Williams County, Ohio - The whole text, 1920 (part 4 of 12)

John W. Sloan was reared under the parental roof and remained on the home farm until he was thirty years of age. In his boyhood he attended the district schools in winter, during the summer months assisting his father. After his marriage he went to farming on his own account and during the subsequent years he has steadily forged ahead and is now the owner of a fine farm of 160 acres, which he devotes to general farming and stock raising. He is methodical in his work and up-to-date in his ideas, not hesitating to adopt new ways of doing things when their superiority has been demonstrated, and he holds a high reputation as a progressive and enterprising farmer.

In 1880 Mr. Sloan was married to Alice E. Clark, who was born in a log cabin on the farm now owned by Mr. Sloan and who received her education in the local district schools. Her death occurred on January 12, 1918. They became the parents of four children, two of whom are living: John L., who is engaged in the hardware business in Stryker, and Otis, who remains on the home farm with his father, married Dora Mann on Easter Day, 1920. The deceased children are William and Gertrude, both of whom died in their thirty-seventh year.

Mr. Sloan is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, giving earnest support to all its interests. He is a republican in his political views and has been active in local public affairs, having served eight years as township trustee and also as a member of the school board. A man of high moral character, persistent industry and excellent judgment, he stands "four square to every wind that blows" and enjoys the unlimited confidence and regard of his fellow citizens.

Elias S. Myers is one of the venerable and honored representatives of farm industry in Pulaski Township, has been a resident of Williams County from the time of his birth, save for an interval of two years passed in the West, and is a representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of this county.

Mr. Myers was born on his father's pioneer farm in Jefferson Township, this county, October 12, 1846, and is now the only survivor of the five children of George W. and Emily (Lewis) Myers, the former of whom was born in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, December 23, 1808, and the latter of whom was born in Dutchess County, New York, June 18, 1818, both having been young at the time of the removal of the respective families to Huron County, Ohio. George W. Myers became a successful contractor and builder in Huron County, where his marriage was solemnized and where he continued to reside until 1835, when he came to Williams County and secured a tract of 160 acres of timbered land in Jefferson Township. This land is now the site of the Williams County infirmary. He established his residence on the place in 1836, cleared off much of the timber and reclaimed the tract into a productive farm, upon which he made good improvements, as gauged by the standards of the locality and period. In 1853 he sold this farm, and in 1855 he removed with his family to Bryan, the county seat, where he continued to maintain his home until he purchased the land of which the farm of Elias S., of this review, is a part. The father remained on this farm for a number of years but both he and his wife were residents of Bryan at the time of their death. They believed fully in the spiritual verities of the Christian religion but were not formally identified with any church organization. The father was affiliated with the Masonic fraternity for many years prior to his death. Concerning the deceased children brief data may consistently be entered: Julia became the wife of John M. Welker; Gilpha was the wife of Frank M. Carter; Amzi died in California ; and George W., Jr., likewise was a resident of this county at the time of his death.

Elias S. Myers was a lad of seven years at the time of the family removal from the Jefferson Township farm to Bryan, and here he acquired his early education in the village schools of that day. After the close of the Civil war he and his brother George became associated in the work and management of their father's farm in Pulaski Township, and there he remained until he had attained to his legal majority, when he signalized his independence by passing two years in the West. He then returned to Williams County, and here, on December 16, 1876, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Caroline Reeves, who was born and reared in Center Township, this county. The young couple forthwith established their home on the farm which is their present place of abode and which has been the stage of Mr. Myer's very successful activities as an agriculturist and stockraiser. He still maintains a general supervision of the farm, the area of which he has reduced, by sale, to fifty-seven acres, but in a general way he may be said to be living retired, in the enjoyment of the merited rewards of former years of earnest toil and endeavor. His wife is nearly a decade his junior, as she was born January 26, 1856. They have two children: Frank, who was born December 16, 1877, is a prosperous farmer in Pulaski Township; and Cora May, born June 1, 1879, is the wife of Edwin Hester, their home being in Calhoun County, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Myers take marked pride in the fact that they have seven grandchildren. They have lived a quiet and uneventful life, have done well their part in community affairs and have the unqualified esteem of all who know them. In politics Mr. Myers is a democrat.

Charles A. Roode. - It cannot be other than interesting to note in the series of personal sketches appearing in the work the varying conditions that have compassed those whose careers are outlined, and the effort has been made in each case to throw well focused light onto the individual and to bring into proper perspective the scheme of each respective career. The banks of Williams County have ever maintained a high standing, and among the able young workers in this field of endeavor is Charles A. Roode, cashier of the Farmers and Merchants State Savings Bank, at Montpelier. With a natural predilection for this vocation and endowed with an analytical mind, he is exemplifying in a significant way the value of the possession of these elements of character which command the confidence of those acquainted with him and his work.

Charles A. Roode is a native son of the county now honored by his citizenship, having been born near West Unity, Ohio, on October 17, 1887. His parents are A. B. and Sarah E. (Shaffer) Roode, the former a native of the State of Michigan and the latter born near West Unity, Ohio. A. B. Roode came to Williams County in young manhood, but later went to Kansas, where he remained for a time. Returning then to Williams County, through the subsequent years he engaged successfully in agricultural pursuits. His wife, whose death occurred in 1914, was a member of the liberal branch of the United Brethren Church, while both were members of the Ancient Order of Gleaners. He gives his political support to the democratic party. To him and his wife were born three children, namely : Charles A., who is the immediate subject of this review; Lena, who is the wife of T. M. Shaull, a farmer in Superior Township; Winnie, the wife of Harley Bible, of Superior Township.

Charles A. Roode lived on the parental farmstead until twelve years of age, and thereafter lived at West Jefferson, in Jefferson Township. He received his elementary education in the district schools, and then was a student in the International Business College at Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he was graduated in 1907. His first employment was as a bookkeeper in the First National Bank of Montpelier, from which he was advanced to the position of assistant cashier, which he held until January 1, 1916. On the latter date he became assistant cashier of the Farmers and Merchants State Savings Bank of Mont- pelier and on January 1, 1917, he was made cashier, which position he still holds. This is one of the strong and influential financial institutions of Williams County and has been an important factor in the progress and development of business in this county. The official personnel of this bank is as follows : E. E. Kaufman, president ; Albert Schlegel, vice president; Charles A. Roode, cashier; H. H. Wisman, assistant cashier, and Keith A. Porter, teller. Mr. Roode is a stockholder in this bank and undoubtedly much of the success which it enjoys is due to the business ability and personal popularity of its cashier.

On December 24, 1911, Mr. Roode was married to Grace Roberta Tressler, who was born and reared in Jefferson Township, Williams County, and they have one child, Mary Alice. Mrs. Roode is well educated and prior to her marriage she was engaged in teaching in the public schools of Williams County. Mr. and Mrs. Roode are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and Mr. Roode is a member of the board of stewards and financial secretary of the society. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Order of Gleaners, and in the first named order is the present master of finance. Politically, he gives his support to the democratic party and is the present treasurer of Superior Township and of Montpelier Village. The record of Mr. Roode's life is a plain chronicle, marked by no sensational chapters, but it is the record of one who has so ordered his life as to earn the sincere respect and esteem of the entire community. He takes a deep interest in every movement having for its object the advancement of the best interests of the community and is considered a representative citizen of the locality in which he lives.

Frank N. Watson. - The gentleman, to a brief review of whose life and character the reader's attention is herewith directed, is among the favorably known and representative citizens of Williams County. Mr. Watson has by his indomitable enterprise and progressive methods contributed in a material way to the advancement of his community during the course of an honorable career, and he has ascended by his individual efforts from the bottom of the ladder to a place of importance in farming circles in this locality, having ever been known as a man of unswerving industry, sound judgment and honesty of purpose.

Frank N. Watson, whose well cultivated and productive farm is located in Jefferson Township, six miles north and one and a half miles east of Bryan, was born in Northwest Township, this county, on

July 17, 1876, and is the son of W. C. and Jennie (Dargitz) Watson, the former of whom was born in Columbiana County, Ohio. After attaining maturity he came to Williams County, and was here married. He settled in Northwest Township, where he engaged in carpenter work and the sawmill business, switching later to carpentering and contracting. During the Civil war he enlisted as a private and gave faithful service to the Union during that great struggle. He was afterwards a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. His religious membership was with the United Brethren Church. To him and his wife were born four children, namely: Carrie, the wife of W. A. Dietrich; Cora, the wife of A. J. Dietrich, a twin brother of W. A.; Frank N. ; Daisy, the wife of W. E. Warrick.

Frank N. Watson was reared to manhood on the parental farmstead in Northwest Township and attended the district schools, completing his studies in the high school at Montpelier with the class of 1895. He then followed the vocation of school teacher for eight years, being employed in the schools of Williams County. Aside from his labors as a teacher, however, Mr. Watson has devoted practically his entire life to agricultural interests, in which he has been rewarded with splendid success. He owns seventy-eight acres of excellent land, devoted to general farming and stock raising and maintains his place at a high state of cultivation, following up-to-date methods in his work. Mr. Watson is a stockholder and the president of the Farmers' Grain Elevator at Pulaski.

On August 20, 1892, Mr. Watson was married to Pearl Koch, who was born in Jefferson Township, the daughter of D. P. Koch, who is referred to specifically in dater paragraphs in this sketch. To this union have been born eight children: Lawrence, Opal, Willard, June, Hubert, Robert, Marjorie and William C.

Religiously, Mr. and Mrs. Watson are members of the Church of the Brethren, while, politically, Mr. Watson gives his support to the republican party. Because of his business success, his public spirit and his sterling qualities of character, he well merits the high standing which he occupies in the esteem of all who know him.

Elder Daniel P. Koch was born in St. Joseph County, Indiana, on August 23, 1858, and is the son of Moses and Sarah (Troxell) Koch. His father was born in 1829 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and the mother was bom in Wayne County, Ohio, in 1842. When four years of age Moses Koch was brought by his parents to Ohio, locating first in Holmes County, following which they lived for a time in Wayne County. Later they came to Defiance County, and finally located in Williams County. He was married in Wayne County, and then went to St. Joseph County, Indiana, where he lived four years. At. the end of that time he sold out and returned to Williams County, and settled on a farm in Jefferson Township, where he lived until 1862. He sold his farm here and moved to Elkhart County, Indiana, but at the end of a year he returned to Williams County and again located in Jefferson Township, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a democrat in politics. To him and his wife were born six children, namely: Diana, the wife of A. M. Moore, of Center Township, this county ; Lanetta, deceased, was the wife of Jonathan Dick ; Daniel P., who is referred to specifically in these paragraphs; George, of Michigan; Taloma, the wife of G. O. Boner, of Michigan; Oscar F., who is superintendent of the Williams County infirmary.

Daniel P. Koch was reared in Williams County and received a common school education. He remained with his parents until he had attained his majority, and, after his marriage, which occurred in 1878, he rented the home farm for three or four years. He then bought sixty acres of land, but subsequently purchased the old homestead and located on it. Subsequently he bought a farm near Pioneer, on which he lived for five years, but sold it and came to his present farm, which comprises 190 acres of excellent land.

On November 7, 1878, Mr. Koch was married to Cora Keiser, of Primrose, Ohio, whose birth occurred in Williams County in 1865. She secured her education in the district schools, and she bore her husband two children, namely: Pearl, the wife of Frank N. Watson, and Homer Dale, born in May, 1889, who was married to Belle Wiley, of Montpelier, Ohio.

Elder Koch is at the head of the local churches of his denomination, known as the Church of the Brethren. Politically he is a democrat. Because of his upright character, his influence for good in this community and his genial disposition, he is well liked by all with whom he comes in contact.

A. Earl Newcomer is staging his progressive activities as a general agriculturist and successful dairy farmer on the fine old homestead farm which figures as the place of his nativity and which is eligibly situated one mile south and one-fourth of a mile east of Bryan, the judicial center of his native county. Here he was born June 16, 1882, and he is a son of Nathaniel H. and Barbara (Brown) Newcomer, well known and highly honored citizens of the county where the

No minor valuation does A. Earl Newcomer place on the youthful experience which he gained in connection with the varied activities of the old home farm, and in the meanwhile he made good use of the advantages afforded in the district schools, besides which he attended the Bryan High School two years and thereafter completed a course in a leading business college in the City of Toledo. Upon his return to the parental home he rented the farm from his father for one year, and he then purchased of his father the well-improved eighty-acre place upon which he now resides and where he is giving special attention to dairy farming, with an excellent herd of Holstein cattle, including a goodly number of the best type of milch cows, and breeder of Spotted Poland China hogs. He is one of the progressive young men of Pulaski Township, is energetic and enterprising in his business activities and is making his dairy industry a distinctive success. He is a republican in political adherency. He and his wife hold membership in the Church of the Brethren.

In December, 1906, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Newcomer to Miss Virga E. Wise, who likewise was born and reared in Pulaski Township, and they have two winsome little daughters - Pauline and Katherine.

Ed Piper. - One of the leading citizens and representative business men of Williams County is Ed Piper, who is engaged in the heating and plumbing business at Stryker. His has been an eminently active and useful life, but the limited space at the disposal of the biographer forbids more than a casual mention of the leading events in his career. He is a man of influence in local affairs and is looked upon as a man thoroughly in sympathy with any movement looking toward the betterment of the community in any way. He has always been regarded as a man of sterling honesty and worthy of the utmost confidence and respect, which his fellow citizens have been fre,e to accord, owing to his upright, public-spirited and industrious life.

Ed Piper was born at New Holstein, Wisconsin, on February 3, 1877, and is the son of Henry and Mary (Greve) Piper, who also were natives of New Holstein, where their respective families had been among the earliest settlers. Both families had their, origin in Germany and in Wisconsin they followed farming and dairying. The subject of this sketch was reared on the paternal farmstead until eighteen years of age and secured his education in the public schools. He then apprenticed himself to learn the tinning trade, serving three years, and at the end of that period he located in Waterloo, Indiana, where he worked at his trade for a time, later going to Butler, Indiana, where he spent eight months. In 1898 Mr. Piper came to Stryker and entered the employ of the Beucler Manufacturing Company, for whom he worked for two years, being employed in the making of tanks. He then bought the business, to which he has added the departments of heating and plumbing, and has conducted the business to the present time. Thoroughly qualified in every way for his lines of work, Mr. Piper has commanded his full share of the public trade, his patronage covering a wide radius of surrounding country, and he has built up a large and prosperous business. His plant is well equipped and is thoroughly up-to-date in stock and appliances, so that large or small contracts can be handled with equal facility.

Mr. Piper was married to Anna Strong, and five children have blessed their union, namely: Lawrence, Francis, Eva, Bernice and Pauline. Politically, Mr. Piper gives his support to the republican party, while his fraternal relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has served as noble grand of his subordinate lodge. He is a man of generous nature, congenial among his acquaintances, and by his life of industry, integrity of purpose and public spirit, he has won the unreserved confidence and esteem of the entire community.

O. H. Bowen. - Upon the roll of representative citizens and influential business men of Williams County consistently appears the name of Orlie H. Bowen, the popular and able cashier of the Montpelier National Bank of Montpelier, Ohio. He is one of those who has contributed largely to the material welfare of the community in which he resides. He has been a resident of this community for many years, during which time he has won the esteem and respect of the people, for he possesses those sterling qualities of character which commend themselves to an intelligent people.

Orlie H. Bowen was born at New London, Huron County, Ohio, on April 24, 1884, and is the son of Robert and Rebecca (Cline) Bowen, both of whom were born and reared in Richland County, Ohio. They were married there and for a time engaged in farming. Subsequently they came to Williams County and eventually Mr. Bowen was able to lay aside active farm work and retire. They were members of the United Brethren Church and in politics Mr. Bowen gave his support to the republican party. Of the seven children born to them, six are now living, namely: Leonard E., of Montpelier; C. L., of Montpelier; Bert H., of Mobile, Alabama; Elmer B., of Coldwater, Michigan; Orlie H., the subject of this review ; Ella M., the wife of Cyrenus Pierce, of Pathlow, Canada.

Orlie H. Bowen spent his boyhood days under the parental roof and received his elemental education in the public schools and attended the Montpelier High School. He then took a commercial course in the Davis Business College at Toledo, Ohio. His first employment was with the First National Bank, from which he went to the Kunkle State Banking Company on June 8, 1903, as assistant cashier. On March 1, 1907, Mr. Bowen was elected cashier of the First National Bank of Montpelier, and after the consolidation of that bank with the Montpelier Bank, on March 1, 1916, he was continued as cashier of the merged institutions, which position he still holds. This bank enjoys an enviable standing throughout this section of the country and is counted among the strong and reliable banks of the county. Its official personnel is as follows: J. D. Hill, president; Gerry Drake, vice president; Orlie H. Bowen, cashier, and W. P. Tressler, assistant cashier. Mr. Bowen is a man of sound and mature judgment and devotes himself indefatigably to the interests of the institution with which he is connected.

Mr. Bowen was married to Lucy Opdycke, who is a graduate of the Montpelier High School, and they are the parents of two children, Mary E. and Alice J. Mr. Bowen is a member of the liberal branch of the United Brethren Church and of its official board. Fraternally, he is a member of Montpelier Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons ; the chapter of Royal Arch Masons, of which he is past high priest, and the Council of Royal and Select Masters. Politically, he gives his support to the republican party and he stands stanchly for the best things in the community life. Because of his business ability and his sterling character he is deservedly popular throughout the community.

George M. Benner. - Clearly denned purpose and consecutive effort will inevitably result in the attaining of a due measure of success, but in following out the career of one who has attained success by his own efforts there comes into view the intrinsic individuality which made such accomplishment possible, and thus there is granted an objective incentive and inspiration, while at the same time there is enkindled a feeling of respect and admiration. The qualities which have made Mr. Benner one of the prominent and successful men of

Williams County have also brought him the esteem of his fellow men, for his career has been one of well directed energy, strong determination and honorable methods.

George M. Benner was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on April 8, 1874, and he is the son of Jacob and Mary (Foley) Benner. The father was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, and the mother was a native of Ireland, whence she came to the United States in young girlhood. They were married and at once settled in Tennessee, where they remained until the father's death. Then the widow came to Defiance County, Ohio, where she lived until her death, which occurred in Montpelier. To Jacob and Mary Benner were born the following children: Fannie, the wife of Ellsworth Hillard, of Pioneer, Ohio; Ella, the wife of Emory Sellinger, of Wauseon, Ohio; Margaret, the wife of Elmer Replogle, of Jefferson Township, this county; Minnie, the wife of John Sawyer, of Auburn, Indiana ; Jacob, of Bryan, and George M., the subject of this sketch.

i George M. Benner was about two years of age when he was taken by his mother to Defiance County, and was nine years of age when he came to Williams County. During this period after they came to Ohio, the subject lived with his paternal grandfather, George Benner, and he received the advantage of a common school education. At the age of eighteen years he started in life on his own account, first as a farm laborer. Eventually he forged ahead and bought his present fine farm of sixty acres in Pulaski Township, where he has since resided and where he has given his attention to general farming and stock raising. Industrious and painstaking, he has persevered in his efforts and today is considered a man of good judgment and wise discrimination as a business man. He keeps his place in excellent order and the permanent improvements are of a substantial and attractive character. Mr. Benner was married, on October 8, 1902, to Mabel Thompson, who was born at Fayette, Ohio, and who received a good education in the public schools. Mr. and Mrs. Benner are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in the activities of which they take a prominent part, Mr. Benner being a trustee of the church at Pulaski and superintendent of the Sunday school. Politically, he gives his support to the republican party and takes a proper interest in the public affairs of the community, though he is not in any sense an aspirant for public office. Because of his business success and his excellent qualities of character, he enjoys to a marked degree the confidence and good will of the entire community.

George G. Bloom. - The subject of this review enjoys prestige among the citizens of the Township of Springfield, Williams County, where he has spent a life of unusual industry, which has been crowned with success, and as a neighbor and citizen he is highly esteemed by all who know him. He earned the right to be called one of the progressive men of his community, having fought his way onward and upward to a position of honor in the circles in which he has moved and in every relation of life his voice and his influence have been on the side of right.

George G. Bloom, who is the owner of 303 acres of excellent farming land in sections 17, 18 and 19, Springfield Township, about five and a half miles east of Bryan, was born in Pulaski Township, this county, on November 20, 1863, and is a son of Daniel W. and Elizabeth (Truxill) Bloom, the latter of whom was born in Huron County, Ohio, on February 7, 1834. Daniel W. Bloom was born in Erie County, Pennsylvania, on November 11, 1832, and at the age of seven years was taken by his parents to Richland County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. The family were in poor financial circumstances at that period and the subject's education was necessarily somewhat neglected, though he succeeded in learning to read and write. Eventually he married and settled in Huron County, Ohio, where he gave his attention to farming for a few years. In 1856 he moved to Williams County and located in the north central part of Pulaski Township, where he bought forty acres of timber land, to the clearing and ditching of which he gave his attention. He was poor in this world's goods and made ax handles as a source of ready cash, while his farm labors were being prosecuted. Eventually he was able to sell the forty-acre tract for $500 more than he paid for it, and then bought forty acres in another location, on which he lived for five years, selling it also at a very good' advance in price. He then moved to Huron County, where for a short time he was engaged in farming, but he then bought eighty acres comprising a part of what is now known as the Bloom farm in Springfield Township, Williams County, and there he lived until his death, which occurred on March 7, 1912. He was a republican in his political views and was a strong supporter of all moral and benevolent movements. Of the three children born to him and his wife, but one is now living, George G.

George G. Bloom was reared in Pulaski and Springfield townships and received his educational training in the district schools. He was reared to the life of a farmer and has never forsaken that vocation. He has devoted his energies and best faculties to the intelligent opera- tion of his farm and has been eminently successful in his efforts, being numbered among the enterprising, progressive and substantial farmers of his section of the county.

On February 25, 1883, Mr. Bloom was married to Mary Wibirt, who was born in Springfield Township, Williams County, on June 5, 1865, the daughter of Joseph Wibirt, a native of New York "State. To Mr. and Mrs. Bloom have been born four children, namely : Clarence A., who is unmarried and at home, is a member of Bryan Lodge No. 215, Free and Accepted Masons, and Northwest Chapter No. 45, Royal Arch Masons ; Emmett E., who married Mildred Radabaugh and they have two children, Verl and Robert; Ford M., who is a member of Stryker Lodge, Knights of Pythias, is a veteran of the World war, having been first with the Eighty-Fourth Division, after which he was transferred to Company G. Three Hundred and Sixtieth Regiment, of the Ninetieth Division; he fought in the Argonne drive, was later in the Army of Occupation, was wounded and confined in eight hospitals, and was finally mustered out on June 15. 1919; Celia E. is a student in the high school at Stryker.

Mr. Bloom and all the members of his family are affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, Mr. Bloom is an earnest supporter of the republican party. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic Order, belonging to lodge, chapter, council and commandery, and also holds membership in Zenobia Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Toledo, Ohio.

He has acted well his part in life and, while primarily interested in advancing his own interests, he has not been unmindful of his obligations to the community and has consistently supported every movement for the advancement of the general welfare. Because of his success and his high character he enjoys the esteem and confidence of all who know him.

George F. Gentit. - One of the up-to-date fanners and stockraisers of Springfield Township, Williams County, who has worked hard for what he now possesses is George F. Gentit. He knows how to appreciate the true dignity of labor and to place a correct estimate upon the value of money. Nevertheless, he is liberal in his benefactions and stands ever ready to support with his influence and means all measures for the material and moral welfare of the community in which he has so long resided. Among those who know him best he bears the reputation of a man who exercises sound judgment and who has pronounced views, and he keeps himself well informed upon

George F. Gentit, whose fine farm is located two miles west of Stryker, was born near West Unity, Williams County, on March 6, 1872, and he is the son of Peter and Margaret (Mungo) Gentit. Both of these parents were natives of France, whence the father came to the United States at the age of eight years. Later he returned to his native land and was married, returning to this county immediately thereafter. He spent the rest of his days here, his death occurring in February, 1919, his widow survived him until January, 1920. They became the parents of five children, namely : Ortense, the wife of Elsie Bruot; Leon, of Springfield Township; Peter, of Stryker; Fannie, wife of William Thiel, of Pulaski Township; George F.

George F. Gentit was reared on the parental farmstead and attended the district schools during his boyhood. He has always followed the vocation of farming, in which he has met with pronounced success, owing to his indefatigable industry, his sound judgment and his business ability, and is numbered among the leading farmers of his section of the county. He carries on a general line of farming, in connection with which he gives some attention to stock raising. He owns 248 acres of land, which is well improved and maintained at a high standard of cultivation. Mr. Gentit is a stockholder in the Farmers' Grain Elevator at Pulaski.

In 1893 Mr. Gentit was married to Eliza Goll and they have three children living, namely : Alfred G., born on November 24, 1894, received his education in the district schools ; on June 25, 1918, he enlisted in the United States military service and was sent to Camp Sherman, at Chillicothe, Ohio, where he remained until September 2, 1918, when he was sent to France. He was assigned to the "S. O. S.," remaining in that service until the summer of the following year, when he returned home and on July 26, 1919, he was mustered out at Camp Sherman, with the rank of corporal. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He is unmarried and remains at home. Charles, the second child in order of birth, graduated from the Stryker High School in 1916, and is also a member of the Knights of Pythias. The youngest child, Francis, is a student in the Stryker High School.

Mr. and Mrs. Gentit are active members of the Lutheran Church, of which society Mr. Gentit is a trustee. He has been successful in business, respected in social life and as a neighbor he has discharged his duties in a manner becoming a liberal-minded and intelligent citizen of a community where the essential qualities of manhood have ever been recognized and prized at their true value, therefore he has justly merited the splendid reputation which he enjoys throughout his section of the county.

Dr. Glen Biddle. - One of the best known and most successful veterinary surgeons in Northwestern Ohio is Dr. Glen Biddle, of Bryan, Williams County, where he has been engaged in the active practice of his profession since 1911. He has won success in life in a definite manner because he has persevered in pursuit of a worthy purpose and is gaining thereby a most satisfactory reward. He is the representative of honored old families of this part of the Buckeye State and has so ordered his life as to win the respect of all who know him. *

Glen Biddle was born in Wauseon, Fulton County, Ohio, on August 19, 1889, and is a son of S. A. and Clara E. (Kesler) Biddle, both of whom also are natives of Ohio. After their marriage, these parents located in Fulton County, where the father has successfully followed farming and stock breeding. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and is held in high esteem in his community. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Glen Biddle was reared on the home farm in Fulton County and attended the public schools, completing his elementary education in the high school at Wauseon. He then entered the Ontario Veterinary College and the University of Toronto, from both of which institutions he was graduated in due time ; from the Ontario Veterinary College in April, 1910, with the degree of Veterinary Surgeon, and from the University of Toronto in June of the same year with the degree of Bachelor of Veterinary Science. On December 4, 1911, Doctor Biddle located in Bryan and has been engaged in his profession here continuously since. He has been very successful and enjoys a wide reputation as a thoroughly competent and skilful veterinarian.

Doctor Biddle is an ardent advocate of better live stock and has given evidence of his interest in many ways, not the least of which is in his active connection with the Williams County Holstein Breeders' Company, incorporated, which is officered as follows : President, Albert Kalber; vice president, E. D. Ensign; general manager, H. F. Burgbacher; secretary and treasurer, Glen Biddle. This company was organized for the specific purpose of inducing and encouraging the farmers and stockmen of Williams County to breed and raise better grades of stock of all kinds, and thereby increase the value of their output in that line. In many other ways the doctor has been active in

Glen Biddle was married to Iva Bard, a daughter of Henry and Sarah Bard. She was born and reared in this county and completed her education in the Bryan High School. Politically, Doctor Biddle is a supporter of the republican party, while, fraternally, he is a member of Bryan Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons. He is a man of action rather than words, being eminently utilitarian, and his energy of character and professional success have gained for him the confidence of the entire community.

William E. Riley, of Montpelier, is a man whose life has become an essential part of the history of this section and he has exerted a beneficial influence in the locality honored by his citizenship. His chief characteristics seem to be fidelity of purpose, keenness of perception, unswerving integrity and sound common sense, which have earned for him the esteem of the entire community. Mr. Riley was born in Bridgewater Township, Williams County, on September 3, 1867, and is a son of Alfred and Eliza (Kollar) Riley. His parents were both natives of Ohio, they having been born in Darke County. They came to Williams County with their respective parents, and after their marriage they first located in Superior Township, later moving to Bridgewater Township, and finally to Montpelier, where they spent the remainder of their lives and there died. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, Alfred Riley gave his support to the republican party, being active in local public affairs, and served six years as a member of the Board of County Commissioners of Williams County. During the Civil war he served in the Union army and was afterwards a member of Hiram Lowden Post No. 155, Grand Army of the Republic. He was also affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. To him and his wife were born six children, of whom four are now living, namely: Lenora, the wife of G. B. Williams, of Bridgewater Township; Lydia, wife of August Biggie; William E., the subject of this sketch, and Cora, the wife of Charles Farlee, of Montpelier.

William E. Riley remained on the home farm with his parents until he had attained his majority, and during his boyhood he attended the district schools. From the age of twenty-one he assumed the operation of the home farm, to which he gave his attention until the spring of 1895, when he came to Montpelier and engaged in the grain business under the firm name of Riley & Pew. At the end of a year he purchased Mr. Pew's interest in the business, the firm name being then changed to Riley & Son, the subject's father being the senior member of the firm. Two years later the latter died and William E. then became the sole owner of the business, to which he has devoted his attention continuously since, the Riley elevator being one of the best known elevators in this section of the county. By strict attention to business and fair dealings with his patrons, Mr. Riley has not onlybuilt up a good business, but he has also gained an enviable reputation as a man of integrity and sound business qualities.

On November 1, 1891, Mr. Riley was married to Eva Bailey, who was born and reared in Bridgewater Township, where she attended the district schools. They are the parents of a daughter, Thelma, born in 1904, who is now a student in the Montpelier High School.

Fraternally. Mr. Riley is a member of Lodge No. 269, Knights of Pythias, of which he is a past chancellor, and is also a member of the grand lodge. Mrs. Riley is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Pythian Sisters. Politically, Mr. Riley is an earnest supporter of the republican party and has served for six years as a member of the village council. Strong and forceful in his relations with his fellowmen, he has not only made his presence felt, but has also gained the good will and commendation of all who know him.

B. E. Custer. - In studying the life history of B. E. Custer, wellknown business man and the present postmaster of Montpelier, there are found many qualities in his makeup that always gain definite success in any career if properly directed. The splendid success which has come to Mr. Custer is directly traceable to the salient points in his character, for he started in life at the bottom of the ladder, which he has mounted unaided. With a mind capable of planning, he combined a will strong enough to execute his well-formulated purposes, and his great energy, sound judgment, keen discrimination and perseverance have resulted in a well-deserved success.

B. E. Custer was born in Superior Township. Williams County, on March 28, 1877, and is a son of John and Lydia (Tumblin) Custer. His parents were both born and reared in Columbiana County, Ohio, where they were married. Some time afterwards they came to Williams County and settled about three miles southwest of Montpelier, where they spent the remainder of their lives. They were highly respected in their community and Mr. Custer held several township offices. He was a republican in his political views, and he and his wife were active members of the United Brethren Church. Of the thirteen children born to them, the subject of this sketch was the youngest and was the seventh son. All of these children remained residents of Superior Township.

B. E. Custer was reared and educated in his native township, graduating from the common schools. About the time he attained his majority he learned the barber's trade, at which he worked for about twelve years. At the end of that time he engaged in the real state and insurance business, in which he met with splendid success. In 1907 he was assessor of personal property and in 1910 he appraised the real estate of Montpelier. He is a man of good judgment and accurate knowledge as to real estate values and was unusually competent as an appraiser. In 1913 Mr. Custer was appointed postmaster of Montpelier and in 1917 was reappointed to that position, being the present incumbent. He is eminently qualified for this position, for he thoroughly believes in the political maxim that "public office is a public trust," and to that end he has so conducted the affairs of the postoffice that he has earned the commendation of both the patrons of the office and the department officials.

Mr. Custer was married to Zoa M. Haines, who was born in Hamilton, Indiana, being brought to Williams County in her childhood. She was educated in the schools here, being a graduate of the Montpelier High School. Mr. and Mrs. Custer are members of the United Brethren Church and earnest in their support of all its activities. Politically, Mr. Custer has been a lifelong supporter of the democratic party. A man of many sterling qualities of head and heart, his career, both officially and in the humble sphere of private citizenship, has been such as to commend him to the favorable consideration of the best people of the community where he has long maintained his residence.

G. Grant Stahl. - Specific mention is made of many of the worthy citizens of Williams County within the pages of this work, citizens who have figured in the business interests of this favored locality, and who have been and still are identified with its various phases of progress, each contributing in his sphere of action to the well-being of the community in which he resides and to the advancement of its normal and legitimate growth. Among this number is G. Grant Stahl, proprietor of the Montpelier Creamery and a man who has made an excellent impression upon all with whom he has come in contact. Mr. Stahl was born in Perry County, Pennsylvania, on June 16, 1880, and is the son of David and Adora (Bastress) Stahl. Both of these parents were also natives of the Keystone state, the father having been born in Perry County and the mother in Juniata County. After their marriage they located on a farm in Perry County, where the mother still lives, her husband having met his death by accident in 1910. They became the parents of nine children, of which number five are still living, as follows : Leona, the wife of Charles Bailer ; B. M., of Mount Wolfe, Pennsylvania; Eva, the wife of J. W. Worstall, of New Hope, Bucks County, Pennsylvania; Bertha, the wife of John Bailer, of Newport, Perry County, Pennsylvania, and G. Grant.

G. Grant Stahl was reared under the parental roof until he was sixteen years of age, and attended school some, though in the main his education was seriously neglected. However, he was ambitious to make up for this deficiency and applied himself closely to study at night, in addition to which he took a course of study with the International Correspondence School of Scranton, Pennsylvania. His labors had been mostly at farm work until the age of sixteen years, at which time he went to Cranberry, New Jersey, and became identified with the creamery business, being employed with the Middlesex Dairy Company for six years. During the following year he was similarly employed at Allentown, New Jersey, and then he spent three years at Buckmanville, Pennsylvania, where he was manager of the Bucks County Creamery Company. He was next manager of a creamery at Stockton, New Jersey, but at the end of a year he became head clerk in a department store at Millerstown, Pennsylvania, holding that position also one year. His next engagement was as manager of a creamery at Elverston, Chester County, Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1905, when he came to Montpelier, Williams County, as manager of the local creamery. In 1910 Mr. Stahl bought the creamery and has conducted it continuously since. Because of the excellence of the products, prompt service and courteous treatment, Mr. Stahl has built the business up to gratifying proportions and it is now numbered among the best creameries in this section of the state. Mr. Stahl manufactures the Rose brand of butter and supplies the major portion of Montpelier with milk.

Mr. Stahl has been successful in all his business affairs and has accumulated some valuable property, being the owner of the creamery building, his own residence and eighty acres of excellent farm land in Superior Township, about two miles west of Montpelier. He is also a stockholder in the Montpelier National Bank.

Mr. Stahl was married in March, 1908, to Florence Rickey, of Montpelier, and they are the parents of seven children, Estel, Kenneth, Blanche, Alva, May, Georgia and Lloyd. Mr. Stahl and his family are identified with the Methodist Episcopal and Presbyterian churches, while, politically, he gives his support to the republican party. Fraternally, he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, belonging to Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council at Montpelier and to Defiance Commandery, No. 30, Knights Templar, at Defiance, Ohio. He is public spirited and takes a keen interest in affairs affecting the community, rendering effective service as a member of the board of public service of the Village of Montpelier. In relation to life's activities he has performed his full part and today he occupies an enviable position in the confidence and esteem of the people.

Ora R. Manning. - Among the traveling salesmen identified with the automobile industry who make their homes in Williams County, one who is achieving success in his chosen field of endeavor is Ora R. Manning, whose residence is at Pioneer. Mr. Manning is a native of Deerfield, Michigan, born January 17, 1875, and received a district and public school education in his native place. As a young man he went to Toledo, Ohio, where he found employment in the service of the Interurban Electric Railway, and continued to be identified therewith until he took up the handling of Hudson automobiles, which he followed for seven years, the while he handled a full line of candy selling to the trade. In 1920 he gave up the automobile business and is now devoting his entire time to selling of candy on the road.

On September 4, 1907, Mr. Manning was united in marriage with Miss Alice M. Bartoe, who was born in Williams County, Ohio, reared in Madison Township, and educated in the public schools of Pioneer. She is a daughter of William and Josephine (Anderson) Bartoe, her father being a native of Wayne County, Ohio, born near Wooster, in 1840. He was reared near Reedsburg, where he married Josephine Anderson, who was born in Wayne County, Ohio, and educated there and at Mount Vernon. They came to Williams County in 1865 and engaged in farming, their home being made at Pioneer. Three children were born to them : Viola, who is the wife of F. L. Masters, of Seattle, Washington; Alice M., and Clara, the wife of J. C. Ewing, of Pioneer. Mr. and Mrs. Manning have no children of their own, but are rearing an adopted son, James Lewis, who is now attending the public school at Pioneer.

Mr. Manning is a member of Pioneer Lodge No. 441, Free and Accepted Masons. The modern Manning home is located at Pioneer, in addition to which Mrs. Manning is the owner of 131 acres of valuable farming land in Madison Township. Both Mr. and Mrs. Manning are highly esteemed at Pioneer, where they have numerous warm and appreciative friends.

Byron S. Williams. - Eagle Creek Farm in Superior Township has always been the home of its owner, Byron S. Williams. He was born May 7, 1873, and is a son of William and Mary (Simpson) Williams. There are eighty acres in Eagle Creek Farm, and Mr. Williams combines farming and the livestock business there.

William Williams was born September 9, 1833, in Tuscarawas County, and Mrs. Williams was born January 13, 1844, in Holmes county. As a young girl she came to Williams County in 1847 with her parents, and four years later Mr. Williams came to the community. They both grew up in Williams County. In his young manhood he was a great chopper and could easily cut and cord four cords of wood in a day. He owned forty acres of land in Florence Township and cleared it alone. He bought the eighty where the son, Byron S. Williams now lives - Eagle Creek Farm - and chopped off the timber on a spot where he wanted to build a log house. In his time he wielded the ax and conquered the forest.

The Williams family are members of Eagle Creek Methodist Episcopal Church, and William Williams was a strict church member, always standing for the right in everything. He was a republican in his political conviction. Three children of the William Williams family are living, A. D. 1920. Alsinas Williams of Superior Township is a deputy sheriff of Williams County. Harriet is the wife of Horace K. Brundyge, and Byron S. Williams who enrolls the family in the "History of Williams County." There was another daughter, Clara B. Williams.

Byron S. Williams has always lived at Eagle Creek Farm. On April 1, 1899, he married Eliza Houk. She was born July 2, 1878, in Florence Township, and he brought her at once to Eagle Creek Farm. Their children are : Ernest W., Wayne A., and Leland O., in Montpelier, and Theresa M. and Keith B. at home with the parents. Mr. Williams is a general farmer and combines the livestock business with it. He is one of the progressive men in the community.

C. Rome Dustin. - The County of Williams numbers among its citizens many skillful physicians, lawyers, manufacturers and business men of more than local reputation ; while proud of them, she is not lacking in others who have achieved distinction in callings requiring intellectual abilities of high order. Among the latter, C. Rome Dustin, the popular and efficient superintendent of the Montpelier public schools, occupies a deservedly conspicuous place. No one is more entitled to the thoughtful consideration of a free and enlightened people than he who shapes and directs the minds of the young, adds to the value of their intellectual treasures and moulds their characters. This is pre-eminently the mission of the faithful and conscientious teacher and to such noble work is the life of the subject of this sketch devoted.

C. Rome Dustin was born near Kunkle, Madison Township, Williams County, Ohio, on July 26, 1887, and is a son of John H. and Mary W. (Barckley) Dustin. The father was born near West Unity, Ohio, on February 16, 1851, and the mother was born at Decatur, Indiana, on January 17, 1854, while their marriage occurred in Williams County, Ohio. They both were high school graduates and held to high ideals in educational matters. John H. Dustin also attended normal school and became a successful and popular teacher in the public schools of Williams County, teaching first in Madison Township and later becoming principal of the schools at Kunkle. Mrs. Dustin also taught one term of school prior to her marriage. They were members of the Church of God and in politics Mr. Dustin gave his support to the democratic party. They became the parents of five children, three of whom are living, namely: Kahl, who graduated from high school and then won his degree of Bachelor of Arts at Findlay (Ohio) College, is now a minister of the Church of God at Columbia City, Indiana; Cleveland R., who is a graduate of the Tri- State Normal College at Angola, Indiana, is now superintendent of schools at Kunkle ; C. Rome, the subject of this review.

C. Rome Dustin received his elementary education in the public schools of this county, graduating from the high school, and then entered the Tri-State Normal College, at Angola, Indiana, where he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science, following which he took special work in the Ohio University and Teachers' College, N. Y. He then engaged in teaching school, his first work being in Bridgewater and Superior Townships, this county, following which he had the grammar school at Pioneer for three years. During the following year and a half he was principal of the Kunkle school and then for six years was principal of the Montpelier High School. On May 31, 1918, Mr. Dustin resigned the latter position and entered the Naval Officers Training School, at the Municipal Pier, Chicago, and from there he was sent to Chicago LTniversity for three weeks of special training. He was then transferred to the United States steamship Commodore, stationed at Grant Park Chicago, where he remained until October, 1918, when he was transferred to the Pier. On November 3, he was selected as one of the twenty-five who were to be sent to Pelham Bay, New York, but before sailing he was stricken with an attack of the "flu," which necessitated his being sent to a hospital. After his recovery, he received a furlough and on December 6, 1918, he was honorably discharged from the service. He returned home and finished the year as a teacher at Kunkle, and the following year was elected superintendent of the Montpelier schools, in which position he is now serving. Prof. Dustin possesses in an eminent degree the essential qualifications of the successful educator and has rendered appreciated service in every position which he has filled.

On August 2, 1917, Mr. Dustin was married to Ruth Elder, of Pioneer, Ohio. Mrs. Dustin is a graduate of Pioneer High School, and the State Normal School at Oxford, Ohio, and taught in the public schools for two years prior to her marriage. To them has been born a son, Richard E., born on August 14, 1919.

Mr. Dustin is a member of the Church of God at Deerlick, Ohio, and his political support is given to the democratic party. Although a quiet and unassuming man, Mr. Dustin has contributed to the civic, moral and educational advancement of his community, while his admirable qualities of head and heart have won for him the esteem and confidence of the circles in which he moves.

Howard M. Byall, M. D. - For many years the name of Dr. Howard M. Byall, of Montpelier, has been a household word in Williams County, where he has built up a large and lucrative practice, being numbered among the representative citizens of this locality, having ever been known as an able, reliable and progressive physician and patriotic in citizenship. He is esteemed for these commendable traits, together with his cordial disposition and genuine worth, and although he has been more or less active in various relations with his fellowmen, his name stands out more prominently in connection with the medical profession, in which he has long been a prominent figure.

Howard M. Byall was born in Jackson Township, Wells County, Indiana, and is a son of John and Magdalena (Keagle) Byall. The father was born in Wayne County, Ohio, on June 23, 1817, and the mother in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, on June 24, 1827. They were married in Wayne County, Ohio, and in September, 1846, went to Wells County, Indiana, where land had been entered by James

Byall, who was a veteran of the War of 1812. This land, comprising 160 acres, was located in the midst of dense timber and here John Byall settled and devoted himself to the task of clearing the land and putting it in shape for cultivation. He succeeded in creating a good farm and here he and his good wife spent the remainder of their days, his death occurring in 1883, and that of his wife on January 25, 1881. John Byall was a democrat in his political views and he became one of the leading citizens of Wells County, taking an active part in public affairs and holding the office of justice of the peace for many years. He was a member of the Universalist Church and his wife was a Lutheran in her religious belief. They became the parents of nine children, six of whom grew to maturity, and four are still living, namely : Alexander, of Jackson Township, Wells County, Indiana ; Oscar, of the same locality ; Henry, who lives in Kansas, and Howard M., of this review.

Howard M. Byall was reared on the parental farmstead in Wells County, Indiana, and attended the public schools, completing his elemental studies in the high school at Bluffton, Indiana. He then was a student during four terms in Ridgeville College, Ridgeville, Indiana, and one term at Fort Wayne College, Fort Wayne, Indiana. He then determined to make the practice of medicine his life work and matriculated in Rush Medical College, of Chicago, where he was graduated in 1884, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He first located in the practice of his profession at Metz, Steuben County, Indiana, in partnership with Dr. T. F. Wood, but two years later he moved to Kunkle, Ohio, where he was engaged in the practice for six years, in 1892 Doctor Byall came to Montpelier and has remained here ever since, and has enjoyed a large and representative patronage covering a wide range of the surrounding country. In his chosen field of endeavor, Doctor Byall has achieved success such as comparatively few attain and his eminent standing among the leading medical men of Williams County has been duly recognized and appreciated not only in Montpelier, the town long honored by his citizenship, but also throughout this and surrounding counties. As a citizen he has easily ranked with the most influential of his compeers in affairs looking towards the advancement and betterment of his community. He is a stockholder and director in the Montpelier National Bank, one of the strong and influential banks of the county. This bank is capitalized at $60,000, with a surplus of $15,000 and resources of $700,000. The officers are as follows: J. D. Hill, president; Jerry Drake, vice president; Orley H. Bowen, cashier; W. P. Tressler, assistant cashier, and the following additional directors, J. D. Hill, A. P. Kothenberger, W. L. Hogue, D. G. Tressler, Howard M. Byall* Leon Miller, W. S. Boone, Jerry Drake, Nelson Cumms, Jobe Hodson and C. L. Bowen. Doctor Byall is also the owner of some valuable real estate in Montpelier.

In 1892, Doctor Byall was married to Martha J. Foltz, of Montpelier, who was born and reared in Huron County, Ohio. Doctor and Mrs. Byall are active members of the Presbyterian Church, of which society he is one of the trustees. Fraternally he is a member of Montpelier Lodge, No. 547, Free and Accepted Masons. Politically, he is an earnest supporter of the democratic party and served two years as coroner of Williams County. The Doctor holds professional membership with the Williams County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society, and holds a fellowship certificate of the American Medical Association. Doctor Byall's life has been characterized not only by the most adroit professional ability, but also by the most profound human sympathy which overleaped mere sentiment to become an actuating motive, for when a youth he realized that there is no honor not founded on genuine worth, that there is a vital purpose in life and that the best and highest accomplishment must come from a well trained mind and an altruistic heart. Older men in the profession here relied on his judgment and younger ones frequently have sought his counsel, all admitting his eminence. Because of his ability and his sterling qualities of character, he enjoys the confidence and esteem of the entire community.

Charles E. Hause. - One of the leading citizens of Superior Township, Williams County, is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, who has for many years been considered one of the successful and enterprising farmers of his section of the county. Those who know him best will readily acquiesce in the statement that many elements of a solid and practical nature are united in his composition and which through a series of years have gained for him the favorable opinion of his fellow citizens.

Charles E. Hause, who lives on an excellent farm one mile south of Montpelier, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, on October 11, 1854, and is the son of Samuel and Margaret (Beard) Hause. These parents were both natives of Hagerstown, Maryland, where they were reared. Later they came to Clark County, Ohio, where they were married, moving sometime later to Seneca County, this state. Once more they returned to Clark County, and again made their home in

Seneca County, where they lived until 1859, when they came to Williams County, locating in Superior Township, one mile south and two miles west of Montpelier. After living there a short time, Samuel Hause built a log cabin a half mile north of his former location, where he cleared a farm, and there they spent the remainder of their lives. They were members of the English Lutheran Church. In politics, Mr. Hause was first a republican, but later gave his support to the democratic party. He was prominent in the affairs of his community and served as trustee of Superior Township. To him and his wife were born six children, namely : Charles E., the immediate subject of this review; William H., a retired farmer now living in Montpelier; Daniel K., a farmer in Superior Township; Celia, the wife of George Mcintosh, who lives on the old homestead ; Albert C, who is engaged in the mercantile business in Montpelier; Otis B., who is engaged in farming in Michigan.

Charles E. Hause spent his boyhood days on the parental farm in Superior Township and attended the district schools of that neighborhood. He remained at home until his marriage, in 1876, when he settled in a farm in Superior Township, where he remained until 1886, when he moved to the farm where he now resides and to the cultivation of which he has since devoted his energies. A thoroughly practical agriculturist, he has achieved a distinctive success in his vocation and is numbered among the progressive farmers of his township. He carried on general farming operations and stock raising and maintains the place at a high standard of cultivation.

On December 30, 1876, Mr. Hause was married to Hannah Kent, who was born on May 9, 1858, on the farm where she and her husband now live. She is the daughter of Daniel and Margaret (Kollar) Kent, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Tuscarawas County, Ohio. They both moved to Williams County, were married here and settled on the farm in Superior Township, which was entered by the Kent family and has always remained in the family. To Mr. and Mrs. Hause has been born a daughter, Bertha L., who attended the Montpelier High School, received a license to teach school, and is now living in Toledo, Ohio.

Mr. and Mrs. Hause are earnest members of the English Lutheran Church, and in politics Mr. Hause is a supporter of the republican party. He is a member of Superior Lodge, No. 269, Knights of Pythias, and is a member of the grand lodge. Mrs. Hause is a member of the Pythian Sisters, of which she is a past chief and member of the grand lodge, and is also a member of the Woman's Benefit

Association, in which she served as captain of the degree staff for seven years. Mr. Hause has worked hard and knows how to appreciate the true dignity of labor. He is essentially a man of affairs, sound judgment and keen discernment, and by his industry and sturdy integrity he has won and retains the confidence and esteem of all classes.

Albert C. Hause, secretary of the Williams County Agricultural Society, has played an active part in commercial and other affairs in the county for a number of years, and is a shoe merchant at Montpelier.

He was born in Superior Township, Williams County, March 6, 1871, son of Samuel and Margaret (Beard) Hause. His father was born at Hagerstown, Maryland, October 4, 1831, and the mother was born in the same locality December 26, 1832. They were reared in Seneca County, Ohio, -and after their marriage settled on a farm in that county. Somewhat later they moved to Williams County, and later went to Clark County, Ohio. The father spent his active life as a farmer, and finally returned to Williams County and established a home two and a half miles southwest of Montpelier. Both were charter members of the English Lutheran Church at Mount Zion, and the father was for many years an elder. As a democrat he was elected a trustee of Superior Township. The children were Charles E. of Superior Township; William H., a retired farmer at Montpelier; Daniel K., who lives on the old homestead; Clara, wife of George Mcintosh of Superior Township ; Albert C. ; and Otis B., of Hillsdale County, Michigan.

Albert C. Hause grew up on the home farm, and supplemented his district school education in the Tri-State College at Angola, Indiana, and the Ohio Northern University at Ada. He graduated from the Nelson Business College at Springfield, Ohio. Returning to the farm January 1, 1896, he soon afterward engaged in the implement, seed and wool business as a member of the firm Martin & Hause. After a year he bought out his partner, and continued active in the business for five years longer. He then sold and became . assistant cashier of the First National Bank, and five years later was made cashier. Mr. Hause resigned from the bank in 1907 to engage in the shoe business with C. J. Bohner under the name Bohner & Hause. This is a successful firm at Montpelier where both members are prominent in civic as well as business activities.

April 6, 1898, Mr. Hause married Dell E. Pressler, daughter of Arch Pressler. She was born in Superior Township February 9, 1871, and finished her education in the Hillsdale College of Music. They have one son, R. Reginald, born May 30, 1905. Mrs. Hause is a member of the Methodist Church. He is affiliated with Montpelier Lodge, No. 547, Free and Accepted Masons, Montpelier Chapter, No. 184, Royal Arch Masons, Montpelier Council, No. 102, Royal and Select Masters, and he and his wife are affiliated with the Eastern Star. He is a past master, past high priest and past worthy patron of the several branches of Masonry. Mr. Hause was elected as a democrat to the office of treasurer of Montpelier, and is now in his sixth year as secretary of the Country Agricultural Society.

Guy Wisman. - The purpose of biography is to preserve the records of successful men for the edification of succeeding generations, and thus the lesson of biography may be far-reaching to an extent not superficially evident. A man's reputation is the property of the world, for the laws of nature have forbidden isolation. Every human being either submits to or rises above the controlling influence which touches, guides or misdirects others. The career of Guy Wisman, well-known business man of Montpelier, is of that class of enterprising citizens whose example is calculated to be an incentive to others, for his efforts have met with a fair measure of success in life's affairs.

Guy Wisman, president and manager of the Farmers Superior Co-operative Association, is a native son of Williams County, having been born in Superior Township on January 28, 1866, and is a son of James and Hannah (McHenry) Wisman, the former a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, and the latter, of Ashland County, this state. They were married after their removal to Williams County and settled on a farm in Superior Township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. They were members of the Presbyterian Church and in politics Mr. Wisman was a democrat. They became the parents of nine children, of which number five are now living, namely : Guy, the subject of this sketch ; E. C, who is a veterinary surgeon by profession, and is the present postmaster of Bryan ; Viola, who is the wife of C. E. Blue, a teacher in the schools of Cleveland, Ohio; M. J., of Kansas City, Missouri; H. M., also of Kansas City.

The subject of this sketch was reared on the parental farmstead and secured his educational training in the district schools of Superior Township. He remained at home until his marriage, in 1889, when he located on a farm, which engaged his attention until June 3, 1919, when he came to Montpelier as manager of the Farmers Co-operative Association, which position he is still filling to the entire satisfaction of the members of- the association. He is a man of good business ability and gives the best of his efforts to the business, of which he is president. He is the owner of 140 acres of splendid land in Superior Township, on which he raises a general line of crops, but he gives special attention to the dairy business, the products of his farm bearing a widespread reputation for high quality, his stock being highly bred and well cared for.

In 1889 Mr. Wisman was married to Roberta Gilcher and they have become the parents of three children, namely : Clyde E., who formerly engaged in teaching school, is now a farmer in Superior Township; H. H. is assistant cashier of the Farmers and Merchants Bank, at Montpelier ; Silvia, who is a graduate of the Bryan High School, is teaching in the public schools of Montpelier.

Politically, Mr. Wisman gives his support to the democratic party and takes a keen interest in local public affairs, having served as trustee of Superior Township and as a member of the school board. His chief characteristics seem to be fidelity of purpose, keenness of perception, unswerving integrity and sound common sense, which have earned for him the esteem of the entire community.

Leon P. Charpiot. - Well trained in modern business ways and methods, Leon P. Charpiot is conspicuously identified with the advancement of the mercantile prosperity of West Unity, being a popular and successful hardware merchant of that place, and for many years has been actively associated with its highest and best interests as a public official, having served most satisfactorily in various township and city offices. A son of Peter Charpiot, he was born, August 30, 1863, in Stryker, this county, of French ancestry on both sides of the house.

Born and bred in France, Peter Charpiot acquired a good education in his native land, and as a young man learned the tinner's trade. Soon after his marriage with Catherine Pengeot, he immigrated to this country with his bride, locating in Stryker, Ohio, where he followed his trade for a while, later embarking in the hardware business. Energetic and far-seeing, he subsequently established a hardware store in West Unity, and placed it in charge of his son, Leon P. Charpiot, the subject of this brief personal record.

at the age of fourteen years to become a clerk in his father's establishment, and while yet young had obtained a practical insight into the business with which he has since been identified, becoming thoroughly acquainted with its every detail. Thus equipped, he came to West Unity in 1880 to assume the management of his father's store, and has since built up an extensive and highly remunerative trade, his ability, integrity and upright dealings winning him an extensive patronage. At one time, Mr. Charpiot was also engaged in the manufacture of oars, at that time a paying industry.

In 1887 Mr. Charpiot was united in marriage with Edith McLaughlin, a native of Fulton County, Ohio, and to them three children have been born, namely: Peter, a graduate of the West Unity High School is engaged in farming in Jefferson Township ; Charles, who was graduated from the West Unity High School and from the University of Michigan, is engaged in the hardware business with his father, in Stryker; and Leon, a student in the local high school. One of the leading members of the democratic party, Mr. Charpiot has contributed his full share in advancing the interests of the community, having served ably as township trustee, councilman, and as mayor of West Unity, performing the duties devolving upon him faithfully and acceptably to all concerned. He was one of the organizers of the Citizens Telephone Company, and is a member of its board of directors.

J. C. Beerbower. - In such men as J. C. Beerbower, a successful farmer of Pulaski Township, Williams County, there is peculiar satisfaction in offering their life histories - justification for the compilation of works of this character - not that their lives have been such as to gain them particularly wide notoriety or the admiring plaudits of men, but that they have been true to every trust reposed in them and have shown such attributes of character as entitled them to the regard of all.

J. C. Beerbower, whose splendid farm lies just south of the corporation line, on South Main Street, Bryan, was born in Jefferson Township, this county, on December 24, 1858, and is the son of Jacob F. and Susan (Snyder) Beerbower. Jacob F. Beerbower was born in Wayne County, Ohio, in June, 1822, and was a son of Jacob Beerbower, who was born in Germany. The latter came to the United States when but a boy and located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he remained for a time, subsequently moving to Wayne County, Ohio. He had been married in Philadelphia and on the long and tiring trip to the new home in the West his wife rode a three-year-old colt and carried in her arms a babe, James, now deceased, while the father walked by her side and led the colt. They settled near Apple Creek, where they spent the remainder of their lives. There their son Jacob F. grew to manhood and attended the comparatively primitive schools of that period. In 1840 he came to Williams County and located on a farm in Jefferson Township, where he lived for several years. Selling that place, he moved to another farm in the southeastern part of the township, which he had bought, and there he devoted himself to agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in June, 1910. He was survived but a few months by his widow, who died in October of the same year. They were active members of the Church of God, will read in the Scriptures, and the purity of their daily lives attested to their religious faith and purpose. They became the parents of eight children, of which number six still survive, namely : Jesse W., of Pulaski Township; Mary J., the wife of Harrison Hester, of Bryan;' Jonathan, who is engaged in the grocery business in Conneaut, Ohio '; Docia, the wife of Orlando Benner. of Bryan; J. C. is the immediate subject of this sketch; Sarah is unmarried and lives with the subject' Izora, who was the wife of W. W. Benner, is deceased.

J. C. Beerbower was reared on the paternal farmstead in section 24, Jefferson Township, and attended the district schools until eighteen years old. He remained with his parents and operated the home farm for them until their deaths, when he was chosen administrator of the estate. He bought the interests of the other heirs in the place, and with his sister Sarah, remained there a year. At the end of' that time he sold the farm and bought the land on which he now lives. He carries on a general line of farming and also gives some attention to the raising of high-grade poultry, and in both lines of effort he has been rewarded with a very gratifying degree of success. Besides his farm interests, Mr. Beerbower is also a stockholder in the Farmers Co-operative Association of Bryan. Politically, he gives his earnest support to the republican party, though he does not take a very active part in local public affairs. However, he is public spirited and consistently gives his support to all worthy movements for the advancement of the public welfare. Because of his business success and his sterling personal qualities, he enjoys the confidence and esteem of the entire community.

Walter S. Unger, M. D. - For almost a quarter of a century the medical profession has been ably represented at Melbern, Ohio, by Dr. Walter S. Unger, who in other ways also is a representative man of Williams County. Doctor Unger was born at Canton, Ohio, August 11. 18/4, and is a son of J. Wesley and Charity (Miller) Unger.

J. Wesley Unger, a veteran of the Civil war and for many years prominent in the livestock business in Williams County, now lives retired at Melbern. He was born in Stark County, Ohio, January 9, 1840. His parents, the paternal grandparents of Doctor Unger, were George and Elizabeth (Smith) Unger, the former of whom came to Ohio from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1826. He married Elizabeth Smith in Stark County, of which she was a native, and they had five children, namely: J. Wesley; George, a farmer in Stark County; Amanda, of St. Cloud, Florida; John, of Stark County, and one who is deceased. George Unger worked at the shoemaking trade when a young man but later became a farmer near Canton, Ohio. J. Wesley Unger was reared in Stark County, attended the district schools and assisted his father on the farm and taught school in Stark County five years. He married Lydia A. Meese who, at death, left two daughters, Emma and Minnie. His second marriage was to Charity Miller, who was born near Wolf Lake, in Noble County, Indiana. They had one child born to them, Walter S., physician and surgeon at Mintern. The third marriage of J. Wesley Unger took place June 11, 1911, to Inez Estes, who was born in April, 1856, near Boston, Massachusetts, and educated in that state.

Mr. Unger served 120 days in the Civil war, enlisting in 1864 in Company E, 162nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. In 1874 he came to Edgerton and went into the livestock shipping and hay business, and is credited with having bought, baled and shipped the first hay out of the county. In politics he has always been a republican, and is a member of the H. G. Blake Post, Grand Army of the Republic, of Medina. Mr. and Mrs. Lhiger are very widely known and much esteemed.

Walter S. Unger was brought to Williams County in his infancy and was reared at Edgerton, where he attended the public schools. After his high school course he entered the Tri-State College, at Angola, Indiana, where he completed a commercial course on February 4, 1894. During the following year he studied medicine in the Toledo Medical College, subsequently entering the medical department of the Michigan College of Medicine and Surgery of Detroit, Michigan, from which he was graduated March 23, 1897. On June 28, 1897, he entered into medical practice at Melbern, Ohio, where he has remained, becoming notable in his profession in Williams County.

Doctor Unger was united in marriage on June 18, 1898, to Miss Isola Burger, of Hicksville, Ohio, where she was reared and educated. They have two children, namely: Paul W\, who was born April 18, 1899, was graduated from the Bryan High School and at present is a student in the Ohio State University at Columbus ; and Doris, who was born March 4, 1902, graduated from Bryan High School with the class of 1920. Doctor Unger and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has large real estate interests at Melbern and owns 300 acres of fine farm land in Center Township. Williams County. He has been one of the progressive citizens of the county, taking an interest in a number of worthy enterprises and being particularly useful in bringing about the fine telephone service enjoyed, being vice president and one of the directors of the Edgerton Telephone Company. He has always been firm in his support of the republican party as an earnest citizen, but has had no inclination nor has found time to accept any public office. He belongs to the Masonic lodge at Edgerton, Ohio.

Edward L. Fix. - A business that has done much to build up the commercial importance of Melbern, Ohio, is the handling and storage of grain, made possible by the erection and operation of great elevators. Immense capital is invested in this business, the leading representatives of which at Melbern are John H. Nihart and Edward L. Fix, operating as the firm of Nihart & Fix.

Edward L. Fix was born one mile west of Melbern, March 23, 1883, and is a son of Daniel and Christina (Foster) Fix, both of whom were born in Germany and accompanied their respective parents to the United States. At first the father worked on the New York Central Railroad, then was married at Bryan, Ohio, bought land in Center Township, Williams County, and they passed the rest of their lives there. Six children were born to them, namely: Elizabeth, who is deceased ; Yosty, who is the wife of Grant Christ ; Emma, who is the wife of Charles Miller; Callie. who is the wife of Charles Glowe; Birdie, who is the wife of Fred Langle; and Edward L. The parents were members of the German Lutheran Church.

Edward L. Fix attended the public schools of Center Township and remained on the home farm with his father until he was twentyfive years of age, devoting his entire attention to farm industries in his native township until he formed a partnership in the elevator business with John H. Nihart. In January, 1918, this firm built their large, elevators at Melbern and the business is in a very prosperous condition, both partners having been grain growers and grain handlers almost all their lives. Mr. Fix still owns his farm of 130 acres which is situated in Center Township.

In 1907 Mr. Fix was united in marriage to Miss Effie Clay, who was born in Center Township, and they have three children, namely : Vera, William and Cleo. Mr. and Mrs. Fix are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Melbern. As was his father, Mr. Fix is an earnest supporter of the democratic party and quite influential through Center Township, where he served six years as a member of the school board. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and has local membership at Bryan, Ohio.

William M. Denman, M. D. - A man of scholarly attainments, possessing excellent business and financial ability, William M. Denman, M. D., a retired physician, banker and farmer, of West Unity, Williams County, may well claim the title of "Honorable," as he has served ably in both branches of the State Legislature. A son of E. G. Denman, he was born, September 16, 1845, in Knox County, Ohio, coming on both sides of the house of honored pioneer ancestry.

Born and bred in Knox County, Ohio, E. G. Denman spent his early life in that locality, and there married Almira Morrison, one of his youthful companions. Choosing the free and independent occupation by which the early pioneers of that county earned their livelihood, he began life as a farmer in his native township, remaining there a number of seasons after his marriage. Coming to Williams County in 1851, he bought land near West Unity, and on the farm which he redeemed from its primitive condition resided until his death. His wife outlived him, and spent her last days in West Unity. A man of strong individuality, energetic and progressive, he was an active member of the democratic party, and in addition to serving one term as county treasurer represented his district two terms, of two years each, in the State Legislature. To him and his wife, four children were born, William M., the special subject of this skech. being the only one of the family now living. Another of the sons, J. K. Denman, M. D., was engaged in the practice of his profession at Sherwood, Ohio, several years.

Brought up on the home farm, William M. Denman laid a substantial foundation for his future education in the district schools, and subsequently completed a college course in Adrian, Michigan. Deciding upon a professional career, as was natural to a man of his mental calibre, he entered the Starling Medical College, at Columbus, Ohio, and was there graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1870. Locating immediately in Bridgewater, Williams County, Doctor Denman remained there a year, and in 1872 came to West Unity, where he has since resided. An eminently able and skilful physician, the doctor built up an extensive and lucrative practice in the town and surrounding country, being one of the busiest and most popular physicians in this part of the county.

Possessing good business ability and judgment, Doctor Denman has acquired property of value, as a landholder owning thirty acres of land in Brady Township, and 160 acres in Jefferson Township. Since 1896 the doctor has served as president of the West Unity Banking Company, one of the more substantial financial organizations of this part of the county, and for the past twenty-two years has been president of the Brady Fire Insurance Company.

He is a prominent member of the democratic party, and in addition to having served one term in the seventy-fourth general assembly was for two terms a member of the seventy-seventh session of the State Senate.

Doctor Denman married, September 30, 1875, Mary Skiles, of Huntington, a woman of culture and refinement. Both he and his wife are worthy members of the Presbyterian Church, the doctor being now president of its official board. A thirty-second degree Mason, he is a member of Superior Lodge, No. 179, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons ; of Northwest Chapter, at Bryan, Ohio ; of Defiance Commandery, No. 30, Knights Templar ; and is one of the charter members of Toledo Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Mrs. Denman is a charter member of the Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star to which both she and the doctor belong, and of which she is a past worthy matron, while he is a past worthy patron.

Edwin Stenger. - A substantial representative of the farming and stock raising interests of Williams County, Edwin Stenger also furnishes an example of the value of progressiveness and enterprise when applied to vocations connected with the soil, and his excellent property, lying four miles west of Bryan, in Center Township, gives excellent evidence of his good management.

Mr. Stenger was born in Elkhart County, Indiana, January 2, 1865, a son of George W. and Mary A. (Dickerhoff) Stenger, the former born in Wayne County, Ohio, October 19, 1841, and the latter in Stark County, this state, August 28, 1838. In young manhood, George W. Stenger resided in Defiance County for a short period, but later moved to Center Township, Williams County, where he made his home during the remainder of his active career. He is now living at Hicksville, in retirement, although he still takes a keen and intelligent interest in public affairs, being a stanch democrat in politics. He and his wife have been worthy God-fearing people and church people and have had five children : Edwin ; Abbie A. and Maggie Viola, twins, the latter of whom is deceased; Amos F., a farmer of Superior Township, Williams County; and Alice, the wife of George Brown, a farmer of Defiance County at Hicksville. Abbie A. is the wife of Eugene Long of Akron, Ohio.

Edwin Stenger received a public school education and was reared on the home farm where he remained until his marriage at the age of twenty-nine years, January 25, 1894, to Miss Delia M. Stauffer. She was born in Center Township, where she was educated in the public schools, a daughter of A. C. and Marian Stauffer. Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Stenger started their careers as occupants of a rented farm, on which they remained about twelve years, then purchasing a piece of land located in Superior Township, Williams County. This they continued to operate until three years later, when they purchased their present farm in Center Township. Here they have 160 acres in sections 9 and 10, which has been put under a high state of cultivation by Mr. Stenger, a man of much industry and agricultural ability. In addition to carrying on general farming operations, he is a breeder of registered Holstein cattle and is considered a shrewd judge of livestock.

Fraternally, Mr. Stenger is affiliated with Florence Lodge, No. 502, Knights of Pythias, of which he is past chancellor and deputy grand chancellor of Williams County, and has attended the grand lodge. Mrs. Stenger belongs to Blakeley Temple, Pythian Sisters. Mr. Stenger's political opinions make him a democrat, a ticket on which he has been elected to the office of clerk of Center Township for four years.

Mr. and Mrs. Stenger are the parents of seven children : Clinton F., a graduate of the Bryan High School, who is a teacher in the schools of Center Township, served as a bugler in the United States Army and was in France for four months during the World war; Marian M., who is unmarried and makes her home with her parents, is a graduate of the public schools ; Jennie B., a graduate of the Bryan High School, who is teaching school in Center Township; Susanna, a graduate of Bryan High School ; Zenith E., who is attending that school; and Gladys M., who is attending the graded schools. The sixth child in order of birth, George A., is deceased. Mr. Stenger has various business interests and is a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Elevator Company at Bryan and of the Melbern Telephone Company. ' w ,VALcER, S' Morrow - A life-'°ng resident of Williams County, Walter S. Morrow was for many years actively engaged in agricultural pursu.ts and having, by energetic toil, thrift, and good management, acquired a handsome competency, is now living retired from farming in Bryan, devoting his time to the advancement of the interests of the Home Building Association, of which he is a director A son of David Morrow, he was born, November 14, 1855, in Center Township, on a farm situated two miles northwest of Bryan

Born in Pennsylvania, David Morrow came with his parents to Ohio in childhood, and was brought up in Wayne County, his home having been located between Wooster and Orrville. After his mar r.age he lived in that locality for a while, but in 1854 came to Williams County, and having bought a farm near Bryan, there resided during the remainder of his life. A man of strong personality he became prominent in local affairs, and a leader in the establishment of beneficial enterprises. He was a charter member of the Farmers National Bank of Bryan, and one of the organizers of the first agricultura society formed in that vicinity, and served as its first president. Very successful as an agriculturist, he made wise investments becoming proprietor of 700 acres of rich farming land He was a republican in politics, a member and past master of Bryan Lodge Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons; and both he and his wife were active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and he ^s one of its official board for many years. He married Ruth Mitchell, who was born in Pennsylvania, and brought up in Wayne County, this state, in the same neighborhood that he was. Of the four children born of their union, Walter S., the subject of this brief sketch, is the only survivor ; the others were as follows : Elmore Y Charles A. and Ellen, who became the wife of William McNary.