Williams County, Ohio - The whole text, 1920 (part 10 of 12)

Mr. Varner votes as a republican and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Edon. Life's heaviest cross to him, and a great loss to the community as well, came with the death of his good wife and the companion of his youth, on May 2, 1920. They were married March 11, 1906. Mrs. Varner's maiden name was Myrtle S. Shafer, and she was born in Putnam County, April 16, 1889, a daughter of Samuel and Salome Shafer. Mrs. Varner by her work and counsel had contributed a great deal to the success she and her husband enjoyed. She was a devout Christian, and during the World war she covered her section of the county in Red Cross and other war causes. Her plans and thoughts revolved about doing good and helping others. She was a wonderful housekeeper and many of her friends learned to appreciate her efficiency in the home and the quality of her hospitality. Mrs. Varner is survived by two children: Margaret M., born May 7, 1908, and Paul D.. born November 1, 1910. The inspiration flowing from the unselfish love and devotion of the good mother continue to uphold the father and children as they face the tasks and responsibilities of life.

John A. Ehrmix. - A man of integrity and worth, John A. Ehrmin has been an active factor in advancing the agricultural interests of Springfield Township, his farm, lying two miles south and six miles east of Bryan, being well improved and under a good state of culture. A native of Virginia, he was born July 13, 1856, in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where his early life was spent.

Elijah Ehrmin, his father, was a life-long resident of Rockingham County, Virginia, and his wife, whose maiden name was Justine Sandridge, was born and reared in Albemarle County, Virginia, but spent the later years of her life in Rockingham County. She was a member of the Dunkard Church, with which she united when young, and he was a staunch democrat in politics. Of the eight children born of their union, six are living in 1919, as follows : Rebecca, Virginia, Kate, Mary, Benjamin S. and John A.

Brought up and educated in Virginia, John A. Ehrmin decided in early manhood to seek his fortune in some other locality and having made his way to Ohio located on a farm in Defiance County. Subsequently settling in Williams County, he bought land in Springfield Township, as above stated, and in its management has been quite successful.

Mr. Ehrmin has been twice married. He married first, in Defiance County, Clarissa A. Hall, who was born in Tiffin Township, that county, and died on the home farm, in Springfield Township, March 22, 1887, leaving three children, namely: George A., of Toledo, Ohio; Gertrude M., wife of Joseph Clark ; and Nellie V., wife of Thomas Daft. Mr. Ehrmin married for his second wife, March 23, 1888, Mary Harsch, of Fulton County, Ohio, who was born in 1856, on Kellys Island in Lake Erie. Six children have blessed their union, namely: Luella J., wife of Earl Peugeot; Wyatt and Willou, twins, the latter having died in infancy ; Wyatt, now serving as postmaster at Stryker, Ohio, married Virgie Radabaugh; Victor V., of Stryker, married Catherine Spindler ; and Lloyd and Floyd, twins. Enlisting in the World war, Victor went overseas and served in France for eighteen months ; while Lloyd was stationed at Camp Sherman and Camp Harrison. Lloyd married Beatrice Garber, and they have one child. Floyd married Nora (Thiel) Stratton, whose husband was killed overseas. Politically, Mr. Ehrmin is a consistent democrat. Fraternally, he is a member of of Evansport Lodge No. 511, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and both he and his wife are members of the Order of the Eastern Star.

J. A. Reagle. - In touching upon the life history of J. A. Reagle, well-known citizen of Pulaski Township, the writer aims to avoid fulsome encomium and extravagant praise, yet he desires to hold up for consideration those facts which have shown the distinction of a true, useful and honorable life - a life characterized by perseverance, energy and well-defined purpose. To do this, will be but to reiterate

J. A. Reagle, who, in association with W. R. Cotterman, owns the Lick Creek farm in Pulaski Township, Williams County, was born in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, on June 24, 1848, and is the son of John and Emily (Houser) Reagle, both of whom also were born and reared in the same county. After their marriage, they located on a farm in their native county, where they remained for a time, but in 1853 he came to Williams County, Ohio, and bought the land on which the subject now lives. In the following year John Reagle brought his family to their new home and here they spent the remainder of their lives, the father dying in 1894 and the mother in 1909. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Bryan and were active in its work. The father gave his political support to the republican party. To him and his wife were born six children, of which number two are now living, William, of Bryan, and J. A., the immediate subject of this sketch.

J. A. Reagle was about six years of age when his parents brought their family to their new home in Williams County and here he was reared and secured his education in the district schools and the public schools of Bryan. He remained at home until he was twenty-eight years of age, when he bought a farm east of Bryan, on which he lived for a number of years and which he brought up to a fine state of cultivation and improvement. After the death of his mother, Mr. Reagle sold that farm and bought the old homestead, on which he now lives. It is a fine, well-located farm and is numbered among the most productive farms in this section of Williams County. Mr. Reagle is assisted in the management and operation of the farm by his sonin-law, W. R. Cotterman, who, too, is an able and successful farmer.

Politically, Mr. Reagle is an ardent supporter of the republican party and takes a keen interest in every movement having for its object the advancement of the best interests of the community. He and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Bryan.

On June 17, 1875, Mr. Reagle was married to Emily C. Frank and to them has been born a daughter, Carrie, who was married on December 21, 1899, to W. R. Cotterman, who was born in Defiance County, Ohio. To the latter union have been born three children: Mildred, Raymond and Harold, the first named being a graduate of the Bryan High School. All the members of this family are identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church at Bryan. In addition to their farm interests, Messrs. Reagle and Cotterman are stockholders in the Farmers' Grain Elevator Company at Bryan. They are good business men, hustlers in every undertaking to which they address themselves and deserve the high standing which they enjoy among their fellow men.

George H. Howard. - An active, enterprising and successful business man of Edgerton, Williams County, George H. Howard, of the well-known firm of Howard Brothers, has been identified with the automobile industry since 1909, when the firm established the first garage in this city. A native of New York State, he was born, August 4, 1874, in Perrysburg, Cattaraugus County, where he spent his childhood days.

His father, the late Charles W. Howard, was born in Schoharie County, New York. Learning the shoemaker's trade when young, he followed it for awhile, and then embarked in business as a manufacturer. Coming with his family to Edgerton, Ohio, in 1888, he took employment with the Briggs Basket Company. He married Sarah Hurd, a native of the Empire State, and to them four children were born, as follows: William C, with the Auburn Auto Company, at Auburn, Indiana; George H., the subject of this sketch; Roy, of the firm of Howard Brothers, at Edgerton ; and Glenn, with the Auburn Auto Company, in Auburn, Indiana.

Coming with his parents to Edgerton as a lad of fourteen years, George H. Howard completed the course of study in the public schools, and when old enough to become a wage earner began work for the Briggs Basket Company and was afterwards employed in a drug store at Edgerton, Ohio, and Spencerville, Indiana. In 1901 Mr. Howard and his brother Roy purchased the hardware establishment of Lewis Gebhard and continued the business under the firm name of Howard Brothers. In 1908 this enterprising firm embarked in the automobile business, establishing a garage, and met with such decided success in the venture that in 1916 Messrs. Howard erected their present fine garage, and are carrying on business on a much more extensive scale.

Mr. Howard married, in 1905, Pearl Wines, and into their household four children have made their advent, namely : Opal, Clyde, Owen and Florence. Mr. Howard is independent in politics and has served as a member of the city council one term. Fraternally he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, in which he has taken the thirty-second degree, and Mrs. Howard is worthy matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, to which they both belong. Religiously, both Mr. and Mrs. Howard are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

John R. Martin. - The business career of John R. Martin, the well-known and successful farmer of Superior Township, is one that should encourage others to press on to greater achievements, for when a boy he set to work to overcome all difficulties that might lay in his path to success, and the high standing which he now enjoys is the result. Earnest labor, unabating perseverance, a laudable ambition and good management are the elements by which he has gained his present excellent standing. Mr. Martin is the owner of two excellent farms in Superior Township, the "Evergreen Farm," consisting of eighty acres, and "Maple Lawn Farm," comprising sixty acres. He is a native son of Ohio, having been born in Wyandot County, on September 9, 1863, and is a son of Matthew and Sarah (Miller) Martin. The father was a native of Maryland and the mother of Pennsylvania. Their marriage occurred in the latter state and soon afterward they came to Wyandot County, Ohio, settling on a farm, where they spent a number of years. They then moved to Hillsdale County, Michigan, where they remained until advanced ages, when they moved to Waldron, where their deaths occurred. They were faithful members of the United Brethren Church and Mr. Martin was an active supporter of the democratic party. Of the eight children born to their union, seven are living, namely : Elizabeth, the widow of Charles Sebring, lives in The Dalles, Washington : John R., the subject of this sketch; Hiram, who lives in Michigan; Luther, also of Michigan; Deel, the widow of Charles Kinkaid ; Edith, the wife of Colonel Coskins, of Fayette, Ohio ; Grace, the wife of Lewis Haues, of Fayette, Ohio.

John R. Martin accompanied his parents on their removal to Hillsdale County, Michigan, and there he attended the district schools. From the age of sixteen years he practically made his own way, working by the month on farms and securing a practical knowledge of farming and of business methods. After his marriage, which occurred in 1885, he came to Montpelier, Ohio, where he became section foreman on the Wabash Railroad, holding that position for sixteen years. He then bought forty acres of land in Superior Township, to the improvement and cultivation of which he devoted himself. He was successful in his financial affairs and at length was enabled to add twenty acres more. Finally he bought the eighty-acre tract where he now lives and ever since has operated both farms. These places are well improved and very productive, their appearance reflecting credit on their owner. He carries on a general line of farming, and also gives some attention to the raising of livestock, in both of which lines he has met with excellent success.

Mr. Martin was married on March 14, 1885, to Matilda Lantz, who was born in Bridgewater Township, Williams County, where she attended the common schools. They are the parents of one son, T. E., born on December 22, 1886, who attended the district schools. He was married to Helen Reese and they have a son. Mr. Martin has not only been active in his own affairs, but has also been deeply interested in the advancement of the general agricultural interests of the county. He organized the Montpelier Grange, of which he was master for four years, and is also master of the Williams County Pomona, consisting of the twelve subordinate Granges. He is also a member of the Superior Farmers' Co-operative Association. In political affairs he takes an independent attitude, reserving the right to vote for the men and measures which meet with his approval, regardless of party lines. He is a fine type of the sturdy, conscientious, progressive American of today, doing thoroughly and well the work that he finds to do and asking praise of no man for the performance of what he conceives to be his simple duty.

Homer H. Patton, M. D - The subject of this sketch has long held distinctive prestige in a calling which requires for its basis sound mentality and intellectual discipline of a high order, supplemented by the rigid professional training and thorough mastery of technical knowledge with the skill to apply the same, without which one cannot hope to rise above mediocrity in ministering to human ills. In addi- ' tion to his creditable career in one of the most useful and exacting of professions, he has proved an honorable member of the body politic, rising in the confidence and esteem of the public and earning a reputation as a public spirited and enterprising citizen.

Homer H. Patton, a successful and well-known physician and surgeon at Montpelier, Ohio, was born at Crown Point, Indiana, on December 24, 1871, and is a son of Henry and Sarah (McHenry) Patton, both of whom were natives of Ohio, the father having been born in Trumbull County in 1842 and the mother in Holmes County on January 20, 1840. The latter came to Williams County with her parents when about fourteen years of age, the family settling about six miles southwest of Montpelier. Her marriage to Henry Patton occurred in June, 1869, and they then moved to Indiana, settling near Crown Point. There Henry Patton engaged in farming, and also did a large business as a jobber in cattle, selling his beef to Philip Armour when he was engaged in the retail trade. Mr. Patton died in July, 1877, and his widow then sold the farm and returned to Williams County, making her home with Eli McHenry, her father. She is still living. To Henry and Sarah Patton four children were born, of whom three are still living, namely: Homer H., the subject of this sketch; Delia, the wife of H. J. Brannan, who lives three miles southwest of Montpelier: Thomas R., a druggist in Montpelier.

Homer H. Patton was reared to manhood on a farm southwest of Montpelier and secured his elemental education, first in the district schools and finishing in the Montpelier High School. He then became a teacher in the public schools of Williams County, following that vocation for three years. In 1897, having determined to devote his life to the practice of medicine, he matriculated in the Michigan College of Medicine, at Detroit, where he was graduated in 1901 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He first located for the practice of his profession at Britton, Michigan, but three years later he went to California for the benefit of his health. Subsequently, having regained his health he returned east and located at Scotts, Michigan, where he practiced four years, and in 1909 he came to Montpelier and has since been engaged in the active practice of his profession here. Doctor Patton stands admittedly in the front ranks of Williams County's professional men, possessing a thoroughly disciplined mind and keeping in close touch with the trend of modern thought relating to the calling to which his life and energies have been devoted, and he enjoys a large and remunerative practice throughout this section of the county. The doctor is a member of the Williams County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.

Doctor Patton was married to Nellie Welhaur, of London, England, where she was reared and educated. She is a member of the Episcopal Church, while the doctor attends the Presbyterian Church, of which he is one of the trustees. Politically, he is a democrat and has been active in local public affairs, having served as mayor of Montpelier and four years as a member of the village council. Fraternally, he is a member of Montpelier Lodge No. 547, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and also belongs to the Chapter and Council of that order. In the life history of Doctor Patton are found evidences of characteristics that always make for achievement - intelligence, sound judgment and lofty traits - and as the result of suck a life he has become one of the best known and most highly esteemed citizens of his community.

Carleton S. Roe. - The story of the Bryan Press, which was established half a dozen years before the beginning of the Civil war and is one of the oldest newspapers in Northwestern Ohio, has been fully told in the history of newspapers elsewhere in this publication. This is a brief sketch of its editor and publisher, Carleton S. Roe.

Mr. Roe was born June 27, 1864, son of William M. and Harriet E. (Whitman) Roe. Through his father he is of English ancestry and through his mother, Holland Dutch. William M. Roe was born near South Bend, Indiana, in 1830, and spent the greater part of his life as a minister of the Gospel. He died December 3, 1919. The mother, who was born in Mentor, Ohio, in 1833, is now living at Buchanan, Michigan.

During a portion of his boyhood Carleton S. Roe lived in Southern Michigan, attended high school at Dowagiac, and in 1884 went to Ohio, where he read law, being admitted to the bar in 1888. However, in the following year he entered the newspaper business, and that has been his real profession ever since. Mr. Roe is a republican in politics, is affiliated with the Masonic Order, and both individually and as a newspaper man has endeavored to do his bit as a good citizen of Bryan and Williams County.

In October, 1888, he married Harriet H. Moore. They have two children, James M., born in 1890, now associated with his father in the newspaper business, and Marjorie, born in 1892, wife of Lane R. Scott of Bryan.

Charles W. Johnson. - While Charles W. Johnson of Superior Township still owns farm land in Florence Township where he was born, February 17, 1865, he is a stockholder and officially connected with a number of business institutions in Williams County. He is a son of Simeon and Diana (Stelts) Johnson, the parents having come from Columbiana to Williams County many years ago. Mr. Johnson has one brother, Emery O. Johnson of Montpelier.

Mr. Johnson was brought up on a farm in Florence Township and had common school advantages there. In 1895 he married Lillie Burns, who was born in Center Township, Williams County. She is a daughter of Allen Burns. They began life on a farm in Florence

Township and he made his money in handling livestock. He now owns almost 500 acres of farm land in Williams County. He is vice president and a member of the board of directors of the Farmers and Merchants State and Savings Bank of Montpelier, and president of the Farmers Banking Company of Columbia in Northwest Township and he is also a stockholder in the Montpelier National Bank. While Mr. Johnson has both farm and business interests, he prefers living in the country.

W. W. Benner, who is now living in well earned retirement at Bryan, gave many years of constructive effort in connection with agricultural and live-stock industry in Williams County and his civic loyalty and liberality were recognized in his election to the office of county commissioner, in which his service fully justified the popular confidence and esteem thus reposed in him.

Mr. Benner was born in the adjacent county of Defiance, October 4, 1861, and is one of the four surviving children of George W. and Jemima (Porter) Benner. Of the other three children it may be recotded that Clara is the wife of Delbert Woodcoc. of Defiance; Emma is the wife of Lewis Motter, of Ney. Defiance County ; and George is foreman in an automobile factory at Detroit, Michigan. The father was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, December 18, 1836, and his wife was born in Defiance County, where their marriage was solemnized, and where they continued to reside on their well improved farm until 1905, when they retired, after many years of earnest and fruitful endeavor, and established their residence at Bryan, Williams County, their present place of abode, both being earnest members of the Church of God. The father is a staunch democrat in politics, and has long maintained affiliation with the Masonic fraternity.

W. W. Benner passed the period of his childhood and youth on the old homestead farm in Washington Township, Defiance County, and in the meanwhile he profited duly by the advantages afforded in the district schools. He continued to be associated with the work and management of his father's farm until he was twenty years of age, when he took unto himself a wife, and prepared to establish a home of his own. His available cash capital was represented in the sum of seventy-five dollars, and after he had purchased furniture and other household effects for his modest home he found his capital reduced to less than three dollars. He had full appreciation of the dignity and value of honest toil and endeavor and he and his young wife faced the future with utmost confidence and courage. For a time he worked at the carpenter's trade and he then established himself on a farm in Tiffin Township, Williams County, where, as a renter of the place, he continued his agricultural activities one year. At this juncture came to him a great loss and bereavement, in the death of his devoted wife, in 1883, and with his two little motherless children he repaired to the home of his parents, where he provided a woman to care for the children and where he himself remained until August of that year, when he went to the state of Kansas. He returned to the parental home November 8 of the same year, and soon afterward became a clerk in a hardware store at Evansport, Defiance County. In the following January he contracted a second marriage and in the spring of that year he and his wife established their home on a farm in Williams County, his elder child being taken into their home and being given a mother's care by his second wife, while the younger child remained with the paternal grandparents. Within a short time Mr. Benner purchased fifty acres of land, in Washington Township, Defiance County, and in this connection he assumed an appreciable indebtedness. He remained on this farm until the autumn of 1887, when he sold the property and, for a consideration of $3,000, purchased a farm of sixty acres in Pulaski Township, Williams County. This continued the stage of his vigorous and successful farm operations until 1891, when he sold the property to advantage and purchased a place of 160 acres, in Pulaski Township. He paid for this property at the rate of sixty dollars an acre and assumed indebtedness for the greater part of the purchase price. He made excellent improvements on this farm and after selling it he purchased the 100 acres south of Bryan, where he continued to reside until he again found it profitable to sell out. At this juncture he purchased a place of eighty acres, one mile south of Bryan, and there he continued his enterprising activities as an agriculturist and stock-grower until his election to the office of county commissioner, when he removed to Bryan, the county seat. After serving one term in this office Mr. Benner was for three years engaged in the grocery business at Bryan, and since disposing of his store and business, he has here lived virtually retired. He is a member of the Farmers' Co-operative Association of Williams County and in addition to the modern residence which he erected and occupies at

335 North Main street, he is the owner of a business building on West Butler Street. Though he is a democrat in politics Mr. Benner was elected county commissioner in a strong republican county, which fact testified to his popularity in Willams County. He is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and is a member of the United Brethren Church.

October 4, 1881, recorded the marriage of Mr. Benner to Miss Laura Moon, and she died in March, 1883, as previously noted in this review. Of the two children of this union, the elder is Grace, who is now the wife of John Elliott, and Maude is the wife of Lorin Herriman. In 1884 Mr. Benner wedded Miss Izora Beerbower, of Williams County, and she passed to the life eternal June 12, 1914, being survived by three sons : Harold, a graduate of the Bryan High School, is now married and is one of the progressive young farmers of Williams County ; Creston and his wife are now residents of Hillsdale, Michigan ; and Paul and his wife own and reside upon one of the excellent farms of Williams County. The third marriage of Mr. Benner was with Mrs. Anna Smith, whom he wedded in 1915, and her death occurred July 2, 1919.

Alfred F. Besancon. - Individual enterprise, which is the just boast of the people of Ohio, is forcefully exhibited in the career of Alfred F. Besancon, one of the substantial farmers of Pulaski Township. He is a worthy representative of one of the old and highly honored families of this county, and he has so ordered his life as to win and retain the sincere respect of all who know him. Mr. Besancon, whose fine farm of eighty acres is located in section 12 of Pulaski Township, about four and a half miles east of Bryan, was born in this township on May 29, 1877, and is the son of Frederick and Catherine (Forderyea) Besancon. These parents were both born and reared in France, whence, after their marriage, they came to the United States, locating on the farm in Williams County, Ohio, now owned and occupied by their son, the subject of this sketch. Here they lived the remainder of their lives and both are now deceased, the father dying in 1907. They were members of the Baptist Church and Mr. Besancon gave his political support to the republican party. They were the parents of seven children, namely: Abel, of Bryan, Ohio; Florence, the widow of Levi Lewis ; Alice, the wife of Henry Shook, of Pulaski Township; Blanche, the wife of Cash Martin; Alfred F., the subject of this sketch, and Emma and Domatel, both of whom are deceased.

Alfred F. Besancon was reared on the paternal farmstead in Pulaski Township and attended the schools of that neighborhood. He remained at home with his parents until his marriage, which occurred in 1905, when he started farming operations on his own account. His total cash capital at that time was only $100, but he went to work with the determination to succeed, and that he has been successful in his efforts is attested in no uncertain way by the splendid farm which is now his and from which he derives a very comfortable income. He owns eighty acres of excellent land, which he operates with sound judgment and discriminating care and, being also a good business manager, he has risen to an enviable position among his fellow agriculturists of the western end of the county.

On December 15, 1905, Mr. Besancon was married to Dessie Rosendaul, who was born in Pulaski Township on September 13, 1885, and educated in the common schools of that locality. Her parents are Benjamin and Sarah (Crawford) Rosendaul, the former born in Columbiana County, Ohio, on May 28, 1837, and the latter born in Pennsylvania on June 16, 1847. To the union of the subject and wife was born one child, Avis M., on July 13, 1917. Mrs. Besancon is a member of the Oak Grove Methodist Episcopal Church.

Politically, Mr. Besancon gives his support to the republican party. He is intensely public spirited in his attitude towards all movements for the advancement of the public welfare. He has given financial support to worthy local interests, being a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator at Pulaski. He is active and energetic in all his affairs, and as a general farmer and stock raiser he is practical and up-to-date. His property is well improved and very attractive in appearance. Because of his progressive and enterprising spirit and his sterling personal character, he is deservedly held in high esteem throughout the community.

Franklin A. Reynolds. - One of the responsible and successful farmers of Mill Creek Township, is Franklin A. Reynolds, who is living on his valuable property in section 15, and he was born on this farm. The date of his birth is May 13, 1855, and he is a son of Benjamin and Mary A. (Dimond) Reynolds. Benjamin Reynolds was born in Washington County, Maryland, and his wife was also born in that same county, and there they were reared and married, almost immediately thereafter coming to Richland County, Ohio. After eight years spent in that county they came to Williams County, Ohio, settling on the farm now owned by their son, Franklin A. Reynolds, and here they spent the rest of their lives. The winter previous to their migration, Mr. Reynolds had come to Williams County, and after looking things over, bought the farm. It had five acres cleared and on it was a log cabin which served the family for a home until something better could be put up. Before he died Mr. Reynolds had cleared off nearly all of it, and died the owner of 120 acres. He and his wife were church members, and kindly, Christian people. In politics he was a republican. They had eleven children, four of whom survive, namely: Jacob, who lives at Fayette, Ohio; Mary, who is the wife of John Martin, lives in Michigan ; Henry L., who is a farmer of Mill Creek Township ; and Franklin A., who is the youngest.

Franklin A. Reynolds was brought up on the homestead and like the other boys of the neighborhood, attended the district schools during the winters and worked on the farm in the summers. On May 18, 1876, Mr. Reynolds was married to Sarah A. Held, born in Richland County, Ohio, on September 26, 1853, and the subsequent year was brought to Williams County, and was reared here and sent to the district schools. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds began conducting the homestead, and have always lived on it ever since. Their children are as follows : Lewis Mervin, who is a farmer of Fulton County, Ohio, married Cora Zolman ; Effie, who is the wife of Winfred Towne, lives in Michigan ; Charles, who is a farmer of Mill Creek Township, married Eulalie Hutcheson ; and Robert Earl, who married Bonnie Dohm, is a farmer of Mill Creek Township. There are five grandchildren in the family. Mr. Reynolds has 206 acres in his farm and also owns 160 acres of land in Michigan, and is a general farmer and stockraiser, his homestead showing that he thoroughly understands his business and how to make his efforts yield him a fair compensation for his investment of time and money. In politics he is a republican and he belongs to the school board. In addition to his farming interests, Mr. Reynolds has branched out somewhat and owns a modern outfit for raising barns and does all of this kind of work for miles around. While he and Mrs. Reynolds have not definitely connected themselves with any church, they were brought up in religious homes, Mrs. Reynolds' parents being devout members of the Mennonite faith. Mr. Reynolds is a man of broad mind and sober judgment and his advice is often sought upon matters pertaining to agricultural development.

Roger Essi. - The Syrian name Essi has been known in the annals of Bryan and community since 1894, when Assid Essi located in Bryan. His death on June 6, 1920, leaves Roger Essi as the recognized business representative of the family. He is a native of Bryan.

While Mr. Essi and his wife were both Syrian born, they did not know each other in that country. They were born at Mount Lebanon, Syria, in the empire of Turkey. In 1888 Mr. Essi came alone to the United States. Since that time he had known very little of his countrymen in Syria. He was a son of Charles and Helen Essi, and they died before he left that country. A brother, Charles Essi, later came to America, but he soon returned to Syria. Two sisters, Fannie and Martha always lived there. A cousin, Abdo Essi, lives in Oak Harbor, Ohio. A nephew, Farris Essi and his sisters, Schanes and Atour, also live in this country. They were all in Bryan at the funeral service of Assid Essi. There are no other relatives in America.

Nemer Etoll accompanied by a sister, Minnie Etoll, came from Syria to the United States in 1890, and in Cleveland Mr. Etoll joined Mr. Essi in the fruit business, and the business arrangement continued there and later in Toledo and finally in Bryan, where they were many years in business together. On September 1, 1892, Assid Essi married Minnie Etoll, and while living in Toledo a daughter, Phoebe, was born to them. Mrs. Essi is a daughter of Azor and Sarah Etoll, who always lived in Syria. Beside Nemer Etoll with whom Mrs. Essi came to the United States, she has a brother, Thomas Etoll in Troy, N. Y., Wahda Etoll in Archbold, and two sisters, Magel in Edon and Wanda in Milwaukee. The home of Mr. Essi and his wife in Syria is about fifty miles from Damascus, the oldest city in the world.

When Mr. and Mrs. Essi came to Bryan they had one child, and the children born in Bryan are: Roger, Isaac, Julia, Thomas, Adelle, Margaret, Philip and Helen. When Essi and Etoll dissolved their business relation, Mr. Essi bought the property now occupied by the Bryan Ice Cream Parlor, and just six years from the day of the formal business opening of this place occurred the death of Mr. Essi. For some years failing health had detained him from active business and his son, Roger, has represented him.

Phoebe Essi is a graduate from the Lucas County Hospital as a nurse, and she is in the employ of the City of Toledo in the department of Public Health and Welfare. Julia is a graduate of the Ft. Wayne Business College and holds a responsible position as stenographer in Bryan. Roger and the brothers are known to the community in connection with the Bryan Ice Cream Parlor. All the Essi children have received common school advantages in Bryan. While the parents have always spoken the Syrian tongue in the home and the children all understand it, none of them but Roger speak it. They all learned English in the public schools, and while their mother understands it, she speaks the Syrian language to them.

Assid Essi became a full fledged American citizen, July 12, 1900, and from that time on he and his family have been entitled to all of the rights and privileges of a naturalized citizen. Mr. Essi secured his naturalization papers through the Williams County courts, the certificate issued to him saying that he was a native of the empire of Turkey, and that he had in all respects complied with the laws of the United States relating to the naturalization of aliens. He declared on his oath before said court that he would support the Constitution of the United States. In this oath Mr. Essi renounced all relation to any foreign Prince, Potentate or Sovereignty, and particularly to Abdul Hamid, the Sultan of the Empire of Turkey.

Mr. Essi cast his first vote in the presidential election in 1900, voting with the republican party and aiding in the election of the lamented William McKinley. The family are communicants in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, and Mr. Essi lies buried in Fountain Grove Cemetery. His death caused the first vacant chair in the household. The residence property on North Portland Street and the business property left to the family had been accumulated by strict economy and close application to business since the family located in Bryan. The Essi children know no other home or country. They are American citizens.

A. F. Norris. - In the thriving and enterprising little city of Pioneer, Ohio, a citizen whose name is associated with honorable business dealings and substantial public service is A. F. Norris, justice of the peace. For many years Mr. Norris has contributed of his abilities in maintaining civic law and order in his community, while as a real estate and insurance man he has identified himself with legitimate transactions of importance. He is a native of his present place of residence, born August 12, 1858, a son of Col. P. W. and Jane K. (Cottrell) Norris.

P. W. Norris was born at Palmyra, New York, August 17, 1821, and as a young man went to Fulton County, Ohio, where he married Miss Cottrell, a native of Massachusetts, born in 1824. About the year 1843 this young couple started overland into the undeveloped country of Madison Township, Williams County, Mr. Norris cutting the road and his bride driving the ox-team. Finally they reached their destination, which was in the heart of the forest, and there Mr. Norris built the first cabin to be erected in this vicinity. He served as agent for eastern land interests, a capacity in which he sold numerous farms, and in the meantime continued to develop his own property. Likewise he became one of the prominent and influential men of his community and was one of the early representatives of Williams County in the Ohio Legislature. When the Civil war came on he offered his services to the Union, was accepted, and served four years, during which time he rose to the rank of colonel. Returning to his Williams County home, he remained here until 1866, when he went to Detroit and purchased 1,900 acres in a 10,000-acre tract of land, starting a town named Norris which is now a part of the City of Detroit. Mr. Norris lived there until 1873, when he went to the West, and in 1875 was appointed the first superintendent of Yellowstone Park. After the assassination of President Garfield, he was replaced in That post and went to Kentucky, where his death occurred while he was still in the employ of the United States Government. He was a stanch republican in politics. Mr. and Mrs. Norris were the parents of six children, of whom three are living : E. A., a resident of Joplin, Missouri ; Aurelia A., the wife of William Ennis, of Detroit, Michigan; and A. F.

A. F. Norris was reared at Pioneer until he was fifteen years of age, at which time he accompanied his father to the West, subsequently returning to this locality, where he was variously employed for a time. Eventually he embarked in the real estate and insurance business, which he has followed ever since, and making a specialty of collections. He has built up a good business and is highly considered by his associates and acquaintances. Mr. Norris allies himself with the republican party, and has been active in civic affairs. At present he is serving efficiently as justice of the peace, and in former years was deputy under seven different sheriffs of Williams County, including Bert Annis and Charles Graham. He is a past master of Pioneer Lodge No. 441, Free and Acccepted Masons and his religious connection is with the Methodist Episcopal Church.

In 1882 Mr. Norris was married at Romeo, Michigan, to Ida M. Tuckburry, and they lived at that place until 1897, when they came to Pioneer. Five sons were born to this union : Archie C, color sergeant of the One Hundred and Nineteenth Field Artillery during the great World war, who was at the front for eighteen months, during which time he was wounded twelve times, gassed, and gunshocked, now a resident of Waco. Texas; Dr. Ralph A., a graduate of the Homeopathic Medical College of Detroit, who as a member of the United States Army Medical Corps was stationed at Battle Creek, Michigan, during the period of the war, and is now engaged in practice as a physician and surgeon at Detroit ; Walter R., of Pioneer, Ohio ; E. A. and H. T., who live at Detroit. Archie C. and Dr. Ralph A. Norris are thirty-second degree Masons, and Walter R. is a member of the Blue Lodge of Masonry.

Christ L. Scott. - The gentleman, a brief review of whose life and characteristics the reader's attention is herewith directed, is among the favorably known and representative citizens of this section of Ohio, where he has spent practically his entire life. He has by his indomitable enterprise and progressive methods contributed in a material way to the advancement of his locality and during the course of an honorable career has met with success as a general farmer and stock raiser, being a man of energy, sound judgment and honesty of purpose.

Christ L. Scott, whose splendid farm of 120 acres is located in Superior Township, three miles west and one-half mile north of Montpelier, was born in Crawford County, Ohio, on August 15, 1860, and is the son of Solomon and Rosanna (Lutz) Scott. Both of these parents were born in Pennsylvania, whence they came to Crawford County, Ohio, where they were married and settled on a farm. In 1862 they came to Williams County, settling on farming land in Florence Township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Solomon Scott was a republican in his political faith and stood high in the esteem oKthe communities where he lived. To him and his wife were born eleven children, of which number eight are living, namely: Amelia, the wife of Cyrenius Dowling; Jane, the widow of George Knecht ; Laura, the widow of Jonas Anspaugh ; Ellen, the wife of Chauncey Motherman ; Harriett, the wife of Henry Alleman ; John, of Florence Township; Christ the subject of this sketch, "and Amanda, the wife of Joseph Anspaugh.

Christ L. Scott was but one year of age when his parents brought their family to Williams County and he was reared on the parental farmstead in Florence Township, securing his education in the district schools and remaining at home until his marriage. They then established their home on the old Scott farm, where they remained for five years, when he bought 120 acres of land in Superior Township, where he now lives. The place is well improved and under Mr. Scott's able direction it has always been a very productive farm. He devoted himself to its cultivation until 1917, when he moved to Montpelier, but in March, 1919, he again took up his residence on the farm. In the meantime he had secured a splendid residence in Montpelier, which he still owns. He has always carried on general farming operations, in connection with which due attention was given to the raising of livestock. Success attended his efforts and the prosperity which he enjoys has been honestly earned solely by his own efforts.

On May 25, 1883, Mr. Scott was married to Mary M. McElhenie, who was born in Steuben County, Indiana, on February 8, 1866, the daughter of Thomas and Christena E. (Shook) McElhenie, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. This union was blessed in the birth of four children, namely: Pearl B., who is a graduate of the Tri-State Normal College, at Angola, Indiana, was engaged as a teacher in the public schools for nine years, and is now the wife of Howard L. Haney, of Ada, Ohio; Harvey, who was married to Clara Henry ; Zada, who graduated from the Montpelier High School, became the wife of M. M. Frizbie and she is deceased; Lula F., who completed the common school course, died aged eighteen years.

Mr. and Mrs. Scott are members of the United Brethren Church at Montpelier, in which they take an active interest. In his political views Mr. Scott is an earnest republican and has taken a deep interest in local public affairs, having rendered appreciated service for seven years as a member of the school board. A man of keen discernment, sound judgment and integrity of character, he has long held the confidence and esteem of all who know him.

Aaron C. Brown. - Aaron C. Brown has passed the psalmist's span of threescore years and he has been a resident of Williams County since he was a youth of twenty years. He long held prestige as one of the vigorous and successful exponents of farm enterprise in the county, and though he is now living retired, he still remains on his well improved homestead farm on the south line of Williams County in Pulaski Township. He has not only contributed his share to the industrial progress of Williams County but has won the prosperity that is the fitting reward for years of earnest and. honest endeavor. He is a younger brother of Eli Brown, another of the patriarchal citizens of the county and of the latter personal mention is made elsewhere in this volume.

Aaron C. Brown was born in Hancock County, this state, January 7, 1844, and is a son of Henry and Catherine (Keller) Brown, whose marriage occurred in Hancock County and who passed the closing years of their lives in Williams County, the father having been born in Richland County, Ohio, and the mother, who was born in Europe, having been young when she came to the United States. Both were devout members of the Dunkard Church and ordered their lives in accord with the simple and the noble faith which they thus professed.

As previously stated, Aaron C. Brown was twenty years of age when he came to Williams County, and here the long intervening years have been marked by his successful association with agricultural industry. He is loyal to all civic duties and responsibilities and gives his allegience to the republican party. The maiden name of his wife was Celestia Sherky, and they have four children: Monford L. is a resident of Dallas, Texas ; F. M. resides in the state of Michigan ; Bliss maintains his home in California and Robert S. resides in Texas.

Frank Lantz. - Agricultural land is the foundation of all lasting prosperity, and good land is an anchor to the windward against the day old age approaches, facts which are being acknowledged more and more by the intelligent men of the country and confirming them in their intention to remain in the rural neighborhoods. One of the men who is engaged in conducting his farms of 132 and 160 acres of valuable land, is Frank Lantz, one of the prosperous men of Williams County.

Born on the farm owned by his grandfather Backus, on August 8, 1880, Frank Lantz is a product of this locality, and its public schools gave him his book education, but his training in practical matters, especially those connected with farming, was gained under the supervision of his careful father.

Frank Lantz is a son of Jacob and Emma (Backus) Lantz, the former of whom was born in Crawford County, Ohio, on October 11, 1839. On July 4, 1869, he was married, his wife having been born in Bridgewater Township, a daughter of Clark and Susannah Backus, natives of Connecticut and England, respectively, and early settlers of Bridgewater Township. Jacob Lantz and his wife had four children born to them, namely: Fred, who is a farmer of Bridgewater Township, a sketch of whom appears in this volume; Maude, who is the wife of Adam Yoder of Pioneer, Ohio; and Frank, whose name appears at the head of this review ; and Len Lantz, of Montpelier. Jacob Lantz was one of the heavy landowners of the township, his acreage amounting to about 1,500 acres. His death occurred on June 27, 1915, and his wife died on October 7, 1907.

Frank Lantz married Nora Knapp, in September, 1900. She was born in Florence Township, Williams County, Ohio, September 3, 1882, a daughter of Lester Knapp, who was born in Morrow County, Ohio, December 16, 1842, and died March 11, 1905. During the war between the states, he served in the Union army, enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, on Octo- ber 7, 1862. He re-enlisted and served to the end of the war and was honorably discharged on December 21, 1865. He married Mary E. Cain, who was born in Florence Township, Williams County, Ohio, March 25, 1848, and died December 14, 1919. Mr. and Mrs. Lantz have one son, Jacob F., who was born on September 29, 1903. In politics Mr. Lantz is a democrat, and he is a man who, while not forcing himself on the public, has always contributed freely to the civic undertakings of his community, and taken an intelligent interest in its future.

Charles R. Ames. - The house of Ames, of which Charles R. Ames, deputy clerk in the office of the Probate Judge, is a representative, is now in the fifth generation of its history in Williams County. While the Ames family has been on American soil since Colonial days, the original members coming from Scotland, the local family had lived for many years in Wayne before locating in Williams County, Ohio. James, the grandfather of C. R. Ames, was the first to come to Williams County, although he was followed by his father, William Ames.

It was in 1851 that James Ames located in Williams County, and since that time the family has been known in Bryan and the surrounding country. William Ames and his son, James Ames, were residents of Wayne County and Alva Ames, father of C. R. Ames, was born September 18, 1847, in Wayne and was four years old when his father located in Williams County. James Ames married Margaret Maxwell in Wayne County. They had five children : Harvey, Alva, James, Harmon and Mary Ann. Alva Ames, who died August 22, 1919, and lies buried in the family burial plot in Schiffier Cemetery, looked backward and forward over two generations. His grandparents and his grandchildren lived in Williams County.

Alva Ames married Jennie Beeler and to them was born one son, Bert W. Ames, and two daughters who died in infancy. The wife died in 1881, and March 23, 1883, Mr. Ames married Mrs. Ella Miller Supple. She is a daughter of William and Margaret (Fleck) Miller, and is a native of Bryan. Their children are : Charles R., Dora, Irvin and Alva E. Ames. The older brother, Bert W. Ames, grew up with them, and in enrolling the family, C. R. Ames said: "There are five of us."

On November 8, 1906, Charles R. Ames married Nora Kumnick. She is a daughter of Frederick and Marie Kumnick, the family coming in 1871 from Germany. They live in Defiance County. Their children are: Margaret, Frederick, Emma, Louis, Nora (Mrs. C. R. Ames), and Ernst. Mr. and Mrs. Ames have one son : Herbert K. Ames.

C. R. Ames was educated in the Bryan public schools, and his first business experience was in Bryan clothing stores as a salesman. For some time he was local agent for the American Express Company, and in 1911 he entered the civil service as a rural mail carrier, leaving the mail wagon - the post office on wheels - for U. S. military service on the Mexican border. He went to Texas in June, 1916, remaining there until the following April.

When the United States Government declared war against Germany, April 6, 1917, Mr. Ames was already in the service. He went into training for overseas service at Camp Sheridan, but on account of physical disabilty he was discharged from the army, and April 13, 1918, he became an assistant mustering officer at Columbus. When the armistice was signed and Mr. Ames returned to Bryan, he again went on the rural mail wagon. On December 1, 1919, Mr. Ames entered the office of the Williams County probate judge as clerk, and since that time he has been probationary officer, having to do with unfortunate and delinquent children brought before the juvenile court. As probation officer it became his duty to advise young persons who are not surrounded with proper parental and home influences.

In its early history, members of the Ames family were identified with the German Reformed Church, and Mrs. C. R. Ames is a communicant in the English Lutheran Church in Bryan. The family vote has always been cast with the republican party. Bert W. Ames served two successive terms as sheriff of Williams County. Harvey and Alva Ames were Civil war soldiers from Williams County. Bert W. Ames was in the Spanish-American war, and C. R. Ames gave two years to his country's services incident to the World war. He is Commander of Charles E. Arnold Post No. 284 of the American Legion, and is always active in local military community affairs. While he was not overseas in military service, he had his part in "Keeping the Home Fires Burning," and Charles E. Arnold Post has its share in the annual memorial service in the cemeteries of Williams County.

J. M. Brim, who lives on a farm in Superior Township, three miles from Montpelier, was born in that community May 12, 1864, a son of John and Sarah J. (Cahney) Brim. Their children are: Esther A., the wife of Edward C. May; Mary M., wife of William Jones; George A., a farmer in Superior Township, and J. M. Brim, who enrolls the family. The father, John Brim, enlisted in 1863 as a

The children in the Brim family all had common school advantages, and J. M. Brim, who was the youngest son, remained with his mother until he was twenty-one when he. embarked in business for himself. From the time he was sixteen years old he worked by the day and the month for others. On January 14, 1890, Mr. Brim married Dora Dean, who was born December 31, 1863, in Northwest Township, Williams County. When she was a child her parents removed to Defiance County and she was educated there.

Mr. and Mrs. Brim were married in Defiance County and for fifteen years they lived on a rented farm in Williams County. They bought the place where they live in 1914 in Superior Township. Mr. Brim is a charter member of Lodge No. 502, Knights of Pythias, at Blakeslee. There were sixty-six members and only five are living there today. They died or moved away. Mrs. Brim is a member of the Pythian Sisters, and as past chief she has attended the Grand Lodge. Mr. Brim is a member and past worthy president of the Eagles in Montpelier.

Mr. Brim is a member of the Montpelier Co-operative Association. He is a stockholder and a member of the board of directors of the Superior Building and Loan Association. He is a breeder of grade Holstein cattle and has some fine cattle at the farmstead in Superior Township. He has other high-grade livestock.

Forrest C. and Homer J- Brim were both in the World war and did overseas service. They were together in all of their military experience, enlisting in May, 1918, and being discharged in July, 1919, having spent almost a year in France and Germany. They were in the Seventh Corps of the One Hundred and Fifty-Fifth Ambulance Company. They were educated in the Montpelier High School. Homer J. Brim is at home and Forrest C. is in Detroit. A sister, Mabel M., is between them in age, and she is the wife of Harley Faber. She has one child, Darell Faber. Charles J. Brim is the fourth child and the youngest of the family, and he has graduated from common school.

Arthur L. Stiving. - The vital interest of the whole community in the success of agriculture as the great basal industry is now universally recognized and the farmer of today is given a position of recognized dignity and importance. This distinction has been earned by the farmers the whole country over, but especially is it true in a state like Ohio, where agriculture has received special attention since the first settlements, and one of the counties which has played a distinctively important part in this work is Williams. Arthur L. Stiving of Madison Township is one of the aggressive farmers and stock raisers of the county, who can always be depended upon to live up to the best ideals of his locality, and his success is regarded as amply earned.

Arthur L. Stiving was born on a farm near his present one in Madison Township, on January 31, 1878. a son of Jacob and Ella (Yocum) Stiving. Jacob Stiving was born in Richland County, Ohio, on August 23, 1847, and Mrs. Stiving was born on the old Yocum farm in Madison Township on October 28, 1856. The children born to Jacob Stiving and his wife were as follows : Arthur L., who was the eldest ; Cornelius, who is a farmer of Southern Iowa ; and LeRoy, who is a farmer of Western Kansas. Jacob Stiving is still living, and making his home in Madison Township.

Growing up on his father's farm, Arthur L. Stiving was early taught to make himself useful, and he received the educational training afforded by the district schools. After his marriage in 1904 Mr. Stiving bought 160 acres of land and commenced operating it and has remained on it ever since. All of his stock is of a high grade and he is specializing in Percheron horses.

On December 7, 1904, Arthur L. Stiving was united in marriage with Bertha Dohm, who was born in Amboy Township, Hillsdale County, Michigan, on February 12, 1883, and she, too, was brought up on a farm and attended the district schools. Mr. and Mrs. Stiving have three children, namely : Margaret, who was born on February 25, 1908; Robert, who was born on August 23, 1910, and Richard, who was born on June 16, 1919. They are members of the Progressive Brethren Church. In politics he is a democrat, although aside from casting his vote for the candidates of his party he does not take any active part in public affairs. In addition to his farm Mr. Stiving has interests at Kunkle, Ohio. His character is one that createst respect and invites friendship with the best people of his community, and his standing in it is conspicuously high.

Albert W. Ames is contributing, in his native county, his due quota to the prestige of the one "universal" automobile, as he is agent at Bryan for the Ford automobiles and also conducts the Ford service station in this vital little city. He was born on a farm near Bryan, August 30, 1878, and is a son of Alva and Jennie (Beeler) Ames, the latter of whom died when her son Albert W., of this review, was only three years old, he being the one survivor of the three children. Alva Ames was born in Williams County, September 19, 1847, and was a representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of the county. He became one of the prosperous exponents of agricultural industry in his native county and here continued to maintain his home until his death, August 22, 1919. Upon the death of his mother Albert W. Ames was taken into the home of one of his uncles, and his early experience was gained in connection with farm operations, the while he profited duly by the advantages offered in the public schools of his native county. He was twenty years of age at the inception of the Spanish-American war in 1898 and promptly gave evidence of his youthful patriotism by enlisting as a private in Company E, Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which command he was thereafter in active service in Cuba. He continued in service thirteen months and was mustered out at Savannah. Georgia, his honorable discharge having been received after he returned with his regiment to Ohio. In 1902-3 Mr. Ames served as deputy sheriff of Williams County, and in November of the latter year he was elected sheriff, an office of which he continued the incumbent five years and in which he gave a most efficient administration, though at the time of his election he was the youngest sheriff in the entire State of Ohio. After his retirement from office he became the owner of a one-fourth interest in the business of the Cox Showcase Company, with which he continued his connection three years, the company having been then reorganized and its manufacturing headquarters removed to the State of Missouri. Thereafter Mr. Ames was for five years owner of a half interest in the Carolines Hardware Company, of Bryan, and since March, 1919, he has been the sole owner of the Ford sales and service station at Bryan, in which he had previously held a partnership interest. He is also a stockholder in the Williams County Ice Company and is one of the progressive and popular business men of his native county. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he is prominently identified with the time-honored Masonic fraternity, in which he is past master of Bryan Lodge No. 215, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; a member of Bryan Chapter No. 45, Royal Arch Masons, and Bryan Council No. 101, Royal and Select Masters; besides which he has completed the circle of the York Rite through receiving the chivalric degrees in Defiance Commandery No. 30, Knights Templar, at Defiance, of which he is past thrice illustrious master. Both he and his wife are affiliated with the adjunct organization, the Order of the

On December 31, 1903, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Ames to Miss Sylvia A. Smeltz, and they have one child, Roger P., born June 22, 1912. Mr. and Mrs. Ames are active communicants of the English Lutheran Church in Bryan.

Mrs. Elizabeth J. Norrick is one of the noteworthy women of Williams County and a real pioneer. At the age of eighty-eight, still in command of her faculties, she has recollections that stretch back over past epochs into the very earliest pioneer events in this section.

Mrs. Norrick, who is the widow of Samuel Norrick, bore the maiden name of Elizabeth J. Davis. She was born in Ohio and soon after her birth her parents moved to Pennsylvania, but after a short residence came to Williams County in 1845 and located a mile east and a mile north of Montpelier. It was in that locality she grew up. She became the wife of Samuel Norrick, who some years later enlisted as a Union soldier and gave up his life as a sacrifice to the cause.

Mrs. Norrick attended an old log cabin schoolhouse as a girl and her early training was only in the rudiments. After her marriage she moved to Hicksville, Defiance County, but nine months later they returned to Williams County and Mrs. Norrick has lived in Northwest Township since 1856. Two of her children are still living, John Norrick and Ellen, wife of John Petrie, of Hillsdale County, Michigan.

Mrs. Norrick has been actively identified with the United Brethren Church for over forty years. Besides her two children she has six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Norrick, when she came to Williams County, saw Montpelier when it consisted of two log and two frame houses. At West Buffalo, twelve miles southwest of Montpelier, was a gristmill, and her family and many of their neighbors went to this mill on horseback or with ox teams.

Samuel Farlee. - Although he now lives in Montpelier, Samuel Farlee was born October 19, 1872, in Northwest Township, Williams County. He is a son of Henry and Anna E. (Mathias) Farlee, who were pioneers in Northwestern Ohio, the father a native but the mother came from Pennsylvania. They were married in Ohio and lived for many years on a farm in Northwest Township, finally selling it and locating four and one-half miles northwest of Montpelier. He died there while Mrs. Farlee died in' the home of her son, George W.

Farlee. They were members of Eagle Creek Methodist Episcopal Church and were always active in any forward religious movements of their day and generation.

Henry Farlee was a republican, and his son has the same political conviction. They had five children : George W. Farlee, of Superior Township ; Catharine, wife of Ora Brown, of Ashtabula County ; Jane, wife of Frank Allman, of Superior Township; Caleb, a resident of Montpelier, and Samuel Farlee, who relates the family history. He was six years old when his parents removed from Northwest to Superior Township, and until he was eighteen years old he was in the district school whenever in session and worked on the farm for his father.

When he was eighteen years old Mr. Farlee went to Kansas where he rented a farm for two years and then bought eighty acres of land, but one year later he sold it and returned to Williams County- He worked awhile for others and finally engaged in farming for himself. On December 27, 1899, Mr. Farlee married Clara O. Richards of Williams County. She is a daughter of John and Sarah (Nye) Richards, the parents both natives of Ohio. They removed to Williams County and lived in Superior Township. They were members of Mount Zion Lutheran Church, and there were four children : Clara O. (Mrs. Farlee); Ida, wife of S. S. Isenhart, of Detroit; William, living near Nettle Lake; and Lottie, wife of Otis Myers, of Montpelier. John Richards died in 1902, and Mrs. Richards lives in Montpelier.

Samuel Farlee is republican in his political affiliation, and is always interested in the problems confronting the country. Mr. Farlee owns two farms in Williams County. He has 120 acres in Superior Township and eighty-five acres where he lives near Montpelier. He is selling the latter and retiring from farm life after years of hard labor. They are locating in Montpelier. The time comes in many families when the labor question causes them to change their plans, and when a man and woman have worked and saved for many years they are entitled to a life of quiet where they may enjoy themselves without working all of the time.

George F. Goll, Sr. - A prominent agriculturist of Williams County, and an extensive landholder, George F. Goll, Sr., has contributed his full share in promoting the agricultural and business interests of Springfield Township, and is now living in Stryker, having an attractive home on North Defiance street. A son of Peter F.

Born February 8, 1834, in France, a country far across the seas, Peter F. Goll was less than three years of age when he came with his parents to this country, locating in November, 1836, in Brady Township, Williams County, Ohio. Growing to manhood in Williams County, he was well drilled in the various branches of agriculture while young, and after his marriage bought land in German Township, which was located in that part of Williams County that is now included within the limits of Fulton County. He purchased 138 acres of land in this township, and was there prosperously employed in mixed husbandry until 1899, when he removed to Stryker, where his death occurred, February 9, 1915. He was a republican in politics, and a consistent member of the Lutheran Church. He married, April 24, 1861, Mary A. Goll, who was born in Brady Township, Williams County, Ohio, November 15, 1841, and died on the home farm, in German Township, Fulton County, in 1886.

Brought up on the home farm in German Township, Fulton County, George F. Goll, St., acquired a practical education in the rural schools, and as a boy assisted in the labors incidental to life on a farm. Continuing on the home farm after his marriage, he had the general management of it until 1899, when he assumed possession of his present home in Stryker, Williams County. Mr. Goll has owned 685 acres of land, but has disposed of a part of it, owning now not only the original parental estate, but enough more good farming land to make 500 acres.

Mr. Goll married, February 24, 1887, Emilie C. Goll, who was born. September 26, 1867, in Brady Township, Williams County, Ohio, where her parents, J. G. and Catherine (Renaud) Goll, have spent their entire lives, the birth of her father having occurred March 16, 1843. and that of her mother on August 27, 1848. Mr. Goll is a republican in politics, and both he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church at Stryker. Two children have been born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Goll, namely: George F., Jr., born September 5, 1888; and Florence E., born August 15, 1891. George F. Goll, Jr., was graduated in 1910 from the School for the Deaf Mute, and subsequently married Pearl Le Crone, who was graduated from the same school in his class, and they have one son, Frederic L., born September 30, 1919. Florence E. Goll married Charles L. Lonys. and they have two boys, Kenneth G. and Charles L. Lonys, Jr.

William H. Knepper. - An organization that has proved of much economic and commercial value and importance in Williams County is the Farmers' Co-operative Grain and Supply Company, with headquarters at Bryan, the county seat, and the active direction of its substantial business is vested in Mr. Knepper, who is the company's efficient and popular manager, and who has been a resident of Williams County since his boyhood. He was born in Perkins County, Nebraska, December 7, 1889, and is a son of Guy H. Knepper, who came with his family to Williams County in 1894 and established his home on a farm about midway between Bryan and Montpelier. He is numbered among the representative exponents of farm industry in the county and is serving in 1920 as a valued member of the board of county commissioners.

William H. Knepper was five years old when the family home was established in Williams County and was reared to adult age on the home farm, in Superior Township. He profited fully by the advantages afforded in the public schools, including the high school at Edon, and thereafter he continued his studies in the Tri-State College at Angola, Indiana, besides completing a business course in the well ordered educational institution maintained at Winona Lake, that state. After his graduation in this institution he became associated with his father in the operation of the grain elevator in the Village of Edon, where later he engaged in the wholesale hay and grain business, which he still successfully continues at that place. On April 1, 1919, Mr. Knepper was manager of the Farmers' Co-operative Grain and Supply Company at Bryan. He also continues in the general supervision of his substantial business in the buying and shipping of grain and hay at Edon.

Mr. Knepper is an active worker in the local ranks of the republican party, he and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church at Edon, and he is past master of Edon Lodge No. 474, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, is a member of the Royal Arch Masons and Royal and Select Masters, with which he maintains active affiliation.

At Bryan Mr. Knepper has secure status as one of the vital and progressive young business men of Williams County, and his popularity is fully shared by his wife.

In 1914 Mr. Knepper wedded Miss Helen Hathaway, daughter of Dr. Albert Hathaway, a leading physicion at Edon, in which village she completed the curriculum of the high school, thereafter taking a college course and also receiving a thorough musical education. Prior to her marriage she had been for some time a popular teacher in the public schools. Mr. and Mrs. Knepper have one son, Max Albert, who was born December 23, 1915.

Hon. Rolland J. Christman. - A young man of practical ideas, native ability and sound conceptions of public duty, is Rolland J. Christman, who is ably filling the office of mayor of Bryan, Ohio. Accepting this office with a deep sense of responsibility, Mayor Christman is devoting himself to municipal problems, and is giving the people a clean, vigorous administration that is helpful to business and beneficial to every reputable city interest.

Rolland J. Christman was born July 19, 1884, at Berwick, in Seneca County, Ohio, a son of Philip and Rachel (Sprow) Christman. The father of Mayor Christman was born May 18, 1859, in Lucas County, Ohio, and was three years old when his parents moved to Fulton County, where he grew to maturity. He married Rachel Sprow, who was born June 11, 1858, at Berwick, Ohio, and three sons were born to them, namely: Philip D. and Rolland J., both residents of Bryan; and Lewis G., residing at Toledo. Mr. Christman and his wife settled on a farm in Seneca County, on which they resided four years, in 1885 moving to Archbold, in Fulton County, and a year later to Bryan. In 1889 Mr. Christman purchased a gristmill and for eighteen months operated it under the firm name of the Christman- Miller Company, then took over Mr. Miller's share and the business was continued for twenty years under the style of the Christman Brothers. Up to December 18, 1918, the mill was operated under the name the Christman Milling Company. This mill had become a landmark in this section and great regret was felt when the property was destroyed by fire on December 18, 1918. The mill has not been rebuilt and Mr. Christman has lived retired since his loss. He is one of the older Masons of the county and belongs to Bryan Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and Northwest Chapter No. 45, Royal Arch Masons. Both he and his wife are members of the German Reformed Church at Archbold, and are held in respect and esteem in that city.

Rolland J. Christman was three years old when his parents came to Bryan and the greater part of his subsequent life has been spent in this beautiful Ohio city. Here he attended school, continuing from the grades through the high school, then accepted employment at the Christman elevators. Ambitious to try his fortune away from home, he then went to Akron and worked for a time in a rubber factory and afterward, for about two years was employed as a motorman on the Toledo & Interurban Railway. He returned then to Bryan and was associated with the Christman Milling Company until the plant was destroyed by fire. Mr. Christman made a good impression on his fellow citizens and it is quite a long distance back since they began to elect him a member of the city council and when he had six years to his credit, they decided to elect him mayor. This was accomplished November 4, 1919, by his republican friends, and he assumed the duties of office on January 1, 1920.

Mayor Christman belongs to Bryan Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, also Bryan Lodge No. 221, Knights of Pythias, of which he is past chancellor. Personally Mayor Christman has many friends for he is genial, kind and generous and very approachable.

Mrs. Elnora E. Fusselman. - Mrs. Fusselman was born in Williams County, Ohio, a daughter of Daniel Farnham, who was for many years actively identified with the leading interests of Edgerton, contributing his full share towards advancing its agricultural, mercantile and financial prosperity. Having obtained a good education in the public schools of Edgerton, and acquired an excellent knowledge of domestic arts under her mother's wise instructions, she married, October 6, 1875, Adrian O. Fusselman.

Born in New York State, Daniel Farnham came to Williams County, Ohio, as a young man, and having entered a large tract of land in St. Joseph Township in 1832, returned to his old home, and when he came back to this county brought his mother and two sisters, and immediately began the pioneer task of redeeming a farm from its primeval wildness. In 1840 he married Caroline Sawyer, a daughter of Prescott Sawyer, who settled near Bryan, Ohio, in 1838, when she was a young lady. She was accomplished in the manifold duties of the household. Settling after his marriage on Fish Creek, he remained there until 1870, when he established himself in business at Edgerton. He subsequently sold a one-third interest to Eli A. Farnham and became head of the firm of D. Farnham & Company. He was one of the founders of the first bank established in Edgerton, a financial institution that was afterwards merged into the Edgerton State Banking Company. A republican in politics, he served eighteen years as justice of the peace. He was liberal in his religious views, and was an active and consistent member of the Universalist Church.

president of a bank in Butler, Indiana ; Ella A., wife of Stephen Reed, of Edgerton ; Elnora E., the subject of this sketch; and Inez, widow of Charles Porter, of California.

Six children were born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Fusselman, namely: Mabel E., a graduate of the Edgerton High School, served seven years as deputy probate clerk of Williams County; Gorden F., who died in infancy; Genevieve, also a high school graduate, is the wife of Edward F. Hilbert ; Paul F., who was graduated from the Edgerton High School, the Ohio Northern University and the Detroit University of Law, is an attorney in Cleveland, Ohio, and a Federal officer ; Marion V., a high school graduate, married John F. Sherwood, of Cincinnati, Ohio ; and Doris, who was graduated from the Edgerton High School, also International Business College of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and is now in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company at Fort Wayne, Indiana. Mr. Fusselman was a member of Edgerton Lodge No. 357, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and of Bryan Chapter, Royal Arch Masons ; he was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, of which Mrs. Fusselman is a past worthy matron, both of them having been charter members of the local chapter of that order. Mrs. Fusselman is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Bryan, and has other property of value.

W. Wier axd Weldox G. Weigle. - The true western spirit of progress and enterprise is strikingly exemplified in the lives of such men as W. Wier and Weldon G. Weigle, two of Williams County's native sons, who are successfully engaged in farming and stock raising in Superior Township. Their success has been won honestly by persistent industry and the exercise of sound judgment, while at all times they have been actuated by the highest motives and the best of principles, so that they are eminently deserving of the high place which they hold in the esteem of all who know them. They are the sons of Lewis and Alice (Griffith) Weigle, both of whom are natives of Ohio, the father having been born in Seneca County and the mother in Williams County. Of the four children who blessed their union, the subjects of this review are the only survivors, two having died in childhood.

W. Wier Weigle was born on the farm where he now lives, on July 21, 1890, and spent his boyhood days with his parents, securing his educational training in the district schools and the Montpelier High School. He then attended the Tri-State Normal College at Angola, Indiana, and also attended and graduated from the Spen- cerian Commercial School. Immediately afterwards he entered the employ of the Willard Storage Battery Company, at Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained until January, 1917, when he came to Bryan and established a battery service station. The business was successful from the start, but when, in the following April, the United States entered the great world conflict, Mr. Weigle laid aside all personal interests and promptly enlisted in the service of his country, entering the Signal Corps. Later he was transferred to the aviation service and was sent to Kelly Field, whence he was sent to Ellington Field, where he was stationed at the signing of the armistice. Shortly afterwards he was discharged with the rank of master signal electrician. He then returned to Williams County and, in partnership with his brother Weldon, engaged in farming and stock raising, in which he is still interested and in which they are achieving a pronounced success. They are operating 350 acres of land, which they devote to general farming, and in connection therewith are giving considerable attention to the breeding and raising of livestock. They handle Shorthorn cattle, Percheron horses and Shropshire sheep, and are gaining a wide reputation because of the high quality of their product. Their farm is well improved in every respect, being admirably adapted to the purposes for which used, and they are numbered among the enterprising farmers of Superior Township.

W. Wier Weigle was married to Olive J. Frazier, a native of Williams County, and who received a good education in the public schools. Mr. Weigle takes an independent attitude in political matters, reserving the right to vote according to the dictates of his judgment, regardless of party lines. Fraternally, he is a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council of the Masonic Order at Montpelier ; of Defiance Commandery No. 30, Knights Templar, at Defiance, Ohio ; of Scioto Consistory of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, at Columbus, Ohio, and to Arabia Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at Houston, Texas, while he and his wife are members of Lillian Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star.

Weldon W. Weigle was born in Superior Township on February 8, 1897, and attended the public schools during his youth, being a graduate of the Montpelier High School with the class of 1915. He then entered Purdue University, at Lafayette, Indiana, where he was graduated in 1919 with the degree of Bachelor of Science and Agriculture. Since his return from college he has devoted his attention to farming interests with his brother Wier, who is referred to in preceding paragraphs. By natural aptitude and special training, he is thoroughly

In October, 1919, Mr. Weigle was married to Ethel Tompkins, who graduated from the Montpelier High School and then took one year's work in Hillsdale College, Michigan. Mr. Weigle is independent in his political views, while he holds fraternal relations with the Masonic Order, belonging to Lodge No. 547. at Montpelier, as well as the Chapter and Council in that place, and is also a thirty-second degree member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, being affiliated with the Consistory at Indianapolis, Indiana.

George W. Whaley, proprietor of the Midway Farm, located on Rural Free Delivery Route No. 3 from Montpelier, about nine miles northwest of the town, is one of the substantial men and experienced farmers of Bridgewater Township. He was born in Wisconsin, October 12, 1862, a son of Joseph and Jerusha (Davis) Whaley, the latter being a native of Pennsylvania. During the war between the North and the South, Joseph Whaley enlisted in the Union army, and died on. the battlefield. He lies buried in the National Cemetery at Chattanooga, Tennessee. His widow was left with three children, of whom George W. Whaley is now the only survivor.

When he was only twelve years old George W. Whaley began to be self-supporting, and did farm work until he was seventeen. At that time he went west and remained for four years, when he returned to Ohio, and in 1885, was united in marriage with Almeda E. Wilgus, who was born in DeKalb County, Indiana, in 1866, and was brought to Williams County, Ohio, by her parents when still a child, and she received her education in the public schools of this region.

For two years subsequent to his marriage Mr. Whaley worked by the day, and he and his wife were very thrifty and managed to save sufficient money to enable them to rent a farm and get a start. For the next fifteen years they rented land, and then bought 120 acres of land, on which Mr. Whaley is operating most successfully.

Mr. and Mrs. Whaley have two daughters, namely : Mary, who is the wife of Earl T. Boyer, a farmer of Bridgewater Township; and Ethel B,. who is the wife of Scott Waterson of Bridgewater Township. Interested in co-operation among the farmers Mr. Whaley joined the Northwest Grange No. 413 of which he is past master. Later he connected himself with Pomona Grange, which he served as master for two years, and then was secretary for three years, overseer for two years and gatekeeper for one year. For eight years he has been a member of the Ohio State Grange. Mrs. Whaley also belongs to Pomona Grange, and is active in it. One of the leading republicans of his neighborhood, Mr. Whaley is the member from Bridgewater Township on the county central committee of his party, and he has served his township as one of its trustees. He is a member of the Superior Farmers' Co-operative Association. Mr. Whaley is a man of strong personality and has been able not only to make a success of his calling, but also to capture the confidence of all of his associates, and to become the moving spirit in the organizations with which he has connected himself.

Fred Lantz. - The Lantz family has been associated with the agricultural life of Williams County for a number of years, and Fred Lantz, a member of it, is one of the leading exponents of the farming class in Bridgewater Township. He was born on a farm adjoining his own, in Bridgewater Center, on July 5, 1871, a son of Jacob and Emma (Backus) Lantz. Jacob Lantz was born in Crawford County, Ohio, on October 11, 1840, and his wife was born in Williams County in 1848. They were married on July 4, 1869, in Williams County, to which he had come in the spring of 1865, and settled on a farm he had bought, but only remained on from 1865 to 1872, when they moved to the one now owned by their son, Fred. The present house was built in 1882, and in it the parents resided until they died, he passing away on January 27, 1915, and she died in 1907. While upon national matters he was a democrat, in local affairs he voted independently, and he held some of the township offices. He and his wife had four children, namely: Fred, who was the eldest; Maude, who is the wife of Adam Yoder, of Pioneer, Ohio; Frank, who is a farmer, of Bridgewater Township; and Len, who lives in Montpelier.

Fred Lantz was reared on his present farm and attended the local schools, and when old enough decided upon farming as his calling. His farm comprises 400 acres of very valuable land, including the family homestead, and he conducts it very profitably for he is an experienced farmer.

On February 21, 1895, Mr. Lantz was united in marriage with Sula Waterson, who was born in Bridgewater Township on August 18, 1877, a daughter of William and Lucretia (Haines) Waterson, the former of whom was born in Belmont County, Ohio, and the latter in Columbiana County, Ohio. They came to Williams County and located in Bridgewater Township, where they were engaged in farming, and there they died. They were members of the United

Brethren Church. Mr. Waterson was a Union soldier and belonged to Hiram Louden Post No. 155, Grand Army of the Republic. During the war he served as a member of Company C. One Hundred and Ninety-Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for the period of one year. Mr. and Mrs. Waterson had the following children : Sula, who is Mrs. Lantz ; Augusta, who is the wife of Dr. E. F. Brandon, of Edon, Ohio; Belva, who is the wife of Noah Speith, of Montpeliet^ Ohio; Scott, who is a resident of Bridgewater Township; and one who is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Lantz have one son, Ray W., who is unmarried and living at home. Mr. Lantz belongs to Pioneer Lodge No. 159, Knights of Pythias, and the Gleaners. Both he and his wife are independent in their political views. A man of fine character, Mr. Lantz is very liberal in his views, and in his own life has tried to follow the teachings of the Golden Rule in a practical manner, with the result that he is not only highly respected, but is held in great affection by a wide circle of friends who appreciate his excellent qualities and what he has done for his community.

Harvey J. Brannan, ex-treasurer of Williams County, returned to his farm in Superior Township when his term as county official had ended, and he is giving his attention to farming again. Mr. Brannan was born in Superior Township on November 16, 1871, and he is a son of James and Lusina (Bets) Brannan. The father was born in Columbiana County, but the mother had always lived in Williams County. There seems to have been an exodus of Columbiana County families to Williams County many years ago.

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Brannan are : C. W. Brannan, of Superior Township; Harvey J. Brannan, who enrolls the family; Mary, wife of O. E. Wolfe; Lulu, wife of Samuel W. Cox, of Montpelier; James W. Brannan, of Montpelier; Solomon R. Brannan, of Superior Township ; and Klare Brannan, of Montpelier. They all had common school advantages, and H. J. Brannan remained at home until he was twenty-one years old. When he was twenty-three he married Delia Patton. She was born in 1873, in Lake County, Indiana. They were married in November, 1894, and have always lived in Williams County.

The children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Brannan are : Myrtle, who graduated from the Bryan High School and is a bookkeeper in the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Montpelier; Bessie, the wife of Harley J. Dashler ; Ross L. Brannan, who was a soldier in the famous Rainbow Division in the World war and went overseas in 1917 and returned in 1919, suffering from both shell shock and gas, is now living in Denver, Colorado ; and the younger children are : Paul R., Harvey H., Sarah R., Edith B., Ralph E. and Donna R. Brannan.

Mr. Brannan and family are members of the West Bethesda Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and of Montpelier Lodge No. 547, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. In a political way Mr. Brannan is a democrat, and by appointment he became treasurer of Williams County, afterward being duly elected and in all he served the county four years as county treasurer. When his official relation with Williams County terminated the town had no charm for him, and he returned to the farm in Superior Township.

In connection with farming Mr. Brannan has always bought and shipped live stock from Montpelier. He owns 160 acres of land there miles southwest of Montpelier, and lives there. He is known to all as a farmer and shipper, and live stock dealers always promote better live stock production in a community.

Walter K. Nihart, M. D. - A widely known and experienced physician and surgeon of Edgerton, Walter K. Nihart, M. D., is a man whose services are much sought, his great success in the cases which have come under his charge have won him an extended reputation for professional skill and ability. A native of Williams County, he was born in Center Township, April 14, 1879.

The doctor's father, John Nihart, was born in Pennsylvania, and as a child brought to Melbern, Williams County, Ohio, where he grew to years of maturity. He learned the miller's trade when young, and followed it several years, but later bought land in Center Township and turned his attention to agriculture. He was a stanch prohibitionist, and a charter member of Edgerton Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He married Martha Kerns, a native of Williams County, Ohio. She died in early womanhood, passing away in 1882. Nine children were born of their union, as follows: William, of Center Township; Jessie, wife of Huston Childers, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he is a noted attorney-at-law ; Mary married William Holden ; Theodore, living in Missouri ; George, employed in the United States service as a rural mail carrier ; Anna, wife of Ernest Wines, of Waterloo, Ohio; Emma; John J., of Melbern, Ohio; and Walter K.

his preliminary education in the district schools, later attending the Edgerton High School. Graduating from that school, he taught school two years, and then entered the Tri-State College, at Angola, Indiana, where he was graduated with the degrees of Bachelor of Science and Graduate in Pharmacy. Going then to Michigan, he was . graduated from the College of Medicine and Surgery in 1906, receiving the degree of Doctor of Medicine.

Doctor Nihart subsequently took a post-graduate course in Chicago, and has since been actively and successfully engaged in the practice of his profession in Edgerton. His skill and ability as phvsician and surgeon are widely known and appreciated, while his genial manner and pleasant words make him a welcome visitor to the well and strong, as well as to the sufferer to whom he so kindly ministers. The doctor is a stockholder in the Farmers Commercial Bank at Edgerton. Politically he is a republican, and fraternally he belongs to Edgerton Lodge No. 457, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He also belongs to the county and state medical societies.

Doctor Nihart married in November, 1910, Helen B. Webster, a woman of culture and refinement, who, after her graduation from the high school was engaged in teaching for a year. Two children have been born into their pleasant home, Arthur L. and Elsie R.