Shelby County, Ohio - Chapter 23: Miscellaneous, 1913 (part 8 of 14)

Perry Moyer attended the local schools until ready to assume the management of the home farm for his father and has been so engaged ever since, finding very little improving to do as his father had already made all that was necessary. Mr. Moyer married Miss Cora Charpie, a daughter of Peter Charpie, and they have three children : Ray and Ralph, both of whom are bright students in the Huffman special school district ; and Norval. Mr. and Mrs. Moyer are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics Mr. Moyer is a democrat.

FRED A. CLAWSON, one of the representative citizens of Loramie township, residing in section 6, carries on general farming and owns a valuable tract of eighty acres, lying in the Mills special school district. He was born January 19, 1872, in Cynthian township, Shelby county, and is a son of William and Rachel Ann Clawson. William Clawson was born also in Cynthian township and for many years was a farmer there but now lives retired at Oran, O. His wife is deceased. Of the eight children two sons died, one in infancy, and the other at the age of nineteen years.

Fred A. Clawson attended school near Newport, in Cynthian township, and afterward assisted his father until his marriage, when he came to his present home farm, which is situated three miles northwest of Houston. This property was formerly known as the Houser farm and for seven years he rented it and then purchased. On his farm he has made many improvements, it being tiled and the buildings put in order, and as his land is well adapted to dairying he keeps many cows and makes this quite a feature of his operations. He is one of the busy and prosperous men of this section, is widely known and has both business and personal friends among his fellow citizens.

Mr. Clawson was married in 1894 to Miss Clara May Charpiat, who was born in Cynthian township, a daughter of Peter and Emma Charpiat, residents of Newport, O., and they have had five children, namely: Elfa Mercella, Pearl Marie, Charles Edward, William Peter and Waldo, the eldest born being deceased. Mrs. Clawson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, which Mr. Clawson attends and to which he gives a liberal support. He has always been identified with the democratic party and formerly served in the office of constable while living in Cynthian township, and in 1910-1911 was township assessor and for several years was a member of the board of education and its clerk, of the Mills special school district. He was a candidate for county commissioner in 1912, on the democratic ticket, and was defeated at the primary by so small a majority that he believes that when he again becomes a candidate the democrats of Shelby county will nominate him for this office.

L. E. BLAKELEY, postmaster at Botkins, O., successor of his father, the late A. E. Blakeley, in this office, and also succeeding him as editor and owner of The Botkins Herald, one of the leading weekly newspapers of Shelby county, was born at Botkins, March 10, 1882, a son of A. E. and Emma (Cochlin) Blakeley.

A. E. Blakeley was born at Botkins when it was little more than a village, June 25, 1856,, and was a son of John and Elizabeth (Elliott) Blakeley, the former of whom was from Pennsylvania and one of the pioneer settlers in this part of Shelby county. John Blakeley followed farming but later retired and lives at Botkins, one of its oldest residents, being now in his ninetieth year. A. E. Blakeley was reared on a farm, later taught school, and then went into the newspaper business, first at Sidney, in 1898 coming to Botkins, where he established The Botkins Herald and had made it a leading organ of his party before his death, which occurred in January, 191 2.

L. E. Blakeley was reared and educated at Botkins and after completing the high-school course entered his father's newspaper office and continued in this connection, succeeding to his father's interests and responsibilities as above mentioned. In April, 1912, he became postmaster, having received the highest grade at '.he civil service examination, thereby gaining the office. Mr. Blakely married Miss Ollie Giams, daughter of A. P. Giams, of Botkins, and they have one child, Geraldine. Mr. Blakeley is a member of the Botkins school board, and fraternally is identified with the Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World.

O L. KERR, who has held the office of postmaster at Houston, O., since June, 1902, and is also ticket agent of the Big Four railroad at that place, was born in Northwood, Logan county, O., July 29, 1868, a son of D. P. and Charlotte E. (Carter) Kerr. Both his parents were natives of Logan county, the mother's family residing at Huntsville, O., and in that county they were married. Mrs. D. P. Kerr was a daughter of K. G. and Nancy A. (Cooper) Carter; her father, K. G. Carter, who came from Virginia, died at Cherokee, Logan county, this state. Her mother, Nancy A. (Cooper) Carter, the maternal grandmother of O. L. Kerr, died at Huntsville, Logan county.

Mr. Kerr's parents resided for a short time at Bellefontaine, in Logan county, from which place they removed to Northwood in the same county. and then to Harper, also in that county, where D. P. Kerr was engaged for some time in mercantile business. Afterwards he carried on the same business at Big Springs, Logan county, O., and was postmaster there for a number of years. He next moved to Alvada, O., and after a short stay came back to Logan county, settling at Wharton, where he conducted a store. This he subsequently sold and taking up his residence again in Bellefontaine, spent the rest of his days in that place, where he died August 3, 1910, at the age of seventy-three years and one month. He was buried in the old Harrod cemetery, near Huntsville, O. He was married to Charlotte E. Carter September 15, 1864. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church, and at one time he studied for the ministry but was obliged to relinquish his studies on account of poor health. He was a republican in politics and while a resident of Bellefontaine. served as assessor of his ward. He and his wife were the parents of two children: Minnie, who died in infancy, and O. L.. the subject of this sketch.

O. L. Kerr in his boyhood attended school at Harper and Big Springs, O., and then attended the Agosta Normal School at Agosta, Marion county, O. He then began business life as clerk in his father's store. He later began the study of telegraphy in the employ of the old "Bee line" and a year later was taken on as extra agent. In April, 1S90. he was made station agent at Houston for the Big Four, formerly the old "Bee Line." which position he has since held, having performed his duties in a manner satisfactory to the company. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Piqua Lodge, No. 8, of the O. R. T. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, in which he holds the office of deacon and clerk. In politics he is a republican, as was his father.

born west of Fort Loramie, O., March 9, 1875, a daughter of John and Ella A. (Wilson) Ginn, of McLean township, who are now residents of Houston, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Kerr have had children as follows: Paul Ginn, born August 9, 1895, who died July 24, 1896, and is buried in Houston cemetery; Dean Burwell, born September 18, 1898, who is now a pupil in the eighth grade of the Houston school; Dale Wilson, born August 2, 1902, who is in the fifth grade of the same school-; and Vesta Agnes, born October 27, 1905, who is in the second grade, Houston special school district. Mr. and Mrs. Kerr have resided in Houston since their marriage, where they have many friends. Mrs. Kerr is a member of the Presbyterian church, and an active member of the W. C. T. U.. being president of the local branch.

EDWARD J. SHAFER, member of the firm of Paul & Shafer, operating a grain elevator at Botkins, O., is an enterprising and representative business man of this section and is Well known in this and adjacent counties. He was born on his father's farm near Lock No. 2, in Auglaize county, O., December 18, 1869, and is a son of Jacob and Susan (Keister) Shafer.

Edward J. Shafer was reared on ,the home farm in Washington township and engaged in agricultural purusuits until March, 1906, when he came first to Botkins and for six months afterward drove a team for the Paul & Sheets elevator. Afterward, for several years, he was connected with the Wapakoneta Grain Company at Wapakoneta, O., coming again to Botkins and purchasing his present business from its former owners, Taylor & Marx. Later he became a partner and half owner with Mr. Paul, under the present firm name of Paul & Shafer. In July, 1912, the old elevator was burned but was immediately replaced and business was interrupted for only a short time. The firm enjoys the confidence of the community and they do a large business.

Mr. Shafer married Miss Nora Weisley, of Washington township, and they have one daughter, Evaline. Mr. Shafer is not very active politically although he is ever ready to give support to movements that seem to him beneficial for the country. He has been identified with the Odd Fellows for a number of years.

GRANT E. RUSSELL, who is one of the representative citizens and well informed and successful agriculturists of Clinton township, Shelby county, O., where he owns and operates 160 acres of excellent land, was born in this township, March 2, i860, and is a son of Moses James and Martha (Beck) Russell, the family being a leading one in this section.

Moses James and Martha (Beck) Russell were the parents of the following children: Harry \\\, who is a well known attorney at law, at Dayton, O. ; Fred J., who is in the mill business at Sidney; Jessie, who is the wife of John Blake; Daisy E., who is the wife of Frank M. Sayer, who is secretary and treasurer of the Farmers Grain and Milling Company at Sidney; Bertha E.. who is the wife of Elmer Sturn ; Dana G, and Grant E.

Since his school days Grant E. Russell has been engaged continuously in agricultural pursuits. When he reached manhood he was married to Miss Ida M. Blake, who was born at Sidney, a daughter of Oliver B. and Mary A. (Ensey) Blake. Mrs. Russell died in September, 1894, leaving two children : Howard Blake and Homer Clifford. Mr. Russell's second marriage was to Florence Green and they have one child, Bonnie Ensey. The father of Mrs. Russell was formerly a butcher and later a farmer, and now lives retired at Sidney. Mr. and Mrs. Russell are members of the Presbyterian church, taking a conscientious interest in all its work. Politically he is a Republican but has never accepted any office exxcept that of school director, and fraternally he is identified with the Masons.

SOLOMON SPRINGER, whose sixty acres of fine land are situated in Clinton township, is one of the successful farmers and respected citizens of this section. He was born in Berks count}', Pa., September 12, 1861, and is a son of Solomon and Lena (Wise) Springer.

The parents of Mr. Springer were also natives of Pennsylvania and there spent their lives. The father was an industrious man and in his neighborhood was well known and respected. , He cast his vote with the republican party and in his religious sentiments was a Lutheran as were his parents. To Solomon and Lena Springer the following children were born : Mary, who is the wife of Richard Link; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Solomon Knabler; Ellen, who married John Dolman and after his death, Daniel Specht ; Hettie, who is the wife of Albert Merkle ; and Solomon and Emma, twins, the last named becoming the wife of George Weinert.

Solomon Springer attended the public schools and afterward worked at different tasks for some time, by the day, and was eighteen years of age when he came to Shelby county, O., where an uncle lived, with whom he made his home for some time. He became a farm hand and continued to work by the day. After marriage Mr. Springer and his young wife went to housekeeping in a log cabin and he kept on working by the day, always being busy, and then bought twenty-five acres of land from David Oldham. This first purchase he sold to advantage and in 1896 bought his present farm of Alvina Fulton and here has engaged in general farming and moderate stock raising ever since. He is a practical, common-sense farmer and the results of his industry are very satisfactory.

On February 28, 1882, Mr. Springer was married to Miss Catherine Amanda Willauer, who died July 5. 1912, and her burial was in Graceland cemetery at Sidney. This estimable lady was born in Clinton township, a daughter of Andrew and Amanda (King) Willauer, the eldest of their family, the others being: Lavina, wife of I. B. Bussard; Margaret, deceased; Callie, deceased, formerly Mrs. Williams; and George.

Mr. and Mrs. Springer had the following children : Mayette, who resides at home and looks after her father's comfort; Pearl, who is deceased; Lena, who is the wife of Sylvester Rauhouse; Charles A.; George Albert; Clarence Willauer; Raymond E. ; Theron Harold; Clement Theodore; and Adele

Rucile, Robert Andrew and Catherine Isabel. Mr. Springer and his children are members of the Lutheran church. In politics he has always been a democrat but has never accepted any public office except that of school director. He is identified with the order of the Modern Brotherhood of America.

FREDERICK R. McVAY, physican and surgeon, at Botkins, O., has built up a satisfactory practice here and has established himself in the confidence of the people both personally and professionally . He was born on a farm in Salem township, Shelby county, O., one mile northeast of Port Jefferson November 21, 1883, and is a son of James and Sarah (Frederick) McVay.

The McVay family is an old and honorable one in Shelby county and was founded in Salem township by the grandfather, James McVay, who, at the time of his death, in 1908, was one of the most venerable residents of the county, being then aged ninety-eight years and six months. James McVay, Jr., was born in Salem township, followed an agricultural life and died there March 29, 1907.

Frederick R. McVay was educated in- the country schools and those of Port Jefferson and after graduating from the Port Jefferson high school entered the Ohio Northern University at Ada and afterward taught school for two years, following which he took a course of four years in the Medical College of Ohio at Cincinnati, where he was graduated in 1909 and immediately came to Botkins. During his senior year at college he practiced in the Ohio Maternity Hospital at Cincinnati. He carries on a general practice in both medicine and surgery.

Dr. McVay married Miss Maybelle Lochard, who is a daughter of J. W. Lochard. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In his fraternal relations he is a member of Stokes Lodge No. 305, F. & A. M, at Port Jefferson, and of the Woodmen of the World at Botkins.

JOHN C. KOENIG, whose business interests are largely centered at Botkins, O., where he is in the hardware line, being the senior member of the firm of Koenig Bros., proprietors of the Botkins Hardware Company, was born on a farm in Auglaize county, O., one and one-half miles north of Botkins, September 19, 1880. His parents are John H. and Margaret Koenig, who are well-known and highly esteemed residents of Botkins.

John C. Koenig was reared on the home farm and attended the country schools. His first business experience away from home was as a traveling salesman for the International Harvester Company, of Fort Wayne, with which corporation he continued for two years, when he came to Botkins to make a permanent business establishment, in which commendable undertaking he was associated with his brother, Michael Koenig, and they, under the firm style of Koenig Bros., bought the hardware business then conducted by Jacob Paul. For the past seven years they have operated their present store, enlarging their stock as demand has arisen and probably have one of the largest and best equipped stores in the general hardware line, in this part of Shelby county. John C. Koenig is a member of the Catholic church and is identified with the Knights of Columbus at Sidney. Mr. Koenig is unmarried.

ERNEST J. ROETH, a general farmer who is successfully cultivating a valuable tract of eighty-four acres of land which is situated in Loramie township on the range line turnpike road, is a well-known and highly respected citizen of this section of Shelby county. He was born in Germany August 10, 1875, and is a son of Carl F. and Catherine (Wagner) Roeth.

The parents of Mr. Roeth were also born in Germany and came from there to the United States in 1881 and settled on the farm above mentioned when there were but few permanent residents in Loramie township. By trade the father was a carpenter but later became a farmer and in clearing and putting his land under cultivation as fast as possible, spent the rest of his life, his death occurring at the age of fifty-two years. He was a most worthy man, a consistent member of the Lutheran church to which religious body his wife belongs, her present place of residence being Covington, O. In Germany seven of their family of, ten children were born, three others being added after they came to Ohio. Annie, the eldest, who is now deceased, was the wife of Simon Wehneman. Henry and Mary both reside in Miami county. Reynold is deceased ; Ernest J. is the fifth in order of birth ; Fred lives in Loramie township; Louis and Albert, both are residents of Chicago, 111. ; Alma lives in Miami county, and Edward, the youngest; is now deceased.

Ernest J. Roeth was six years old when his people came to Shelby county and settled in Loramie township. With his brothers and sisters he attended the Beech Grove school and afterward, until hi:, father's death, hired out to neighboring farmers and subsequently, with his brothers, took charge of the home farm, where he still continues his management, and his success has given him the reputation of being one of the most capable farmers of the township.

Mr. Roeth married Miss Anna Fessler, a daughter of the late Martin Fessler, and they have the following children: Ada, Forest, Clara, Naomi, Eva, Dora and Herbert. Mr. and Mrs. Roeth have lived on this place since 1902 and he has greatly improved it, remodeling the residence and building the substantial barn. In politics he is a democrat but has never accepted any public office except membership on the school board of the Beech Grove special school district, to which he has belonged for three years. He is justly proud of his father's record as a soldier in the Civil war, he having served for three years as a member of the One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, receiving an honorable discharge and was mustered out on July 3, 1866. Mr. Roeth and family belong to the Lutheran church at Houston.

tional work and at present is a valued teacher in the public schools of Botkins, O. He was born at Webster, in Darke county, O., February 22, 1856, and is a son of Marcus and Mary (Kelly) Sullivan.

M. C. Sullivan was about two years old when his parents moved on a farm situated one mile south of Botkins, the father being a railroad man. M. C. Sullivan attended the district schools in Dinsmore township and afterward attended the Ohio Normal, now the Ohio Northern University at Ada, O., largely providing for his own expenses and. being very ambitious, making the most of his opportunities. He was only sixteen years old when he taught his first school, this being at Glynwood, in Auglaize county, O., and he continued to teach in that county, although not continuously, for about thirteen years, being at Freiberg for two years, otherwise he has taught mainly in Shelby county. As an educator Mr. Sullivan has few equals n this section and is held in great esteem. Teaching has been his life work and he has found his greatest pleasure in imparting instruction and in watching the seeds of knowledge he has planted develop into the educational standards which have prepared hundreds of his pupils for successful careers in life. A democrat in his political views, Professor Sullivan has frequently been called upon by his party to accept the burdens of public office and when he has done so his duties have been performed with the efficiency which marks his life. While residing in Dinsmore township he served as clerk of the township and at the present time is filling the same position at Botkins.

Mr. Sullivan was married to Miss Catherine O'Neil, who was born in Canada and was two years old when she was brought to Shelby county They have had five children : John M., who resides at Lima, O. ; Neal ; Ruth ; Raymond, who died at the age of three months; and Mary Louisa. Mr. Sullivan and family are members of the Catholic church. He is identified with the Woodmen of the World, and has frequently served on charitable boards, and has addressed educational bodies.

JOSEPH H. BARHORST, one of the leading citizens and successful agriculturists of Cynthian township, owner of a fine farm of 120 acres, situated in section 34, three miles southwest of Newport, O., is a member of the township board of trustees and has also served on the board of education. He was born in McLean township, Shelby county, January 20, 1872, and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Schultze) Barhorst.

Joseph H. Barhorst was reared on his father's farm and attended school in the Berlin special school district. Since his marriage he has resided on his present farm, which he purchased from his father who had bought the same from George Wishwitz, and has done the most of the improving. He has a very fine barn, 80x40 feet in dimensions and other substantial buildings. In addition to carrying on general farming, Mr. Barhorst keeps a herd of high grade cattle for dairy purposes and sells his milk to the New Bremen Creamery.

have had nine children: Magdalena. Bernard, Veronica, Prank, Clara, Freda, August, Joseph and Mary, all of whom survive except August, the third youngest, who died at the age of five months. All the other children have attended school in the Turner special school district, which is a tract of forty acres, on the northwest corner of this farm, of which it was originally a part. Mr. Barhorst and family belong to the Catholic church at Newport, O. In politics he has always been a democrat and personally is looked upon as one of the solid and reliable men of this section.

F. I. MONNIN, treasurer of the board of education of the Huffman special school district of Loramie township, is the owner of a well-drained and tiled farm of eighty acres, which is situated tw^o and one-half miles northeast of Russia, O. He was born February 13, 1869, in Loramie township, Shelby county, O., and is a son of Frank and Henrietta (Thiebeau) Monnin, both of whom died in this township.

F. I. Monnin spent his first year of school life in Cynthian township but afterward was a pupil in the Loramie schools and when old enough to assume such responsibilities learned the principles and has ever since followed farming. He came to his present place following his marriage and improved the property to a considerable extent and is numbered with the successful agriculturists of this section. He cultivates all but ten acres of his land and that makes a valuable wood lot.

Mr. Monnin married Miss Rosa Mary Perin, who was born in Cynthian township, a daughter of Jule and Rosa Perin, and they have had six children born to them, namely: Amos, who died when aged three and one-half months ; Albert ; Emma ; Agnes, who died when in her sixth month ; and Elmer and Wilfred. Mr. Monnin and family belong to the Catholic church at Russia, O. In politics a lifelong democrat, Mr. Monnin has been no office seeker but has consented to serve on the school board, of which he has been a member for three years and its treasurer for the last two years.

PROF. WEBSTER C. KING, superintendent of schools of Botkins, O., is one of the younger educators of the state and through scholarship and executive ability of a high order, has reached a very prominent position as a teacher. He was born on a farm in Montgomery county, O., June 15, 1884, and is a son of Adam F. and Rose E. (Goode) King.

In 1888 the parents of Mr. King moved to Shelby county, locating for a short time at Sidney, and then moved to the old Dr. Silver farm in Clinton township, where they resided for a number of years. Subsequently they lived on a farm in Orange township and then moved to Port Jefferson.

Webster C. King attended the public schools, rural and village, and afterward taught school for seven years, first in Salem township and then in Logan county, and after satisfying himself that a career as an educator would be a congenial one, he entered the Ohio Northern University and there thoroughly prepared himself. Since completing his course there he has taught in different high schools and prior to coming to Botkins in 1910 he taught for three years at Lake View, in Logan county. Under his superintendence the schools of Botkins have made marked advances and he not only has won the confiedence of the pupils but the respect and cooperation of his teachers and the public.

In 1907 Mr. King was married to Miss Cora Nettleship of Port Jefferson, a daughter of A. L. Nettleship, and they have one child, Maurice. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is identified with the Odd Fellows and is more or less interested in various educational organizations in different parts of Ohio.

HON. JOHN B. STOLLY, mayor of Botkins, O., a justice of the peace, and a representative business man of the place, is a native of Shelby county, O., born on a farm in Jackson township August 11, 1849, ar,d 's a son ot Frank J. and Susanna (Seiter) Stolly.

Frank J. Stolly was born in Alsace, France, and after coming to the United States first located in Stark county, O., removing from there to Jackson township, Shelby county, when very few settlers had yet secured homes here. He followed farming all his active life and died in advanced age at Botkins, O.

John B. Stolly was fourteen years old when he left Jackson for Dinsmore township and in 1867 came to Botkins, where he learned telegraphing, afterward working for the C. H. & D. Railroad for eight years, following which he did teaming for a time and then embarked in the meat business, and ever since has conducted it along his own lines, doing his own slaughtering, and retaining old customers who have never used stock yard products from other places. So successfully has Mr. Stolly conducted his own business affairs, during all these years keeping the confidence of his fellow citizens, that it is not remarkable that they should place reliance in him in public affairs and honor him by electing him to the highest municipal office in their gift. Mr. Stolly was elected mayor of this pleasant and progressive town in the fall of 191 1, on the democratic ticket, and took charge of affairs on January 1, 19 12. His policy is the same that has brought him prosperity in his private undertakings and Botkins is to be congratulated on having so sensible, courageous and judicious a mayor. Some twenty years ago he served two terms as a justice of the peace and is now serving in his fifth year in the same office.

Mayor Stolly was married to Miss Augusta Hemmert. who was born and reared in Dinsmore township, Shelby county, a daughter of Aquelin Hemmert, and they have six children: Albert, Victoria, Matilda, Annie, Nora and William. Mayor Stolly and family belong to the Catholic church.

GENERAL BENJAMIN LeFEVRE, the subject of this somewhat extended biographical sketch, is a thorough Buckeye, having been born on a farm in Salem township, ten miles northeast of Sidney, October '8. 1838. His parents were pioneers and the ancestral acres of great fertility Ben has owned for years and has recently erected a spacious farm house, approached by a drive shaded with an arcade of maples.

From the ample porch of this delightful rustic abode he can sniff the aroma of the apple blossoms of his nearby orchard and the fragrance of its ripening fruit.

Higher criticism, with its convenient elasticity, had not been developed rendering it possible to interpret the plain injunction of Scripture to multiply and replenish the earth to mean race suicide, so the God-fearing LeFevre household was filled with a large family of stalwart boys and girls, with appetites commensurate with their healthy out-of-door activities and digestion that an ostrich might covet, thus furnishing a home market for the surplus products of the farm.

Though he was not born with a gold spoon in his mouth, as that article was not plenty in those pioneer days of nearly a century ago, he never felt the grip of poverty for the home domain was ample. As the virgin land furnished employment in all seasons, Satan, who gets in his work where there are idle hands, steered clear of that busy, industrious household.

Ben's pockets were not distended with an annoying surplus of pin money, as filthy lucre was not a profuse commodity in those days, and did not admit of liberal distribution to such an extent as to invite burglarious invasion, but the larder was never empty and its prodrcts were dispensed freely in those hospitable times.

He was by nature optimistic, kept himself on the silver lining side of life clouds and shadows, was full of hope and as his sky was thickly set with lofty ideals he bent every energy to achieve and realize their fruition ; and his life attest how successful he has been. In his lexicon there was no such word as "fail."

What crude privileges the log country schoolhouses afforded he embraced, but the three R's were the extent of the curriculum, and to the rule of three was the limit of the pedagogic ability to instruct.

In due time he was sent to Sidney for advanced instruction, attended several terms and subsequently taught school and became a student at the Miami University at Oxford.

An episode in his pedagogical career illustrates his natural tact and diplomacy which has served him so well in untying hard knots and straightening tangles. He had one very refractory pupil who gave him a world of trouble, and, feeling that forbearance had ceased to be a virtue, he kept the miscreant in the schoolhouse one evening for substantial settlement. When about ready to administer a deserved castigation, Ben looked out of a window and caught a glimpse of the irate mother, who was a terror in skirts, sidling up to the schoolhouse with a stride that meant business. She paused a while to listen to the interior proceedings. Not relishing the red hot fury of a woman, Ben at once changed his tactics and in a voice that could be distinctly heard outside, said : "Jim, I wish you would suppress your animal spirits and mischievous ways, for you have marked ability and noble qualities. I did not keep you in for punishment but to have a good talk and appeal to your better nature. You are the hope of your kind and indulgent mother who would do anything for your welfare and solicitious as she is through the day for you I have no doubt that she remembers you in her prayers each night, and I am doing my best to help her make of you an honor to her and a useful man." At this the mother burst in the door, totally disarmed, and poured the contents of her vial of wrath, intended for Ben, upon her son. This diplomatic stroke endeared Ben to her not only the rest of the term but ever afterward.

When the slogan of the Civil war sounded Ben's quick and patriotic ear heard it, and he joined the Benton cadets, went to Missouri, and served in General Fremont's brief campaign, going as far as Springfield in that state. When the cadets were mustered out he came home as lieutenant and when the Ninety-ninth Ohio regiment was organized joined at Lima, serving as major in the army until the final surrender of the rebel host. He returned to Sidney, studied law with Smith and Cummins, leading attorneys of Sidney. and was admitted to the bar, but having a stronger taste for politics than of legal practice he was elected to the state legislature from Shelby county.

At the close of his term he was appointed governor of the territory of Washington by President Johnson, but which was changed to a consulship to Nurenburg, Bavaria. At that time Andrew G. Curtis, Pennsylvania's war governor, was minister to Russia, and Elilm Washburn, minister to France, and the three became fast friends.

Upon his return to this country he was employed by Col. Thomas A. Scott to look after the revenue cases of the Pennsylvania railway and remained until he resigned to run for democratic congressional nomination from this district, composed of Shelby, Miami, Darke, Mercer and Auglaize counties. A mass convention was held in Sidney, and after a fierce fight of three days and nights, the time Jonah spent in making interior observations of the whale, Ben was victorious by one ond a half votes on the two hundred and eighteenth ballot for the forty-sixth congress, and triumphantly elected in November.

While serving his first term the district was changed to comprise Shelby. Auglaize, Allen, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam, Defiance and Van Wert counties. Five of these counties were represented by W. D. Hill, who was up for renomination, but Ben won on the first ballot. The district was again changed and Ben served continuously for eight years. It is safe to say that no representative ever served his constituents with more fidelity than General LeFevre, or procured more lucrative employment for democratic boys in republican administrations than he. His diplomacy and suavity did the work. Milton E. Ailes, who subsequently became assistant secretary of the treasury under Lyman D. Gage, was one of his boys from Sidney.

Upon entering congress he served on the committee on agriculture and the committee on military affairs, and introduced the first bill for the suppression of contagious diseases among domestic animals. He introduced the resolution creating the department of agriculture and always espoused the cause of the soldiers, and was ever at his post.

At the close of his congressional career he was engaged by the Erie railway to look after claims, and for twenty-three years was in its service,

Many of these years his vacations were spent in Europe, and he has crossed the Atlantic over twenty times and visited all the countries of the continent and nearly all the cities, and sipped the waters of its famous springs. Being a great pedestrian, he mingled much with the peasants and common people studying their habits and modes of life, and has made footprints, man's size, in the soil from Italy to Finland, not giving Sweden and Norway the go-by. His views afoot if written out would fill volumes.

After Mr. LeFevre's resignation as a railway official, he again set sail for Europe, and pausing long enough to get breath, started on an overland trip to the Orient. It was more of a leisurely saunter than trip, as he took his own time and avoided the water as much as possible. He left France, traversed Austria and Hungary and the Balkan states to Constantinople, where he spent two weeks. A religious festival was in progress and the supply of Moslem prayers seemed to be largely in excess of the demand. He next went to Smyrna and to Jerusalem, where he stayed three weeks, visiting all the places of interest and some not so interesting. It seemed as if all the beggars were expecting him, from the welcome they gave him, and had an idea that he had a souvenir for each one. Ben donkeyed and cameled it across Arabia and sailed across the Arabian sea to Bombay. India, a most wonderful city, with the finest architecture in the world. The hotel Taj Mahai is not excelled for artistic beauty by any on earth, and is owned by a parsee. He made the acquaintance of several parsees, who are the merchants of the city. He journeyed to Delhi and at Agra saw the famous tomb Taj Mahal, built for an Indian princess at a cost of $20,000,000. When Lord Curzon was viceroy of India he had a lamp that had been destroyed or taken from the tomb replaced, but could find only two men that could do it. One of these was brought from Persia, and they were about two years in fashioning it. He passed through Lucknow and Cawnpore on his way to the sacred city of Benares, on the Ganges, where he paused for several days. From thence he went to Calcutta, at the delta of the Ganges on the Bay of Bengal. It is the most interesting city that he saw so far on his journey, and its jute mills are the largest in the world, employing 57,000 men. The experts in these mills get twelve cents a day and the others less. They live on rice the year around, a most monotonous diet, and it goes without saying that they do not buy it in Sidney nor Dayton. From there he sailed diagonally across the Bay of Bengal, rounded the peninsula of Malacca, passed Singapore on his way to Borneo, Hong Kong and Canton, a most interesting city, where half a million people live on boats, briefly viewed the Philippines on his way to Japan, where he remained for some time, then took a Pacific steamer for San Francisco, halting for awhile at the beautiful flower-embowered city of Honolulu. From San Francisco he went to Southern California and returned by way of Texas to Sidney, where he was most warmly greeted by his many friends after a year's absence. Abstemious in his habits, careful in diet, drinking Vichy water as a beverage, the year was one of unbroken health and enjoyment.

Chkistoi'Iikr Enders And Representative Citizens 659

How one so genial and a social favorite has managed to elude Cupid's darts seems strange, but he has, and is as ever in "maiden meditation and fancy free," with no obvious symptoms of change for "better or for worse."

GEORGE W. ZEDEKER, residing on his valuable farm of 120 acres, situated in Salem township, Shelby county, O.. was born in Montgomery county, O., January 30, 1864, and is a son of John W. and Mary ( Brandenberg) Zedeker. He has one brother, Oliver C. Zedeker, who is also a wellknown resident and successful farmer of Salem township. The parents live retired in Franklin township.

George Zedeker was about ten years old when his parents moved to Shelby county and here he completed his school attendance. With his brother he assisted on the home farm and continued with his father until five years after his marriage, moving then to his wife's old home farm. Later he bought a one-half interest in the same which he subsequently sold, then bought his present farm from the Widow Davies and ever since has been actively engaged in general farming and stock raising, such as horses, cattle, hogs and sheep which demand good prices.

In 1888, Mr. Zekeker was married to Miss Martha West, a daughter of William and Lavina (Conover) West, farming people of Shelby county. The mother of Mrs. Zedeker was born in Miami county but the father came from Virginia. Mrs. Zedeker had four brothers and one sister: Elizabeth, wife of Shelby Brandenberg, and John, Edward, Charles and Lester, the last named being deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Zedeker five children have been born : Ethel, Hazel, John, Wilbur and Charles, all of whom have been given school and other advantages. The family attends the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics Mr. Zedeker is a democrat and for some four years he served as a member of the Shelby county fair board.

CHRISTOPHER ENDERS, for many years was a well known and respected citizen of Shelby county, where he became a man of large estate, at the time of his death, June 24, 1901, owning 214 acres of fine land in Franklin township, the result of his own industry and frugality. He was born in Elsass, Germany, in April, 1837, a son of Christopher Enders, who. with his wife, died in Germany.

When sixteen years of age, young Christopher Enders came to the United States and made his way to Shelby county, O. Here he worked for a time at weaving and wagcnmaking and still later, when able to buy land, became a farmer and afterward, until death, followed an agricultural life. Quiet, self respecting and industrious, he was well known to his neighbors and he set an example of thrift and good citizenship. He was twice married, first to Miss Margaret Dormeyer. and four children were born to them : Jacob, George, Charles and Emma, the last named being a trained nurse. His second marriage was to Miss Barbara King, who was born in Butler county, O., and still resides on the homestead, in which she has a life interest. Her parents, John and Magdalena (Sallsman) King, are now deceased. They were old residents of Butler county, who moved from there to Iowa, but at the time of death were buried in Graceland Cemetery at Sidney, O. Mrs. Enders is the youngest of her parents' family, the others being: Elizabeth, wife of John Houndrick; Mary, wife of Jacob Meyers; Catherine, wife of John Gram; and Joseph. To Mr. and Mrs. Enders four children were born, all surviving: Sadie E., who is the wife of Charles Richards, and they have two children - Jennette and Frances ; Mary, who is a trained nurse ; Herman, who operates the farm for his mother; and Catherine. Mr. Enders was a member of the Lutheran church and Mrs. Enders and all of the children belong to this religious body. He was never active in politics and never willing to serve in public office but voted with the democratic party and his sons follow his example.

MARTIN F. DENMAN, whose own farm of ninety-five and one-half acres is located in Green township, Shelby county, O., eight miles southeast of Sidney, O., also operates his wife's farm of fifty-seven acres in the same vicinity. He was born on his present farm, September 9, 1863, and is a son of Moses and Barbara (Hauser) Denman.

Moses Denman was born in Miami county, O., near Piqua, and was twentyone years old when he came to Shelby county and settled on the farm in Green township on which his entire subsequent life was spent, his death occurring here, when he was aged eighty-two years. He married Barbara Hauser and she became the mother of five children, passing away in her sixty-sixth year. Two of these survive: Martin F. and Mrs. Harvey Millhouse.

Martin F. Denman obtained a public schoo' of training and is one of the well-informed and substantial citizens of this section where he has engaged in farming and stock raising ever since reaching man's estate. He has kept up repairs but has had no buildings to erect as his father had made all improvements. Mr. Denman married Miss Abigail W. Grosvenor, and they have three children : Araminta, Delia and Harry. Mr. Denman and family are members and supporters of the Christian church. In politics he is a democrat.

GEORGE H. WAGNER, one of the leading citizens of Loramie township, Shelby county, O., who resides on his excellent farm of forty-three acres, situated one-quarter mile north of Houston, O.. lying on the north side of the Piqua and St. Mary's turnpike road, in section 5, was born January 9, 1854, in Clark county, O. He was one year old when he was brought to Shelby county by his parents, Jacob and Celina Wagner, who settled south of Houston.

George H. Wagner obtained a district school education and then assisted his father until his own marriage, after which he still worked on the homestead for one more year and then moved to a place one mile west of Houston. After four years there he moved on the Flynn farm and operated that for four and one-half years. Later, after a period in which he was engaged in a general mercantile business at Houston, he moved to the Block farm, on the township line, where he remained for eight years. He then came to his present place, in 19x37, where he has made many improvements. He has all his land under cultivation with the exception of four acres of pasture. For many years he has been a leading factor in democratic politics and has given most efficient service in such offices as turnpike superintendent, township trustee and school director, and for the past three years has been road superintendent.

Mr. Wagner married Miss Alice Stoker, who was born and reared in Loramie township, a daughter of W. F. and Libby Stoker, both of whom died in this township. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wagner: Verna, who died at the age of two years; Charles; Mollie; Bertha: Edith, who died in infancy; and Ruth. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner are members of the Christian church. They are well-known people all through this section and have a wide circle of friends.

GEORGE FAULDER, who has recently retired alter many years of active life on his farm of eighty acres, situated in Salem township, Shelby county, O., now occupies his comfortable residence on South Main street, Sidney, 6. He was born February 16, 1833, in Frederick county, Md., and was two years old when his parents, James and Louisa (Applebee) Faulder, brought him to Shelby county.

James Faulder was a cooper by trade and in his day the making of barrels, casks and hogsheads by hand was a very remunerative business. He followed his trade until within twenty years of the close of his life, when he turned his attention to farming. He was one of the useful and reliable men of his neighborhood and, while never consenting to hold office, gave his support to all public spirited movements when they seemed to him to be of a character to benefit the community. He was the father of the following children: William H. ; George; James; Joseph; Wilbur; Sarah, wife of John Morter: Louisa, wife of Amos Stiger; Mary, wife of Leander Halter; and Susan, wife of William Sims.

George Faulder attended the district schools in boyhood although he never had the advantages which children of the present day have thrust upon them. When he started out to take care of himself, he engaged at farm work by the month for about six months and then went into a saw mill, and for twelve years worked there by the day. After that he settled down to farming and also did considerable business in building turnpike roads under contract. Mr. Faulder, with his many interests, has been a very busy man and seemingly is entitled to a period of rest. In politics he is a republican and at times served as school director in Salem township and for two years was assessor.

In 1865 Mr. Faulder was married to Miss Caroline E. Fergus, who was born in Shelby county, a daughter of Joseph and Barbara (Allery) Fergus, both of whom are deceased, their burial being in Graceland cemetery. Mrs. Faulder has the following brothers and sisters: R. H. ; Sarah C, wife of William Valentine; John S. : W. Alonzo; Mary M., wife of Thomas Mitchell;

J. L. ; Scott; Charles E. ; Wealthit E., wife of Peter Stockstill : and Laura A., wife of Samuel Knoop. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Faulder are: Harry B., who married Ella Shaw; Charles V., who married Mellie Gauze, and they have one son, Forest Faulder; Edward L., who married Ella Williams, and they have one child, Audrey; Taylor A., who married Katie Burton; Clemie C, who is the wife of Elmer Shroyer; Nellie B., who is the wife of Earl Fristoe ; Mary H., who is the wife of Terry Wones and they have one child, Mildred; Donnie F., who is at home; and George B., who is a student at Ann Arbor, Mich. Mr. Faulder and family attend the Methodist Episcopal church. George Faulder was a soldier in the Civil war, having been a member of 134 Regiment. O. V. I.

EARL D. FRISTOE, whose farm of 138 acres of valuable land lies in Perry township, Shelby county, O., belongs to an old Shelby county family and was born in this township, January 21, 1879. His parents were Milton and Mahala (Fahnestock) Fristoe.

Milton Fristoe was a highly respected citizen, and a successful farmer. His death occurred in September, 1901, and his burial was at Port Jefferson. To his first marriage witih Lyda Mericle four children were born : John, Anna, Libbie and Phebe. His second marriage was to Mrs. Mahala | Fahnestock) Spangy, widow of Philip Spangy, who had two children, Frank and Clara. To the second marriage but one child was born. Earl D. and his mother resides at Sidney.

Earl D. Fristoe attended the public schools an4 all his life has been more or less engaged in agricultural pursuits. The first land he ever owned was forty acres situated in Orange township, which he sold and then bought sixty acres in Perry township and after selling that, bought his present farm, in 1909, at sheriff's sale, it being known as the old Henry English farm. He made all necessary improvements, including the building of a new and substantial barn and is successfully interested here in raising Jersey cattle and Percheron horses.

Mr. Fristoe was married in November, 1900, to Miss Nellie B. Faulder, who was born in Shelby county, July 16, 1880, a daughter of George and Caroline (Fergus) Faulder. They are farming people in Salem township and their children are: Harry B., who is a physician at Wapakoneta ; Charles. Edward, Taylor, Clementine, Nellie B., Mary, Donna, Chester and Benjamin. To Mr. and Mrs. Fristoe one son was born to whom the name of Lawrence Theodore was given, but his little span of life covered only five weeks. In politics Mr. Fristoe has been active as a republican and served three years as a county central committeeman, and is serving in his second term as vice president of the county fair board. He is identified with the Knights of Pythias at Maplewood and Knights of Khorassan of Sidney, O.

E. A. DUNN, who resides on an excellent farm of eighty acres one-half mile south of Plattsville, O., in a desirable section of Green township, was born in Orange township, Shelby county, in 1858, and is a son of John and Susan (Razor) Dunn.

John Dunn was born in Pennsylvania and came to Ohio when young and after living for some years in Montgomery county, came to Shelby and settled on a farm in Orange township, where he died in his sixty-fifth year. He married Susan Razor and they became parents of seven children.

E. A. Dunn obtained a district school education, often attending school under conditions that his children would deem exceedingly uncomfortable, entailing long walks in inclement weather and a schoolhouse devoid, in large measure, of any of the present-day comforts that are now considered necessities. He remained on the home farm until he was sixteen years old and then worked through the neighborhood for different fanners. He has been established on the present place for the past eleven years and here very successfully carries on general farming and stock raising.

Mr. Dunn married Miss Callie Simes and they have two daughters: Bertha and Ruth. In politics Mr. Dunn is a democrat. For a number of years he has been identified with the Odd Fellows, attending the lodge at Kirkwood.

CONRAD CRUSEY, proprietor of the Crusey Grocery Company, operating a first-class grocery store on the corner of Walnut and Fair avenues, Sidney, O., is one of the representative business men of this city and has practically spent his life here. He was born at Sidney, November 28, 1853, and is a son of Stephen and Agnes (Sousa) Crusey.

Stephen Crusey and wife were born in Germany. In the fall of 1849, Stephen Crusey with his own family and with his father, John Crusey, and two brothers, John and Michael Crusey, set sail for America and during the voyage that lasted fifty-five days, forty-two of the passengers died of cholera. Finally the survivors were landed at New Orleans and took passage on a Mississippi river steamboat for Cincinnati. The germs of the deadly cholera, however, were in the system of the aged father and he suffered a severe attack but finally recovered and subsequently lived in robust health into advanced age, his death occurring at Muncie, Ind. After reaching Cincinnati the travelers proceeded by canal to Piqua and from there came to Sidney by wagon. Stephen Crusey was a machinist by trade but the circumstances that surrounded him on reaching the United States did not favor his securing employment at this trade and for some years he was variously employed, but always industriously. At one time he purchased a small farm in Auglaize county, O., but as it was in the woods he never worked it but kept it until he could sell to advantage and made seventy dollars by his prudence. His first job of work after coming to Sidney was on the Wapakoneta turnpike road, his wages being eight dollars a month. Afterward he started in the business of selling stoves, traversing the country in a wagon and carrying the stoves with him to the farms where he found customers and when he made one dollar a day and his expenses, he considered that he was doing a very satisfactory business and was able to save money. Later he worked for a foundry as cupola tender and afterward was employed for a short time at the old still house, where he fortunately saw the dangerous character of the work in time to leave it, three other workmen less observant being killed on the following day. He assisted in putting in new machinery and became night engineer and turned the first wheel that ever revolved in the still house. Later Stephen Crusey and his brothers opened a brickyard, its site being what is now known as Gramercy Park, and for many years he carried on this business. Retiring at last he spent some quiet, restful years prior to his death in January, 1910, when aged eighty-eight years, having survived his wife since 1888. One son, Edward, who was born in Germany, is now in the grocery business at Sidney.

Conrad Crusey attended the public and parochial schools at Sidney and as a boy worked in his father's brickyard and afterward, for eighteen years, was in the liquor business. In 1906 he embarked in the grocery line and carries a large and carefully selected stock, catering to the city's best trade.

Mr. Crusey was married in 1875 to Miss Nettie Wise, of Muncie, Ind., a lady reared at Sidney from the age of seven years, and they have three children: Agnes Jane, who is the wife of Bert E. Binckley, of Cleveland, by whom she has five children - Helen, Dolores, Marion, Paul and Sarah; Milton S., who married and lives at Sidney, has three children - Frances Marie, Jennette Rose and John Anthony; and Nicholas John, who ma-ried Agnes Redindo, lives at Sidney and has two sons, Adrian and Nicholas. Mr. Crusey and family are members of the Holy Angels Catholic church.

ELIAS J. GRIFFIS, a lifelong resident of Shelby county, O., and a very prominent business man of Sidney, interested in many of the important enterprises of this section, was born in Cynthian township, Shelby county, March 8, 1862, and is a son of J. S. and Mary (Babylon) Griffis.

J. S. Griffis was born in Butler county, O., a son of Jacob and Rachel Griffis, who came to Shelby county when their son, J. S., was a boy and settled on the present site of the Loramie reservoir. J. S. Griffis engaged in the grain business at Dawson, O., in 1880, and was a well known business man. He was the first postmaster at that place. He died in 1964 at the age of seventy-two years. He married Mary Babylon, who was reared in Miami county, O., and died in 1905 at the age of sixty-eight years. Her parents were Daniel and Eliza Babylon, old residents of Miami county. To J. S. Griffis and wife four children were born: Warren A., who died of typhoid fever, in 1895, survived by a widow and one daughter, was in partnership with his brother, Elias J., in the grain business from 1887 until the time of death; Jennie E., who is the wife of E. T. Custolenborder, of Sidney; Wilson, who died in infancy; and Elias J.

Elias J. Griffis was educated in the local schools and at Ada Normal and from 1880 to 1885 alternated teaching with school attendance and afterward was interested in the grain business at Dawson for several years. In 1887, in partnership with his older brother, Warren A., he purchased the grain business of Nutt Bros., operating an elevator known as the Old Stone Bridge Elevator. The Griffis brothers did an immense business both in coal and grain. In 1895 the old building was replaced by the present one, the new elevator being the best in this part of the state. The business was continued after the death of Warren A. Griffis, the firm name being E. J. Griffis & Co.

In 1898 a flour mill was erected with a capacity of ninety barrels, and Mr. Grifns continued to devote his time to this enterprise until 1904, when he sold out to E. E. Nutt.

A large number of the successful business enterprises of Sidney have had the fostering care of Mr. Grifns and his interest in many of these continues. He was one of the promoters and one of the first officers of the Commercial Club, serving as its second president ; is a stockholder and director in the Sidney Tool Company; a stockholder and director of the Monarch Company; a stockholder in the Sidney Manufacturing Company, and, in association with W. E. Wenger, owns the Standard Clutch Company, of Sidney. In 1895 he entered the newspaper field, purchasing the old Sidney Journal, which was founded in 1832, and consolidated it with the Sidney Gazette, then owned by Mr. Williams, the new paper being issued as the Sidney Journal-Gazette, and during the four years that he remained connected with it, the policy of the paper was progressive and tended to assist in furthering the interests of this section. Mr. Griffis is first vice president of the Shelby County Building & Loan Association, and he also owns two fine farms in his native county.

In 1888, Mr. Griffis was married to Miss Rhoda V. Boyle, a daughter of S. H. and Elizabeth Boyle, old residents of Cynthian township, and they have one son, Forest H. The latter was educated at Sidney and is shipping clerk for the Sidney Tool Company. He married Miss Mabel Struble and they have a handsome residence at No. 119 Walnut street, Sidney.

In his political affiliation Mr. Griffis has been an active republican but has never sought political honors, accepting only membership on the board of health, in which office he has served with efficiency for the past twelve years. Both he and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. The only fraternal organization with which he has ever identified himself is the Improved Order of Red Men. Mr. Griffis is largely a self-made man. his success having been mainly the result of his own unaided efforts.

R. O. BINGHAM, superintendent of the Wagner Manufacturing Company of Sidney, O., a member of the library board and a citizen of sterling worth, was born at Baltimore, Md., August 25, 1850, and is a son of Alfred Hugh and Rebecca (Evans) Bingham, the former of whom, for some years, was superintendent of cotton mills in Maryland.

In the infancy of Mr. Bingham, his parents moved to Alexandria, Va., and there he attended school. He afterward served an apprenticeship of four years to the machinist trade and worked in cotton mills until 1871, when he came to Sidney, O. Here he entered the machine shop of G G. Haslup & Brother, where he remained for seven years, in the meanwhile being first made foreman and later superintendent. During these seven years the business name had been changed to the Sidney Manufacturing Company. In 1888 he went to Marion, Ind., with Mr. Gould and Mr. Fruchey, on account of inducements offered by capitalists in that city, and for three years the partners conducted works for the manufacture of hollow ware and stoves, when their plant was burned. Mr. Bingham then came back to Sidney and ever since has been identified with the Wagner Manufacturing Company as its superintendent. This important business enterprise of Sidney started with twenty men and at present 300 are given employment, all of whom, in their industrial activities, come under the careful superintendence of Mr. Bingham.

In 1881 Mr. Bingham was married at Sidney to Miss Alice Conklin, a daughter of the late Judge Conklin, and they have two children, Florence and Hugh, both of whom have been afforded exceptional educational advantages. Miss Florence was educated in Miami University at Oxford, O. Hugh is a graduate of the Wesleyan University at Delaware, O., and during 1910-n was an instructor in the Sidney high school, and at present is a student of law in the Western Reserve College. The mother of these children died in March, 1908.

Mr. Bingham has always taken a public spirited interest in city improvements since he came to Sidney and for thirteen years served as a member of the school board, in 1910 being its secretary and its president in the following year. He has held other municipal offices and for many years served as a member of the board of trustees of the city waterworks. As a member of the Commercial Club, Mr. Bingham has encouraged its aims and on many occasions his sound business advice has been followed. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and a Knight Templar in Masonry.

KIRBY THRELKELD, who has been identified with the grain business at Jackson Center, O., for eight years and conducts a mill and grain elevator here, was born at Shelbyville, Shelby county, Ky., December 29, 1872, and is a son of Elijah and Mary Ellen Threlkeld, both of whom survive and now reside at St. Joseph, Mo.

Kirby Threlkeld was four years old when his parents moved to Missouri, where he was reared and attended the public schools and later Hardin College. Afterward he came to Fayette county, O., to learn telegraphing and subsequently was made operator and agent at Jackson Center for the D. T. & I. A., and continued for eight years. For about eighteen months he was with the Baughman Lumber Company of Jackson Center as manager, and then became assistant cashier of the old Farmers & Merchants Bank, which, after reorganization, became the First National Bank of Jackson Center. Mr. Threlkeld remained with the bank for a year and a half and then purchased a onehalf interest in the mill and elevator of G. E. Allinger & Son, the mill plant having been erected by Allinger & Woodcock. The firm of Allinger & Threlkeld succeeded and continued for three years, when Mr. Threlkeld purchased his partner's interest and assumed entire ownership. He did an extensive business but a fire that attacked his plant in December, 1912, swept everything away, his elevator at that time having about fifteen thousand dollars worth of grain destroyed. Steps will probably soon be taken to rebuild and possibly on a still larger scale. Mr. Threlkeld is not a man to permit business disasters to discourage him. He has always been an active and public spirited citizen and enjoys public confidence and esteem. A democrat in politics, he has always declined public office for himself.

Mr. Threlkeld married Miss Nevada E. Hall, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Hall, the former of whom is deceased, but the latter lives at Jackson Center, where Mrs. Threlkeld was born. Mr. and Mrs. Threlkeld have one son, Wayne Hall. They have a very handsome residence which is situated on South Main street, Jackson Center. He is identified with the Odd Fellows.

GEORGE P. STALEY, who is probably one of Shelby county's best known citizens, prominent in political life and popular as an educator, was born in Jackson township, Shelby county, O., April 6, 1871, and is a son of George W. and Sarah C. (Erven) Staley, both of whom reside in Jackson township. The Staley family is an old and substantial one of this section.

George P. Staley secured his early education in Jackson township, in district No. 6, and afterward attended Lebanon University. He then entered the educational field and taught school for twenty-three years, in the meanwhile acquiring a teacher's life certificate. Since his marriage he has been a resident of Montra, O. A lifelong democrat, Mr. Staley has been very loyal to his party and has frequently been honored by the same with election to responsible offices. He served for two years as assessor of Jackson township, for six years was a member of the board of county school examiners, being the clerk and president of this body, and in November, 191 2, was elected county auditor of Shelby county, for which office he is undoubtedly well qualified. For the past eight years he has also been clerk of Jackson township and his official duties in this direction will engage him for one more year.

Mr. Staley has been a factor in the literary life of his social acquaintance and is one of the oldest members* of the Shelby County Reading Circle.

HENRY H. EVERSMAN, who was born in 1871, resides on his birthplace farm, which is situated in Van Buren township, Shelby county, O, and is a well known, public spirited and highly respected citizen of this section. He is a son of Herman and Elgian Eversman. The father was born in Germany but the mother is of American birth. Of their seven children, Henrv H. is the fourth in order of birth. William, the eldest, was a resident of Auglaize county, O., where he died. He married Louise Rehn, who survives. John died at the age of twenty-three years. George married Magdalena Katterheinrich and they live at New Bremen, O. Fred Erick married Dora Katterheinrich and they live at New Knoxville, O. Philip married Sarah Schroelucke and they live in Auglaize county, O. Sarah, the youngest of the family, is the wife of William Koge and they live in Auglaize county.

Henry H. Eversman was educated in the public schools and ever since. with the exception of two years during which he lived at New Knoxville, he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits in Van Buren township. He owns a well improved farm of eighty acres here and additionally has a farm containing seventeen and one-half acres situated in Auglaize county.

ried Elizabeth Snethcamp, now deceased, and for his second wife, Grace Holcroft and they live at New Bremen; Herman, who is deceased, married Anna Knierim ; William, who lives in Auglaize county, married Ida Wellman ; Henry, who married Mary Grether and they live in Wisconsin ; Sarah, who is the wife of William Elshoff, of Shelby county; Caroline, who married John Geiger and they live at St. Mary's; Matilda, who married John Wagoner, of Auglaize county; Flora, who married Wesley Katterheinrich and they live in Auglaize county; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Louis Hoge and they live in Indiana; and Paulina, who lives with her brother, William, and family.

Mr. and Mrs. Eversman have four children :* Walter, Florence, Wesley and Arnold. Mr. Eversman and family belong to the Reformed church. Politically he is identified with the progressive party and takes a very decided interest in public affairs both local and countrywide.

PHILIP SMITH, presidentof the Philip Smith Manufacturing Company, one of the most important business enterprises of Sidney, O., giving employment to a large number of men and thereby adding to the general prosperity of the city, is one of the solid, stable, reliable men of Sidney. He was born at Harrisburg, Pa., September 7, 1839, and is a son of Reinhardt and Catherine Smith. Reinhardt Smith and wife were natives of Pennsylvania and probably were of German parentage. He was a foundryman by trade and after his son Philip had started his foundry at Sidney, came here with another son. Michael, and they became partners in the business.

Philip Smith was reared in Dauphin countv, Pa., through his school period and then came to Ohio, and in a foundry at Dayton learned the molder's trade and remained there until he was almost twenty-one years old, when he came to Sidney, and here started out in business for himself on a capital of $25, practically among strangers. He was able to purchase the ground on which an old foundry had formerly stood but had been destroyed by fire, and in 1859 he put up his first shop and from that time until the present has been in the manufacturing business and is the oldest manufacturer in the city. Industrious, persevering and possessed of mechanical skill, Mr. Smith gradually broadened his business field until his plant had been developed into one of such importance that it became advisable to form a company, and thus the Philip Smith Manufacturing Company came into existence and its capitalization is $130,000, Mr. Smith owning the majority of the stock, his partners being L. M. Studevant and B. D. Heck. The business carried on is the manufacture of elevator machinery and employment is afforded from eighty to one hundred workmen. Mr. Smith retained the active management until 1907, when he retired but with no loss of interest. When a man has built up a business like that of Mr. Smith, no formal retirement from some of its responsibilities can cause him to lose his interest in its continued prosperity. At various times Mr. Smith invested in farm land and in town property and both are now exceedingly valuable and his investments aggregate 270 acres. For some years after starting into the manufacturing business Mr. Smith operated a spoke plant together with his foundry, and also a hollow ware factory, but sold the latter to the Wagner Manufacturing Company and discontinued the former. Mr. Smith has always been too busy a man to take a very active part in politics, but at times has consented to serve on the city council, where his business judgment has been highly valued. He is one of the oldest members of the Odd Fellows in this section.

WILLIAM FRANKLIN RHOADES, a man of character and standing in Loramie township, Shelby county, O., who for seven years has been president of the Beech Grove special school district and still earlier a member of the board, was born December 13, 1864, in Newberry township, Miami county, O., and since the age of twenty-one years has resided on his present valuable farm of 210 acres, lying in section 25, Loramie township.

John Rhoades, father of W. F. Rhoades, was born in Pennsylvania and at the age of twenty-one years came to Miami county, O., and settled on 160 acres in Newberry township, where he cut the first tree ever taken from the native forest in that section. In Montgomery county he married Miss Barbara Apple, and ten children were born to them, not all of whom, however, survived her. One of her sons, Henry Rhoades, died while serving as a soldier in the Civil war. The second marriage of John Rhoades was to Elizabeth Schneck, who was born in Pennsylvania but was reared in Montgomery county, O, and she became the mother of five children, dying when aged seventy-five years. Of the second marriage W. F. Rhoades was the second born.

W. F. Rhoades, with his wife, moved on the farm of eighty acres they purchased in the spring of 1886 and in the year 1889 purchased fifty acres adjoining the home place. He cleared eighty acres of his farm and tiled all of it. In the year 1897 they built the large bank barn and erected the wind pump with supply tanks and hydrants. In the year of 1904 they built the large buff pressed-brick house, with all modern improvements, which is their present home. In 1909 they purchased the Apple homestead of eighty acres, this farm being well improved with a large brick house and bank barn.

Mr. Rhoades was married in Miami county, O., to Miss Lucinda B. Loxley, who was born in that county, a daughter of Benjamin and Phebe Ann (Kaylor) Loxley. The mother of Mrs. Rhoades is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Rhoades have two children : Grover Franklin and Orville Leslie, and they also reared a niece, Myrtle Loxley, now the wife of Morris Cothran. Mr. Rhoades and family are members of the Lutheran church at Bloomer, in which he is a deacon and is assistant superintendent of the Sunday school. A lifelong democrat, Mr. Rhoades has been a loyal party worker but has accepted few offices except those concerned with the public schools, in which he has been deeply interested. He belongs to the Bloomer Horse Thief Association, of which he was president, is a member of the Knights of Pythias, attending the last named lodge at Versailles, O. Mr. Rhoades is president and for the past eight years has been manager of the Bloomer Home Tele-

CHRISTOPHER SHEARER, who is one of Franklin township's most highly respected citizens, a retired farmer, was born in Montgomery county, O., six miles from Dayton, in Wayne township, May 4, 1826, and is a son of Moses and Mary (Martin) Shearer, a grandson of Valentine Shearer.

Moses Shearer was born in Bedford county, Pa., and probably was of German descent. He followed farming as an occupation through life, first in his native state and later in Montgomery county, O. He was a man of good standing in his neighborhood and was a member and supporter of the Reformed church. In politics he was a whig. He married Mary Martin, who was born in Maryland, and the following children were born to them, many of whom became well known in Shelby county : Elizabeth Catherine, who married F. E. Munger; Marian, who married Asa Grimes; Christopher; Susannah, who married Samuel Wright; Julia Ann; George W. ; Sarah Jane, who married William Eckert ; Henry E. ; William H. and David Edward.

When Christopher Shearer was a boy the matter of securing an education was much more difficult than at present but, in spite of disadvantages, the essentials were taught and the foundation thus laid was built upon as later opportunity offered. After his school days were over, Mr. Shearer gave his father assistance until he was twenty-three years old, when he married and for five subsequent years worked for his father on the home farm on shares. He then purchased 1 14 acres in Montgomery county and lived on that property for two years and then sold, and in 1856 came to Shelby county and took possession of a farm he had bought in Jackson township. On that farm he remained for eight years and then sold and purchased the farm in Franklin township on which, with the exception of four years spent in Montgomery county, he has lived ever since, selling the same to his son Edward in 19 10.

On December 19, 1849, Mr. Shearer was married to Miss Harriet Wright, who was born in Miami county, a daughter of Asahel and Martha (Sweney) Wright. The parents of Mrs. Shearer were natives of Vermont and they had children as follows : Edmund, Samuel, Sarah, John Quincy, Warren, Harriet and William. To Mr. and Mrs. Shearer a large family was born, the record being as follows: Albert L., John H., Martha Alice, Mary Florence, Samuel Edward, Clara Bell, Charles M. and Minnie Louella, twins, William Everett, Effie Grace. Warren Wright and Frances Harriet. Albert L. married Julia Folkerth and they have one daughter, Edith. John H. married Alvena Miller and they have two children, Ethel and Howard. Charles M. married first Grace Russell and she left one child, Dorothy Grace. His second marriage was to Frances E. Burritt. Minnie Louella married Dr. E. McCormick and they have two children. Lowell and Eugene. William Everett married Eva Young and two children were born to them, Mildred and Frederick W., the former of whom is deceased. Warren Wright married Helen Hackman, who is deceased. Frances Harriet married E. W. Richards.

And Representative Citizen'S 673

life has retained his membership in this religious body and in younger years served as a church official. He remembers well the organization of the republican party and has supported its policies and candidates for many years.

FOREST D. CHRISTIAN', who conducts what is generally acknowledged to be the best equipped drug store in western Ohio, located at Sidney, has been a resident of this city since the summer of 1897, with the exception of a few months, during which period he managed a drug store at Nicholasville, Ky. Mr. Christian was born September 3, 1873, at Versailles, O., and is a son of Samuel and Lydia E. Christian, his father being a farmer and stock dealer in Darke county.

Forest D. Christian attended the public schools at Versailles and after graduating there entered upon an apprenticeship to the drug business under J. G. Steinle, an old and experienced drug man, and during 1895 anc' ^96 was a student in the Cincinnati College of Pharmacy, and after completing his professional course returned to Versailles and from there on July 5. 1897, came to Sidney. He accepted a position with H. W. Thompson, druggist, and remained with him until September, 1899, in September of that year going to Nicholasville, Ky., where he managed a store, as alluded to above, returning to Sidney on April 6, 1900, when he took over the management of Mr. Thompson's store. In 1904 he purchased a one-half interest in the store, and on July 30, 1908, after Mr. Thompson's death, bought the latter's interest and has been sole proprietor since that time. In addition to carrying the most complete line of drugs and drug sundries in northwestern Ohio, Mr. Christian handles a complete line of patent medicines of known merit, together with a complete line of physicians' supplies, doing a very extensive business in this department in this and adjoining counties. He also caters to public convenience by devoting space to books, stationery, periodicals, perfumes, camera supplies and other sundries, his stock covering all that is usually found in a modern drug and book store and is one that has been carefully selected with a view to pleasing a very discriminating public.

Mr. Christian was married to Miss Florence E. Hardman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sol Hardman of Versailles, O., on May 12, 1897, sne at tnat time being a popular teacher in the Versailles schools. Mrs. Christian is an accomplished musician and since coming to Sidney has been one of the active members of the city's leading musical organizations. She is prominent in social and church affairs. Mary Bess, the daughter and only child, is spending her first year in the city high school, a pleasant little lady taking particular interest in her music and getting along nicely in her regular school work. Mr. and Mrs. Christian and daughter are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons and Knights of Pythias, l>eing past chancellor in the latter organization, and is a member of the local branch of the United Commercial Travelers. He has shown his public spirit in many ways since becoming a permanent resident of Sidney and is an active member and a former director of the Sidney Commercial Club.

CHARLES PEPPER, a general farmer operating seventy-two acres of land situated in Perry township, Shelby county, O., which he rents from W. A. Johnston, of East Sidney, is one of the prosperous agriculturists of this section. He was born in Perry township, November 19, 1881, and is a son of John H. and Margaret A. (Roe) Pepper. The father was born in Champaign county, O., and came to Shelby county at the age of eighteen years and has spent his subsequent life here. In politics he is a democrat. He married Margaret A. Roe, who was born in Miami county, O., and three sons were born to them : Frank, Charles and William. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Charles Pepper has had experience as a farmer ever since his school days ended. Until he was twenty-one years of age he assisted on the home farm and for four years afterward worked for his father on shares, following which, in 1907, he rented his present farm from Mr. Johnston and has successfully and profitably conducted it for five years. He is one of the stockholders in the Farmers Telephone Company.

On October 1, 1905, Mr. Pepper was married to Miss Martha Heath, who was born in Logan county, O., a daughter of David and Sarah (Kress) Heath. Mrs. Pepper has brothers and sisters as follows: Reatha, Viola, Orvie, Alva, Rachel, Jaazaniah, Ollie, Earl and Minerva. Mr. and Mrs. Pepper are the justly proud parents of twin children, Cable and Mabel, who were born August 26, 1907. Politically Mr. Pepper is a stanch democrat and is now serving in his second term as township trustee. Mrs. Pepper belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church.

EMORY E. BAKER, whose successful operating of the home farm, consisting of 235 acres, which is situated in Perry township, Shelby county, O., places him among the competent young agriculturists of this section, was born in Perry township, October 24, 1880. He is a son of Lewis \V. and Julia (Booze) Baker.

Lewis \V. Baker is a son of William Baker, one of the early settlers in Shelby county. From early manhood until 1893 ne engaged in general farming, but in that year he went into the elevator business at Maplewood, Shelby county, O., with M. D. Burke of Pemberton, O., under the firm name of Burke & Baker. In 1904 he bought out Mr. Burke and continued in business by himself until 1909, when he sold to Simmons, Faulkner & Cook. In 191 1, he and Mr. A. F. Rust bought two elevators at Haviland, Paulding county, O., and are operating them under the name of the Haviland Grain Company. He married Julia Booze, a daughter of Hezekiah Booze, and they have two children: Emory E. and Edna, who is the wife of John J. Drewery, of Jackson township, and they have one daughter, Beulah.

Emory E. Baker obtained his education in the public schools and afterward was employed for five years by the firm of Burke & Baker, elevator operators. Mr. Baker then took charge of his father's large farm and has managed its various industries in a very satisfactory manner ever since. He has progressive ideas and follows the most modern methods with the assistance of

Mr. Baker was married November 15, 1900, to Miss Lavina J. Young, who was born in Shelby county and is a daughter of Adam P. and Mary J. (Allen) Young, Mr. Young being a substantial farmer in this county. Mrs. Baker is the third in a family of five children: Elza, Earl, Lavina J., Minnie and Grover, Minnie being the wife of William Cox.

Mr. and Mrs. Baker have four children: Wilda L., Harold L., Carl E. and Ralph E. The family attends the Disciples church. In politics Mr. Baker is a democrat but has always been too busy attending to his own affairs to feel at liberty to accept public office, although well qualified for the same. He takes an interest in several fraternal organizations and belongs to the Knights of Pythias at Maplewood and to the D. O. K. K., at Sidney.

JOSEPH ERANKENBERG, who owns one of the fine farms of Dinsmore township, Shelby county, a beautiful, fertile tract of 200 acres, situated two miles east of Botkins, O., was born in this township in 1858, and is a son of Harmon and Louisa (Alkermire) Frankenberg. Harmon Frankenberg. the father, who died in 1862, was a highly respected man and by trade was a carpenter and cabinetmaker. He left six children: Julius, John, Elizabeth, Joseph, Mary and Theresa. Some time after the death of her first husband , Mrs. Frankenberg married Barney Wempe and four children were born to that marriage: Josephine, Catherine, John and Barney, John being deceased.

Joseph Frankenberg was educated in the district schools and then worked on his step-father's farm and was sixteen years old when the latter died. He then took charge of the farm for his mother and operated it until he was twenty-two years of age, at which time he married. He had inherited forty acres from his father's estate and then settled on that tract and erected a residence and shortly afterward bought forty acres more. Three years later he bought still another forty acres and his next purchase was a tract of eighty 'acres. He made all the improvements on his land and devotes it to general farming and stock raising.

Mr. Frankenberg married Miss Frances Greve, who is a daughter of Harmon and Louisa Greve and the following children have been born to them : Clara, John, Louis, Joseph, Frances, Aloysius, Catherine and Clemens, all of whom live at home with the exception of Frances and Clara, the former of whom is the wife of Paul Smith and they live in Shelby county. The latter married Frank Switzer and they live in Auglaize county and have three children: Richard, Alfred and Hilda. Mr. Frankenberg and family belong to the Catholic church. Politically he is a democrat. He is one of the reliable, substantial men of the township and one of its best and most progressive farmers.

WILLIAM G. MURPHEY, a well known resident of Shelby county. O.. who, for fourteen years has operated the Daniel Curtner farm in Franklin township, was born on this farm November 13, 1865, and is a son of Henrv and Nancy (Cole) Murphey. Henry Murphey is a highly respected retired farmer now living at Port Jefferson, O. He was twice married, first to Nancy Cole, who died in 1875, and second to Rhoda Busic. To his first marriage three children were born, namely: Clara, who is the wife of John Lochard; Minnie, who is the wife of Rev. Harrison Thompson, of the Christian church; and William G. To the second union one son was born, Charles.

William G. Murphey obtained his education in the schools of Franklin township and afterward followed farming with his father and grandfather until his marriage. He owns an excellent farm of eighty ?cres, situated in Salem township, but it lias suited his convenience to remain on the Curtner farm, where he carries on a general farming line, raising only enough stock, however, for home use.

In January, 1881. Mr. Murphey was married to Miss Minnie Staley, who is a daughter of George W. Staley and wife of Jackson township, Shelby county, who had the following children, all well known people of this section : Edward: Mrs. Murphey. Milton; Alice, who is the wife of Rowe Buracre; George; Mark; Isophene. who is the wife of L. G. Shanley, of Pemberton, O. ; Bessie, who is the wife of Albert Linker; and Mary, who is the wife of Clarence Rinehart. Mr. and Mrs. Murphey have two children : Clay, who is a student of osteopathy, in college, at Kirksville. Mo. ; and Bessie, who resides at home. The family belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. In his political affiliation Mr. Murphey has always been a republican.

GEORGE KIES, who successfully carries on general farming and stock raising in Dinsmore township. Shelby county, O., owns an excellent farm of 160 acres, situated two and one-half miles southeast of Botkins, was born in this township and is a son of Michael and Frederica (Seamans) Kies.

The parents of Mr. Kies were born in Germany and in their native land and afterward, in the United States, were highly respected people. They were the parents of the following children: Adam, Henry. Mary, Anna, John, Sophia, George and Catherine. Adam married Ann Shuler, and they live at Botkins, O. Henry married Louisa Groves and they live three miles from Botkins. Mary married Jacob Elsass of Auglaize county, O. Anna married David Rheinhart and they live also in Auglaize county. John, who died at the age of fifty-seven years, married Caroline Groves. Sophia is deceased. Catherine is the widow of Louis Zeble and lives at Wapakoneta, O.

George Kies attended the public schools in Dinsmore township and ever since, with the exception of twelve years, has followed farming. He owns a beautiful property which is kept in the best of condition, his buildings being attractive and substantial and all his industries are carried on according to the latest methods. In visiting a model farm like Mr. Kies' it is easy to see why an Ohio agriculturist may be classed with the most independent and contented of men. Productive fields, bountiful orchards, healthy cattle and stock, abundance in every direction, with order and comfort reigning in the home, this presents a pleasant picture.

dren, Emma Elizabeth and Martha M. The latter died in infancy. Emma Elizabeth married George Elsass and they live in Auglaize county and have three children: Edna, Amelia and Leona. Mr. Kies' second marriage was to Miss Maggie Meyers, a daughter of Casper and Margaret Meyers. Mrs. Kies had two brothers, Henry and John, the former of whom is deceased and the latter lives at Portland, Ind. Mr. Kies and wife belong to the Lutheran church, in which he has been a trustee for a number of years and of which he is a liberal supporter.

MICHAEL A. ROTH, whose valuable and well stocked farm of no acres is situated one-half mile northeast of Botkins, O., in Dinsmore township, is one of the representative men of this section, in which he has served for seven and one-half years as a justice of the peace. He was born at Botkins, O., May 26, 1872, and is a son of Antony and Elizabeth ( Leabling) Roth.

Antony Roth was born at Palestine, O., and died October 24, 191 1, at the age of seventy-five years. His father was born in Germany and came to the United States at the age of fourteen years, and his mother about the same time. She was born on the River Rhine, Germany, and her maiden name was Salinger. Anthony Roth married Elizabeth Leabling, who was born at Dayton, O., and still survives, being in her seventy-sixth year and a resident of Botkins. Her father was born in Hesse and her mother in Wittenberg, Germany. The following children were born to Antony and Elizabeth Roth : Josephine, George, Jacob, Henry, Frank, Joseph, Elizabeth. Michael A.. Anna and Alphonse. Josephine, who lives at Botkins, is the widow of William B. Stelzer; George died at the age of nineteen years; Jacob married Kate Geotz and they live at St. Mary's. O. : Henry died in infancy: Frank married Lena King and they live at Wapakoneta, O. ; Joseph married Bertha Baldus and they live at Genessee, Idaho; Elizabeth married Peter Schaaf and they live at Dayton; Anna married William Hemmert and they live at Botkins; and Alphonse married Matilda Schullen and they live at Ottoville, O.

Michael A. Roth obtained his education in the public and parochial schools at Botkins and later took a course at Rensselaer College, Ind. He then went into the sawmill and contracting business, in which he continues to be interested, and, additionally, carries on his farming operations with a large amount of success. He is justly proud of his pure-bred cattle and hogs, believing that there is more profit in fine stock than in the ordinary or inferior breeds. He is one of the active citizens of his neighborhood, always ready to do his part in all public movements and through natural gifts and education is capable of doing so. He was first elected to the office of justice of the peace when but twenty-four years old and has proved a valuable and efficient official.

Mr. Roth married Miss Clara Baker, a daughter of Andrew and Mary (Hasser) Baker. The father of Mrs. Roth was born in France and her mother at Fremont, O. The grandfather served under Napoleon in the Russian campaign, after which he came to Ohio and died here in his eighty-sixth year. The grandmother died at Fremont, O., in her ninety-ninth year. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Roth : Marie, Rosella. Claretta.

William. Eugene, Joseph and Gregory, the last named dying at the age of five years. Mr. Roth and family are members of the Catholic church at Botkins, O.

WILLIAM FINKENBINE, one of the representative citizens and substantial and practical business men of Franklin township, was born in Shelby county, O., February 18, 1859, and is a son of John and Barbara (Schiff) Finkenbine, who now live retired in Franklin township. They are well known and highly esteemed people and are among the leading members of the German Lutheran church.