Shelby County, Ohio - Chapter 23: Miscellaneous, 1913 (part 13 of 14)

In December, 1895, Mr. Schnelle was married to Miss Elizabeth Soloman, who was born in Shelby county and is a daughter of Herman and Caroline (Whipling) Soloman, whose other children were: Henry, William, Louis and Theodore; Mary, widow of August Egbert; Anna, wife of Henry Oberwith ; Louisa, wife of August Schwabero; and Emma, wife of Henry Schoe. Mr. and Mrs. Schnelle have three children : Caroline, Eliza and Marie. The family belongs to the Lutheran church. In politics Mr. Schnelle is a sound democrat and has served one term as road superintendent and has always taken an interest in the public schools.

LEWIS HOHN, who is one of the well known and highly respected citizens of Clinton township, now living retired and in the enjoyment of the ease won by many years of persistent industry, has been a resident of Shelby county since 1852 but his birth took place August 13, 1827, in Montgomery county, Ohio. His parents were Daniel and Mary (Gebhart) Hohn.

Daniel Hohn was born in Maryland and was six years old when his parents brought him to Ohio, and he was reared on one of the pioneer farms of that early period and farming was his occupation through life. When he reached manhood the whig party was a force in politics and he became a member of it, but in his later years was a democrat in his views. He married Mary Gebhart, who was born in Pennsylvania, no doubt of German parentage, and was but one year old when the family came to Ohio, where her subsequent life was spent. They had three children: Lewis, Elias and Lorette, the last named being the wife of John J. Stetler. The family belonged to the Lutheran church.

Lewis Hohn had but meager educational advantages, partly because his father needed his help at home and also because in his boyhood not much provision had yet been made for the schooling of the children, a few months in the winter seasons being all they could expect in the way of instruction. He then settled down as a farmer, spending his summers in cultivating the land and his winters in the forests chopping cord-wood. When he came first to Shelby county he settled in Turtle Creek township and lived there for twenty-five years, where he owned sixty acres of land. In 1877 he bought the farm on which he still lives, in Clinton township, and retained his other farm until 1903, when he sold it and in later years rented out his present one, his tenant carrying on a general farming line here and raising enough stock for home use only.

Mr. Hohn was married first in 1849, t0 Miss Mary Straus, who died October 6, 1892, the mother of the following children: Mary, who is the widow of John A. Russell; William; Franklin L. ; and Malinda, who is the wife of Michael Albert King. Mr. Hohn was married (second) on May 12, 1898, to Miss Louisa Tridle, who was born in Miami county, Ohio, but was reared in Shelby county, a daughter of John and Harriet ( Yinger) Tridle. Mr. and Mrs. Tridle had the following children: Corwin. Margaret, Louisa, Elmer, Aaron, Elnathan, Yinger and George. Mr. and Mrs. Hohn are members of the Presbyterian church. He has always voted the democratic ticket and continues his interest in public affairs. During his long life he has witnessed many changes and can recall many very interesting events of past days concerning the old families and the settlement of the county.

G. A. POPE,* postmaster at Lockington, O., and proprietor of the leading general store here, has been identified with the interests of this place ever since he has been in business. He was born in 1871 in Cynthian township, one mile north of Dawson, Shelby county, O., and is a son of George VV. and Mary (Hughes) Pope, both now deceased.

George W. Pope was born in New Jersey and was a young man when he came to Ohio, and for many years was a farmer in Cynthian township. Shelby county. His death occurred at Dawson, O., in 1906, when he was aged seventy-two years. He was married first to Mary Hughes, who was the mother of six children : William, Charles, E. C, Cora A., G. A. and Lulu. The second marriage was to Mrs. Mary Brown.

G. A. Pope attended the public schools in Shelby county and in 1891 was a student at Ada, O. In 1898 he embarked in business at Lockington and gradually has increased the scope of his mercantile interests until they include a full line of merchandise, and the volume of business done amounts to $15,000 annually. Since 1906 Mr. Pope has been postmaster and is a satisfactory public official. He has frequently been elected to local offices on the republican ticket and at present is the only republican serving on the school board.

Mr. Pope married Miss Daisy M. Wegley and they have three children: Cloyd, Ethel and Leona. The family belongs to the United Brethren church. He is identified with several fraternal organizations both at Lockington and Piqua, O.

HENRY KUETHER, proprietor of the Sidney Dairy, at Sidney, O., one of the large and successful business enterprises of Shelby county, owns 120 acres of fine land in Clinton township and eighty acres in Turtle Creek township and keeps about fifty head of Shorthorn and Polled Durham cattle.

John Oldham And Sox Ralph And Representative Citizens 827

The parents of Mr. Kuether were born in Germany and came to America when young and were married in Ohio. They were farming people in Auglaize county and were devout members of the Catholic church. Of their children, Henry was the first born, the others being: Caroline, who is the wife of William Kovermann; Catherine, who is the wife of Charles Broermann; Rosa, who is the wife of John Suter; John; Anthony; and Josephine, who is the wife of Henry Voskuhl.

When he was thirteen years of age, Henry Kuether left school and began work for his father on the home farm and remained there until he was thirty years old and then came to Shelby county. His first purchase of land was a tract of eighty acres, to which he added another eighty, afterward forty acres. In addition to carrying on general farming and raising stock for his own use, Mr. Kuether operates his large dairy, as before mentioned, making a daily shipment of fifty gallons of milk to Sidney, where he disposes of it wholesale. He is one of the enterprising business men of this section, paying careful attention to his own affairs and prospering accordingly.

In February, 1891, Mr. Kuether was married to Miss Mary Winover, who was born in Mercer county, O., a daughter of Henry and Anna (Hubert) Winover, who were farming people in Mercer and Henry counties. They had seven children: Mary, Martin. Geard, John, Anna, Elizabeth and Rosa. To Mr. and Mrs. Kuether three children have been born: Henry, Rosa and Anna. The family belongs to the Catholic church at Sidney. In politics Mr. Kuether is a democrat.

JOHN OLDHAM, attorney at law, a well-known and representative citizen of Sidney, O., where he has numerous business interests, was born here, October 28, 1882, and is a son of David and Sarah E. (Everett) Oldham. The father of Mr. Oldham was born in 1854, in Miami county, O.. and now resides on his farm in Clinton township, Shelby county, while he maintains his law office at Sidney. The mother of Mr. Oldham was born at Sidney, a daughter of Grosvenor Everett. The four survivors of the family of six children are: Harry, who is a law practitioner; John; Robert, who is a resident of Dayton, O., and Mary Ethel, who lives with her parents.

John Oldham was reared at Sidney and after his graduation from the Sidney high school in 1900, entered the Ohio State University at Columbus. where he passed the year 1904-05 in the law department, having had two years of previous study under his father, and was admitted to the bar in 1905. For two years afterward he was associated with his father in the practice of law. For a short period he was in the collection business but in February, 1907, he embarked, with Harry Bennett, in the realty and loan business. His present responsibilities, membership in the firm of John Oldham & Co., dealers in real estate, and official position with the Oldham-Bennett Realty Company, as secretary and treasurer, indicate his high commercial standing. In [912 the Oldham-Bennett Realty Company was incorporated with a capital of

$40,000, with Milton Bennett as president ; Elmer D. Kiser as vice-president ; John Oldham as secretary and treasurer; and H. E. Bennett as general manager. The company handles both city and country real estate; owns a tenacre gravel pit; makes its own building material, manufacturing cement blocks, brick, etc ; erects its own houses and also deals in gravel and sand, at the present time furnishing these materials for the construction of the new high school building in course of erection at Sidney. As a business man in the full sense of the word, Mr. Oldham has displayed energy and foresight, while in a purely professional way he has met with flattering success.

ALBERT J. FOSNIGHT,* whose valuable farm of 155 acres lies in Turtle Creek township, Shelby county, O., is one of the well-known men of this section, a successful farmer and enterprising, intelligent and thoughtful citizen. He was born in Van Buren township, Shelby county, June 6, 1862, and is a son of Absalom and Sarah Layton (Cotterell) Fosnight. The father, a native of Clark county, O., was a farmer all his life and both he and his wife died in Van Buren township. They had the following children : Henry; Albert J.; and Anna, who married Joseph Ellis and after his death married Joseph Reed.

In the public schools of Van Buren township, Albert J. Fosnight pursued his studies until fifteen years of age, in the meanwhile assisting his father on the home farm. At that time the father died and Albert J. and his elder brother assumed the responsibilities and together they operated the farm until the former was twenty-three years old, when he took entire charge and carried on farming operations until his marriage, when he purchased the interests of the other heirs. Later he sold the homestead and then spent four years engaged in farming in Oklahoma and after his return to Shelby county bought his present farm in Turtle Creek township. He raises grain and other products that do well in this climate and also enough stock for home use. Mr. Fosnight thoroughly understands everything pertaining to successful agriculture and his methods are those which ensure success.

In 1882 Mr. Fosnight was married to Miss Sarah Jane Feree, who was born in Shelby county, a daughter of Jeremiah and Lena (Staley) Feree. Mrs. Fosnight has two brothers, Grant and Joseph. To Mr. and Mrs. Fosnight the following children have been born: Clara, who is the wife of Clyde McClure; Frank, who married Alma Hensel; Edna, who is the wife of Lafayette Verdier. her first husband having been Frank Kneed; Charles; Cloy, who is the wife of John Reed: Lulu, who is the wife of Wayne Baker: and Lottie, John, Dessie and Clarence. In his views on public questions Mr Fosnight is very broad minded and is identified with the socialist party.

FRED J. RUSSELL, whose numerous and important business interests have made him widely known, is a member of the firm of Russell & Blake, and with his partners, John M. Blake and F. M. Sayre, owns and operates

The Farmers Grain & Milling Company, of Sidney, O. He was born in Clinton township, Shelby county, O., February 16, 1872, and is a son of Moses J. and Martha E. (Beck) Russell.

Moses J. Russell was a prominent citizen of Clinton township and a large landowner, having farms aggregating 420 acres. He was born in that township and spent his entire life there, dying February 17, 1903, a son of Joshua Russell, one of the early pioneers. Moses J. Russell married Martha E. Beck, who was born in Turtle Creek township and died December 19, 191 1, her father, Edward Beck, having been one of the earliest settlers in that township.

Fred J. Russell was reared on the home farm in Clinton township and in boyhood attended the country schools and later the Sidney high school. Until he entered into his present business, on January 22, 1912, Mr. Russell devoted the larger part of his time to agricultural pursuits and still maintains his home on his farm of 120 acres, in Clinton township. Also, with John M. Blake, he owns eighty acres more, also situated in Clinton township, and, with the same party, is the owner of the Farmers Feed & Sales Stables. The Farmers Grain & Milling Company manufactures the Triumph brand of flour, and also handles grain, seed, salt, coal, cement, plaster, hay, tile and straw, each partner attending to a specific end of the business, Mr. Russell being the grain man, Mr. Blake the flour man, while Mr. Sayre, who is secretary and treasurer, attends the office business, each partner being particularly well fitted through experience for his special duties. They are members of one family, being brothers-in-law.

Mr. Russell married Miss Caddie D. McClure, of Turtle Creek township, a daughter of William A. and Loretta McClure, substantial farming people of that section, and three children have been born to this marriage: Daisy, Frances and James Mack. In politics Mr. Russell has been a consistent republican since he became a voter and for two years served in the important office of chairman of the republican county committee. He is president of the board of education of Clinton township and is also serving in the office of road supervisor.

WALTER E. FRETZ,* senior member of the firm of Fretz & Lininger, dealers in furniture and undertakers, with quarters in the Ames building, Sidney, O'., is one of the representative business men of this place and as a citizen is reliable, interested and useful. He was born at Garrett, in DeKalb county, Ind., March 18, 1882, and is a son of George and Eva Fretz, his father being now a retired farmer.

Walter E. Fretz spent his early years on the home farm and in the country schools prepared for college and later graduated from the Tri-State Normal College at Angola, Ind. Following the termination of his educational period he taught school for about five terms during the winter seasons, in the summers paying some attention to undertaking, after which he entered the Barnes School of Anatomy and Sanitary Science and Embalming, at Chicago, from which standard school he received his diploma as an embalmer in 1904.

He resided at Garrett and at Auburn prior to accepting the position of manager of a large undertaking establishment at Kokomo, Ind., where he remained for three years, and from there came to Sidney, October 8, 1908, where he purchased the interests of the Mentges Brothers, the oldest undertaking firm in the county. Here Mr. Fretz associated himself with Mr. Lininger and since August 3, 19 10, they have added dealing in furniture to the undertaking business. Mr. Lininger is also a graduate of the Barnes School and prior to entering into partnership with Mr. Fretz, was a member of the firm of Daily & Lininger, at New Holland, O.

In June, 1906, Mr. Fretz was married to Miss Pearl Daniels, of Waterloo, Ind., and they have one son, Robert L. Mr. Fretz belongs to some organizations pertaining exclusively to his business and is also identified with the Knights of Pythias.

JOHN F. WENGER, who lives on his well-cultivated farm of 170 acres, which lies in Dinsmore township, Shelby county, O., three miles north and one mile west of Anna, O., was born here July 14, 1869, and is a son of George and Caroline (Bartch) Wenger, who had also three daughters: Louisa, Mary and Caroline, all of whom live in Dinsmore township. Louisa married William Zengler; Mary married Philip Staley; and Caroline is the widow of William F. Kah.

After his school days John F. Wenger remained at home and helped his father, being the only son, and succeeded to the homestead. He has taken a great deal of interest in his various activities here and has spent time and money in improvements, erecting a handsome residence and substantial barns, tiling his land, fencing it and, where necessary, enriching the soil. He carries on his operations with marked success, adopting modern methods and making use of the latest improved machinery. Although a busy man with his own affairs, Mr. Wenger is also mindful of public needs and for the past eight years has served as a member of the school board, elected to this office on the democratic ticket.

Mr. Wenger married Miss Margaret Bridweiser, who is a daughter of John and Barbara Bridweiser, natives of Ohio, of German ancestry, and additionally they had one more daughter, Carrie, and three sons : John, Charles and Louis. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wenger, namely: Myrta V., Louella, Bessie, Minnie, Delia, Clyde and Orville W.. all of whom still live at home, a pleasant, happy family group. They are kind, neighborly, hospitable people and it is pleasant to be privileged to know them.

W. O. PENCE,* a well-known resident and successful general farmer of Shelby county, lives on his well-improved farm of forty acres which lies seven and one-half miles southeast of Sidney. He was born in Champaign county, O., in 1876, and is a son of Frederick and Elizabeth (Blackford) Pence.

Frederick Pence belongs to a family that settled early in Champaign county, O. During the Civil war he enlisted from there and after his honor- able period of military service returned to Champaign county and became a farmer but has been a resident of Shelby county for many years and now lives retired at Pasco. He married Elizabeth Blackford and the following children were born to them: Mary Jane, Rhoda Ann, Delilah, Russell, William O., Emma Jane, Minnie Ruth, Naome, Frederick, Hattie, Harry, a babe that died in infancy and all the others survive with the exception of Mary Jane and Russell.

William O. Pence was educated in the public schools and afterward assisted on the home farm and in other sections of the county engaged in farm industries until his marriage, when he settled on the farm he now owns, on which he carries on a general line of agriculture. He is an industrious, capable farmer and so manages his land and stock that both prove profitable.

Mr. Pence married Miss Alma A. Moore, a daughter of George W. Moore, an old settler of Shelby county, and they have two children : Delia and Forrest, aged respectively twenty and eighteen years. In his political views Mr. Pence is a democrat and once served his township in the office of road supervisor but otherwise has accepted no public office.

HUGH B. SLOAN, who is a representative business man of Hardin, O., where he conducts a first class general store, was born in Washington township, Shelby county, O., August 13, 1863, and is a son of William H. and Letitia (Miller) Sloan.

William H. Sloan was born in Pickaway county, O. By trade he was a shoemaker and for many years he followed the same. At the time of death he lived near Piqua, O., and his burial was in Swift Run cemetery. After some years his widow married James Chambers and when she died her burial also was in Swift Run cemetery. Four children were born to her first marriage: Washington M., Isaiah P., William J., and Hugh B, who is the only one living.

Hugh B. Sloan attended the public schools through boyhood and afterward was engaged as a farmer until 1896, when he embarked in a general store business at Hardin Station, where he continued for three years. He sold that store and then started into the implement business at Sidney but in 1901 came to Hardin, where he opened up a general store which he has continued ever since. He carries a large and well-selected stock and as his mercantile experience covers a long period he has a wide circle of well-satisfied customers. Mr. Sloan is not married but resides with a foster sister. He is treasurer of the Methodist Episcopal church at Hardin and is also a member of its board of trustees. Politically he is a republican and fraternally is connected with the Odd Fellows at Sidney, O.

WILLIAM WATT LAUGHLIN,* who is a well-known resident of Turtle Creek township and one of the three heirs to a valuable farm of 160 acres, was born in Logan county, O., in 1871, and is a son of John M. and Jennie (Leapley) Laughlin. The father was a farmer and also a carpenter. The mother still resides on the old home farm but the father died on May

William Watt Laughlin had excellent educational advantages, after completing the common school course going to the Northern Ohio University at Ada and remaining a student there for several terms. He then returned to the home farm, on which the family has lived since he was seven years old, and practically assumed charge, relieving his father and since the latter's death has managed all the industries for himself, mother and brother. He raises an excellent grade of stock but not more than is needed for home use, and devotes his land to general farming.

In politics Mr. Laughlin is a democrat and exerts considerable influence in local affairs. He served two terms as township assessor and is serving in his second term as township trustee. Mr. Laughlin is known as an honest, intelligent and upright man and good citizen. With his mother he attends the Methodist Episcopal church. His only fraternal connection is with the Knights of the Golden Eagle.

ANDREW J. HESS, son of Andrew and Mary (Berger) Hess, was born at Columbus, O., September 23, 1864. In 1873 ne came to live on a farm near Sidney and attended the country schools in the winter seasons until sixteen years old, when he began and for four years continued to teach schools in the western and northern parts of the county. On September 23, 1884, he was married to Belle Gray, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Grove) Gray of Botkins, O. Three sons, Royon Gray, Harry K., and Percy A., and four daughters. Bertha, Zoe, Margaret and Dorothy, constitute an unbroken family circle. In October, 1884, he entered the law department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and was admitted to the bar of Ohio March 5, 1885, since which time he has continuously practiced law at Sidney. His law practice has been general and varied, but largely in the fields of corporation and financial interests and affairs, his clients including many corporations and railways, banks and financial institutions. He has been distinctly active in the development of the industrial industries of the town and is a stockholder in and director of many corporations. As member of the board of education and school examiner he has served his community and to the general advancement in education and culture he has contributed by his efforts. With S. L. Wicoff and S. J. Hatfield he founded and built the Childrens' Home under a commission from the Hon. John E. Richie as common pleas judge. He has held no political office except the minor position of member of the state executive committee of the republican party. To this party he had always given his support and has worked for its policies. He is a Presbyterian, deeply attached to and proud of the history and quality of his sect, but with a broad charity for all men and for all religious faiths. His abilities and conscientiousness as a lawyer have been generally recognized in his section of the state and in his profession he has found sufficient room for effort and reward.

Andrew J. Hess And Representative Citizens 835

JOHN M. KLASE,* one of the well-known and busy men of Loramie township, Shelby county, Oi, who not only carries on farming but also is in the general contracting line, was born in Darke county, O., May 23, 1864, and was reared and educated there.

John M. Klase continued to live in his native county until he was twentysix years old, when he married and came to Shelby county and settled on his present finely improved farm of eighty acres and with the exception of one year passed at Versailles, O., when he conducted a butcher shop, he has resided here. This land is particularly well adapted to raising stock and Mr. Klase pays considerable attention to that profitable industry. He is a general contractor in brick and cement work and in this line does a very7 considerable amount of business annually. He takes only a good citizen's interest in politics, keeping thoroughly posted but not desiring office for himself, and always votes the democratic ticket. His farm is easily reached on account of its favorable location, lying three miles southwest of Houston.

Mr. Klase married Miss Lizzie A. Johnston, who was born and reared in Loramie township, and they have four children: James, Joseph, Leonard and Mary. Mr. Klase belongs to the Odd Fellow's lodge at Greenville and to the encampment at Sidney, O.

MILTON VALENTINE, a highly respected retired farmer of Orange township, Shelby county, O., who resides on his valuable farm of 127 acres, was born on this place, July 27, 1844, and is a son of David Valentine, and a grandson of Daniel Valentine, who was born in New Jersey. He came to Shelby county in 1809, being the fourth settler in the territory now included in the county, entering land from the government and occupying it for many years. His death occurred, however, at Lockington, while he was visiting a son.

David Valentine was born on the land above mentioned and lived on the old homestead until he was twenty-six years of age, when he purchased the farm in Orange township which belongs to his son, Milton Valentine. He died on the old home place at the age of fifty-seven years, having bought it from the other heirs and moved back there. He married Nancy Cecil, who survived into her eightieth year and they had eight children, the three survivors being: John H., w?ho lives at Piqua; Cynthia A., who lives at Salem, Ore. ; and Milton.

Milton Valentine passed his boyhood days on his father's farm, having the usual country boy's duties and attending the district schools. Afterward he worked for six years for his father on his farm north of Hardin, and then returned to the place on which he was born and has continued here ever since. The larger part of the substantial improving was done after he took charge. Mr. Valentine was an active and successful farmer for many years but now has the place rented out and justifiably takes life easy, having formerly been a very busy man. In politics he is a republican and served for two terms as justice of the peace, satisfactorily to all concerned.

died without issue. His second marriage was with Mary Deye, who was born near Houston. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Lockington, O.

CHARLES C. MARSHALL,* a foremost member of the bar of Sidney, O., and special counsel to the attorney-general of Ohio, at Columbus, is numbered with the forceful men of Shelby county, one who through natural ability, trained faculties and thoroughly aroused public spirit, is assisting in making history in his native state. He was born at Sidney, O., April 9, 1876, and is a son of Armstrong Logan and Margaret (Walker) Marshall.

Charles C. Marshall is well known to the people of Sidney for here he grew to manhood, attending the city schools and graduating from the Sidney high school in the class of 1895. In the fall of the above year he entered the Ohio State University, from which he was graduated in the spring of 1898, immediately afterward showing his faith and loyal interest in his native place by choosing it as the scene of his professional labors. His professional ability was early recognized and he has been a prominent figure in many of the legal controversies arising in the courts of Shelby county. In November, 1906, he was elected prosecuting attorney of Shelby county, in which responsible office he displayed such firmness and unerring judgment that he was re-elected and served out two terms. In political faith a democrat, Mr. Marshall has long been an important factor in the councils of his party in Ohio and at present is an influential member of the Ohio state democratic executive committee. He has been active and useful in civic life, cherishing high ideals and having the courage to espouse reformatory measures even when, at times, they may be to some degree unpopular. For some years he has been a member of the board of county school examiners.

At Sidney, O., on May 19, 1903, Mr. Marshall was married to Miss Alma F. Wagner, who is a daughter of John and Mary A. Wagner, the former of whom is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall have two children: Mary M. and John Logan. Mr. Marshall is identified with several fraternal organizations, including the Red Men, the Knights of Pythias and the Elks and in the last named body for two terms served as district deputy for northwestern Ohio

GEORGE M. WYATT,* general farmer and stock raiser, who successfully carries on his industries on his valuable tract of sixty-one acres, situated in section 33, Cynthian township, two miles north of Dawson, O., was born in Loramie township, Shelby county, O., December 21, 1871, and is a son of J. M. and Mary Catherine (Green) Wyatt.

George M. Wyatt obtained his education in the public schools, attending mainly the West Jefferson school in Loramie township, and afterward assisted his father, who is now deceased. He has given almost his entire attention ever since to farming and stock raising and has proved that agriculture, properly carried on, is a profitable busii.ess in Shelby county. For ten years

George M. Wyatt married Miss Mary R. Huffman, who was born in the western part of Loramie township, a daughter of William W. and Harriet (Edwards) Huffman, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt have one daughter, May Laura, who is a student in the Oran special school district. Mr. Wyatt has been treasurer of the board of education of this district since January, 1912. He is a democrat in politics and served three terms in the office of road supervisor while living in Loramie township. He is one of the solid and reliable citizens of this part of Shelby county.

JOHN LENGERICH,* general farmer and representative citizen of Cynthian township, Shelby county, O., where he owns fifty-four acres of fine land, lying in section 19, three miles south of Fort Loramie, was born near Minster, in Auglaize county, O., September 6, 1867, and remained in his native county until he was twelve years old.

Prior to coming to Fort Loramie in 1879, Mr. Lengerich had attended school at Minster and afterward completed his education under the teaching of L. Notis and thus secured a very fair knowledge of books. He then worked as a farm hand for C. B. Danbrison & Son seven years, and afterward was engaged in farm work for seventeen years in Mercer, Darke and Shelby counties, and came to his present place in 1910. Here he has expended considerable money in making excellent improvements, including the draining and tiling of his land and thereby has probably almost doubled its original value. He carries on general farming and raises stock for his own use.

Mr. Lengerich was married at Cincinnati, O., to Miss Frances Brockamp, who was born in Shelby county, O., a daughter of Bernard Brockamp, and the following children have been born to them : Bernard, George, Catherine, Lorena, Laurence, Clara, John, Marie, Louis and Edward, the last two named being deceased. Mr. Lengerich and family are members of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic church at Wynant, O. In national matters Mr. Lengerich votes with the democratic party but in local affairs he is independent He is an interested citizen in all that concerns the welfare of his section and since January, 1912, has been a member of the board of education of the Basinburg special school district.

LEWIS W. BAKER, who for many years has been a prominent citizen of Salem township, now lives in comfortable retirement at Maplewood but retains possession of several valuable tracts of land. He was born in Perry township, Shelby county, O., November 14, 1859, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (Laudenback) Baker.

William Baker was born in Clark county, O., in 1815 and his wife was born in Champaign county, O. In 1842 he moved on the farm in Perry township, Shelby county, which Lewis W. Baker now owns. He and wife died at the home of this son, their burial being at Port Jefferson. They had the following children: Daniel; Jonas; Sarah J., wife of Peter Hartman;

Mary E., wife of Enos Wagner; Margaret, wife of William Gilfillen ; Martin A. ; Allen and Lewis W. The parents were members of the Baptist church. The father was a democrat in politics and his sons are of the same political faith.

Lewis W. Baker secured a district school education, attending regularly in the winter seasons until he reached manhood. He then gave his father assistance until 1893, remaining on the homestead until then although as early as 1879 he had commenced to work for himself. When his father first settled on the farm in Perry township he had 120 acres but he continued to invest in land until he had 235 acres, the extent of the present farm which is now the property of Lewis W. Baker, by inheritance. He owns also a farm of 120 acres in Jackson township, which he bought from William Hogan, and he the present farm which is now the preperty of Lewis W. Baker, by inhericance. owns a third tract, containing twenty acres, which lies on the edge of Maplewood, on which he resides.

In December, 1878, Mr. Baker was married to Miss Julia E. Booze, who was born in Allen county, O., and was eight years old when her parents, Hezekiah and Mary Catherine (Hill) Booze, brought her to Shelby county. They were natives of Pennsylvania. The father of Mrs. Baker died in Oklahoma and the mother in Shelby county, her burial being in Pleasant Hill cemetery. They had the following children: John and Uriah; Maria E., wife of George Kirtley; Julia E. ; Martha, wife of William Warner; and Christian, Hezekiah, Lewis and Thomas.

To Mr. and Mrs. Baker two children were born: Emory E.. who married Lavina Young, and they have four children - Wildie, Harold, Carl and Ralph ; and Edna, who is the wife of John J. Drury, and they have one daughter, Beulah. Mr. Baker and family belong to the Disciples church. Among his business interests in his ownership of stock in the Haviland Grain & Hay Company of Haviland, O., and he is also a stockholder and director of the First National Bank of Jackson Center. While never anxious to hold political office, he consented to serve two terms as township treasurer of Salem township and his interest in the public schools caused him to remain on the school board for twelve years. He has always been a man of social instincts and qualities and enjoys his membership with the Knights of Pythias, attending the Maplewood lodge of this order.

JOHN F. GRISEZ,* general farmer and carpenter, who resides in section 15, Cynthian township, Shelby county, O., where he owns forty-five acres of excellent land, was born in Darke county, O., January 8, 1876, and is a son of Frank and Mary Grisez. The father was born in France and the mother in Ohio and there were seven children in the family.

John F. Grisez was six years old when his parents brought him to Shelby county and he attended school at Sidney and afterward learned the carpenter trade. He resided at Dayton, O., until 1907, following his trade and then came to Cynthian township, Shelby county, and purchased the farm he now occupies. The buildings on the place required to be remodeled before they satisfied Mr. Grisez and he has done other improving and now has all his land, with the exception of five acres in timber, under fine cultivation.

Mr. Grisez married Miss Clara Stifel, who was born in Darke county on a farm that adjoined that of his father, and is a daughter of John Stifel. While residing at Dayton, Mr. and Mrs. Grisez had three children born to them: Henry, Louis and Anna, and after coming to the farm two daughters were born, Bertha and Margaret. Mr. Grisez and family belong to SS. Peter and Paul Catholic church at Newport, O. A stanch democrat, Mr. Grisez has frequently been elected to positions of responsibility by his party and served one term as road supervisor and for five years has been a member of the board of education of the Grisez special school district, of which, at present, he is clerk, this district having been named in honor of his family.

JAMES H. RHODEHAMEL,* one of the representative men of Cynthian township, Shelby county, O., who has been president of the board of education of the Forest special school district, resides on his excellent farm situated in section 34, on the township line, one mile northeast of Dawson, O. He was born at Greenville, in Darke county, O., April 12, 1855, and was one month old when brought to Cynthian township by his parents, Jacob and Mary J. (Hauser) Rhodehamel.

Jacob Rhodehamel was born and reared at Piqua, O., and was married in Miami county to Mary J. Hauser, who was born in Cynthian township, Shelby county, and is now a resident of Sidney, O. To this marriage ten children were born, as follows: Mary Elizabeth, Margaret Jane, Eliza Ann, Josephine, William, James, Laura Belle, Lilly E., Charles B. and Ida M., all surviving except William. After marriage Jacob Rhodehamel and wife moved to Illinois, and while living there he enlisted for service in the Civil war, entering Company E, 75th 111. Vol. Inf., and was killed in battle, in May, 1863, and his burial was in an orchard adjoining the scene of strife. His widow then returned to Cynthian township with her children and they were mainly reared in Shelby county. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as was her husband.

James H. Rhodehamel attended school in Cynthian township until old enough to be self-supporting and ever since has devoted himself to farm pursuits, including farming, stock raising and threshing. His farm is valuable both as to fertility and location and he is numbered with the prosperous agriculturists of this section.

Mr. Rhodehamel was married to Malvina Cornell, who was born in Orange township, Shelby county, O., a daughter of Harvey and Rosanna Cornell, and to them the following children have been born: Lily M., Harry L., Sadie, Cora E., Grace M., Charles D., Chester O., James Clifford and Homer Forest. The family belongs to the Christian church at Oran, O. In politics Mr. Rhodehamel has been a republican since attaining manhood, but has never been willing to serve in any public office except one connected with educational matters and in his present position is careful, active and honest, and the efficiency of the schools in this district proves that their interests are looked after with good judgment.

CHRISTIAN SHELLENBARGER, who is one of Jackson township's most respected and reliable citizens, for twenty years, with the exception of an interval of three years, a member of the board of education, is a stockraiser and farmer, owning 400 acres of fine land. His home farm in Jackson township, contains 160 acres, while his farm in Dinsmore township contains 240 acres, this being the farm on which he was reared. He was born' in Wittenberg, Germany, September 9, 1845, ar,d was six years old when his parents settled in Jackson township, where they died. During the great Civil war, John Shellenbarger, father of Christian, served in the 20th Ohio battery. He was an old German military man and his previous army experiences had taught him much about warfare.

From the age of eight years, Christian Shellenbarger lived with strangers, being then bound out to George Reynolds, where he found a good home and kind treatment and remained with Mr. Reynolds until his marriage, when aged twenty-four years. He then located in Dinsmore township, west of Montra, O., three-fourths miles distant from Mr. Reynolds' farm, purchasing eighty acres, and lived there until after the birth of his fourth child, when he moved to Jackson township and after the birth of another child, his first wife died, aged thirty-seven years. Mr. Shellenbarger has lived in Jackson township ever since the fall of 1882. His 400 acres of land have all been improved except thirty acres in Jackson and forty acres in Dinsmore township and in large degree the work of improving has all been done by Mr. Shellenbarger. While he carries on general fanning very successfully, he has always been more interested in raising thoroughbred cattle and all kinds of stock, giving particular attention to Shorthorn cattle, Chester White hogs, Shropshire sheep and Hambletonian and Percheron draft horses. Mr. Shellenbarger attends- to his own farm industries in Jackson township, while his son Arthur operates the farm in Dinsmore township. Mr. Shellenbarger is a stockholder in the Snider-Poole Company store of which he was the owner for one and a half years and then sold to the Snider-Poole Company. He also is a stockholder and a director of the Decatur-Springfield Electric railway. Politically a democrat, he has been loyal to his party and effective as a citizen, and has served on several occasions as road supervisor and three terms as township trustee.

Mr. Shellenbarger was married first to Miss Anna K. Foster, who was born in Clark county, O., but was reared in Jackson township. Her parents were William C. and Mary (Smith) Foster. Five children were born to this marriage: George O., Emma F., Mary C, Arthur C. and William E. His second marriage was to Miss Amanda Taylor, a daughter of John and Margaret Taylor, the former of whom was born at Harrisburg, while his wife was a native of North Carolina. They came to Shelby county in 1832 and found one log house representing the settlement of Sidney. Mr. Taylor entered land in Dinsmore township, and found Indians plentiful but they were kindly treated at his log cabin and continued harmless. He died when aged eighty-one years and his wife at the age of seventy-nine years and they were buried in Wesley Chapel cemetery. Of their eleven children, six sur- vive and three live in Shelby county. Mr. Shellenbarger and family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church at Jackson Center and for many years he was a church official.

WILLIAM D. SANDERSON, V. S.,* proprietor of Sanderson's Veterinary Hospital, together with livery and feed stables, at Sidney, O., is a trained - professional man and one who has a wide reputation through Shelby county. He was born at Toronto, Canada, April 30, 1877, and is a son of Rickman and Dina (Smith) Sanderson.

The father of Doctor Sanderson was born in Yorkshire, England, and the mother in Scotland, and they were married in Canada. He was a graduate of the celebrated veterinary college of Edinburgh, Scotland, and practiced during many years of his life in Canada, where his death occurred in 1896.

William D. Sanderson was practically reared in his present profession, beginning to assist his father when a boy, and later was graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College at Toronto, in the class of 1901, subsequently taking a nost graduate course in 1908-09, at McKillip's Veterinary College, at Chicago, 111. Immediately after his first graduation he located at Sidney, which is his main field of work, although he practices all over this county and is called also to Miami, Darke and Champaign counties. For nine years prior to purchasing his livery and feed barns, he had conducted a hospital on East Poplar street, but in 191 1 he moved to his present location. He keeps his automobile ready for use in urgent cases when time is a factor. He is a scientific and successful practitioner.

Doctor Sanderson was married at Sidney to Miss Matilda Kaser, a daughter of Jacob Kaser. He belongs to the Ohio Veterinary Association and is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Knights of Khorassan.

S. J. DUNCAN, one of the leading and substantial citizens of Orange township, whose farm of 240 acres is one of the most valuable properties in this section, was born in Orange township, near Kirkwood, O, August 26, 1863. His father, Thomas Duncan, who now lives in comfortable retirement, having reached the age of eighty years, came to Shelby county in early manhood and during all his active life followed farming.

S. J. Duncan has been engaged in farming and stock raising ever since leaving school, beginning on the home farm and afterward coming to bis present one, on which he has done a large amount of improving. It requires considerable practical knowledge and a large measure of good judgment to successfully operate as large an estate as that owned by Mr. Duncan. Not only is he numbered with the prosperous agriculturists, but he has long been considered one of the township's representative men in public affairs and has served with the greatest efficiency as turnpike superintendent and as township treasurer.

Mr. Duncan was married to Miss Minnie Mcintosh, who is a daughter of William Mcintosh, one of the substantial farmers of this county, and they have two children : Anna, who married Clyde Portoff, and Pansy. Mr. Dun-

C. J. WINEMILLER,* dealer in groceries, meats and country produce, on the corner of Park and Oak streets, Sidney, O., is a merchant of many years' experience and is one of the representative business men of this city. He was born on a farm in McLean township, Shelby county, O., June n, 1873, an<J 's a son °f George and Dorothy (Hook) Winemiller, and a grandson of Jacob Winemiller, who came from Germany and was an early settler in Shelby county.

C. J. Winemiller was reared on his father's farm and attended the public schools of McLean township. Other members of the family became farmers but he chose school teaching for his business and for eight years taught very successfully in McLean, Cynthian, Turtle Creek and Van Buren townships, all through which sections he still has many friends. He then embarked in a mercantile business, although for three more years he continued to teach. and also managed his store and was postmaster at Uno, in Turtle Creek township. When the rural mail routes were established many of the smaller postoffices were abolished, Uno being one of these, and in December, 1907, Mr. Winemiller came to Sidney, where he found a wider business field. He carries a large and well-selected stock and enjoys a liberal amount of patronage.

Mr. Winemiller was married to Miss Carrie Markley, who was born and reared in Turtle Creek township, a daughter of John and Kate Markley. and they have one son, Carl. Mr. Winemiller is identified with the fraternal order of the Woodmen of the World and belongs to both branches of Odd Fellowship. He has never been active in politics but may always be found among the citizens who stand for law and order and for civic betterment.

ARTHUR SILVER, M. D.,* physician and surgeon, who is one of the younger members of his profession at Sidney, O., succeeding his eminent father, was born at Sidney. June 19, 1880, and is a son of Dr. David R. and Jennie E. (Fry) Silver. For many years Dr. David R. Silver, whose death occurred December 8, 191 1, was prominent in both business and professional life in Shelby county.

Arthur Silver attended the public schools in his native city and was graduated from the Sidney high school in the class of 1899 anc^ then entered Miami University, where he secured his degree of A. B., graduating in 1904. He then became a student of medicine in the Medical College of Ohio, where he was most creditably graduated four years later. For eighteen months he served as an interne in the City Hospital of Cincinnati, afterward becoming assistant to the celebrated Dr. H. J. Whitacre, a noted surgeon of Cincinnati. The death of his father called the young physician home and he has ever since been engaged in a general practice at Sidney. He is a member of the Shelby County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society and the American Medical Association and keeps thoroughly informed concerning the wonderful developments that are taking place in his science. He is

DANIEL RUNKLE, president of the Farmers & Merchants Bank- Company of Anna, O., is one of the capitalists and representative men of this section of Ohio and for many years has been also extensively interested in farming and cattle raising in Auglaize county. He was born on a farm in Fairfield county, O., March 24, 1846, and is a son of George and Mary (Ware) Runkle, who came to Ohio from Pennsylvania.

Daniel Runkle remained on his father's farm in Green township until he was twenty-one years of age and then took charge of a farm of uo acres, a gift from his father, situated in Auglaize county, where he continued to reside until 1907, when he came to Anna. From the age of twenty-four years he engaged in raising fine cattle and in this industry was known all over this part of the state, having added to his land at times and still owns three farms, aggregating 360 acres. The Farmers & Merchants Bank Company of Anna, O., was incorporated in 1907, under the laws of the state of Ohio, with a capital of $25,000, with the following officers: Daniel Runkle, president; R. D. Mede, vice-president, and J. W. A. Fridley, cashier. The directors at that time were Daniel Runkle, president ; R. 1 ). Curtner, cashier ; Geo. D. Fridley, vice-president; W. C. Heinrich and F. M. Martin. In 1910 the directorate was raised to seven members. The board of directors for 1912 was as follows : R. D. Mede, Daniel Runkle, C. C. Toland. George C. Schift", William Runkle, E. M. Martin (not sworn in), and J. W. A. Fridley. all men of ample fortune and thoroughly representative of this section's best interests.

Daniel Runkle married Miss Mary D. Lusk and they have two sons, William McKendry, who is dead, and George Albert, who remains on the homestead in Auglaize county. Mr. Runkle is a broad-minded, liberal man and he was welcomed to Anna as a valuable addition to the town's citizenship. He is identified with the Masonic fraternity and belongs also to the Royal Arcanum.

CHARLES WINNER,* president of the board of education of the special school district in McLean township, Shelby county, O., resides in section 3, McLean township, on the east side of the road, where twenty-seven acres of his farm of 127 acres lies, and he was born in this township, December 4, 1857. His parents are Anton and Caroline Winner.

Anton Winner, who is now retired and residing on his farm of 140 acres, situated in section 5, McLean township, was born in Oldenburg, Germany, November 3, 1833, and was brought to America when one year old by his parents Frank and Catherine Winner. They settled in the southeastern part of Auglaize county, O., on a tract of 120 acres of woods, and afterward much clearing was done and on that place Frank Winner died, at the age of forty-five years. His widow lived for many years afterward, dying in her seventy-second year. They were faithful Catholics and his burial was at

Minster, O., while hers was in Egypt cemetery. Anton Winner lived at home until he was twenty-one years old and then married Caroline Hoying, and they had the following children : Charles, Fred, Kate, Henry, Joseph, Clement, Mary and Anton, the last named dying in his fourth year. After marriage Anton Winner and wife settled on a farm of 120 acres which he had to clear before he could improve it and now has all under cultivation except about twenty acres of wood land. He bought this property of Henry Rolves and for many years carried on general farming and stock raising but has now retired. His wife died in her seventy-second year and her burial was in St. Joseph's Catholic cemetery.

Charles Winner was studious as a boy and attended school in the Dirhsen special school district and also in Jackson township in Auglaize county, afterward carrying on farming on the home place until his marriage, when he came to his present farm, all of which he has placed under a fine state of cultivation except twenty acres that he has preserved in Valuable trees. With the exception of the residence, which had been built in the previous year. Mr. Winner erected all the substantial buildings on the property and is justly proud of what he has succeeded in accomplishing in twenty-eight years, taking as it did, a vast amount of hard work and considerable exercise of patience and good judgment. In addition to raising grain and other farm products, Mr. Winner gives attention to livestock and always has a sufficient number of cattle and hogs on his place.

Mr. Winner married Miss Catherine Burns, a daughter of Herman and Mary Burns, all of McLean township, and they have had six children, all of whom survive except the second, Denia, who died at the age of five years, the others being: Anton, Annie, John, Emma and Alice. Mr. Winner and family belong to St. Joseph's Catholic church at Egypt. In politics he is a democrat but has never accepted any public office, except membership on the school board, and for seven years he has served continuously in the Walkey special school district, and by appointment has two more years to serve as president of this body. Mr. Winner is one of the representative and useful men of McLean township.

J. W. BROWN,* who is one of the intelligent men and successful farmers of Loramie township, Shelby county, O., owning 130 acres of well-developed land, ninety of which lie in the Greenwood special school district, of which he is a valued official, was born near Gettysburg, Darke county, O., June 24, 1877, and is a son of Reuben and Anna Brown, who are highly respected retired residents of Versailles, O.

J. W. Brown was nine years old when his parents came to Loramie township, Shelby county, and he completed his education in the Greenwood special school district. He entered into business as a farm hand, working by the month, and then for one year raised tobacco, and after this experiment embarked in agricultural activities for himself and has so continued. He devotes his land to general farming and moderate stock raising and is num-

On September 14, 1899, Mr. Brown was married to Miss Hulda J. Apple, who was born also in Loramie township and is a daughter of Henry A. Apple, one of the old and well-known citizens and wealthy men of the township. On this farm the three children of Mr. and Mrs. Brown were born: Erma Eleanor, Goldie Irene and Mary Henrietta. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are members of the Lutheran church. In politics he has always been a democrat but has never accepted any public office except membership on the school board, his first experience being when he served for two years, filling out the unexpired term of John Boyd, after which he was elected for a period of four years, which ensures his service on this body until 19 16.

JOHN WILLIAM RAUSENBERGER, one of Shelby county's wellknown and highly respected citizens, is numbered with the substantial and reliable men of Perry township, where he owns two valuable farms, one of 149 acres and the other of 162 acres. He is also a stockholder in the Ralston Car Company of Columbus. He is a native of Champaign county, where he was born in 1856, the son of John M. and Dora (Rexer) Rausenberger, who came to this country in 1844.

John M. Rausenberger was born in Wittenberg, Germany, August 6, 18 19, where he attended school and was apprenticed at the age of fourteen to a butcher. At that time this meant serving two years without pay or, to be accurate, John had to pay forty dollars to his master for his training. His faithfulness was rewarded in being allowed to buy and sell stock for his employer and thus he saved enough to buy his own clothes. After nine years as a journeyman in Porcheim, Frankfort-on-the-Main. and Antwerp, he set sail from Rotterdam, Holland, and after a voyage of forty-eight days, landed in Baltimore with two dollars in his pocket, which after three years' work he increased to $850.

This sum being sufficient in those early days for a matrimonial venture, he married Miss Dorothy Rexer, a native of Malmsheim, Germany, and came to Logan county, in 1848, where Mrs. Rausenberger had an uncle living.

An enterprising farmer, with careful investments, Mr. Rausenberger succeeded in accumulating considerable land and raised a family of six children : George J., born in January, 1850, married Laura Mohr and died January 17, 1903, leaving four children; Andrew J., born in March, 1852, married Mary Detrick, died March 30, 1900, survived by three children; Catherine, the next born, who became the wife of John Ziegler, died, leaving one child; John W., the subject of this sketch, born February 1, 1856; Sarah C, the wife of Upton Moore, who survived her husband with three children; Dorothea, now Mrs. Samuel Huber of Logan county, who has four children. The mother died January 25, 1902, living to be eighty-two years of age. After his family left home Mr. Rausenberger disposed of his farm and is spending the declining years of his life with his daughter, Mrs. Moore, at Degraft', O.. honored for a life of ninety-three years well spent. He was a liberal supporter of the Lutheran church and an ardent democrat in politics.

John William Rausenberger attended the district schools, assisted his father in his business enterprises until 1883, when he married Miss Emma Huber, March 11, and brought his bride to a farm in Perry township, bought of Adam Grep in 1882, which has been his home ever since. Five children were born in this household, one of whom, born February 5, 1889, died in infancy. The others are: Florence Henrietta, born June 13, 1884; Ada, November 4, 1890; Sarah Anna, July 10, 1892; and George H., born November 22, 1896. Like his father, Mr. Rausenberger is a democrat of the Jacksonian type, though never an office holder, and an ingrained Lutheran, his family being worshipers of St. John's Evangelical congregation in Sidney.

The father of Mrs. J. W. Rausenberger, George Huber, was born in Wittenberg, Germany, May 10, 1825. After working at various occupations, he set sail for America and landed in New York, May 28, 1846, with only a few dollars. He engaged in the milling business in Pennsylvania, and, in 1849, married Henrietta Schwilke of Lancaster, and in 1853 came to Logan county, O., where he now resides on a farm in Union township. Twelve children were born to this union, eight of whom reached maturity and are living in Shelby and Logan counties. Those living are: Lewis; Samuel; Emma Catherine; Sophia; Anna, now Mrs. E. C. Hurst; Andrew and Daniel. Mrs. Huber died August 20, 1886. Mr. Huber has been a successful farmer, honorable in his dealings, and is now living with his daughter, Sophia, at the age of four score and seven years. Both were Lutherans, but united with the Church of the Brethren in Logan county.

CHARLES F. YAGER,* one of the old and reliable business men of Sidney, O., who has been identified with carriage and buggy manufacturing. including painting and blacksmithing, for forty-five years, is at the head of one of the most important manufacturing plants of this city. He was born at Middleboro, Elkhart county, Ind., October 2, 1849, and is a son of Clark and Margaret Ellen (Linn)- Yager.

Clark Yager was a miller and in his son's infancy moved from Indiana to Three Rivers, Mich., where he took charge of the Three Rivers House, where a good business was done for several years, the railroad line being built through there at that time. He removed from there to Carrolton, O., where he operated a mill for a few years and later conducted one in Wapakoneta, and from there went to New Hampshire and there operated both a saw and grist mill until the fall of 1861, when he came to Shelby county and took charge of what is now the Miami Valley Grain & Mill Company's mill, and brought his family here in the following year.

Charles F. Yager was thirteen years of age when the family came from New Hampshire to Shelby county, old enough to give his father assistance in his mill, the old Walker mill south of Sidney. He then learned his trade, including body and wheel making and for twenty years after worked for H. Miller. There are few men now in the business who understand its every detail like Mr. Yager and he attributes much of his business success to his practical knowledge. He carries on the manufacture of buggies and carriages, where his large plant includes his blacksmith and paint shop, its location being Nos. 124-126 South West street, Sidney, and gives constant employment to from ten to fifteen men. He has made improvements according to the time but has never changed his business policy, that of giving honest, reliable goods, and takes pride in the fact that when his name is attached to a vehicle, a customer feels that no further endorsement is needed.

Mr. Yager was married in 187 1, at Sidney, to Miss Nannie L. Yinger. and they have had three children: Mary, who is the wife of George M. Peffer, of Piqua, O., and they have one' son, Morris; and Fred C, who is a student in Miami University, at Oxford, O. Mr. Yager and family are members of the Presbyterian church. He is identified with the Masonic fraternity, the Elks and the order of Ben Hur, and belongs also to the United Commercial Travelers. One child died in infancy.

I. H. THEDIECK, proprietor of Sidney's large and up-to-date department store, was born in Alfhousen, Germany, January 30, 1855, a son of C. F. G. and Bernadine (Sudendorf) Thedieck, his father being a successful merchant of that place. Coming to America at the age of sixteen, the subject of this sketch resided for a short time in Cincinnati and then went to Dayton, O., where he spent some five or six months in the public schools. Returning to Cincinnati, he obtained a position as clerk in a business house and was thus occupied for three years, in the meanwhile studying the English language and American business methods. In September, 1875, Mr. Thedieck came to Sidney and in company with Philip Raterman opened a dry goods store in a small frame building that stood on the present site of Herzstam's clothing store. The business was carried on under the style of Thedieck & Raterman and rapidly increased in size and importance, so that in the following year it was found necessary to remove to more spacious quarters. These were found in the Thompson building, in the room now occupied by the Montanus shoe store. In February, 1878, Mr. Raterman retired and Mr. Thedieck then carried on the business alone. In a few years increasing prosperity made another removal necessary and in 1882 Mr. Thedieck took up his quarters in the east room of the present fine building now occupied by him. The subsequent history of the concern has been one of increasing success. More space has been required from time to time, until now the entire building, consisting of three large double floors and basement, is devoted solely to the business. All the most practical modern conveniences have been installed : the store has its own steam heating plant ; its own electric light plant and the most improved cash delivery system, while a fine passenger elevator furnishes transit between the various floors. There are also a rest room, toilet rooms and free telephone service for the convenience of the store's patrons.

Mr. Thedieck carries a most complete stock of almost everything needed for the personal use of man, woman or child, in addition to household goods and many other articles demanded by necessity, comfort or luxury. In the variety and quality of the stock, the prices asked, the service, and in its fittings and appointments, the Thedieck Department Store will bear comparison with almost any store of its kind in the larger cities. Its trade extends widely into surrounding counties, its outside patrons being especially attracted by the reliable quality of the goods sold - a fact that has had perhaps the most to do with the marvelous growth of the business. The large outlet gives an immense purchasing power to the establishment, which enables it to buy for less money and consequently to sell for less. Large surplus lots are often purchased from the manufacturers at special price concessions, an advantage that is always shared with the customers. The building up of such a business is an achievement in which Mr. Thedieck can take a just pride - not merely from the fact that in so doing he has advanced his own personal fortunes, but still more in that he has conferred a real and substantial service upon his fellow citizens and knows that it is appreciated. It is unnecessary to pay any long rhetorical tribute to his business ability or force of character. What he has done speaks for itself. Such concerns as he has successfully established are not built up by weaklings or second-rate men. They are the work of great business generals - commercial Napoleons, so to speak. Aside from his own personal business interests, Mr. Thedieck takes a keen interest in the general prosperity of the city in which he has made his home, and shows an enlightened public spirit in many matters affecting the moral and material betterment of the community. He is a man of courteous and genial manners and enjoys a wide popularity.

Mr. Thedieck was married October 18, 1878, to Miss Ida C. Wagner, a daughter of Matthias Wagner, now deceased. He and his wife have been the parents of four children, namely: Charles M., Frank P., Inez M. and Paul C, of whom Charles M. and Paul C. are now deceased. All the members of the family belong to the Catholic church, and move in the best society of Sidney.

J. FRANK RICHESON, D. D. S., * a foremost citizen of Sidney, O., president of the city school board, is also the leading dental practitioner here, where he has been established since August 22, 1896. Dr. Richeson was born at St. Paris, Champaign county, O., December 6, 1871, and is a son of Samuel and Mary (Strousburg) Richeson. The father still resides in Champaign county.

J. Frank Richeson was reared and attended school at St. Paris and continued his studies until he was graduated from the St. Paris high school in 1891. Afterward he became a clerk in a grocery store, in the meanwhile preparing for college, subsequently entering the dental department of the Ohio Medical University of Columbus and was graduated from that institution in the spring of 1896, a few months later coming to Sidney, where he has built up a very large and substantial practice. Dr. Richeson has a well-equipped office and is a scientific and skillful practitioner.

On June 22, 1898, Dr. Richeson was married at Sidney to Miss Anna Graf, who was born in Shelby county, O., and they have two children : Samuel and Janice. Dr. Richeson belongs to the Masons and the Knights of Pythias and also to professional organizations. He is an active citizen, with progressive ideas, and for three years has been a valued member of the school board and an encourager of all movements looking to civic improvement.

WILLIAM A. GRAHAM, * cashier of the Citizens National Bank at Sidney, O., has been in the banking business for thirty-eight years and is well known in this section of Ohio in the financial field. He was born at Sidney, O., November 14, 1852, and is a son of Thomas B. and Jane E. (Gimm) Graham.

The Graham family originated in Scotland and was founded in the L^nited States by the great-grandfather, who settled in Pennsylvania, where the grandfather, James A. Graham, was born. He moved to Kentucky at an early day and from there moved with his family to Shelby county, O., in 1822. His six sons, Robert, William, John, Thomas B., James and Samuel, all lived to the age of eighty years except Robert, and his three daughters, Eliza, Mary and Sarah, also survived into old age, the youngest becoming the wife of Dr. John Stephens.

Thomas B. Graham was born at Marysville, Ky., December 8, 1810, and was twelve years old when his parents moved to Shelby county. He followed the carpenter trade up to the age of fifty years, but engaged in farming from 1861 until he retired, his death occurring at Sidney, O., February 8, 1895, his age being eighty- four years and two months. He married Jane E. Gimm, who was born in County Donegal, Ireland, May 10, 1825, and in 1835 accompanied her parents to the United States and resided in the western part of Shelby county until her marriage. Her father, William Gimm, died in Shelby county and her mother died at Piqua, O. William Gimm was thrice married, the children born to his first union being: Robert, Andrew, William, George, Jane E. and Eliza G., the last named still surviving and residing at Perryburg, O. The five children of the second marriage all survive, namely : John, James, Johnston, Mary and Francis. The mother of William A. Graham died April 12, 1908. To Thomas B. Graham and wife the following children were born: Samuel A., who is deceased; William A.: Alexander, who for a number of years has been a fruit grower at Ashland, Ote., was formerly in business at Sidney. O. ; John C, who died at Denver, Colo., of tuberculosis, December 25, 1907, was a graduate of the normal school at Lebanon, O., and of Starling Medical College and spent several years abroad in medical study; George T., who was accidentally drowned June 3, 1876, in the Miami river, when aged ten years; Emma J., who has been librarian of the public library at Sidney for the past fourteen years; and Anna M., who died January 1, 1876.

William A. Graham completed his education in the high«school at Sidney and for three years afterward taught school during the winters and assisted his father on the farm during the summers. His first industrial experience away from home was a short season in the Watt Bros, warehouse at Sidney. but on June 9, 1874, he entered into the business in which he has continued and for which he certainly has been well adapted. On the above date he entered the First National Bank of Sidnev, where he remained until Decern- ber 15, 1875, when lie became assistant cashier of the German-American Bank, where he continued until January 15, 1881. In this year he became cashier of the Citizens, then a private bank, which received its charter as a national bank on September 1, 1905. Since January, 1881, Mr. Graham has occupied this position, covering a period of thirty-one years, and all who do business with this old institution esteem him highly and have the greatest confidence in his conservative performance of duty. In 1899 he served as president of the Ohio Bankers' Association, prior to which he had been vice president, and he prepared the article on banking, giving a complete history of banking in Ohio, which is held by the association as an authentic and complete exposition of the business in this state. Mr. Graham owns a farm but his entire time is taken up with his financial duties, in a business way, and possibly for the same reason, he has never accepted any political office, although a publicspirited and interested citizen at all times and a staunch republican.

Mr. Graham was married September 16, 1880, to Miss Ada E. Wyman, who was born in Shelby county, a daughter of Hon. Xathan R. and Mary (Hale) Wyman. The father of Mrs. Graham was captain of a company that served with the Ninety-ninth Ohio Vol. Inf. during the Civil war and later was probate judge in Shelby county. He was born in Vermont and died at Sidney, O., in 1886. To Mr. and Mrs. Graham the following children have been born: Ralph, who graduated from Miami University in the class of 1904, is employed in the office of the vice president of the United Railway Company, Portland, Ore., married Eva Rose of that city and they have one son, William G. ; Anna E., who married Albert G. Horn, a prominent citizen of Lorain, O., and they have two children - Elizabeth and William Graham; and Robert M., who is a member of the class of 1913, Miami University, at Oxford, O. Mr. Graham and family belong to the Presbyterian church, in which he is an elder. He is identified with the Masonic fraternity and belongs to blue lodge, council, chapter and commandery, all at Sidney: He is a trustee of the public library and a director of the Sidney Commercial Club.

EARL LEE, * a leading citizen of Shelby county, O., now serving in his third term as a member of the city council of Sidney, representing the Third ward, has important business interests as well, being extensively engaged in the real estate business and the sole owner of the Earl Lee Company, wholesale and retail liquor dealers and compounders of medicines. Mr. Lee was born at Wiley Station, Darke county, O., January 4, 1879, and is a son of Thomas and Emma Lee. The father of Mr. Lee was engaged in the timber business prior to 1891, when he retired to Sidney, and is now deceased.

Earl Lee accompanied his parents to different points in Ohio as best suited his father's business affairs, and when the family settled permanently at Sidney he entered the public schools here. In 1898 he embarked in the liquor business at Wapakoneta, O., where he continued until 1901, when he sold out and returned to Sidney and took charge of what is now the Earl Lee Company, the business having been founded by his brotner, Val Lee, in 1891, who is now chief deputy state fire marshal. The medicines compounded by the above company are all prepared according to the pure drug act and bear the U. S. government tax stamp, the remedies being known as the Leecuru medicines and they have a wide sale and are considered specifics for many diseases. In handling real estate, Mr. Lee makes auction and private lot sales a specialty and offers reliable realty, home owning and business investment propositions. His value to his fellow citizens as a member of the council, to which he was elected on the democratic ticket, is very generally recognized on account of his intense public spirit, and the business acumen which is needful in public matters as well as personal enterprises.

Mr. Lee was married to Miss Flora Heil, who is a daughter of Henry and Minnie Heil, and they have two children: Forest and Esther. In 191 1 Mr. Lee erected his handsome modern residence on South Main avenue, Sidney.

JOHN F. GIVEN, * vice president and general manager of the R. Given & Sons Company, at Sidney, O., manufacturers of saddlery and tanners, has been identified with this business since 1888. He was born at Sidney, O. October 9, 1863, and is a son of Robert and Catherine Given.

John F. Given was given no other educational advantage than those afforded by the public schools and he began his business life as a brakeman on the C. H. & D. Railroad, later becoming and working as conductor on the Big Four Railroad, leaving railroad life to enter his present line of business. When it was incorporated he became vice president and general manager and in this capacity travels all over the United States looking after the company's interests.

A brief history of this important business enterprise of Sidney may be of interest, illustrating as it does the results that follow business persistency, capacity and honesty. In the fifties a tannery already stood on a very small portion of the ground now occupied by the main building of the present plant, and there, in a somewhat primitive way, tanning was done. When Robert Given, father of John F., came to Sidney, in 1854, he took charge of the tannery, but a business association was not entered into by him until 1868, when, with S. Alexander Leckey, he purchased the plant and thus really founded the present business. At that time there was one small building, while now the buildings cover one-quarter of a square, not mentioning the machine shop across the street nor the tanyards and house on East avenue. The main building covers the lot 165x165 feet, three stories and basement, with one part four stories, thus making the floor space now occupied by the main building alone 108,000 square feet. Mr. Leckey-died in 1881 and the business was taken over by Mr. Given and later, at his death, the enterprise was continued by his sons, John and Charles, with J. C. Royon. In 1901 the company was incorporated under the laws of Ohio as the R. Given & Sons Company and it has continued to prosper. At the present time of writing extensive additions are under way and when completed the present factory will be doubled in size.

Wherever collars are used for horses the R. Given & Sons tannery is known, a large trade being done throughout the Northwest, in Texas and all through the Central states and the products have also invaded the European market. The hides are secured from Cincinnati, Chicago and other points where great packing houses are established, and every known method that has satisfactorily stood the test is used in this great factory for the final production of its goods. To its general manager, John F. Given, must be attributed a large measure of the present undoubted prosperity. Sidney takes justifiable pride in this industry, for Sidney men and Sidney capital are the spirit and motive power, and its large pay roll contributes to Sidney's wealth.

Mr. Given was married to Miss Bessie B. Leckey, June 14, 1883, a daughter of the late S. Alexander Leckey, and they have two children : Gertrude and Edward. Mr. Given is a Republican in his political views and has frequently been called upon to fill responsible local offices, for ten years being a member of the board of equalization, president of the board of tax commissioners of Shelby county and a trustee of the Sinking Fund.

Although necessarily absorbed in business as a manager of the concern above described, Mr. Given has always taken a public spirited interest in his section as above indicated and has supported every movement, which, in his opinion, would promote the advancement of the community. His contributions to charity have been timely and liberal. He is a thirty-second degree Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine and holds the office of exalted ruler in the local lodge of Elks.

JOHN CAREY CUMMINS, cashier of the First National Exchange Bank, at Sidney, O., a leading citizen and lifelong resident, was born here December 20, 1859, and is a son of John E. and Harriet K. (Carey) Cummins.

John E. Cummins was born at Mifflintown, Pa., a son of Joseph Cummins, a merchant and miller, whom he accompanied to Shelby county, O., in 1834. He died at Sidney in 1875, when aged forty-four years. He married Harriet K. Carey, a daughter of John W. Carey, and her death occurred in 1876, when she was aged forty-three years. Three sons survived them, namely: Joseph Knox, at one time auditor of Shelby county, who resides at Washington, D. C. ; John Carey, subject of this sketch, and Frank C, who is a resident of Chicago, 111.

John Carey Cummins was educated at Sidney, being graduated from the high school in 1875. During the greater part of his life he has been identified with the banking business, beginning in 1876 with the old First National Bank of Sidney. For a short time he was connected with the Big Four Railroad and then for twenty-five years was with the Citizens National Bank. Since November 1, 1906, he has been cashier of the First National Exchange Bank, his bank record covering a space of thirty-four years.

In 188 1 Mr. Cummins was married to Miss Jennie A. Taylor, a daughter of O. J. Taylor, of Sidney, and they have three children : Harriet K., Taylor and Robert. Taylor Cummins is engaged in the practice of law. He was educated in the public schools, the Ohio State University and Miami Univer- sity and afterward read law in the office of J. D. Barnes, at Sidney. He was admitted to the bar in December, 1909. Mr. Cummins was reared in the Presbyterian church. In politics he is a democrat and at times has served in the town council, being always a strong advocate of progress and reform. As a citizen he stands high, enjoying the confidence and respect of all with whom he has relations.

ORD OTTERBEIN LEMASTER, M.D.. who is engaged in medical practice in Kettlersville. Van Buren township, is a son of Luman W. and Mary (Chew) LeMaster. the father a native of Shelby county, Ohio. His parents' family consisted of ten children - Beulah S., Luman C, William C, Mary E., Bertha T., Edith M., Una Maude, Arthur, Vernon W., and Ord O. - whose record in brief is as follows : Beulah S. married Lynn L. Rockwell and resides in Jay county, Indiana. Luman C. married Belle YVherley and they also reside in Jay county, Ind. William C. married Lotta E. Lewis and their home is at Montrose, Colo. Mary Elsie is the wife of Mathias J. Atkinson of Jay county, Ind. Bertha married John F. Yeager, principal of schools at Brazil, Ind., where they reside. Una Maude is the wife of Dr. G. W. Phillips and lives in David City, Nebraska. Edith M. married Henry Meinholtz and they reside in Okmulgee, Okla. Arthur R. married Maude McGlaughlin and their home is in Jay county, Ind. Vernon is attending school at Ann Arbor, Mich.

Ord O. LeMaster acquired his literary education in the public schools of Jay county, Ind., and the Portland Normal school, subsequently pursuing his medical studies at Starling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio. After his graduation he located in Kettlersville, this county, where he has since built up a very good practice. He owns some valuable property, including his own fine residence and makes use of an automobile in visiting his patients. Dr. Le- Master married Emma W. G. Gormhausen, a daughter of John and Mary ( Strausburgh ) Gormhausen, whose children, in addition to Mrs. LeMaster, were Florence, John, Edward, Charles, Anna, Benjamin, Ida, Otto, and Laura. Of the above mentioned Florence, John, Edward, and Otto are now deceased, Florence dying in 1912. Mrs. LeMaster is a member of St. Peter's Lutheran church. The Doctor is a Republican in politics. He keeps in touch with the latest discoveries in medical and surgical science, and as a citizen is ever ready to support any practical measures for the moral or material betterment of the community. He has advanced as far as the Chapter in the Masonic order.

HERMAN J. ALTHOFF, general merchant and postmaster at Kettlersville, O., was born on a farm near New Bremen, O., in 1852, son of George and Anna Althoff. His parents, who came to this country from Germany, had a family of ten children, namely: Laura, Henry, Catherine, John, Catherine (second), August, Herman, Christian, Henry (second), and Anna. Of the two daughters named Catherine, one married Frederick Soelmann and still resides m this county, her husband being now deceased. John married Anna Soelmann and they reside in Sidney, O. August died at the age of six years.

Christian was twice married. His first wife, Anna, dying, he married secondly Emma May and resides in Van Buren township. Henry first married Alvina Deckefust, who died, and he then married Katie Hersfeldt. They reside at New Bremen, O. Anna also lives in New Bremen, O., and is the wife of Henry Ellerman.

Herman J. Althoff was educated in the district schools and subsequently followed agricultural pursuits for many years, or until 1900. He then engaged in mercantile business in Kettlersville, this county, which occupation he has followed up to the present time, being recognized as a successful merchant. His prosperity has been achieved by honest dealing and close attention to business. He keeps a good stock of such goods as are likely to be called for in a rural community, and his many patrons find that they can obtain as good value for their money as they could by trading in the larger towns or cities. He was appointed postmaster of Kettlersville in 1905 and has conducted the office in such a manner as to satisfy both Uncle Sam and the residents of the village and vicinity. Mr. Althoff owns the building in which his store is located and also another block located opposite to same. In politics he is a Democrat and has served ably in local office, having been trustee, treasurer ; was township trustee for six years. ; also served as assessor and as councilman of the village. He is a member of the Lutheran church, in which he has served as secretary for years.

Mr. Althoff married Doretta Meyer, a daughter of Conrad Meyer, and has had three children : Rosa, now deceased ; Hermena, who married William Poppe and resides in Kettlersville, and Araminta, who married Edward Poppe and is also a resident of Kettlersville. The family is among the best known and most respected in this locality.

JULIUS W. C. KETTLER, a well known citizen and retired farmer, residing in Kettlersville, Van Buren township, was born in New Bremen, Auglaize county, O., in 1852, a son of William and Minnie (Donnerberg) Kettler. His parents were natives of Germany who came to America in the forties of the 19th century. Their famliy consisted of three children : Sophia, Matilda, and Julius W. C. Sophia, who became the wife of August Mauer, resides in Kettlersville, this county; Matilda married William Tangeman and resides in the state of Iowa.

The subject of this sketch was educated in the schools of New Bremen, O., and after his school days were over obtained a position as clerk in a hardware store, subsequently working for a while in a dry goods store. He then took a trip to Germany, and after his return was associated with his father in the store for three years. He then engaged in agriculture and was so occupied for a period of 34 years - from 1875 to 1909 - at the end of which time, having amassed a fair competence, he retired and took up his residence in the village of Kettlersville. He owns a good farm of 150 acres and some favorably situated town property besides 22 lots within the corporation.

Mr. Kettler and wife Maria have been the parents of six children, namely: Clara, Mahala, Amelia, Laura, Emma and Herbert. Clara, who married

William Mauer, resides in Kettlersville. She is the mother of twin sons, Vernon and Ernest. Mahala married W. Breidweiser, and they reside in New Bremen. She has two children, Glenna, who is attending high school, and Oran, at home. Amelia is the wife of Aerny Tangeman and resides on her father's farm. She has two children, Marie and Helen. Laura married William Webber and lives in Lima, O. Emma is the wife of G. R. Brandt and lives in Dayton. She has one child, Carl. Herbert is a student at Ohio State University, Columbus.

Mr. Kettler is a Democrat in politics and served as township clerk for a period of fourteen years. He was also village clerk for four years. A member of the Lutheran church, he has acted as a trustee, secretary, and elder for years. He is a man highly respected throughout this part of the township.

WILLIAM VORDERMARK, a retired farmer residing in Kettlersville, O., was born in Germany in 1841, a son of Eberhardt and Catherine (Buddemeyer) Vordermark. His mother died in her native land, and her husband, the father of our subject, coming to this country, died only three days after arriving here.

It was in 1865 that William Vordermark landed in this country, after having acquired a practical education in his native land.' He settled first in Cincinnati, O., where he resided for thirteen years, working mostly at his trade of brick mason. He then removed to New Knoxville, where he lived for a year and a half, after which he bought a farm in Van Buren township, Shelby county, O. Here he resided until 1909, where he retired from agricultural pursuits and took up his residence in Kettlersville, where he now owns his own home and is comfortably situated in life. He still, however, occasionally works at his trade. He was married in Cincinnati, O., to Christina Barkman, a daughter of Ernest Barkman, and he and his wife became the parents of a daughter, Sophia, who now resides at the home in Kettlersville. Mr. Vordermark is one of the prominent citizens of Van Buren township. He belongs to the Lutheran church, and is also a member of the County Fair board, on which, being a practical farmer, he has rendered good service. Politically he is a Republican. Of his parents' family, in addition to himself, there were four sons and five daughters, namely : Henry, Fred, Ernest, Adolph, Elizabeth, Catherina, Sophia, Fredrica, and Minnie.

CHARLES STEIN, a well known shoe merchant of Kettlersville, O., was born at New Bremen. O., in 1854. His father. Frederick Stein, was a native of Germany who, after coming to this country, located in New Bremen, Auglaize county, O. The subject of this sketch was educated in the district school, and at the early age of eight years began to make himself useful on a farm. He subsequently followed agricultural pursuits until bis marriage, at which time he engaged in the shoe business in Kettlersville and has since remained thus occupied, being now one of the oldest merchants in the town. In addition to his store in Kettlersville, he owns some good property in Sidney, O. Mr. Stein married Louisa Bucholtz. a daughter of Ernest Bucholtz, and of this marriage there were two children - Julius and Theodore. The former, Julius, married Ida Bumbauer, and has two children; they reside in Sidney, O. Mr. Charles Stein is a member of the Lutheran church, in which he is now serving as trustee and treasurer. Politically he is a Democrat. He has one full sister, Minnie, who married Henry Heator and resides in Urbana, Ohio. He has also a half sister, Rosa, who married John Misner, a Lutheran minister, her husband, however, being now deceased. A half brother of Mr. Stein's, Henry Mouch, married Mary Kah, and they are now ' residents of Shelby county. Frederick, a full brother of our subject, is now deceased. Mr. Stein is among the best known among Kettlersville's prosperous citizens and is highly esteemed in the community. A good business man, he has conquered success by his own efforts and is known throughout the community as a reliable merchant, with whom it is always safe to trade.

HON. CHARLES M. WYMAN, one of the most prominent business men <of Sidney, O.. who has been active also in political life, was born and reared in this city. He received his elementary education in the parochial school, and afterward attended the public schools, being graduated from the high school in 1892. He gained his first business experience as clerk in Thedieck's department store and was soon advanced to manager and buyer for the shoe department and finally to the position of advertising manager. Becoming active in politics he rendered good service to his party and was nominated and elected in 1908, as representative to the 78th General Assembly of Ohio. He is an eloquent and convincing public speaker, and as an energetic and capable business man has few superiors. His affable disposition and genial manners render him personally popular, and he has a wide circle of friends. He holds membership in a number of fraternal orders, including the following: Grand Lodge of Elks, being past exalted ruler of Sidney Lodge No. 786 and was its representative to the convention at Dallas, Texas ; also deputy grand knight of Sidney Council, No. 659, Knights of Columbus, and secretary of the Fourth Degree Assembly; worthy chaplain of Sidney Aerie No. 1403, Fraternal Order of Eagles ; Tawawa Tribe, No. 67, I. O. R. M. ; and Alaphretta Council, No. 67^2, Degree of -Pocahontas.

CHARLES A. MAURER, county surveyor of Shelby county, O., and a well known and valued citizen, has been a resident of Sidney, O., since 1909, coming from Van Buren township, where he was born December 19, 1885. His parents were Adam and Caroline (Sunderman) Maurer.

Adam Maurer was born also in Van Buren township, Shelby county, a son of Philip Maurer who had come to this section from Germany. Adam Maurer followed an agricultural life and died on his farm in Van Buren township in February, 1895. He married Caroline Sunderman, who was born in Auglaize county, O., and still survives.

Charles A. Maurer grew to manhood on the home farm and secured his primary education in the country schools. Developing an unusual mathematical talent he decided to study civil engineering and became a student in the

Ohio Northern University at Ada, O., where he was graduated in 1909. He immediately was appointed deputy county surveyor, and the experience gained in that -capacity prepared him for the office he now fills so well, to which he was elected in 1912, on the Democratic ticket. He is a young man of enterprise and marked ability.

In 1910 Mr. Maurer was married to Miss Gertrude Lucas, of Van Buren township, Shelby county. They attend the Evangelical church. He is identified with several fraternal organizations including: the Modern Woodmen of America, the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and some social and political bodies.