Shelby County, Ohio - Chapter 23: Miscellaneous, 1913 (part 6 of 14)

Flint L. Hubbell was reared at Quincy and in the home of his grandfather near by, receiving his educational training in the Quincy schools and after completing his course in the high school entered the Ohio Normal University at Ada, O., where he was graduated in 1896. For two years afterward he conducted a drug store at Quincy and in 1898 entered Starling Medical College at Columbus, where he was graduated with the class of 1901. He returned to Quincy and engaged in medical practice there, in the meanwhile continuing his scientific studies which included several post graduate courses prior to coming to Sidney, February 22, 1904. He was an interne for six months at Bellevue Hospital, New York, and on July 4, 1904, was graduated from the Chicago Clinical School. Dr. Hubbell's enthusiasm for his profession induced further study and he completed a post graduate course in 1912, at the Chicago Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital. He is identified with the leading medical organizations of the country, belonging to the Shelby County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society, the American Medical Association and the International Associations of Surgeons.

Dr. Hubbell was married at Sidney to a daughter of John F. Horr, who, at present is a government official at Jacksonville, Fla. Dr. Hubbell is a member of the Elks and is a thirty-second degree Mason.

V. C. HETZLER, whose extensive agricultural operations are carried on his farm of 214 acres, situated in Green township, and on a farm of 121 acres, located one mile further north, which belongs to himself and sister, is a member of one of the old and respected county families. He was born October 20, 1877, at Hetzler's Corners, in Orange township, Shelby county, O., and is a son of George F. and Orilla F. (Sanders) Hetzler.

George F. Hetzler was born and reared in Orange township, Shelby county, and lived and died on the place where his father, Christian Hetzler, had also been born, whose father, George F. Hetzler, had come to this place from New Jersey, securing the land from the government when this locality was first opened up for settlement. Grandmother Hetzler was a member of the old Lemon family, which came early to Shelby county. The great-grandfather's farm was never out of the Hetzler name until it was sold in 1912, but the grandfather's farm is still held by the Hetzlers. George F. Hetzler, father of V. C., followed farming until his health failed, his death occurring at the early age of twenty-eight years. He married Orilla F. Sanders, who died November 21, 1912, their two children being: V. C. and Harriet, the latter being the wife of Roscoe Laymaster, who is in business at St. Mary's. They have three children : Dorothea, Florence and Harold.

Since his school days, V. C. Hetzler has been occupied with farming and stock raising and carries on his large undertakings with very satisfying results. The death of his mother has increased his ownership of land, he now having 204 acres in Green township, eighty-three acres where he lives and 121 acres one mile north. He married Miss Sylvia Woodmancy and they have three children : Gladys F., Rachel E. and Doris L. In his political attitude Mr. Hetzler prefers to be independent but takes a good citizen's interest in all local matters and served three years on the school board. With his family he belongs to the Christian church. Fraternally he is identified with the Odd Fellows.

FRED McNEIL, general farmer and stock raiser, who owns a valuable farm of sixty acres in Orange township, situated five and one-half miles southwest of Sidney, was born in Montgomery county, O., August 23, 1866. and is a son of Milton and Elizabeth (Boyer) McNeil.

Milton McNeil was born in Montgomery county, O., where he grew to manhood and after his first marriage moved to Missouri and lived there for six years and then came to Shelby county and settled on the farm now owned by his son and continued to live here until his death, when aged seventy-six years. His first marriage was to Frances Boyer and they had four children : Mary Frances, Jacob, Lucretia and Martin, the last two being deceased. His second marriage was to Elizabeth Boyer, a sister of his first wife, and two children were born to them : Fred and Jessie, the latter of whom died in Missouri. The mother died in February, 19 12, at the age of eighty-four years.

Fred McNeil obtained his education in the public schools, and farming and stock raising have been the industries to which he had devoted his time and attention ever since and for the past thirty years he has lived on his present place. The buildings were all put up during his father's time and he has kept them in repair and has done other improving.

Mr. McNeil was married to Miss Hannah W. Weatherhead, who was born in Miami county, O., and they have two children: Milton, who gives his father assistance ; and Jessie, who resides at home. Mr. McNeil and family attend the United Brethren church. Politically he is a democrat and at present is serving as a member of the township school board.

JOSEPH DANIEL BARNES, a leading member of the bar at Sidney, where he enjoys a fine practice and is a representative and stable citizen, was born in Adams township, Champaign county, O., June 14, 1869, and is a son of John H. and Mary (Hubbell) Barnes.

John H. Barnes was born at Hedgesville, W. Va., in 1845, and died April 13, 1907, in Ohio, to which state his father, Michael Barnes, had brought him when a motherless boy of two years. Michael Barnes settled at what was known as Mosquito Lake, Champaign county, where he acquired land and there John H. Barnes was reared and a year after marriage moved to Logan county, later returning to Champaign county and in 1884 moved to Sidney. He was a well-known, reputable citizen, a member of the Episcopal church and a democrat in his political connection. He married Mary Hubbell, in 1867, a daughter of Hezekiah and Sarah (Johnson) Hubbell, of Quincy, where Mr. Hubbell was a merchant. Three children were born to John H. Barnes and wife, two of whom died in infancy.

Joseph Daniel Barnes attended the public schools in Champaign county and later the Sidney high school, subsequently entering the Cincinnati Law School, where he was graduated in May, 1890, afterward spending one year in the law office of Davies & Hoskins, at Sidney. Mr. Barnes then opened a law office in the Thompson building, at Sidney, and continued alone in practice until July, 1909, when he formed a partnership with D. F. Mills, which association continues under the firm style of Barnes & Mills. For twenty-two years Mr. Barnes has been engaged honorably in the practice of his profession in this city and at times has accepted public office when tendered him, serving efficiently as city solicitor from 1892 until 1895, and as prosecuting attorney from 1895 until 1901. He has ever been an active and interested citizen and an ardent supporter of the principles of the democratic party, for a number of years being entrusted with party management as chairman of the Shelby County Democratic Central Committee. He has four farms in his charge, but otherwise devotes himself entirely to his profession.

In December, 1900, Mr. Barnes was married to Miss Raeburn Eppler, a daughter of Thomas W. and Mary (Miller) Eppler. His fraternal connections include membership with the Masons, Odd Fellows, and the Elks. He maintains his office in the court house at Sidney, and owns an attractive and comfortable residence.

WILLIAM A. PERRY, president and general manager of the Sidney Steel Scraper Company at Sidney, O., an enterprise of large importance, backed by ample capital and officered with men of business experience and reliability, was born in Union county, Ind., November 24, 1865, and is a son of Russell Biglow and Eliza (Rider) Perrv.

The father of Mr. Perry died when he was four years old and his widowed mother moved then to Hamilton, O., where, eight years later she married John Laughlin and shortly afterward the family removed to Sidney, where Mr. Laughlin became the head of the Sidney School Furniture Company. Mr. Perry was twelve years old when the family came to this city and here he completed his education and began his business career in the office of the Sidney School Furniture Company, advancing from the position of bookkeeper to be secretary and treasurer of that concern. It was a prosperous business enterprise which, on the death of Mr. Laughlin, was sold to the American School Furniture Manufacturing Company. Mr. Perry then went to New York City and for two years had charge of the collection department for that company and still further confidence was shown in his tact and ability by the company when they commissioned him to go to Mexico and there establish a branch house. His mission to Mexico was successful, but, on account of becoming interested there in mining, one year later he resigned his position with the above named company and devoted the following three years to developing Mexican mining properties. In the meanwhile he associated himself with Julius Balke, who is now vice president of the Brunswick-Balke Company, of Chicago, 111., in a partnership for the manufacture of school and church furniture, under the firm name of the Mexican School Furniture Company, operating in conjunction with the American School Furniture Company. Six months after starting their factory was destroyed by fire and the partners decided to return north instead of rebuilding, Mr. Balke going to Chicago and Mr. Perry to Sidney.

The Sidney Steel Scraper Company was established at Sidney many years ago by the late William Haslup and after returning to Sidney Mr. Perry identified himself with this concern, which was subsequently incorporated with a capital of $200,000. For ten years Mr. Perry served as secretary and treasurer and also as sales manager of this company, and, on the death of Mr. Haslup, in 191 2, succeeded him as president. The other officers are: Ben Strauss, vice president, and W. L. Snyder, secretary and treasurer.

Mr. Perry was married at Sidney, O., to Miss Clara Epler, who is a daughter of Thompson W. Epler, a prominent citizen. They have one son, John Perry. Fraternally Mr. Perry is a Mason and politically a republican and unquestionably is one of the reliable and conscientious citizens of the community in which his life has-been mainly spent and where his dearest interests are centered.

WILLIAM H. WAGNER, In every community there is some one family which stands out prominently among the other inhabitants and in the history of Sidney that family is Wagner. They were originally French, born in Alsace, then a northern province of France, and came to this country in 1830, three sturdy brothers. Joseph, Peter and Mathias. Mathias Wagner first saw the light of day in Alsace, April 24, 1818, and in 1830 came to America and drove a team through to Pittsburg, where he met his father who had preceded him by stage from Baltimore. After working there awhile he came to Ohio, to Columbiana county, and there his father engaged in farming. Mathias came on to Allen county in 1837 and a year later to Sidney, when he opened up a meat market and engaged in other enterprises until he became one of the strongest financial men of the town. In 1844 he married Miss Marv Rauth, born in Germany, and became the father of twelve children.

eight of whom are living. Two brothers of Mathias were born in Ohio, John and George, and came to this county in the fifties. Mr. Wagner died in June, 1888.

William H., the second child of this union, was born in Sidney, May 24, 1855, attended parochial and public schools in Sidney and supplemented this with a course at St. Mary's Institute at Dayton. He married Miss Sophia Cable, of Sandusky, in 1880, who died leaving a son, Cable, who is now associated with the Wagner brothers in the Wagner Manufacturing Company. In 1887 he married Miss Ina Graber, of Findlay, who became the mother of seven children, one of whom died at the age of two years. Mrs. Wagner died a year ago, January 26, 19 12, universally beloved. His oldest son, Mathias, is now an interne at St. Frances hospital in Pittsburg, an honor graduate of medicine from the St. Louis University, in 1912. His second child, Marcelle. graduated with the B. A. degree from St. Mary's Institute three years ago, matriculated with the M. A. degree from the Catholic University at Washington and is now taking a theological course in Cincinnati. William is now at St. Mary's and the daughter, Rose Evelyn, the youngest, with two sons, Richard and Alfred, are attending school in Sidney.

Mr. Wagner lives next the old Wagner homestead on North Miami avenue, and while a very busy man, finds time to cultivate the higher side of his nature in his love of music, pictures and books. He was for many years the tenor soloist in Holy Angels church and is now one of its wardens.

Mr. Wagner is now and has been president of the First National Exchange Bank since its organization in 1899. President of the People's Savings and Loan Association for the last ten years and for twenty-four on its board of directors.

He has been president of the Wagner Manufacturing Company since its organization twenty-two years ago. This company makes high grade polish and nickel-plated and aluminum kitchen utensils. Mr. Wagner is also president of the Sidney Telephone Company and a director in the Sidney Tool Company and the Monarch Machine Company. He was president of the Commercial Club in 1906 and has always taken an interest in civic utilities and is foremost in advancing public spirited enterprises. Proof of his business capacity is shown in the success which has attended his efforts and which has made his name a familiar one in marts of trade at many points.

WILLIAM T. JOHNSTON, who is a well-known resident of Shelby county, residing on his valuable farm of 190 acres, which is situated in Green township, five miles southeast of Sidney, O., was born on this place in £849 and is a son of Joseph and Hannah (Dorn) Johnston.

Joseph Johnston was born and reared in Virginia and came from there, in early manhood, to Shelby county and bought the present homestead when he could secure land at eight dollars an acre. To the development and improvement of his property here he devoted the rest of his life, his death occurring when well advanced in years. He was a sturdy type of citizen and was held in respect by those with whom he was so long associated. He married Hannah Dorn, who was born in Butler county, O., and was brought to Shelby county when five years old. Mrs. Johnston still survives, being now in her eightysixth year. To Joseph Johnston and wife a family of ten children was born, seven daughters and three sons: Jane, William T., Ella, Edward, Callie, Anna, Ollie, Grant, Nettie, and a babe that died. There are six survivors: William T., Callie, Anna, Ollie, Grant and Nettie.

William T. Johnston as the oldest son of the family, was early called to his father's assistance in clearing and cultivating the home farm, attending the local schools, in the meanwhile, as opportunity offered. Since the property came into his possession he has erected different farm structures along the line of improvement, not having, however, to build a new residence as his father had already provided a comfortable one. Mr. Johnston has devoted his attention to diversified farming and has raised much good stock. Always having taken care of his land it has never worn out but is in a better condition at present than ever before. In his political views, Mr. Johnston is a republican and at times has served as a member of the township school board, belonging to that public body when the substantial high school building in this section was erected. For over forty years he has been identified with the Masonic fraternity and is a charter member of the local body of Elks. Mr. Johnston is unmarried.

GEORGE MENTGES, proprietor of the Mentges Folder Company, manufacturers, at Sidney, O, is one of the leading citizens and representative business men of Shelby county. He was born at Sidney. March 24, 1866, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth ( Haas) Mentges.

The parents of Mr. Mentges were born in Germany and from there came to Ohio and were united in marriage at Cincinnati. Jacob .Mentges was a cabinetmaker by trade and established himself in business at Sidney in 1863, for many years afterward conducting a furniture store and undertaking business. His death occurred at Sidney, July 4, 1897, his two sons, Jacob and George succeeding him as undertakers.

George Mentges attended school at Sidney and afterward assisted his father whom he succeeded but as early as 1897 had become also interested in starting his present manufacturing business to which he has devoted a large part of his time since disposing of his interest in the undertaking business in 1909. As the name indicates. The Mentges Folder Company manufactures newspaper folders, and the enterprise was started in a small way in a building on South Main avenue, Sidney, about 1897, development following to such an extent that enlargement became necessary and in 1906 the company erected a fine modern building on the corner of Oak and Poplar streets, securing what was supposed to be ade.quate accommodations, but since then the amount of floor space has been doubled. While Mr. Mentges personally superintends his large manufacturing plant at Sidney, where fifteen skilled mechanics are constantly employed, he still finds time to manage his

Mr. Mentges married Miss Hattie Bull, who is a daughter of Francis Bull, formerly a prominent man in Orange township, where his death occurred in 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Mentges have two children: Leona and Gertrude, aged eight and two years respectively. As a citizen Mr. Mentges holds a high place in the esteem of his fellow citizens. He is a man of social tastes and is identified with both the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias.

ALMON BALDWIN CARRINGTON HITCHCOCK says in his reminiscences that he was born from necessity, not having voluntary control of that important event, in the obscure town of West Haven, Vermont, October 13, 1838, and can not discard the idea that there is something unlucky in the number thirteen, and the superstition grows with his passing years. Townships are called towns in New England and this town was bounded nine miles on the west by Lake Champlain. The obscurity and comparative unimportance of West Haven prevented its being dignified with a place even on the map of the geographies, and no steamer on the charming lake paused for a moment to take on or let off passengers at West Haven, but plowed its way from Whitehall for fifteen miles to Benson without stopping.

He was the middle living child of Almon and Emily Barber Hitchcock, having one sister younger and one older than himself. He went to a district school until fourteen years of age, and being large for his years, and above the average pupil in most of his studies, was solicited at that tender period to teach a four months' term in an adjoining district at ten dollars a month and board around. When he came to settle for his four months' work the treasurer said there were only thirty-six dollars on hand, so he took that without a murmur. With his money he bought a broadcloth coat, a doublebreasted satin vest, a pair of doeskin trousers, a green neckerchief as big as a stand cover, and thus was gorgeously equipped and had a few dollars left. The envy of his boy companions from which he suffered was more than compensated for by the increased favor the girls bestowed on account of his stunning toggery. As he was now elevated above going to a district school any longer his career as a common pupil closed and Troy Conference Academy at Poultney, Vermont, was the place selected to continue his education. It might be of interest to the youth of the present day to state that his father deposited the sum of forty dollars with which to pay his tuition, board, lodging and washing for twelve weeks' schooling. True, his room, which was a back one in the fourth story, was not inviting, with its uncomfortable bed, two modern chairs, and a warped table, nor was the board a Delmonico spread, but their intellects were especially lively, as the blood, not being called upon for much digestive work, went to the brain. Being rather an expert at base ball, foot ball and quoit pitching, favorable acquaintances were soon formed, for a long drive with a bat, accurate throwing and a sensational catch of a fly is quickly noised abroad and puts one in the front rank among students.

After two terms at Pultney he went a term at Castleton Seminary and three terms at Fort Edward Institute, in New York. In the latter part of the fifties he made a visit to Illinois and taught school two winters near Chicago.

Among his most treasured recollections are his visit to Lincoln at Springfield, Illinois, after his nomination in i860. He was with him alone in his unpretentious home and says that the mien of that sad-eyed man seemed to prefigure a martyr's end. He heard him speak in the afternoon at their fair grounds and returning to Chicago heard Stephen A. Douglas make his last speech as candidate for the presidency on the northern ticket of the Democracy.

Mr. Hitchcock came to Sidney in 1861. which lias been his home ever since. He enlisted in the army but was rejected on account of a bad knee gotten in a wrestling match and paid a substitute $100 a year in addition to the army pay to take his place. On settling in Sidney bis father bought the place now owned by W. B. McCabe on the Hardin hill where they lived for ' many years. To show the advance in real estate in the city the old Honnell farm, one mile northeast of Sidney, of one hundred acres his father bought for $20 an acre and the Carey farm of 170 acres, comprising the Orbison hill, now a delightful suburb of Sidney, for $45 an acre.

Mr. Hitchcock was identified with the schools of Sidney two different times as principal of the high school, many years county and local examiner of teachers, and for more than thirty years a writer for the Sidney Journal. the Gazette and Sidney Journal Gazette.

He has been too credulous, thinking that men are better than they are, has sung at more funerals than any man in the county, written more obituaries and filled more sporting columns with base ball accounts than any other writer in these parts. He is a great lover of poetry and the best of literature, a mind rich with the masterpieces of the ages and an author of a book of poems called "Waifs," which contains some rare bits of philosophy.

In politics he has always been a republican, though the political complexion of the county has not been nor is not of the hue to inspire nor foster republican aspirations. A member of the Presbyterian church and a leader of its choir for thirty years.

He was married October 20, 1864, to Margaret Jane Edgar and had three children, Jane, now Mrs. Harry Van De Grift; Wade, deceased, and Ruth.

Baldwin Hitchcock, as he was more familiarly known, closed his eyes forever December 26, 1912, a little past seventy-four years of life. The infirmities of age did not invade the realm of his intellect nor befog his memory, so he was never old.

"Notwithstanding the sorrow I feel over the decease of my friend, it affords me a deep satisfaction publicly to attest, as I have often done privately, the loyal friendship and lovable characteristics of him whom we have lost awhile. The unconscious influences of life are more constant and more potent than we realize. As teacher and newspaper writer Mr. Hitchcock served his day and generation well. Again and again have I met his old scholars, who, when they learned I lived in Sidney, asked me about him and gratefully acknowledged their obligation for the instruction and inspiration he had given them. There are many successful business men today whose commercial education began under his tutelage, which gave the first and correct impulse to their subsequent training. No man connected with the press of this country, no matter how small the town or humble the publication, who appreciates its capacity for patriotic service, can fail to render that service, in some degree at least, if his literary activities are appreciable and rightly directed. And Mr. Hitchcock's were both large and rightly directed. His editorial and literary work was never malicious, usually helpful and always wholesome. His was a gentle spirit, which was imbued with the philosophy of the Master, whether he realized it or not, and which would rather return good for evil and when reviled revileth not again. Nathaniel-like, it was without guile, and was simple and lovable. His was a sunny spirit, whose coming was always a joy and whose going a regret, whose presence made some of life's disappointments less keen and its darker outlooks brighter. His magnificent voice, for so many years employed in the church services, lent an impressiveness to the lines of our majestic hymns that, I have no doubt, carried their meaning to many minds not influenced by the spoken word; and that same voice in reading or recitation, expressing, as it always did, the selections of excellent taste, was a delight and a benediction to those fortunate enough to hear him and helped one to realize the true, the beautiful and the good in literature. Can any doubt that that gentle, sunny spirit, that magnificent voice, that exquisite taste, that lovable and loving comradeship he was always willing to indulge with his friends and with those who needed it, was needed elsewhere in God's universe, and so God took him there?"

F. M. DEAM, whose fine farm of 147 acres lies in Green township, the Deam turnpike which passes his door having been so named in honor of his father, was born in Orange township, Shelby county, O., three and one-half miles south of Sidney in 1855, and is a son of Harmon and Angeline (Reynolds) Deam.

Harmon Deam was born in Montgomery County, O., and came to Shelby county in 1848 and afterward followed farming in Orange township until his death, at the age of seventy-three years. He married Angeline Reynolds and six children were born to them : Henry, Ella, John L., Frank M., Andrew H. and Kate.

Frank M. Deam left home to see the world soon after his school days were over, went West and for some time found employment on cattle ranges in different states and brought cattle over the trail from Texas. He met with many adventures while taking part in the rough life incident to freighting and railroad building, and by 1895 was ready to settle permanently and follow the peaceful pursuits of agriculture. Consequently he returned to his native section and in 1901 purchased his present valuable farm, which lies five miles southeast of Sidney. To the improvement of his place, Mr. Deam has devoted time and money and probably no farm in this part of the county has more comfortable, convenient or more attractive buildings and surroundings.

Mr. Deam married Miss Kate E. McGrane, who was born in Nebraska. They are members of the Roman Catholic church. He is a democrat in his political opinions and is a member of the Shelby County Fair Board. Mr. Deam is identified with no fraternal organizations except the Knights of Columbus.

L. C. WILSON, who carries on general farming and stock raising in Green township, has spent almost all his life on the homestead, which he is operating for his mother, who is a highly esteemed resident of Fletcher, O. Mr. Wilson was born at Covington, Miami county, O., and was two years old when his parents, Joshua and Lydia (Bfown) Wilson, came to this property. The father was a native of Montgomery county, O., and after coming to Green township placed all the improvements on this farm, on which he continued to live as long as active, moving then to Fletcher, where his death occurred at the age of seventy years. Both his sons, L. C. and Stanley, are farmers in Green township.

L. C. Wilson and brother attended the district schools in Green township and assisted on the home farm of 126 acres, after which he operated the same for six years and since his father's death has continued its management in his mother's interest. He owns 137 acres just north of this farm but he has rented it to a good tenant and continues to live on the old homestead. Mr. Wilson married Miss Anna Bennett and they have four children : Foster, Ethel, Lowell and Edith. Being an independent thinker. Mr. Wilson has not identified himself with any political faction and casts his vote as a free American citizen, entirely according to his own judgment after intelligent consideration of public issues. All local matters of public concern receive his attention and the public schools and their advancement particularly interest him.

WILLIAM M. CAVEN, whose finely improved farm of seventy-nine acres, is situated in Green township, twelve miles southeast of Sidney, O., came from one of the old and representative families of Miami county, where he was born August 1, 1871, a son of James M. Caven, who subsequently became a well-known resident of Orange township, Shelby county.

William M. Caven was educated in the public schools and grew to manhood on his father's farm and remained there until 1894, when he settled on his present place. Mr. Caven has so improved his property that it arouses favorable comment and he undoubtedly has the finest set of farm buildings in Green township. He carries on a general farming line, raising grain and stock, and a pleasant prosperity seems very apparent and evidently has been brought about by Mr. Caven's excellent management.

Mr. Caven married Miss Maggie Covault, a daughter of Erastus Covault, who was a farmer in Miami county. Mr. and Mrs. Caven have three children: Foster I., Franklin C, and William Garner. The family belongs to the

A. STACKHOUSE, a well-known general farmer in Green township. residing on a fine tract of sixty-five acres, lying ten miles southeast of Sidney, was born in Clinton County, O., August 28, 1852, and is a son of Elisha and Sarah J. (Hyatt) Stackhouse.

Elisha Stackhouse was born also in Clinton county and was of English extraction, the family in early times possessing a coat of arms. He married Sarah J. Hyatt, who was of Scotch extraction and was born in Fayette county. Pa. They came to Shelby county when their son was fourteen years old but later lived in Van Wert county for nine years, and then settled on the present home tract. This land Elisha Stackhouse improved and resided on until his death, at the age of sixty-four years. His widow survives and lives on the homestead, being now in her eighty-third year. They had two children : A. and Myra Ann, and the family all remain on the old place. General farming and moderate stock raising are carried on, the soil being kept in good condition and proving very productive.

Mr. Stackhouse married Miss Anna Wiley and they have three children : Jennie, Kenneth and Sarah. In politics Mr. Stackhouse is affiliated with the republican party and for four years he has been a member of the township school board. When a young man he became interested in the aims of the fraternal order of Odd Fellows and has been identified with the same for twenty years, belonging to Osceola Encampment at Sidney, O.

PETER J. EILERMAN, who is a general farmer residing in section 26. Cynthian township, Shelby county, O., was born on this farm of eighty acres, September 13, 1888, and is a son of Henry and Anna (Bauer) Eilerman.

Henry Eilerman was born in McLean township, Shelby county, and was a farmer all his life. After his marriage he settled first on a farm one mile east of Fort Loramie, in McLean township, but afterward sold and bought sixty acres one mile north of Newport, which he also sold and then purchased the farm of eighty acres in Cynthian township on which the remainder of his life was spent. He was a well-known and highly respected man, a devout and faithful member of the Catholic church at Newport, O., and a useful citizen. He served one term as township trustee, being elected on the Democratic ticket. Mr. Eilerman's death occurred on June 30. 19 12. his age being fiftyseven years, five months and twenty-eight days and his burial was in the Catholic cemetery at New port. He married Anna Bauer, who survives, and eight children were born to them, three of whom, Frances, Laurence and Bertha, are now deceased. Those living are: George, who was born April 15, 1872: Frances, who is the wife of Henry Sherman, of McLean township; Peter; and Gertrude and Agnes, both of whom live at home.

An interesting event in the life of Henry Eilerman was his visit to the World's Fair at St. Louis, Mo., in 1904. Leaving Ohio by wagon, June 1. 1904, he made the trip in twenty-one days, camping by the roadside on the way.

He stayed at St. Louis three weeks and then drove back to Shelby county, Ohio, making the return trip in seventeen days. On March 7, 1908, Henry Eilerman with his family went to California, staying there seven months and then returning to Ohio. On January 21, 191 2, he with his wife and son George, went to Florida to spend the wintei there, returning to Ohio March tj, 1912.

Peter J. Eilerman with his brother (and sister) attended the township schools, and the sons then assisted their father and since his death have been associated in carrying on the farm industries, crop and stock raising. The land is ail cleared but is not yet all drained but under their good management it will no doubt become one of the finest farms of this section. The brothers like other members of the family are faithful Catholics and belong to the church at Newport. In politics Mr. Eilerman is a democrat and is now serving as clerk of the board of education of the Turner Special School District, elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of John Sherman, and in this position is giving entire satisfaction.

FRANK ERNST, who is one of the representatives and substantial men of McLean township, was born in this township February 13, 1864, and resides on his farm of 160 acres, which lies in section 10, and owns a second farm of 100 acres, in section 11, both being situated in the Sherman Special School District, in which he secured his education.

After his school days were over, Mr. Ernst applied himself entirely to agricultural pursuits and at the time of marriage settled on his present home farm which he operates himself while his second farm, above mentioned, he has placed in charge of a tenant. His surroundings indicate thrift, good management and comfort and with the exception of the residence, which he remodeled, all the buildings have been erected since he took possession. He raises grain and stock but uses about all he produces of the former to put the latter in good condition. In politics a strong democrat he takes an interest in the success of his party but desires no offices for himself.

Mr. Ernst was united in marriage with Miss Mary Sherman, a daughter of John Sherman, of one of the old county families, and eight children have been born to them, namely: Katie, Frank. Jr., John, Sophia. Ida, Bertha, Agnes and Albert. Mr. Ernst and family are members of St. Michael's Catholic church.

T. M. BEAMER, M. D., an experienced medical practitioner now somewhat retired from professional activity, resides on his well-kept farm of sixty acres, situated six and one-half miles southeast of Sidney, O. He was born at Fletcher, O., in 1854, and is a son of Dr. Thomas M. and Jane (Runkle) Beamer.

Dr. Thomas M. Beamer was born in Virginia and for twenty-five years was a valued physician and surgeon at Fletcher, O., and was prevented from becoming a soldier in the Civil war on account of being the only medical practitioner in the above town at that time. His death occurred at the age of forty-five years, while living in California. He married Jane Runkle, who was born in Mad River township, Clark county, O., and eight children were born to them.

T. M. Beamer was seven years old when he was sent to the home of his grandparents in Illinois, where he remained for three years, attending school in the meanwhile, then returned to his father and afterward went to Iowa with his brother, and again returned to Fletcher. While with his brother he learned the principles of medical science and about this time had one term of lectures in the Cincinnati Medical College. During the next year he practiced medicine in Missouri, after which he returned to Ohio and completed his medical course and entered into practice at Fletcher. On March 27, 1879, he located at Plattsville, in Shelby county, and continued until 1902, when he accepted a position as manager of a sanitarium at Springfield, O., for the cure of alcohol and drug addictions, conducted by the Willowbark Company, removing later with the same company, to St. Paris, and after two years, to Piqua, but shortly afterward decided to engage in agricultural pursuits and moved to the Sarver farm in Green township, Shelby county. After his many years of professional work and during a number of years meeting with many distressing cases, Dr. Reamer found the quiet country life most beneficial, and in 1910 purchased the farm on which he now resides and where agricultural industries greatly interest him. He still continues to practice to a certain extent, in his neighborhood, but no longer makes his profession his main occupation.

Dr. Beamer was married in 1879 to Miss Anna Elizabeth Williams of Plattsburg, and they had one son, born October 13, 1880, who is deceased. In politics Dr. Beamer is a republican and ever since he came to Green township has been township treasurer and also is a member of the school board. For many years he has been identified fraternally with the Odd Fellows.

JOHN SCHWARTZ, whose fine farm of 109 acres lies in section 19. Cynthian township, was born at Fort Loramie, O., December 16, 1876, and is a son of Adam and Elizabeth Schwartz. The mother of Mr. Schwartz is deceased but the father survives and resides with his son on the above mentioned farm.

John Schwartz attended school in the Berlin special district and afterward, for one year, worked at the butcher trade but later turned his attention to carpentering and afterward settled down to farming as his main occupation, locating on his personal place following his marriage. He has made many substantial improvements here and has drained and placed under cultivation all of his land except fifteen acres of woodland pasture. The wheat and oats he grows generally is conveyed to market but his corn is mainly fed to his stock of which he raises quite an amount each year.

Mr. Schwartz was married to Miss Mayme Ecabert, a daughter of Julius and Elizabeth Ecabert, of Newport, O., and they have a family of four children : Omer, Loretta, Persell and Ruth. Mr. Schwartz and family are members of Sts. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic church at Newport, O. In politics a democrat, Mr. Schwartz always consistently gives democratic candidates his political support. He has never accepted any offices for himself except those connected with educational matters in his own community and for some six years prior to January, 191 2, was president of the board of education of the Basinburg Special School District. He is a highly respected and valuable citizen of Cynthian township.

AUGUST CARITEY, whose fine productive farm of 114 acres is situated in Cynthian township, one-quarter mile west of the St. Mary turnpike road, two miles south of Fort Loramie and two miles north of Newport, O., was born in France, May 4, 1840, a son of August and Louisa (Ducette) Caritey.

The parents of Mr. Caritey were born in France and there the mother died when aged twenty-five years, leaving but the one child. The father married (second) Josephine Velyon, and they came to America in 1850. For the first five years after reaching the United States, Mr. Caritey and family lived at Ironton, O., moving then to Shelby county and living first in Cynthian and later in McLean township. Mr. Caritey and wife then moved to a western state, where she died and he then returned to Shelby county, locating first in Loramie township but afterward moving into Cynthian township, where he died in his sixty-sixth year. His burial was in the cemetery at Newport, connected with St. Peter and Paul's Catholic church of which he had been a member. Three of his sons survive : Julius, August and Joseph, while two, Ezebiah and Amiel, are deceased.

August Caritey was ten years old when his father brought the family to America and his early schooling was secured at Portsmouth and Ironton, O. Afterward he was variously employed and being willing and industrious had no difficulty in securing work by the day. After his marriage he located for a time at Fort Loramie and then bought a farm of sixty acres in the Sherman Special School District and operated it until he had a chance to sell to advantage, when he came to his present place. Here he has made many improvements, putting up all the substantial buildings now standing, has done considerable draining and has kept his soil in fine condition through his experienced methods of cultivation. With the exception of twenty-three acres he has all his land under cultivation and carries on a general farming line.

Mr. Caritey married Miss Gertrude Brucken, who was born in Germany, and they have had the following children : Christina, who is the wife of Albert Berry, residing in Turtle Creek township; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Henry Varno and they live in McLean township; Mary, who is the wife of Frank Mosey, living at Sidney ; Jane, who is the wife of Albert Snyder, of Dayton, O. ; Catherine, who is the wife of Joseph Brady, of Dayton; Sophia, who married Oliver Davis, lives at Sidney; and Clara, Josephine, Joseph and Emeline, all of whom live at home. Mr. Caritey and family belong to St. Peter and Paul's Catholic church at Newport, O. This is a very well-known family and collectively and individually they have many friends. Mr. Caritey is a democrat in politics and for three years served as road supervisor in McLean township, reside in section 8, on his valuable farm of 148 acres, District Board.

PATRICK DUNDON, one of the enterprising and successful farmers of McLean township, resides in section 8, on his valuable farm of 148 acres, situated three and one-half miles east of Fort Loramie. He was born in Turtle Creek township, Shelby county, O., March 4, 1874, and is a son of John and Margaret (McEvoy) Dundon.

John Dundon was of Irish extraction and was a young man when he came to Shelby from Licking county, O. After marriage to Margaret McEvoy, who was born in Shelby county, he settled on the -present home site but the 148 acres of productive land was then but a wilderness. It was through his industry and perseverance that the place was cleared and put under cultivation. The buildings yet standing he placed here and lived to enjoy some years of rest after his long period of hard labor, passing away in his fiftieth year. His widow survived into her sixty-sixth year. They were devoted members of the Catholic church and belonged to St. Patrick's congregation. They had eight children born to them, namely : James and Emma, both of whom are deceased ; and Patrick, Elizabeth, Annie, Mary Ellen and William, and an infant that died.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Dundon attended school in St. Patrick's Special School District and after the father's death they took charge of the home farm and carried on all its industries, Patrick and William being particularly interested at the present time. They all are democratic in their political opinions and as a united family belong to St. Patrick's Catholic church.

JOHN SIEGEL, one of the representative men of McLean township, president of the Sherman special school district board of education, is a successful general farmer and resides in section 10, where he owns 128 acres of valuable land. He was born in Cvnthian township, Shelby county, Tnne 21, 1867.

Mr. Siegel secured his education in the schools of his native township and in the Sherman school district, after which he learned practical fanning and has made farming in all its branches his business. Since his marriage he lias lived on his present farm, which he purchased of the Sherman estate, and many of the improvements have been placed here since taking possession. The farmhouse was in good repair but Mr. Siegel found it necessary to build a new barn and other structures. He has cleared about 100 acres and has drained the same and put down tiling, the other twenty-eight acres being yet in valuable timber. His property is favorably situated as he has a market at Fort Loramie, which is only three miles west and the Sherman turnpike road gives him fine transportation facilities.

Mr. Siegel married Miss Mary Barhorst, a daughter of Henry Barhorst of McLean township, and all their seven children were born on this farm, namely: Elizabeth, Caroline, Frank, Henry, Raymond, Josephine and Rhine- hart. The family belongs to St. Michael's Catholic church. In politics a strong democrat, Mr. Siegel has frequently been elected on his party ticket to important township offices and for four terms was turnpike superintendent and for about five years has been president of the school board. He has associated with him other leading men of the township, as follows : Adolph Sherman, Clemens Wolke, Henry Ernstes, Barney Ernst and Benjamin Barhorst, William J. Meyers succeeding Mr. Barhorst at the last election.

HARRISON M. POTTS, proprietor of a saw mill at Sidney, O., and also owner of a fine farm of 160 acres, lying in Washington township, two and one-half miles southwest of Sidney, is a leading citizen of Shelby county and a justly honored veteran of the great Civil war. He was born in Miami county, near Fletcher, O., February 27, 1846, and is a son of Jackson and Cynthia Ann (Lusena) Potts. Jackson Potts was born in Warren county, O., and his wife at Maysville, Ky. He engaged in farming in Miami county but died early, his widow surviving until after their son's return from the Civil war, when she became the object of his filial care.

Harrison M. Potts remained on the home farm until he was sixteen years of age, in the meanwhile attending the district schools, afterward doing general farm work in the neighborhood until he enlisted for service in the Civil war, on August 15, 1862, in Company E, 110th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. His regiment was a part of the Second Brigade, Third Division, Sixth Army Corps, Army of the Potomac. He was then only a lad of seventeen years and practically had never previously known any hardships. At the battle of Winchester, Va., shortly after his enlistment, he was captured by the Confederates and was confined in Libby prison for two days and two nights, afterward being sent to Belle Isle, where he was kept from June 14, 1863, until July 2j, 1863, when he, with other prisoners, was sent to Annapolis, Md., to await formal exchange, which, not taking place in three weeks, brought about such a state of weariness and homesickness that the young soldiers, only boys in years, determined to take matters into their own hands and await exchange and parole in their own homes. While this was against military law it was natural and forgivable, for the three lads who slipped out of camp when the guards were not looking, had no idea of deserting. They practically walked the entire distance from Annapolis to Fletcher, with the exception of seventy-five miles, keeping to the National turnpike unless they had reason to fear capture, when they made detours, as they were aware that the provost guard, for the sake of discipline, would return them to camp before permitting them to make the longed for visit to their homes. When about seventy-five miles east of Columbus they fell in with a farmer, who. after learning the facts, took them home with him and not only fed and sheltered them but gave them railroad fare to within ten miles of Columbus. Unfortunately for the boys' hope of quiet escape, there was a company of sol- diers on board the train and the captain of the company, thinking the youths were deserters, promptly put them under guard, and on reaching Columbus they were taken to the State House and given the marble floor for a bed. From the surrounding but sleepy guards the youths managed to escape in the early morning and continued on their way to Fletcher. For several weeks they remained in their homes and then their own colonel, Colonel Foster of Piqua, who was then visiting his home, sent for them and advised them to return to the prisoner's camp, which they did and were officially exchanged with their company and with his regiment. At the time of the New York riot, afterward, Mr. Potts was with his regiment when it was sent to that city and he continued until the close of the war, participating in many battles and serious engagements.

After his honorable discharge. Air. Potts returned to his mother ar Fletcher, and with the money he had saved in the army he purchased a team and went to farming. Later he moved on a farm in Turtle Creek township, paying a fair rental for the same and it was while there that he entered into the timber and saw mill business'. After selling the interests he had acquired there he came to Sidney and entered the spoke and bending business and since then he has been in the same business at Ogden, Ind., at Greensburg, Ind., and a second time at Sidney. Mr. Potts is one of the best known timber and lumber men in Shelby county and is listed with the leading and representative men. In addition to his lumber business he successfully operates his farm and also finds time to investigate into public matters pertaining to his own locality and to serve frequently in responsible positions where his business capacity is of great value to his fellow citizens. At times he has filled the office of treasurer of Turtle Creek township, and is a member of the board of trustees of the Sidney Water Works.

Air. Potts was united in marriage with Aliss Alary E. Wakeman, a daughter of the late Henry Wakeman, of Turtle Creek township, and two sons were born to them: Elmer and William, the last named dying Alay /, 191-'. Air. Potts is identified with the Knights of Pythias.

JOSEPH C. ROYON has been among the most active and influential of the citizens of Shelby county for more than thirty years: as a lawyer, agriculturist and manufacturer. In 1878 he was graduated from the law department of the University of Alichigan and practiced his profession for a time at Greenville and later at Sidney, in association with the late Judge Jacob S. Conklin and during four years he was solicitor for the city of Sidney. His large interest in other things, especially manufacturing, requiring his attention he withdrew from active practice in 189 1 and removed from Sidney to his farm near Houston.

In 1879 he married Alollie A. Flinn, daughter of David Flinn, of Loramie township and together they spent ten months in a tour of Europe, visiting among other places, the ancestral home of the Royon family in France.

His career has been distinguished by its constructive qualities and by an appreciation of the worth of probity of character in affairs of business. He has been active in support of education in its broader lines and in its local development. All of his children, on reaching the suitable ages, have been graduated from or are now attending advanced schools of learning; his daughter, Josephine, having graduated from the Maryland College for Women at Lutherville, Md., near Baltimore, while his son Joseph C. Royon. Jr., a graduate of the law department of the Ohio State University, has for some time past been a member of the firm of Carr, Stearns, Chamberlian & Royon of Cleveland, and his son Edward, a graduate of the College of Mechanical Engineering of Ohio State University, is following his profession in the same city.

Mr. Royon has been president of The R. Givens & Son Company since its organization with a capital stock of $300,000 and with an annual business of approximately a half million dollars. He has been the president of the board of education of the Houston school district, in which there has been erected a new and model school building and at which the first centralization of schools in the county has taken place. He is also interested in other manufacturing corporations in Sidney. He has at all times been an influential factor in the republican politics of the county and state and it may be well said that he has been active in all lines calling for the higher ideals of citizenship.

C. F. HICKOK, a prominent citizen of Sidney, Ohio, and one of her substantial and representative business men, is a manufacturer and wholesale dealer in confectionery, and has been a resident of this city for the past thirty years. He was born at Jefferson, Ashtabula county, Ohio, April 10, 1856, and is the only surviving child of his parents, Henry F. and Harriet M. Hickok, both now deceased. Henry F. Hickok operated a grist and sawmill in Ashtabula county, where he died at the early age of twenty-eight years.

C. F. Hickok attended school until he was about fourteen years of age and then began work as a clerk in a grocery store at Ashtabula, where he remained four years, when he became a traveling salesman for a Cleveland firm, with which house he continued five years, after which he was employed two years as a cigar salesman for a Detroit firm. In 1882 he came to Sidney and embarked in a retail cigar and confectionery business and for a number of years continued as a retail merchant but since 1901 he has given all his attention to his manufacturing and his wholesale trade, having been in these lines for twelve years. His business has had a rapid but healthy growth. In 1900 he erected his fine factory, his first building having dimensions of 40x70 feet, to which an addition of 125x20 feet, four stories high, was added, and in 1908 another addition was made of 125x20 feet, also four stories high, the location being on the corner of Poplar and Franklin streets. His normal number of employes is 150 people, twelve salesmen also being kept on the road. He makes a specialty of manufacturing a high grade of chocolates, and one brand, Maple Chews, has a sale that covers the territory from coast to coast in the United States. Considering the fact that Mr. Hickok started into business with a small capital, one that he earned for himself, his progress has been unusual and demonstrates that he is a business man of ability. Sidney takes especial pride in such citizens, their reliability being assured and their influence being beneficial in every direction.

Mr. Hickok was married October 15, 1880, to Miss Ella Hessin. She was born at Lisbon, Ohio, October 23, 1854, and died at her home on South Ohio avenue, Sidney, after an illness of about four weeks. She was a daughter of the late Horace P. Hessin and was the last of her family, her father, mother and two brothers having previously passed away. She was widely known and much beloved in this city both inside her family and intimate social circle and outside, her warm heart and sympathetic nature having caused her to interest herself in many avenues of beneficence. She was a member of the executive committee of the Business Girls' Association and was devoted as a member of the Presbyterian church. She is survived by two daughters, Harriet Marr and Willa Hessin, the former of whom is the wife of John E. Lamaster, and the latter, of Harry L. Rice, of Sidney

In politics a stanch republican, at different times Mr. Hickok has accepted public office, has served four years as a member of the city council and also of the board of education, and for many years has been a member of the Sidney Commercial Club and its president in 191 1. He belongs to Temperance Lodge, F. & A. M., and to chapter and commandery, all at Sidney.

D. G. POLHAMLTS, township trustee of Washington township, and one of the substantial citizens of this section, resides eight miles southwest of Sidney, O., where he owns 125 acres of excellent land. Mr. Polhamus was born on the old family homestead here fifty-eight years ago, and is a son of Stephen and Mary (Booher) Polhamus.

Stephen Polhamus came to Ohio from New Jersey. He settled first in Montgomery county and came then to Washington township, Shelby county, where he died at the early age of thirty-five years. His widow survived him and they had five children: D. G., George, Alonzo, Kate and John, all surviving except George and John.

D. G. Polhamus attended the school near his father's farm and then spent two years assisting on the farm of his uncle, George Booher, and after this a part of the old homestead came into his possession on which he made many substantial improvements. He carries on general farming and raises some good stock. He married Miss Ella Carpenter, and the following children have been born to them : Ida, who is now deceased, was the wife of Lewis Snow ; Frank, who married Floyd Gabriel ; John ; Daisy, who married Emory Pottorf ; and Clarence. Mr. Polhamus and family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a republican and is serving as a member of the township board of trustees and was formerly township clerk.

EMORY FRANKLIN MARRS, well known as .a representative and substantial citizen of Shelby county, resides on his farm of 100 acres, situated in

Perry township and owns two additional farms in the same township. He also is a stockholder in the Farmers Telephone Company. He has spent the greater part of his life in Ohio, but his birth took place in Illinois in October, 855. His parents, William and Margaret (Robison) Marrs, were natives of Ohio and they both died here and their burial was in Graceland cemetery, at Sidney. They were members of the United Brethren church. The following children made up their family : Mitchell ; Elizabeth, deceased, who was the wife of Samuel Dorn; Emory Franklin; Ella and Xettie, both of whom are deceased ; and Mary, deceased, who was the wife of Jonas Valentine.

After his period of school attendance was over, Emory F. Marrs assisted his father on the home farm until he was twenty-four years of age. After starting out for himself he lived one year on the Maxwell farm, then rented land in Perry township on his present farm for fifteen years and has lived here since. Subsequently, with his wife, bought the two other farms in Perry township, one of eighty-one acres and the other of eighty-two acres, all valuable property.

On September 11, 1879, Mr. Marrs was married to Miss Jennie Key. a daughter of John and Anna (Rinehart) Key. Mr. and Mrs. Marrs have the following children: Myrtle; Emory B. ; Anna, who is the wife of Clarence Shroyer; and Fatima R., who is the wife of Harry Johnston. Mr. Marrs and family are active in the Methodist Episcopal church. He was a member of the school board of Perry township and has served also, by appointment, as a trustee. The family and all its connections are highly respected members of society in their various communities

GEORGE D. ANDERSON, who resides on his well-improved farm of seventy-nine acres, situated near Ballon, Shelby county, O.. owns another farm of seventy acres, which lies in Miami county one mile south of where he lives. He was born in Green township, Shelby county, in 1851;. and is a son of William B. and Elizabeth ( Dorsey) Anderson.

Both parents of Mr. Anderson were natives of Shelby county and their lives were spent here, the father dying when his son, George D., was two years old, and the mother in 1883. The father was a farmer. Eight children were born to them, namely: John, who is deceased; Mrs. Elvira Hume, who lives in Green township; T. J., who lives in Champaign county; Clara, who is deceased; W. H., who lives in Green township; Mary and Charles, both of whom are deceased ; and George D., the youngest born.

After his school days were over. George D. Anderson decided to become a farmer and remained at home until he was twenty-four years of age and then went to Kansas and for seventeen years was a resident of that state, with varying fortunes, and then returned to Shelby county and ever since has been interested in improving his properties and in carrying on his agricultural industries. He erected a new residence on his Miami county farm and placed everything in excellent repair on his place near Ballou, and it is probable that Ohio will continue his permanent home notwithstanding the advantages that

Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Hannah A. Wert, who was born in Green township, Shelby county, and they have the following children : \Y. O.. Mrs. Florence Hagerman, Ray, Leroy and Earl. In politics Mr. Anderson is a democrat. He gives liberal support to the Christian church to which he and family belong, and he is identified fraternally with the Odd Fellows at Plattsville.

HENRY A. EILERMAN, who is one of the reliable and substantial citizens of Cynthian township, where, for seven years he has been president of the board of education of the Short Special School District, resides on his excellent farm of 118 acres, situated two and one-half miles southeast of Fort Loramie. O., was born in McLean township, Shelby county, May 19, 1875. His parents, Frank J. and Catherine Eilennan, were of German extraction and for many years well known and respected residents of McLean township.

Henry A. Eilerman went to school in the Sherman Special School District and afterward worked on the home farm. Since his marriage he has lived on his present farm which he has improved in many ways. He built a new residence and remodeled the barn, put up much fencing and attended to the draining of the land wherever he found it desirable, and now has not only a profitable property but an exceedingly comfortable and attractive home. His business is mixed farming.

Mr. Eilerman married Miss Mary Dreses, who was born in McLean township, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Dreses, and they have six children : Ada, August, Clara, Mary, and Jennie. Mr. Eilerman has been one of the leading advocates of school advancement in his neighborhood and has devoted much time and thought to making the schools of this district what they now are. He and family are members of St. Michael's Catholic church at Fort Loramie.

DANIEL TOY, one of the prominent citizens of Sidney, O., representing the second ward in the city council and an influential factor in democratic politics in Shelby county, is a native of Sidney, born November 14, 1876. He is a son of W. M. and Mary (Haslup) Toy.

Daniel Toy was reared at Sidney and attended school here, afterward learning the printer's trade, entering the office of the Sidney Daily News on the day of its first issue. For four years Mr. Toy worked as a printer and afterward, for a couple of years, was in the employ of the Sidney Steel Scraper Company, finally entering the shops of the Philip Smith Company. where he learned the machinist's trade and is now foreman of these same shops.

Mr. Toy married Miss Emma Louise Pfefferle, a daughter of Carl Pferfferle, and they have one son, Harold. Mr. Toy comes naturally by his mechanical skill, his father and his grandfather having been identified with mechanics and manufacturing during the greater part of their lives. He has always been interested in public matters, a strong democrat in his political belief, and has served as a member of the Shelby County Democratic Central Committee and also has been a member of the Sidney Democratic Executive Committee. When D. H. Warner resigned as alderman of the Second ward, in order to become the director of public service, in January, 19 12, Mr. Toy was immediately selected to fill out Mr. Warner'c unexpired term and has proved a useful member of the ciity council.

JOSEPH DRESES, who lives retired on his valuable farm of sixty acres, situated in Cynthian township, two and one-half miles south of Fort Loramie, was born in Germany, February 10, 1836, and is a son of Theodore and Elizabeth Dreses, both of whom died in Germany, the mother when he was but two years old.

Joseph Dreses went to school and helped his father on the little home farm until he was old enough for military service after which he was in the army for eight years and during that time took part in the wars in which his country was engaged. He was thirty-six years of age when he left Germany and came to the United States. As a farm hand he worked for two years and eight months in Kansas, and from there came to Ohio and became a farmer in Shelby county, near Fort Loramie, where he soon married and for five years afterward lived in McLean township, west of the village. From there he moved on the Johnston Ginn farm and then operated the Schlater farm for one year and the Holthaus farm for four years, after which he bought his present farm of the Barlage heirs, of Fort Loramie, and cleared a part of it. At present he has all of it under cultivation except nine acres of woodland and the larger part of the land is well drained and tiled. The present comfortable farm house he built after taking possession and he remodeled the barn and other farm buildings. A general line of farming is carried on, some stock and the usual grains of this section being produced. Mr. Dreses is a democrat in his political views and is a good and law abiding citizen.

Mr. Dreses was married to Miss Mary Elizabeth Merkentrop, who was born in Germany, a daughter of Bernard and Elizabeth Merkentrop, and came to America when twenty-six years old. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dreses, namely : Katie, who died at the age of ten months ; Mary, who is the wife of H. A. Eilerman ; Lena, who is the wife of Clay Eilerman. of McLean township; Anton, who died in his tenth year; and Elizabeth, who died when aged seven years. Mr. Dreses' daughters were educated in the Short Special School District. The family belongs to St. Michael's Catholic church at Fort Loramie.

EARL A. YATES, M. D., who has been established at Sidney. O., in the practice of medicine and surgery since 1906, enjoys the confidence of the public here in marked degree. He was bom on a farm in Miami county, O.. near the town of Conover. March 11, 1874, and is a son of Samuel and Phebe (Shanks) Yates.

Samuel Yates and wife were both born in Miami county, he on April 30, 1830, and she on October 4, of the same year. Her death occurred in Septem- ber, 1904, and his less than two years later, on April 18, 1906. They were farming people whose interests were centered in their home and family and they lived long and worthy lives.

Earl A. Yates attended school at Conover, and was graduated in 1893 from the Lena and Conover high school, and during the winter of 1893-94 attended the Ohio State University at Columbus, his studies from 1894 until 1897 being directed along the line of medicine, and his graduation with first honors took place in the last named year. On September first following he. opened an office at Kirkwood, Shelby county, where he remained in practice until 1906, when he came to Sidney, taking his place among the skillful medical men of this city, the profession being well represented here.

On August 19, 1897, Dr. Yates was married at Lena, O., to Miss Martha Denman, a daughter of Dr. H. B. and Rose (Brecount) Denman. Mrs. Yates was born July 9, 1875, and was graduated from the Lena and Conover high school in the same class with Dr. Yates. He is a member of the Shelby County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Association and the American Medical Society. Politically he is a democrat and fraternally a Mason and an Odd Fellow. Both he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

J. \Y. JOHNSTON, whose large acreage of farming land lies in both Loramie and Cynthian townships, was born on his home farm which lies on the Washington and Dayton road in Loramie township, near Houston, O., November 22, 1872, and is a son of Thomas and a grandson of William Johnston.

William Johnston was born in Ireland and was one of the early settlers in Loramie township where his family was reared. Thomas Johnston grew to manhood here, followed farming all his life and died at the age of fiftyeight years and his burial was in the Houston cemetery. He was a member of the Christian church at Houston. He married Mary Jane Black, a daughter of William Black, and two children were born to them: Elizabeth, wife of J. M. Klase; and J. W. The mother, now in her seventy-eighth year, still resides on her homestead. She is a very highly esteemed lady in the neighborhood and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

J. W. Johnston was reared in Loramie township and was educated in Loramie township, which was then known as the West Jefferson School District. He was fifteen years old when his father died and as he was the only son he had to go right to work, at farming, and, with his mother, successfully carried on the farm industries. He is progressive and enterprising in this direction and is numbered with the judicious and successful farmers of this section. The improvements on the place were made by Mrs. Johnston.

Mr. Johnston was married to Miss Oda Flinn, who was born at Houston, O., a daughter of W. N. and Mary Ann Flinn, who now lives in Loramie township. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnston:

Josephine, Leontine and Oda, the eldest of whom is a student in the Houston Special District. Mr. Johnston and his family are members of the Christian church. He is a republican but has never been active in political life.

HENRY A. APPLE, a highly respected citizen of Loramie township, Shelby county, O., a retired farmer living on one of his two farms lying in Loramie township, was born one mile east, February 15, 1849, an^ ^s a son of Henry S. and Katie (Gephart) Apple.

Henry S. Apple was born in Jackson township, Montgomery county, O., a son of John Apple and a grandson of Henry Apple, whose father, John Apple, came to America from Germany and settled in Pennsylvania. Henry S. Apple married Katie Gephart, a daughter of George Gephart, who was a pioneer in Jackson township, Montgomery county, and fchey came as pioneers to Loramie township, Shelby county. Here Henry S. Apple developed a farm from the wilderness and became a well-known and respected man, spending forty subsequent years in this section and dying at the age of sixty-six years. His widow survived to the age of seventy-two years and their burial was in the cemetery at Covington, O. They had seven children born to them, Henry A. being the fourth in order of birth.

Henry A. Apple was reared in an excellent home and attended the Beech Grove school in the winter time, until he was seventeen years of age, after which he gave his father valued assistance in the heavy task of clearing his large acreage of land. After marriage he settled on the farm of 140 acres on which he yet lives and still owns another farm in this township, while he has also given each of his children a farm. When he first came here he and wife went to housekeeping in a log cabin of one room and during the next two years he was so busy that he could do little more in the way of building than to keep the cabin warm and comfortable and the barn equally so in order to shelter his few cattle. He then built his present substantial barn and after twelve years put up his present handsome brick house which he has made into a comfortable modern home. At first he had seventy-seven and one-half acres in his farm and to that he kept on adding until he owned a large amount of property and extensively engaged in farming and raised stock and cattle. His home farm is all under cultivation except nine acres of timber, and it is situated two miles east of the Darke county line.

On October 21, 1869, Mr. Apple was married to Miss Mary C. Mader. who was born in Loramie township, Shelby county, O., August 27, 1848, and is a daughter of Frederick Christopher and Margaret ( Crospy) Mader, both of whom died in Loramie township. On April 5. 1870, Mr. and Mrs. Apple took up their residence on this place and here all their children have been born, namely: William E. ; Louisa C., who is the wife of Henry C. Kelch and they live in Loramie township; and Hulda J., who is the wife of J. Walter Brown and they live in the Greenwood Special School District. Mr. Apple and wife belong to the Lutheran church in which he was an official for twenty-one years. In national affairs Mr. Apple has always been a democrat but in local matters in recent years has been .disposed to vote independently. At the time this brief sketch of this representative citizen of the county of Shelby was written, he is filling no public office, but, like all the members of this old and solid family, his influence is considerable and his judgment on all matters is valued by his fellow citizens.

J. J. APPLE, a retired farmer and highly respected citizen of Loramie township, Shelby county, O., who owns two farms in the Beech Grove Special School District, one of seventy-seven acres and the other of ioo acres, was born in this township August 29, 1846, and is a son of Henry S. Apple and a grandson of John Apple and a great-grandson of Henry Apple.

Henry Apple was born in Pennsylvania and was a son of John Apple, who was born in Germany. The second John Apple, grandfather of J. J. Apple, was born after his father had settled in Montgomery county, O., and was one of a family of thirteen children. John Apple (2) married Diana Savior, who was born in Montgomery county and they passed their lives there, where he had 160 acres of land. His death occurred on that farm and that of his wife soon afterward, both being aged sixty-six years, they being separated but two weeks. This farm lies one mile north of Farmersville, Montgomery county, O., and probably yet belongs to the family. Mr. Apple was a man of local prominence and at one time or another filled about all the local offices. To him and wife six children were born, namely: Henry S. ; William, who died at Versailles, O., was a farmer in Darke county and married Clovina Miller; Katie, who married Jacob Gephart anil they lived in Loramie township for twenty-five years and then settled on the grandfather's farm in Montgomery county; Jacob S., who died in Loramie township; Ullery, who lived first in Shelby county and then moved to Bunker Hill, Ind., and from there to Oregon, where he subsequently died and was buried there, in early manhood having married Martha Davis, of Montgomery county, O. ; and Sarah,, who is the wife of Jonathan Esler and they live at Peru, Ind.

Henry S. Apple, father of J. J. Apple, was born in Jackson township, Montgomery county, O., where he was reared and attended the early schools. He was married there to Katie Gephart, whose father owned a farm three miles from the Apple farm, George Gephart being one of the pioneers of the township. After their marriage Henry S. Apple and iiis wife came to Loramie township and settled on eighty acres of land, the same farm on which their son, J. J. Apple, now lives. He had already put up a hewed log house on the place and thus had made suitable provision for family comfort. To Henry S. and Katie Apple the following children were born : Peggy, who married William Routson, and both died in Miami county; J. J. and G. H., twins, the latter of whom is deceased; Henry A., who is a retired farmer in Loramie township; Louisa, who is the wife of David Kaiser, of Loramie township; Lavina, who is deceased, was the wife of David Fessler, of Miami county; and Elias. who died when three years old. Henry S. Apple cut down the first tree ever felled on the 160 acres which lie south of the present home farm, on the county line, and on that place he died at the age of sixty-six years, six months and sixteen davs, and his burial was on the fortieth anniversary of his coming to Loramie township. His widow survived him and died in her seventy-second year, and both now rest in the Covington cemetery. They were members and liberal supporters of the Lutheran church. Henry S. Apple was, for his day, an extensive raiser of horses and cattle together with sheep and hogs, being exceedingly successful in his management of stock.

J. J. Apple was reared in Loramie township and obtained his education in the Beech Grove School District and from boyhood had his tasks assigned him on the farm and as he grew older assisted in doing some of the clearing. During many years of active agricultural life he pursued farming and stock raising and success in these lines rewarded his industry. He has lived on his present place ever since his marriage, on October i, 1868, to Miss Lavina Apple. She was born in Wayne township, Darke county, O., October 11, 185 1, and is a daughter of George and Katie (Rocher) Apple, natives of Montgomery county, who moved to Darke county after marriage and there their nine children were born, six of whom survive.

The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Apple : George Henry, who lives at West Alexander, O., married Amanda Loxley and they have one son, John ; Isaiah, who lives at Sidney, married Ida Routson and they have the following children: Agnes, Eden, Ivan, Chalmer, Delmer, Lavina, Reuben and Lulu; Mary Catherine, who is the wife of Louis Brown, residing in Darke county and they have three children: Silva, and Inez and Ivan, twins; a twin sister of Mary, who is deceased ; and Perry, who lives on and operates his father's 100-acre farm, married Christina Reed and they have two children - Bertha and T.reva. Mr. Apple and wife are members of the Lutheran church. Politically he is a democrat and on numerous occasions has been elected to township offices, serving six years as township trustee and several years as school director and as road supervisor.

H. H. APPLE, who is one of Loramie township's most respected citizens and able men, for a number of years serving most acceptably as township clerk and also on the board of education, belongs to an old and substantial family that was established in Shelby county, O., by his grandfather, John Apple. He was born on his present farm in Loramie township, where he has ninety-five acres, November 2, 1861, and is a son of Jacob S. and Sarah E. (Creager) Apple.

Jacob S. Apple was born in Montgomery county, O., and was fifteen years old when he came to Loramie township, Shelby county. Here he subsequently secured 160 acres of land for $500, and on this he cut the first tree and erected a pioneer cabin for a home. He cleared his land and as it required draining he at first used oak timbers for pipes but later put down tile and his soil became mellow and productive. He became a man of ample means and his fellow citizens recognized his sterling character, electing him to offices of trust and responsibility. He served as township trustee and township treasurer and also was a member of the school board and was universally esteemed for his honesty and consulted in important matters as a tribute to his good judgment. He became an extensive farmer and also was a successful dealer in horses. At the time of death, in 1902, when aged sixty-seven years, he owned three farms, aggregating 320' acres and had previously sold two eighty-acre tracts of land in this township and bought 160 in Kansas and later another 160 there. He was a stanch democrat and the success of his party was always a matter of pleasure to him as long as he lived. He married Sarah E. Creager, who was born also in Montgomery county, O., where her father, William Creager, died before she came to Shelby county. Three sons were born to this marriage: John W., who lives in Missouri; H. H.; and G. E., who lives in the old home in Loramie township.

H. H. Apple and his brothers all attended the Beech Grove school in boyhood and later he and his brother, G. E. were students in the Ohio Normal School at Ada, O., following which H. H. Apple taught two terms of school in his native township. After his first marriage he settled on the east ninetyfive acres of the homestead and has made all the improvements here with the exception of building the residence, his father having completed that. All his land is in excellent condition and all under cultivation with the exception of twenty-five acres which is valuable as a wood lot.

H. H. Apple married Miss Carrie Allgire, who was bom in Franklin county, O., and died in Loramie township, Shelby county, June 23, 1891, aged twenty-six years. She was a member of the Christian church at Houston, where her burial took place. Her parents were Henry H. Allgire and wife, formerly of Franklin county and later of Loramie township. One daughter was born to this marriage, Bertha, who is the wife of W. E. Baumgardner, a business man of Russia, O. In 1893, Mr. Apple was married (second) to Miss Florence Cook, who was born in Montgomery county. O, a daughter of Ezra Cook, and five children have been born, two of whom, Ada and Roy, the oldest and the youngest, are now deceased. Edgar W., Arthur F. and Clifford L. all survive. Mr. Apple and family belong to the Lutheran church at Bloomer.

The Apple family in Shelby county has been notably devoted to the Lutheran church and no less so to the democratic party and H. H. Apple has upheld family tradition and custom. On the democratic ticket he was first elected township clerk of Loramie township, in 1887 and served until 1891, when he was appointed clerk for J. H. Cruse in June, 1906, served that term, and in January, 1907, was elected clerk and served in the office until January, 191 2. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias at Versailles, O., and is a member of the D. H. T. Association, of which he is also secretary.

WILLIAM A. RUSSELL for many years has been a representative man in Shelby county, O., teacher, farmer, stock raiser and public official and is well known, particularly in Clinton and Turtle Creek townships, and in the former of which he owns twenty-seven acres of good land and in the latter has 297 acres. He was born here March 30, 1837, and is a son of Joshua and Jane (McClure) Russell.

He was one of the leading members and liberal supporters of the Presbyterian church. His children were as follows: William A.; Moses James; Cyrus H. ; John A.; Mary J., who married Adam Russell; Margaret E., who is deceased; and Martha E., who married William E. Russell.

William A. Russell attended the district schools and afterward taught school very acceptably for six years and many of his old pupils have lived to reflect credit on him. He then turned his attention to farming and stock raising and these industries he successfully followed for many years. In his political views he is a Republican and at different times he has been chosen for important political offices in the township and has served as land appraiser of Turtle Creek township and through two terms was treasurer of that township.

Mr. Russell was married in September, 1865, to Miss Laura A. Beck, who is a daughter of Edward Beck of Turtle Creek township. Her one sister, Martha E., is the wife of James Russell, brother of William A. Russell. To William A. Russell and wife the following children were born, all of whom are prominent socially and otherwise. Edward T., who formerly represented this district in the state senate; Jennie; Cora, who is now deceased, was the wife of Edison Richards; Xathan A., who is in the leather business at Sidney, O. : Chester B., who is connected with a western business house; Nettie, who is a trained nurse, now at Minneapolis, Minn. ; and Maude, who is an educator connected with the schools of Cincinnati, O. The family attends the Presbyterian church.

H. W. APPLE, who is one of the representative citizens of Loramie township, Shelby county, O., interested in all important matters in his community and especially concerned in educational advancement, resides on the old family homestead of 175 acres, all improved with the exception of about twenty acres yet in valuable timber. He was born on this farm on August 16, 1868, and is a son of George Hiram and Elizabeth (Apple) Apple.

George Hiram Apple was born one mile west of the above farm, also in Loramie township, August 29, 1846, a son of Henry S. and Catherine (Gebhart) Apple. Henry S. Apple was born in Montgomery county, O., and was reared there and married into a neighboring family, Miss Catherine Gebhart becoming his wife and subsequently the mother of their six children, namely: Peggy (Elizabeth), who became the wife of William Routson, residing near Rangeville, in Miami county; Hiram S. ; Jacob J., who was a twin of Hiram S. ; Henry A., who married Kate Mader and lived in Loramie township; Louisa, who became the wife of David Kaiser, residing in Loramie township; and Lavina, who is deceased, was the wife of David Fessler, of Miami county. After marriage, Henry S. Apple and wife moved to what was then a wild region-, Loramie township, in Shelby county and settled in the woods, securing 160 acres of virgin land. Here he cleared off enough for a home site and afterward replaced the first log structure with what was probably the first brick house ever built in this township, the bricks for the same being made on his farm. Here his death occurred at the age of sixty-five years, five months and six days, and his burial was at Covington. His wife lived to the age of seventy-two years. They were early members and liberal supporters of the Evangelical Lutheran church at Bloomer, O. George Hiram Apple became a farmer and thresher as his father had been and developed into a man of like sterling character. He continued the clearing of the land which his father had commenced and made many improvements on the place and spent his life here, his death occurring at the age of fifty-five years. He was a most worthy member of the Lutheran church and his resting place is in the church cemetery at Covington. He married Elizabeth Apple, a daughter of Enoch Apple, of Montgomery county, O., and she survives, being now in her sixtieth year, a resident of Indiana. Two of the family of six children are deceased, twin sons, the youngest born, the survivors being: H. W. ; Catherine, who is the wife of John Ortman, of Loramie township; Alice, who is the wife of William Shock, of North Manchester, Ind. ; and J. V., who is a resident of Dayton, O.

H. W. Apple has spent his life in this section of Shelby county and hence is well known and, like all the Apple family, he is held in respect and esteem. He attended school in the Beech Grove Special School District of which, in mature life, he became a valued official and at present is in his fifth year as a member of its board of education and has already served both as president and as vice president of this important body. When he came into possession of the homestead it had already been cleared and while he has never ceased making improvements of some kind, he had no great burden of this nature placed on him when he started out for himself. Immediately after marriage he lived on land situated directly across from the homestead which he sold prior to purchasing this farm, which is situated five and one-half miles north of Covington. In addition to engaging in a general farming line, Mr. Apple raises and deals in cattle and draft horses. His business interests are largely agricultural and he is numbered with the judicious and prosperous business men of this section.

Mr. Apple married Miss Corda Grise, who was born in Darke county, O.. a daughter of Peter and Margaret Grise. The father of Mrs. Apple, who is now deceased, at one time was the largest landowner in Darke county. When he died, at the age of eighty-three years, he left the sum of ninety thousand dollars to his family, together with eleven highly improved farms. All this wealth he accumulated himself, being a shrewd financier and a man of unceasing industry during all his active life. His burial was at Gettysburg, O. He was a native of Montgomery county but his first wife, Matilda Wyison, was a native of Darke county, as was also his second wife, Margaret Mann. The latter survives and resides at Gettysburg, O., where Mr. Grise, in his later years, owned the First National Bank. Both wives were the mothers of twelve children and of the two families there are seventeen children still living, Mrs. Apple being one of the heirs to her father's very large estate.

drowned when aged six years. Mr. Apple and family belong to the Lutheran church. In politics Mr. Apple lias been a lifelong democrat and at times has consented to serve in township offices, especially on the school board, and has also been turnpike superintendent.

H. W. CAVEN, one of the best known citizens of Orange township, Shelby county, O., now serving in his second term as township trustee, resides on his mother's farm of ioo acres, which lies six miles southeast of Sidney, and here he was born in 1877.

James M. Caven, father of H. W. Caven, was born in Miami county, O., three miles south of the present farm of the family, and after reaching manhood engaged there in farming until 1874, when he came to Orange township, purchasing 100 acres of land and cultivating and improving it until 1904, when he retired and then moved to Fletcher, O., where his death occurred in 1908, when he was aged seventy-three years. He had put the farm in fine condition, erecting all the buildings which now stand except the residence, which he remodeled. He married Annetta S. Sayers, who was born in Miami county and is now a highly esteemed resident of Fletcher. They had four children, namely: William M., who lives in Green township; James S., who is a resident of Miami county ; H. W. ; arid Mrs. Bertha M. Wyatt, who lives at Detroit, Mich.

H. W. Caven attended the public schools of Orange township and afterward, a business college at Piqua, O., being thus well prepared for other lines of activity than agriculture, but farming and stock raising perfectly satisfies him and he makes a success of the business, taking care of the home farm for his mother. Grain, hay, fruits and other products are raised and Mr. Caven usually has some as excellent stock as is found in the township.

On March 11, 1903, Mr. Caven married Miss Lottie E. Fergus, who was born in 1878, on a farm west of Kirkwood, in Shelby county, O. She is a daughter of T. H. and Mary (Valentine) Fergus, one of a family of four children, the others being: Frank P., Leonard C. and Mrs. Olive Knox, the latter of Dayton, O. Mr. and Mrs. Caven have three children: Frances S., who was born April 20, 1905; Vertus V., who was born August jo, 1908; and Kathryn Lois, who was born September 15, 1911.

In his views on public questions, Mr. Caven has always been a democrat, and his party standing and the place he occupies in the regard of his fellow citizens, may be indicated by the fact that since he was elected township trustee in 1909, he has been continued in office.