Williams County, Ohio - The whole text, 1920 (part 11 of 12)

William M. Harter. - During the long and honorable career of William H. Harter in Williams County he has exemplified qualities making for agricultural achievement and excellent public service. Since April, 1920, he has lived retired at Bryan and has rented his well-cultivated farm located four and one-half miles west of Bryan, in Center Township. He is still serving in the capacity of justice of the peace, a position which he has held for many years.

Judge Harter was born near Newville, in Richland County, Ohio, July 25, 1858. a son of Emanuel and Elizabeth (Reidnour) Harter, natives also of that county, where the father was born in the same house as his son. September 19, 1833, the mother having been born on a nearby farm February 15, 1834. The parents were childhood playmates and upon arriving at maturity were married and settled on the Harter farm, where they rounded out long and honorable careers in the pursuits of agriculture and won the esteem and respect of those who knew them. Mr. Harter was a republican in his political preferences, and he and his wife were members of and active workers in the Baptist Church. They were the parents of ten children, of whom nine are living, William M. being the only resident among them in Williams County.

William M. Harter was reared on the home farm and acquired his educational training in the public district schools of his own county, this later being supplemented by one year's attendance at the high school. At the time he reached the age of twenty-one years, like numerous other country youths he was attracted by the apparent romance and glamor of railroading, but after one year spent therein returned to farming. One year after his return he was married, in 1882, to Amanda Frederick, who died without issue May 20, 1894. Following this, Mr. Harter worked in the oil fields of Wood County for about seven years, having already spent five years there, and in 1901 moved to Paulding County. In the meantime, March 4, 1896, he had married Miss Minnie Leedy, who was born in Kosciusko County, Indiana, near Pierceton, March 11, 1862. She attended the graded and high schools of her native community, where she resided until reaching the age of twenty-two years, then going to Belleville. Ohio, where she made her home from 1884 to 1888, next being a resident of Columbus, employed by the Institution of the Blind seven years. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Harter resided at Rudolph, Wood County, until 1902, at which time they moved to Paulding County and made their home on a farm. In 1907 they came to Center Township, Williams County, where they have since resided, and where Mr. Harter is the owner of a valuable farm, upon which he is carrying on very successful operations as a general agriculturist. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Harter: Edith A., a graduate of the Bryan High School, who spent three summers at the State Normal College and is now engaged in teaching; W. Harold, who is attending the Tri-State College, at Angola, Indiana; Clifford M., a graduate of the public schools ; and Grace M., who has also completed her public school course.

Mr. and Mrs. Harter are consistent members of the Church of Christ at Bryan, where Mr. Harter is serving as an elder and a member of the board of trustees. He is well known in fraternal circles, being a member of Bryan Lodge, Knights of Pythias, of which he is past chancellor, and of Bryan Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and Northwest Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, while he and Mrs. Harter belong to the Order of the Eastern Star. Always a republican, he has taken an active interest in local affairs, and for some years has served as a justice of the peace in his community. In addition to general farming, he interests himself in the breeding of Holstein cattle and good graded stock of all kinds, and his business connections include stock in the Bryan Elevator.

Stephen H. Reed. - A man of enterprise, energy and forethought, Stephen H. Reed, of Edgerton, has accumulated a comfortable share of this world's goods, and is now living retired from business activities, enjoying a well-merited leisure. A son of the late Sidney Reed, Sr., he was born, March 2, 1847, in New York State, of English ancestry.

Sidney Reed, Sr., was born, August 28, 1811, at Vine Hall, Sussex County, England, and early in life immigrated to the United States, settling in New York City. Subsequently moving to Syracuse, New- York, he there followed the trade of a wheelwright for a few years, and afterward was employed as a car inspector at White Pigeon, Michigan, until retiring from active labor. He was a republican in politics : a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and both he and his wife were devout church members. His wife, whose name before marriage was Mary Harmon, was born in Hastings, Sussex County, England, was married in New York City to Sidney Reed March 12, 1846. Five children blessed their union, three of whom were living in 1920, as follows: 'Stephen H., the subject of this sketch; Hannah, wife of Albert Robbins ; and William H., of Chicago, an employe of the Elevated Railroad Company.

But seven years of age when his parents located at White Pigeon, Michigan, Stephen H. Reed acquired his education in the public schools, and at the age of fifteen years began the struggle of life on his own account, first finding employment on a railroad. Subsequently going to La Porte, Indiana, he served an apprenticeship at the machinist's trade, and in 1879 entered the employ of a railroad company as a traveling engineer, a position that he filled for twenty years, his business being to superintend the setting up of locomotives, an undertaking demanding great mechanical skill and ingenuity.

Mr. Reed married twice. His first wife, to whom he was married January 29, 1871, died January 25, 1915, leaving no children. Mr. Reed married for his second wife Mrs. Ella (Farnham) Reed, who was born in Williams County, Ohio, June 15, 1854, a daughter of Daniel Farnham, a pioneer settler of the county.

Coming from New York State to Williams County, Ohio, in 1832, Daniel Farnham settled in what is now called Denmark, and entered land from the government, becoming owner of 1,000 acres. Going back to New York, he returned to Williams County with his mother, and established his home three and a half miles northwest of Edgerton. He became prominent in local affairs, having served as county commissioner many years, and having been one of the founders of the

First National Bank of Bryan. On his farm Daniel Farnham started a general store, and in 1853 removed the business to Edgerton, where he continued it for fifty years, later opening a private bank.

Daniel Farnham married, in 1840, Caroline Sawyer, and of the eleven children born to them, six grew to years of maturity, and four were living in 1920, as follows : Eli, of Butler, Indiana ; Ella, wife of the subject of this sketch: Elnora, wife of Adrian Fusselman; and Inez, wife of Charles Porter.

Ella Farnham first attended school in St. Joseph Township, later continuing her studies at Edgerton, Bryan, and Butler, Indiana. On September 27, 1874, she was united in marriage with Sidney Reed, who died May 2, 1913, leaving one child, Eva G. Reed, who was born September 4, 1876, and was educated at Red Wing, Minnesota, being there graduated from the high school. Eva G. Reed married M. T. Skewes, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and they have four children living, namely: Marjorie, a high school graduate; Dorothy, also a graduate of the Minneapolis High School ; Lucille, attending the high school; and Phyllis Jene, born August 13, 1919.

Mrs. Reed has acquired considerable property, owning 200 acres of land in St. Joseph Township, and being a stockholder in the First National Bank of Bryan, of which her father was one of the founders. She is a member, and the president of the Woman's Relief Corps, and belongs to the Presbyterian Church.

William J. Willis. - The life of William J. Willis, living southwest of Montpelier, began May 12, 1863, in County Monaghan, Ireland. He is a son of Henry and Mary J. (Henderson) Willis, who always lived in Ireland. They had five children, but in 1920 only one sister, Eliza, still living in Ireland, survives along with Mr. Willis of Williams County. He was past twenty years old when he left Ireland. Mr. Willis is the only member of the family who came to America. He had a common school education in Ireland.

As a young man inclined to better his condition, Mr. Willis embarked for the "Land of Promise" in the United States, and when he landed in New York City he had $50 in his pocket. He went directly to Michigan where he had two uncles, and he found employment as a helper to a blacksmith in the Peninsular Car Works at Adrian. He was later employed as a section hand on the Wabash Railroad for three and one-half years at Adrian, and was then transferred to Alvordton, Ohio, as section foreman. However, he only remained there three months and went to Detroit in 1888, where he became a driver on the Grand River Avenue street car lines, remaining for two years. It was in the days of the horse-drawn street cars, something almost forgotten by the people of today.

The next job Mr. Willis had was as watchman for three years in the Peninsular Car Company's shops in Adrian. From there he came to Montpelier, where he was employed on the construction of the Wabash Railroad line to Chicago for one summer, and then he was made section foreman at Montpelier, holding the position twelve years. Mr. Willis is an example of the man who has been diligent in business and saved this money. At this time he bought 100 acres of land and for seventeen years he has been a farmer in Superior Township not far from Montpelier.

On April 19, 1893, Mr. Willis married Jennie \T. Bechtel, who was born in Superior Township. She is a daughter of John Bechtol. He was a pioneer citizen of Williams County. Mr. and Mrs. Willis have three children. Eva is the wife of L. E. Connelly, of Montpelier. William Leslie is employed with his father as a farmer. In July, 1918, he went into training as a soldier and in September he sailed for France, remaining there until the following July. His overseas experience is something he will always remember with pleasure. A younger son, Loren D., is in school in Montpelier.

The Willis family are members of the English Lutheran Church, and Mr. Willis is regarded as an upright, honorable citizen of Williams County. He votes the republican party, and while he is an American from choice, having come to this country in his young manhood, lack of loyalty and patriotism has never been charged to him. He is an example of what any young man may accomplish through honesty and industry.

William W. Thompson. - The rate of progress of any community is largely determined by the readiness of the people to take advantage of the natural resources of the land, or their ability to overcome nature's obstacles. Ohio offers a countless number of the former, and but few of the latter, and therefore from the earliest settlements it has taken a foremost place among agricultural production. One of the enterprising men of Williams County who has practically spent his life at general farming and stock raising is William W. Thompson of Madison Township, and his success proves the wisdom of his choice of an occupation.

and Barbara A. fLambright) Thompson, both of whom were born in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. They were reared, educated and married in that county, from whence they came to Williams County, Ohio, and were among the first settlers of Madison Township. They made the trip from Toledo, Ohio, with an ox team. At that time there were no roads and he had to go ahead of the wagon and blaze the way to their claim in the woods. After they arrived, he cleared a small space and erected a log cabin, taking three days to complete their first home. They rounded out their lives on this farm. In religious faith they were Presbyterians. In politics the father was a democrat, and he held several of the offices in Madison Township. Eleven children were born to him and his wife, seven sons and four daughters, all of whom are living with the exception of one. They are as follows : Mary A., who is the wife of A. L. Kast ; Hannah A., who married Josephus Bujer; R. J., who lives at Bryan, Ohio; George, who is deceased; S. R., who lives in Madison Township; Andrew, who lives in Kunkle, Ohio; William W., whose name heads this review ; Martin, who lives at Montpelier, Ohio ; Josephus, who lives at Kunkle, Ohio ; Ella, who is the wife of Ezra Tresler, now deceased ; and Maggie, who is the wife of George Wilson.

William W. Thompson was reared on his father's homestead, learning under the careful supervision of that most excellent man how to cultivate the soil, and while doing so he attended the district schools during the winter months, thus growing up with a love of the farm life, so that after he attained to his majority, he began farming on his own account, and has made a success of his undertakings. At present he owns his farm of sixty-five acres of land, all of which is well improved.

On March 11, 1898, Mr. Thompson was united in marriage with Frances C. Erskin, who wsa born in Superior Township. She died on March 5, 1919, leaving no issue. Both she and Mr. Thompson joined the Church of God at Madison Bethel, and he still maintains his membership with it, and is a generous contributor to its maintenance. He is a member of the board of trustees of the church, and is active in the Sunday school, of which he has been superintendent for many years. In politics he is a democrat, and has served as ditch commissioner of Madison Township. He is a man who has gone on doing each day's duties as they came to hand, and giving a conscientious service to his church and community, and naturally is held in high esteem by his fellow citizens who appreciate his excellent qualities.

O. E. Ewan. - Undoubtedly the civilized nations of the world are clamoring for the benefits of education, and the teacher's profession thereby acquires still greater dignity as it must assume still heavier responsibilities. A leader of American thought has recently declared that no more impressive lesson was presented in the Great war, than the supreme importance of education. Men and women of ripe scholarship have long proclaimed this fact in peaceful times, but strangely enough it has required brutal combat to thoroughly arouse thoughtful people to the perils and dangers of ignorance. Williams County, Ohio, has been more farsighted than many sections, educators of note having been welcomed here and one of these coming readily to mind is Prof. O. E. Ewan who for sixteen years has been the able and faithful superintendent of the public schools of Edon and a member of the advisory board of editors of Williams County History, 1920.

O. E. Ewan was born on his father's farm in Center Township, Williams County. His parents were A. H. and Eliza (Stahl) Ewan, the former of whom was born in Defiance County, Ohio, in 1850, and died in 1912, and the latter, born in Center Township, Williams County, in 1852, died in 1880. She was a member of the United Brethren Church. The father of Professor Ewan had academic advantages and taught school for twenty-six terms, then turned his attention to farming his property in Center Township. He gave his political support to the republican party, always declining public office, however, and fraternally was long identified with the lodge of Odd Fellows at Bryan, Ohio. He was a member of the Christian Church. He was twice married, first to Eliza Stahl, who died in 1880, and second to Melissa Spangler. To his first union two children were born : O. E. and Lulu. The latter was graduated from a business college at Delaware, Ohio, and is now the wife of Dr. Oren H. Nihart, of Edon. A son and daughter were born also to his second marriage, namely : Earl, and Vera, who is the wife of Roy Richardson.

Professor Ewan attended the country schools and then spent three years in the select and high school at Bryan, going from there to the Tri-State College at Angola, Indiana, where he remained for sixteen terms, during this time completing courses in philosophy and other science. He then went into educational work and with scarcely any intermission, has followed the teaching profession ever since. In 1900 he took a post-graduate course at Taylor University, Indiana, and won his Master of Arts degree, and has taken courses at other institutions. In 1903 he came to Edon as superintendent of the city schools, and the high educational standards maintained here give testimony to sound-

In December, 1909, Professor Ewan was united in marriage to Miss Mary Abry, who, like himself, has devoted her life to educational work and for twelve years has been a popular teacher at Edon. She is actively interested in the work of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and gives largely of herself in promoting worthy charities. Professor Ewan is a member of Edon Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. The political principles he absorbed in youth have always regulated his public attitude, and now, as always, he is working as an interested citizen, for the success of the republican party. He has served for eleven years as county school examiner. He has a wide acquaintance with educators and belongs to several representative teaching bodies in the state.

Hugh W. Scott. - One of the men who has stamped the impress of his strong individuality upon the minds of the people of Williams County as one of the conspicuous men of this locality, is Hugh W. Scott, who, after many years of active and successful effort, is now practically retired from active business and residing quietly in Bryan. Faithfulness to duty and a strict adherence to a fixed purpose have been dominating factors in his life, which has been replete with honor and success worthily attained.

Hugh W. Scott is a native son of the Buckeye state, his birth having occurred on his father's farm in Columbiana County, Ohio, on December 26, 1848. He is the son of Robert and Elizabeth (Brannan) Scott, both of whom also were natives of Ohio. They were married in Columbiana County, where Robert Scott followed the trade of a carpenter, in connection with which he also farmed. In 1849 the family came to Williams County and Mr. Scott bought a farm in Superior Township, to the operation of which he devoted his efforts during the remainder of his life. Mrs. Scott was a great helpmate to her husband. He was a democrat in his political faith and he and his wife were active members of the Christian Church.' Ten children blessed their union and eight are still living, namely : Catherine, the wife of Edward Daniels; Hugh W., the subject of this sketch-; Mary, the wife of John Young; Rebecca, the wife of John McQuilkin; Eliza, the wife of Taylor White; Rosanna, the wife of Lewis Lindesmith; William, of Pittsford, Michigan, and John, who remains on and operates the old home farm in Superior Township; Albina, the wife of E. E. Calvin, of Bryan, and Iona died in infancy.

Hugh W. Scott was but a year old when the family came to Williams County, and here he was reared and educated. He remained at home until twenty-four years of age, during the last three years of which period he rented the home farm and ran it on his own account. He then left the homestead and has owned his own farm in Pulaski Township for many years. This place comprises 114 acres of welltilled land, under Mr. Scott's careful and practical management, it has returned good crops, and has been maintained at a high state of cultivation. Mr. Scott has been successful in all his undertakings and is now able to relinquish the details of farm life and enjoy the rest which his years of activity have earned for him. Mr. Scott rendered effective and appreciative service as superintendent of the Williams County infirmary, being first appointed to that position in 1892 and serving ten years. After a lapse of seven years, he was again appointed to that position in 1909 and served until 1917, when he retired from active life. His administration of this important position was eminently satisfactory, for he managed the fields of the county with that care and discretion which stamped him as a twentieth-century farmer of the highest order, everything indicating good judgment and excellent system as well as executive ability.

On June 1, 1872, Mr. Scott was married to Emma Baker, who was born in Richland County, Ohio, but who came to Williams County with her parents in 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Scott have a son, Harley O., who was born January 17, 1875. He was a student in the Bryan public schools, and then attended the Tri-State Normal College, at Angola, Indiana, after which he taught for five years in the public schools of Williams County. * He married Miss Docia Ewan and they have two children, Selma Maria and Waneta Irene.

Mr. Scott is a democrat in his political faith, while he and his wife are members of the Christian Church in Bryan. Owing to his probity of character, his genuine worth, and his kindly and genial disposition, Mr. Scott has gained a position in his community as one of the earnest men whose depth of character and strict adherence to principle has called forth the admiration and respect of his fellow citizens.

J. A. Devore has shown marked initiative and administrative ability in his executive office of president of the Williams County Telephone Company, the service of which has been brought up to a high standard under his effective supervision. He claims the old Buckeye state as the place of his nativity, and to it he pays unwaver- ing loyalty. He was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and was three years of age at the time of the family removal to Defiance County, where his father purchased land and turned his attention to farm enterprise. He, whose name introduces this review, thus had the fortifying influence of being reared under the sturdy discipline of the farm, and his youthful education was acquired in the public schools of Defiance County. In 1870 he went west and finally he established his residence in the State of Nebraska, where he continued to devote his attention principally to farm industry until 1900. For a time he was engaged in the hardware business at Valparaiso, Saunders County, that state, and after selling this business he effected the organization of the Nuckolls County National Bank, at Nelson, the judicial center of the Nebraska county of the name noted in the title of the bank. He continued as president of this institution two years, at the expiration of which it was consolidated with the First National Bank of Nelson, of which he became vice-president, besides which he conducted a substantial independent business in the extending of loans upon approved real estate securities.

In 1892 he removed to Lincoln, the capital city of Nebraska, and there he continued his residence until he came to his native state and established his residence at Bryan, judicial center of Williams County, where he forthwith erected a fine modern residence, on South Lynn street. In 1904 he became president of the Bryan Telephone Company, which later was merged into the Williams County Telephone Company, of which latter corporation Mr. Devore has since continued the president. He is not only one of the heaviest stockholders of this company but has also been vital and progressive in his administration as its president, with the result that the company has become one of the most successful public utility corporations in Northeastern Ohio. Mr. Devore has well fortified opinions concerning economic and governmental policies and while he is a stanch supporter of the principles of the republican party he has never manifested any desire to enter the arena of practical politics. He was loyal and zealous in the support of governmental agencies through which was furthered the efficiency of the nation's war activities in the recent world conflict and in Williams County he was the chairman of the county committee which had direction of the fourth and fifth government loan drives. He is an active member and a trustee of the Presbyterian Church at Bryan, of which his wife likewise was a devoted adherent. In the Masonic fraternity he is affiliated with Bryan Lodge No. 45, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons ; Northwest Chapter No. 45, Royal Arch

Masons; Defiance Commandery No. 30, Knights Templar at Defiance; and with the temple of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Lincoln, Nebraska. He also holds membership in the Order of the Eastern Star, as did also his wife.

When he was twenty-four years of age Mr. Devore was united in marriage to Miss Estelle J. Dellett, of Defiance, Ohio, she having previously been a popular teacher in the schools of Defiance County. Mrs. Devore passed to the life eternal September 11, 1917, leaving no children.

George F. Dick. - This representative and honored citizen of Jefferson Township, Williams County, has been distinctively the architect of his own fortunes, has been true and loyal in all the relations of life and stands as a type that sterling manhood which ever commands respect and honor. He is a man who would have won his way in any locality where fate might have placed him, for he has sound judgment, coupled with great energy and business tact, together with upright principles, all of which make for success wherever and whenever they are rightly and persistently applied. By reason of these principles he has won and retained a host of warm and loyal friends in whatever community he is known.

George F. Dick, whose excellent farm is located in section 33, Jefferson Township, Williams County, was born at Rome, Richland County, Ohio, on March 27, 1846, and he is a son of Abraham and Lucy A. (Altaffer) Dick. Abraham Dick was born in Batavia, Germany, in 1818, and was reared and educated in that country. He came to the United States in 1836 and during the following three years lived in Buffalo, New York, where he learned the trade of a carpenter. He then came to Richland County, Ohio, and worked at his trade. Lucy A. Altaffer was born in Woodstock, Virginia, and came with her parents to Ashland County, Ohio, and in 1843 to Richland County, where she made the acquaintance of Mr. Dick, whose wife she became in 1845. Coming to Jefferson Township, Williams County, in 1850, they spent the remainder of their lives there, where Mr. Dick worked as a carpenter during all his active years, dying on April 20, 1904, at the age of eighty-six years and one dav. His wife had passed away in 1889. They were members of the Reformed Church and he was a democrat in his political alignment. Of the eight children born to them, four survive, namely: George F., the immediate subject of this sketch ; John, of Michigan ; Sarah E., wife of Herman Batterson, who lives on the old homestead in section 26

George F. Dick was four years of age when, in 1850, he was brought to Williams County, and here he received his education in the district schools. When seventeen years of age, he enlisted in Company H, Thirty-Eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and with this command took part in many of the most important and hotly contested battles of the Civil war. On August 7, 1864, he was seriously wounded in the right thigh, which disabled him from service until December 12, 1864, when he was transferred to the Fourteenth Corps of detached troops, with whom he remained until April, 1865. He then rejoined his old regiment at Goldsboro, North Carolina, and with it went to Richmond, and on to Washington, District of Columbia, where they took part in the Grand Review. He was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, on July 12, 1865, and honorably discharged at Cleveland, Ohio, on July 22d. On his return home, Mr. Dick went to farming and was so employed until 1870, when he located on a farm in section 36, Mill Creek Township, where he remained about six and a half years, clearing the farm during that period. He then sold it and in 1876 he located on the farm where he now lives and which he has developed into one of the choice farms of Jefferson Township. The farm comprises 125 acres of land, the greater part of which is in cultivation, while a portion of it is devoted to the raising of live stock, which in this locality is always a valuable adjunct to farming operations.

On March 17, 1870, Mr. Dick was married to Sarah Wolfe, who was born in Missouri, but came with her grandparents to Williams County, Ohio, when one year of age. To this union were born eight children, four of whom died in infancy, the survivors being as follows : Elva, the wife of Analdo Richard, of Seattle, Washington ; Minnie, the wife of Frank Eager, of Bryan ; Charles F., who remains on the home farm, married Marcie Hamet ; Florence, the wife of Lee Eager, of Center Township. Mrs. Dick died on February 16, 1919.

Politically, Mr. Dick gives his support to the republican party and has been active in local public affairs, having served three years as trustee of Jefferson Township, and as director of the County Infirmary two terms, or six years. He is a member of Evans Post No. 149, Grand Army of the Republic, of which he is a past commander, and he was at one time an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

enlisted and was sent overseas, serving about a year in France, while Charles R., who also enlisted, was sent to the officers' training camp at Seattle, Washington, but was not ordered into active field service.

Eli Browx, who is living retired on his fine farm in Pulaski Township, is one of the venerable citizens of Williams County, which has been his home from his farming operations, through the medium of which he achieved independence and substantial prosperity. His home place in Williams County comprises twenty acres, and he also owns an additional eighty acres. He is a stanch supporter of the cause of the republican party, has been an upright, loyal and honored citizen of the county for many years, and is well entitled to recognition in this history. He is an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Eli Brown was born September 20. 1837, and was reared and educated in Hancock County, Ohio, his patents having later come to Williams County, where they passed the remainder of their lives. As a young man, Mr. Brown became the owner of a threshing machine, and through the financial returns which he gained from its operations he laid the foundation for his later success as one of the substantial exponents of farm industry in Williams County, where he has maintained his residence since. As a young man he married Miss Julia Weller, who was his devoted companion and helpmate during the long intervening years. She is now deceased, she having been born in Pennsylvania. William A., the only child of this union, died at the age of eighteen months. Mr. Brown is a brother of Aaron C. Brown, of whom individual mention is made on other pages.

Del A. Leu, treasurer of Williams County, is giving a most able and satisfactory administration of the financial affairs of the county and is a representative of one of the sterling families of Northwestern Ohio. He was born at Pettisville, Fulton County, this state, on March 14, 1871, and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Foust) Leu, whose marriage was solemnized in Williams County. Jacob Leu was born and reared in Switzerland, where he had excellent educational advantages, and as a youth he also attended school in France. He was about twenty years of age when he came to the United States. He was a man of fine mentality and spoke four languages with almost equal fluency. Upon coming to Ohio, he first located at Waterville, Lucas County, though he maintained his home in Williams County for many years prior to his death, he having become a prosperous dry goods merchant in the Village of Montpelier, where he served for over twenty years in municipal office - notably in the position of city treasurer and city clerk. He was affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, was a republican in politics and was a citizen who commanded high place in popular confidence and esteem. He was about seventy-six years of age at the time of his death and his widow now resides in the City of Detroit. Of their nine children, eight are living, but only two of the number remain in Williams County.

Del A. Leu acquired his early education in the public schools of Montpelier, and prior to his election to his present office he had followed various vocations, including a number of years of effective service in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company, in which connection he was a member of the board of trustees and director of the Association of Hospitals on the system. He is affiliated with the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen, and was a representative of the organization on that system for a number of years. Mr. Leu has given vigorous support to the cause of the republican party and has been influential in its councils and campaign activities in Williams County. While residing at Montpelier he gave effective service as president of the board of municipal affairs, and in 1916 as the republican candidate, he was elected treasurer of the county, his re-election in 1918 offering a significant voucher for the estimate placed upon his first administration, the majorities which he received at both elections having indicated also his personal popularity in the county that has always represented his home.

Upon assuming his present office, Mr. Leu removed from Montpelier to Bryan, the judicial center of the county, but in the former place he still maintains affiliation with the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council of the Masonic fraternity, also the Loyal Order of Moose.

The year 1896 recorded the marriage of Mr. Leu to Miss Jessie M. Stauffer, who was born in Center Township, Williams County, and of this union have been born five children : Freda is the wife of Calvin F. Brown ; Carson, who is in the employ of the Wabash Railway, is married and lives in Montpelier ; Oneta is a student in the Bryan High School, as is also Karleen and Harrold, he being nine years old at this in the spring of 1920.

Alva H. Quidort. - The people of Springfield Township, Williams County, are too familiar with the career of Alva H. Quidort for the biographer to call special attention to his record other than to give the salient facts in the same, for here he has spent his entire life and has gained a prominent place in the esteem of the people. Because of his

Alva H. Quidort, who owns a fine farm in Springfield Township, five miles east of Bryan, was born about three and a half miles southwest of Stryker, Ohio, on November 11, 1870, and is the son of Eugene and Louisa (Jodry) Quidort, the former of whom was born in France on July 22, 1845, and the latter in Brady Township, Williams County, Ohio, on November 18, 1843. Eugene Quidort was about one and a half years of age when brought to the United States by his parents, who settled first at Utica, New York, where they lived about two years. They then came to Ohio, locating in Defiance, where the father followed his trade, that of stone cutter, for some time. Eventually he came to Williams County and settled on a farm west of Stryker, where the parents spent the remainder of their lives and died. Eugene Quidort received his education in the district schools during his boyhood, remaining at home and caring for his mother until her death. He then married and moved to a farm southwest of Stryker, which place he afterward sold, and bought the farm which is now the home of his son Alva, subject of this sketch. In 1912 he retired from active farming and moved to Bryan, where his death occurred on May 18, 1916. His wife had passed away in 1893. They were members of the United Brethren Church, and very active in their support of its various interests. He was a republican in his political views. They became the parents of two children, the subject of this sketch and a sister, Fannie Adaline, who became the wife of Charles Rex. Mrs. Rex died in 1918 and her husband in 1919.

Alva H. Quidort, who is now the only survivor of his family, was reared on the home farm and secured his educational training in the district schools. He is still giving his attention to the operation of the old home farm, of which he acquired possession after his father's death, and he has achieved a distinct success as an agriculturist. His farm comprises seventy acres of excellent land, which he devotes to general farming and stock raising. He keeps the farm well improved and at a high standard of cultivation and bears a high reputation as a progressive and enterprising farmer.

On November 4, 1903, Mr. Quidort was married to Minnie L. Chaney, who was born in the State of Missouri, but who was brought to Ohio by her parents, who located on a farm near Springfield, where the marriage of the subject occurred. To them have been born four children, namely: Bessie L., born November 18, 1904; Alice Leone, December 11, 1906; Gladys P., October 6, 1908, and Clifford E., Janu- ary 29, 1912. Politically, Mr. Quidort gives his earnest support to the republican party and takes an intelligent interest in public affairs, especially as pertaining to his home community. He stands consistently for the best things in community life and gives his support to every worthy movement for the public interest. Genial and unassuming, he enjoys to a notable degree the good will and esteem of all who know him.

Carie O. Simon. - In all that constitutes good citizenship, Carie O. Simon, foreman of machinists in the Wabash Railroad shops at Montpelier, is an example, none standing higher than he in the esteem and confidence of the community. His career has been characterized by duty faithfully performed and he has earned an enviable standing with his official superiors through his industry and good judgment.

Carie O. Simon was born near the Town of Auburn, in Dekalb County, Indiana, on December 24, 1868, and is the son of George and Mary J. (Rosenberger) Simon. His parents were natives of Noble County, Indiana, where they were reared, educated and married. After their marriage they settled on a farm near LaOtto, Indiana, but subsequently he went into the meat business at Hudson, Indiana, following that business until his retirement, since when he has made his home at Tekonsha, Michigan. His wife died in 1900. Mr. Simon is a member of the United Brethren Church and is affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons. Politically, he is a supporter of the republican party. To him and his wife were born four children, namely : Carie O., the subject of this review; William E., of Tekonsha, Michigan; Albert, of Mobile, Alabama, and Delia.

Carie O. Simon was reared in Hudson, Indiana, and received a good practical education in the public schools of that locality. His first employment was in his father's meat market, but afterwards went to Ashley, Indiana, and learned the trade of a machinist in the shops of the Wabash Railroad. In 1900 he was transferred to the shops in Montpelier, Ohio, where he has since remained. Mr. Simon developed into an unusually expert and capable machinist, his ability and steady qualities being recognized by his official superiors, so that he won promotion. For some time he has been foreman of machinists, a responsible position, calling for not only an exact knowledge of the details of the work done, but also calling for the essential qualifications for successfully handling men.

Adams, of Auburn, Indiana. Politically, Mr. Simon gives his earnest support to the republican party and has taken an active part in local public affairs, being at the present time a member of the Board of Public Affairs of the Village of Montpelier. Fraternally, he is a member of Montpelier Lodge No. 547, Free and Accepted Masons, the Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, the Council of Royal and Select Masters, and to Superior Lodge No. 269, Knights of Pythias. He has been honored with official position in both orders, having served as master of the Masonic Lodge and chancellor commander of the Pythian Lodge. He is of a genial disposition, sterling quality of character and is successful in his vocation.

John B. White. - Innumerable advantages are to be noted as a result of the increasing tendency of men learned in the profession of law to embark in occupations outside their immediate sphere of activity. This is the natural result of a vocation which equips its devotees for success in more lines of business than any other wage-earning medium, causing it to be justly regarded as a means, rather than an end, and as an adjunct rather than an entirety. The result is necessarily an elevation of commercial standards, an avoidance of complications, a means of adjustment out of courts, and a general simplifying of conditions through a knowledge of underlying principles and penalties. An illustration of this modern phase of the law is found in John B. White, secretary and attorney of the Home Savings, Loan and Building Association of Bryan, Ohio.

Mr. White was born near Montpelier, in Superior Township, Williams County, Ohio, January 21, 1853, a son of Joseph H. and Rebecca F. (Leach ) White, natives of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where they were married. On coming to Ohio, the parents first located in Crawford and next in Seneca County. In 1837 Joseph H. White bought from the Government 160 acres in Superior Township, Allen County, one and one-half miles west of Montpelier, and in August, 1839, moved to this new home with his family. Mr. White cleared a small piece of land, erected a log cabin and set about clearing his property, with the result that he became the owner of a splendid farm of 160 acres, with modern buildings and up-to-date equipment. This property still belongs to members of the family. John B. White, of this notice, has forty acres; Mrs. Hattie (White) Holloway, has a like property; and George Farley, who married Alice White, owns the balance. The parents were Quakers in their native state, but on coming to Williams County joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which they were consistent members and substantial supporters up to the time of their deaths. Mr. White was a stanch republican and served his community capably in the office of justice of the peace for many years. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, of whom two are living: John B., of Bryan; and Isaiah M., of Montpelier.

John B. White was reared on the home farm and received his education in the log schoolhouse in the home vicinity. Later he went to school in a more modern frame building and then taught school for several terms, in the meantime devoting himself to the study of law. At the age of twenty-four years he entered the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, from which he was graduated in 1881 as a Bachelor of Laws. In 1882 he located at Montpelier, where he continued in practice until 1886, and since the latter year has been engaged in his vocation here, having steadily risen to a position as one of the most thorough and reliable lawyers of Williams County. Mr. White was one of the organizers of the Home Savings, Loan and Building Association, which was organized in 1889, and the officers of which are : C. S. Roe, president ; J. E. Beach, vice president ; John B. White, secretary and attorney ; and Fred Yunck, treasurer. The board of directors including J. E. Beach, H. C. Gross, W. S. Morrow, C. S. Roe and E. A. Wolff.

Mr. White married Mrs. Belle (Brinkerhoff) Sperry, who was born in Dekalb County, Indiana, in April, 1852, and who has been active in the work of the Presbyterian Church, of which she has been a lifelong member. They reside in a pleasant home at No. 227 South Lynn Street. Fraternally, Mr. White is affiliated with Bryan Lodge No. 215, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is past master; Northwest Chapter No. 45, Royal Arch Masons, of which he is a past high priest; Bryan Council No. 101, Royal and Select Masters, and a demitted member of Defiance Commandery, Knight Templars. He and Mrs. White also belong to the Order of the Eastern Star. Mr. White has long been a leading factor in the republican party in Williams County. While residing at Montpelier, he served one year as mayor, and after coming to Bryan was elected to the mayoralty, in which he served eight consecutive years. He was then out of office for one term, when he was returned to the mayor's office for another term. In 1900 was one of the electors from the State of Ohio. Genial in manner, cultured in mind, he is a fair representative of the thoughtful, intelligent men of his day and locality who are doing so much to advance the interests of their community and its people.

James H. Miller. - A representative business man of West Unity, James H. Miller possesses rare ability and judgment, and the keenness of vision that has ever kept him alive to the needs of the hour, and many of the more beneficial enterprises that have been established in this part of Williams County owe their success in a large measure to his wise forethought and active support. A native of Ohio, he was born, June 29, 1867, in Hicksville, a son of James M. and Catherine (Casebeer) Miller, and a grandson of John and Margaret (Boone) Miller, who were born in Wayne County, Ohio, in early pioneer days. James M. Miller owned and operated a sawmill in Hicksville, Ohio, and was carrying on a substantial business at the time of his death, which occurred while he was yet in manhood's prime. A soldier in the Civil war, he served three months.

Left fatherless in infancy, James H. Miller grew to manhood in West Unity, and was graduated from its high school. He began life on his own account as salesman in a general store, and in that position showed marked business and financial ability. Broadening his scope of activity in 1888, Mr. Miller organized the West Unity Banking Company, of which he is the efficient cashier, a position for which he is amply qualified, and in June, 1899, he organized the Citizens Telephone Company, one of the most useful and used of all the beneficial enterprises that have been here established. Fraternally active, he belongs to the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, being past master of his lodge, and to the Knights of Pythias. He helped organize the local lodge and was its first chancellor commander.

Rufus H. Weaver. - Perhaps no one agency in all the world has done so much for public progress as the press, and an enterprising, well-edited journal is a most important factor in promoting the welfare and prosperity of any community. Williams County is certainly indebted to its wide-awake journals in no small degree, and one of the men who are doing a commendable work in the local newspaper field is Rufus H. Weaver, part owner of the Montpelier Enterprise. He has long been connected with public affairs in Williams County, being in close touch with all phases of public life here, and his influence as a writer and editor is widely acknowledged among contemporary newspaper men and the public in general.

Rufus H. Weaver was born in Seneca County, Ohio, on April 16, 1873, and is a son of J. M. and Minnie (Barkman) Weaver, both of whom also were born and reared in Seneca County. They were reared on farms and educated in the district schools, and spent their married lives in that county, the mother's death occurring in 1881. Subsequently J. M. Weaver came to Williams County, where he lived for a long time, eventually moving to Allegan County, Michigan, where he was again married. To this second union were born two children, Kenneth and Duncan, both of whom are graduates of the Fenville (Michigan) High School. Kenneth saw active service in the Quartermaster's Corps during the World war, being stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, Indiana. To J. M. and Minnie Weaver were born four children, namely : Rufus H., the immediate subject of this sketch; Theresa, the wife of Amandus Sherman, of Tiffin, Ohio; Fred S., who is married and is living at Detroit, Michigan ; William E., of Tiffin, Ohio.

Rufus H. Weaver spent his early life upon the farm in Seneca and Williams counties, and secured his educational training in the district schools of Seneca and Williams counties and the high school at Montpelier. He then engaged in teaching school, being employed for nine years in the Mount Zion school district and one year in the public schools of Montpelier. He was then nominated by the democratic party for the office of auditor of Williams County, and was elected. He was re-elected to that office, serving six years and earning a splendid reputation as a capable and efficient public official. He then served two years as assistant in the office of the county treasurer.

On September 1, 1916, Mr. Weaver came to Montpelier and, in partnership with William Behne, purchased the Montpelier Enterprise, of which he has acted as manager and editor. The Enterprise is well edited and in mechanical execution is attractive, standing high among the newspapers of this and adjoining counties. Mr. Weaver possesses to a marked degree the instinct for "news that is news" that marks the successful journalist and through the colums of his paper he has exerted a potent influence in favor of all that is best in community life.

On June 6, 1899, Mr. Weaver was married to Savillah D. Shaull, who was born in Superior Township, Williams County, and, after completing her public school education, became a school teacher, following that vocation six years prior to her marriage. To Mr. and Mrs. Weaver have been born six children, namely : Blanche A., Paul F., Raymond E., Russell H., Francis and Wilson J., who was born on January 12, 1918, and died on February 17, 1919.

Mr. Weaver and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically, he is an earnest supporter of the democratic party, while, fraternally, he is a member of Montpelier Lodge No. 547, Free and Accepted Masons, together with the Chapter and Council of that order, and to Superior Lodge, Knights of Pythias. He has served as secretary of the Williams County Democratic Central Committee and has been a member of its executive committee for the past ten years. He has taken a deep interest in educational matters and has rendered efficient and appreciated service as a member of the Montpelier school board. He is a splendid type of the self-made man, possessing to a marked degree the elements that make men successful, pre-eminent among his qualities being that sound judgment which is ordinarily called common sense, his good judgment extending to men as well as to measures, and he is deservedly popular among those who know him.

James T. O'Bryan. - Montpelier is the home town of many Wabash Railroad men. One of these whose responsibilities give him distinction among this class of citizens is James T. O'Bryan, paymaster of the Wabash Railway in charge of the line between Detroit and Chicago.

Mr. O'Bryan is a veteran railroader and has been with the Wabash Railway Company thirty-five years or more. He was born in Pennsylvania March 27, 1867, but grew up in Adrian, Michigan, where he attended the public schools. At the age of seventeen he entered the local office of the Wabash Railroad at Adrian, learned telegraphy, and for five years had the duties and responsibilties of operator and agent at Adrian. He was then promoted to trainmaster and chief dispatcher and on November 30, 1899, was assigned to duties at Montpelier, and has been an honored resident of Williams County for twenty-one years.

June 25, 1893, Mr. O'Bryan married Phoebe Durrin, of Butler, Indiana. She is a graduate of the Butler High School. Mr. and Mrs. O'Bryan have two daughters, Lorraine and Elizabeth, both of whom have received their education in the public schools of Montpelier. Mrs. O'Bryan is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and in politics he votes as a democrat.

William W. Fisher. - An active, wide-awake and enterprising business man, William W. Fisher, of Edgerton, traveling salesman for the J. I. Case Threshing Company, is widely and favorably known throughout Northwestern Ohio, his territory embracing fourteen counties in this section of the state. A native of Williams County, he was born January 18, 1866, in Center Township, of German ancestry.

where he was reared and educated. Becoming a tiller of the soil, he bought land in Center Township soon after attaining his majority, and was there successfully employed in mixed husbandry until his death. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Poorman, was born in Germany, but was brought up and educated in Center Township, Williams County, Ohio, where her parents located after coming to the United States. Twelve children were born into their household, and eleven are now living, as follows : Ira, William W., Ella, Daniel, Jane, Charles, Clara, George, Cora, Grace and James. Both parents were members of the Lutheran Church.

Having acquired a practical education in the district schools, William W. Fisher later obtained an excellent knowledge of the art and science of agriculture while working with his father. Instead of adopting farming as an occupation, he worked with a threshing machine outfit until twenty-seven years of age, when he accepted his present position with the J. I. Case Threshing Machine Company. As a traveling salesman Mr. Fisher has met with eminent success, his familiarity with the machines which he is so ably handling, and their construction, being of great advantage to him in his work.

On February 6, 1894, Mr. Fisher was united in marriage with Cora B. Smith, a daughter of John P. and Almira (Spangler) Smith, both of whom were born and bred in Center Township, Williams County, the mother's birth having occurred in 1846. The father was a farmer and a buyer and shipper of live stock. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were members of the United Brethren Church, and liberal contributors toward its support. They reared six children, as follows : Reuben J., of Edgerton, Ohio ; Charles S., of St. Joseph Township ; Arthur E., of Edgerton; Cora B., now Mrs. Fisher; Harvey C, of Edgerton, and Maud J., wife of Mead Irish.

Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have no children of their own, but they brought up and educated a nephew, Andrew F. Irish, who, after his graduation from the Edgerton High School, entered the Ohio State University, where he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Enlisting for service in the World war, he was commissioned first lieutenant in the Aviation corps and at the present writing he is with the Cleveland Lamp Works, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Mr. and Mrs. Fisher are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Fisher occupies a place of prominence in literary, social and fraternal and religious circles. She is vice president of the local Red Cross Society, and was active in the World war work. She belongs to the Home Culture Club, which she has served as secretary, and is president of the Ladies' Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She also belongs to the Rathbone Lodge, Pythian Sisters, in which she has passed all the chairs.

John G. Kaiser. - A prominent, substantial citizen of Williams County, who has important business interests in several directions, is John G. Kaiser, at one time the leading hardware merchant at Edon, Ohio. He was born on a farm in Florence Township, Williams County, Ohio, situated two miles north and one mile west of Edon, January 28, 1871, a son of John and Christina (Hieber) Kaiser.

John Kaiser was born in Richland County, Ohio, going later to Crawford County and it was in that county that he was married to Christina Hieber. She was born in Germany and accompanied her parents to the United States and was reared on a farm in Crawford County, near Bucyrus. After marriage, John Kaiser and his wife came to Williams County, settling first on a farm in Florence Township one mile south of Edon. Later he bought the farm on which his son John G. Kaiser, was born, situated two miles north and one mile west of Edon, and when he sold that he bought what is known as the old Kaiser farm located one-half mile south of Edon. In later years he moved to Edon and his last years were spent there. For many years he was a prominent factor in county politics as a strong democrat, and filled public offices of responsibility, serving in such position as township treasurer. He and wife were members of the German Methodist Episcopal Church. They had five children born to them, as follows : William F., who was long associated with his brother, John G, in the hardware business, died February 6, 1917; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Jacob Weber, of Defiance County, Ohio; John G. ; Fred C, who is a dry goods merchant at Edon ; and Christina, who is the wife of H. L. Shelline, of Edon.

John G. Kaiser grew up on the farm but as the distance was so short he had the advantage of the Edon schools, and later he took a thorough course in bookkeeping at Fort Wayne, Indiana. When prepared to enter business, in association with his brother, the late William F. Kaiser, he embarked in a general store enterprise at Blakeslee, Ohio, which the brothers continued for five years. In 1896 they entered the hardware business at Edon, under the name of the Edon Hardware Company, erecting a store building for the purpose, and John G. Kaiser continued in that line of business until July, 1920, when he sold his interest, since which time he has given his time to various enterprises, among which may be mentioned his farm. For some years he also operated a lumber yard but sold that branch in 1919. Mr. Kaiser has been actively concerned in many of the worthy business enterprises that have contributed to the progress and development of Edon as a substantial business center. He was influential in bringing about the formation of the Williams County Telephone Company and is one of its directors, and is a stockholder in the Edon State Bank, a solid financial institution of the county, of which Charles A. Bowersox is president, E. F. Brandon, vice president, and Arthur Mauerhan, cashier.

In 1904 Mr. Kaiser was married to Miss Ethel Lash, and they have one daughter, Pauline, who was born November 9, 1905. This young lady is a junior in the Edon High School and takes a prominent part in school social affairs. Mr. Kaiser and his family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, he serving on the official board and for some years was superintendent of the Sunday School. In political life he has always been a democrat but has never accepted a public office, protesting that a man with so many business interests could not do justice to the duties that every public position demands. Mr. Kaiser owns the valuable old farm of 150 acres near Edon, on which he was mainly reared. Mr. Kaiser not only has the reputation of being on able and trustworthy business man but also a generous and publicspirited citizen.

Frederick W. Beek. - Few can draw rules for their own guidance from the pages of Plutarch, but all are benefited by the delineation of those traits of character which find scope and exercise in the common walks of life. The unostentatious routine of private life, although in the aggregate more important to the welfare of the community than any meteoric public career, cannot, from its very nature, figure in the public annals, though each locality's history should contain the names of those individuals who contribute to the success of the material affairs of a community and in its public stability. In such a class must consistently appear the name of Frederick W. Beek, who holds the responsible position of yard conductor of the Wabash Railroad at Montpelier. and who has led a plain, industrious life, endeavoring to deal honestly with his fellow men and contribute somewhat to the general public good in an unobtrusive manner.

Frederick W. Beek is a native of England, where he was born on February 26, 1866, and he is the son of Lewis and Ellen (Baker) Beek, both of whom were born, reared, educated and married in that country. In 1876 they came to the United States and located in Saratoga, New York, where the father engaged in farming. They returned to England, remaining there about ten years, when they again came to the United States. Frederick W. Beek went to Branch County, Michigan, where he lived on a farm with his parental grandfather Beek. He had attended school during his last stay in England and completed his educational training in Saratoga County, New York, graduating from the high school at Ballston. He then was employed at various things until after his marriage, when he located on a farm in Williams County, Ohio, which he rented for about seven and a half years. At the end of that period he came to Montpelier and entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company in the train service, his first work being as a brakeman. Soon afterwards he was promoted to the position of night yard master, then to day yard master, and finally to yard conductor, which position he is now filling. Persistent industry and faithful attention to duty have been the predominant traits which have gained success for Mr. Beek and he enjoys the confidence and esteem of his superiors and associates. He has been successful and owns his own home in Montpelier, as well as other valuable property here.

Mr. Beek was married to Nettie Hilton, of Hillsdale County, Michigan, and they are the parents of three children, namely : John, who is a graduate of the Montpelier schools, is an electrician in that place ; Lola, who also is a graduate of the high school here, is the wife of Hoytt Lett, of Montpelier ; William, graduated from the Montpelier High School, and during the World war was in the service, being located at Camp Sherman and Camp Meade. He was made sergeant clerk in the division railroad superintendent's office.

Politically, Mr. Beek has been a lifelong supporter of the democratic party and has taken an active interest in local public affairs, having served for two years as a member of the village council. Fraternally, he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; in the last named order he has served as noble grand of Montpelier Lodge No. 547. He and his wife are members of the Daughters of Rebekah, and both of their sons are members of the Masonic Order. The family are members of the United Brethren Church, to which they give liberal support. Personally, Mr. Beek is quiet and unassuming, but he possesses to a marked degree those qualities which win the esteem and friendship of those who come into contact with him and he is deservedly popular throughout the community in which he lives.

Nathaniel B. Sanford. - One of the foremost agriculturists of Springfield Township, not one better known in its history. Nathaniel B. Sanford is numbered among the sturdy, energetic and enterprising farmers of Williams County, and is contributing his full share in maintaining its reputation as a rich and productive agricultural region. A son of the late James C. Sanford, he is a native and to the manner born, his birth having occurred January 11, 1869, on the farm which he now owns and occupies, and which joins the farm on which his mother was born.

Born in New York State, James C. Sanford came to Williams County, Ohio, when eighteen months old. After settling in Springfield Township he met, wooed and married Roanna Clark, January 2, 1861, and was subsequently engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, in 1897. He was a democrat in politics, was made a Mason in Illinois and was a member of Evansport Lodge No. 511, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sanford were active charter members of Springfield Grange. To him and his wife three children were born, as follows : Charles, who died in infancy ; Eleanor, who in 1882, married J. J. Robinson died in 1892; and Nathaniel B., the special subject of this sketch.

After leaving the common schools of his native township, Nathaniel B. Sanford completed his early education in the Fayette Normal School in the fall of 1885 and spring of 1886. Choosing the occupation of both his paternal and maternal ancestors, he gained an excellent knowledge of the various branches of agriculture while young, and has been successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising ever since. Succeeding to the ownership of the Sanford homestead, on which his mother spent her entire married life, and on which his father lived and labored successfully many years, Mr. Sanford is managing its 127 acres most successfully, as a general farmer and stock raiser, meeting with most gratifying results. He has also had other interests, having served as field man for the Continental Sugar Company for a time.

Mr. Sanford married, in Williams County, Alice Bayes in 1889, who was born May 4, 1872, and educated in Pulaski Township, this county, and they have six children living, namely : Horace D., a farmer in Springfield Township, married Bethel Ellis ; Mary, a graduate of both the Stryker High School and Denison University; Ellis O., of Springfield Township, married Luretta Moulton ; James, born in 1903, is a student of the Stryker High School; Roxanna, attending the Stryker High School, and Charles H., a school boy.

Politically, Mr. Sanford invariably supports the principles of the republican party. Religiously, both Mr. and Mrs. Sanford are active members of the Oak Grove Methodist Episcopal Church. Fraternally, Mr. Sanford is a member of Evansport Lodge No. 511, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; of Northwest Chapter No. 45, Royal Arch Masons, and of Defiance Commandery No. 30, which conferred the Knights Templar degree upon him and his son at the same time. He also belongs to the Order of the Eastern Star, of which Mrs. Sanford is worthy matron. Mr. Sanford is greatly interested in the Springfield Grange, of which he is an active member and past master, and a member of the Williams County Agricultural Society.

Henry D. Fix. - While some of the agriculturists of Williams County are specializing on some one line, the majority find it more profitable, all things considered, to do a general farming and stock raising business, and some of them are attaining really remarkable results. One of the progressive farmers of this class worthy of mention in a work of this high character, is Henry D. Fix, of Florence Township.

Henry D. Fix was born in Florence Township, February 26, 1867, a son of Martin and Mary (Fetters) Fix, natives of Alsace, France, and Pennsylvania, respectively. Martin Fix came to the United States with his parents and after a period spent in New York State, located in Center Township, Williams County, Ohio. The grandfather lived on his farm until his death, following which the grandmother began living with her sons, and so continued until she, too, was claimed by death. Martin Fix was about ten years old when the family came to this country, and he was reared on the homestead which was about one mile west of Melbern, Ohio. After he married he located on a farm in Florence Township and lived there until he retired when he went to Toledo, Ohio, and there passed away. Both he and his wife were church members and good, Christian people. Of their seven children, six survive, namely : Ida, who is the wife of William Mourey of Wooster, Ohio; Henry D. ; Zora, living at Edon with her mother; Irene, who is the wife of John White : Belle, who is the wife of Samuel Anspaugh, and Hiram, who is a farmer of Northwest Township. Sarah, who is deceased, was the eldest.

Henry D. Fix was reared in his native township, and remained at home until he was twenty-eight years of age. On February 26, 1895, he was married to Nellie Coldsnow, who was born in Florence Township, June 8, 1875, and educated in the district and high schools and was a school teacher. Following his marriage Mr. Fix rented a farm in Florence Township for three years, and then bought one in Bridgewater Township, but sold it in three years and bought another one in Jefferson Township. Seven years later he sold it and bought seventynine acres two miles north and one-half a mile east of Edon, and here he has since continued to live and carry on his general farming and stock raising.

Mr. and Mrs. Fix have the following children: Mabel, who was graduated from the Edon High School, is the wife of Fred Gearhart ; Herman, who was graduated from the Edon High School, is at home ; Ina, who was also graduated from the Edon High School ; Hazel, who is at home, and Audrey, who is attending the public schools. Mr. Fix and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church at Edon. He is a member of Edon Lodge No. 644, Knights of Pythias. In politics he is a republican. Like a number of his neighbors he belongs to the Farmers' Co-operative Association at Edon.

John P. Arnold. - The name of John P. Arnold, of Jefferson Township, Williams County, does not need to be introduced to the readers of this chronicle, for it has been intertwined with the history of this locality for a number of years. The splendid success which has come to him is directly traceable to the salient points in the character, for his great energy, keen discrimination and perseverance have resulted in the accumulation of a handsome property and he is now numbered among the substantial citizens of his section of the county.

John P. Arnold was born in Richland County, Ohio, August 28, 1852, and is the son of George and Margaretha (Gilger) Arnold. The mother was a native of Germany, whence she came with her parents to the United States, settling near Rome, Richland County Ohio. George Arnold was born in Perry County, Pennsylvania, and in his boyhood was brought by his parents to Richland County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood, received his education in the district schools and was married. In 1875 George and Margaretha Arnold came to Williams County and bought 240 acres of land in section 30, Jefferson Township, where he carried on farming operations during the remainder of his life, his death occuring in 1900. His widow is still living and resides in Bryan. They were members of the United Brethren Church and Mr. Arnold gave his support to the democratic party. They became the parents of eleven children, of which number ten are living, namely: John P., the immediate subject of this review; Jacob, who lives in Richland County, Ohio ; Wesley, of Bryan, Ohio ;

William, of West Unity, Ohio ; George, a farmer in Jefferson Township ; Oscar, of Bryan ; Caroline, the wife of Stephen Dusten ; Mary, wife of Hezekiah Post ; Ella, wife of Harry Davenport of Medina, Ohio ; and Emma, who is unmarried and lives at home.

John P. Arnold was reared on the paternal farmstead in Richland County, Ohio, and received his education in the public schools of that county. He remained at home until about twenty-two years of age, when he started to farm on his own account and has been successful in his operations. He is now the owner of 104 acres of excellent land in Jefferson Township, this county, on which he is carrying on general farming operations, in connection with which he also gives some attention to the raising of live stock. His farm is well improved in every respect, the buildings on the place being of substantial construction and well suited for up to date farming. He is methodical and systematic in his work and is accounted a thoroughly practical man in all he undertakes.

Mr. Arnold married January 27, 1876, Nancy Johnston. The Johnstons were a family of early settlers in Williams County, her parents being Joseph and Hannah (Gaskill) Johnston. Joseph Johnston was born July 1, 1818, in Columbiana County, Ohio, and married Hannah Gaskill March 26, 1846. They moved to Williams County in the spring of 1852. Hannah Gaskill Johnston was born May 22, 1825, at Alliance, Stark County, Ohio. The children of Joseph Johnston and wife in order of birth were : Mrs. Elizabeth A. Shankster, born January 13, 1847; John M. Johnston, born August 29, 1848; Rebecca J., born October 12, 1850; Mrs. Martha E. Harrington, born December 9, 1853; Mrs. Nancy Arnold, born April 22, 1856; Mrs. Alice Houseman, born September 1, 1858; Thomas, born December 24, 1860; Miss Hannah Louisa Johnston, born July 29, 1863 ; Miss Mary Malisea Johnston, born August 18, 1864, and Joseph Francis Johnston, born January 23, 1867. Mrs. Elizabeth A. Shankster, John M. Johnston and Rebecca J. Johnston were born at Alliance, Stark County, Ohio, and the remaining children in Superior Township, Williams County, Ohio.

To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold were born three children. Two are living, Joseph W., at home, and Margaretha R., wife of Lewis F. Bowman. Mr. and Mrs. Bowman have one son, Gayle. Politically, Mr. Arnold gives his support to the democratic party and takes an intelligent interest in local public affairs, supporting all movements for the public welfare. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Arnold's success in life has been the legitimate fruitage of consecutive effort, directed and controlled by good judgment and correct principles and he is held in high esteem by all who know him.

Charles W. Moog is a successful business man of Bryan, a dealer in hay, straw, grain and coal, and owns and operates the elevator at Kunkle, in Williams County. His career covers a broad range of business experience, as a farmer, sawmill operator, and in his present field.

He was born in Defiance County, Ohio, July 16, 1864, of French and German ancestry. David Moog, his father, was born, reared and educated in Alsace-Lorraine, France, and married a native of that country, Catherine Klutz. Soon after their marriage they came to the United States, and David Moog bought land in Washington Township, Defiance County. On the farm which he improved he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. They had eight children, seven of whom are still living. Three of them live at Bryan, Charles W. and J. A. Moog, and Catherine, wife of Joseph Svoboda. David Moog was a democrat in politics, and was a German Lutheran in religious faith, while his wife was a Catholic.

Brought up on the home farm in Washington Township, Defiance County, Charles W. Moog attended the winter terms of district school and otherwise had ample exercise for his strength and maturing judgment in the work of the farm. When he started the battle of life on his own account he worked on a farm as a laborer two years. From farm work he became an employe of a sawmill, and in March, 1887, bought the plant and continued active in the sawmill and lumber business until December, 1899. At that date he moved to the old homestead farm he had bought, and for five years his business activities were concentrated on the operation of the farm in Washington Township. Selling it he removed to Bryan, where he had developed a very extensive business as a dealer in grain and hay, and through his elevator at Kunkle furnishes an important medium for the storage and distribution of grain raised in that section of Williams County.

April 20, 1890, Mr. Moog married Miss Fannie E. Wieland, who was born in Tiffin Township, Defiance County, August 9, 1869. Her father, J. G. Wieland, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, November 5, 1823, and was a child when brought by his parents to the United States. He grew up and married in New York state, and soon afterward came with his wife to Defiance County, Ohio, locating in Tiffin Township. His first wife died there in early womanhood. He subsequently married Sarah A. Moon, who was born in Tiffin Township July 18, 1838. The Wielands were a prominent family in that section of Defiance County. J. G. Wieland died August 9, 1906, when in his eightv-third year. His wife Sarah died April 27, 1910, at the age of seventy-one years, nine months, nine days. She was the mother of six children: Eveline, wife of S. B. Figley, of Evansport, Ohio; Christ B. of Syracuse, New York; George B., of Springfield Township, Williams County : Hattie, wife of John Core, of Sherwood, Ohio; Cora, wife of Charles Black of Evansport; and Mrs. Fannie E. Moog.

Mr. and Mrs. Moog have one child, Gladys Olive, a high school graduate whose accomplishments as a musician are greatly admired. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Moog is a democrat and a keen observer of politics and affairs both in his home locality and in the nation. Fraternally he is affiliated with Bryan Lodge No. 215, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and he and his wife and daughter are members of the Eastern Star.

Reuben J. Smith. - A man of energy and enterprise, prosperous and progressive, thoroughly acquainted with all branches of agriculture, Reuben J. Smith is considered an authority on everything connected with farm productions, being a specialist in hay, grain, coal, wood and seeds, in all of which he is an extensive dealer. A son of John Smith, he was born, February 18, 1863, in Center Township, Williams County, and there grew to man's estate.

A native of Williams County, John Smith was reared to agricultural pursuits. Naturally choosing farming as his life occupation, he bought land in Center Township, and was industriously employed in tilling the soil during the remainder of his years. He was a republican in politics, and a faithful member of the church. His wife, whose maiden name was Almira Spangler. was born in Center Township, Williams County. Six children were born of their marriage, as follows: Reuben J., with whom this sketch is chiefly concerned; Charles E., of St. Joseph Township ; Arthur E., of Edgerton ; Harvey, of Edgerton ; Nora, wife of W. W. Fisher, and Maud, wife of W. M. Irish, of Edgerton.

Acquiring his early education in the rural schools of Center Township, Reuben J. Smith was well drilled in the various branches of agriculture when young, and at the age of seventeen years, being the eldest child of the parental household, was forced to assume the management of the home farm. He subsequently attended the Fayette Normal School, and later embarked in mercantile pursuits, becoming widely known as a specialist in hay, grain, coal, wood, seeds and kindred productions, in which he is an extensive dealer.

Mr. Smith married Jessie B. Bratton, and their only child, Bernice, married Ross Tomlinson, an employee of the Auburn Auto Company, at Auburn, Indiana, and has one child, Ruth Jeane. Politically, Mr. Smith is a straightforward republican. Fraternally he belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is a charter member of the Edgerton Lodge, Knights of Pythias.

Emery E. Strayer. - While Emery E. Strayer of Maplewood Farm in Bridgewater has engaged in other lines of business and has lived in other communities, he is interested in all movements calculated to better the conditions surrounding agriculture. Maplewood Farm is five miles northeast of Montpelier. Mr. Strayer was born October 6, 1867, in Jefferson Township, Williams County. He is a son of D. W. and Orphana (Cummins) Strayer, the father born March 12, 1841, and the mother October 6, 1847, both natives of Williams County. D. W. Strayer was a Civil war soldier in Company H, Thirty-Eighth Ohio Volunteers, and was two years in the service.- Mrs. Strayer died in 1904; they were members of the United Brethren Church and he votes with the republican party. Their children are: Emery E. Strayer, who relates the family history, and A. M. and E. M. Strayer.

While E. E. Strayer was reared on a farm, when he began doing for himself he engaged in different things. For a time he clerked in a clothing store in Montpelier, and later he and his brother, A. M. Strayer, purchased it and operated it under the name Strayer Brothers. When he sold it he engaged in the real estate business at Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, then he bought the Hub Dry Goods Store and a year later he traded it for a farm in Ashtabula County. After one year in Ashtabula County Mr. Strayer returned to Williams County and bought Maplewood Farm in Bridgewater Township, where he lives today.

On November 12, 1894, Mr. Strayer married Belle Hodson. She is a daughter of George and Emma (Back) Hodson, her parents natives of Bridgewater, and she was educated in Montpelier public schools. They have one daughter, Ruby Belle Strayer. The family attend the United Brethren Church and Mr. Strayer is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias lodges in Montpelier, and of Bridgewater Grange. They are members of the Rebekah Lodge and Mrs. Strayer is past noble grand of the Rebekahs. Mr. Strayer is republican in politics and is actively interested in all farmer organizations in Williams County.

H. E. Ridgway. - There are few farmers of Williams County who have met with more encouraging success here than H. E. Ridgway, one of those sturdy characters who has contributed largely to the material welfare of the community in which he resides, being a modern agriculturist and a citizen public-spirited and progressive in all that the terms imply. Such a man is a credit to any community and his life forcibly illustrates what effort and consecutive ' effort can accomplish when directed and controlled by correct principles.

H. E. Ridgway, whose fine property, known as the Clover Leaf Stock Farm, consisting of 280 acres, is located in section 24, Jefferson Township, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, on November 31, 1871, and is the son of William and Sarah (Wade) Ridgway. Both of these parents were natives of Pennsylvania, but were married after their removal to Tuscarawas County. They settled near New Philadelphia, where Mr. Ridgway engaged in farming until 1881, when he moved to Henry County, locating on a farm near West Hope. About four and a half years later he moved to Paulding County, settling on a tract of forty-four acres in the midst of a dense timber tract. He cleared that tract, developing it into a good farm, and lived there twenty-five years. In 1908 he sold that farm at a handsome profit, and bought a farm in Defiance County, about eight miles southeast of Bryan, where he spent the remainder of his days. He was a member of the United Brethren Church and a republican in his political alignment. To him and his wife were born five children, of whom three survive, namely: Charles, of Bryan; H. E., the subject of this sketch, and Elmer, of Bryan.

H. E. Ridgway was reared on the parental homestead in Paulding County until fourteen years of age, and received the advantage of a limited attendance at school. Before he was twenty years of age he went to work out by the month, for which he was paid at the beginning $6.50 a month, which was eventually increased to $18 a month. After his marriage, which occurred in 1895, he bought twenty acres of land, for which he paid $15 an acre. This land he cleared up, put in good shape for cultivation, and then sold for $80 an acre. With this start, he then bought eighty acres of land in Paulding County, which he operated for six years and then sold, this also at a good advance over the purchase price. His next farm consisted of 119 acres situated four miles south of Bryan, which he sold four years later and then bought the splendid place which he now owns and which is generally considered one of the best improved and most productive farms in Jefferson Township. Mr. Ridgway carries on general farm- ing operations, in connection with which he gives considerable attention to the raising of livestock. Progressive, up-to-date and practical in everything he undertakes, he has been successful to a gratifying degree and is now numbered among the substantial men of his locality.

On June 9, 1895, Mr. Ridgway was married to Christie J. Whitaker, who was born and reared in Ohio and educated in the public schools. They have become the parents of six children, namely: Virgil, a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge, who enlisted for service in the United States Army during the World war, but was not ordered overseas, having been in hospital for five months, lives at home ; Denver, at home: Alice, the wife of Edward Rhodes; Fremont, at home; Gertrude; Lee, at home.

Politically. Mr. Ridgway is a stanch supporter of the republican party, while fraternally he is a member of West Unity Lodge, Knights of Pythias. He has consistently supported every enterprise for the material, civic or moral advancement of the community. He is a stockholder in the Pulaski Grain Elevator and in the Farmers State Bank, at West Unity. Having devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, by close application and habits of industry and frugality, his efforts were rewarded with a degree of success which has now placed him in possession of one of the choice farms of Williams County and surrounded with the comforts and conveniences of life. He also owns a nice residence property in Bryan. Because of his success and his fine personal character he is universally respected and esteemed throughout the community.

E. A. Geauque during the last two decades has developed many important interests directly related to the welfare and progress of the Town of Edgerton, including the Edgerton Telephone Company, which he founded and of which he is manager.

Mr. Geauque was born in Milford Township March 16, 1872, son of A. A. and Mary Ellen (Smith) Geauque, the former a native of Holmes County and the latter of Wayne County, Ohio. The Geauque and Smith families were among the pioneers of Williams County, the former locating in St. Joseph Township and the Smiths in Edgerton. A. A. Geauque and wife grew up from childhood in Williams County, were married there, and for a number of years lived on a farm in Defiance County. The father is a member of the Church of God and the mother was a Methodist. There were three children in the family but E. A. Geauque is the only one living. The mother died in December. 1879, at the age of thirty years.

E. A. Geauque spent his early life on a farm, attended the schools of Edgerton, and as a boy learned telegraphy. For four years he was employed as an operator by the Lake Shore Railway. In 1899 Mr. Geauque established a telephone exchange at Edgerton, that being an individual enterprise and entirely on his own capital. He continued its operation, gradually extending its facilities until April, 1905, when he organized the Edgerton Telephone Company. He is president of the company, Dr. W. W. Unger is the vice-president, J. E. Harmon is the secretary and Jacob Zebb the treasurer. The other director, besides the executive officers, is David Koener.

Mr. Geauque and Gordon Williamson also own the telephone exchange at Roanoke, Indiana, and Mr. Geauque is president of the St. Joe Telephone Company at St. Joe, Indiana. He is a director in the Farmers Commercial Bank at Edgerton, a director in the Oak Manufacturing Company, and is a member of the board of directors of the Peoples Efficient Publishing Company of Cleveland. These several enterprises represent the fruits of his increasing experience and his ability to successfully administer business affairs.

Elmer S. Johnson. - There could be no more comprehensive history written of a community, or even of a state and its people, than that which deals with the life work of those who, by their own endeavor and indomitable energy, have placed themselves where they well deserve the title of "progressive," and in this sketch will be found the record of one who outstripped the less active plodders on the highway of life, one who was not subdued by the many obstacles and failures that came to everyone, but who made them stepping stones to higher things, and at the same time that Mr. Johnson was winning his way to the front in agricultural affairs he gained a reputation for uprightness and honor. He was one of the worthy native sons of Williams County, who wisely decided to spend his life on his native soil, rather than seek uncertain fortune elsewhere, and he thus was identified with the growth of the same and played well his part in its development.

Elmer S. Johnson, who in addition to being a successful general farmer, enjoyed the distinction of being the largest grower of soy beans in the United States, was born in Springfield Township, Williams

County, on February 14, 1879, and was the son of Simon and Lucinda (Wieland) Johnson, the former a native of Fulton County, Ohio, and the latter of Defiance County, Ohio. The subject's paternal grandfather, George Johnson, owned and operated the Johnson gristmill, the first mill of the kind in Williams County and to which the early settlers came for miles around to get their grain converted into meal or flour. Mr. George Johnson met his death by accident in this same mill. He was a man of more than ordinary ability and strength of character and was the leading citizen of his community. His son, Simon Johnson, also took an active part in the business, in connection with which he carried on farming operations.

Elmer S. Johnson was reared on the home farm and attended the district schools, completing his elementary studies in the Stryker High School, where he was graduated in 1892. During the following seven years he was engaged in teaching school, at the end of which time he entered the Tri-State Normal College, at Angola, Indiana, where he took the scientific and commercial courses, graduating with the degrees Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Commercial Science. On his return home he was married, and soon afterwards began farming on rented land, one of his father's farms. His first distinct venture was in corn, but he soon found that corn was not the ideal crop for this land, and in 1904 he began experimenting in the growing of soy beans. His first seed was obtained from Ohio State University and Purdue University of Indiana, and his first crops were so successful that he determined to go into the raising of soy beans on an extensive scale. He carefully selected his seed and studied the growth of the bean from every angle, so that he was able to produce a bean far above the average bean in every respect, the plant growing from thirty-two to thirty-six inches high. He grew an average of 250 acres annually of soy beans and shipped the seed to every state in the Union, as well as to many foreign countries. In addition to beans, Mr. Johnson was engaged in growing other grains, always maintaining the highest possible standard of excellence. Altogether he operated 523 acres of land and was considered the largest general farmer in Williams County, enjoying an excellent reputation for his enterprise and for his constant insistence on the highest standards in his products.

On March 26. 1903, Mr. Johnson was married to Anna Young. They were both members of the Christian Church, Mr. Johnson holding his membership in the church at Angola, Indiana. Fraternally, he was a member of Evansport Lodge No. 511, Free and Accepted Masons ; Northwest Chapter No. 45, Royal Arch Masons ; Defiance

Commandery No. 30, Knights Templar; Zenobia Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Toledo, Ohio; Stryker Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and with his wife, belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star and the Pythian Sisters. He was also a member of the Grange, while his political support was given to the democratic party. Mr. Johnson was considered an authority in the production of grams, and had been employed by the state to do special work among the farmers along the line of higher standards in grains. Every year he spent from four to ten weeks in Farmers' Institute work and was a very popular talker on agricultural subjects. He was president of the Williams County Farm Bureau, a director of the local telephone company. Essentially public spirited in his attitude toward all movements for the advancement of the general welfare, Mr. Johnson had earned the respect of the entire community.

Elmer S. Johnson died February 22, 1920, at Columbus, Ohio of influenza-pneumonia, while being engaged in farm institute work Funeral services were conducted by the Knights Templar of Defiance Ohio. He left a wife and one child, Anna Bell, bora December 9, 1919.'