Shelby County, Ohio - Chapter 23: Miscellaneous, 1913 (part 7 of 14)

PETER PAULLJS, who is one of the leading men of Loramie township, a successful farmer and for eight years a member of the school board of the Huffman Special School District, lives on the north side of the east and west road, where he owns eighty-two and one-half acres of excellent land. He was born one and one-half miles north of Frenchtown in Wayne township, Darke county, O., February 29, 1872, and- is a son of John and Lena Paulus.

ward learned the carpenter trade and then went into the threshing business which he followed for eleven years in Shelby county after having successfully followed the business for five years in Darke county. He then purchased his present farm, all of which with the exception of ten acres of woodland, he has drained and tiled, fenced and otherwise improved, and here carries on general farming and stock raising.

Mr. Paulus married Miss Elizabeth Francis, who was born in Loramie township, a daughter of Stephen and Catherine (Pepiot) Francis, who reside in the Francis Special School District. Mr. and Mrs. Paulus have had children as follows : Catherine, Lawrence, Thomas, Stephen John, deceased, Stephen, Martha and Christine. The children have enjoyed excellent school advantages as their father has always believed in general education. They give great promise as to future usefulness. Mr. Paulus has been a lifelong democrat and several times has been elected to important township offices by his party and has served most acceptably as supervisor and road superintendent. With his family he belongs to the Roman Catholic church at Russia, O.

HENRY F. SHERMAN, president of the board of education of the Turner Special School District in Cynthian township, is a prominent farmer, owning ioo acres of fine land situated in section 27, all of which, with the exception of ten acres of woodland, he has under cultivation. Mr. Sherman was born in McLean township, Shelby county, March 30, 1868; and is a son of Joseph and Mary ( Rottinghaus) Sherman.

Joseph Sherman was born in Germany October 22, 1816, and was sixteen years old when his parents came to the United States and settled in Shelby county, O., locating in McLean township. There he grew to manhood and married Elizabeth Gelir, of Minster, O., and of the ten children born to that marriage there is but one survivor, a resident of Troy, O. His second marriage was to Mary Rottinghaus and of the ten children born to this union there are five survivors, namely: Elizabeth, wife of John Zimmerman; John, residing in Cynthian township; Henry F. ; Frank, residing in Cynthian township; and Annie, wife of Frank Turner of Cynthian township. Mr. Sherman owner! a farm of 150 acres and there passed the larger part of his life, his death occurring in his seventy-seventh year. His second wife lived to be thirty-eight years of age. They were faithful members of St. Michael's Catholic church at Fort Loramie. During many years he was elected to township offices on the democratic ticket and was known to be an upright, honorable man.

Henry F. Sherman continued on the home farm for three years after his father's death and then sold his interest and since his marriage has lived on his present farm in Cynthian township. Through his own efforts this place has been brought to its fine condition as to productiveness and improvements, including a complete system of drainage and tiling. He raises both grain and stock, using his corn for feeding purposes but selling wheat and oats, his land producing more than the average in grain.

ship, and they have the following children : William, Emma, Edward, Leo, August and Ida. Mr. Sherman and family are members of St. Peter and St. Paul's church, at Newport, O., of which he was warden for four years. In politics Mr. Sherman is a democrat. For four years he was one of the trustees of Cynthian township and during two years of that period was president of the board, while he has been president of the board of education of the Turner Special School District for about six years.

T. C. SKILLEN, who is a representative citizen of Loramie township and for three years treasurer of the board of education of the Houston Special School District, resides on his valuable farm of 140 acres, eighty of which lies in the Oran Special School District, and an additional thirty-seven acres of fine woodland. He was born in Loramie township, Shelby county, O., December 19, 1850, and is a son of Thomas Skillen and a grandson of William Skillen.

Thomas Skillen was born in Westmoreland county, Pa., and he accompanied his parents and several other families to Ohio, a part of the journey being made on rafts on the Ohio river. They all finally settled in Loramie township and here William Skillen reared a large family of children, one of whom subsequently became a probate judge. Thomas Skillen was married three times, his second wife, Amanda Griffis, being the mother of but two children : T. C. and Oran, who died in infancy. The mother died when aged thirty-seven years, T. C. being then aged eighteen months. Both parents were members, of the Presbyterian church. Thomas Skillen was born in 1815 and died in 1900, his burial being at Houston, O.

T. C. Skillen was reared in Loramie township and attended the public schools, which have always been better conducted and supported here than in many sections, and afterward found farm duties awaiting him. He has followed agricultural pursuits all his life and since his marriage has lived continuously at Dawson.

Mr. Skillen married Miss California M. Cox, who was born in San Joaquin county, California, a daughter of I. S. and Catherine Cox, both of whom died in Loramie township. Mr. and Mrs. Skillen have but one surviving child, Theodore Benson, who is a bright pupil in the public school. Others died in childhood, Thomas, Forest S. and Pearl LeRoy. Mr. and Mrs. Skillen are members of the Presbyterian church at Dawson, in which he is an elder and also a member of the board of trustees. In his later years the father of Mr. Skillen was a republican and the latter belongs to the progressive wing of the party. He served eleven years as a notary public, and, as indicated above, has taken a deep interest in educational matters. Mr. Skillen as a citizen is held in high esteem and commands the respect of his fellow citizens by those evidences of a sterling character which Americans are proud to claim as a national characteristic.

LEVI D. FESSLER, who is one of the leading citizens of Loramie township, Shelby county, O., for many years has been especially interested in the public schools and their advancement, and is a general farmer, his forty acres of well-improved land lying one mile north of the Miami and Shelby county Jine and nine miles from the city of Piqua, O. Mr. Fessler was born on this farm, August 28, 1862, and is a son of John J. and Catherine (Ganger) Fessler.

John J. Fessler was born in Baden, Germany, February 21, 1825, and was twenty-one years old when he accompanied his widowed mother, Salome Fessler, to America. His father died in Germany leaving ten children, the eldest of whom, George Fessler, was the first of the family to cross the Atlantic ocean and begin life in the United States. When the mother and nine children followed they all lived at Cincinnati, O.. for a time, while they sought a desirable section in which to settle permanently, finally selecting eighty acres in Loramie township, Shelby county, forty acres of which Levi D. Fessler now owns. They were among the pioneers when they came here, very little clearing having been done in the township and neighbors were few. They went through all the hardships of pioneer life but never parted with their land and each year made it more valuable.

John J. Fessler married Catherine Ganger, who was born in Montgomery county, O., April 1, 1831, and her death occurred January 10, 1895, and her burial was in the Bloomer cemetery in Miami county, and by her side her husband was laid five years later, his death taking place in March, 1900, his age being seventy-five years, one month and seven days. They were members and conscientious supporters of the Lutheran church. Politically he was a democrat and on two occasions was elected a trustee of Loramie township and served with fairness and honesty. They settled in Loramie township and here their children were reared as follows: Margaret, Mary, Barbara ami Catherine, all of whom are now deceased; Louisa, who lives in Cynthian township ; John, who is a resident of Elkhart, Ind. ; Jacob, who is in business at Piqua; Levi D. ; William, who also lives at Piqua; and Minnie, who is the wife of J. H. Fritz, of Loramie township.

Levi D. Fessler attended the district schools and remained on the home farm and took care of his parents until they passed away and then purchased the south forty acres of the homestead. Since then he has greatly improved his property and all the substantial buildings here were erected by him and all other improvements made. Like his father he has always been a democrat and has taken a good citizen's interest in township affairs and has felt especially responsible concerning the permanence and efficiency of the public schools, serving for seven years as clerk of the board of education of the Beech Grove Special School District. He served three terms as assessor of Loramie township and for four years as a trustee, during the second two years being president of the board.

On June 5, 1892, Mr. Fessler was married to Miss Barbara Elizabeth Wehneman, who was born in Loramie township, April 2, 1864, a daughter of John H. and Ann Elizabeth Wehneman, and they have five children: Clarence Ferdinand, Mabel Ruth, Alice Pearl, Ruby Leona and Clissie Marie. These children are all bright students in the same school their father attended. The family belongs to the Lutheran church.

GEORGE N. FRANCIS, one of the enterprising young agriculturists of Loramie township? where he works eighty acres of well improved land, owned by his father, has spent his life in his native county and belongs to a well known family here. He was born at Russia, Shelby county, January 13, 1883, and is a son of Celestine and Rosalie (Cordonnier) Francis, who are residents of Russia, O.

After his school days were over, George N. Francis learned the carpenter trade at which he worked throughout Shelby county, living at Russia from 1908 until 191 1, when he put aside his tools with which he had proved himself very skillful, and since then has been engaged in general farming and has all this land under cultivation with the exception of twelve acres still in timber. Mr. Francis is a democrat in politics and is one of the leading and active citizens of his township. Since January, 1912, he has been clerk of Loramie township and also a notary public, and for two years has been clerk of the Russia Special School District.

On June 2, 1908, Mr. Francis was married to Miss Leontine Monnin, a daughter of Justin and Emelia (Millet) Monnin, and they have three children : Lyndon, Yvonne and Linus. Mr. Francis and wife are members of the Catholic church at Russia. Until the order of Knights of St. John was discontinued at Russia, Mr. Francis was secretary of the organization.

CHARLES A. WOLAVER, president of the board of trustees of Loramie township, is a well known resident of Houston, O., where he follows the carpenter trade, his pleasant home and comfortable residence being situated on the east side of the Piqua and St. Mary's turnpike road. He was born two miles west of Newport, O., in Cynthian township, Shelby county, February 9, 1863, and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Dunn) Wolaver.

Henry Wolaver died on his farm in Loramie township, when in his fiftyfifth year and was laid to rest in the cemetery of the Christian church, being a member of that religious body. He married Elizabeth Dunn, who was born in Loramie township and still resides on her farm there, her son, John R., carrying on the farm industries. To Henry and Elizabeth Wolaver four children were born: Charles A., John R., William H. and Laura A., who is the wife of Henry Wick.

Charles A. Wolaver was educated in the schools of Cynthian and Loramie townships, and since 1882 has been a permanent resident of the latter township, where he has farm interests. Since February, 191 2, he has occupied his present home. For the past two years he has been president of the Farmers Elevator Company, of Houston, of which he is a director and was one of the founders, and for the past three years he has been agent for one of the latest improved cream separators, an indispensable article for dairymen.

On December 27, 1890, Mr. Wolaver was married to Miss Annie E. Cromes, who was born in Miami county, O., June 30, 1869, and is a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Cromes, both of whom are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Wolaver three children were born: Forrest Raymond, a resident of Houston, who married Florence E. Flavert; Arthur Emerson, who is in the

Houston high school as a student ; and Walter Elwood, who attends the public schools. Mr. Wolaver has been a lifelong democrat, as was his father, and is now serving in his second year as a member of the township board of trustees, having been president of this body since January, 1912. He is recognized as one of the reliable men of Loramie township, ever ready to perform any public duty and honest and efficient in whatver he attempts, whether in business or as a public official.

B. S. CECIL, who is a well known citizen of Dawson, where he is engaged in the blacksmith business, is a native of Shelby county, born at Oran, O., a son of E. R. and Sarah (Whitney) Cecil. The father died in Cynthian township at the age of forty-four years and the mother died when aged thirty years. They had five children, three of whom are deceased, the two survivors living in Shelby county. The father was a veteran of the Civil war and his record was that of a brave man.

B. S. Cecil celebrated his forty-fifth birthday on October 5, 1912. He was reared on the home farm and obtained his education in Cynthian township and at Oran and in early manhood engaged in farming but later learned the blacksmiith trade and has been established in his own shop at Dawson for the past sixteen years. He is known as an excellent workman and there is never a time when he is not busy. He not only does blacksmith work but all kinds of repairing.

Mr. Cecil married Mrs. Florence Louella (Cornell) Mills, widow of Charles Mills, and they have had the following children : Goldie May, deceased; Albert E., Lester C, Clifford L., and Murrey Leo, deceased. Mr. Cecil belongs to the independent wing of the republican party but has never been willing to accept any office other than membership on the school board, for the past four years having been president of the Houston Special School District of Loramie township. He is one of the town's sturdy and reliable citizens and is held in general esteem.

GEORGE W. FOSTER, a prosperous agriculturist and representative citizen of Loramie township, resides one and one-quarter mile south of Houston, O., on the Piqua and St. Mary's turnpike road, where he owns 120 acres of fine land, was born February 28, i860, at Canton, O., and is a son of John H. and Augusta Foster.

John H. Foster and wife were born in Germany and when they first reached the United States, settled at Wheeling, W. Va., and in a short time came to Canton, O., and in 1863 to Piqua, from which city, in 1870, they came to Loramie township, where they passed the rest of their lives. They were members of the Brethren church at Piqua. John H. Foster died when aged fifty-nine years and his wife when ten years older and their burial was at Houston. They were parents of five sons and one daughter and four of the sons survive.

lived five years in Washington township prior to his marriage, and twelve years afterward, and then came to his present farm in Loramie township. When he settled here his land was covered with brush and thickets and it required much hard toil and a considerable expenditure of money to clear, cultivate and drain, and to place the many substantial improvements here. Farming and stock raising employ Mr. Foster's attention, his two youngest sons now assuming many of the heaviest responsibilities.

Mr. Foster married Miss Anna Snaveley, who was born in Washington township, a daughter of the late Washington Snaveley, and they have three children : Theda B., who married E. H. Billing, of Swanders, O. ; and Guy E. and Marion O. Mr. Foster and family are members of the Presbyterian church at Mt. Jefferson, in which he is an elder and is also church treasurer and a trustee. He is a republican in politics.

HENRY ACHBACH, whose well cultivated farm of forty acres lies in section 22, Cynthian township, Shelby county, O., was born on this farm, November 5, 1865, and is a son of George and Louisa (Seing) Achbach.

The parents of Mr. Achbach were born in Germany, were reared and educated there and were married two years before coming to America. When they reached the United States they located on land in Kentucky, it being the intention of George Achbach to follow farming, but conditions did not satisfy them where they first settled and they then moved to Patterson township in Darke county, O. Afterward they came on into Shelby county and here Mr. Achbach secured the present home farm, three acres of which had been cleared and a log cabin erected. Very soon afterward he erected a better log house and with the help of his sons as they grew old enough, succeeded in entirely clearing the land, keeping four acres as a wood lot. This land has been put into fine condition through proper draining and tiling and would command a high price if put on the market. On this farm George Achbach died at the age of fifty-eight years, having led a very laborious life. His widow survived to the age of eighty- four years and both were interred in the Lutheran cemetery. During the Civil war he was a brave soldier, serving for three years and three months, and, although ever at the post of duty, escaped all injury. George Achbach and wife had seven children, namely: Charles, who was born in Germany; Mary, who is deceased, was the wife of John Stifel; and Julius, Caroline, Annie, Henry and Amanda.

Henry Achbach attended school in the Grisey Special School District and afterward engaged in farming, working the home place and also renting an adjoining farm. For the past six years he has lived continuously on this farm, carrying on a general agricultural line, but for nine years previously he worked in the spoke factory at St. Mary's. He married Miss Mary Hecht, who was born in Patterson township, Darke county, O., a daughter of Henry and Pauline Hecht, the former of whom is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Achbach have six children: William, who was born in Cynthian township; Clara, Anna and Clarence, all of whom were born at St. Mary's: Elizabeth and Ethel, who were born on the present home farm. Mr. Achbach and fam- ily belong to the Lutheran church. He is a democrat in politics and is happy to have his neighbors agree with him on public questions but he has never been willing to serve in any office except as a member of the board of education, to which he was elected in January, 191 1.

P. O. STOCKSTILL, one of the progressive agriculturists of Orange township, Shelby county, O., whose valuable and well improved farm 01 eighty acres is situated two miles southeast of Sidney, was born where he now lives, in 1867, and is a son of Thomas and a grandson of Elias Stockstill, who was one of the pioneers in Shelby county, coming at a very early clay from near Midway, in Miami county, where possibly he was born. He settled near Maplewood, in Shelby county, and he and wife died here. They were solid, reliable people and their descendants have reflected credit on them to the present day.

Thomas Stockstill was born on his father's farm near Maplewood in Shelby county, and in manhood moved to Orange township, where he carried on general farming for many years and then retired to Sidney, but still own; two valuable tracts of land, one of eighty acres and a second one of thirty acres. He married Martha Mitchell, who passed away about 1906, the mother of eleven children, nine of whom are yet living.

P. O. Stockstill was reared and educated in Orange township. When prepared to go into business on his own account he purchased a part of the old homestead from his father, paying $10,000 for this eighty-acre tract. He has improved the same since it came into his possession, having rented it for ten years previously, and here carries on farming and stock raising according to scientific methods and has one of the most productive farms in this section of the county.

Mr. Stockstill married Miss Estella Fergus, who was born in Shelby county, and a family of seven children has been born to them, namely: Ethel, Martha, Clem, Joseph, Blanche, Robert and Roger. The eldest daughter married Earl Applegate, who is a well known educator in this county, and they have one son, Ralph. Mr. Stockstill and family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church at Sidney, of which he is a trustee. Not only is Mr. Stockstill a progressive farmer but he is also a progressive citizen, wide awake to public questions and having sensible and convincing opinions of his own. For fourteen years he has been a member of the township school board and at present is serving most acceptably in the office of justice of the peace. For the past twenty-two years he has been identified with the Odd Fellows and belongs also to the Red Men.

LOUIS P. RATERMANN, who carries on general farming and stockraising on the old Ratermann homestead, consisting of seventy-three acres situated in section 8, St. Patrick Special School District, in McLean township, Shelby county, O., was born on this farm, April 5, 1880, and is a son of Henry anl Sophia (Wehinger) Ratermann.

come from Hanover was John Henry Bernard Ratermann, who was accompanied by his wife, Anna Maria Ratermann, and their one son, Ferdinand. They settled in McLean township, Shelby county, O., southeast of Fort Loramie, and there the other children were born, namely: Henry; Philip, who formerly was county surveyor of Shelby county, Bernard, a schoolteacher who died at the age of twenty-three years; and Joseph, who is a resident of Sidney, each son receiving the gift of a farm from his father. The latter was one of the pioneers of St. Michael's Catholic church and in early days baptisms and other church offices were frequently performed in his dwelling. He died at the age of sixty-seven, his wife surviving him by nine months.

Henry Ratermann was reared on the old farm and has heard his father say that when he settled there but one house had been built in what is now the busy and important town of Fort Loramie. He attended the Berlin district school and afterward continued his studies alone, purchasing books so that he could advance farther in general knowledge. After his marriage Henry Ratermann settled on the farm now occupied by his youngest son, clearing the land and making improvements and on that place his death occurred in 1881, at the age of forty-six years. Like his father before him he was a democrat and all his life he was a worthy member of St. Michael's church. On June 4, 1867, Mr. Ratermann was married to Miss Sophia Wehinger, who was born in Wuertenberg, Germany, April 14, 1849, and was five years old when her parents, August and Frances (Rupprecht) Wehinger brought her to America. They lived for some time at Fort Loramie, O.. and then moved to a small farm west of the town, and there the mother of Mrs. Ratermann died when aged forty-five and her father when aged forty-nine years. They were parents of five children,- all reared in the Catholic church; Rosa, who is deceased; Hilda, who is a resident of St. Patrick; Madeline, who is deceased; Sophia; and Anton, who lives at Mansfield, O.

To Henry Ratermann and wife the following children were born: William, who died at the age of twenty-seven years, married Elizabeth Ceding and left one daughter, Wilhelmina, who lives with her grandmother; John Bernard, who lives at Sidney, married Catherine Zimmerman and they have six children - Henrietta, Jerome, Catherine, Hilda. William and Francis; Alolph, who is in the banking business at Fort Loramie; Anna, who is a competent stenographer employed at San Francisco; Frank, who is a physician at Fort Loramie; and Louis P. After the death of her husband Mrs. Ratermann remained on the farm as her sons were able to carry on its industries while she became a school teacher. For eleven years she continued to teach the St. Patrick public school, retiring from educational work and resuming domestic duties in 1895. In 1906 she took charge of her son Adolph's home at Fort Loramie. She was much beloved as a teacher, being of pleasing manner and of intellectual strength, perfectly capable in the line of work she followed for more than a decade. It is worthy of mention that she was teaching at the same time that three of her sons were also so engaged, these being Frank, Bernard and Adolph. Mrs. Ratermann has a wide and pleasant social

Louis P. Raterinanu received his education at St. Patrick's district school and afterward took charge of the home farm and has continued to successfully conduct it, keeping up the improvements and raising satisfactory crops and cattle. He married Miss Anna Hoying, who is a daughter of Anthony Hoying, a farmer in Turtle Creek township. They have three children : Mary, Henry and Ludowicka. With his family Mr. Ratermann belongs to St. Patrick's Catholic church. He is a democrat in politics and takes a hearty interest in public matters but is filling no office, finding his business important enough to take up all his time.

GEORGE M. BAKER, who owns and operates the old Baker homestead of eighty-eight acres, situated in Washington township, Shelby county, O., was burn on this farm in 187^ and is a son of Ephraim and Nancy (Cain) Baker.

Ephraim Baker was horn also in Shelby county and spent forty-four years of his life on the above mentioned farm, doing the larger part of the clearing. In addition to farming and stock raising, he also worked at the ice business for a time. His death occurred here in his seventy-fourth year. He married Nancy Cain, who came from West Virginia and they had the following children : Junie, Mrs. Elora Saunders. Albert, Leo, Franklin, George M., Mrs. Peter Higgins and M. L., the last named being a resident of North Dakota. The four survivors of the family include George M. and M. L. and Mrs. Saunders and Mrs. Higgins:

After his school days were over Mr. Baker was engaged in a grocery business for some ten years. In 1908 he decided to turn his attention to farming and with this end in view bought the interests of the other heirs in the homestead and since then has been successfully carrying on general farming and stock raising, cultivating his own land and an adjoining eighty acres.

Mr. Baker married Miss Adelle Filler and they have two children: William and Alfred. Mr. Baker and family are members of the United Brethren church at Lockington, O. Politically he is a republican and fraternallv he is identified with the Odd Fellows at Kirkwood and belongs to the Encampment at Sidney.

JOHN BORGER, a retired farmer of McLean township, also president of the board of Berlin school district, was born in McLean township, this county, May 15, 1858. His father Cristopher Borger, came to America from Germany when a single man and after arriving here found employment on various public works. He married in Cincinnati and from that town moved with his wife by horse and wagon to Shelby county, stopping at a farm north of the present family homestead. He then purchased eighty acres of land at $2.50 per acre, which he registered at the land office at Chillicothe. O.. walking there and back. This land is now owned by his son, J. Bernard Borger. His entire subsequent holdings included tracts of 120, 160. 80, 107 and 80 acres, which are now divided among his children. He died at the age of sixty-four years. He was a member of St. Michael's Catholic church. Though not active in politics, he always took an intelligent and useful interest in local affairs. His wife died at the age of seventy-five years. She was a native of the same town in Germany as himself. They had five children, namely: Catherine, deceased, who was the wife of Joseph Tepe of Cincinnati ; Henry, now deceased, who was twice married, his second wife being Rosa Sherman ; J. Bernard, who is a farmer in McLean township, married Johanna, daughter of \V. J. Scherman; Mary, deceased, who was the wife of John Branlage; and John, who resides at Ft. Loramie, this county, and who married Maria Sherman, daughter of W. J. Sherman.

John Borger received his schooling in McLean township, Shelby county, O. From the age of seventeen he resided at Fort Loramie with his mother, working on a farm, but about six years later began the business of buying and selling live stock, and continued until the year 1900. when he retired from that occupation and was later occupied with agricultural matters, ami farming during this time residing at Fort Loramie. He married Mary Sherman, a daughter of William J. Sherman of Fort Loramie. O., and their children have been as follows: Gertrude and Amelia, both unmarried; John, who died at the age of sixten years; Peter, who died when two months old; Paul, who is unmarried; Teresa. Mary and Carl.

Mr. Borger owns 200 acres in McLean township and has cleared all of one of the farms into which this land is divided, except twenty acres, on this farm being now engaged in draining and tiling. On the other farm, eightv acre^ have been drained and tiled, ten acres being left in woodland. On each farm is a good set of buildings. Both farms are located on the turnpike about one and a half or two miles east of Fort Loramie, in McLean township. Mr. Borger is a member of St. Michael's Catholic church. In politics he has been a life long democrat. He has served as president of the board of education for twenty years and has also served a number of years as member of the town council. His residence is on South Main street, on the east side of the canal, at Fort Loramie, and in this neighborhood he has numerous warm friends and agreeable acquaintances.

PERCY R. TAYLOR, attorney at law and a representative citizen of Sidney, O., was born in the great city of Birmingham, England, January 8, 1872. and is a son of F. D. and Catherine (Campbell) Taylor.

F. D. Taylor was born in England and became a mining and civil engineer and in a professional capacity came to Canada and while there was married. Afterward he went back to England but subsequently returned to Canada, where his wife died in March, 1888, he surviving until 1895. They had four children: Percy Radcliffe; Nora, who is the wife of Charles Price Green, of Toronto, Canada; Claud, who is manager of a branch of the Union Bank of New Liskeard, Canada; and Naomi, who is the wife of Gordon McCullough, of Toronto.

ing two years of early life, lived in Switzerland. He was ten years old when the family came from England to Toronto and up to the age of thirteen years he was instructed by a governess in his home. He then spent one year in the public schools of Ontario and for two years was a student at Bishop's College, at Lenoxville, province of Quebec, completing his high course there. His first business experience was as a bookkeeper for a contracting firm for the Canadian Pacific Railroad. On July 4, 1892, he came to Sidney, O., where he accepted a position as reporter on the old Sidney Journal and remained with that publication until June, 181)8, in August of the following year becoming editor of the Piqua Dispatch, at Piqua, O., and additionally, until April, 1900, was interested in the publishing of law books with the Lanning Publishing Company. Mr. Taylor then became proofreader for the Western Publishing Company at St. Paul, Minn., and continued until March, 1901, when he accepted a position as traveling salesman, his territory being Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, and afterwards Ohio, and continued on the road until the fall of 1905. In the meanwhile he had utilized all his spare moments in the study of law and in 1903 he took the bar examination at Columbus, having been encouraged in this ambition by his wife, and passed very creditably and on September 1, 1905, opened his law office at Sidney, where he had already a wide circle of friends. On October 1, 1905, he reentered the employ of the Western Publishing Company and in one month organized a department for them and then returned to his professional work at Sidney, where he has resided ever since and has rapidly built up a practice. He is a member of the Shelby County Bar Association and has been active and energetic in furthering the interests of the Commercial Club at Sidney and served as its president from 1910 until 191 1.

Mr. Taylor was married February 27. 1897. to Miss Dorothy Cary, of Sidney, and they have one daughter, Claribel, who was born October 12, 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor attend the Episcopal church. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the D. O. K. K. In politics he is a republican, and he stands high both as a citizen and as a member of the bar.

D. A. McKINSTRY, one of the successful farmers of Cynthian township, resides on the old McKinstry farm in section 26, which comprises eighty acres of well tiled, productive land situated seven miles from Sidney, O. He was born in Mifflin county. Pa., February 22. 1X72, and is a son of David and Sarah (Hoover) McKinstrv.

The parents of Mr. McKinstry were born in Pennsylvania and resided in Mifflin county until 1886, when they came to Shelby county. O.. and purchased the present home farm in Cynthian township, on which they still reside. living somewhat retired. Their four children were all born in Pennsylvania, namely: Allen. Elizabeth, D. A. and Addie, D. A. being the only survivor. David McKinstry is a democrat in politics. He and wife are members of the Brethren church.

D. A. McKinstry was fourteen years of age when he accompanied his parents to Shelby county, and he completed his education here by attending school for one year afterward in Turtle Creek township. His time has been largely given to attending to the various farm industries. He is a stanch democrat and is willing to work for the success of his party but has never consented to fill any political office other than one connected with the public schools and for seven years he has been treasurer of the Forest special school district board of education. Fie and parents are widely known and all are held in esteem by their neighbors.

J. F. EMERT, justice of the peace and a prominent citizen of Cynthian township, is one of the best known insurance agents in Shelby county, is a large landowner and is also an honored veteran of the great Civil war. Mr. Emert was born in Loramie township, Shelby county, O., May 13, 1844, and is a son of Benjamin and Mary (Methard) Emert, both of whom passed away on the old home farm in Loramie township.

On both paternal and maternal sides, J. F. Emert can trace his ancestry to the original home in Germany. On the maternal side, the great-greatgrandparents emigrated from Germany early in the seventeenth century and settled at Frederick, Md. There Bartholemew Booher and his wife Margaret, reared a family of fourteen children, the names of thirteen being preserved: Catherine. Daniel, Peter, Margaret, Bartholemew, Leah, Mathias, Rachel, Barbara, Elizabeth, Mary, Solomon and John. Frederick Fox, a great-grandfather, was born at Frederick, Md., May 10, 1751 , married Catherine Booher, and they reared a family of seven children: Christeena, Rosine, Mary M., George, Daniel B., Joseph and Elizabeth. The maternal grandfather, George Methard, was born at Two Bricken. Germany, December 6, 1760 and emigrated to the United States and settled at Frederick, Md. He married Christeena Fox and they reared a family of six children : Jacob, George, Elizabeth, Catherine. Mary M. and Jonathan.

The paternal grandfather, Martin Emert. emigrated from Germany and settled in Berks county, Pa. He was a jeweler by trade. He married Catherine Knoop and they reared a family of four children: Benjamin, John. Catherine and Andrew. Benjamin Emert was born June 23, 1795 and was married January 25, 183 1 to Mary M. Methard, and they were the parents of four children: Catherine, George. Benjamin and J. F. Emert. Among the ancestors of Mr. Emert were men who served with honor in the War of the Revolution.

J. F. Emert was reared and attended the district schools in his native township and afterward assisted his father on the home farm prior to enlisting for service in the Civil war. He was a member of Company F, Benton Cadets, Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and during this first enlistment was a member of General Fremont's body guards. His second enlistment was in Company B, 50th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served two years and eleven months and participated in all its engagements, taking part in the great battle at Franklin,. Tenn., and continued until he was honorably discharged

In 1875 Mr. Emert came to Cynthian township and here he married Miss Almira Blanchard, who was born and reared on an adjoining farm, a daughter of Eliphalet and Mary Jane (Penrod) Blanchard. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Emert : George I., Eliphalet, Martin, John, and Julian. Martin and Julian are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Emert are members of the Presbyterian church.

When Mr. Emert purchased the farm on which he lives, which is situated in section 33, Orange Special School District, Cynthian township, two and one-half miles southeast of Newport, O., it was wild land and he not only cleared it but has placed here all the present improvements, including substantial buildings. A fire destroyed his first barn but he quickly rebuilt it. Mr. Emert owns three separate farms aggregating 300 acres, and these lie in three townships, Cynthian, Loramie and Orange, all of this property being well improved. Mr. Emert no longer attends personally to the cultivation of his land, having all of it rented to good tenants. He is well known in insurance circles and has covered Shelby county in the interests of the Miami Mutual Fire Association and the Ohio State Tornado and Wind Storm Company. Politically he is a republican and for the past two years he has been a justice of the peace and for three years he served Cynthian township on its board of trustees.

S. J. BOOHER, a leading citizen of Washington township, Shelby county, 0.,a prominent republican and a substantial farmer, lives ten miles southwest of Sidney, O., where he owns a valuable farm containing seventy-one and one-half acres. He was born in 1859, in Washington township and is a son of George B. and Naomi (Pohlamus) Booher.

George B. Booher was identified with Shelby county from an early day, followed farming activities all his life and became the owner of 600 acres of valuable land, his death occurring on his homestead in Washington township, his age being sixty-five years. He married Naomi Pohlamus, who died three years before her husband. Ten children were born to them, namely: Mrs. Emma Carpenter, Mrs. Lizzie Jones, S. J., George E., Mrs. Laura A. Everley, Mary K., William F., Charles E., Arthur B. and Floy J.

S. J. Booher has been engaged in farming ever since his school days ended, passing his first ten years on one of his father's farms. During three years he resided at Lockington, and then bought the Wilkinson place, afterward was interested in an elevator business at Lockington and in 1898 settled on his present farm in Washington township. He carries on general farming and raises stock and horses and specializes in poultry. In the poultry industry he has been well satisfied, his fancy fowls bringing him thirty premiums in the last Shelby county fair and sixteen prizes at the Troy fair.

Mr. Booher married Miss Helen Hoopes, who was born in Chester county, Pa., and they have one son, Dwight, who gives his father assistance. Mr. Booher and family attend the United Brethren church. He has been a leading political factor for a number of years in this section and served several terms as township assessor and in 1890 was land appraiser. At present he is the candidate of the republican party for county commissioner, an office for which Mr. Booher is seemingly particularly well qualified.

JOSHUA FRANKLIN COLE, whose 160 acres of fine farming land lies in Turtle Cretk township, belongs to one of the old pioneer families of Shelby county. He was born on this farm, which has been in the possession of the family since 1822, on March 24, 1865, and is a son of Broad and Rebecca (Stanley) Cole, and a grandson of Joshua Cole.

Joshua Cole was born near Baltimore, Md., July 3, 1789, a son of Broad Cole. While yet young his father settled in Kentucky, where he remained until 1798, fhen moved to Ohio, locating first in Fairfield county but later removing to Pickaway county and there Joshua grew to manhood. On February 7, 181 1, he married Susannah, daughter of Daniel and Rachel Ranier, then residing in Pickaway county but a native of New Jersey, where she was born January 9, 1792. On August 22, 1812, he enlisted in the command of Captain Reed and served six months in the War of 181 2. In 1819 or 1820 he came to Shelby county and entered the southeast quarter of section 6, Turtle Creek township, and then returned to his home in Pickaway county. In 182 1 he came back to his land and with the help of two men who accompanied him, cleared about nine acres, when he again returned to Pickaway county. In March, 1822 he brought his family to Shelby county and stopped at Ebenezer Stephens' place, near Hardin, until he could erect a cabin, into which when completed he moved his family in the following month. For some time after he settled here he had no neighbors to the north nearer than eleven miles. He remained on this farm, clearing and improving until 1845, when he rented it and moved with his family to Sidney, where they lived until 185 1. In that year he returned to Turtle Creek township and settled with his family on a farm joining his old home farm on the west, on whicn he passed the rest of his days. His wife died September 15, 1876, and his death occurred on October 20 following. They reared a family of seven children : Cynthia, Nancy, Rachel, Broad, Nathan W., Susannah and Joshua R. The last mentioned died of cholera August 3, 1854.

Broad Cole, son of Joshua and father of Joshua Franklin Cole, was born in Pickaway county, O., April n, 1820, and was brought by his parents to Shelby county in 1822. On March 1, 1842, he married Miss Rebecca Stanley, then of Shelby county but a native of Ross county, O., where she was born June 28, 1823. After the death of her father she accompanied her mother to Shelby county in 1835. Mr. and Mrs. Cole settled on his father's home farm and remained until 1845, when they moved to Sidney, where he engaged in a mercantile business until 1849, when they returned to the home farm in Turtle Creek township and during the remainder of his life he gave his attention to farming. In his political views he was a republican and for several years served as a trustee of Turtle Creek township. Broad Cole and wife had children as follows : Orlando Isaac, who was a soldier in the Civil war and died in service, at Pittsburg Landing, from typhoid fever; Augusta, who married John McDonald; Eva, who married George B. Toland; Gertrude, who married Robert McClelland ; Clara, who married T. L. Ginn ; Margaret and Joshua F.

Joshua Franklin Cole attended the public schools in Turtle Creek township and later the Sidney schools and then gave his father assistance on the home farm and before'his father's death purchased eighty acres of the same and afterward bought the interests of the other heirs in the property and has continued general farming and stock raising here ever since. This is one of the fine old farms of the county and its owners have always been representative men and sterling citizens.

In 1886 Mr. Cole was married to Miss Olive Burns, who was born in Gentry county, Mo., a daughter of David and Rebecca (Carroll) Burns. The father was a railroad engineer. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Burns were : Roland; Agnes, wife of Oscar Kennard ; Olive, wife of Mr. Cole; Mary, deceased, wife of Charles Marr; Ellen, wife of William Preston; and Othello. Mr. and Mrs. Cole are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he is a church trustee. Politically he is a republican and has served two terms as township trustee. He is identified with the Knights of Pythias at Sidney, O.

EDWARD C. MADER, a general farmer in Loramie township, Shelby county, O., where he owns forty acres of excellent land, lying in Beech Grove Special School District, three and one-half miles southeast of Russia, O., was born in Loramie township, July 20, 1865, and is a son of Andrew and Elizabeth B. (Brehm) Mader.

Andrew Mader was born and grew to manhood in Germany and was twenty-one years of age when he came to the United States. He worked on the construction of the Miami & Erie Canal and thus came to Ohio. He married Elizabeth B. Brehm, who was also born in Germany and was three years old when brought to America by her parents, John E. and Margaret (Schautchner) Brehm, who came to Shelby county, O., and settled on the farm which is now the property of Edward C. Mader, he buying it from his grandfather Brehm. Andrew Mader died here in his seventieth year and his burial was at Black's cemetery, in Loramie township. His widow survives, being now in her seventieth year, and she still lives on the homestead.

Edward C. Mader has spent his life on the home farm, all of which is under cultivation except ten acres in valuable timber. Both grandfather and father did some clearing and Mr. Mader completed it and also attended to draining the land and has a very productive farm. He makes no specialty but raises enough stock for himself and the usual grains, hay and potatoes, crops that do well in this section.

On March 18, 1894, Mr. Mader was married to Miss Ida E. Cook, who was born in Montgomery county, O., April 12. 1869, a daughter of Ezra and Sarah (Stiver) Cook. Mrs. Mader was fourteen years old when she accompanied her parents to Loramie township, where they still live. The five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Mader all survive, namely: Clarence A., Goldie E.,

Emerson G., and Bertha J. and Walter H., twins. Mr. Mader and family belong to the Lutheran church. In politics Mr. Mader has been a lifelong democrat, as was his father, and at times he has consented to hold township offices when his party has wished to honor him. At the present time he is a member of the board of trustees of Loramie township, and is also treasurer of the Beech Grove Special School District.

JACOB MUNK, who is clerk of the board of education of the Huffman Special School District, in Loramie township, owns a valuable tract of sixteen acres of land, situated in section 13, which he devotes to the growing of berries and broom corn, utilizing the product himself as he is a maker of brooms. He was born May 9, 1854, in Bethel township, Miami county, O., and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Wurtz) Munk.

John Munk was one of the loyal and patriotic men who entered the service of their country only to later lose their lives. He enlisted in a Springfield, O., company, in the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was recruited there for service in the Civil war, and he fell on the field of battle at Winchester, Va., when aged forty-seven years. He left a widow and an only son. The widow moved into Shelby county when her son was about eleven years old and here her death occurred February 27, 1895, and her burial was in the cemetery at Houston, her age being eighty- four years. She was a member of the Reformed church.

Jacob Munk was reared in Shelby county and attended school until old enough to engage in farm work and has lived in Loramie township since he was eleven years of age. After marriage he settled on his present place, which he has comfortably improved, and has been engaged in broom manufacture for about one year. For many years he has served on the local school board and it was partly through his efforts that the Huffman was made a special school district, this arrangement carrying with it many benefits for the community. Since 1905 he has been clerk of the board of education.

Mr. Munk married Miss Elizabeth Voisard, who was born in Loramie township, Shelby county, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Jane Voisard, and the following children were born to them : Clara, who is the wife of Alonzo Fritz, of Tippecanoe City, O. ; Charles, who lives at Piqua., married Myrtle McConnell ; James, who is a resident of Piqua ; an infant daughter, deceased ; William, who lives at Hamilton, O., married Josephine Wrigley; Nellie. who died when aged six years ; and Roy, Lottie, Ruth and Thadedorra. The family belongs to the Reformed church. In politics Mr. Munk is a republican.

ANTHONY HIEGEL, who is one of the prominent and substantial men of Shelby county, O., where he owns four separate farms, aggregating 320 acres, three of which lie in Loramie and one in Cynthian township, resides in section 5, in the former township, on the St. Mary and Piqua turnpike road, north of Houston, O. He was born July 27, 1857, in Alsace, Germany, a son of Joseph and Margaret (Schuster) Hiegel, whose family consisted of five sons and two daughters. The parents passed away in Germany and but two

August Wise And Representative Citizens 627

Anthony Hiegel was fifteen years of age when he and his brother, Joseph Hiegel, left Germany and came to the United States, and soon after came to Loramie township, Shelby county, where Anthony decided to locate permanently. Here he worked with farmers until he learned the business and after he married, settled on his present home farm. Afterward he moved to the range line and lived there for four years and then came back to his old farm. All his land is well improved and he erected the substantial buildings which stand on the home place, all of which is under cultivation except ten acres yet in valuable timber.

Mr. Hiegel married Miss Sarah A. Ortman, who was born in Loramie township, a sister of John A. Ortman and a daughter of Henry Ortman, a well known family in this locality. Mrs. Hiegel died August 27, 191 1, and her burial was in the cemetery at Houston. She was a most estimable lady, respected and beloved by all who knew her, and a member of the Lutheran church. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hiegel: Joseph, who lives in Cynthian township, married Isabella Doren ; Charles, who lives with his family in Loramie township; William, who is a resident of Dark county, O., married Tracy Leymen; and John, Mary and Lawrence, all of whom are at home. In politics Mr. Hiegel has been a democrat since reaching mature years and once served as township trustee of Loramie township and for some years has belonged to the Mills special school district board of education for both Loramie and Cynthian townships and is assistant treasurer of the same.

AUGUST WISE, one of the well knOwn business men of Shelby county, who operates a saw mill and deals in hardwood lumber, at Fort Loramie, was born and reared in this section and is a son of August and Thresia Wise. the former of whom was born 111 Holland and the latter in Germany.

August Wise attended school at Fort Loramie and early began to be self supporting, for two years driving a pair of mules in the lumber regions, when not more than fifteen years of age. In 1881 the father of Mr. Wise started a saw mill business one mile north of Fort Loramie and the son went to work in die mill which his father in 1892 removed and rebuilt at Fort Loramie and conducted until his death, in 1902. Since that time August Wise has continued the business alone, and to some degree has expanded the same, giving employment to seven men at the present time. The mill has the following dimensions: 36 x 116 feet, and 22 x 80 feet, with engine room of 40 x 44 feet. All kinds of custom sawing is done, and handles are manufactured, as many as 80,000 of the handles being turned out annually. Mr. Wise is ready to purchase timbet in any amount when he can secure suitable tracts and hires teams when the hauling is more than his own two road and log teams can handle. He is a wide awake business man and one who, through business integrity, has won the confidence of all with whom he is associated in this way .

Mr. Wise married Miss Catherine Rice, who was born at Fort Loramie in 1871, a daughter of Joseph and Madeline Rice, and they have a family of five children, namely: Esther and Tracy, twins, who are eight years old; Hilda, who has celebrated her fifth birthday; Edward, whose four years prevents him from yet going to school ; and Veronica, who is the one-year-old baby. Mr. Wise and family belong to St. Michael's Catholic church. In politics he is nominally a Democrat but as an intelligent and thinking man, often shows that he is somewhat independent of party. He belongs to the Knights of Columbus and the Knights of St. John and has a creditable record in both organizations. Mr. Wise is interested to some extent in the Loramie & Minster Railway Company.

ORA A. MARTIN, one of the substantial and well informed men of Loramie township, resides on his valuable farm of 101 acres, a fine property which lies not far distant from Versailles, O. He was born in Adams township, Darke county, O., October 22, 1874, and is a son of John B. and Catherine Martin, the former of whom is now deceased.

Ora A. Martin obtained his education in the public schools and since then has continuously followed an agricultural life. Since February 22, 19 10, he has resided on his present place, which was improved by the former owner, the late George Rhoades, his father-in-law, and here he successfully carries on diversified farming and grows stock for his own use.

Mr. Martin was united in marriage with Miss Lucinda T. Rhoades, who is the youngest daughter of the late George and Matilda Rhoades, who were well known people of Shelby county, O. Mr. and Mrs. Martin are members of the Lutheran church and they have a wide acquaintance in this section and many friends. Mr. Martin like his late father is a democrat but has never beer willing to accept any political recognition except membership on the school board, and as such, in September, 191 1, was elected treasurer of the Greenwood special school district and continues to serve.

JOHN W. LORTON. who is engaged in farming and stock raising in Loramie township, owns 100 acres of productive land, situated in section 18, two miles from Russia, O. He was born in Clinton township, Shelby county, O., December 15, i860, and is a son of George Allison and Catherine (Glasford) Lorton.

George Allison Lorton was born in Shelby county and died at the age of sixty years, his burial being at Sidney. All his life he worked hard as a day laborer, never having had any educational opportunities in his youth, but was universally respected for his many excellent traits of character. He married Catherine Glasford, who was born in Germany and was brought to Montgomery county, Ohio, when seven years old. She now lives in Turtle Creek township. They became the parents of thirteen children, and of this large family three sons and two daughters are living. They were members of the Lutheran church.

ing there, and as soon as old enough began to be self supporting, working on farms or in any way that was honorable, for six years being a railroad employe. After marriage he settled at Houston and as soon as he had accumulated enough money bought eighty-five acres in Loramie township. He later sold that property and in 1910 purchased his present farm.

Mr. Lorton was married to Miss Louisa Wintringham, who was born at Houston, a daughter of George and Christiana (Ervin) Wintringham, both of whom died in Loramie township. Mr. and Mrs. Lorton have four children: Freeborn F., who married Ina Hoover, who died leaving a daughter, Evelyn ; Blanche, who is the wife of Jesse Wilbaum, of near Anna Station, by whom she has two children, Ellen and Laurence ; John E., who first married Minerva Langston, deceased, and later Tracey Stout of Noble county; and Walter, who lives at home. They are also rearing a youth named Roy Grimes. Mr. Lorton has been a lifelong republican but has never been very active in politics. He takes an interest in all local matters as becomes a good citizen and cheerfully assists in supporting the schools of Huffman special school district. The family belongs to the Christian church at Houston.

HERBERT E. SHEETS, of the Sheets Manufacturing Company, of Botkins, O.. one of the large and important industrial enterprises of the place, was born here, October 5, 1884, and is a son of Philip and Catherine (Thuman) Sheets.

Philip Sheets, who founded the Sheets Manufacturing Company, died September 6, 1905, Herbert E. Sheets succeeding as head of the concern. This company manufactures wood wheel material for wagons, carriages and automobiles and employment is given eighty men, the plant covering five acres of ground. Mr. Sheets has been identified with the business ever since he completed his education. He lias other important interests, being president of the Shelby County Bank at Botkins, vice president of the Sidney Manufacturing Company, and, in association with his brother, E. S. Sheets, owns the Sheets Grain Company of Botkins. He is an energetic, wide awake business man and commands the respect of all with whom he is associated.

Mr. Sheets married Miss Helen Baughman, of Jackson Center, O., in 191 1, and they have a very attractive home at Botkin. He is prominent in the Masonic fraternity. Knight Templar and Shriner, and has attained the Thirty-second degree. He belongs also to the Odd Fellows.

J. H. M. SCHURR, undertaker and furniture dealer, at Botkins, O., continuing a business established by his father twenty-four years ago, was born on a farm in Auglaize county, O., four miles northwest of Botkins, August 7, 1877, and is a son of Christian and Margaret (Bimel) Schurr.

Christian Schurr and family moved to Botkins in 1888, at which time he established the business above referred to and carried it on until 1899 when he was succeeded by his son, J. H. M. He still survives, being now in his seventy-fifth year, and is one of Botkins' most highly esteemed citizens. He was twice married and of his ten children born to his first union eight survive,

J. H. M. Schurr attended the public schools of Botkins and then entered his father's employ in the undertaking business, to which he finally succeeded, later became a qualified embalmer and has a complete outfit for this branch of the business. He has proper vehicles and equipments of all kinds including a handsome funeral car and his services are sought from all over Shelby and Auglaize counties. On August 20, 1899, he embarked in the furniture line, and as demand arose, from time to time added wall papers, linoleums and rugs to his other stock and now does the largest business in this line that is done in three townships.

Mr. Schurr was married to Miss Emma Amelia Moothart, who is a daughter of John Moothart, president of the Botkin school board, and they have three children : Edison Luther, Helen Naomi and Ruth Mildred. Mr. Schurr and family are members of the Lutheran church.

JOHN MOOTHART, a highly respected citizen and retired farmer living in his comfortable home at Botkins, O., is serving as president of the Botkins special district school board, giving to the duties of this office the beneficial experience gained through many years of interest in the public schools. He was born on a farm in Franklin township, Shelby county, O., one mile south of Anna, December 31, 1849, and is a son of Peter and Sarah (Fostnight) Moothart.

Peter Moothart was born in Pennsylvania and was young when he came to Shelby county where he spent his life as a farmer. His widow, who survives and is now in her eighty-eighth year, was reared in Shelby county, O., but was born in Pennsylvania. They were of German extraction, and Mrs. Moothart attends the Lutheran church, probably being the oldest member at Anna, O.

John Moothart was reared on the home farm in Franklin township and during his entire active life followed farm pursuits. After his marriage he settled on the old Balser Hagelberger farm in Dinsmore township, Shelby county, two miles south of Botkins, where he successfully carried on general farming and stock raising. In 1906 he turned the farm industries over to his sons and retired to Botkins. For eighteen years he served as a member of the school board in Dinsmore township and has served on the Botkins board for five years, being president of this body for the past year.

Mr. Moothart was married November 19, 1874, to Miss Julia Ann Hagelberger and they have nine children living, namely: William Edward, Louis Albert, Emma Amelia, Milton, Jennie May, Oliver Milard, Harvey, Alfred and Clara Louella. Emma Amelia is the wife of J. H. M. Schurr, and Jennie May is the wife of James R. Cox. Mr. Moothart and family are members of the Lutheran church and he belongs to the board of deacons in the same. He has never been very active politically but has always aimed to be a useful member of his community and has always enjoyed the trust and respect of friends and neighbors.

CHARLES L. WINDLE, a valued and experienced member of the board of county commissioners of Shelby county, O., has been a representative citizen of Orange township for the past nineteen years. He was born in Clinton township, this county, November 16, 1870, and is a son of Henry and Mary Elizabeth (Buirley) Windle.

Mr. Windle was but one year old when he lost his father by death and during the following five years he lived with his maternal grandfather in Clinton township. He was six years old when his mother married H. H. Wilson, and they moved to Green township, and he continued with his mother and step-father until he was twenty-three years of age, in the meanwhile securing a good common school education. He was reared to be a practical farmer and has followed agricultural pursuits ever since, in 1892 purchasing his present farm of forty acres, which lies in a favorable section of Orange township.

In 1894 Mr. Windle was married to Miss Daisy Arbogast, Qf Green township, Shelby county, a daughter of Lewis and Henrietta ( Maderris) Arbogast, the former of whom is now deceased, the latter still living. Mr. and Mrs. Windle have one son, Lewis, who attends to the farm when his father is engaged with his official duties. This farm is a part of the tract which Mr. Windle's maternal great-grandfather, William K. Buirley entered from the government, and, except for eight years preceding its purchase by Mr. Windle from a Mr. Watkins, has never been out of the family.

It is usually from the solid, thinking men of a township that the members of the board of county commissioners are selected, the office being one of considerable responsibility and great importance. Mr. Windle has long been active politically and has served on many political committees in the democratic party, and in the fall of 1910 was first elected to his present office and in the spring of 1912 was reelected. For seven years prior to this he had served as a trustee of Orange township.

GEORGE HAGELBERGER, president of the Shelby County Fair Board, is one of the solid, reliable men that have earned for this section the respect and confidence of other parts of Ohio. Since 1903 he has been a resident of Anna, O., but he was born on a farm in Dinsmore township, Shelby county, three miles north of this village, May 28, 1855, of French and German parentage. His father, Balser Hagelberger, was born in Alsace. when that much coveted territory belonged yet to France, while his mother, Frederika (Fogt) Hagelberger, was born in Baden, Germany.

On both sides the grandparents were the pioneers of these families in America and Balser Hagelberger was six years old when his parents brought him to the United States, and his wife was a child of ten years when she and her parents crossed the Atlantic ocean. They were reared in Ohio and settled early after marriage in Shelby county, where Mr. Hagelberger carried on farming until he retired, his death occurring in 1903, being then a resident of Anna, O. His widow survives and is now in her seventy-eighth year.

life has been spent in carrying on his agricultural industries. He lived for twenty-eight years on his farm of 160 acres, lying on the corporation edge of Anna, and owns another farm of 160 acres, in partnership with a brotherin-law, Charles C. Toland, situated in Jackson township. His many years of experience and his interest in all that promises to be of advantage to the agricultural community, particularly qualifies him for the honorable office he holds as president of the Shelby county fair board, to which he was elected in 1906. He occupies other positions of trust and responsibility, being a member of the board of directors of the Children's Home in Shelby county and also of the Orphans' Home at Richmond, Ind. He has long been an important factor in democratic politics and is a member of the democratic county committee, has served as a member of the town council at Anna and for at least fifteen years has been a valued member of the school board.

Mr. Hagelberger was married to Miss Lydia Moothart, of Shelby county, a daughter of Peter and Sarah Moothart, formerly of Franklin township, the latter of whom survives, being now aged eighty-eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Hagelberger have one son, Harry, who is in the clothing business at Anna, O. He married Miss Rosa Landwhere and they have one child, Anna Lois. Mr. Hagelberger and family belong to the Lutheran church. He was one of its organizers at Anna and was an active member of the building committee of the present church edifice.

HENRY JONES, who resides on his well-improved farm of ninety acres, situated in Washington township, has spent almost all his life in this state but his birth took place in Dauphin county, Pa., March 20, 1854, a son of John and Louisa (Wagner) Jones.

John Jones was born in 1830, in Pennsylvania, and came from there to Miami county, O.. where he was engaged in farming and dairying for fiftytwo years, and died there July 31, 191 2, aged eighty-two years. He married Louisa Wagner, who passed away many years ago, the mother of ten children, as follows: Mrs. Wilkinson, of Piqua; Henry; Josiah and John, both deceased ; Mrs. Thompson ; William ; Laura, who lives on the old homestead, and three who died as infants.

Henry Jones had the usual country boy's opportunities of schooling in his youth and afterward assisted his father until he was twenty-four years old and then came to Shelby county and settled on the farm on which he now lives and here spent fourteen years, moving then back to Miami county, where he passed the next ten years. In 1902 he returned to his Washington township farm and here has made many improvements, including since that time, the erection of a fine barn. He owns a second farm, containing eighty acres, which is situated in Spring Creek township. While he has been a busy farmer and a very successful one, he has found time to take a good citizen's interest in public matters, and on the republican ticket has been elected to important township offices, formerly serving as a trustee and now is treasurer.

May, who married J. Moore, of Indianapolis, Ind. ; Roy, who married Ethel Higgins ; and Harley, who assists his father. Mr. Jones and family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church at Lockington, O.

JOHN B. SHERMAN, a prosperous general farmer and a well-known and respected citizen of Cynthian township, Shelby county, O., who resides on his excellent farm of eighty acres, situated in section 27, belongs to one of the old settled families of Shelby county. He was born January 25, 1865, and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Rottinghaus) Sherman.

Joseph Sherman emigrated to this county in 1835 and was a son of John W. and Elizabeth Sherman. He was born October 22, 1816, and brought up as a farmer. His first wife was Elizabeth Geehr, his second wife was Mary, daughter of John B. Rottinghaus. Their children are Joseph H., Catherine, Mary E., John B., Mary C, John H., Mary J., Mary M., Henry F., Mathilda, Annie and Louise. He has been supervisor for four years and township trustee six years. He died October 22, 1893, aged seventy-seven years.

John B. Sherman was reared on his father's farm in McLean township and attended school in the Sherman school in the Sherman special school district. His interests have always been of an agricultural nature, first on the homestead and after marriage he carried on farming for himself on a tract of eighty acres, situated on the Hale turnpike road and during his eight years of occupancy made many improvements there. He then sold and moved on the farm he now occupies all of which he cultivates with the exception of eight acres. His land is well drained and tiled and under his methods of farming is very productive and he raises grain, cattle and hogs.

Mr. Sherman was married October 29, 1895, to Miss Frances Mueller, a daughter of Carl and Amelia (Heilich) Mueller, of Darke county, and they have had the following children : Mary, Joseph, John, Clara, Louis, Anna, Magdalene, Francis, Theresia and Margaret, all surviving except Mary and Joseph. Mr. Sherman and family are members of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic church at Newport, O. In politics he is a democrat but has never been willing to accept any other public office than one connected with general education. For eight years he served as clerk and as a member of the board of education of the Turner special school district. To serious minded and responsible men like Mr. Sherman much credit is due for the general excellence of the public schools through Shelby county.

J. P. LALLEMAND, who is treasurer of the Grisez special school district in Cynthian township, and formerly president of its board of education, resides on his excellent farm of eighty acres, situated in section 23, two and one-half miles northwest of Newport, O. He was born in Darke county, O., April 27, 1866, and is a son of Peter Lallemand and his wife Mary (Poiret) Lallemand.

The parents of Mr. Lallemand were born in France. The father came to the United States when aged twenty-five years and after marriage settled in Darke county, O., where three sons and one daughter were born. The mother died at the age of thirty-nine years and the one daughter is also deceased. The father lives retired at Newport, O., having moved to Shelby county with his family about 1867.

J. P. Lallemand was about one year old when his parents came to this county and he attended school in the Turner district and assisted his father to clear and cultivate the farm he now occupies. He has lived here for twenty-three years and has devoted himself to farming and stock raising, having all his land under tillage with the exception of fourteen acres in valuable timber.

Mr. Lallemand married Miss Elizabeth Meyer, a daughter of Henry Meyer and they have had the following children : Lawrence, Beatrice, Mary, Marion and Margaret, twins, Margaret (2) and Francis. The first Margaret died in infancy. Mr. Lallemand and family are members of SS. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic church at Newport, O. In politics he is a democrat. He served for two years as president of the board of education and since January, 1912, has been treasurer of this body, as mentioned above. He is a highly respected and trustworthy citizen.

JESSE E. BORDER, whose high standing as a citizen of Cynthian township, Shelby county, may be judged by the honorable office he fills, that of president of the board of education of the Grisez special school district, resides on his valuable farm of forty acres, the old homestead, on which he was born on September 13, 1874. He came near the end of a family of eleven children, the tenth, one of twins, born to his parents who were Amos and Martha C. Border, the former of whom died at the age of sixty-eight years. The latter survives and is a resident of Willow Dell, Darke county, O.

Jesse E. Border attended school near his father's farm and also at Willow Dell, and afterward turned his attention to farm life. For five years after his marriage he lived at Bloomer, O., and for two years engaged in farming in Wabash township, Darke county, and then returned to the homestead where he has remained. Originally this farm contained thirty-two more acres, but forty acres carefully tilled and well managed, is a large enough tract to keep the ordinary man well supplied with occupation. This land is naturally productive and under Mr. Border's intelligent cultivation yields abundant crops.

Mr. Border married Miss Amanda Achbach, who is a daughter of Julius and Emma Achbach, of Cynthian township, and they have three children: Ralph, Lawson and Lowell, all satisfactory pupils at school. Mr. and Mrs. Border are members of the Lutheran church at Willow Dell. In his political preferences Mr. Border is a democrat. He has never been willing to accept public office outside membership on the school board, his interest in educational matters leading him to serve on this body, election to the same being considered a signal honor in Cynthian township. Mr. Border was elected a member and made the president in January, 19 12, of the board of education of the Grisez special school district.

D. N. Prince, Sr And Representative Citizens 637

D. N. PRINCE, Sr., who resides on his valuable farm of eighty acres, situated in Green township, eleven miles southeast of Sidney, is one of the township's most esteemed citizens and is deservedly honored as a surviving veteran of the great Civil war. He was born in Champaign county, O., in 1 83 1, a son of William and Sarah (Nauman) Prince.

The father of Mr. Prince was born in Kentucky, not far from the city of Lexington, and from there, in early manhood, made his way to Champaign county, O. He engaged there in farming until his accidental death, at the age of forty-one years. His widow survived for a time but also died in Champaign county. Of their family of eight children but two survive : D. N. and Benjamin F., the latter being a resident of Springfield, O.

D. N. Prince attended the country schools and later the more advanced schools at Springfield, after which, for ten years, he followed schoolteaching. In 1861 he enlisted for service in the Civil war, entering Company I, Forty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served as a brave soldier for three years and three months. He participated in many hard fought battles including: Prestonsburg, Stone Gap, Chickasaw Bluff, Thompson's Hill, Port Gibson, Raymond, Champion Hills and Vicksburg. Although ever at the post of duty, which often was in the thickest of the fighting, Mr. Prince escaped all serious injury and returned to Champaign county unharmed. In the following winter he came to his old homestead farm of 160 acres, lying just east of his present one, the same having been divided with his children.

Mr. Prince married Miss Mary Jones, of Champaign county, who died in March, 1900, aged sixty-one years. They had six children : W. H., who is a farmer in Green township; Charles, who lives in Orange township; Mrs. Sarah R. Cain, who keeps house for her father; D. N., Jr., who lives in Miami county; and two who are deceased. Mr. Prince is a member of the English Lutheran church. Since manhood he has voted with the Republican party and on many occasions was chosen for responsible offices by his fellow citizens, serving for twenty-five years on the school board, one term as township treasurer and was twice elected justice of the peace.

HERMAN KLOEKER, whose well-improved farm of 120 acres lies in section 7, McLean township, one-half mile south of Fort Loramie, is one of the well-known and highly respected residents of this section. He was born May 1, 1850, at Covington, Ky., and is a son of Herman Henry and Anna Mary Gertrude (Krutzman) Kloeker.

The parents of Mr. Kloeker were natives of Germany and in 1848 set sail for America. They had a family of seven children. Two of these died at sea and later two more died at Covington, where the family lived for a time. Henry Kloeker died two years ago. Two sons still live : Herman and Ferdinand. Herman Henry Kloeker settled on a farm of fifty acres in Jackson township, Auglaize county, when he came first to Ohio, purchasing the same and living on it for twelve years, in 1863 moving to McLean township, Shelby county. At that time the present homestead was almost all timberland and it required much hard labor to place it under cultivation and reap profitably for the effort expended. He served creditably as a Union soldier during the Civil war. He lived to the age of sixty-two years and his widow to the age of sixty-nine years. They were laid to rest in St. Michael's church cemetery, both having been devoted members of that church. While living in Auglaize county he served as school director but never accepted any office in Shelby county.

Herman Kloeker obtained his education in the Egypt schools in Auglaize county and then helped his father, and when the latter died, took charge of the farm which is now his property. He is considered a first-class fanner and has everything very comfortable about him, his many improvements including the erection of the buildings now standing. He has always been a democratic voter and for six years was township trustee.

Mr. Kloeker married Miss Mary Elizabeth Rottinghaus, who was born in McLean township, Shelby county, and is a daughter of J. B. and Mary Elizabeth (Unterbrink) Rottinghaus, the father being deceased and the mother living, being aged ninety-one years. Mr. and Mrs. Kloeker's children have all been born on this farm, namely: Annie, who is the wife of Anton P. Raterman of McLean township; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Frank Lindhaus; J. H., who represented the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, married Cilley Myers and lives at Cleveland, O. ; William, who lives in Cynthian township, married Mary Eilerman; John B., who assists his father on the home farm; Regina, who is the wife of Clyde H. Peffley, a resident of Dayton; and Joseph A., who is a school-teacher, lives at home. Mr. Kloeker and his entire family are members of St. Michael's Catholic church.

HENRY F. HOELSCHER, one of the leading men of Cynthian township, Shelby county, O., who has been clerk of the board of education of the Short special school district for six years and is interested in all matters of public moment in this section, was born September 2$, 1876, in Cynthian township, and is the second eldest son of Henry and Mary (Ernst) Hoelscher, and a grandson of Joseph Hoelscher, who was a native of Germany and came from there in 1835. The parents of Mr. Hoelscher reside in Cynthian township on the old family homestead, the same adjoining his own farm, which lies in section 16, two and one-half miles southeast of Fort Loramie, on the north side of the Farmers turnpike road.

Henry F. Hoelscher was educated in the public schools of Cynthian township and until his marriage he continued to assist his father on the home farm. Afterward he settled and has resided on his present place, where he has a fine property which he purchased from George Short, Sr. He has made all necessary repairs and has done a large amount of improving. including building and remodeling of the different farm structures, has also drained and tiled his land, and here carries on general farming along modern lines.

born in McLean township, Shelby county, a daughter of George and Tracy (Bower) Fleckenstein, and they have three children: Agnes, Helen and Martha. Mr. Hoelscher, like his father and grandfather, is a stanch democrat but has never accepted any political office except one relating to the public schools. The family belongs to St. Michael's Catholic church at Fort Loramie.

PHILIP W. YOUNG, who has been continuously in the general hardware and farm implement business at Anna. O., for forty-three years, is one of the best known business men of Shelby county and a prominent republican politician of Franklin township, of which he has been clerk, and also has served for twelve years as a justice of the peace. Mr. Young was born on a farm in Mercer county, O., December 10, 1842, a son of Adam and Mary (Noland) Young.

Adam Young was born in Pickaway county, O., a son of Philip Young, who settled at an early day on Plum Creek, in Franklin township, Shelby county. Philip W. Young was a boy when his father, Adam Young, came to his father's place on Plum Creek, and here in the woods, Adam and his brother Philip, built a log house. Philip W. Young can remember the fearsome howling of the wolves in the near-by forest, when he was a boy. Here he grew up and when he could be spared from work on the farm, attended the district schools until he was eighteen years of age, when the outbreak of the Civil war determined the course of his life for the three succeeding years. On September 27, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and soon accompanied his comrades to the front, and during his long service participated in twenty-two battles and other engagements, escaping all injury until July 22, 1864, at the battle of Atlanta, he was shot in the right breast, the bullet passed through the upper lobe of the lung and coming out through his shoulder blade. After this serious accident he was incapacitated for the first time and was honorably discharged and mustered out on September 27, 1864.

Mr. Young even then was only a boy in years although he had bravely borne the responsibilities of a man. He returned to Anna and afterward taught school for four years and then embarked in his present business and for forty years has occupied the same store site. Here he carries hardware including stoves and farm implements and washing machines and through forty-three years of business dealing has enjoyed the reputation of being honest and upright in all transactions. He is a leading member of the Grand Army of the Republic in this section.

Mr. Young was married in 1869 to Miss Libbie I. Cole, of Anna, who died in 1887, survived by two children: Mary Eva, who is the wife of W. E. Shearer; and Don C, who is associated with his father. Mr. Young's second marriage was to Mrs. Sarah J. Elliott, widow of Joseph D. Elliott. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott had two children: a daughter who died in childhood, and Charles B. Mr. and Mrs. Young are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Young is secretary and treasurer.

HENRY F. HARROD, one of the leading citizens of Cynthian township, treasurer of the Basinburg special school district, resides on his wellimproved farm of ninety-two acres, located one and one-half miles northwest of Newport, O. He was born November 13, 1861, in Miami county, O., and is a son of John and Elizabeth Harrod, both of whom died in Miami county.

Henry F. Harrod was reared and received school and farm training in his native county. When he came to Shelby county he worked on farms prior to his. marriage and for one year afterward lived in Cynthian township and then moved to Darke county. After two years there he returned to Shelby county and located on his present farm, upon which he lived as a tenant for twenty-one years and then purchased and now owns ninety-two acres in one tract and twenty-three in another. In addition to cultivating all his land with the exception of fourteen acres, which is one of the finest timber tracts in the county, he rents 100 acres lying directly across the road from his own property, for the past six years having also utilized this land in carrying on his agricultural industries. For twenty years he has been interested in handling stock, buying in Darke and Mercer as well as in Shelby county. Mr. Harrod also operates profitably a large gravel pit on his land. He has comfortable surroundings and substantial buildings and well represents in his practical management of his large affairs, that class of Ohio farmers who succeed through industry and thorough knowledge of farming as a business.

Mr. Harrod married Miss Rachel Short, a daughter of I. N. Short, now deceased, formerly of Cynthian township, and they have the following children: May, Elizabeth, Harry, Webster, Viola, and Cora and Dora, twins. All the children have been given educational advantages, the Basinburg special school district offering excellent opportunities, Mr. Harrod being one of its officials for the past three years and taking much interest in advancing its efficiency. He has always voted the democratic ticket and on many occasions has been called to public office, serving six years as assessor of Cynthian township, and elected in 1909 treasurer of this school district. Mr. Harrod and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Newport, O.

FRANK J. ALTENBACH, who is a leading contractor and builder at Sidney, O., may almost be said to have been born in the business as his father was so engaged and he has been continuously associated with it since he was fourteen years of age. His birth took place at Sidney April 23. 1867, a son of Joseph Altenbach, for many years very prominent here in the building trades.

Frank J. Altenbach attended the public and parochial schools at Sidney until his father deemed him old enough to begin to be self-supporting, after which he continued his studies for some time in the night schools. Beginning early he acquired a thorough knowledge of the building business and later could enter into contracting as a man of experience and for a number of years has carried on an extensive business as general contractor. He keeps a large force of men employed including ten skilled carpenters. Mr. Altenbach has erected many handsome buildings here, including his beautiful modern home at No. 240 South Miami street.

Mr. Altenbach was married at Sidney to Miss Mary Fares, who is a daughter of the late J. S. Fares, who was formerly well known in the lumber industry in Shelby county. One son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Altenbach whose name is Fares J. Mr. and Mrs. Altenbach and son are members of the Roman Catholic church. He is identified with that patriotic organization known as the Catholic Knights of America.

HENRY HOELSCHER, Sr., who is one of the well-known residents of Cynthian township, lives on his valuable farm of eighty acres, which lies three miles southeast of Fort Loramie, on the south side of the township line road. He was born in McLean township, Shelby county, O, on the site of the present Loramie reservoir, September 11, 1843, and is a son of Joseph Hoelscher, a native of Germany.

Joseph Hoelscher came to the United States and to Ohio in 1835 and bought a tract of eighty acres of uncleared land in McLean township and the deed for this land his son, Henry Hoelscher, still preserves. He married and with his family lived on that place until the time of the overflow that sent the back waters of the Miami and Erie canal into what is now the Loramie reservoir, on which occasion his children had their lives endangered and had to be rescued by means of boats. When Joseph Hoelscher first settled on the farm owned by his son in Cynthian township, it was covered with heavy woodland but with the help of his sons he cleared it and developed a productive farm during his life time. He married Clara Eilerman, who was also a native of Germany, and they had four children : Henry; Mary, wife of Henry Schlater, of Fort Loramie; John, residing in McLean township; and Joseph, living in Cynthian township. The family was one of the early ones that helped to found the Catholic church in this section. Joseph Hoelscher died when aged about fifty-four years and was survived many years by his wife, her death occurring in her seventy-fifth year, and they both were interred in the Catholic cemetery at Fort Loramie.

Henry Hoelscher attended the district schools in both McLean and Cynthian townships when he could be spared from home, for, as his father's eldest son, many responsibilities fell on him in youth. He has spent his life in Cynthian township, on the present farm, and has carried on farming and stock raising with very satisfactory results. All the substantial farm buildings now standing, Mr. Hoelscher placed here and he has taken considerable pride in keeping his property in a fine state of repair.

Mr. Hoelscher was married in early manhood, to Miss Mary Ernstes, who was born in McLean township, Shelby county, O., a daughter of Joseph Ernestes, one of the early German settlers there, and eight children were born to them, as follows: Frank, who resides at Carthagena, Mercer county, O, married Mary Barhorst; Henry F., who is a farmer in Cynthian township; Katie, who is the wife of Conrad Fleckenstein, deceased; John, who lives at Dayton O., married Mary Ulerman; Joseph A., who lives in Cynthian township, married Rosa Fleckenstein; Rosa, who is the wife of Casper Hess, and they live in Carthagena, Mercer county, O., and Maggie and Lena, twins, who live at home. Mr. Hoelscher and family are members of St. Michael's Catholic church at Fort Loramie. He has been a lifelong democrat, always giving his party active support but never asking for political honors for himself. The Hoelscher family is one of the old and most respected ones of this section.

PERRY MOYER, who resides three miles west of Houston, O., where he carries on general farming on 240 acres of rented land, situated in Loramie township, Shelby county, O., was born on this farm July 3, 1883, and is a son of George W. and a grandson of George Moyer.

George W. Moyer was born in Cynthian township, Shelby county, O., March 5, 1834, a son of George and Sarah (Zemer) Moyer. His parents were both born in Pennsylvania, the father coming to Cynthian township in 1816, prior to marriage. Afterward they settled on a tract of eighty acres and spent their lives there, the father dying when over sixty-two years of age and the mother surviving to be eighty-four years old. They had ten children and of these George W. was the youngest. Early in the Civil war he enlisted in Company K, First Ohio Volunteer Heavy Artillery and remained in the service until the war closed, although deafness resulted from his special line of duty. After he returned to Cynthian township he married Orella Day, a daughter of Jonathan Day, a native of Virginia, who later became a farmer in Loramie township. They had six children : Eleanor and Edward G., both of whom are deceased; Sarah; Emma, who is the wife of Edward Moracra; Anna, who is the wife of Edward Guier; and Perry. Two years after marriage George W. Moyer and family came to the farm in Loramie township on which he has lived retired for some fifteen vears. In politics he is a democrat but has never accepted any office except that of school director in the Huffman special school district. He is a widelyknown and respected citizen. He belongs to the G. A. R. at Houston.