres, one-third of which he owns. He was born in Shelby county, November 15, 1881, and is a son of William C. and Frederika (Schmidt) Baker.

The parents of Mr. Baker reside on their farm in Jackson township, Shelby county, and Mr. Baker is a well known man and prominent politician and for six years served as a county commissioner. He has been twice married, first to a Miss Thompson who was survived by one son, Allen. To his second marriage the following children were born : Leo, Roscoe, Boston, Nora, Milton, May, Lina, Ida, Bessie and Clara. Nora is the wife of Clarence C. Steenrod.

Milton Baker obtained a good public school education and since then has engaged continuously in farming and stock raising. In February, 1903 he was married to Miss Eva Clinehens, a daughter of Conrad and Catherine Clinehens who have other children, namely: Edith, wife of Ernest Wones; and Elmer, Chester, Harry, Omer and Roscoe. Mr. Clinehens' first wife was a Miss Mead and they had one daughter, Emma, who is the wife of John Piper. To Mr. and Mrs. Baker four children have been born : Mabel. Alma, Chloe and Elmer, the older ones attending school. Mr. Baker is identified with the democratic party. He is a man of good standing in his neighborhood and his fellow citizens recognize the fact that when he is elected to an office its duties will be performed honestly and efficiently.

GEORGE R. LOUDENBACH,* one of the well known business men of Sidney, O., who operates a general repair shop and is a bicycle dealer, came first to Sidney in 1883, and has been a permanent resident since 1892. He was born on a farm in Champaign county, O., March 4, 1849, and is a son of Emanuel and Anna (McCoy) Loudenbach.

Emanuel Loudenbach and wife came to Ohio from Virginia, now West Virginia, and the father engaged in farming in Champaign county, where his death occurred. His widow survived and died at Oakley, 111., while on a visit, being then aged eighty-two years.

George R. Loudenbach grew up on the home farm and early discovered that he possessed not only mechanical aptitude but mercantile ability, the latter being shown when he easily sold farm implements and this led him to engage in the business at L'rbana, where he continued for two years. He then was engaged as a traveling salesman for the Long-Alstaler Company, manufacturers of farm implements, of Hamilton, O., and traveled for that house for eleven years, his territory being northern Ohio and Illinois, and during this period his first visit was made to Sidney. When he retired from the life of a commercial traveler and desired to go into business for himself he came to Sidney, where he dealt in farm implements for twenty years, closing out that branch of his business in 1908. He keeps busily occupied repairing bicycles, automobiles, sewing machines, vulcanizing and in similar work and also sells bicycles for which there is a steady demand, this handy vehicle yet claiming many votaries of healthful exercise.

Mr. Loudenbach was married first to Miss Ida Dickensheets, a daughter of John D. Dickensheets, March 8, 1883, who died in 1900, survived by one daughter, Margaret. At Sidney, O., Mr. Loudenbach was married (second) to Miss Mabel Snyder, in August, 1912. Politically a democrat, Mr. Loudenbach has, at times, been called upon to serve in responsible offices and for seven years was a trustee of the water works and on two occasions was elected a member of the board of public service. Fraternally he is identified with the Red Men and the Tribe of Ben Hur and belongs to both branches of Odd Fellowship. Mr. Loudenbach enjoys out door sports and is a member of the Shelby County Deer Hunters' Association.

LOUIS G. CROFT, proprietor of Croft's Steam Laundry, the largest, most modern and best equipped laundry in Shelby county, is an experienced man in this business, in which he has been concerned for twenty-six years. He was born at Anna, Shelby county, O., November 2, 1871, and is a son of Christian and Mary Croft, who came to Sidney when he was a babe of six months.

Mr. Croft's career is an interesting one to consider in that it shows how a poor boy, left an orphan at the age of eight years, managed, through his own inherent sterling qualities, to secure an education and to maintain himself in the respect and confidence of those with whom it was his lot to live. After his parents died he resided with an aged man by the name of H. Enders, who was a potter and also worked at gardening, and the otherwise homeless youth worked for him for about seven years and shared his fortune. He then became an employe of the Sidney Steam Laundry, where he continued for four and one-half years, after which he worked in a similar place for nine months at Findlay. From there he went to St. Mary's, O., and there invested in a hand laundry, which he conducted successfully for six months and then started a steam laundry, admitting F. M. Smith as a partner. After three years he sold out to Mr. Smith and started a laundry at Piqua, O., which he operated for two years and then returned to Sidney. It must have afforded Mr. Croft considerable satisfaction to be able, at this time, to buy the Sidney Steam Laundry, the same concern in which he had been first employed, and afterward he changed the name to Croft's Steam Laundry, which he has since conducted with great success. In 1907 he erected his fine cement laundry building and has installed all modern equipments including the Troy and American laundry machinery, and here steady employment is afforded from fifteen to eighteen men and women, and in delivering and collecting both a wagon and an automobile are used. This laundry is a monument to Mr. Croft's industry. He knows every detail of the business and has forgotten nothing and in times of great stress does not disdain to once more work the shirt ironing machine or other laundry device with his well-paid employes. Mr. Croft was married first to Miss Minnie Salm, of Sidney, who died January 14, 1904, leaving four children: Frederick, Martha, Leo and Edna. His present wife was formerly Mrs. Mary Stolle, and they had one son, Edward. Mr. Croft belongs to the Elks, the Red Men and the Knights of Columbus, and is a leading member of the Ohio State Laundrymen's Association. He is a consistent member of the Roman Catholic church. He is serving at present as a member of the city council, being councilman at large.

C. D. McCULLOUGH, a substantial citizen and general farmer of Shelby county, O., resides in section 22, Cynthian township, where he owns 160 acres of fine land well adapted for both farming and stock raising. He was born January 13, 1869, in Auglaize county, O., and is a son of Robert and Margaret (Downy) McCullough.

Robert McCullough was born and reared in Columbiana county, O., but moved to Auglaize county soon after he was first married. He followed farming all through his active life and owned 116 acres of land in Auglaize county and later bought forty acres in Turtle Creek township, Shelby county. His death occurred on the latter farm when aged seventy-nine years, eleven months and eighteen days. His first marriage was to Jane Hoey. who died in Auglaize county, the mother of five children : Susan, Margaret. Sophia, James and John. His second marriage was to Margaret Downy Guilbert, who was born in Clark* county, O., and died in Auglaize county, nine years after her husband, when aged seventy-nine years, six months and twenty-four days. She was a widow when she married Mr. McCullough and had three children: Walter D., James and Mary A. Guilbert. To her second marriage two children were born: Alice, who is the wife of Isaac Anderson, of Wapakoneta, O. ; and C. D. McCullough. Mr. and Mrs. McCullough were estimable people in every relation of life and were members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Hardin, O. Their burial was in the Olive Branch cemetery in Auglaize county.

C. D. McCullough was eight years old when his parents moved on the farm in Turtle Creek township and he attended the common schools there and afterward assisted his father until his own marriage, since when he has resided in Cynthian township. His present farm had been somewhat improved by his father-in-law, the late Jonathan W'egley, and the supplementary improvements made by Mr. McCullough have been of a very substantial character. With the exception of fifteen acres in timber, all the farm is well drained and Mr. McCullough raises excellent crops and stock. He has always devoted his main attention to agricultural interests and for seven years has been a member of the Shelby county Fair Board and for two years served as vice-president of this body.

Mr. McCullough was married to Miss Sarah A. Wegley, a native of Mercer county, O., a daughter of Jonathan and Sarah Wegley. Mr. Wegley married Sarah Circle, of that county, in which they continued to live until 1876, when they moved to Washington township, Shelby county, and lived there until

1885, when they removed to Cynthian township and settled on a tract of 170 acres. The parents of Airs. McCullough remained on that farm until the death of the father, in 1892, when aged fifty-five years, when the mother retired to Lockington, O. and later to Piqua, where her death occurred in 191 1, the burial of both being in the cemetery at Lockington. They were members of the United Brethren church and much esteemd people wherever they lived. They had the following children: James, Mary, Emanuel, Fred, Joseph, Eva, Sarah A., Daisy and Olive.

To Mr. and Mrs. McCullough seven children have been born, namely: Carrie Margaret, deceased; and Warren C, deceased; Sarah Josephine; Wilma ; Robert Ross ; Mabel and Harold. All were given educational opportunities in the Hopewell special school district.

HOWARD VERTNER,* who is associated with his father in business at Sidney, O., conducting the Vertner hardware store, is one of the enterprising young men of the city, of which he has been a resident for several years. He was born on a farm near Beaver Dam, Allen county, O., June 24. 1881, and is a son of Samuel and Ida Vertner.

Howard Vertner was reared on the home farm and remained there until he was twenty years of age, in the meanwhile attending the schools near his home and the Beaver Dam high school. His first work that called him away from home was in the oil fields around Beaver Dam. His next employment removed him still further as he went to Detroit, Mich., where he was in the employ of the A. T. & T. Telephone Company and remained for two years, returning then to Beaver Dam and from there came to Sidney in August, 1910. In partnership with his father he bought out the old established hardware house of Line & Davis. Mr. Vertner has made a very favorable impression on the people of Sidney as a business man and he carries a full stock of all goods in his line, including stoves.

Mr. Vertner married Miss Bessie M. Main, of Addison, Mich., and their attractive residence is at No. 514 South Main street, Sidney. Mr. Vertner is identified with the Masonic fraternity. He is not very active in politics but he keeps fully abreast the times in all that concerns solid, reliable and honorable citizenship.

JOHN MAY, Jr., who is one of the well known and highly respected citizens of Van Buren township, in which he is a heavy landowner, having three valuable farms which aggregate 220 acres, was born in this township, in 1857, and is a son of John and Elizabeth ( Baumbauer) May.

The parents of Mr. May were born in Germany and when the)- came to the United States, in the forties, settled near New Bremen, O. Of their fourteen children only three survive: John, Henry and Adam. Henry resides also in Van Buren township, where he married Sophia Keck. Adam, who is a resident of Wapakoneta, married Flora Ouellhorst.

John May. Jr., obtained his education in the public schools. He may be numbered with the most successful and progressive farmers and stock raisers of this section of Shelby county, and for a number of years he has also been engaged in stock buying. All his land is highly improved, handsome dwellings, barns and other farm buildings showing forth the justifiable pride he takes in his property and in no less degree he is active as a citizen, being liberal and public-spirited.

Mr. May was married first to Miss Caroline Mauer, who died in 1893, the mother of two children : Emma and Caroline, the latter of whom is deceased. The second marriage of Mr. May was to Mrs. Augusta (Mauer) Burmeister, widow of William Burmeister, who had one daughter, Dora. The parents of Mrs. May were Charles and Mary (Shafer) Mauer. To this marriage eight children were born : Bertha, Harry, Clara, Alma, Clarence, Homer, Florence and Frances. Of these, Harry, Clarence, Homer, Florence and Frances live at home. The other chlidren of Mr. May are married, as follows: Emma is the wife of Carl Kettering and they live at Wapakoneta; Bertha is the wife of Lloyd Catterman and they live at Lima, O. ; Clara is the wife of Henry Deigle and they live in Auglaize county; and Alma is the wife of Irvin Gritzmaker and they live on the old home farm in Van Buren township. Mr. May and family are members of the Lutheran church and he belongs to its board of trustees. In politics he is a democrat and in local circles exerts considerable party influence although too busy a man to consent to serve in public office.

ROBERT K. BEAMAN, general farmer and reliable and representative citizen of Orange township, resides on and operates the J. N. Woodmancy farm of 140 acres, situated five miles south of Sidney, O. Mr. Beaman was born in Orange township, in 1877, and is a son of John and Anna (Pruden) Beaman.

John Beaman was born at Boston, Mass., was well educated there and was about twenty years of age when he came to Shelby county and has followed farming here ever since and is a well known and highly respected citizen. The family of nine children all survive.

Robert K. Beaman obtained his education in the public schools and learned the principles of farming through assisting his father, remaining with him until his own marriage, when he came to the farm of his father-in-law. which he has successfully managed ever since, developing its productive possibilities to the highest extent and raising a sufficiency of good stock for home use.

Mr. Beaman was married in 1905 to Miss Laura Dale Woodmancy, who is a daughter of J. N. Woodmancy, one of the well known men of this section. They have three children : John Walter, Bernice Irene and Dorothy Dale. He has never been an office seeker but has taken an active interest in all matters pertaining to section and country at large and casts his vote with the republican organization. For some years he has been identified with the Odd Fellows at Kirkwood, O.

culturists of this section. He was born December 16, 1867, at Minster, Auglaize county, O., and is a son of William and Catherine (Densing) Bensman.

William Bensman was born in Germany and came early to the United States, and during a large portion of his life was a farmer in Auglaize county, O., where he died. His wife, Catherine Densing, died in 1880. To this union six children were born : William, Henry, Herman, John, Anthony and Charles. In politics he was a democrat and in religious faith a Catholic.

Anthony Bensman attended the public schools until he was fourteen years of age and then gave all his time to work on the home farm. When he married he purchased his present place in Turtle Creek township. He found the property needed a great deal of attention and immediately set about making improvements and these included the remodeling of the farm house and the erection of a new barn and other farm buildings, and all these have been completed in a substantial manner. He makes no feature of stockraising, producing only enough for home use, but carefully superintends his crop growing, using methods that produce very satisfactory results. Mr. Bensman is a very industrious man and looks after his affairs in a careful and practical way. He casts his vote with the democratic party.

On May 18, 1892, Mr. Bensman was married to Miss Anna Schmitmeyer, who was born March 29, 1870, in Shelby county, O., a daughter of Frederick and Liesetta (Lamping) Schmitmeyer, who had other children as follows: Elizabeth, Mary, Barney, John, Louis, Stephen, Joseph, Henry and Anthony. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bensman: Julius, Mary, Jerome, Leonard and Lietta. The family belong to the Catholic church at McCartyville. O.

MARION ROBERTS,* who is a worthy representative of one of the old and respected families of Salem township, Shelby county, O., lives on the home farm of eighty acres with his widowed mother, was born on this place, August 14, 1876, and is a son of Andrew and Florence (Hartman) Roberts.

For many years the father of Mr. Roberts carried on farming and stock raising here and was one of the solid and reliable men of this section, and in business affairs as well as in social and family life was held in high esteem. His death occurred September 22. 191 1, and his burial was in the Port Jefferson cemetery. In politics he was a republican and in religious faith he was a Methodist. In early manhood he married Florence Hartman, who survives, and they had the following children : Emma, Marion, Cora, Blaine, Oliver, Minnie, Lettie and Lela. Cora is the wife of Lloyd Case.