Shelby County, Ohio - Chapter 23: Miscellaneous, 1913 (part 9 of 14)

William Finkenbine was the eldest born of his parents' family of ten children and he remained with his father on the extensive home farm until he was thirty years of age, in the meanwhile attending the district schools in the neighborhood. After his twenty-first birthday he worked for his father for $100 a year and as he never drew one cent of his wages until he married, had a snug capital with which to start out for himself. For nine years after marriage he rented farm land from his father but later purchased his present farm of eighty acres, on which he has profitably engaged in farming and stock raising ever since.

Mr. Finkenbine was married first on November 1, 1888, to Miss Ida M. Ludlum, who died March 31, 1894. She was a daughter of Eliakim and Sarah ( Persinger) Ludlum. Three children were born to the above marriage: Bonnie, who is deceased; Margie, who is the wife of Wilbur Schiff; and Wilbur, who is deceased. On March 4, 1897, Mr. Finkenbine was married (second) to Miss Emma C. Losch, a daughter of George and Sarah (Harmon) Losch, the former of whom died on his farm in this county and his burial was in the Pearl cemetery. The mother of Mrs. Finkenbine still resides in Franklin township, her children being: Jacob, George, Emma C, Lydia, Callie, John and Clara. Mr. and Mrs. Finkenbine have two children : Freda Clara and Mary May. The family belongs to the German Lutheran church, which has been the family church for several generations. Mr. Finkenbine, like his father, is a strong democrat in his political views.

JOHN M. SCHIFF, JR., one of the representative citizens of Franklin township, Shelby county, O., who isNserving in his seventh term as township assessor, resides on his valuable farm of 112 acres, where he engages in general farming. This is his birthplace, born January 19, 1866, and is a son of John M. and Leanda (Moothart) Schiff.

John M. Schiff, the father, was born in Germany. For many years he was a fanner in Franklin township, where his death occurred in advanced years. He was a worthy member of the Lutheran church and his burial was in Pearl cemetery. He married Leanda Moothart, who was born in Pennsylvania and now lives at Anna, O., a much esteemed lady and a member of the Lutheran church there. They had the following children : William, who is deceased; Lydia, who is the widow of John Fogt; Henry L. ; Lena, who is

John M. Schiff, his father's namesake, grew up on the home farm and assisted his father during the latter's lifetime and since then has devoted himself exclusively to his farm industries, always having been an industrious man and is one who is credited with excellent judgment in business and other affairs. In 1886 Mr. Schiff was married to Miss Louisa Knasel, who, at death, left the following children: Melvin C., who married Bessie Ike; and Ladonna May, who is the wife of William Harmon and they have two children: Kenneth Eugene and Marion Lester. Mr. Schiff's second marriage took place in 1898, to Miss Caroline B. Zorn, who was born in Shelby county, a daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Merklin) Zorn. The father of Mrs. Schiff was born in Shelby county and died on his farm in this county. The mother was born in Germany and now lives in Jackson township, Shelby county. To Mr. and Mrs. Zorn the following children were born: Lena, who is the wife Of Jacob Helmlinger; Catherine, who is the wife of Philip Helmlinger; Jacob Henry; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Alfred Waltz; Mary, who is deceased, was the wife of Jacob Waltz; and Caroline B., who is the wife of Mr. Schiff.

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Schiff are : Mamie Louella, Iva Marie. Elmer Harold and Erma Grace. The family belongs to St. Jacob's Lutheran church. Always a stanch democrat, Mr. Schiff has frequently been useful in the councils of his party and when he has been elected to office has proven honest and thoroughly efficient. He is known all over the county and stands high with his fellow citizens.

JOHN F. CAMPBELL, who is a member of one of the old and representative families of Shelby county, O., is one of the substantial citizens of Turtle Creek township, where he owns 370 acres of very valuable land. He was born in this township, December 26, 1836, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Brown) Campbell.

John Campbell and wife were born in Shelby county and were very early settlers in Turtle Creek township, where he followed farming" until his death in 1841. His widow subsequently married Edward Beck, who was also a farmer and well known resident of this township. To her first marriage the following children were born : Joseph, Robert and Jackson; Elizabeth, who was accidentally drowned when eight years old: Susan, who married Klnley Sissell ; Margaret, who married William Millinger; John F. ; and Mary, who married Martin Burress. To her second marriage four children were born: Martha, who married James Russell; Raper: Laura, who married William A. Russell; and Frisby, who was accidentally killed by falling from a wagon.

During boyhood John F. Campbell attended the district schools and afterward worked for his step-father on the home farm until lie was sixteen years of age and then worked two years longer for his board. He was eighteen years old when he started out for himself and remained with his first employer for three years, receiving wages of eleven dol- lars a month, and as soon as he had enough money hastened to invest in land, his first purchase being eighty acres. Mr. Campbell has always believed that good land is a wise and sensible investment and lias followed out that policy and now owns 370 acres of producing property. He is no longer actively engaged but for many years was a hard working and has always been provident, and while he has been able to accumulate a large property, lias done so through his own unassisted efforts. He is also a stockholder in the churn factory at Sidney.

In 1865 Mr. Campbell was married to Miss Melinda Strouse. who was born in Montgomery county. O., a daughter of Adam and Barbara (Dare) Struose, the former of whom was a tailor in early life but later became a farmer. Both he and wife are deceased. They had the following children: Mary, wife of Lewis Holm ; Sarah, wife of Shedrach Burton; Rebecca, wife of Jacob Zimmers; and Melinda, wife of Mr. Campbell. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have two children and three grandchildren : Littie Dell, who is the wife of William Widney and they have one son, John; and Sheridan S., who married Mary Marshall and they have two daughters, Sadie E. and Emma Marie. Mr. Campbell and family belong to the Presbyterian church. He is a democrat in his political views and has served two terms a* township trustee. In business, social and church relations Mr. Campbell has always been held in esteem.

JOHN H. MOWRY, a general farmer and stock dealer, well known in Franklin township, resides on his finely cultivated farm of eighty-five acres, and was born at Sidney, O.. September 17, 1853. His parents were Daniel and Elizabeth (Davis) Mowry, and both are now deceased. They were people of sterling character and upright life, leading members of the Methodist Episcopal church and were widely known. Their children were: Lyda, wife of Louis Johnston; Anna, wife of William Counts; Clara, wife of Bert Patton: Alice, wife of George Pfaadt ; Eva, wife of Charles Quinn ; and Edward. Thomas C. and John H.

John H. Mowry obtained his education in the country schools near his present farm, on which he has spent all his concious life, remaining with his parents until they passed away and then purchasing the interests of the other heirs in the old homestead. He devotes his attention to general agriculture and also, as did his father, does some stock dealing. He is regarded as one of the able and practical farmers of his section.

Mr. Mowry was married to Mrs. Sallie (Maderis) Clark, widow of John Clark and daughter of John Maderis, whose wife was a Miss Woods. He formerly was a well known stock buyer in Shelby county. Mr. and Mrs. Mowry are members of the Plum Creek Methodist Episcopal church. They have a wide circle of friends to whom their hospitable home is ever open. Mr. Mowry casts his vote with the republican party and as a citizen is intelligently active but is no seeker for office for himself.

LEWIS H. FINKENBINE, general farmer and well known citizen of Franklin township, whose well improved sixty-acre farm is situatel in a desirable section, not far from Sidney, was born in Franklin township. Shelby county, O.. November 22. 1877, and is a son of John and Barbara (Schiff) Finkenbine. The father of Mr. Finkenbine was born in the city of Philadelphia, in 1 83 1, and was one year old when his parents, who were natives of Baden, Germany, brought the family to Shelby county, O. The mother was six years old when her parents, also of Baden, Germany, crossed the Atlantic ocean to the United States and made their permanent settlement in Shelby county. Of their family the mother was the youngest born. Mr. and Mrs. Finkenbine are among the best known and most highly respected residents of Franklin township and are leading members of the German Lutheran church.

Lewis H. Finkenbine was the ninth born in his parents' family of ten children and he remained with his father, whose agricultural interests are yet very large, until he was twenty-three years old, in the meanwhile securing a good public school education. After his marriage he moved to his present farm, which his wife had inherited from her father, and here, with much success, carries on general farming and moderate stock raising, taking advantage of modern inventions to save labor and increase production.

Mr. Finkenbine was married in December, 1900, to Miss Delia M. Wells, who was born in Clinton township, Shelby county, a daughter of Sylvester S. and Sarah J. (Estey) Wells, who were both early settlers and prominent people in the county. Mrs. Finkenbine is the youngest of their children, the others being: Lilley, who is the wife of William Schlayman; Dacie, who is the wife of Charles B. Miller; and William A. and Arthur.

Mr. and Mrs. Finkenbine have three children. Marie, Emory and Goldie. The family belongs to the Lutheran church. Politically Mr. Finkenbine is a democrat, although in local matters he exercises his own excellent judgment in supporting candidates, seldom accepting any office for himself, although he has served four years as township trustee and also as school director.

CHARLES A. JOHNSTON, who may well be numbered with the substantial and representative men of Perry township, Shelby county, O., resides on his valuable farm of 120 acres and is interested in local enterprises, holding considerable stock in the Farmers Telephone Company. He was born in Perry township, July 18, 1862, and is a son of Fielding and Rebecca (Stephenson) Johnston.

Fielding Johnston was born also in Shelby county, while his wife was a native of Champaign county. She survives and resides with her son Charles A., but Mr. Johnston passed away some years ago, his burial being in Cedar Point cemetery, in Perry township. Three children were born to them, namely: Alice, who is now deceased, was the wife of Lewis M. DeWeese; and William A. and Charles A., twins.

Charles A. Johnston attended the public schools of his native township ami then gave his father assistance on the home farm, afterward rented it and after the death of his father, bought the homestead and has continued here. He carries on general farming and is one of the extensive hog raisers and dealers of this section. His preference is for the Poland China breed and raises from ioo to 140 head a year and feeds many more. Mr. Johnston has a handsome residence and substantial barns and sheds and an air of pleasant thrift prevails. No large farm or extensive stock business can be carried on advantageously without hard work and sensible direction and Mr. Johnson appears to have completely understood the situation.

In 1896 Mr. Johnston was married to Miss Alta Keesecker, who died in the following year survived by an infant son, Ray O. On June 1, 1904, Mr. Johnston was married (second) to Miss Edith Licklider, who was born in Champaign county, O., a daughter of William and Jane Licklider, farming people. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston attend the United Brethren church. He is identified with the democratic party and is a very active citizen in local matters and interested in all that concerns the welfare of Perry township. For seven and one-half years he served with the greatest efficiency as township trustee and has been a member of the school board for four years.

JOHN THOMAS STALEY. who resides on his home farm of 140 acres, situated in Salem township, Shelby county. O., owns two other farms in this township, all three aggregating 300 acres. Mr. Staley now lives retired, having all his land satisfactorily rented. He is one of the township's best known and most highly respected men, born here March 26. 1844, a son of Nicholas and Mary (Baker) Staley.

The Staleys were early settlers in Ohio and Nicholas Staley was born near Dayton, in Montgomery county. After marriage with Mary Baker, who was born in Salem township, Shelby county, he engaged for the remainder of his life in agricultural pursuits in this section. They were estimable people and devout members of the Christian church. They died on their farm near Port Jefferson and their burial was in the cemetery at that place. Their children were as follows: Margaret, who is the wife of John Bruner; Henry; Sarah Jane, who is the wife of Port Blue; Susan, who is the wife of John Ward; Nicholas and John Thomas.

John Thomas Staley attended school irregularly in youth, a building for school purposes having been built on his father's farm, but in his boyhood no opportunities were afforded as at the present day. He remained at home assisting and working for his father until he was thirty years of age. at which time he purchased, in partnership with his brother, Henry D. Staley, 160 acres in Green township, which they cultivated together for five years. Henry Staley then bought his brother's interest and the latter returned to Salem township, where he first purchased 130 acres, to which he has added until lie now owns the large acreage above mentioned. General farming and stock raising were carried on by Mr. Staley while actively engaged and the same industries are continued on the land by his tenants.

And Represextative Citizens 685

farmer in early manhood but during the larger part of his life carried on a tanning business. Both he and wife are deceased, the following children surviving them : Jennie, who is the wife of Mr. Staley ; Mary, who is the wife of John Hughes; Emma, who is the wife of Martin Wones; Bell, who is the wife of Guy Steenrod; and Ellen, who is the wife of D. R. Gibbs.

Mr. and Mrs. Staley have had four children : Ida May, who is deceased ; Cora Olive, who is the widow of Dr. Dickerson; Dottie, who is the wife of Dr. Claude Harmon; and Goldie. who is the wife of Dr. Lucas. The family are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics a democrat, Mr. Staley has been interested at all times in the success of his party but has seldom accepted any public office for himself, although one time serving as a township trustee.

JOHN C. STANGEL. who is very efficiently serving Shelby county in a public capacity, being a member of the board of county commissioners, first elected to this representative body in the fall of 1910, was born on a farm in Pickaway county, O., February 9, 1864, a son of Christian and Rachel (Kali) Stangel.

The parents of Mr. Stangel moved to a farm in Jackson township, Shelby county, in 1866, and he comes that near to being a native of the county in which he has lived ever since. The father died in Jackson township and the son was eight years old when his mother lemoved with him to Sidney, where he attended school for six years. He then started out to be self supporting and worked at first on a farm in Franklin township, but after his marriage entered the Sidney Wheel Works at Sidney, where he continued until 1892, when he moved on a farm of 120 acres, situated in Franklin township, where he successfully carries on the usual farm industries.

In 1888 Mr. Stangel was married at Anna Station. O.. to Miss Anna Brideweser, a daughter of Philip Brideweser, at that time a substantial farmer of that section, and the following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Stangel : Lawrence, Wallace, Perry, Maud, Luella, Carrie, Glenna, and Roy Wilson, the last named born October 25, 191 2.

Mr. Stangel has always been an interested citizen of his neighborhood but has never been unduly anxious to hold office, in fact never accepted but one political position prior to his first election as a county commissioner, that being assessor of Franklin township, in which office he had served for two years when he resigned in order to accept his present one. Mr. Stangel was honored by re-election to the office of county commissioner, in 1912, and hence will continue his public service through a second term.

F. M. WILDERMUTH. cashier of the First National Bank of Jackson Center, O., is one of the representative men of Shelby county and a useful and influential citizen of Jackson Center. He was born on a farm in Jackson township. Shelby county, three and one-half miles northwest of Jackson Center, June 11, 1875, and' is a son of George and Magdalena (Harmon) Wildermuth.

George Wildermuth was born in Germany but was married after coming to Shelby county, O. During his long life he has followed agricultural pursuits and he and wife still reside on their farm, which is situated three and one-half miles northwest of Jackson Center. They have been the parents of twelve children, nine of whom survive.

F. M. Wildermuth attended the public schools in Jackson township, later the Jackson Center schools and afterward the normal school at Angola. Ind.. following which he taught school in his native township for nine years. Mr. Wildermuth first became associated with the First National Bank in the capacity of assistant cashier, then becoming cashier, in which office he has served continuously since 1909. He has additional business interests, being a member of the J. M. Pence Grain Company, of Ansonia, O., and the junior member of the Runyan & Wildermuth Hardware Company of Jackson Center. In politics Mr. Wildermuth has been a lifelong democrat and for a protracted period served efficiently in responsible offices in Jackson township, for two years being assessor and for three successive terms, township treasurer. He has served Jackson Center also as city clerk and during two terms was a member of the city council.

Mr. Wildermuth married Miss Christiana Sherer. who is a daughter of John and Louisa (Allenbarch) Sherer, and they have three children: Ruby Marie, Willis Arlington and Forest Elmer, all of whom were born in the family residence on North Main street, Jackson Center. Mr. and Mrs. Wildermuth are members of the Lutheran church.

GEORGE W. STALEY, who is one of the well known citizens of Shelby county, a retired farmer, owns eighty-five and one-half acres of fine land in Jackson township, situated one mile north of the southern township line. He was born in Franklin township, Shelby county, August 29, 1841, and is a son of John and Catherine ( Young) Staley and a grandson of Joseph Staley. who was a native of Virginia and from there came to Montgomery county, O., at that time having but one child. He was twice married and became the father of twenty-two children.

John Staley was born in Montgomery county, O., and remained there into young manhood, when he came to Shelby county and entered eighty acres of land in Franklin township. He married Catherine Young, who was born in Ohio, a daughter of Philip Young, who married twice and had twenty-two children. To John Staley and wife the following children were born: Henry C, Susanna, George W., Nancy Jane, Milton and Sarah Elizabeth. From Franklin township John Staley moved into Jackson township and there his death occurred at the age of sixty years and his burial was first in the Wesley Chapel cemetery but later removal was made to the new cemetery at Port Jefferson and he was reinterred by the side of his wife.

George W. Staley attended school in Jackson township and was not much more than a boy when he enlisted for service in the Civil war, entering Company B, Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served under Captain Frey for thirteen months when he was discharged on account of disability. He then returned to the homestead in Jackson township and has lived here ever since and during his active agricultural life did a large amount of general improving and all the land is under cultivation hy his tenant, Stewart Swiger. with the exception of ten acres still in valuable timber. All the substantial buildings now standing on the farm were placed here by Mr. Staley and his farm stock has always compared favorably with that of other farmers of this section. He has some other interests, including stock in the Farmers Telephone Company.

On November 3. 1864, Mr. Staley married Miss Sara C. Erven, who was born in Union township, Union county. Ind., December 21, 184T, a daughter of James and Lucretia (Campbell) Erven, and when Mrs. Staley was eight years old her parents moved to Shelby county. Her lather died in Jackson township when aged seventy-one years, and her mother when aged eighty-six years, six months and twenty-two days, and their burial was in Salem township. Since his marriage Mr. Staley has lived on his present farm and here his children have been born and reared as follows: Edwin L., who lives at Maplewood, O., married Etta x-\rbigast ami they have one son. Hugh A. ; Milton E., who is a resident of Auglaize county, married first Edith Elliott, who became the mother of two children - Huber and Ralph E., the former deceased, and married (second) Lulu Hobby and they have one child, Twila : Minnie M., who is the wife of William G. Murphy and they live in Franklin township and have two children - H. Clay and Bessie; George P., who married Anna Maria Ambos and they have two children - Welland A. and Bertram Lowell: James M., who lives in Salem township, married Hattie Stephenson, and they have three children - Edith, Edna and George L. ; Alice J., who married William Buroker of Pemberton, O., and they have six children - Thelma, Ethel, Mabel, Dorothy, William W. and Elizabeth ; Isophine C, who is the wife of L. G. Shanley, of Pemberton, O., and they have four children - Grant Theodore, Jennie C, Charles Elwin and Staley; Bessie, who is the wife of Albert Linker of Dinsmore township and they have one son, Eugene; and Mary, who is the wife of Clarence Rhinehart, of Kirksville, Missouri. From the age of three years Mr. and Mrs. Staley have reared their grandson, Ralph, who was then left motherless. He has been carefully educated and has developed into a fine specimen of young manhood and is a pride and comfort to his grandparents. In the fall of 19 12 Jie started into business for himself at Dayton, O. Mr. Staley and family are members of the United Brethren church. In his views on public questions Mr. Staley is liberal to some degree except in the matter of temperance and his opinions on this vital subject have made him a voter with the prohibition party. For nine successive years he served as a member of the school board and during seven of these was president of this body of representative men, and for five years he served as township constable and for four years was a trustee of the township.

belongs to Mrs. Margaret Gilfillen, his mother-in-law, was born November ii, 1861, one mile southeast of St. John's, in Auglaize county, O., and is a son of Arnold and Sarah Ann (Miller) Coleman.

Arnold Coleman and wife are now deceased and their burial was at St. John's. In his young manhood he was a farmer and later he became a soldier in Company B, Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and although he lived to return from the Civil war, it was with shattered health which caused his death a few years later. It is customary to call those who fall on the field of battle the nation's heroes but those who gave their strength and health may just as truly be named as heroes and there are those who will ever recall them as such.

VV. E. Coleman attended the public schools of Jackson township and farming has been his business all through life and he has been very successful. His present home is the old Gilfillen homestead and he owns fifty-five acres adjoining this farm. His industries include a moderate amount of stock raising and the growing of crops which experience has taught him do best in this locality.

Mr. Coleman was married to Miss Emma Gilfillen, who was born in Salem township and is a daughter of William and Margaret Gilfillen, the former of whom is deceased but the latter resides with Mr. and Mrs. Coleman. Two sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Coleman : Arnold, who lives on a farm lying southwest of the home place, married Etta Hawkins ; and Roy, who is a student in the Ohio State Business College at Columbus. The family belong to the United Brethren church. A republican in his political views, Mr. Coleman has loyally supported his party's candidates but has desired no public recognition for himself, in fact has never accepted any office except membership on the board of education, to which he has belonged for four years and has been faithful to the duties involved.

HENRY SHROYER, who is now living in comfortable retirement at Maplewood, O., is an example of what may be accomplished in securing success and independence in life by the exercise of prudence and self-denial in youth and persistent industry through the years when the vital powers are at their best. Mr. Shroyer is a self-made man and through his own efforts built up from nothing a fortune that included the possession of more than 500 acres of land in the best sections of Shelby county. He was born in August, 1835, in Miami county, O.

The parents of Henry Shroyer were of the same name although not related, Joseph and Mary (Shroyer) Shroyer. Joseph Shroyer was born in Ohio while his wife was a native of Maryland. After marriage they lived in Miami county but later came to Salem township, Shelby county, where both passed away on their farm and their burial was in the cemetery belonging to the Reformed church, the church site having been given by Air. Shroyer. They had a large family of children, the record being as follows: William. Thomas, Jacob, John, Henry, Elizabeth, Catherine, Eliza and Matilda, the last named being the only surviving daughter and she is the wife of Samuel

Henry Shroyer had but meager schooling when he was a boy, partly because of the lack of school facilities in the neighborhood of his father's farm and partly because his services were needed, with those of his brothers, to help carry on the agricultural industries that then had to be conducted, more or less, without the help of much labor-saving machinery. He started out for himself as soon as he became independent and for five years afterward worked in Miami county for $12 and $13 a month. He then came to Shelby county and continued to work by the month on farms until he was twenty-eight years of age. For about five years after marriage he rented farming land and by that time had accumulated enough capital to buy his first eighty acres, situated in Salem township, and this tract he still owns. With continued prudence he became able to add farm to farm until over 500 acres belonged to him, all earned through his own unassisted efforts. Mr. Shroyer proved then to be a generous father for he divided this large estate among his children, happy in thus providing for them and giving each a good start in life.

On May 18, 1865, Mr. Shroyer was married to Miss Mary Strahlem, at the parsonage of the German Reformed church, by Rev. Jeremiah Heller. She was born in Ohio, a daughter of Gotleib and Elizabeth (Clapper) Strahlem, the father a native of Germany and the mother of Ohio, her parents having come here from Maryland. Mrs. Shroyer was the youngest of her parents' children, the others being: Jacob, Henry, David, Susan, Abraham, Isaac and Samuel. Susan married James Moreland. To Mr. and Mrs. Shroyer six children were born, namely: Clara, who is the wife of William Rubert; Eliza Ellen, who is the wife of John C. Wones; Harriet, who is the wife of George W. Rose; and Elmer, Nelson C. and Harry. Mr. Shroyer and family belong to the Reformed church, in which he was a deacon for many years. In politics he is a democrat and has always given an active support to the candidates of his party.

E. McCORMICK, M. D., physician and surgeon, with residence and office on the corner of College and Lincoln streets, Jackson Center, O., has a practice which extends north, east, south and west of the city. The father of Dr. McCormick died at Rosewood, O., at the age of eighty-eight years. His mother, however, died in his infancy and he was reared by the late T. B. and Elizabeth B. (Hawver) McCormick. the latter of whom survives and resides near Dr. McCormick.

In the public schools of Jackson township the youth first had educational privileges and afterward became a student of medicine under Dr. Edward McBurney, at Jackson Center, subsequently entering the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati. After graduating in medicine he located first at Santa Fe, in Auglaize county, later removing to another location, and remained in practice in Auglaize county for fifteen years, during which time he was a member of the Auglaize County Medical Society. In 1905 he came to Jackson

Center. He is now a member of the Northwestern Ohio Medical Society. Dr. McCormick is a democrat in politics and is a member of the town council. He is surgeon for the Detroit, Toledo & Ironton Railroad.

Dr. McCormick married Miss Minnie Sherer, a daughter of Christian Sherer, and they have two children: Lowell, who will graduate from the Ohio Western University at Delaware, O., in the class of 1914; and Eugene, who is a graduate of the Jackson Center high school. Dr. McCormick is an Odd Fellow and has passed the chairs in Lodge No. 736 at Jackson Center.

LEWIS PHILLIP GROSS, one of the substantial citizens of Salem township, who owns 103 acres of very fine land and is one of the stockholders in the Farmers Telephone Company, was born in Auglaize county, O., June 11, 1864, and is a son of Phillip C. and Catherine (Schuler) Gross.

Phillip C. Gross was born in Ohio but it is probable that his father, Phillip Gross, was born in Germany. The former married Catherine Schuler, who came from Germany, and they now live in comfortable retirement at Jackson Center, O., where they are members of the Lutheran church. They had children as follows: William, John. Lewis Phillip, Godfrey, Catherine, wife of Jacob Wilt, and David.

Lewis Phillip Gross attended the district school in boyhood and then helped his father on the home farm until he was twenty-one years old, when he started out for himself. He first rented a farm in Salem township and lived on it for one year and then spent a year in Jackson township and the following year in Auglaize county. During the next six years he lived at Botkins, Shelby county, and then moved to Maplewood but in the following year returned to Botkins and two years afterward rented land in Salem township and then moved again to Jackson township and lived there for six years, when, in 1905, he once more came to Salem township, purchasing his present farm from Jennie North. He found the residence needed remodeling and did that and other improving and now has a very desirable property and devotes his land to general farming and moderate stock raising.

Mr. Gross was married in March, 1887, to Miss Nellie Mallahan, who was born in Shelby county and is a daughter of Charles and Anna ( Elliott) Mallahan, to whom but two children were born : Nellie and Frank. The second wife of Mr. Mallahan was Mary Counts and they have had three children: William, May. wife of William Garrett, and Louis, deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Gross three children were born, two sons and one daughter : Charles Phillip, who died at the age of eighteen years: Minnie Gertrude and Howard Henry. The family attends the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Gross is a democrat in politics but is not active beyond the bounds of good citizenship.

JACOB NEWTON VAN DEMARK, owner and proprietor of Avondale Farm, containing 220 acres and situated in Clinton township, has other property in the county, 560 acres of valuable land lying in Washington township also belonging to him. Mr. Van Demark is one of the capitalists of this section of Ohio and one of its best known men. He was born March 22, 1853, 'm Orange township, Shelby county, and is a son of Henry B. and Susan (Boyer) Van Demark.

Henry B. Van Demark was born in Shelby county in 181 5 and died in Clinton township in 1899. He was a farmer and stock raiser all his active life and was numbered with the successful business men of the county. He married Susan Boyer, who was born in Shelby county in 182 1 and died in 1894. They were members of the Presbyterian church. To them were born the following children : Arvesta, who is the widow of Capt. E. E. Nutt ; Daniel W. ; Clymelia, who is deceased, was the wife of S. S. Mcready; Henry Lewis, who died at the age of eleven years ; and Jacob Newton.

Jacob Newton Van Demark enjoyed educational advantages in the public schools, spending three winters as a student in the Sidney high school, after which he assumed duties on the home farm and has continued his agricultural industries ever since. General farming is carried on and extensive cattle and stock raising, a good grade of hogs, sheep, cattle and horses being developed, Mr. Van Demark owning enough land to profitably care for many flocks and herds. In addition to his possessions above listed, he. owns a cottage and ten lots on Orchard Island, and is a stockholder and a director in the Citizens National Bank at Sidney.

In 1882 Mr. Van Demark was married to Miss Catherine Hicks, who was born in Michigan, a daughter of Richard and Catherine Hicks, who were farming people in that state. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Van Demark, namely: Florence V.; Henry V., who married Caroline Coon; and Jennie M., who married George Brandywie. The family attend the Presbyterian church. Like his late father, Mr. Van Demark is a republican although he frequently uses his own judgment in casting his vote, many intelligent men declining to be always guided by party leaders.

J. E. MERANDA, who is one of the representative men of Jackson township as evidenced by his election to the presidency of the township school board, is a general farmer here, who owns forty acres of land and 120 acres more in association with J. K. Clayton. He was born in Jackson township, Shelby county, three miles south of Jackson Center, July 4, 1869, and is a son of J. S. and Sarah (Maddux) Meranda, who still reside in Jackson township.

J. E. Meranda was reared in his native township arid attended the public schools and afterward taught school until April, 1900, a period of twelve years, at the close of which he came to his present farm, which is situated one mile west of Jackson Center on the south side of the Arnett turnpike road. This beautiful farm bears the name of Sunset Farm, eighty acres of which belongs to J. K. Clayton, and he makes his home with Mr. and Mrs. Meranda. Its situation is admirable and Mr. Meranda carries on his farm industries with the intelligent interest and judicious methods which bring abundant success.

pioneer log house which still remained on this farm, and is the only surviving child of J. K. and Mary Clayton. They have one daughter: Mary Hazel, who attends school at Jackson Center. Mr. Meranda has been a lifelong democrat but has consented to serve in few public offices. He was the man who secured the route out of Jackson Center, and it was through his efforts that the petition for free rural delivery was granted. He has been on the educational board since January, 1905. He is a Mason, belonging to Lodge No. 458, F. & A. M., of Jackson Center, and both he and wife are members of the Eastern Star. They have many pleasant social ties in the neighborhood and belong to the Methodist Episcopal church.

GEORGE W. BOYER, who owns 170 acres of fine land in Dinsmore township, Shelby county, O., resides on one farm of 120 acres, situated two miles southeast of Botkins, O., his other farm of fifty acres lying not far distant. He was born in Dinsmore township in 1846, and is a son of Samuel F. and Elizabeth (Veach) Boyer. Samuel F. Boyer was born in Pennsylvania and his wife in Virginia. After they came to Shelby county they resided on their farm and reared ten children, the record being as follows: Jane, George W., Samuel F., William H., Henry, Harriet, Christina, Frances, Anna and Edward.

George W. Boyer is probably one of the youngest surviving soldiers of the Civil war who entered the service in 1861, for he was only fourteen years old when he1 enlisted at Sidney, under Colonel Wilson, and served out his first enlistment and was honorably discharged at Vicksburg, when he re-enlisted and served as a veteran until his second honorable discharge in 1865, when he was mustered out at Columbus, O. So young that only a boy's judgment controlled his actions, soldier Boyer lived up to the measure of a man and on many a battlefield proved his patriotism and courage. After the war he returned to Shelby county and ever since has been interested in farming and stock raising and additionally, for many years, ran a threshing machine. He has made all the improvements on his farms and all his land is valuable and productive.

Mr. Boyer married Miss Nancy Blue and they have had the following children: William E., who married Lena Bonnowont and they live in Dinsmore township ; John H., who is also a resident of this township, married Margaret Finkenbine; James E., who is a farmer in Dinsmore township, married Millie Schurr; Delia G., who married Michael Munger and they live at Botkins, O. : and Grace E., who is the wife of Augustus Bush, of Botkins. The parents of Mrs. Boyer were natives of Ohio. She had two brothers and two sisters, namely : James K. ; Oliver C. ; Mary, who married F. Stough ; and Nora, who married Jack Stenrod. Mr. Boyer and family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and they are well known people throughout Shelby county.

acres, which lies one and three-fourths miles southeast of Botkins, O. He was born in Franklin township, Shelby county, and is a son of Frederick and Salome (Knasel) Billing.

Frederick Billing was born in Germany, in the neighborhood of Baden, and came in early manhood to the United States and settled in Ohio. He married Salome Knasel, who was born here and they had the following children: John, George, William F., Edward, Susan, Sophia, Louisa and Lena. John married Louisa Pfaddt and they live in Dinsmore township; George H. married Lizzie Gerber and they live in Salem township; Edward married Anna Fogt and they live at Detroit, Mich. ; Susan married Samuel Hagelberger, and they live at Anna, O. ; Sophia and Lena are both deceased ; Louisa is the wife of William Fogt and they live in Dinsmore township.

After his school days William F. Billing assisted his father like a dutiful son and following his marriage settled on his present place, about sixty acres of which he inherited, purchasing the rest. He immediately began improving and has continued until he has made this a beautiful property, with fine modern residence and substantial barns. He keeps thoroughly posted on all agricultural movements and applies new methods after being convinced that they are the proper ones to use on his land. Diversified farming is carried on and some excellent stock raised.

In 1890 Mr. Billing was married to Miss Louisa C. Bartsch, who is a daughter of Christian and Sarah (Harmon) Bertsch. The father of Mrs. Billing was born in Baden, Germany, and the mother in Franklin county, O. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Billing: Clarence E., who assists his father; Emory, who is teaching school; and Arthur, who is a high school student at Botkins. The family belongs to the Lutheran church. Politically Mr. Billing is a democrat and is serving on the township election board. For many years he has been a school director and for nine continuous years was superintendent of roads and has also been supervisor, in all these positions performing his duties with efficiency and to public satisfaction.

P. WRIGHT QUIGLEY, one of the enterprising young farmers of Franklin township, who, in association with his mother, owns 163 acres of very fine land, was bom in Miami county, O., December 25, 1883, and is a son of Silas and Anna (Waggoner) Quigley.

Silas Quigley and wife were born in Pennsylvania and after marriage came to Ohio, settling in Miami county, where their only child was born. He followed farming until his death on October 17, 1905, his burial being in Pearl cemetery, in Franklin township. He was a much respected man and a consistent member of the Lutheran church. In politics he was a democrat but was never a seeker for public office.

P. Wright Quigley was given educational advantages, passing from the common schools into the Troy high school, where he was graduated and then became a student in Wittenberg College, where he spent three years but was recalled before graduating, on account of his father's death. In the spring of 1905 the family had removed to Franklin township and thus the responsibili- ties attending the managing of this large farm here fell upon the student's shoulders, a few months later. He assumed them with energy and fulfilled them with marked success and is numbered with the prosperous farmers and stock raisers of this section.

Mr. Quigley was married December 25, on his birthday, 1910, to Miss Harriet Miller, who was born in Shelby county and is a daughter of George and Mary (Mason) Miller. The father of Mrs. Quigley is deceased but the mother survives and resides in Turtle Creek township. Mr. and Mrs. Quigley have one son, who has been given the name of Harold and was born October 25, 191 1. They attend the Lutheran church. Mr. Quigley belongs to the order of the Knights of the Golden Eagle at Anna, O. In politics he does his own thinking and votes according to his matured judgment.

JOSEPH P. STALEY, who is one of the well known and substantial citizens of Shelby county, O., a general farmer and formerly an extensive dealer in fine stock, resides on his farm of 174 acres, which is situated in Franklin township, and owns a second farm, containing eighty acres, lying in Salem township. He was born in Montgomery county, O., May 10, 1852, and is a son of Daniel and Margaret (Jackson) Staley.

Daniel Staley was born in Montgomery county, O., and lived there until after marriage, coming to Shelby county in 1868, where he followed farming until the close of his life. He married Margaret Jackson, who was born in Pennsylvania and who also died in Shelby county, their burial being at Port Jefferson. They had three children: Joseph P., Julia and Daniel.

Joseph ' P. Staley grew up on the home farm and attended the local schools and for some time afterward assisted his father. He then decided to see something of the western country and in his travels visited not only the interesting sections of his own land but also Mexico and Central America. In 1897 he went to the gold fields of Alaska and was one of the fortunate prospectors, returning from the Klondike region with an ample fortune. In all Mr. Staley has made ten trips to the far West, in the meanwhile carrying on his stock operations and prior to making his most recent trip sold stock, in two sales, that netted him $13,000. Mr. Staley is well known in the Masonic fraternity and has taken the thirty-second degree. His father was a republican and Mr. Staley has always given his political support to thii party. Mr. Staley is unmarried.

GEORGE A. FRAZIER, one of the prosperous farmers of Franklin township, where he owns 136 acres of valuable land which is particularly well adapted to stock raising, was born January 12, i860, in Green township, Shelby county, and is a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Woods) Frazier. The parents of Mr. Frazier were well known and respected residents of Green township for many years, where the father followed the mason trade. Both passed away some years ago and their burial was in the cemetery at Plattsville. They were members of the Universalist church and reared their family in that liberal religious faith. Their children were :

Beulah, who is the wife of Thomas Buchanon; John; Harriet, who is the wife of Rudolph Peppers; Amy, who is the wife of Edward Emley : George; Alfred; and Ida, who is the wife of James Eldredge.

After his school days were over, George A. Frazier learned the plastering trade, which he followed for fifteen years, during which he bought forty acres of land in Green township. He resided on that place for sixteen years but in 1900 sold it and then purchased his present property in Franklin township, from Abe Emley. The residence needed but little remodeling but a new barn was required and Mr. Frazier erected a commodious one which probably is the most modern barn in the township. He has a complete water system which he controls with a gas engine. For some time he has been interested in raising Jersey cattle and Duroc hogs and is making preparations to go into the stock business extensively.

In January, 1884, Mr. Frazier was married to Miss Hannah Hill, who was born in Miami county, O.. a daughter of John and Hannah (Howell) Hill, well known people in that part of the state, and beside Mrs. Frazier they had three other children: Josephine, who is the wife of Frank Pence; Eugenia, who is the wife of James McCormick; and Telford. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Frazier : Genie, who resides at home ; and Kate, who is the wife of Lyman Allen, who is a farmer in Franklin township, and they have one son, George. Mr. Frazier and family attend the Universalist church. He is identified with the democratic party but is not a man to seek political honors for himself, although in every way well qualified for the same.

ELZA A. BAKER, residing on his valuable farm of 143 acres, which is located in Perry township, Shelby county, O., was born in this township, October 31, 1883, and is a son of Martin and Christena (Smith) Baker. Martin Baker was a well known farmer in Perry township for many years, his death occurring in February, 1909. His widow and their three children all survive, she being a resident of Jackson Center, O. The family consisted of one daughter and two sons: Ida, who is the wife of Cory Hoak; Orla A., a farmer and business man at Port Jefferson; and Elza A.

Elza A. Baker secured a public school education and then assisted his father until he was twenty-two years of age, when he rented land in Logan county for one year. He then returned to the home farm, which he inherited at his father's death, and which had been the home of his parents for twenty-four years. He carries on general farming and does considerable business in the way of buying and selling stock, and is generally looked upon as one of the township's successful farmers and progressive citizens.

On December 29, 1905, Mr. Baker was married to Miss Guernie LeFevre, a daughter of Jacob and Dulcina (Line) LeFevre, who formerly were prominent farming people of this county. They had the following children: Edward, William, and James; Warren, who is deceased; Alice, who is the wife of Allen Baker; Minnie, who is the wife of Lafe Vester; Guernie. who is the wife of Elsa A. Baker; and Cora, who is the wife of Samuel

Ritter. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have two children: Ruth Estella and Pauline Edith. Mr. and Mrs. Baker attend the Disciples church. He is independent in his political attitude. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias at Maplewood and the Knights of Khorasan at- Sidney.

ALLEN MAURER. county surveyor of Shelby county, O., and a well known and valued citizen, has been a resident of Sidney, O., since 1909, coming from Van Buren township, where he was born December 19, 1885. His parents were Adam and Caroline (Sunderman) Maurer. Adam Maurer was born also in Van Buren township, Shelby county, a son of Philip Maurer who had come to this section from Germany. Adam Maurer followed an agricultural life and died on his farm in Van Buren township in February, 1895. He married Caroline Sunderman, who was born in Auglaize county, O., and still survives.

Allen Maurer grew to manhood on the home farm and secured his primary education in the country schools. Developing an unusual mathematical talent he decided to study civil engineering and became a student in the Ohio Northern University at Ada, O., where he was graduated in 1909. He immediately was appointed deputy county surveyor and the experience gained in that capacity prepared him for the office to which he was elected in 1912, on the democratic ticket, the duties of which he will assume on the first Monday in September, 19 13. He is a young man of enterprise and marked ability.

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

L. CABLE WAGNER, who not only belongs to a somewhat noted family of Shelby county, O., but in his own person is a representative business man and citizen of Sidney, O., was born at Sidney and is a son of W. H. Wagner, president of the Wagner Manufacturing Company.

L. Cable Wagner attended the public schools in his native city and after graduating from the Sidney High School became a student at Villa Nova College near Philadelphia. After he returned to Sidney he assumed business responsibilities and is a director and one of the large stockholders in the Wagner Manufacturing Company. He is one of the active and dependable members of the Sidney Commercial Club.

Mr. Wagner was married in 1908 to Miss Louise Fitzgibbon, who was born at St. Louis, Mo., and they have two children : Mary Jane and James. Mr. Wagner was reared in the Catholic church and he is a member of the fraternal order of Knights of Columbus.

ANTHONY J. ALLEN, whose ninety acres of fine land lie in Franklin township, is one of the well known and representative agriculturists of this

Edmund K. Allen was born in York county, his people having been early settlers in Pennsylvania, probably of English extraction, and he spent his entire life in his native section, where he followed agricultural pursuits. He married Alice Harkins, who was born in Hartford county, Md., and she also died in York county. They had the following children: Anthony J., William L., Robert F., Thomas H., Joseph L., Hannah and Martha Jane. Hannah married Joseph Strawbridge and Martha Jane married Charles Robinson. The parents of the above children were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Anthony J. Allen attended the district schools near his father's farm and afterward was a student for one year in the Stewartstown Academy, York county, and for several succeeding years was mainly engaged in teaching school, both in Pennsylvania and Maryland. After learning the miller's trade lie followed that for some four years and in 1876 came to Shelby county, settling first in Washington township. Mr. Allen remained in that township for eight years and then took advantage of a favorable offer and sold bis property there and came to Franklin township and bought his present farm, from Joseph Barnes, it being locally known as the William Reed farm. Here Mr. Allen has prospered both as a farmer and as a dairyman. He maintains his dairy with Holstein cattle and operates a milk route, sending his wagon to Sidney daily and disposing to regular customers twenty gallons of rich milk. He raises other good stock but not more in quantity than he requires for his own use.

Mr. Allen was married first in 1865, to Miss Eleanor Gorsuch, a daughter of Stephen Gorsuch, who moved with his family from Maryland to Ohio. To this marriage the following children were born : Martha Jane, who is the widow of Frank Fee ; Anna Bell, who is the wife of John Yinger and they have two children: Elmer LeRoy and Neva May; Elva May, who is the wife of Thomas White and they have three children: Norma Allen, Mary Lee and Ruth Annabel; Nora B., who is the wife of Walter Brandenberg, and they have one son, Stanley Allen; Bertha Pearl, who is the wife of Roy Allton, and they have one daughter, Evaline Lois; and Minnie, who is the wife of Frank Pfaadt, and they have one child, Martha Elizabeth. In 1887 Mr. Allen was married to Miss Laura E. Davis, a daughter of Hiram and Emeline (Trine) Davis, and they have two children : Lyman Davis, who married Kate Frazier ; and Vera. Mr. Allen and family belong to the Methodist Epnscopal church in which he is a local preacher. He has long been active and deeply interested in religious work and is additionally serving as church trustee, class leader and district steward. In politics Mr. Allen has always been in sympathy with the principles of the republican party.

more and Franklin townships and owns the old Forrar homestead of seventyacres, now lives retired in Swanders. He was born in Dinsmore township, Shelby county, in 1842, and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Good) Forrar.

Jacob Forrar was a well known and respected citizen of Dinsmore township for many years. He was twice married, first to Mary Good and after her death to Mrs. Elizabeth (Hilbern) Boyer, widow of George Boyer. To his first marriage the following children were born: John, William H., Martha, wife of Henry Sisler, and Isaac. Two sons were Lorn to the second union, Nelson and Jacob, the last named being deceased.

William H. Forrar attended the district schools when a boy and remained on the home farm with his father. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. H. 99th O. Vol. Inf., for service in the Civil War, contracting for three years. The hardships endured during the first nine months brought on such serious illness that he was discharged on account of disability and he returned then to the old homestead. With this exception and two years spent at Sidney, Mr. Forrar always lived on his farm until he retired to Swanders.

In February, 1870, Mr. Forrar was married to Miss Frances Swanders, who is a daughter of David and Lydia Swanders, one of the old and substantial families of this section. To Mr. and Mrs. Swanders the following children were born: Edward, Aaron, Alfred, Jefferson, James, Christiana, Sarah, Savilla, Susan, Rebecca and Frances. Sarah is the wife of David Baker, and Savilla, who is deceased, was the wife of Frank Shafer. Mr. and Mrs. Forrar have two children : Albert Ward and Edward. The latter married Leora Minnear and they have one child. La Brieta. Mr. Forrar and family belong to the Reformed church. In politics he was reared a democrat by his father but frequently he casts his vote according to his own matured judgment rather than at his party's demand. For seven years Mr. Forrar served as turnpike supervisor, for two terms as a member of the school board, two terms as township trustee and declined to be a candidate for county commissioner. He is a member of the Reformed church and in his church relations he has also been shown confidence and esteem, being nowone of the elders and was church treasurer for twenty-eight years.

DELPHIS R. MILLIETTE, M. D., physician and surgeon at Anna, O., who has been established here since 1903 and through professional skill and sterling personal traits of character has built up a fine practice, was born in Logan county, O., August 19, 1872, and is a son of Frank and Sarah Jane (Curtner) Milliette.

The parents of Dr. Milliette moved from Logan county to a farm in Clinton township, Shelby county, when he was an infant, and the family lived there for about seven years and then removed to Franklin township and still later to Dinsmore township. His primary education was secured in the country schools and after coming to Anna in 1884 he became a student here and in 1893 was graduated from the Anna high school. Afterward for a number of years he taught in the country schools and also at Anna and Botkins, in the meanwhile doing preliminary medical reading, and in the fall of 1899 entered the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, and immediately after graduating from that well known institution, established himself at Anna, where he has since carried on a general medical practice. He is a member of the Shelby County Medical Society and keeps thoroughly abreast with the times in scientific investigation and discoveries.

In June, 1903, Dr. Milliette married Miss Elle Fitzgerald, who was born at De Graff, Logan county, O., and they have three children : Gerald, Agnes and Martha. In politics Dr. Milliette is a democrat and is a very active citizen, serving as a member of the town council and also as clerk of the school board.

GOTLEIB GRAU, whose valuable farm of 103 acres lies in Franklin township, is well known in this section and as man and citizen is held in high esteem. Mr. Grau was born in Germany, June 14, 1852, and was twentyone years old when he came to the United States. He is a son of Matthew and Dora Grau. The father died when Gotleib was two and a half years old. The mother remained in Germany until she was seventy years of age and then joined her son in Franklin township, Shelby county, and here saw sixteen more years of peaceful life, passing away in her eighty-sixth year, her burial being in the Pearl cemetery, in Franklin township.

For the first eighteen months after coming to Ohio, Gotleib Grau lived in Tuscarawas county, then spent a few weeks in Indianapolis, Ind., and from there came to Shelby county, where he has lived ever since. He had learned a trade in Germany and at Sidney he secured work with John Conner, with whom he remained for three years and then started a shop of his own at Anna, O.. where he lived for twenty-five years. Mr. Grau then bought the Steeley farm which he still owns and lived on the same for six years when he rented it to a good tenant and for his own home rented another farm, containing 154 acres, also in Franklin township, on which he carries on a general agricultural line.

On February 26, 1878, Mr. Grau was married to Miss Caroline Shie, who was born in Shelby county, a daughter of Christian and Frederica (Slatser) Shie. Mr. Shie and wife were natives of Germany and both died in Shelby county. By trade he was a stone mason. The children of Christian Shie and wife were: John, who lives three miles west of Sidney; Emma, deceased, who was the wife of George Steinle; Caroline, who is the wife of Mr. Grau; Henry; Rachel, who is the wife of Andrew Delscamp; George, deceased; Charles; and Katie, deceased, who was the wife of Walker Holly, all of Shelby county. Mr. Grau was the youngest of his parents' children, three of their family being residents of Crawford county; Godfrey, John and Rosa, who is the wife of Andrew Drakert. His eldest sister, Eva, is now deceased, was the wife of John Weller, and one other sister, Dora, is the wife of Michael Nagel, and they both live in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Grau have three children : Christian G., Freda and Dora. Christian G. married Emma Shafer and their adopted daughter, Edith, is the wife of Andrew Harmon and they have a son, Gotleib. Freda is a school teacher in Franklin

In politics Mr. Grau is a democrat but he never permits party rule to interfere with his own judgment. He served as a member of the town council at Anna and was also on the school board there and at present is serving as president of the school board of Franklin township.

The family belongs to the Lutheran church, of which Mr. Grau has been a trustee several times and for a number of years has been church treasurer.

PARKER L. STAFFORD, who is one of the leading business men oi Maplewood, O., where he owns and conducts a general store, was born in Salem township, Shelby county, O., March 11, 1877, and is a son of Robert and Bicey (Louthain) Stafford. The father was born in Virginia but passed the greater part of his active life on his farm of 109 acres, which he still owns in Salem township, and now lives retired at Maplewood. In politics he has always been a democrat.

Parker L. Stafford, the only one of his parents' children to survive childhood, obtained his edueation in the public schools. When twelve years old he went to work in the store of J. K. Dunson, at Maplewood and continued until 1896, when, in partnership with O. A. Dunson, he bought the store of his employer. The firm of Stafford & Dunson continued until 1900, when Mr. Stafford bought his partner's interest and has since been sole proprietor. As an additional business interest he operates a huckster wagon through the county.

In 1901 Mr. Stafford was married to Miss Myrtle Stephenson, who was born in Salem township, a daughter of James and Delia (Stiles) Stephenson, farming people, well known and highly respected. Mrs. Stafford has two younger sisters : Ethel, who is the wife of C. C. Steenrod ; and Alma. Mr. and Mrs. Stafford have three sons: Donald E., James Arthur Cecil, and Harold Robert. Mr. Stafford is one of the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church at Maplewood, to which the family belongs. He is identified fraternally with the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of the Golden Eagle, both of Maplewood. At present Mr. Stafford is serving with entire satisfaction as treasurer of Salem township, elected to this important office on the democratic ticket.

JOHN D. PARTINGTON, whose name carries weight all over Shelby county, O., where he is known as a representative and substantial citizen, resides on his farm of 131 acres which is situated in Perry township and owns also a farm of eighty acres, lying in Miami county, and additionally owns large blocks of stock in the Farmers Telephone Company, was born in October, i860, in Green township, Shelby county.

The parents of Mr. Partington, Edwin and Jemima (Partington) Partington, for many years were highly respected farming people of Shelby county, in which the mother was born and still survives, being now in her eighty-third year, and a cherished member of the household of her son, John

D. Partington. The father was born in Indiana and died in Shelby county, O., in November, 1904, his burial being in the Pascoe Cemetery. His children all survive, as follows: Joseph H., John D., Mary, William E., Edward W. and Mark E., Mary being the wife of William Middleton.

In the public schools of his native county, John D. Partington secured his education and continued to work for his father until he reached his majority and afterward, for three years, worked with him on shares. He then started out for himself and in 1903 purchased the homestead from the other heirs and has continued here. On March 21, 1896, he was married to Miss Letha M. Chrisman, who was born in Shelby county, a daughter of David and Sarah E. (Latimer) Chrisman, the former of whom, a native of Miami county, O., is now deceased, his burial taking place at Plattsville. The mother of Mrs. Partington resides on a farm in Green township, her children being: Letha M. ; Albert E. ; Harriet I., who is the wife of Fred Hagerman; and Joseph C. Mr. and Mrs. Partington have one child to whom they are giving parental love and care although he is not their own. He was born in October, 1909, and his name is Leo Millard, and since he was eight weeks old he has been fortunate enough to find a tender father and mother in Mr. and Mrs. Partington and judging by his beauty and intelligence, he gives promise of becoming a great comfort to his foster parents. They are members of the LTniversalist church. In his political views, Mr. Partington is a democrat.

MARCELLUS N. LUCAS, a representative citizen of Perry township, Shelby county, O., a member of the township board of trustees and the owner of seventy acres of fine farming land here, was born April 12, 1867, one and one-half miles northeast of this farm, and is a son of Patrick Good and Thurza (De Weese) Lucas.

Patrick Good Lucas was a well known fanner in Perry township and was a son of one of the early settlers of Shelby county. He was identified with the republican party but merely as a citizen, never desiring to hold office. His wife was also born in Shelby county and she survives, her husband, passing away on June 25, 1906, his burial being at Port Jefferson. They had two children: Ethel, who is the wife of Calvin Boyer and they reside with her mother on the home farm ; and Marcellus N.

Marcellus N. Lucas secured a public school education and worked on the home farm until his marriage, after which he went to Logan county and remained ten months. After returning to Shelby county he rented land for ten years, then bought a farm and later sold it and in 1903 purchased his present farm from Dr. Milholland. A general line of farming is successfully carried on and enough good stock for home use is raised, no effort being made to do more in this direction.

On January 1, 1890, Mr. Lucas was married to Miss Sarah Nichols, a daughter of William and Catherine (Criffield) Nichols, substantial farming people of Shelby county. Mrs. Lucas had the following brothers and sisters : John, Frank and William, and Belle, who is now deceased, was the wife of David Speece. Mr. and Mrs. Lucas have four children : Norma B., Grace A., Vesta and Doris. The entire family belongs to the Baptist church. In politics Mr. Lucas has always cast his vote with the Republican party.

ORLANDO BURTON KEY, who is one of the well known and substantial men of Perry township, a stockholder in the Farmers Telephone Company and the owner of 120 acres of well developed land, was born on this farm, the old Key homestead, in Shelby county, O., May 25, 1870, and is a son of John and Anna (Rinehart) Key.

John Key, father of Orlando B. Key, was a son of John Key, who was born in Virginia in 1781 and came to Montgomery county, O., in 1800, where he died in 181 5, leaving his wife with four children, although the youngest, John, was not born until 1816, six months after the father's death. His mother remained in Montgomery county until 1836, when she came with him to Shelby county and they lived about one year in Jackson township and then went back to Montgomery county, where he lived until 1840, after which he lived continuously in Shelby county. In 1841 occurred his first marriage, to Newlillie Lucas, who died in July, 1846, leaving two children, Norman and John H. In 1847 John Key married Anna Rinehart and seven children were born to them,: Amanda, wife of William DeWeese; Rachel, wife of Dr. D. N. Whitmire; Margaret Elizabeth, wife of John Maxwell; Martha Jane, wife of Frank Marrs; David R. ; Thomas Levi, who died aged two years; Abraham Sherman; and Orlando B.

When John Key came to Shelby county he had fifty dollars as his sole capital and with this sum he entered forty acres of land in Jackson township, then went to work by the day and month and kept on until he had saved one hundred dollars, with which he entered eighty acres of land in Indiana. He kept on working and saving, and after accumulating another one hundred dollars entered another tract of land in Indiana and afterward traded his Indiana land for eighty acres in the woods of Shelby county. The latter place he then cleared and improved and later added two other eightyacre tracts, making his home place consist of 240 acres. Here he erected a sound brick dwelling house and kept on improving his land in every way, subsequently, through his industry and good judgment acquiring other farm land and valued real estate in Sidney and Millerstown.

Orlando B. Key attended the public schools in Perry township and afterward took a business course in a commercial college at Dayton, O., following which he spent three years in the western states. Finding no section of the country more satisfactory than his own, Mr. Key then returned to Shelby county and has ever since been engaged in farming and stock raising in Perry township. He is an independent voter in politics and has never accepted any public office except once when he was appointed a member of the local school board.

In 1895 Mr. Key was married to Miss Bessie Stockstill, a daughter of John P. and Mary (Miller) Stockstill. In early manhood the father of Mrs. Key followed the trades of tinner and carpenter but later became a farmer in

Shelby county. He was twice married, first to Mary Miller and second to Jennie Varner. To the first union two children were born : Carrie, who died young, and Bessie, who became the wife of Mr. Key. Two children were born to the second marriage: Newton and Varner. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Key : Fred Miller, John Otis and Max Allan. Mr. and Mrs. Key attend the United Brethren church at Pascoe, O. He is identified fraternally with the Masonic lodge at Port Jefferson and also the Odd Fellows and is a member of the Encampment at Sidney, O.

SQUIRE NICHOLAS STALEY, an enterprising general farmer of Perry township, Shelby county, O., who not only successfully operates his own farm of 126 acres, but also one of eighty acres which he rents, belongs to the old and respected Staley family of Salem township, where he was born April 26, 1862, and is a son of Nicholas and Mary (Baker) Staley. His mother was born in Salem township while his father came from Montgomery county, O., but spent the larger portion of his life as a farmer in Salem township. Of their family of six children, Squire Nicholas was the youngest born.

Squire Nicholas Staley obtained his education in the public schools and afterward remained with his father assisting in the general farm industries, tilling of the soil, stock raising and moderate dairying, and in the course of time inherited his land from his father and, as indicated above, prospers in his agricultural undertakings.

Mr. Staley was married first to Miss Ida Redinbo, who died in 1887. On November 3, 1890, he was married (second) to Miss Tena Brendel, a native of Auglaize county, O. Mr. and Mrs. Staley have had four children : Bonnie May, Pearl, Clay, and Robert Roy, who died when aged six weeks. The family belong to the Disciples church. Mr. Staley is not active in any political party, preferring to be an independent voter, but in any matter of public importance he may be depended upon to bear the responsibilities of a good citizen.

WILLIAM ENOS GILFILLEN, who, in association with John A. Wones, does a large business at Maplewood, O., under the firm name of the Maplewood Elevator Company, dealing in grain, grass seed, coal, lime, cement and other commodities, was born in Salem township, Shelby county, O., September 21, 1873. The parents of Mr. Gilfillen, William and Margaret A. (Baker) Gilfillen, were residents of Shelby county, the father for many years carrying on agricultural industries with success. He died in Jackson township, where his widow still lives. They had the following children: Emma D., wife of W. E. Coleman; Elizabeth, wife of Logan Clayton; and William Enos.

William E. Gilfillen obtained his education in the public schools and afterward worked with his father on the home farm until he was twenty- five years old, after which he rented land and carried on general farming until March, 1912, when he became the junior partner in the firm of Wones & Gilfillen, by purchasing the interest of E. E. Young in the Maplewood Elevator Company. The business is in a prosperous condition and is on a safe financial basis.

In 1893 Mr. Gilfillen was married to Miss Rhoda Davis, who was born in Auglaize county, O., but was reared in Shelby county. She is a daughter of Harvey and Catherine (Morris) Davis whose other children were: Louie, who is the wife of Hamer Wagner; Floyd; Eliza, who is the wife of Albert Thompson; Charles; Mabel, who is the wife of H. A. Stahler; Fannie, who is the wife of Frank Reese: John; and Pearl, who is the wife of Henry Dosic. Mrs. Gilfillen was the third born in the above family. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gilfillen : Raymond and Vernon. He is nominally a republican but reserves the right to exercise his own judgment in political matters and frequently votes accordingly. He has served on the school board, having a good citizen's interest in the public schools. For some years he has been identified with the Odd Fellows at Jackson Center, and both he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

JOHN K. DUNSON, a well known resident of Maplewood. O.. has been identified with business interests here for a number of years. He was born at Port Jefferson, Shelby county, O., November 3, 1862, and is a son of Abraham A. and Rosanna (Lodge) Dunson. Abraham A. Dunson was born in Virginia but has passed the greater part of his life in Ohio and still survives, being now in his eighty-first year. In early manhood he followed the cabinetmaker's trade but later became a farmer. He married Rosanna Lodge, who was born in Montgomery county, O., and is now deceased. They had the following children : John K. ; Luella, who is now deceased, was the wife of F. E. Pool; O. A. ; M. D. ; Estella, who is the wife of A. F. Rust: and Effie B., who is the wife of W. E. Thompson.

John K. Dunson was educated in the public schools of Shelby county. For some years he was engaged in manufacturing tile at Maplewood and for six years conducted a general store here, since which he has devoted his time and attention to agricultural pursuits. He owns a very fine farm of 136 acres, situated in Salem township, and a second farm containing 120 acres, which is located in Logan county. Mr. Dunson is listed with the substantial citizens of this section. Politically a democrat he has occasionally accepted office when made a party candidate, and served one year as constable and three years as township trustee.

In December, 1891, Mr. Dunson married Miss Sarah L. Huber, who was born in Logan county, a daughter of Allen and Anna Magdalena (Hall) Huber, the former of whom is deceased, but the latter resides at Belle fontaine, O. To Mr. and Mrs. Huber the following children were born : Delmar A., Sarah L., W. T., Nancy, C. S., Anna Pearl and Forest M. Nancy is the wife of O. S. Robinson, and Anna Pearl is the wife of Dr. J. M. Patterson, of Lima, O. Mr. and Mrs. Dunson have two sons : Huber A. and Charles A. The family belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Dunson takes an interest in all that concerns the public welfare of his town and fellow citizens and when called upon, in any public emergency, accepts responsibility. He is a member of the order of Knights of Pythias at Maplewood.

SANFORD C. RETTER, who leads in the hardware line at Maplewood, O., being owner and proprietor of a well stocked store at this place, is one of the town's prosperous young business men, a property owner and reliable citizen. He was born in Jackson township, Shelby county, O., April 3, 1880, and is a son of Albert and Mary (McCord) Retter.

Albert Retter is a merchant doing business at Maplewood, having a large general store and supplying commodities of all kinds to both town and adjacent country. He married first Miss Mary McCord, who died in 1882, leaving but one child, Sanford C. Mr. Retter's second marriage was with Rebecca Shade and they have one child, Bonnie.

When his school days were over, Sanford C. Retter gave his father assistance in his store and added to the mercantile experience secured there by five years as a clerk for P. L. Stafford. In 1905 he erected a handsome building for himself and in 1906 embarked in his present line. He handles general hardware and all kinds of agricultural implements and also does tinning and spouting work.

On April 3, 1908, Mr. Retter was married to Miss Cora LeFevre, a daughter of Jacob and Dulcina (Line) LeFevre, farming people, who had other children as follows: Edmund, William and James; Warren, who is deceased; Alice, who is the wife of Allen Baker; Minnie, who is the wife of Lape Vesper; and Guernie, who is the wife of Elza A. Baker. While nominally a democrat. Mr. Retter uses his own judgment in local politics. He is identified fraternally with the Knights of Pythias at Maplewood.

JOHN C. WONES, who is the senior member of the firm doing business at Maplewood, O., under the name of the Maplewood Elevator Company, is a representative citizen of this community and enjoys a large measure of respect and public confidence. He was born in Champaign county, O., January 19, 1862, and is a son of Simon and Jane (Smith) Wones.

Simon Wones was born in Champaign county, O., and his wife in Yorkshire, England. He was a farmer for many years and was well known in Champaign county. Both he and wife are deceased, their burial being in the cemetery at Port Jefferson. Their children were as follows : John C. ; Phyllis, wife of John F. Howell ; Martin G. ; Malissa, wife of Frank Calhoun ; Matthew; William R. ; Ernest; Simon T. ; and Ona, wife of Robert Sharp.

After his school days, John C. Wones worked at farming and became interested in stock, doing a large business in that line for twenty years and continues it to some extent together with his grain business, with which he became identified in 1902, when he built the elevator at Maplewood. For one year he had Dr. Loffer and William Stewart associated with him; then J. W. Shearer bought Mr. Stewart's interest and afterward Mr. Shearer and Mr. Wones bought Dr. Loffer's interest and together they operated for nine years, when Elza Young bought the Shearer interest but later sold it to W. E. Gilfillen. The company deals in grain, grass seed, flour, coal, lime, cement, plaster and wire fencing and do an extensive business.

On New Year Eve, 1884, Mr. Wones was married to Miss Ella E. Shroyer, who was born in Shelby county and is a daughter of Henry and Mary (Strawlen) Schroyer, formerly farming people but now retired residents of Maplewood. Mrs. Wrones has brothers and sisters as follows : Clara, wife of William Rubert; Ella; Elmer; Nelson; Hattie, wife of George W. Rose; and Harry. Mr. and Mrs. Wones have three children: Raymond, who married Eda Keifer; and Cyril and John Conery. The family belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church in which Mr. Wones is a Sunday school teacher after having served for nine years as superintendent. Fraternally he is identified with the F. & A. M. at Port Jefferson, the Odd Fellows also at Port Jefferson, the Knights of Pythias at Maplewood, the Knights of the Golden Eagle, the Sons of Veterans and Poplar Knob Grange.

ORRIE W. COOK, who has numerous business interests at Haplewood, O., is one of the representative men of Salem township and came from one of the old families of Champaign county. He was born there May 2j, 1878, and is a son of William I. and Alary C. (Curl) Cook. William I. Cook, who, for many years was a prosperous farmer in Champaign county, was born in Shelby county but spent his married life in the former county, where he died, his burial being at Ouincy, O. He married Mary C. Curl, who was born in Champaign county and lives on her home farm there. They had three children: Daisy, who is the wife of Samuel D. Yoder; and Orrie W. and Elmer W.

After completing the common school course in Champaign county, Orrie W. Cook went to Indianapolis. Ind., where he received a commercial training and from there entered the Ohio Northern University at Ada, where he was a student for five terms and completed his school course in the higher branches, in Glover Institute, at West Liberty, O. For eight years of the above period he alternated teaching with school attendance and continued until he became interested in a grain business with the firm of Simmons, Faulkner & Cook. Since 1908 he has been sole owner and proprietor of the grain elevator at Maplewood, and additionally deals in coal, lime, cement, New American fencing, red cedar and steel fence posts, lubricating oils and the popular brand of flour known as the Pride of Lima. He is a very enterprising business man and is a prominent factor in everything of importance at Maplewood.

Mr. Cook was married in June, 1902, to Miss Daisy A. Yost, who was born in Champaign county, a daughter of Elisha and Caroline (Weimer) Yost, who now live retired at Sidney. O. They had the following children : Ethie, Myrtle, Dora, Belle. Mary. Daisy and Norma. Mr. and Mrs. Cook have two sons : Harold E. and Robert W. They attend the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically Mr. Cook is a republican and has served as treasurer of Salem township. He is identified with the Masons at Port Jefferson and the Knights of Pythias at Maplewood.

GEORGE C. SCHIFF, who owns 162 acres of valuable land situated in Franklin township, and is a director and stockholder in the Anna Bank, at Anna, O., is one of the substantial men of this section and one who is held in respect and esteem. He was born in Franklin township, Shelby county, O.. August 25, 1859, and is a son of Christian and Catherine ( Fogt) Schifr.

The parents of George C. Schifr were born in Germany but spent their married life in Ohio and died at Anna where they had been living retired. Their burial was in the Pearl cemetery in Franklin township. They were good. Christian people, devout members of the Lutheran church. To them were born the following children : George C, Michael, Caroline, Jacob, Louisa, Lena, Albert C. and Clara, the last named being the wife of William Minton. Albert C. is a Lutheran minister at Columbus, O. Jacob and Louisa are deceased, the latter having been the wife of William Stuber. Caroline is the wife of Christina Hagelberger, and Lena is the wife of Joseph Bennett.

George C. Schiff has spent bis life on his present farm, in early years assisting his father and after the latter 's death purchasing the property, or seventy acres, as he inherited ninety acres. The father owned seven farms and gave a farm to each child. Mr. Schiff also carries on general farming and also deals in livestock.

On October 18, 1883, Mr. Schiff married Miss Matilda Machlitt. born at Painesville, O., a daughter of Henry and Rosa ( Muschulsky) Machlitt, the latter of whom died in October, 1912. They had the following children: Augusta, wife of J. L. Ferguson; Matilda; Louis, deceased; Emma, wife of Thomas McVay; George, deceased; John; and Minnie, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Schiff have three children: Stella, who is the wife of M. C. Finkenbine and they have four children - Tehkla, Wilbur, Velma and Luther ; Laura, who married Elmer Stuckman and they have two children, Dorothy and Hazel ; and Wilbur M., who married Marjorie Finkenbine. The family belong to the Lutheran church at Anna and when the new edifice was put up Mr. Schiff was a member of the building committee and is now church treasurer. In politics he is a democrat and has served honestly and efficiently in public offices. For eight years he was a justice of the peace and for nine years served on the county fair board.

CHARLES A. HIEGEL, president of the board of education of Greenwood Special School District, is one of the leading citizens of Loramie township, Shelby county, O., and resides on his well improved farm of eighty acres, on which he was born, February 22, 1882. He is a son of Anton and Sarah Hiegel.

Charles A. Hiegel was three years old when his parents moved into the Mills Special School District and there he was educated and then he came back to the home farm on which he has been established ever since, carrying on general farming and raising stock for his own use. He married Miss Cora Ream, who died at the age of twenty-four years, her burial being in the cemetery at Houston. Her father, J. W. Ream is a resident of Newport, O. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hiegel : twin sons, deceased ; and Floyd Emerson, a bright lad of seven years who is attending school. Mr. Hiegel has been a democrat ever since casting his first vote and at each election does his part in supporting party principles and candidates. He belongs to the order of M. W. A. at Versailles, O. He has always taken much interest in educational matters in his neighborhood and as president of the school board is vigorous in pushing forward local legislation.

JAMES E. SMITH, a representative citizen and leading business man of Maplewood, O., where he owns and conducts a general store, was born in Logan county, O., November 2, 1868, and is a son of Ralph Newton and Huldah (Davis) Smith. Ralph Newton Smith was a very well known man and followed farming and was also a veterinary surgeon. He was a man of temperance principles and gave his political support to the Prohibition party. Both he and wife died in Logan county, all of their children surviving except Elizabeth and Elliott. The others are : Laura, who is the wife of William T. Rairdon; Elbridge; Talitha, who is the wife of Perry A. Hill; Edwin, and James E.

James E. Smith attended the public schools and afterward taught one term of school. He remained at home and gave his father assistance until 1904, when he embarked in his present business. He carries a large and carefully selected stock, comprising dry goods, notions, shoes and groceries, and as his methods of business have encouraged trade his customers come both from the town and the surrounding country. Mr. Smith is an enterprising and progressive business man but in his own success does not lose sight of the general welfare, being ever ready to do his part.

On October 16, 1892, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Clara Smith, this similarity of name being merely a coincidence as the families are in no way related. Her father, William F. Smith, was a farmer and a veteran of the Civil War. He married Mary Mattox and two children were born to them : W. E. and Clara. Mr. and Mrs. James E. Smith have four sons: Paul, Franklin, Kenneth and Carl. The family belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, and they occupy a pleasant social position in the town.

GEORGE WENGER, who is well and favorably known all over Shelby county, O., where almost his entire life has been spent, is one of the substantial farmers of Salem township, where he owns 240 acres of valuable land. He was born near Columbus, O., November 21, 1854, and is a son of Andrew and Magdalena (Billing) Wenger.

Andrew Wenger and his wife were born in Germany. Both came to America in youth and were married in the United States. They came to Shelby county in 1856 and Andrew Wenger followed farming here during the rest of his active life and both he and wife died and are buried in Franklin township. They had the following children : Louisa, who is the widow of Samuel Harmon ; George ; Mary, who is the wife of C. E. Fogt ; Sophia, who is the wife of Jacob J. Shilling; Andrew; and Lena, who is the wife of Benjamin Denning.

George Wenger attended the district schools in boyhood and remained on the home farm until he was twenty-one years of age, starting out then for himself. He has made farming and stock raising his business and through industry and good judgment has been successful in his undertakings and is now numbered with the substantial men of his community. In addition to his large acreage in Salem township, he has a tract of twenty-five acres in Franklin township, and he is also a stockholder in the Farmers Telephone Company.

On June 3, 1875, Mr. Wenger was married to Miss Sophia Barbara Fogt, who was born in Shelby county, a daughter of Jacob and Julia Fogt, both now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Fogt the following children were born: John H., Philip J., Peter, Samuel, Catherine, Julia Ann and Sophia Barbara. Julia Ann is the wife of Jacob Pfaadt, Catherine is deceased, and Sophia Barbara is the wife of Mr. Wenger. Mr. and Mrs. Wenger have four children: William E., Minnie, Emma J. and Laura, at home. William E. Wenger is a leading citizen of Shelby county and served for six years as county recorder. He married Alice Miller and they have two children : Esther and Wilma. Minnie is the wife of George H. Zimpfer and they have two children : Richard and Rosella. Mr. Wenger and family belong to the Lutheran church and he is a deacon in the same. In politics he is a democrat.

OLIVER C. ZEDEKER, owner of the well known Locust Side Farm, a valuable property containing 102 acres, which is situated in Salem township, is one of the representative men of this section. He was born July 6, 1862, in Montgomery county, O., a son of John W. and Mary (Bradenburg) Zedeker, who now live retired in Franklin township. Their family consisted of but two sons, Oliver C. and George W., the latter of whom is a farmer also in Salem township.

Oliver C. Zedeker had common school advantages and afterward assistassisted his father on the home farm until he was twenty-two years old. For the next three years he rented land and then, in partnership with his father, bought his present farm from Nathan Stout, subsequently purchasing his father's share and is now sole owner. In general, farming has been his main business although he also raises some excellent stock, this being principally for his own use on the farm. His land is beautifully situated and under his methods of advanced farming is very productive.

Mr. Zedeker was married April 2, 1884, to Miss Maggie E. Lawhead, who was born in Shelby county, a daughter of Philip and Mary (Fordyce) Lawhead, both now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Zedeker two children have been born: Ella E., who married O. A. Baker, and they have one son, Ralph Emerson ; and Clyde B. Mr. Zedeker and family attend the Methodist Epis- copal church at Port Jefferson. In politics he is a democrat and at times has been elected to local offices, serving very acceptably for two terms as township trustee and at present is a member of the school board. He is identified with the Odd Fellows, attending the lodge at Port Jefferson.

CHARLES M. McCASHEN, whose many interests make him a widely known man is one of the leading citizens of Perry township, where is situated his well improved farm of eighty acres. He was born in Shelby county, O., October 5, 1867, and is a son of James and Mary (Stephenson) McCashen. The parents of Mr. McCashen are now among the highly valued retired residents of Sidney, O. For many years they resided on their farm and there their children were born, three in number, namely : Charles M. ; Leona, who is the widow of A. F. Pence; and Frank, who is a resident of Cleveland. Mr. and Mrs. McCashen are members of the Baptist church at Sidney.