Shelby County, Ohio - Chapter 23: Miscellaneous, 1913 (part 5 of 14)

W. H. HIGGIXS, who belongs to one of the old families of Shelby county and is a successful general farmer in Orange township, was born in the Russell settlement, in Turtle Creek township, and is a son of J. V. and Sarah Elizabeth (Dunn) Higgins. For many years the father was a prosperous farmer in this section and lived to the age of seventy-one years. The mother still survives and lives on her old homestead, now aged seventyeight years.

W. H. Higgins attended the township schools and then turned his attention to farming, which has been the family business. He worked for five years by the month and afterward rented farm land, living on the home place until five years after his marriage, when he moved into Washington township, Miami county, and lived there for one year. In 1903 he settled on his present farm of fifty acres, which lies seven miles south of Sidney, and here has successfully carried on farming and stock raising ever since. He is identified with none of the political parties, belonging to a very independent family, but nevertheless has frequently had township offices tendered him and has served as road supervisor.

old resident of the county, and they have four children: Jessie, Floyd, Robert and Francis. Mr. Higgins is an Odd Fellow and belongs to the lower branch at Kirkwood and the Encampment at Sidney.

GEORGE H. BILLING, who owns large bodies of land in different sections of Shelby county, O., is one of the county's best known men. He was born in Franklin township, this county, February 12, 1865, and is a son of Frederick and Sarah (Knasel) Billing.

Frederick Billing was born in Germany and after coming to the United States became a farmer. He married in Shelby county, O., and there both he and wife died. They were well known and highly respected people. A family of eight children was born to them, namely : Susan, who is the wife of Samuel Hagelberger; John; Sophia, who is deceased, was the wife of Jacob M. Finkenbine; George H.; William; Louisa, who is the wife of W. J. Fogt; Lena, who is deceased, was the wife of Samuel H. Fogt; and Edward, who is a resident of Michigan. These names represent some of the best people of Shelby county.

George H. Billing secured a common school education and remained at home with his father until he was twenty-eight years of age when he started out as a farmer on his own responsibility, at first renting land from his father and afterward acquiring it for himself, although he first rented the homestead during the last years of both parents, afterward buying out the other heirs. When they died he inherited 100 acres but the purchase of the remainder of the estate cost him $1,000. He has made many improvements including the remodeling of the barn and at the present time of writing is converting the old farmhouse into a modern and attractive residence. He owns 378 acres of valuable land in Shelby county, 160 of which is located in Salem township and 218 acres in Franklin township and is one of the county's large tax payers.

In 1892 Mr. Billing was married to Miss Elizabeth Gerber, who was born in Shelby county, a daughter of John C. and Catherine (Smith) Gerber, and they had the following children: Sarah, Elizabeth, Edward E., Albert, Clara, George, Henry, Charles and Anna, Charles being deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Billing have three children: Leota, Raymond, and Ora. The family belongs to the Lutheran church at Anna. In politics Mr. Billing is a democrat but has not been willing to accept public office although ever an interested and liberal-handed citizen.

W. T. PICKERING, who is numbered with the prosperous and progressive agriculturists of Washington township, owns a farm of 140 acres which lies twelve miles southwest of Sidney. He was born in 1880, in Putnam county, O., and is a son of M. S. Pickering, who was born in Fairfield county, a member of one of the old pioneer families. M. S. Pickering was a farmer first in Paulding county, later in Shelby county and at present is a resident of Fairfield county.

W. T. Pickering attended school in both Putnam and Paulding counties and remained with his father until 1897, when he came to Shelby county and in 1907 purchased and settled on his farm in Washington township. The general improvements he has placed here give evidence of good judgment and he probably has as fine a modern residence as can be found in the township. He raises the usual grains of this section and also devotes attention to stock raising.

Mr. Pickering was married in 1901 to Miss Katie Patterson. Thy are members of the Presbyterian church at Piqua. In his political sentiments he is a democrat.

NATHAN MOYER, who resides on his valuable farm of 147 acres situated in section 20, Cynthian township, Shelby county, O., was born in this township, on an adjoining farm, which is now owned by J. C. Short, December 22, 1841, and is a son of George and Sarah (Seymour) Moyer.

The parents of Mr. Moyer were born in Pennsylvania. They were fanning people in Shelby county, and the father died in Cynthian township, when aged sixty-two years, and the mother in her eighty-fourth year, and their burial was in the cemetery at Oran, O. George Moyer owned a farm of eighty acres which he cleared and improved to some extent, at the time of his settlement in Cynthian township the country being yet in a wild condition. In those days even the ordinary domestic duties were carried on in a burdensome way. Mr. Moyer remembers when his mother wove all the family wearing apparel, coloring the cloth afterward and fashioning it into garments. She also cooked the toothsome viands for which the pioneer home was celebrated, in the open fireplace, Mr. Moyer being seventeen years old before he even saw a cook stove. All the family attended church, a spring wagon being called into requisition when the distance was too far to cover by walking, but in those days it was considered no disgrace to wear a patched coat or gown or to appear with bare feet. Mr. and Mrs. Moyer were long remembered in their community for those virtues which prevailed in old days - kindness, generosity, charity and hospitality.

Until he was sixteen years of age Nathan Moyer attended the district schools in the winter seasons and then started out to be entirely self supporting, his industries including farming, chopping wood, making staves, digging ditches and hunting. In 1863 he bought forty acres of the place he now owns and to his original purchase kept on adding until he now has 147 acres of finely cultivated land, excepting only ten acres, which is still timbered. When he came here the land was wooded and it was no slight task to clear it but this was completed many years since, and on the spot where once stood giants of the forest, wave the grain or feed the herds and stock which make Mr. Moyer one of Cynthian township's men of independence. He is one of the four survivors of his parents' family of ten children, his twin sister dying in 1864. The others are: Mrs. John Short, Sr. : George, of Loramie township; and William, of Piqua, O.

ton, O., a daughter of John Forrest, who died while serving as a soldier in the Civil war. To Mr. and Mrs. Moyer the following children were born : John, who married Elizabeth McCorkle ; Elizabeth and Charles, both of whom are deceased; Walter; Leonard; Louella, who is the wife of William Newman; and Laurence. Mr. Moyer and family are members of the Christian church at Oran, O. In politics he is a democrat and has served in such township offices as supervisor and road superintendent.

JOSEPH V. GAIER, a general farmer and respected citizen of Cynthian township, who owns seventy-six acres situated in section 18, Basinburg Special School District, one-quarter mile east of St. Mary's turnpike road, was born in McLean township, Shelby county, December 26, 1877, and is a son of Jacob and Louisa (Wise) Gaier.

Jacob Gaier was a farmer throughout his active years and resided in Shelby county where he was a man well known and much respected. He died when agel sixty-five years and his burial was in the cemetery attached to St. Michael's Catholic church at Fort Loramie, he having been a member of that church. He was twice married and two children were born to his first union and seven to the second.

Joseph V. Gaier attended school in boyhood in the Berlin district and then helped his father on the home farm in McLean township until his marriage, when he settled on his present place where he has carried on general farming and stock raising ever since. He remodeled and repaired the buildings and made many improvements and has a home and farm in which he justly takes pride, all of his land being under cultivation except ten acres in timber.

Mr. Gaier married Miss Elizabeth Barhorst, a daughter of Joseph Barhorst of McLean township, and they have one daughter, Helen Elizabeth. Mr. Gaier and family belong to St. Michael's Catholic church at Fort Loramie. Like his late father he is a democrat but has never desired public office of any kind. He is a quiet, industrious farmer, one who attends to his own business and performs his duty as a citizen according to his best judgment.

JOSEPH WINNER, a general farmer and highly respected citizen of Cynthian township, who owns a carefully cultivated farm of eighty acres, was born January 14, 1867, in McLean township, Shelby county, and is a son of Anton and Caroline Winner.

Joseph Winner attended school in the Dirksen district and remained at home helping his father until his marriage, when he located where he has remained ever since, in section 17, Cynthian township. He has made all the substantial improvements on the place, has his land well drained and tiled and all of it under cultivation with the exception of ten acres. It has an excellent location being three-fourths of a mile east of the St. Mary turnpike on the township line road, with postoffice accommodations at Fort Loramie.

Mr. Winner married first Miss Josephine Brims, who, at death, left four children: Joseph A., Herman, Frances Elizabeth and William. Mr. Winner's second marriage was to Mrs. Agnes (Brackman) Richling, widow of

August Richling. She had one son, Henry Richling, born to her first marriage. To Mr. and Mrs. Winner four children have been born : Leona, Alexander, Lucinda and Louetta, all surviving except Lucinda. Mr. Winner and family are members of St. Michael's Catholic church at Fort Loramie. In politics he is a democrat but has never accepted any office except one connected with the public schools, for three years serving as a member of the board of education of the Short Special School District.

JOHN J. HUFFMAN, a leading citizen of Turtle Creek township, where he owns an excellent farm of forty acres, has served acceptably in the office of justice of the peace for the past seven years and is interested in all movements that promise to improve or advance this neighborhood. He is widely known and was born in Clinton township, Shelby county, August 14, 1850, and is a son of George and Mary (Johnston) Huffman.

George Huffman and wife lived out long and respected lives and passed away on the farm which they had occupied for many years. They were consistent and useful member of the Baptist church and their burial was in the McClure cemetery. They had the following children, all sons: John J., William M., Samuel, James S. and George A.

After his school days were over, John J. Huffman spent two years at Sidney and then settled down to farming as a business and prior to purchasing his present farm in 1894, from C. E. Thompson, rented land in this section. Here he carries on varied farm industries, growing grain and fruit and raising stock and poultry for home use, not being particularly desirous of adding to his agricultural burdens as he finds that official responsibilities absorb a large part of his time. He owns stock in the Farmers Telephone Company, a profitable investment.

On December 2, 1869, Mr. Huffman was married to Miss Mary L. Van Gorder, who was born in Trumbull county, O., a daughter of James L. and Phoebe (Moore) Van Gorder. The father of Mrs. Huffman was a farmer and he and family moved from Trumbull to Shelby county, his children being : Mary L. ; Charlotta, wife of Charles L. Argabright; and Charles A. and George L. To Mr. and Mrs. Huffman a son and daughter have been born, Albert B, and Edith L. The latter is the wife of David Latimer and they have three children: Morris L., Mary E. and Ethel G. Mr. Huffman and family belong to the Presbyterian church at Hardin, O. Both Mr. and Mrs. Huffman take an active interest in the Patrons of Husbandry and Mr. Huffman has been for twenty years secretary of the Shelby County Grange, and for the past sixteen years, has been secretary of the Shelby County Farmers' Institute. He belongs also to the Knights of Pythias at Sidney. Mr. Huffman has been a republican for many years, his father having been interested in the same organization of political leaders in 1857 and an upholder of its principles throughout his life.

Mr. Ratermann attended the local schools until the year 1892 and in 1893 he attended the Valparaiso, Indiana, Normal College, and spent four terms at the Ohio Normal University of Lebanon, O. Having improved his opportunities then engaged in teaching, a profession he followed for ten years, during three years of which he was at the head of the Fort Loramie village schools. In March, 1904, he entered the Loramie Bank as assistant cashier, of which he became cashier a few months afterward and has continued in this connection.

On August 21, 1901, Mr. Ratermann was married to Miss Rosa Rieger, who was born at Fort Loramie, O., and died here June 12, 1906, at the age of thirty-one years. She was a daughter of Joseph and Anna (Schwartz) Rieger. Two sons survive : Paul J. and Albin H. Mrs. Ratermann was a faithful member of St. Michael's Catholic church, to which Mr. Ratermann also belongs. He is identified with the Knights of St. John and the Knights of Columbus. A democrat in his political preference, Mr. Ratermann is not active along that line although ever ready to perform every necessary act of good citizenship.

JACOB R. LEAPLEY, who, in addition to being a stockholder in the Farmers Telephone Company, owns 120 acres of some of the finest land in Franklin township, Shelby county, O., was born in this county September 15, 1864, and is a son of Othol and Mary (Stone) Leapley.

Othol Leapley and wife belonged to old pioneer families of Shelby county, where they were born, married, and passed out of life. They were estimable people and liberal supporters of the Methodist Episcopal church, attending at Port Jefferson, and their burial was in the cemetery there. Their family consisted of five children, three sons, namely: Quin, Charles and Jacob Raper; and two daughters, Anna, wife of Newton Wooley, and Blanche, wife of Orrin C. Staley.

Jacob R. Leapley attended the country schools with his brothers and sisters and afterward, as a dutiful son, assisted his father until he was twentyone years old. About this time occurred his marriage and he then went to Nebraska where he rented land and raised one crop. Conditions there, however, did not look promising to a young man when compared to those he had left behind in Shelby county, therefore he returned and for two years following rented farm land in Franklin township. He then moved on the place which he now owns, a part of the old Yinger farm, which he rented for twelve years previous to buying. He is one of the township's most prosperous stockmen as well as farmer, paying particular attention to Jersey cattle. Shropshire sheep, Percheron horses and O. I. C. hogs.

On December iyr 1885, Mr. Leapley was married to Miss Lollie Fee, who was born in Shelby county, a daughter of William and Sarah (McClure) Fee, both of whom were also born. in this county. The father of Mrs. Leapley is deceased, but the mother still resides here. Mrs. Leapley has one older sister, Maggie, who is the wife of James Shaw; and a brother, Frank, and a sister, Mattie, who is the wife of William Davis, both younger. Mr. and Mrs. Leapley have but one son, Rollie, who remains with his parents. Mr. Leapley and family are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is a trustee, treasurer and steward. In politics he is a republican.

JOHN C. McCLURE, proprietor of Sunnyside Farm, an attractive name that pleases the ear and prepares the stranger traveling through Clinton township, for the fifty acres of finely cultivated land that spreads out before him. is one of the well-known citizens of the county, having had business interests in many parts of it during some fifteen years or more. He was born in Green county, O., in 1844, and is a son of John and Elvira (Young) McClure.

The parents of Mr. McClure came of Virginia people on the paternal side and of North Carolina on the maternal. The father was a carpenter by trade and in later life also followed farming. Both he and wife were members of the Presbyterian church. Their family consisted of the following children: Jennie, wife of Jacob Wilson; James Harvey; David Franklin; Andrew H. ; John C. ; Cyrus ; Mary, who is deceased ; Elizabeth and Augustus. The parents lived into old age and at death were laid to rest at Bellbrook, O.

John C. McClure had such educational advantages as the district schools offered in his boyhood, and he remained with his father on the home farm until he was thirty-five years old. He then became a traveling salesman, first covering the country selling nursery stock and afterward contracting for hedge fence. He now carries on general farming on his productive land, raising some good stock but keeping it for his own use.

In May, 1879, Mr. McClure was married to Miss Josephine Stevenson, who was born in Orange township, Shelby county, O., a daughter of Samuel S. and Margaret (McClure) Stevenson. Samuel S. Stevenson was born near Xenia in Greene county, O., and died in his eighty-seventh year, in Shelby county, to which he had come when twenty-one years old. He was a carpenter and contractor and was a well-known and highly respected man. He married Margaret McClure, who was born in Shelby county, and the following children were born to them : Jennie, who is the wife of William Wilson; Anna, who is the wife of John Thompson; Josephine, who is the wife of Mr. McClure; J. Frank; Frances, who is the wife of W. S. Shaw; and Harry. Mr. and Mrs. McClure attend the United Presbyterian church. In politics, like his late father, Mr. McClure is a republican.

JOHN M. BLAKE, who is one of the proprietors of the Farmers Grain and Milling Company, of Sidney, O., has been so associated since the business was founded in January, 1912, and in the division of responsibility between the three partners concerned, has charge of the flour department. He was born at Sidney January 1, 1867, and is a son of O. B. and Mary (Ensey) Blake.

O. B. Blake was born on a farm in Perry township, Shelby county, a son of John Blake, one of the very early settlers, who was a son of John Blake, who was born in England. For some ten years O. B. Blake was engaged in the meat business at Sidney, later moved to a farm in Turtle Creek township but subsequently retired to Sidney where he still lives. He married Mary Ensey, who was born at Sidney, a daughter of Mathew Ensey, who was the contractor who built the court house at Ottawa, O., fifty years ago.

John M. Blake was three years old when his people moved to Turtle Creek township and he was reared there and continued to reside in that part of the county for thirty-two years, when he moved to Clinton township, but still owns one fine farm of 200 acres in the former township, and one of eighty acres, in partnership with his brother-in-law, Fred J. Russell, in the latter township. The flour mill now belonging to the Farmers Grain and Milling Company, is one of the oldest mills and grain elevators in Shelby county and prior to January, 19 12, was operated for many years by the late Capt. E. E. Nutt. At the time above mentioned, John M. Blake, Fred J. Russell and Mrs. Frank M. Sayre, bought the mill and a prosperous period of business has followed. Mr. Blake's duties have been specified. Mr. Russell has charge of the buying and selling of the grain, while Frank M. Sayre is secretary and treasurer of the company and attends to all the office work. With the exception of one year in the Sidney high school, Mr. Blake never had any but common school advantages and during the larger part of his life has been exclusively an agriculturist, moving from his farm to Sidney early in 1912.

Mr. Blake married Miss Jessie Russell, who is a daughter of Moses James Russell and Martha E. Russell, now deceased, the father once a very prominent farmer in Clinton township, where Mrs. Blake was born. They have a family of five children : Mary, Russell, John Chester, Gladys and Ethel, and the removal of the family to Sidney opened another hospitable home here and made welcome additions to pleasant social circles.

JOHN SHORT, Sr., a retired farmer and one of the oldest settlers now living in Cythian township, was born in Virginia, October 29, 1829, and was brought to Ohio when a child of two years. His parents were Isaac and Mary (Vandegrift) Short.

Isaac Short and wife were born in Virginia and in all probability came from Holland ancestors. The ten children born to them are recorded as follows: Susanna, the eldest, married George Barker of Cynthian township, Shelby county, and they had four children: Isaac, Sarah Ann, George and Ivy. John, who was the second in order of birth. Christian, who is now deceased, was married first to Caroline Rhona and after her death to Nancy Clauson and was the father of : Mary, Perry, John, George, Margaret and James. George Short married Jane Slack and both died in Cynthian township, three of their children, Susan, William and George, still living, and three of them deceased, Frank, Levi and Henry. Newton Short, the fifth of the family, married (first) Mary Jane Moyer and (second) Margaret Crotinger, and he died in Miami county. His children were: Rachel, Ella, Sarah, Maria and Peter. Allison Jason Short married Sarah Butt and he still resides in

Darke county where his wife died some years ago, the mother of four children: Thomas, Martha, Allison and William. Rachel Short was the wife of Jacob Hollinger of Indiana, deceased, and they had five children : Mary, Martha, George, Samuel and William. Martha Short married William Butt and both died in Cynthian township having no children. William Short, who lives at Piqua, O., married Lucinda Austin, who died at Piqua, the mother of six children : Abraham, Charles, Leonard, Delia, Virgin and Ida. Richard, the youngest, died at the age of sixteen years.

It was in 1831 that the Shorts came from Virginia to Dayton, O., and one year later all the family, including the grandfather, Richard Short, came to Cynthian township, Shelby county, where the six sons contracted for eighty acres of land, each one to pay twenty-five dollars. The grandfather advanced the money and the sons subsequently paid it back. He secured 160 acres for himself and also owned eighty acres near Newport. All the Shorts were men of good business judgment and became men of affairs. The Short Special School District was named for Isaac Short, who died on the old homestead, in his sixty-eighth year. His widow survived to be eighty-three years old and their burial was in the cemetery attached to the Christian church at Oran, O.

John Short, Sr., grew up amidst pioneer surroundings. In boyhood he attended a subscription school in a log cabin situated in McLean township and as those were primitive days, he had but meager advantages, but, at that time, it was not considered necessary for the farmer boys to have more than a practical knowledge of reading, writing and arithmetic, and history shows that the acquirement of these was sufficient to enable many a youth to become a leader of men and the possessor of ample fortune. As the eldest son of his father, John Short very early took responsibilities upon himself and during the whole of his subsequent active life, followed agricultural industries with vigor and success. He resides in Cynthian township, where he owns 309 acres, his home being two and one-half miles southeast of Fort Loramie, and eleven miles from Sidney, O.

On March 13, 1851, Mr. Short was married to Miss Elizabeth Moyer, who was born May 8, 1829, in Cynthian township, a daughter of George and Sarah (Zemer) Moyer. The parents of Mrs. Short were born in Pennsylvania, came early to Ohio and were married in Cynthian township and became parents of ten children, the survivors being: Mrs. Short, George, William and Nathan. The Moyers settled on land that John Short now owns and here both died, the father aged sixty-two years and the mother eighty-five years.

When John Short and wife went to housekeeping it was in a log cabin surrounded with dense woods and it was his task to clear off this .heavy forest growth, drain and tile the land and then put it under cultivation. As time went on he made additional improvements and erected the comfortable farm house in which he is spending his later years. The children were all born here, five in number as follows : George W. ; Mary Jane, who resides with her parents; Isaac, who died when twenty-six years old; Sarah Elizabeth, who married William Jelly ; and John C. Mr. and Mrs. Jelly reside in Cynthian township and they have had five children: Annie, Milton, Hugh, Ethel and John, the last named dying at the age of twelve years. A nephew of Mr. Short, Elmer F. Short, has a very desirable government position at Washington, D. C. During the period of the Civil war Mr. Short was an auctioneer when his services were needed. A lifelong democrat, this being a democratic family, Mr. Short has heartily supported democratic principles and candidates and occasionally has consented to serve in local offices. He is a Highly respected citizen and is widely known and long has been a liberal supporter of the Christian church at Oran, O., of which he is a member.

GEORGE W. SHORT, who is a successful general farmer residing in section 17, Cynthian township, where he cultivates 106 acres of fine land belonging to his father, was born on his father's homestead in Cynthian township, Shelby county, O., February 9, 1852, and is the oldest son of John and Elizabeth Short.

After his school period was over, George W. Short assisted his father on the home farm until 1889 when he became a salesman of organs and pianos for the Baker Music Company of Sidney. After marriage he settled on a farm that adjoins his present one on the south and lived there for two years and then came to the one on which he has resided ever since and here has made many improvements including the erecting of a new residence and the remodeling of the other buildings. The property is well drained and tiled and is in fine condition.

Mr. Short was married (first) to Miss Sarah Ann Noland, of Washington township, Shelby county, who died at the age of twenty-nine years, her burial being in the cemetery at Oran, O She was the mother of two sons : John R. and Harley H. The latter married Bertha Hemmelright and they reside in Cynthian township and he is a farmer and school teacher. They have three children: Hubert R., Musetta C, and Martha Ellen. Mr. Short was married (second) to Miss Mary Walters, who died aged twenty-seven years, leaving one daughter, Elizabeth May, who died when nineteen years old. Mr. Short's third marriage was to Miss Lilla Belle Taylor, a daughter of Alexander Taylor, formerly of Montgomery county, O., but for some fifteen years a member of Mr. Short's household. To Mr. and Mrs. Short four children have been born: Martha Belle, who died when aged fifteen months; Olive Goldie, who died when aged eleven weeks; and Emmet Wendle and Byron W., both of whom are making satisfactory progress at school. Mr. Short and family are members of the Christian church at Oran, of which he is a deacon and is also a member of the finance committee and clerk, for the past thirty-five years having been active and helpful in this church body. In 1881 Mr. Short was elected a member of the board of education of the Short Special School District and he has served continuously with the exception of two years, and during that time was president of the board for one year, also treasurer and its clerk for twenty years. On the democratic ticket he was elected township assessor and served two years in that office, and in all his public life has commanded the respect and possessed the confidence of his fellow citizens.

JOHN FINKENBINE, St., one of Shelby county's most substantial and respected citizens, now living retired and residing on his large and well-improved property in Franklin township, where he owns 342 acres, is a native of the old Keystone State, born near the city of Philadelphia, in December, 183 1. His parents were Jacob and Susan (Fogt) Finkenbine.

Jacob Finkenbine and wife were born in Baden, Germany, and many of the old and prominent families of Ohio have originated there. When they came first to the United States they located at Philadelphia, Pa., but, in 1832, came to Shelby county, O., where he found ready employment at his trade of stone mason. He and wife belonged to that sturdy, thrifty class naturally well equipped to face and overcome hardship and they not only comfortably reared their large family, by example and precept teaching them industrious habits, but so prospered that they lived to enjoy ease in their old age. They were among the early founders of the German Lutheran church in this section. They had the following children: John, Jacob, Louis, Frederick, George, Charles, Christian, Michael, Dorothy and Sarah. Dorothy married Jacob Fogt, and Sarah married John Fogt.

John Finkenbine attended the district schools in boyhood but as soon as old enough to be trusted with the handling of tools, learned the carpenter trade, which he followed for a number of years. In the meanwhile he acquired land, tract by tract, and then gave up carpenter work and during the remainder of his active life successfully engaged in farming and stock raising. In addition to his Franklin township land he owns 123 acres in Dinsmore township. The extensive farm activities are now in the hands of his sons who continue them profitably.

On June 8, 1858, Mr. Finkenbine married Miss Barbara Schiff, who was born in Baden, Germany, a daughter of Michael and Magdalena (Ludwig) Schiff, who emigrated to America when Airs. Finkenbine was six years old, she being the youngest of the family: Michael; Magdalena, wife of Jacob Pfaadt : Sarah, wife of Michael Stengle ; Jacob; Christian and Barbara. To Mr. and Mrs. Finkenbine the following children were born: William: Magdalena, wife of Jacob Hagelberger and they have four children - Delia, Alfred, Frederick and Carl ; Louisa, wife of Christian Foster, and they have two children - Dora and Catherine: Julia, widow of Edward English, and they had three children - May. Bessie and George; Ella, wife of William Stockstill, and they have three children - Pearl, Minnie and Thomas; Sophia, deceased, formerly the wife of Thomas Emley, and they had two children - John and Warren : Tohn E. ; Margaret, wife of John Boyer, and they have three children - Clyde, Donald and Paul; and Lewis H. and Milton B. Mr. Finkenbine and family are members of the German Lutheran church at Anna, O. He is a strong democrat in his political views but has never desired to serve in public office. Since coming to this section he has seen many changes take place, new methods of farming have been adopted and comforts and conveniences have been brought into the life of the farmer such as, in his boyhood, were not enjoyed by any residents outside of large cities. He has seen many of the old families, also, pass away, their descendants giving up their birthrights of land to enter into the rush and bustle of town and city and it must be a source of satisfaction to him that his sons still love the soil.

N. A. PAULUS, who is one of Cynthian township's substantial and valued citizens, doing a large contracting and building business all through Shelby county, resides on his valuable farm of ioo acres, which lies three miles west of Newport, O. He was born March 6, 1869, in Patterson township, Darke county, O., and has spent his life in his native state.

When he was five years old Mr. Paulus was taken to Wayne township and there he lived all through his school period, then learned his trade and continued to make his home in that section until his marriage in 1900, to Miss Mary Perin. Mrs. Paulus was born in Cynthian township, a daughter of Julius and Rosa (Frances) Perin, well known and highly respected people of this township. Mr. Paulus bought the interests of the different heirs in the Perin farm and here he and family have lived ever since. With the exception of the comfortable residence, Mr. Paulus erected all the buildings now standing and has made many other substantial improvements. There are two sets of buildings on the place.

Mr. and Mrs. Paulus are members of the Catholic church at Newport. They have three interesting children : Clara, Francis and Rosa. Mr. Paulus has always voted the democratic ticket but has never been willing to accept political office, making an exception when it came to membership on the school board, and in January, 1912, he was elected a member of the board of education of the Turner Special School District to serve until 1916.

FRANK LINDHAUS, a successful general farmer residing in section 19. Cynthian township, where he owns seventy-three acres of productive and well-cared-for land, was born in Ohio, November 30, 1877, and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth Lindhaus.

Frank Lindhaus was three years old when his parents moved to Fort Loramie and he obtained his education in the Berlin Special School District. General farming has occupied the time and attention of Mr. Lindhaus ever since and he has resided on this property, which lies one and one-fourth miles north of Newport, O., ever since his marriage. Here he has put in many improvements and these include the erection of the substantial buildings and the neat fencing which encloses his fields.

In May, 1903, Mr. Lindhaus was married to Miss Elizabeth Kloecker. who is a daughter of Herman Kloecker, of McLean township, Shelby county, and they have four attractive and intelligent children: Emma, Henry, Raymond and Laurence. Mr. and Mrs. Lindhaus are members of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic church at Newport, O. In politics he has always been a democratic voter and has never accepted any public office except that of school

FRANK J. BORCHERS, whose valuable farm of 160 acres lies in section 26, Cynthian township, is one of the enterprising and prosperous young agriculturists of this section. He was born November 12, 1887, in McLean township, Shelby county, one and one-quarter miles southwest of Fort Loramie, O., where his people were well-known old settlers.

Frank J. Borchers attended school in the Berlin Special School District and then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. In the spring of 191 1, he came to his present farm where he has thirty acres yet in timber, but all the rest is well drained and sufficiently tiled, while Mr. Borchers has put the buildings in excellent repair. He carries on mixed farming and all his industries are flourishing.

Mr. Borchers was married to Miss Emma Boerger, a daughter of Henry Boerger, a former resident of McLean township, and they have one daughter, Freda. Mr. and Mrs. Borchers are members of the Catholic church at Newport, O., which town is situated two and one-half miles east of their farm. Mr. Borchers votes the democratic ticket in both local and national elections.

J. WILLIAM KLOCKER, a well-known general farmer and stockraiser of Shelby county, O., residing in section 35, Cynthian township, where he has eighty acres of fine land, was born December 23, 1872, in McLean township, and is a son of Herman and Elizabeth Klocker.

J. William Klocker obtained his schooling in the Berlin Special School District, after which he engaged in farming, a very natural thing to do as he was reared to take an interest in this direction. In March, 191 1, Mr Kloecker purchased this farm and has all but seven acres of woodland under cultivation. Through remodeling and building, draining and tiling, he has made his property much more valuable than when he bought it. He carries on mixed farming but has little grain to sell, finding it more profitable to feed stock. His markets are easy to reach, his land lying but three and one-half miles west of Newport, O., and on the Hale turnpike road through Cynthian township.

In February, 1908, Mr. Klocker was married to Miss Mary Eilerman, a daughter of F. J. Eilerman, of McLean township, and they have two children: Leo, who was born December 23, on the Eilerman farm, 1908, in McLean township ; and Margaret, who was born on the present farm October 24, 191 1. Mr. Klocker and wife are members of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic church at Newport, O. He is a democrat in politics and on the democratic ticket was elected in January, 191 2, a member of the board of education of the Turner Special School District.

J. C. SHORT, general farmer and stock raiser, residing in Cynthian township, Shelby county, O., was born on this place, the old family home-

J. C. Short was primarily educated in the Short Special School District and afterward attended the Normal School at Lebanon, O., and then engaged for a time in teaching school in his own and neighboring townships. In more or less degree he has always engaged in farming and since marriage has devoted himself entirely to agricultural activities. This farm is the old Mover homestead and here Mr. Short's mother was born, Grandfather Moyer having entered the land. There are eighty acres in the farm and it has been improved by J. C. Short and his father and is one of the fine farms of Cynthian township.

J. C. Short was married on May 1, 1901, to Miss Sarah Anderson, a daughter of I. N. and Catherine (Peters) Anderson, of Miami county, O. Mr. and Mrs. Short have one son, a bright youth of ten years who is making satisfactory progress at school and the name of John Emery Short stands on the record of the Oran Special School District with many credit marks attached. Since January, 1912, Mr. Short has been a member of the school board, elected on the democratic ticket. Mr. Short and family are members of the Christian church at Oran, O., their farm lying one mile north and one and one-half mile west of that town.

HENRY J. BORCHERS, one of the prosperous farmers of McLean township, who successfully cultivates his farm of 153 acres, which is situated in section 11, two and one-half miles southwest of Fort Loramie, O., is interested also in a farm of eighty acres, which, in association with his brother, J. J. Borchers, he purchased from George Williams, with the intention of devoting it to stock raising. Mr. Borchers was born in McLean township, Shelby county, O., June 3, 1874, and is a son of J. B. Borchers, one of the well-known residents of this section of the county.

Henry J. Borchers obtained his schooling in the Berlin Special School District and ever since has been engaged in agricultural pursuits and at the time of marriage purchased his home farm from his father. He has all of his land well drained and in fine tillable condition with the exception of twelve acres which he prefers to keep as a wood lot. Mr. Borchers is known as an industrious, sensible and careful farmer and his time is largely devoted to his own affairs, although at times he has acceptel official responsibilities on the board of education, for seven years serving as clerk of the Walkup Special School District.

On May 1, 1901, Mr. Borchers was married to Miss Frances Hilgefort, a daughter of Clemens and Mary Hilgefort, and their eight children were all born on this farm and here the fifth of the family, Bernard Paul, died when aged but three weeks. All the others survive and are a sturdy and interesting little group: Marie, Kate, Eleanor, Bernadine, Loretta, Ursula and Rose. Mr. Borchers and wife are members of and are carefully rearing their children in St. Michael's Catholic church. In politics Mr. Borchers i^ a democrat.

JOSEPH POEPPELMAN, who operates his mother's excellent farm of eighty-three acres, which is situated in section II, McLean township. Shelby county, O., is one of the well-known and highly respected citizens of this township and for seven years served on the board of education of this special school district. He was born in McLean township and is a son of Bernard and Elizabeth Poeppelman.

The father of Mr. Poeppelman was born in Auglaize county, O., and for many years was a successful farmer in Shelby county, where he owned three farms. His death occurred in his sixty-fourth year and his burial was in the cemetery belonging to St. Michael's Catholic church at Fort Loramie, of which he was a member. His wife was born in Germany and still survives, and eight children were born to them.

Joseph Poeppelman attended school in the Dirksen Special School District and afterward helped his father and remained with his mother after the father's death. He has improved the farm in the matter of drainage, putting down a large amount of tiling, but all the buildings now standing were built before his time. He carries on a general farming line, raising stock for his own use and has the reputation of being a fine farmer and good manager.

Mr. Poeppelman was married to Miss Mary Gerling, who was born in McLean township, a daughter of Barney Gerling, and they have a family of nine children : Rosa, Ludwig, Anna, Albert, Allwis, Regina, Herman. Joseph and Martha. The family belongs to St. Michael's Catholic church. As a lifelong democrat, Mr. Poeppelman is much interested in the political future of his party and loyally supports its candidates. He has never accepted any public office for himself except membership on the school board as above mentioned.

MRS. LILLY MAY MARTZ, whose beautiful farm of 117 acres lies in Perry township, Shelby county, O., is a member of old and respected families of the county, who for years have been numbered with the solid and reliable residents. Mrs. Martz was born in Perry township and is a daughter of William A. and Rachel A. (Sturm) Ried, and a granddaughter of George and Mary (Stout) Sturm. The second marriage of Mrs. Ried was to Samuel Woolley, and to this marriage the following children were born: Mary Etta, who is the wife of Edward Taylor; George A. ; John William; Martha Ellen, who is the wife of William Develvis; Clarence Earl; Harley Thurman; Maggie Alberta, who is the wife of Charles Glick; Anna, who is the wife of William Hatcher; Adrian; and one who died at the age of fifteen years.

Lilly May Ried was educated in the public schools of Perry township and carefully reared by a very capable mother. On December 24, 1890, she was married to Lee Martz, who is the son of Flavins and Mary (Weaver) Martz. The parents of Mr. Martz were Champaign county people and he has one sister, Jennie, who is the wife of Albert Harner; and two brothers, Michael, who is older, and Lester, who is younger. Mr. and Mrs. Martz have two children : Jennie May, who is the wife of Vernon Elliott and they have one daughter, Verna May; and Guerna O'Feral, who married Harry M. Zimpfer.

Mr. Martz and family belong to the United Brethren church. Politically he is a democrat and fraternally belongs to the Odd Fellows, the Knights of the Golden Eagle and the Red Men. He is numbered with the enterprising and successful farmers and stock raisers of Perry township and he and family have a wide circle of friends.

J. HENRY ALBERS. The well cultivated farm of ioo acres which lies on the east side of the North and South road, in section 4, Dirksen Special School District, one-half mile west and one and one-half mile north of Fort Loramie, O., in McLean township, Shelby county, O., is owned by J. Henry Albers. one of the representative men of this section. He was born on the farm that adjoins this on the west, January 16, 1864, and is a son of H. H. and Josephine Albers.

H. H. Albers was born in Germany and came to the United States and to Ohio when a young man. He was married to Josephine N. Eneking, who was born in Auglaize county, and eight children were born to them, three of whom are deceased. After marriage H. H. Albers and wife came to McLean township and settled on the farm on which Mrs. Albers still resides, being now in her sixty-fifth year. He carried on farming there for a number of years prior to his death, when agel fifty-two years, and was a very highly respected man. He was influential in democratic politics and served as township supervisor and also as a member of the school board, and was a faithful member of St. Joseph's Catholic church, to which his widow also belongs.

J. Henry Albers obtained his education in the Dirksen Special School District and remained at home assisting his father until his own marriage, at which time he bought his present farm from his mother and has continued here ever since. He cleared about twenty acres of the land and yet has fifteen acres in woodland, and has made many improvements including a first class system of drainage and the erection of the commodious and comfortable buildings. He carries on mixed husbandry and raises cattle, paying close attention to his industries and having the reputation of being very successful.

Mr. Albers was married to Miss Margaret Hoying, who was born in McLean township, Shelby county, O., October 20, 1877, a daughter of Clemens and Bernadine Hoying, and they have the following children: Clemens, Bernadine, Frances, Herman, Leo, Alphonse, Matilda and Estella. Mr. Albers and family are members of St. Joseph's Catholic church at Egypt, O. He is affiliated with the democratic party, as was his late father all his life, and is serving in his second term as a member of the board of education in the Dirksen Special School District.

FRANK BORNHORST, who resides on his well-cultivated and improved farm of eighty acres, which is situated in section 9, Dirksen School District. McLean township, was born in May, 1856, in Jackson township, Auglaize county, O., and is a son of Joseph and Katie Bornhorst.

Frank Bornhorst attended school in Jackson township and afterward worked as a farmer and after his marriage purchased his present farm of his father-in-law, Anthony Imholt. The land had been somewhat improved but Mr. Bornhorst completed its clearings, all but five acres, which he retains in woods, and erected all the substantial and comfortable buildings on the place. He carries on a general farming line and raises enough stock for his own use and at all times is a busy man. He is at the head of a fine family, nine sturdy children having been born to himself and wife and they all survive. He married Miss Catherine Imholt, who was born at Cincinnati, O., a daughter of Anthony and Mary Imholt. both of whom died on this farm. Mr. and Mrs. Bornhorst's children are as follows: Mary and Frances, twins, Bernard, Herman. Bernadine, Amelia. Elizabeth, Anthony and Leo. Mr. Bornhorst and family are members of St. Michael's Catholic church. He is a democrat in politics and has served in local offices with honesty and efficiency. for two years being road superintendent and at present belonging to the board of education of the Dirksen Special School District.

BERNARD SEGER, who is president of the board of education of Dirksen Special School District, McLean township, Shelby county, O., successfully carries on general farming on his valuable tract of eighty acres, situated in section 4, on which place he was torn January 9, 1862. He is a son of Clemens A. and Elizabeth Mary (Albers) Seger.

Clemens A. Seger was born in Germany and it was about the time of the Civil war that he came to Shelby county and secured the farm under consideration, it then being entirely unimproved, in fact but a belt of woodland. He worked hard to clear and improve his land but did not survive beyond middle life, his death occurring in 1875, when he was aged but fifty-six years. He was twice married, first to Bernandina Grieshop, and second to Elizabeth Mary Albers. The first wife was the mother of Henry, Ferdinand, Bernard and an infant son. To the second marriage the following children were born : Herman, Elizabeth, Bernard, John. Anthony, Josephine, Anna, Theresa, Clemens and Joseph. The mother of the above children died January 29. 1902, at the age of sixty-six years and her burial, like that of her husband, was in the Catholic cemetery at Minster, where they attended church.

Bernard Seger was only thirteen years of age when his father died. With his brothers and sisters he had been attending school in the Dirksen Special School District, but the death of his father made it necessary for him to give the greater part of his time to work on the farm, which subsequently became his property. He has developed it into one of the finest and best improved forms of the township and has all cleared but ten acres. He put up all the present handsome buildings and takes a pardonable amount of pride in his richly cultivated fields and in his herds and stock. Like his late father, he is a democrat and has served several terms as road supervisor and for the past three years has been a member of the Dirksen Special School District, of which he is president. In this public office lie is associated with other leading' men of the community. With Mr. Seger president, the district is fortunate and the other members of the board are; Henry Fortman, clerk; August

Mr. Seger was married to Elizabeth Aspree, born in Germany, a daughter of Henry and Agnes Aspree, and the following children have been born to them: Mary, Frank, Ludwig, Charles, Johannah, Clemens, Edward, Albert and Harold, all surviving except Mary and Johannah. Mr. Seger and family are members of the Catholic church at Minster, O. The handsome home is situated on the east side of the Brandewie turnpike road.

ELISHA YOST, who is one of Sidney's most respected retired citizens, occupying his comfortable residence which is located at No. 219 North Miami avenue, is one of the best known men of Shelby county, his various activities during his earlier years, bringing him into business and social relations with a very wide circle. He was born December 25. 1837, in Morgan county, Va.

Until he was seventeen years old Elisha Yost remained in Virginia, but early in December, 1856, accompanied his uncle, Rev. John Yost, to Logan county, O., and remained with hm at Ouncy, until the spring of 1857, when he began work at the carpenter trade, having learned the same with his brother before leaving Virginia. In Quincy he worked at the trade with his cousins for a time and then, being curious to see something of other parts of the state, accepted an offer from the American Tract Society and traveled through Logan, Shelby and Champaign counties for several months, selling that company's books. In Champaign county he found other relatives and worked for some of them as a farmer, after which he purchased the carpenter tools of a cousin and went into the building business, and continued until 1862, erecting many houses and barns all through the country, and a Methodist Episcopal church edifice in Champaign county.

In the spring of 1862 Mr. Yost moved to Shelby county, and here, on August nth of that year, he entered the Union army for service in the Civil war, enlisting as a private in Company H, Ninety-ninth Ohio Vol. Inf., and was honorably discharged at the close of that long struggle. During his first year he was. connected with the Army of the Cumberland but then was transferred to the Pioneer Corps, that necessary branch of the service that, among its many duties, had the responsibility of building the pontoon bridges. Mr. Yost was present at the fall of Chattanooga and after that was transferred to the Veteran Volunteer Engineers, which built fortifications and probably occupied a more dangerous position than any other body of soldiers, and was made up entirely of skilled men. Although for all these years he lived a life of hazard, Mr. Yost escaped ail injuries and was finally mustered out at Nashville, Tenn., and returned to his home in Shelby county. In the following September he was married and he and his wife resided with the latter's father until he built a residence in Champaign county, on a farm of 265 acres, which was purchased from his wife's brother and partly belonged to her, and on that farm they lived for twenty-two years. While at Qnincy he had had some experience in the saw mill business, and as he had fine water power on his Champaign county property, he erected a saw mill there and successfully operated it and also made a profitable business of raising tobacco. When he sold his Champaign county farm he moved to Palestine, Shelby county, where he owned 400 acres, 200 of which he has sold. In 1907 he came to Sidney, where he has been a quiet but useful citizen ever since and a liberal supporter of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which religious body he has been a member since January 16, 1857.

On September 12, 1865, Mr. Yost was married to Miss Caroline Weimer, a daughter of Peter and Christina (Dormire) Weimer. Peter Weimer was born in Germany and when he came to the United States as a boy was entirely dependent upon his own industry for a living. After settling in Ohio and securing land he did not have enough capital to enable him to buy a plough with which to break up his land and.it was with the only farm implement that he had, a hoe, that he toiled until he could sow wheat for his first crop. This lack of tools caused many early settlers to grow discouraged and abandon the land which they had worked hard to get, but Mr. Weimer was persevering in the face of poverty and through his industry became prosperous and in the course of years one of the large and successful farmers of his section. The mother of Mrs. Yost was born in France.

To Mr. and Mrs. Yost the following children were born: Effie May, who is the wife of Edward Miller, a farmer; Olive Myrtle, who is the wife of Asbury Wilson ; Dora A., who is the wife of Marcus Partington : Caroline Belle, who is the wife of Lee Sergeant; Mary M., who is the wife of Charles Leever and they live in Cincinnati ; Daisy Alberta, who is the wife of O. W. Cook, of Maplewood, O. ; Norma Lavilla, who is a teacher of music, resides at home ; and Bonnie Loretta, who is deceased. While never an aggressive politician. Mr. Yost has always taken a good citizen's interest in public affairs. While living in Champaign county he served twelve years in the office of justice of the peace and afterward served six years in the same office in Shelby county. For forty years he has been identified with the Masonic fraternity.

FERDINAND C. ARKENBERG, who is a prominent citizen of McLean township, Shelby county, O., resides on his improved farm of 200 acres, situated in section 10, one mile north of Fort Loramie, O. He was born in McLean township. January 28, 1858, and is a son of Ferdinand and Elizabeth Arkenberg.

Ferdinand Arkenberg, the father, was born in Germany and was twentyfive years old when he came to the United States. He found a home in Ohio, locating near Minster, in Auglaize county, later marrying and buying a farm in McLean township. Shelby county. His wife, who was also a native of Germany, had lived in America from the age of six years. They became the parents of five sons and two daughters, of which family two sons and one daughter are deceased. Ferdinand Arkenberg and wife both died when aged sixty-five years. They were laid to rest in the cemetery attached to the Minster Catholic church, of which they were early members, later transferring their membership to St. Michael's Catholic church at Fort Loramie. In politics Ferdinand Arkenberg was a democrat and at one time served with honest efficiency in the office of road supervisor in his township.

Ferdinand C. Arkenberg attended school all through boyhood, first in the Dirksen Special School District and also at Minster and Fort Loramie, and then naturally assumed farm duties on the homestead, where he remained until his marriage, when he settled at Minster. One year afterward he moved to his present farm, which is a part of the old home place, and has continued hgre ever since. The present substantial buildings were on the place when it came into his possession, with the exception of a fine barn which Mr. Arkenberg put up in 1910, after the former one was destroyed by fire. This was destroyed by fire also but he has erected one which he completed in December, 19 1 2. In addition to general farming and stock raising, Mr. Arkenberg has a source of income from a valuable gravel pit on the place, from which he has sold material for turnpike construction for many years. This farm has many historic associations clinging to it as it is the site of old Fort Loramie. On numerous occasions as its present owner has turned furrows in the soil as his plow has been driven back and forth, he has found souvenirs of old days and as gathered together they make a very interesting collection and are naturally very highly prized by Mr. Arkenberg. Included in this collection are about twenty cannon balls, suggestive of less peaceful times than the present, and several pieces of silver. He has found three fifty cent coins bearing dates of 1776, 1777 and 1778; one dollar piece dated 1780 and a shilling bearing the date of 1805. On the south side of the farm is an area of 40x40 feet, which was long since dedicated to cemetery purposes and around which Mr. Arkenberg has planted trees.

Mr. Arkenberg was married to Miss Mary Ortman, a daughter of Bernard and Sophia Ortman, of Auglaize county, and while living at Minster one son, Frank, was born, the family being increased since coming to the farm by the following children : Rosa, Joseph, Ferdinand, Julia. Albert, Herbert and Lawrence. Mr. Arkenberg and family are members of St. Michael's Catholic church. In politics he has always been a democrat. The high esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens is indicated by the confidence they long have shown in him in reference to educational matters. He served as a member of the Berlin Special School District three terms of three years and two terms of four years each ; and is now treasurer of the board.

DAVID M. PRCDEN, general agent for the Union Central Life Insurance Company of Cincinnati, O., for Shelby and Miami counties, for a number of years has been a resident of Sidney, where he has had business interests. He was born on a farm in Orange township, Shelby county, O., December 29, 1836, and is a son of Peter and Anna (Amos) Pruden.

Peter Pruden was probably born at Elizabeth, N. J., and was a shoemaker by trade, later became a farmer. He was married in Benton county, Ky., where his wife, Anna Amos, was born, and they came to Orange township, Shelby county, and both died on the home farm. On this farm David M. Pruden was reared and resided until he was forty-six years of age when he came to Sidney. Here he embarked in the farm implement business and also engaged in handling wool. For the last twenty years he has been connected with the above standard insurance company and probably few men are better known than he in the territory his business interests cover.

In 1879 Mr. Pruden was married to Miss Anna M. Thompson, who was born in Washington township, Shelby county, a daughter of Davis Thompson, and three children were born to them, namely : Nellie, who died at the age of twenty-five years, was the wife of Clifford Livingstone ; Sadie, who died when aged twenty-three years ; and Catherine. Mr. Pruden is identified fraternally with the Masons, the Elks and the Knights of Pythias.

WILLIAM CASHNER, a highly respected citizen and retired farmer of Shelby county, who occupies his comfortable residence situated on South Ohio avenue, Sidney, was born in Dinsmore township, Shelby county, O., April 23, 1843, and is a son of John and Barbara (Walburn) Cashner.

John Cashner and wife were born in Pennsylvania and were married there a short time before coming to Ohio. They settled in Montgomery county and spent one year on a farm south of Dayton and about 1833 came to Shelby county, settling on a heavily wooded tract of land in Dinsmore township. They were among the first white settlers and found many Indians remaining in this section, while, for years afterward, wolves hctvled unpleasantly near the farm-house at night and a close watch had to be maintained to prevent the deer coming from the forest and pawing out the winter wheat. Game was plentiful and there was no lack of food, but other pioneer conditions brought many hardships which only courage and brave endurance could overcome. John Cashner died on this place when aged but fifty years, but his widow, of more robust constitution, survived into her eighty-seventh year. Their original farm contained forty acres, to which Mr. Cashner had added twenty acres.

William Cashner was about nine years old when his father died and he then accompanied his mother to Champaign county, where they lived for two years, in i860 returning to Shelby county. Choice and immediate opportunity made a farmer of Mr. Cashner and after coming back to his native county he worked for more than a year for John Bush, south of Sidney, and afterward for other farmers over the county for twenty-six years. He then invested in farm land in Wood county, O., on which he lived for three years when he disposed of it and for two more years rented a farm in Orange township, Shelby county, belonging to an uncle, Benjamin Wirt. From there he went to Auglaize county and lived on a rented farm for seven years and then returned to the former farm in Orange township, which he rented for nine more years, and in 1894 purchased it and continued to reside there until June.

1910, when he bought his home in Sidney and retired from active life. Shortly afterward he sold his farm, which he had greatly improved, realizing $12,000, which was a profitable investment as he had paid but $5,000 for the property. In 1873 Mr. Cashner was married to Miss Valerie L. Rush, a daughter of Jesse and Jane (Martin) Rush. She was born in Franklin township, Shelby county, O., but her father was born in Pennsylvania and her mother in New York. They were married in Greene county, O., and for many years lived comfortably as farmers in Franklin township, Shelby county, where the father died in 1866 and the mother in 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Cashner have three children: Charles C, who is clerk in the Oliver Hotel at South Bend, Ind. ; Nellie Jane, who is the wife of Milton Haney, a farmer in Orange township, and they have one child, William Don ; and William Dow, who is a bookkeeper in the great commercial house of Montgomery Ward & Co., Chicago, 111. Mr. Cashner and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. Although ever a wide awake and interested citizen, Mr. Cashner has never been very active in political life and never accepted any public office except membership on the school board in Orange township.

EDWARD F. STALEY, proprietor of Staley's Bakery at No. 714 Spruce street, Sidney, O., where he is doing a very satisfactory business, has had an experience in this line that covers twenty-one years. He was born on a farm east of Anna Station, O., May 23, 1869, and is a son of Joseph and Mary J. (Kerst) Staley. Joseph Staley was born in Shelby county, a son of Emanuel Staley, the latter of whom was a native of South Carolina and an early settler in Montgomery county, O., from which section he came to Shelby county. Joseph Staley followed farming all his life and died on his farm, after which his widow moved to Anna, where her death occurred.

Edward F. Staley attended the country schools and remained on the home farm until he was twenty years of age. Then he decided to learn the baking business and worked in a bakery at Anna Station for two years, after which he went to New London, O., later to Wapakoneta, then to Lima, and from there to Winchester, Ind., working at his trade at all these points. Mr. Staley has been a resident of Sidney for six years, in 1910 purchasing the bakery which George Ehrhardt had been operating here for seven years. Mr. Staley has a clean, commodious and sanitary bakery, and the extent of his patronage may be judged when it is asserted that he turns out from 1200 to 1400 loaves of bread a day, beside quantities of other goods, and requires the assistance of two bakers. His range of customers covers so large a territory, both in and outside the city, that Mr. Staley now makes use of an automobile for his deliveries.

Mr. Staley was married to Miss Sophia F. Prefer, of New Knoxville, Auglaize county, O., a daughter of Joseph Prefer, a well-known resident of that section, and they have five children: Vida, Minnie, Wilbur, Ethel and Everett. Mr. Staley and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is identified with the Odd Fellows.

J. W. WEYMER, who is a well-known citizen and farmer of Washington township, Shelby county, O., operating his farm of 150 acres, situated six and one-half miles southwest of Sidney, was born in Washington township. June 2, 1850, and is a son of Michael and Mary (Barnes) Weymer.

Michael Weymer was probably of German extraction but was born in New York and from there came to Shelby county in 1838, locating at that time in Washington township where the remainder of his life was spent, his death occurring in 1877, at the age of sixty-seven years. He was married to Mary Barnes in New York and they came by wagon to this section and in the early days endured many pioneer deprivations. Seven children were born to them and all reached maturity with one exception, there now being but two survivors, J. W. and Carrie. One daughter, Mary A., married John J. Alexander, who died in February, 1895. Mrs. Alexander died in May, 1900.

J. W. Weymer obtained his schooling in Washington township and from boyhood assisted his father on the home farm. Since 1877 he has been operating his present property and also manages his sister's farm of 100 acres. The residence occupied by Mr. Weymer and also by his sister, was built by a brother-in-law, the late John J. Alexander, who owned and operated this farm. A general agricultural line is carried on including grain growing and stock raising.

Mr. Weymer married Miss Ida M. Burnett, a member of one of the early families of Shelby county, and they have one son, Clarence, who has been given collegiate advantages at Ada, O., and who assists his father. Mr. and Mrs. Weymer are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Lockington. In politics Mr. Weymer is a democrat. He has never desired political office but has always taken an interest in the agricultural development of the county and has served as a director of the Agricultural Association. He belongs to the fraternal order of Maccabees.

D. W. SCOTT, whose valuable farm of ninety-five acres is situated four and one-half miles southwest of Sidney, O., in a fertile and favorable section of Washington township, was born in 1863 in Washington township, Shelby county, O., and is a son of John and Elle (Higgins) Scott.

John Scott, who is one of the highly esteemed retired residents of Washington township, where he owns a farm of 140 acres, was born in Shelby county and has spent his life here. He was married first to Ellen Higgins and they had three children : D. W., Samuel and Mrs. Hunt, Samuel being deceased. Mr. Scott was married (second) to Jennie Stewart and the two children of that union are both deceased. His third marriage was to Callie Stewart, to which there was no issue.

D. W. Scott obtained his education in the public schools and afterward, for some years, worked in different sections by the month, for farmers. For two years after his marriage he was associated with bis father and then spent four years in Miami county. In 1898 he purchased his present farm which he devotes to stock raising and general farming, mainly grain growing.

Mr. Scott married Miss Cora Valentine and they have two children : Ella and John. Mr. and Mrs. Scott are members of the United Brethren church at Lockington. In politics he is a republican and at one time served as township trustee. The Scotts are representative people of Washington township.

CAPT. JAMES L. VAN RIPER, captain of Company L, Third Ohio National Guard, and city auditor of Sidney, O., is one of the prominent young men of Shelby county and one in whom Sidney takes a proprietary interest as he was born here on August i~, 1884, and has made his native place the scene of his interests. He is a son of William L. and Margaret (Lampher) Van Riper, the former of whom is agent for the United States Express Company in this city.

James L. Van Riper attended the public schools of Sidney and was graduated from the Sidney high school in 1902, at that time accepting a position in the office of the American Steel Scraper Company, where he continued for five and one-half years, when he accepted, in 1907, the position of secretary with the Standard Clutch Manufacturing Company, with which he remained until his resignation in 191 1. In the meanwhile he had become interested in public affairs and politics and became the candidate on the republican ticket for city auditor, to which office he was elected with a large majority, being the only one of his political complexion elected on the city ticket. A patriotic sentiment suggested his uniting with the state militia and on July 1, 1907, he enlisted as a private in Company L, Third Regiment, Ohio National Guards, and he was quickly discovered to possess military qualities which resulted in his promotion. On July 22. 1907, he was appointed corporal, and on March 20, 1908, was advanced to the rank of sergeant, on April 22 following being made first sergeant and on January 6, 1910, was commissioned first lieutenant by Governor Harmon. On January 26, 191 1, he succeeded Captain Douglas and has command of a fine body of fifty-six men, his being the largest as well as one of the best drilled companies at the annual encampment in 1912. Although a stern disciplinarian, Captain Van Riper has the universal devotion of his men and they form a very effective section of the Third regiment. Captain Van Riper is identified with several fraternal organizations, including the Knights of Pythias and the Foresters.

ANTHONY BARHORST, who is a very enterprising and successful farmer of McLean township and a member of one of the old and respected Catholic families here, was born in McLean township, Shelby county, O., March 1, 1884, and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Grieshop) Barhorst.

Henry Barhorst was born at Stein feldt, Oldenberg, Germany, September 30, 1828, and came to the United States when sixteen years of age. settling on a farm west of Loramie, O., and after his marriage he followed farming there for ten years and later acquired a large body of land, at the time of death, August 22, 1906, owning 240 acres. He was a man of high standing in McLean township and for fifteen years served as a township trustee. On

June 5, 1855, he married Elizabeth Grieshop, who was born at Denklage, Germany, January 7, 1838, and was brought to America in her ninth year. Her people settled in Mercer county, O., where she lived until her marriage took place at Loramie. She died on the home farm in McLean township, August 23, 1908. They were faithful members of St. Michael's Catholic church at Fort Loramie and were known all through the parish for their many fine qualities. They had eleven children : Henry, Herman, John, Bernard, Joseph, Anthony, Mary, Catherine and Rose, being those named, and of these, Herman, Joseph, Mary, Catherine and Rose are deceased.

Anthony Barhorst was educated in the Sherman Special School District and has followed farming ever since reaching manhood. After marriage he settled on his farm of 100 acres, which is situated in section 11, McLean township, four miles southeast of Fort Loramie, which he bought of George Babylon. He remodeled the residence and has added buildings as his large agricultural operations have made necessary and has all his land in tillable condition except twelve acres of woodland.

Mr. Barhorst was married January 22, 1907, to Miss Josephine Debrosse. who was born in Loramie township, a daughter of Irenus and Margaret (Esthman) Debrosse, and four children have been born to them: an infant daughter who did not long survive; and Irenus Henry, Agnes B. and John Robert. Mr. Barhorst and family belong to St. Michael's Catholic church. He is a democrat in his political views and takes a good citizen's interest in public matters.

JOHN BURKHART, one of the leading business men of Sidney, conducting a first class shoe store, in the Burkhart block, on Xorth Main avenue, is an experienced shoe and leather man, having been engaged in this line since 1879, when he and his brother became partners with their father, one of the pioneer business men of the city. He was born at Spring Hill, Champaign county, O., September 13, 1857, and is a son of John and Mary Ann (Berner) Burkhart. The parents were born and reared in Germany and shortly after marriage, in 1850, came to the United States and settled first at Quincy, O., but later moved to Spring Hill, and in 1865 came to Sidney. The father was an expert shoemaker, having learned his trade in Germany and continued active in business until his death in 1902. He was a successful business man; not only erected the Burkhart block on North Main avenue. but also owned the two-story brick building directly north. He left three sons: William, John and E. E., the last named serving for eight years as mayor of the city of Dayton. O.

John Burkhart was educated in the Sidney schools and among his earliest recollections are events connected with his father's shoe store in which he assisted as he grew older, and in 1879 ne an^ brother William became partners with their father. In 1880 the firm erected the Burkhart block, a fine three-story brick building with basement, which Mr. Burkhart now owns, having purchased his brother's interest in 1904. The other real estate owned

At Sidney, Mr. Burkhart was married to Miss Mary Kraft, a daughter of George Kraft, and they have one daughter, Stella, who is the wife of Prof. L. J. Meyerholtz, a well-known teacher of music here and the leader of the Sidney band. As a citizen Mr. Burkhart has been public spirited and enterprising, has served usefully in the city council and was a member of Sidney's first board of public service. He maintains fraternal relations with the order of Eagles and belongs also to the Elks and is a trustee of the local lodge of this organization.

E. M. BAKER, a leading citizen of Green township, formerly a justice of the peace, resides on his valuable farm of seventy-five acres, which lies ten miles southeast of Sidney. He was born in Clark county, O., in 1863, and is a son of C. W. and Mary A. (Wells) Baker.

C. W. Baker was born in Maryland and was four years old when his parents brought him to Ohio. He was reared in Clark county and followed fanning there for many years and continued to be an agriculturist after moving to Shelby county, where he died in his seventy-ninth year. He married Mary A. Wells, who was born in Champaign county, O., and five children were born to them, namely: N. H. and W. B.. both of whom live in Green township ; Forrest, who is deceased ; E. M. ; and Mrs. Bertha A. Pence.

E. M. Baker was educated mainly in the public schools of Shelby county. enjoying two terms also at Lebanon, O., after which he became a school teacher and more or less continuously devoted himself to educational work for twenty-five years, practically in Shelby county with three terms in Miami county. As a teacher he was considered very efficient and his acquaintance extends all over both counties and his friends are in every section. In 1905 he moved on the farm on which he resides and in retiring from educational work he turned his attention to the improvement and development of his property. With the exception of the residence, all the substantial buildings on the place have been put here by Mr. Baker, and it has been so remodeled that it has many desirable modern comforts and conveniences. General farming and stock raising are carried on and Mr. Baker is proving that an educated man makes a very successful farmer.

Mr. Baker married Miss Clara Moon and they have two children : O. H. and C. L., both of whom reside at home. In politics Mr. Baker is identified with the republican party.

E. W. PARTINGTON, a successful general farmer of Green township. Shelby county, O., residing nine miles southeast of Sidney, where he owns 118^ acres of excellent land, the old home place, was born here and has the privilege of being associated with the old familiar landmarks that he can remember since childhood.

finding enougli to still occupy his time in overseeing his large property. During his active years he carried on general fanning and stock raising and his land still brings him a satisfactory income. He still occupies the residence his father built but has made many improvements. Mr. Partington has always been a democrat although he has never been willing to accept office, but his judgment is valued by his fellow citizens and is often consulted. Mr. and Mrs. Partington have a wide circle of friends.

P. A. HOWELL, one of the representative men of Orange township, Shelby county, O., residing on his excellent farm of 135 acres, named Cedar Hill, situated six miles south of Sidney, O., was born in Hancock county, 111., and is a son of James A. and Ellen (Slaughter) Howell.

James A. Howell was born in Ohio and reared to manhood here. Prior to his marriage he moved to Illinois and remained there and in Iowa some six years. After he returned to his native state, he located in Miami county and lived there and in Shelby county until 1900, when he removed to Richmond, Ind., where he now lives retired. He married Ellen Slaughter, and of their six children five survive.

P. A. Howell was educated in the schools of Miami and Shelby counties, being aged four years when his parents came to Ohio from Iowa. At the age of sixteen he was granted a certificate to teach, being at that time the youngest person ever given a teacher's certificate in his home county. He however preferred the farm and began life for himself as a farm hand. Fearing no amount of hard work and never turning back when encountering difficulties and adversity, although still a young man, he has succeeded in establishing himself on one of the most productive farms of Orange township, being considered one of the substantial citizens of the community. For a number of years Mr. Howell has been engaged frequently in lecture work before Farmers' Institutes, and Cedar Hill farm, on which he has resided since 1900, is surely an example of what may be accomplished by modern methods and systematic effort in increasing the productiveness of a run down farm. He makes a specialty of breeding draft horses and raising potatoes and also has for a number of years been engaged in buying and shipping potatoes, being the founder in this vicinity of an industry amounting to many thousands of dollars annually to the farmers of the county. Mr. Howell is one of the progressive agriculturists of this section, undoubtedly is prospering, and is in every sense of the word a self made man. In politics he is a democrat but has never accepted any offices except in connection with the public schools and has served several years on the school board, and for five of these was clerk.

Mr. Howell was married to Miss Dora C. Voress, only daughter of J. F. Voress, one of the well known residents of Shelby county, and they have four children: Mabel, Walter, Violet, and Ethel. Mr. Howell and family belong to the Christian church.

And Representative Citizens 5C.7

JOHN ARLING, who is one of the heirs of the late Henry Arling, and vvho, with his brothers, Henry and Frank Arling, carry on the agricultural activities of the homestead, where they have 170 acres of fine land, was born on this farm, situated in section 12, McLean township, Shelby county, O. He is a son of Henry and Mary (Fischer) Arling.

Henry Arling was born and reared in Auglaize county, O., and died on the present home farm in August, 1906, at the age of sixty-six years. He was a faithful member of the Catholic church and an upright man in every relation of life. His first marriage was in Auglaize county, to Elizabeth Leining and they had two children : Bernard, who lives at Fort Loramie, O. ; and Elizabeth, who is the wife of Frank Rethman, of the same place. After his first marriage, Henry Arling lived at Minster until he bought his farm of 170 acres in McLean township, Shelby county, a tract that had been but little improved. His first wife died on this farm and his second marriage was to Mary Fischer, who was born in McLean township, a daughter of John Fischer. Mrs. Arling still lives on the old homestead, and she and her children all belong to St. Michael's Catholic church. To the above marriage eight children were born, namely: John, Henry, Rosa, Katie, Anna, Frank, Caroline and Loretta, all of whom survive except Anna.

John Arling and his brothers and sisters attended the schools near home and the sons of the family have all become capable farmers, industriously carrying on general farming and raising livestock, cattle and hogs. The old home sufficed until 1909 when it was replaced by a more commodious and comfortable one, erected by Mr. Arling and his two brothers. On this farm there are gravel pits which have supplied the material for the building of three turnpike roads but they have not been operated since 1910. John Arling and brothers, like their late father, are all stanch democrats.

JOHN W. LOCHARD, who now lives in comfortable retirement at Sidney, O., for many years was an extensive farmer in Salem township, where he still retains 240 acres of highly improved land, a fine farm that lies six and one-half miles northeast of Sidney. He was born in Champaign county, O., March 18, 1855, and is a son of Thomas and Eliza (Ellis) Lochard

The parents of John W. Lochard were born in Virginia and were married shortly after removing with their people to West Liberty, Logan county, O. They moved then to Champaign county where they continued to live until 1874, when they came to Shelby county and the father bought 160 acres of land in Salem township on which he died in 1879, the mother surviving until 1881. After the death of both parents, John W. Lochard bought the interests of the other heirs and subsequently added more land until, as above mentioned, he has 240 acres, all in one body. During the succeeding years Mr. Lochard replaced all the old buildings with modern ones and his residence is an unusually fine example of rural architecture with attractive surroundings. In addition to general farming Mr. Lochard gave considerable attention to raising high grade hogs and cattle. Although a busy man all his active life he never neglected any duty of citizenship, and his neighbors frequently showed their confidence in him by electing him to local offices and for seven years he served as a trustee of Salem, township. In 1905 he was elected a county commissioner on the democratic ticket and continued in this responsible office until 191 1, in the spring of which year he came to Sidney.

Mr. Lochard married Miss Clara Belle Murphy, a daughter of H. C. and Nancy Murphy, farming people of Franklin township, Shelby county, and four children have been born to them, namely: Laura Celia, who is the wife of George L. Kraft, and they have one daughter, Virginia ; Mabel Clare, who is the wife of Dr. Fred McVay, of Botkins, O. ; the third daughter, who died at the age of eleven years, and Hazel Ellen, who lives at home. Mr. Lochard and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is identified with several fraternal bodies that have a large and representative membership in this section, including the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of Khorassan.

WILLIAM H. McCLOSKEY. a retired farmer and well known citizen of Shelby county, who has occupied his handsome residence on South Main avenue, Sidney, since March. 1909, still retains possession of two valuable farms situated in Perry township, aggregating 120 acres. He was born in Orange township, Shelby county, O.. January 17. 1857, and is a son of Josiah W. and Sarah (Barklow) McCloskey.

Josiah W. McCloskey was born at Maysville, Ky., and was sixteen years old when he accompanied his father, Michael McCloskey. to Shelby county, who settled first in Orange township but afterward lived in both Green and Clinton townships and then returned to Orange township where he and wife died on the same day. Josiah \Y. McCloskey grew to manhood in this county and married Sarah Barklow, a daughter of John Barklow. who came here about 1836. Mr. McCloskey bought his first farm in Orange township about the time of marriage and afterward owned several valuable tracts of land. His death occurred in March, 1890, at the age of seventy years.

William H. McCloskey attended the district schools in boyhood and remained on the home farm in Orange township until he was thirty years old and then moved to Perry township where he had bought a farm. Three years later he was united in marriage to Miss Nora E. Redinbo, a daughter of Andrew Redinbo, and they have one daughter, Myrle. She was married in October, 191 1, to Charles Louis Eichel, a business man of Sidney. Mr. and Mrs. McCloskey resided in Perry township until his retirement, carrying on general farming until 1887, when he went into the threshing business and continued until 1904, after which for five years, he again devoted his attention entirely to his farm activities. In politics Mr. McCloskey has always been identified with the republican party and at times has been elected to township offices on this ticket, serving as township trustee, and also for six years has held the position of deputy state supervisor of elections. For many years he has had fraternal interests which include membership with the Knights of Pythias, the Knights of Khorassan and the Elks.

M. E. PARTINGTON, who has been a lifelong resident of Shelby county, O., resides on his valuable and well improved farm of 156 acres, which lies in Green township, one mile east of Plattsville. He was born one and onehalf miles southeast of this place and is a son of Edwin and Jemima Partington.

Edward Partington was born in Union county, Ind., in 1831 and came to Green township, Shelby county, with his mother when nine years old and remained here during the subsequent years of his life, dying in 1905. He was a man of high standing in his community and was widely known. His widow, who still survives, was born in 1831, and six children were born to them: Joseph, who lives near Middletown ; John D., who lives at Midway, Shelby county; Mrs. Mary Middleton; William E., who lives at Sidney; Edwin W., who operates the homestead farm; and M. E.

M. E. Partington remained on the home farm during his boyhood while attending school and afterward until 1900, but when he married he came to this farm which his father owned, and bought it in 1906, and here carries on farming and stock raising very successfully.

In 1900 Mr. Partington was married to Miss Dora Yost, who is a daughter of Elisha Yost, of one of the old pioneer families, and they have two children: Florence and Myron. They are members of the Christian church. In politics Mr. Partington is a democrat.

JOHN E. DORSEY, one of the representative men of Green township, Shelby county, O., and a member of one of the pioneer families of this section, resides on his farm of ninety acres, situated twelve miles southeast of Sidney. He was born in 1854, on a part of his father's land lying immediately across the road from his present farm, and is a son of Snowden D. and a grandson of John Dorsey.

Snowden D. Dorsey was born on the farm above mentioned which his father had secured from the government, and as he grew old enough helped his father to clear the 160 acres from its wild state. Snowden D. Dorsey was both farmer and carpenter. His death occurred in 1894, on his farm east of where he was born in 1825. He was thrice married, first to Margaret J. Dodson, who, at death, left two sons : Edward C. and John E. His second marriage was to Sarah Shaw, who died without issue, and he then married Anna M. Mathers and two sons were born to that union : Samuel M. and Charles M.

John E. Dorsey attended the district schools and afterward continued to assist his father and remained on the old homestead until 1892, when he purchased his present land. This property he greatly improved, building a comfortable and commodious residence and otherwise changing and rearranging structures so that everything was made convenient and now has one of the fine farms of this section. He married Miss Mary E. Licklider and they have six children, namely: Edward E.,. Harry F., Bonnie F., William S., Bessie M. and Bertha M. Mr. Dorsey has always been an active citizen so far as taking an interest in all law abiding movements is concerned, but he votes indepen- dently. His fellow citizens, however, have many times shown their appreciation of his sterling character by electing him to local offices and he has served on the school board, as township assessor, as township trustee and as turnpike superintendent. He is a man of social tastes and is identified fraternally with the Knights of the Golden Eagle and the Improved Order of Red Men.

FLINT L. HUBBELL, M. D., physician and surgeon, has been engaged professionally at Sidney, O., since 1905, and has built up a very satisfactory practice, making a specialty of surgery. He was born at Quincy, O., January 9, 1879, and is a son of Dr. James A. and a grandson of Hezekiah Hubbell.

It is a long way back to the times of Grandfather Hubbell as he was one of the earliest pioneers of Shelby county. He was a shoemaker by trade and for a short time followed the same when Sidney was but a village. He was a great hunter and the family tradition is that in one winter alone he killed a bear and forty-three deer on the present site of Sidney. His son, Dr. James A. Hubbell, still resides at Quincy, where he has practiced medicine continuously for the past forty years, his father having died there.