Williams County, Ohio - The whole text, 1920 (part 8 of 12)

William C. Heller, who at the time of his death, on December 19, 1919, was president of the W. C. Heller Company, one of the most important manufacturing concerns of Montpelier, was born in Newark, New Jersey, on August 27, 1872. After completing his elemental education in the public schools, he became a student in the Coleman Business College, where he gained a good preparation for a business career. His first employment was in his father's hardware store as a salesman, and it was while thus employed that he observed needed improvements in hardware shelving and other store furniture. His business shrewdness was evidenced here when he embarked in the manufacture of hardware furniture, for it was a field entirely unoccupied, and he soon was in command of an important and rapidly growing business in that line. Finally, the W. C. Heller Company was organized in 1891. under the laws of New Jersey, for the manufacture of hardware store fixtures and sectional cabinets, to take care of automobile accessories, parts, etc., the factory being at that time located at Montclair. New Jersey. The official personnel of the corporation at present (1919) is as follows: W. C. Heller, president; E. S. Taylor, vice president; J. B. Heller, secretary, and E. G. Heller, treasurer; these gentlemen also comprising the directorate. Early in 1906 Montpelier extended to Mr. Heller an invitation to move his plant to this village and in May of that year the change was effected. After locating here the factory turned out its products in enormous quantities, and the product is known practically all over the world, shipments being made to foreign countries as well as throughout the United States. Mr. Heller's manner of conducting his business quickly won for him not only the confidence of thousands of satisfied customers, but also the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens of Montpelier. Immediately upon coming to Montpelier Mr. Heller entered into the business and civic life of the community in a whole-hearted and public-spirited manner and from that time until his death he was considered one of the foremost figures in the commercial life of the village. He always took a very active part in any movement which had for its object the betterment of Montpelier and he had become identified with several local institutions, wherein his influence for progress carried much weight. He was a member of the directorate and vice president of the Farmers and Merchants State and Savings Bank of Montpelier.

On May 27, 1896, at Astoria, New York, Mr. Heller married Miss Evva Bamber, of Astoria. To Mr. and Mrs. Heller were born four children, as follows: John B., a graduate of the Montpelier High School and secretary of the W. C. Heller Company, is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, in which he has attained the degrees of the Council, he is a Knight of Pythias, of which he is past chancellor commander; Leroy S. is a graduate of the Montpelier High School, and now assistant foreman in the W. C. Heller Company's plant; Ruth is attending high school, and Louise is a student in the public school.

Politically, Mr. Heller was a lifelong supporter of the democratic party and took an active part in advancing its interests. He was vitally interested in the cause of education and rendered most efficient and appreciated service as a member of the village school board for eleven years. Fraternally, he was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. A member of the Presbyterian Church, he gave hearty and liberal support to that society, of which he was a trustee, and he was also a life member of the American Red Cross Society. Strong and forceful in his relations with his fellowmen, Mr. Heller not only made his presence felt, but also gained the good will and commendation of both his associates and the general public, ever retaining his reputation among men for integrity and high character, no matter how trying the circumstances, and never losing that dignity which is the birthright of the model gentleman. Consequently his influence for good was potent and he will long be missed from the circles in which he moved and over which his influence was like sunshine on a field of ripened grain.

E. S. Taylor, vice president and, since the death of W. C. Heller, acting president of the W. C. Heller Company, is one of the community's useful and esteemed men. His business career has brought him before the public in such a way as to gain him confidence. Tireless energy and honesty of purpose are among his most prominent characteristics and, while advancing individual success, he has also borne his share of the burden of the civic life of the community.

E. S. Taylor is a native son of New York State, where he received his education in the public schools. His first employment was in a drug store, where he remained six years. At the end of that time he went to work for the Western Electric Company in New York, with whom he was identified until 1906, when he came to Montpelier and became associated with the late William C. Heller, who had just moved his manufacturing plant from Montclair, New Jersey, Mr. Taylor becoming secretary and treasurer of the corporation and subsequently being advanced to the office of vice president. He is a man of excellent business qualifications and has ably carried forward the work so well established by Mr. Heller.

Politically, Mr. Taylor gives his support to the republican party and his religious membership is with the Baptist Church. Fraternally, he belongs to Montpelier Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is a past master ; to the Chapter of Royal Arch Masons ; the Council of Royal and Select Masters,' and to Defiance Commandery No. 30, Knights Templar ; Toledo Consistory of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite (thirty-second degree) and to Ararat Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Kansas City, Missouri. Personally, Mr. Taylor is genial and unassuming and since coming to Montpelier has won a host of warm and loyal personal friends who esteem him for his genuine worth.

Henry Dietsch. - Inheriting the habits of industry, perseverance and thrift that invariably win success in the business world, Henry Dietsch, proprietor of the Edgerton Milling Company, holds an assured position among the active and valued citizens of Edgerton, Williams County, and has the distinction of having been the first person to subscribe for stock in the Edgerton State Banking Company, which he has served as vice president and director ; he has also been a director in the Oak Manufacturing Company, of Edgerton. A son of the late F. A. Dietsch, he was born January 22, 1857, in Milford Township, Defiance County, Ohio, of French ancestry.

Born, bred and educated in Alsace-Lorraine, France, F. A. Dietsch immigrated to the United States in early manhood, and having made his way to Ohio located in Milford Township, Defiance County, where he carried on general farming for a while. Moving from there to Williams County, he bought land in St. Joseph Township, and on the farm which he improved spent the remainder of his years. He married Mrs. Mary Troffer, who was born, reared and married in Alsace- Lorraine, France, and subsequently came with her husband to Ohio, where she died. She subsequently married for her second husband F. A. Dietsch, and they became the parents of the following named children: Josephine, wife of John Harris, of DeKalb County, Indiana; Henry, with whom this sketch is chiefly concerned ; Louise, widow of Ech Long; Caroline, wife of Peter Goble ; C. A., of St. Joseph Township, Williams County; and Dora, wife of L. C. Cape, of Defiance County, Ohio. The mother died in Edgerton, having survived her husband.

Educated in the district schools, and reared to agricultural pursuits, Henry Dietsch remained on the parental homestead in St. Joseph Township until 1900, having full charge of its management for many years, and finally succeeding to its ownership. Purchasing another farm in that year, he managed it successfully seven years. Locating in Edgerton in 1907, Mr. Dietsch built the mill he now owns and operates, and as head of the Edgerton Milling Company has since carried on an extensive and profitable business. He has also other interests of value, owning 190 acres of good farming land in Defiance County, and 133 acres in Williams County, both of which yield him good annual incomes.

Mr. Dietsch married, at the age of twenty-five years, Josephine Williams, and to them three children have been born, namely : Oscar C, a miller by trade; Lionel, engaged in farming in Defiance County; and Ursula, who married Otis Miller, of St. Joseph Township, and has a fine family, consisting of one girl and one boy. Mr. and Mrs. Dietsch are faithful members of the Catholic Church, and Mr. Dietsch belongs to the Knights of Columbus and is the grandfather of ten children.

C. J. Bohner. - Williams County, Ohio, enjoys a splendid reputation because of the high order of her citizenship, and none of her citizens enjoys a more enviable position in the esteem of his fellows than the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch. A residence here of many years has given his fellows a full opportunity to observe him in the various lines of activity in which he has been engaged and his present high standing is due solely to the honorable and upright course he has pursued. As a leading citizen of his community he is eminently entitled to representation in a work of this character.

C. J. Bohner, of the firm of Bohner & Hause, retail shoe dealers at Montpelier, was born in Michigan, about three miles north of Pioneer, Ohio, on May 13, 1874, and is the son of Z. and Elizabeth (Wheeler) Bohner, the latter of whom was born near Penrose, Ohio. Z. Bohner was born in Pennsylvania and came to Ohio with his parents, settling in Williams County, where he was reared and educated. He was married here and afterwards moved to Michigan, where he remained until 1878, when they returned to Williams County, settling on a farm in Mill Creek Township. Subsequently he moved to Steuben County, Indiana, where he was employed in Chadwick & Company's retail store. Later he returned to Montpelier, where he was employed in a lumber yard and sawmill, but finally located in Hudson, Steuben County, Indiana, where he now resides. He and his wife are now members of the United Brethren Church and in his political faith he is a democrat. To him and his wife were born four children, namely : C. J., the subject of this sketch ; Wilford, of Stoneham, Colorado ; Bertha, the wife of Julius Kirkham ; Jennie, the wife of Chester Johnson, of Chicago.

C. J. Bohner was reared in Pleasant Lake, Indiana, and received his educational training in the public schools of that locality. His first employment was in a tile mill, and later he worked in a sawmill. In 1904 Mr. Bohner came to Montpelier and engaged in the retail shoe business, in which he met with success from the start. Subsequently he took A. C. Hause in as a partner, the firm being since known as Bohner & Hause. They carry a complete and well selected stock of footwear of every description and, because of their courteous treatment, the high quality of their goods and right prices, they have built up a large and representative trade.

On March 4, 1894, Mr. Bohner was married to Frances Dorshimer, of Montpelier, and they are the parents of one son, George, born on March 11, 1899. The latter attended the public schools, being a graduate of the Montpelier High School, is now married and lives at Romulus, Michigan, where he is in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company.

Politically, Mr. Bohner gives his support to the democratic party and has taken a deep interest in local public affairs, especially as pertaining to educational matters and is rendering effective service as a member and president of the Montpelier school board. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, of which he is a past chancellor and a member of the grand lodge ; of the Loyal Order of Moose, of which he is a past dictator, and of the Modern Woodmen of America. Mrs. Bohner is a member of the Pythian Sisters. Mr. Bohner has been the architect of his own fortunes and has been true to the highest ideals and principles in business, civic and social life, so that today he enjoys to a marked degree the confidence and good will of all who know him.

Hiram Long. - A man of strong personality, enterprising and progressive, Hiram Long, of Edgerton, has been actively identified with many of the leading interests of his home city, which he is now serving as mayor, and an important factor in advancing its material prosperity. He is likewise associated with the promotion of the mercantile prosperity of the city as one of its leading druggists and pharmacists. A native of Williams County, he was born September 9, 1869, in St. Joseph Township.

John Long, his father, was born May 9, 1833, in Stark County, Ohio, on the present site of the busy City of Canton. Marrying in 1859, he came to Williams County soon after that event, and having bought land on section 8, was there engaged in general farming for many years. Removing to Edgerton, he there retired from active pursuits until his death, which occurred April 14, 1901. He married Margaret Lang, who was born in Strasbourg, Alsace-Lorraine, France, in July, 1839, and in 1845 came with her parents to Stark County, Ohio, where she married. She died on the home farm in St. Joseph Township, May 18, 1880. Of the seven children born of their union, four were living in 1920, as follows : Myron, Lona, Hiram and Alma. The father was a democrat in politics, and both he and his wife were devout members of the English Lutheran Church.

After leaving the district schools, Hiram Long continued his studies in the Edgerton High School and afterwards attended the Indiana State University for two years, taking the scientific and the teacher's courses. Engaging in a professional career, he taught school four years, after which he attended lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Chicago. Since that time Mr. Long has continued work as a pharmacist, having served as a clerk in the store he now owns and operates until 1897, when he purchased a half interest in the establishment. In 1899 he bought out his partner, and has since carried a large and lucrative business, his professional knowledge and skill, and his prompt and courteous attention to the wants of his many customers having won him the confidence and good will of the general public. He is a stockholder in the Edgerton State Bank, and was one of the organizers of the Farmers Commercial Bank, two prosperous financial institutions of Edgerton.

Mr. Long married Pearl Kline, who was born in Toledo, Ohio, and was graduated from the Bryan, Ohio, High School, and from the Davis Business College of Toledo. Prior to her marriage, Mrs. Long was a teacher, having taught in the district schools and in the Davis Business College. A prominent and useful member of the democratic party, Mr. Long is active in political circles, and as mayor of Edgerton is filling the responsible position with credit to himself, and to the eminent satisfaction of the people concerned. Fraternally, he is a member of Edgerton Lodge, No. 357, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is past master ; of Bryan Chapter, Royal Arch Masons ; of Bryan Council, Royal and Select Masters ; and of Defiance Commandery No. 30, Knights Templar. Prominent in the order, he was chairman of the building committee when the Masonic Building was under process of construction.

Harlan L. Poole. - A prominent, active and prosperous business man of Edgerton, Harlan L. Poole, vice president of the Edgerton State Bank and manager of the Oak Manufacturing Company, occupies , a position of note among the leading citizens of this part of Williams County, and is eminently worthy of the respect so generally accorded him. A native of Williams County, he was born July 3, 1865, in Center Township, where his early life was spent.

William Poole, his father, was born in Stark County, Ohio, but was reared and educated in Williams County, his parents having settled in Center Township. Choosing the occupation to which he was bred, he bought land in Center Township, and was there prosperously engaged in tilling the soil for many years. Subsequently removing to Edgerton, he lived retired from active business until his death, in 1898. He was a republican in politics, and both he and his wife were loyal members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and generous contributors towards its support. He married, in St. Joseph Township, Williams County, Mary Cornell, who was born in Maryland, and as a girl came with her parents to St. Joseph Township. Of the eleven children born of their marriage, seven were living in 1920, as follows : Emery C, of Grand Rapids, Michigan ; Bertha, widow of William Warrick, of Enid, Oklahoma; Ira A., of Texas; Harlan L., the sub- ject of this sketch; Eva, wife of L. J. Gabriel, of Edgerton ; Mattie, wife of Resnor Nichols, of Farmer Township, Defiance County, Ohio; C. W., of Jackson, Michigan.

Educate'd in the rural schools of Center Township, Harlan L. Poole assisted his father in the care of the home farm until attaining his majority, and during the ensuing ten years operated a tile factory on the old homestead farm. Coming from there to Edgerton in 1904. he was assistant cashier in the Edgerton State Bank for two and a half years, and is now serving as vice president of the institution, which has the following named officers: President, Charles A. Bowersox; vice president, Harlan L. Poole; cashier, I. L. Burke; assistant cashier, Jacob Zeeb. The directors of the bank are Charles A. Bowersox, Harlan L. Poole, I. L. Burke, Jacob Zeeb and C. A. Dietsch.

Since 1907 Mr. Poole has been the manager of the Oak Manufacturing Company, a corporation of which Henry Krell is president; E. A. Geaque, vice president : Jacob Zeeb, secretary ; L. E. Groff, treasurer, and Harlan L. Poole, manager. Although he is a stanch republican, ever doing his duty at the polls, Mr. Poole takes no active part in politics. Fraternally, he belongs to Edgerton Lodge No. 357, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; to Bryan Chapter, No. 45, Royal Arch Masons; to Bryan Council, Royal and Select Masters, and to Defiance Commandery No. 30, Knights Templar, at Defiance, Ohio.

Mr. Poole married, in 1889, Susia Lane, a native of Center Township, and into their home four children have been born, namely: Charles L., a graduate of the Edgerton High School, is train master of the Chicago & Indiana Belt Railroad; Waldo, who served a year in the World war, having been at the front in France when the armistice was signed, was educated in the common and high schools of Edgerton, and is now married and serving as bookkeeper for the Oak Manufacturing Company; Earl C, a high school graduate, served in a training camp during the World war, and is now a teller in the Edgerton State Bank ; and Russell W., a graduate of the Bryan High School and now attending Northern University at Ada, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Poole are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he being president of its official board.

Arthur C. Mauerhan. - It would be difficult to find more representative men of the constructive element of any community than those who are connected with the conduct of the financial institutions of the region, and Williams County is no exception to this rule. Its bankers are men of the highest character and standing, and they are all interested in the development of this section and its enterprises. One of these sound and dependable men is Arthur C. Mauerhan, cashier of the Edon State Bank at Edon.

Mr. Mauerhan was born at Edon, Ohio, January 25, 1896, a son of G. and Louise (Kaltenbach) Mauerhan, and the elder of their two children. He attended the public and high schools of his native place, and after completing his courses in them, in order to prepare himself for his future work, he learned the fundamentals of commercial life in a business college at Detroit, Michigan.

On June 10, 1919, Mr. Mauerhan was made cashier of the Edon State Bank, of which he is a stockholder, and associated with him in its management are the following men of high repute : C. A. Bowersox, who is president, and E. F. Brandon, who is vice president. This bank is firmly established in the confidence of the people of Williams County, and its deposits are constantly increasing.

Mr. Mauerhan was married on July 19, 1919, to Louise A. Starr, who attended the Bryan High School and for a year thereafter was engaged in teaching school and was regarded as one of the very popular and successful young educators of the neighborhood. Mr. Mauerhan belongs to the Lutheran Church and is interested in the good work this congregation is constantly carrying out. Mrs. Mauerhan took a course in domestic science at the Battle Creek Sanitarium and also attended college at Olivet, Michigan. In politics Mr. Mauerhan is a democrat, and very active in party affairs, having been treasurer of Edon for one term, and is now township treasurer.

Mr. Mauerhan brings to his work and civic endeavors the enthusiasm of youth, which, combined with his natural excellent judgment and sound, common sense, make him one of the best of the younger business men, and one in whom those with many more years of experience to their credit, place implicit confidence. Both he and Mrs. Mauerhan are very popular socially and they have a bright future before them.

Feed E. Beach. - The gentleman whose life history is herewith outlined is a man who has lived to good purpose and achieved a splendid success. By a straightforward and commendable course he has made his way to a respectable position in the business world, winning the hearty admiration of the people of his county and earning a reputation as an enterprising, progressive man of affairs which the public has not been slow to recognize and appreciate. Fred E. Beach, who is engaged in the business of undertaking, in which he conducts a prosperous music business at Montpelier, is a native son of 'Williams County, having been born at West Unity on November 27, 1876, and is a son of David and Elizabeth (Smith) Beach, the latter of whom also was born and reared near West Unity. David Beach was a native of Pennsylvania, whence in young manhood he accompanied his parents on their removal to Williams County. He w^as reared and educated, and in due time was married. He settled in West Unity, where he followed the trade of a blacksmith, in connection with which he manufactured wagons and buggies, continuing this business until his death. During the latter part of his business career he was a member of the firm of Smith & Beach. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a member of Superior Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, at West Unity, serving as treasurer of his lodge. Politically, he gave his support to the republican party. To him and his wife were born eleven children, of which number six now survive, namely : Fred E., the immediate subject of this sketch ; Carl, of West Unity, Ohio; Herman, of West Unity; Mary, the wife of Peter Short, of Archbold, Ohio ; Lizzie, the wife of Harry Randle, of Brady Township, this county, and Marcus, of Toledo, Ohio.

Fred E. Beach was reared under the parental roof in West Unity, where he attended school, being a graduate of the high school. His first employment was in a furniture store and he then spent two years as a clerk in a dry goods store. In 1899 Mr. Beach came to Montpelier and engaged in the furniture and undertaking business with his father, under the firm name of Beach & Son. One year later his father died and his interest in the business was continued by his widow under the same firm name. Subsequently she sold her interest in the business to Mr. Gause, the firm name being known for two years as Beach & Gause. Then Gause sold his interest to A. J. Brown, the firm style being Beach, Brown & Company until 1912, when the subject sold his interest in the business to Mr. Brown. He then established himself alone in the undertaking business, in which he has continued to the present time and in which he has met with a very satisfactory degree of success. He has gained a very enviable reputation as a director of funerals and has commanded his full share of the local business along that line. In addition to the undertaking business, Mr. Beach also conducts a music business, handling instruments and a full line of music supplies and sheet music, both popular and classic. By his courteous treatment to his customers, he has built up a large trade and his store is popular among music lovers.

In March, 1899, Mr. Beach was married to Lizzie Hager, who was born in West Unity, Ohio, graduating from the high school there, after which she was a teacher in the public schools. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Beach has been blessed by the birth of six children, namely: Evaline, Carmen, Audrey, deceased, David, Russell and Robert.

Mr. and Mrs. Beach are active and earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, while in politics Mr. Beach has been a lifelong supporter of the republican party. He is secretary of Montpelier Commercial Association. His fraternal relations are with the Free and Accepted Masons, in which he has taken the degrees of the Blue Lodge; the Chapter of Royal Arch Masons; the Council of Royal and Select Masters, and of Defiance Commandery No. 30, Knights Templar. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is a past noble grand. He and his wife are members of the Order of the Eastern Star. A man of high moral character, persistent industry and excellent business judgment, he occupies an enviable position among his fellowmen, being deservedly popular throughout the community in which he lives.

Wesley C. Matthews. - There was a time in the history of Ohio when some of its men went into farming only as an occupation to tide them over for a brief period until they found something more congenial, but that is not the case today. The man fortunate enough to own a well-cultivated farm feels that he has an investment second to none, and takes a deep interest in improving his property and making it yield banner crops. One of these prosperous and representative exponents of the agricultural class of Williams County who stands high in public regard is Wesley C. Matthews of Florence Township.

Wesley C. Matthews was born on his present farm which comprises 130 acres of land and is located three miles north and one mile east of Edon, on November 22, 1868, a son of Charles W. and Lucinda (Cain) Matthews. The birth of Charles W. Matthews took place in Canada, February 18, 1841, and his wife was born in Williams County, Ohio, February 17, 1846. He died in 1916. but his widow survives him and is still living in Williams County, at Montpelier. After coming to the United States he enlisted in the Michigan Sharpshooters during the war between the states, and remained in the service for eighteen months. After the war he joined Hiram Lowden Post No. 155, Grand Army of the Republic. In politics he was a democrat. He and his wife had four children, namely: Thomas B., who is a resi-

Growing up on the homestead, Wesley C. Matthews was taught to be a farmer by his careful father, and was sent to the district schools. After his marriage he took charge of the farm and has always lived on it. He is carrying on general farming and stockraising, and is making a success of both branches of agriculture.

On October 28, 1887, Mr. Matthews was united in marriage with Almina Dailey, and they have one daughter, Mildred L., who was born August 27, 1903, and is attending Montpelier High School. Mr. and Mrs. Matthews are both members of Spring Lake Grange, and are very much interested in the object of this organization, for they believe that only through co-operation can the best results be obtained. In politics Mr. Matthews follows in the footsteps of his honored father, and has espoused the principles of the democratic party.

John A. Hollington. - An able representative of the business and financial interests of Williams County, John A. Hollington, vice president of the West Unity Banking Company, holds a position of prominence among the leading citizens of his community, being ever ready to lend his aid and influence in the establishment of beneficial projects. A son of the late Richard P. Hollington, he was born October 13, 1857, at Johnson Mills, Fulton County, Ohio, of honored English ancestry.

The eldest of the five children of Joseph and Mary (Perry) Hollington, Richard P. Hollington was born at Redditch, County of Worcester, England, March 28, 1822, where for many years his father was actively engaged in business, not only as a manufacturer of soap and candles, but as grocer.

In 1833 Joseph Hollington immigrated with his family to the United States, locating in Wood County, Ohio. Entering a tract of land that was in its primeval wildness, he took up 400 acres of land lying near Bowling Green. Erecting a rather pretentious log house, containing two stories, he cleared and improved a farm, and there continued a resident until his death, in 1848. He was a man of much culture and talent, having been a fine actor and a wonderful vocalist, with a clear, melodious voice that easily ranged through three octaves, and while a young man was offered liberal inducements to appear upon the London stage. He was a man of upright character and integrity.

and although not a member of any religious organization attended church regularly, and was a generous contributor towards its support. He belonged to a long-lived family, his mother, the great-grandmother of John A., the subject of this sketch, having attained her one hundred and fourth birthday, retaining in the meantime her mental and physical strength to a remarkable degree, on the one hundredth anniversary of her birth having visited her daughter, a mile and a half away, walking to and fro.

A sturdy young lad when he came with his parents to the United States, Richard P. Hollington continued his studies in the higher institutions of learning in Ohio, at the time of his father's death having been attending college in Berea. After serving satisfactorily as administrator of his father's estate, he was engaged in the stock business for nearly three years, and subsequently, as junior member of the firm of Gates & Hollington, engaged in business at Delta. Fulton County, as a general merchant, and a manufacturer of pot and pearl ash. He was similarly employed in both Burlington and at Johnson Mills, in the same county, until 1857, when he purchased Johnson's flouring mill and sawmill, both of which he operated three years.

Coming from Fulton County to Williams County in 1860, Richard P. Hollington opened a store of general merchandise ; in 1866, wishing to enlarge his business activities, he took in a partner, and as head of the firm of Hollington & Elliott continued as a merchant until 1881, when he retired from active pursuits. In. the meantime, as a real estate agent, he had bought and sold upwards of twenty farms in Fulton and Wood counties, and in addition to owning one of the finest residences in West Unity had acquired much property of value in the town and surrounding country, including a farm on which he lived for a year. His death, which occurred August 7, 1892, was a cause of general regret, his influence as a man and a citizen having been felt, not only within the limited confines of the community in which he lived and labored, but throughout this section of the state. A man of great ability and strict integrity, his opinions in matters of importance were always sought, and his advice invariably taken.

In 1849 Richard P. Hollington was united in marriage with Mary A. Cummings, who was born in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, a daughter of Joseph and Lucy Cummings, both of whom were of New England ancestry. Three children blessed their union, as follows: Albert, born June 8. 1852, died April 12, 1853 ; Frankjin, born August 30, 1854, died May 12, 1868; and John A. Both he and his wife were active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he was a steward for a quarter of a century. He was a steadfast republican in politics, but never sought the emoluments of public office, and fraternally he belonged to the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.

Brought up in Williams County. John A. Hollington was educated in the schools of West Unity, graduating from the high school. He began life for himself as an agriculturist, and after his marriage lived on the Masters farm, in Franklin Township, Fulton County, for eleven years, managing it most successfully. Removing then to West Unity, Mr. Hollington became a stockholder in the West Unity Banking Company, in which he has since been a director, and the vice president, positions for which his financial and business ability amply qualify him.

Mr. Hollington married, September 12, 1876, Rosella Coslet, who was born April 17, 1857, in Brady Township, Williams County, and was bred and educated in West Unity. Four children have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hollington, namely: William A., now cashier of the First National Bank of Findlay, Ohio, was graduated from the West Unity High School, and from Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, was for seventeen years bookkeeper of the West Unity Bank; Arthur J., a graduate of the West Unity High School, moved after his marriage to Detroit, and there resided until his death ; Charles R. P., also a high school graduate, is with the West Unity Telephone Company; and Mary E., a graduate of the local high school, is the wife of George C. Riffle, of Detroit.

Politically Mr. Hollington is a stanch republican. Mrs. Hollington is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, toward the support of which Mr. Hollington is a generous supporter. Fraternally Mr. Hollington is a member of Superior Lodge No. 179, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; of Northwest Chapter, No. 45, Royal Arch Masons ; of Toledo Commandery, No. 7, Knights Templar; of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He has been a thirty-second degree Mason since June 14, 1895. He also belongs to the Order of the Eastern Star, Mrs. Hollington being a charter member, and a past worthy matron of the local chapter.

Frank L. Buell. - Located as it is in the midst of a rich farming community, Edon has long been the market place for a wide area, and . people come here to trade from a distance of many miles, so that the merchants can rely upon doing a first-class business, provided that they live up to the requirements of their customers and handle the quality of goods demanded. One of the prosperous men in the imple-

Frank L. Buell was born in Steuben County, Indiana, June 7, 1871, a son of Byron and Mary A. ( Gipple ) Buell. Byron Buell was born in New Hampshire, and came with his parents to Steuben County, Indiana, when a year old, and is still living on the family homestead in that county. His wife was born in Pennsylvania, but came to Williams County, Ohio, at an early day, was here married, and went with her husband to Steuben County, Indiana, where she later died. They early united with the Christian Church, and Mr. Buell still maintains his membership in it. During the war between the states, Mr. Buell served as a member of the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry for eighteen months. He and his wife had the following children : Ida, who is the wife of Eben A. Cole ; Dora, who is the wife of Ward Dally ; Frank, who was fourth in order of birth ; Viola, who is the wife of Edgar Wiles, of Bryan ; Abram, who lives at Toledo, Ohio ; Willis and Elson, both of whom are on the old farm in Steuben County, Indiana ; and Evaline, who is deceased.

Frank Buell grew up on his father's homestead, and attended the local schools until he attained his majority. He then bought a farm in Steuben County, Indiana, and lived on it until 1911, when he came to Edon, Ohio, and established his present business, and he owns the building in which it is located. Mr. Buell is also a stockholder in the Edon State Bank, and is a man of ample means, all he now owns being the result of his personal endeavors.

In 1892 Mr. Buell was united in marriage with Ida Enfield, who was born in Steuben County, Indiana, a daughter of John Enfield. Mr. and Mrs. Buell have one daughter, Verna, who is attending the public schools of Edon. Not only is Mr. Buell a member of the Christian Church, but he is serving it as a deacon. He belongs to Edon Lodge No. 474, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is past master. In all of his operations Mr. Buell has shown more than ordinary ability, and his success is but the natural reward of intelligently directed effort along legitimate lines of business. In politics Mr. Buell is a democrat, and he is now serving as a member of the town council.

George Weber. - A man of business ability, judgment and discrimination, George Weber, owning and occupying a farm lying in Saint Joseph Township, three miles southwest of Edgerton, is conspicuously identified with the promotion of the agricultural and financial prosperity of this part of Williams County, being a prosperous and pro- gressive farmer, and president of the Farmers Commercial Bank of Edgerton, of which he is a director, and one of the original stockholders. A son of George Weber, Sr., he was born October 15, 1857, in Defiance County, Ohio, his birth having occurred on a farm situated four miles southeast of Edgerton.

Born in Oberam, Marbach, Wiirtemberg, Germany, George Weber, Sr.. remained in his native land until twenty-eight years of age. Hoping to better his financial condition, he then immigrated to this country and made his way directly to Ohio, locating in Defiance County. He subsequently bought a tract of timbered land lying four miles southeast of Edgerton, and on the farm which he improved spent the remainder of his life. At the time he moved on to his farm after settling in Defiance County, he married Caroline Fink, who was born and educated in the same town that he was, and came to the United States at the age of twenty-four years. Ten children blessed their union, three of whom are living, as follows : George, the subject of this sketch; Christena, wife of Fred Krill, of Defiance County; and Jacob, also a resident of Defiance County. The father was a stanch republican in politics, and an active and influential member of the German Methodist Episcopal Church, to which his wife also belonged.

Growing to manhood on the home farm, George Weber attended the district schools, and continued a resident of the parental houeshold until past twenty-seven years of age. Starting life for himself, he then bought fifty-five acres of the land included in his present home farm, and his father gave him a deed to its other fifty-five acres. In its management he has been very successful, it being one of the best in regard to its improvements and appointments of any in the vicinity, its neat and orderly appearance bearing evidence of the thrift and prosperity of its owner. Mr. Weber has accumulated other property of value, owning in addition to his home farm 244 acres of land in Defiance County, and seventy-seven acres in Dekalb County, Indiana. He is a steadfast republican in politics, and both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and among its most valued and active workers.

Mr. Weber* married, April 7, 1885, Mary S. Kaiser, who was born near Edon, Ohio, and of the seven children that have been born of their union, five are living, namely : Amanda, William, Carl, Bertha and George. All are living with their parents with the exception of William, who is engaged in general farming in Williams County. The two children dead were Rebecca, who died when thirteen years two months and seventeen days, and Oscar, who died when an infant.

Harry W. Randels. - A progressive and prosperous agriculturist of Williams County, possessing a thorough knowledge of the calling which he has adopted, Harry W. Randels, living on a farm lying one and three-fourths of a mile south of West Unity, is a typical representative of the public-spirited, wide-awake young men who in addition to advancing their own interests through constant study of means and methods are also alive to the needs of their community, and are active and influential in promoting its welfare. A son of Charles Randels, he was born March 20, 1890, in Gratiot County, Michigan, where the first five years of his life were passed.

A native of Williams County, Charles Randels was born November 25, 1857, on the parental homestead, which was situated four and a half miles northeast of West Unity. As a young man, he went to Michigan in search of a favorable location, and for a few years lived in Gratiot County. Returning in 1895 to Williams County, Ohio, he resided on the farm now occupied by his son Harry, and was there engaged in tilling the soil until his death, in 1899. He was a republican in politics, and both he and his wife united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife, whose maiden name was Letitia Jamison, was born in Holmes County, Ohio, March 17, 1850, and is now a resident of West Unity, Ohio. Four children were born of their marriage, as follows : George B., of Alma, Michigan ; Maggie, wife of William A. Cook, of West Unity ; Harry W., the subject of this brief personal review ; and Leslie, of Toledo, Ohio.

Five years old when his parents returned to Williams County, Harry W. Randels was here reared and educated in the schools of West Unity. Going then to Toledo, Ohio, he took "a course of study in a business college, and for six months thereafter was employed as a stenographer in the office of the News-Bee. Soon after, taking upon himself the responsibilities of a married man, he settled on the farm where he now lives, and in its management has shown marked ability and sound judgment. Keeping himself well informed in regard to the more highly improved methods of caring for the land, he is classed among the up-to-date farmers of his locality, and is now serving as one of the directors of the Williams County Agricultural Society at Montpelier. He is actively interested in public affairs, and during the W'orld war was a member of the Williams County American Patriotic Organization and was captain of Brady Township.

Mr. Randels married, November 30, 1911. Elizabeth Beach, who was born in Brady Township, this county, and educated in the schools of West Unity. Three children have blessed their marriage, namely :

James W., born July 13, 1913; George D., born January 17, 1915; and Karl, born August 28, 1917. Politically Mr. Randels is identified with the republican party, in which he takes an active interest. Fraternally he is a member of Superior Lodge No. 179, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; of Evergreen Lodge, No. 648, Knights of Pythias; of Lodge No. 5126, Modern Woodmen of America; and he also belongs to Brady Grange No. 2164, which he is now serving as master. Both Mr. and Mrs. Randels are members of the West Unity Methodist Church.

Herbert Sharp. - A well-known and well-to-do agriculturist of Edgerton, Herbert Sharp is a worthy representative of the industrious, thrifty and self-reliant men of Williams County who have achieved success through their own courageous and persevering efforts. A son of Henry Sharp, he was born December 31, 1851, in Allen County, Indiana, coming on the maternal side of substantial New England stock.

Born in Albany, New York, January 19, 1809, Henry Sharp spent the earlier years of his life in that locality. Coming westward soon after his marriage, he located at Fort Wayne, Indiana, as a manufacturer of hats. He subsequently engaged in mercantile pursuits on Columbia street, that city, and was there a resident until his death, on June 15, 1900. Active in republican ranks, he served as mayor of Fort Wayne for one term. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, to which his wife also belonged ; he served as an elder for many yeafrs. His wife, whose name before marriage was Roxie Olds, was born in Swanton, Vermont, May 15, 1815, and was married at Saint Albans, Vermont, in 1840. She outlived him several years, dying March 21, 1913, in Chicago, Illinois. Seven children were born of their union, as follows : Mary L. became the wife of Dr. Gunder Erickson, and neither of them are now living; Carrie, a graduate of Mount Holyoke College, at South Hadley, Massachusetts, was first principal of a ward school, and later of Westminster Seminary ; John H., Abbie J., and Thomas L., all deceased; Emma, wife of David Boyer; and Herbert.

Born and educated in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Herbert Sharp remained there until 1867. Of an active and enterprising disposition by nature, ambitious to start out for himself, he came in that year to Edgerton and going into a heavily timbered tract of land began the improvement of the 160 acres of' land that now constitutes his present farm. For seven years he labored industriously, doing his own cook-

Mr. Sharp has been twice married. On February 17, 1876, he married Helen A. Neuman, who was born in Palmyra, Michigan, in 1855, and at the age of three months was brought by her parents to Edgerton, Ohio, where she spent the remainder of her life, passing away on the home farm June 1, 1911. Nine children blessed their marriage, namely : Fred, engaged in the hardware business at Flint, Michigan; Thomas L., also in the hardware business in the same city; Herbert, a graduate of the Edgerton High School and of the Armour Institute at Chicago, Illinois ; Harlan H., a hardware merchant in Milford, Indiana; Anthony W., engaged in farming in Saint Joseph Township ; Helen, a graduate of the Edgerton High School, is in Los Angeles, California; Esther, who was graduated from the local high school, and the Thomas Normal School, at Detroit, Michigan, in dietetics, is now taking a course in nursing at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland ; Henry died at the age of three years ; and Marjory, who was graduated from the Edgerton High School and from the Chicago Normal School of Physical Education.

Mr. Sharp married second Mrs. Ella M. (Schopp) Lewis, whose first husband, William C. Lewis, died at the age of sixty-five years, leaving one child, Helen M. Lewis, who was graduated from the Edgerton High School, and is now the wife of G. F. Beucler, of Detroit, Michigan.

William C. Lewis was a son of William S. Lewis, who came with his parents, Thomas and Margaret (Slater) Lewis, to Williams County, Ohio, in 1832, and was brought up on what is now known as the Dawson farm. William S. Lewis married Eliza E. Wannamaker and settled on what is now the Sam Burkhart place. He was subsequently elected sheriff on the republican ticket and served two terms. Returning then to Edgerton, he bought the hotel, which he managed a number of years. Disposing of that, he bought a farm in southern Illinois, but at the end of six years returned to Edgerton and continued here a resident until his death, in 1900. His wife preceded him, dying in 1888. Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. William S. Lewis, four have passed to the life beyond, and four are living, as follows : Charles E. and Henry, of Minneapolis, Minnesota ; Sarah, widow of Leonard Allen; and Nancy, widow of Dr. S. J. Moore, of Mitchell, South Dakota.

came to Edgerton, Ohio, where she has resided ever since. Mr. Lewis was successfully engaged in business as a dealer in hay and grain. He was a stanch republican in politics, and fraternally belonged to the Knights of Pythias. He was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which Mrs. Sharp also belongs.

Isaac E. Cook. - Almost without exception the men of any of the smaller cities of the country who rise to be owners of their business enterprises are possessed of the highest character. If they were not, they could not have gained the public confidence to such an extent. Where congestion is greater, dishonesty may seem to prosper for a time, but in the communities where each man's life is open to the inspection of his associates, unless he measures up to the standards they believe to be right and dependable, he soon finds that he lacks their support, and without it he cannot carry on his undertaking. Therefore, when a man in such a community has been able to interest his fellow citizens, and keep their custom, it is certain beyond any reasonable doubt that he is in every way worthy of their approval.

Isaac E. Cook, junior member of the well-known implement firm of Buell & Cook, is one of the highly respected merchants and citizens of Edon and Williams County. He was born in Florence Township, this county, August 7, 1869, a son of David and Dorothea (Burkhart) Cook, natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Crawford County, Ohio, and then to Williams County about 1856, and located in Florence Township, and there spent the rest of their lives. Early joining the Evangelical Church they were liberal and active supporters of it and were devout Christian people. In politics he was a democrat, but he never cared to hold public office, although had he cared to do so, doubtless could have been elected to one or the other of the township offices, for he was held in such high regard by his neighbors that they would have felt honored had he been willing to represent them. He and his wife had three children, namely : Samuel, who lives at Edon ; Rebecca, who is the wife of George Rockey, of Edon ; and Isaac E., who is the youngest.

Growing up on the old farm in Florence Township, Isaac E. Cook remained on it until his father's death and acquired a knowledge of the fundamentals of a public school education in the neighborhood. He learned the carpenter trade and worked at it until he bought a half interest in his present firm, in 1916, at which time he located permanently at Edon. In addition to his business, Mr. Cook owns 100 acres of valuable land in Florence Township.

Mr. And Airs. Chester T. Clar

On December 25, 1893, Mr. Cook was married to Essie Bebee. Like his father he is a democrat, and, also like him, he has never taken any active part in politics.

Chester T. Clark. - There are few farmers of Williams County who have met with more encouraging success here than Chester T. Clark, one of those strong, sturdy characters who has contributed largely to the material welfare of the community and township in which he resides, being a modern agriculturist and as a citizen publicspirited and progressive in all that the terms imply, and for a number of years he has been an important factor in promoting the progress of his section of the county. He is now living practically retired from the active operation of his land, enjoying a well-earned respite.

Chester T. Clark, who owns 562 acres of excellent farm land in Springfield Township, was born on section 21 of this township, on April 11, 1848, and is the son of Lewis and Catherine (Knipe) Clark, the mother a native of Ross County, Ohio, and the father born in Massachusetts. They both came to Williams County prior to their marriage, and after the latter event they settled on section 21, Springfield Township, where they spent the remainder of their days. Lewis Clark was a splendid citizen and successful farmer, becoming the owner of 335 acres of land. This is very creditable in view of the fact that when he came to this county his cash capital was only about $500. He was an earnest supporter of the democratic party. To him and his wife were born five children, namely : Roxie A., who is the wife of James Sandford, of Springfield Township ; Caleb M., a farmer in Springfield Township ; Chester T., the immediate subject of this sketch; Austin, of Springfield Township; Alice, the wife of J. W. Sloan, of Springfield Township.

Chester T. Clark was reared on the paternal farmstead in section 21 and secured a good practical education in the district schools of that day. He remained on the home farm until he had attained his majority, when he bought fifty acres of timber land, which he cleared by his own efforts and then sold the tract to his brother. He then bought sixty acres where he now lives and which formed the nucleus for the present fine estate belonging to him. To this original tract Mr. Clark has added from time to time until today he is the owner of 562 acres, comprising the largest land holding belonging to one person in Springfield Township. To the improvement and cultivation of his land Mr. Clark devoted the best years of his life, always maintaining it at the highest standard of agricultural excellence and win- ning a high reputation as a practical and up-to-date farmer. In addition to the raising of a general line of crops, Mr. Clark also gave considerable attention to the raising of livestock, in which he also met with good success.

On March 14, 1878, Mr. Clark was married to Anna Maltby and they became the parents of six children, namely: Joseph, of Springfield Township, is married and the father of Lawrence, Alberta, Arvilla and Ethel ; Caleb Z., of Springfield Township, is married and the father of Glen, Allen, Mildred, Marjorie, Clifford, Enoch Chester and Iona; Catherine is the wife of James O. Rising of Springfield Township, and her children are Chester R., Forest, Frankie, Ruth, Lillian; Lewis, of Springfield Township, is also married and the father of Wayne, Chester T., Jr., Melvin, H. and Lewis W. ; Alice is the wife of Harry Dicks, who is operating the subject's farm; Chester W. is also married and operates a part of the home farm.

Politically, Mr. Clark has been a lifelong supporter of the democratic ticket and has always taken a healthy interest in the welfare of the community in which he has spent practically his entire life, giving his support to all worthy moral and benevolent movements. His life history has been distinguished by the most substantial qualities of character and he enjoys to a notable degree the confidence and regard of the entire community.

Prof. W. A. L. Gibbs. - A gifted and accomplished musician, Prof. W. A. L. Gibbs, a well-known and popular music teacher of Bryan, Williams County, and director of the United Brethren Church choir, has acquired a far-extended reputation as an able and efficient choir, chorus and orchestra leader, having been successfully engaged in the work since a lad of eleven years. A son of Christopher Gibbs, he was born on a farm in Fulton County, Ohio, and received his early education in the common schools of his native district.

Christopher Gibbs was born, bred and educated in New Jersey, and there married one of his early companions, Eliza Wilgus. Shortly after taking that important step, he came to Ohio, about 1859 or 1860, and settled on a farm in Fulton County, near Pettisville, where he lived and labored until his death. A man of much influence in his community, he was active in the republican ranks, and a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which both he and his wife united soon after their marriage. Of the nine children born of their union, four died in infancy; one passed to the life beyond at the age of nineteen years, and four are living, as follows : J. W. W., of

Manifesting a decided talent for music as a small child, much attention was given toward developing the wonderful talent of Prof. W. A. L. Gibbs, who says that he cannot remember the time when he could not readily read music, and in its study he made rapid progress. He frequently as a boy substituted for his brother, who belonged to a male quartette, and at the age of eleven years he began his musical career as leader of a church choir, being so small that he had to stand on a box while doing so.

Professor Gibbs began at that time to study music, both by correspondence and under private tutorship, and he is still a student, keeping in touch with all the modern methods used in teaching the art. He subsequently attended a music school in Detroit, and later in Chicago, Illinois, at the age of eighteen years being proficient in piano and orchestral work. The professor afterward took private instruction in Chicago, under Dr. D. B. Towner, a noted song and gospel leader, receiving special training as a director of choir, chorus and congregational singing.

For five years thereafter. Professor Gibbs was engaged in evangelistic work, with which he is still more or less connected, in that capacity visiting many different states. Subsequently organizing a chorus of sixty splendid voices, he traveled extensively, visiting among other places, Cincinnati, Ohio; Richmond and Norfolk, Virginia, and Washington, District of Columbia. The professor has taught music in nearly every part of Williams County, as well as in other counties of the state. In 1913, having disposed of his interests in Mercer County, Ohio, where he had organized a special system of musical instruction, he moved back to Bryan, where, in addition to his work as a music teacher he has full charge of the United Brethren Church choir, and of its Sunday school music. He has also one of the most proficient orchestras to be found in northwestern Ohio, each of its twenty members being well trained and accomplished musical artists. He takes especial interest in his church and Sunday school music, and arranges all of his own cantata work.

Professor Gibbs married, in 1908, at Waterloo, Indiana, Olive A. Hamman, who was born in De Kalb County, Indiana, a daughter of Frank F. and Phoebe (Martin) Hamman. She was educated in the public schools of Waterloo, and at the Tri-State College, in Angola, Indiana, and was subsequently a pupil of the professor when he was doing evangelistic work in Waterloo. Both Professor and Mrs. Gibbs are active members of the United Brethren Church, and prominent and influential workers in both church and Sunday school. Politically Professor Gibbs is a straightforward republican, and fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He was active in the World war, for his efficient work having had several badges conferred upon him by the Federal Government.

O. W. Carolus. - It is a well-recognized fact that the most powerful influence in shaping and controlling public life is the press. It reaches a greater number of people than any other agency and thus has always been, and, in the hands of persons competent to direct it, always will be a most important factor in moulding public opinion. The gentleman, to a brief review of whose life the following lines are devoted, has been for some years closely identified with the journalism of northern Ohio and at this time is editor and publisher of the Montpelier Leader, one of the most popular papers in Williams County, comparing favorably with the best in this section of the state in news, editorial ability and mechanical execution. The county recognizes in Mr. Carolus not only a keen newspaper man, but also a representative citizen, whose interest in all that affects the general welfare has been of such a character as to win for him a high place in the confidence and esteem of the people. O. W. Carolus was born in Allen County, Ohio, on October 27, 1878. His parents, John and Mary (Rupert) Carolus, had five children: William T., of Celina, Ohio; Sarah E., wife of Eli Wagoner, of St. Marys, Ohio; Lewis, of Flint, Michigan; Lottie, wife of I. N. Tracy, of Spencerville, Ohio; and O. W. Carolus.

Mr. Carolus was reared on his father's farm, attended the district schools of his home neighborhood and at Spencerville, and completed his early education in the high school at St. Marys. For a time he was a teacher, and later a student in the Tri-State Normal College at Angola, Indiana. In 1901 Mr. Carolus became identified with the newspaper business as night editor of the Lima (Ohio) Gazette, remaining five years. Four years he was on the road as a commercial salesman, but after his marriage in 1910 became a reporter on the Cleveland News, shortly changing to the Cleveland Leader, where he occupied the state editor's desk. Prior to coming to Williams County he was night editor of the Sandusky Register, and on August 1, 1915, came to Montpelier and bought the Leader, of which he is editor and publisher. He possesses to a marked degree the instinct for news that characterizes the born newspaper man, and has so directed the

June 8, 1910, Mr. Carolus was married to Mrs. Nina I. Dickinson, a native of Summit County, Ohio, but at that time a resident of Cleveland. Mr. Carolus is a member of Montpelier Lodge of Masons, Mrs. Carolus being affiliated with the Eastern Star. A republican,' Mr. Carolus has always taken a keen interest in the development and upbuilding of the community in which he lives. He is the present mayor of Montpelier, and a member of the Montpelier Commercial Association, being assigned to the publicity committee.

Malcolm Smith, assistant cashier of the Alvordton Banking Company, is one of the solid and dependable men connected with the financial affairs of Williams County, and a highly respected resident of Alvordton. He was born in Mill Creek Township, Williams County, Ohio, in June, 1858, a son of Morris H. and Sarah. (Gault) Smith, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania in 1818, and the latter in Warren County, New York, in July, 1832. Morris H. Smith died in Mill Creek Township on November 11, 1864, having been married in 1853, and the subsequent spring brought his wife to this township, settling on the farm where he later died. He and his wife had four children, namely: Hiram W., who lives at Glenwood Springs, Colorado ; Harry C. who lives at Smiths Center, Kansas; Malcolm, who was the third in order of birth; and Frank H., who died in 1886. After her husband's death, Mrs. Smith was left with four children, but reared them, and was spared to her family until February, 1911, when she was called away by death. She was possessed of a lovely Christian character, and was' an honored member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Smith was a democrat.

Malcolm Smith was only a little child when he lost his father, but his excellent mother brought him up, as her other children, to habits of industry and thrift, made him useful on the farm and sent him to school in the district. Later he was able to attend high school for a short time. When he was eighteen years old he began managing the farm, and later became its owner, and still has it. This farm comprises eighty acres of very valuable land. He owns other land having at this time 277^ acres. Like his father, he is a democrat and has served as a justice of the peace for twelve years, and also as assessor of Mill Creek Township. For some years Mr. Smith has been connected with his present company, a private banking concern, as assistant cashier.

He feels that too much credit cannot be given to his mother for her noble efforts in behalf of her children. It is not every widow who is able to manage as she did, and her success came only through great personal sacrifice and devotion. It is such mothers as she who prove the truth of the old saying, "When God found He could not be always with His children, he made mothers."

Wesley J. Wieland. - In section 20, Pulaski Township, is situated the fine farm property which gives patent evidence of the ability and progressiveness of its owner, Wesley J. Wieland, who here maintains his home and who is recognized as one of the successful and representative exponents of agricultural and livestock enterprises in Williams County.

Mr. Wieland was born in Defiance County, this state, February 9, 1859, and is a son of John G. and Christena (Kortz) Wieland, both natives of Wiirtemberg, Germany, where the former was born about the year 1826 and the latter about 1830. John G. Wieland was young when his parents immigrated to the United States and established their home in the state of New York, where they passed the remainder of their lives. John G. Wieland was reared and educated in the old Empire state, where his marriage occurred, and in 1850 he and his wife came to Ohio and settled on a farm in Defiance County, where he won worthy prosperity and where both continued to reside until their death, he having been a democrat in politics and his wife having been a zealous member of the German Methodist Church. They became the parents of twelve children, of whom eight are living in 1920, four of the number being residents of Williams County.

Wesley J. Wieland was reared under the invigorating discipline of the old home farm in Defiance County and remained at the parental home until he had attained to his legal majority, his educational advantages in the meanwhile having been those afforded in the public schools of the locality and period. After leaving home he received $100 for seven months' service at farm work in his native county, and he continued his association with farm enterprise as an employe until his marriage, September 2, 1881, to Miss Charlotte A. Simmons, who likewise was born and reared in Defiance County. The young couple initiated their career of marital companionship with an available capital of only $200, but with a full allotment of courage and ambition. After having been employed fifteen months in a gristmill in his native county, Mr. Wieland rented land and engaged in independent farm enterprise. With gradual advancement in financial prosperity, he continued his operations on rented farms until 1902, when he pur- chased his present farm of 200 acres. Much of the land was still covered with native timber, and in clearing away the timber and making the land available for cultivation he realized a substantial profit in the sale of the timber. The house on his farm is one of modern design and facilities and is one of the best in Pulaski Township, while the barns and other buildings on the place are of excellent type and in their appearance give evidence of care and of the thrift and prosperity of the owner. This fine property represents the returns from the industrious and well directed labors of Mr. Wieland, for the only financial aid he has ever received was his reception of $800 from his father's estate. His civic loyalty and liberality attest his appreciation of the opportunities which have been his in his forwardmoving career, and he takes deep interest in the welfare of his home community and county. Mr. Wieland was prominently identified with the organization and incorporation of the Farmers' Co-operative Grain and Supply Company, with headquarters at Bryan, the county seat, and he has the distinction of being president of this important corporation, which has proved of inestimable value to the farmers of the county, especially during the period of the World war and the present interval of high cost of living. In national affairs he is a supporter of the cause of the democratic party, but in local politics he is not constrained by strict partisanship.

The devoted wife of Mr. Wieland's youth passed to the life eternal in January, 1906, and is survived by four children : Fannie is the wife of Sylvan Planson, and prior to her marriage had been a popular teacher in the district schools: Amelia is the wife of Clarence Young; Frank is now a resident of the city of Toledo ; and Orlie is the wife of Dr. Zephaniah Ballmer, of Toledo. Mr. Wieland married Mrs. Gertrude Zeller, widow of John Zeller, and she is the popular chatelaine of their pleasant and hospitable rural home.

A. L. Krider. - In compiling this volume of representative citizens of Williams County occasion has been afforded to give the records of men in many walks of life; here will be found appropriate mention of worthy citizens of all vocations, and at this juncture we are permitted to offer a resume of the career of one who has performed well his life's duties and by his perseverance, industry and ingenuity has gained the respect of the community, as well as a well-deserved success.

December 27, 1875, and is a son of Frank and Julia (Wagoner) Krider. The father was also born in Churubusco and the mother was a native of Columbia City, Indiana. They were married in Whitley County, Indiana, and settled on a farm, where they lived for many years, Mr. Krider finally retiring from active business life and they now live in Churubusco. They are earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and Mr. Krider is a member of the Knights of Pythias, being a past chancellor of his lodge. In politics he gives his support to the republican party. To him and his wife were born four children, namely: A. L., the immediate subject of this review; Homer, of Whitley County, Indiana; Osie, the wife of T. J. Corban, of near Huntertown, Indiana, and Toby, of Whitley County, Indiana.

A. L. Krider was reared on the parental farmstead in Whitley County, Indiana, and received his mental training in the common schools of that neighborhood. At the age of seventeen years he began life on his own account, securing employment in a glass works at Marion, Indiana. He also about that time learned the art of telegraphy and then for a time was employed on a railroad section. He then engaged in farming and in July, 1896, he became a fireman on the Wabash Railroad, and on November 3, 1902, he became an engineer, in which capacity he has remained ever since in the employ of the Wabash Railroad.

Mr. Krider possesses a natural aptitude for mechanics and has designed and built a gas engine, which has been pronounced one of the best of its kind in the market and which has been extensively adopted in marine and automobile service'. In order to facilitate the manufacture of these engines, he erected his own shop in 1917 and has installed a splendid equipment of machinery, so that he is well prepared not only for the building of his own engine, but also is in a position to do all kinds of repair work.

Mr. Krider was married to Nettie B. Jones, of Auburn, Indiana, and they have a daughter, Edith, who is now a high school student. Mrs. Krider is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Krider gives his political support to the republican party and he is a member of Montpelier Lodge No. 547, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Chapter No. 147, Royal Arch Masons, and Council No. 134, Royal and Select Masters. He has ever enjoyed the respect and esteem of those who know him for his friendly manner, business ability, his interest in public affairs and right living, and is regarded by all as one of the substantial and worthy citizens of the community in which he lives.

Frank Gump. - It is a pleasure to investigate the career of a successful, self-made man. Peculiar honor attaches to that individual who, beginning the great struggle of life alone and unaided, removes one by one the obstacles from the pathway of success and by the master strokes of his own force and vitality succeeds in forging his way to the front and winning for himself a competency and a position of esteem and influence among his fellow men. Such is the record of the popular citizen of Montpelier to a brief synopsis of whose life and character the following lines are devoted.

Frank Gump was born at West Unity, Williams County, Ohio, on October 3, 1878, and is a son of William H. and Sarah (Lewis) Gump, both of whom also were natives of the Buckeye State, the father having been born near Plymouth and the mother at Haysville. Some time after their marriage, in 1885, they came to West Unity, where the father followed his trade, that of a shoemaker, and also operated a store. He was engaged in the latter business for over fifty years, during a part of the time under the firm name of Coslet & Gump, though during the latter part of the period Mr. Gump was the sole proprietor. At the age of seventy-nine years he retired from active business and is now living in West Unity. Mr. Gump served one and a half years in defense of the Union during the Civil war and is now a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and gives his political support to the republican party. Mrs. Gump died about sixteen years ago. They became the parents of seven children, four of whom are now living, namely: Ella, the wife of George Yesbera, of Montpelier; L. C, of Montpelier; Charles, of Chicago, Illinois, and Frank. The latter was reared in the parental home at West Unity and secured his education in the public schools, being a graduate of the high school. His first employment was with H. H. Miller, but later he went to Addison, Michigan, where he clerked in a drug store and grocery store. In 1894 Mr. Gump came to Montpelier and for a short time was employed as a clerk in a clothing store, after which he returned to West Unity, where he remained for about six and a half years. He then went to Leadville, Colorado, as buyer for the Hayden Clothing Company, but eventually returned to West Unity, where he was employed about one year. The following year he spent in the employ of Marshall Field & Company at Chicago, and the season of 1903 was spent in a wholesale woolen house. He then returned to Montpelier and entered the employ of George Yesbera, soon afterwards acquiring an interest in the business, of which he obtained entire control in 1913. He carries a large and well-selected stock of clothing and by his courteous treatment and fair prices he has built up a large and representative patronage.

In June, 1906, Mr. Gump was married to Maude Lewis, who was born in Indiana, but was educated in the public schools of Montpelier. To them have been born four children, Josephine, Helen, Catherine and Dorotha. Mrs. Gump is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Gump gives his support to the republican party, while he sustains fraternal relations with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Order of the Eastern Star, the Knights of Pythias and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He is a man of absolute honesty, always on the advance and manages his extensive clothing business with a skill and prudence which comes of a practical knowledge of every detail of the business. He is a man of many fine personal qualities and enjoys to a marked degree the esteem of all who know

George W. Lesnet. - In all the relations of life, George W. Lesnet, one of the substantial and well-known citizens of Williams County, has proved signally true to every trust. He has spent his life in this state, believing that for one of his bent no better place could be found, and he has been successful, building up, through his close application and careful management, a valuable landed estate and accumulated a competency, so that, now that the snows of old age have settled upon him, he can spend his last years in peace, quiet and plenty, at the same time enjoying the good will and esteem of all who know him.

George W. Lesnet, formerly an active farmer of Bridgewater Township, but now retired from active business and living at No. 620 East Washington street, Montpelier, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, on December 10, 1840, and is the son of James and Elizabeth (Brannan) Lesnet. The father was a native of Pennsylvania and the mother was born and reared in Ireland. They were married in Ohio and in 1847 came to Williams County, settling on a farm in Superior Township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. They were earnest members of the Presbyterian Church and Mr. Lesnet was a republican in his political faith. They were the parents of seven children, of which number four are now living, namely: Nancy, (who remains unmarried and lives in Superior Township; George W., the subject of this sketch ; Mary, the widow of Eli Wisman ; John, of

George W. Lesnet was about seven years of age when the family came to Superior Township, and he received a somewhat limited education in the district schools. He remained at home until the opening of the Civil war, when, on August 29, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, Sixty-Eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served faithfully until the end of the war, receiving an honorable discharge in June, 1865. He then returned to his father's farm, where he remained for some time. In the meantime he bought a farm in Bridgewater Township, the land being heavily covered with timber, and to the clearing and improvement of this land he devoted himself,' at length finding himself the owner of 160 acres of excellent and well cultivated land. He was successful through the years in the operation of this place, on which he remained until November, 1911, when he retired from active labor and moved to Montpelier, where he now resides.

On October 18, 1882, Mr. Lesnet was married to Ann E. Logan who was born in Superior Township, Williams County, on January 30, 1852, and is the daughter of Andrew and Mary A. (Young) Logan. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania and her mother was born in Jefferson County, Ohio. After their marriage they came to Williams County and settled in Superior Township, three miles west of Montpelier, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Mrs. Lesnet was educated in the district schools, the Bryan Hi-h School and the Tri-State Normal College, at Angola, Indiana. At the age of sixteen years she taught her first term of school and altogether taught twenty-five terms of school. Mr. and Mrs. Lesnet are the parents of five childern, namely : Lulu, the wife of Fay Loughweed, who lives on and operates the subject's farm in Bridgewater Township ; Carl, who married Malissa Conkey and lives in Northwest Township ; Francis Y, who served ten months in the United States army during the World war, is unmarried and lives with his parents- Mary is the wife of Lindon Hoadley, of Bridgewater Township- George L., who also served in the United States Expeditionary Forces in France during the World war.

Mrs. Lesnet is a member of the Presbvterian Church in which she takes an active part in the various phases of church work She is also a member of the Woman's Relief Corps, in which she has held a number of officers. Mr. Lesnet is a member of Hiram Louden Post No. 155, Grand Army of the Republic, while in politics he gives his support to the republican party. While his life has not been such as to gain him particular notoriety or the admiring plaudits of men, he has been true to every trust and conscientious in the discharge of every duty, showing such attributes of character as have won for him the sincere regard of all who know him.

Nelson Cummins. - The subject of this sketch has long been one of the important factors in the agricultural life of his part of Williams County, his fine farm being located two miles east and one and a half miles north of Montpelier, and known as "Pleasant Hill Farm." The son of one of the pioneer residents of this locality, a man who held a record as a prominent farmer and public-spirited citizen, he is entitled by birth to a conspicuous place in the life of the community. A progressive farmer, in the best sense of the term, he has been successful and is eminently deserving on his own account of the splendid reputation which he enjoys in his community.

Nelson Cummins was born on February 14, 1851, on a farm adjoining the one where he now lives in Superior Township, and he is a son of Joseph and Mary J. (Van Fosen) Cummins. His parents were both natives of Ohio, the father's birth having occurred in Portage County and the mother's in Richland County. They came to Williams County with their respective parents and were here married. They settled on a farm in Superior Township, where they spent their active years. Both are now deceased, the father dying in Montpelier and the mother in Chicago, Illinois. Joseph Cummins was a democrat in politics and a member of the Grange. His wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Of the eight children born to them, four are now living, namely : Nelson, the immediate subject of this sketch ; Monroe, who lives in Michigan ; Caroline, the widow of Hugh Bohner, and Joseph, an attorney in Chicago.

Nelson Cummins was reared on the home farm and attended the common schools of his home neighborhood. At the age of eighteen years he commenced to work for himself in Indiana and in 1870 he went to Kansas, where for four years he worked on farms by the month. He then returned to Williams County and, after his marriage, he went to farming on his own account, his father giving him a cow. He rented his father's farm for eight years and then received by inheritance from his father 171 acres, on which he lived until 1908, when he purchased the farm of 160 acres where he now lives. He is thus the owner of 371 acres of excellent farm land, which, under his excellent management, has returned abundant harvests. The

In 1874 Mr. Cummins was married to Mary J. Barnhart, who was born in Seneca County, Ohio, in 1856, and came with her parents to Williams County, where she was reared and secured a good education in the common schools. To Mr. and Mrs. Cummins have been born thirteen - eleven children now living, namely: John W., Homer, Herman, Vard, Arnold, Carson, all of whom are engaged in farming in this county except Homer, who is in Michigan; Laura, the wife of Ernest Smith; Mertie, the wife of H. C. McKelby, of Montpelier; Ada, the wife of Luther Thompson ; Ona, the wife of Sheldon Munch ; Hazel, who remains unmarried, is a graduate of the Montpelier High School, and is now engaged in teaching in the schools of that village.

Politically Mr. Cummins is an earnest supporter of the democratic party and is an active member of the Grange. He is a stockholder and a member of the directorate of the Montpelier National Bank. He is a public-spirited man, delighting in the development of his native community in any way possible, and his support is not withheld from any laudable movement looking toward the general welfare. Because of his business ability, his industry and his excellent personal qualities, he enjoys the confidence and good will of all who know him.

Jacob W. Gearhart. - The farmers of Williams County are a very progressive lot of men, imbued as they are with the sense of the importance of their calling and the necessity for their co-operation so as to continue to uphold the prestige of this region as an agricultural center. One of these men who has borne his part in the development of the county in this and other respects is Jacob W. Gearhart of Florence Township.

Jacob W. Gearhart, who is living on his farm which is two miles north of Edon, was born in Florence Township, November 2, 1863, a son of Henry and Catherine (Koch) Gearhart. both of whom were born in Germany. They were brought to the United States when young by their parents, he, when thirteen years old, and she when fourteen, settlement being first made in Columbiana County, Ohio. Later the Gearhart family went to Stark County, Ohio, and from there came to Williams County and located in Florence Township. About the same time the Koch family came to the county and settled in Superior Township. The grandparents, John and Catherine Gearhart, died on their farm, he when eighty years old. and she was eightysix years of age. Henry Gearhart was their only child.

Henry Gearhart was married in Williams County by Squire Bible, and afterwards located on a farm in Florence Township, where he remained until 1873, and then moved to the farm now occupied by his son, Jacob W. Gearhart, and here both he and his wife died. They were devout members of the German Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he was a democrat. He at one time owned 190 acres of land and was a man of large means. Of the seven children born to him and his wife, five survive, namely: John, who is a resident of Edon ; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Philip Goshorn, of Reading, Michigan ; David, and Joseph H., who are both farmers of Florence Township ; Jacob W., whose name heads this review.

Jacob W. Gearhart was reared on his father's homestead, and attended the schools of the neighborhood, and adopted farming as his life work. His farm, the old homestead, is a valuable property, and he takes a pride in it and in having everything about it first-class in every respect.

The marriage of Jacob W. Gearhart took place in Williams County, when he was united with Fredrika Kuttler, born in Germany, April 12, 1865, but brought to the United States in 1867 by her parents, who located first in Wood County, Ohio, which they left in February, 1880, and came to Williams County. Mr. and Mrs. Gearhart became the parents of the following children : Anna M., who is the wife of Jay Starr, of Montpelier; Edward F., who married Mabel M. Fix; and Ray H., who was born February 25, 1904. Mr. Gearhart is a democrat and served for four years as township trustee of Florence Township. He belongs to the Farmers' Co-operative Association of Edon.

Henry Krill. - A prominent and highly esteemed resident of Edgerton, Williams County, Henry Krill is widely and favorably known, not only as the leading undertaker of this section of the county, but as an extensive dealer in furniture, being head of the firm of Henry Krill & Son, and as president of the Oak Manufacturing Company, which has established a large and successful business in Edgerton. A son of John Krill, he was born, April 10, 1859, in Germany, where he received his elementary education.

Born, bred and educated in Germany, John Krill lived in the fatherland until 1869, when he came with his family to this country. Looking for a favorable opportunity to invest his comparatively limited amount of money, he came to Williams County, and having bought forty acres of land in Saint Joseph Township, five miles northeast of Edgerton, he was very fortunate in his agricultural operations, and as his means increased added sixty more acres of land by purchase to his original farm, and continued its management until his death. He was a republican in politics, and as a man of sterling integrity was held in high respect throughout the community. To him and his wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Harradk, three children were born, as follows: William, whose birth occurred February 5, 1853, in Germany, is engaged in farming in Williams County; Henry, the special subject of this brief sketch; and Frederick, born August 22, 1861, in Germany, is carrying on general farming in Defiance County, this state.

Having become proficient in the undertaker's art, which he began to study in 1875, Henry Krill embarked in the undertaking and furniture business with J. H. Miller, in Edgerton, and met with excellent success. Taking over his partner's interest in the business in 1891, he conducted it alone for nearly thirty years, devoting his time and energies to his work, and having a large patronage, his services as an undertaker being sought throughout Edgerton and the surrounding country, while his dealings in furniture grew quite extensive. In 1920 Mr. Krill admitted his son, Edwin C. Krill, to partnership with him, and the entire business, under the firm name of Henry Krill & Son, is now being carried on with characteristic success.

Mr. Krill married, May 25, 1890, Mary Helmling, a native of Edgerton, and they are the parents of four children, as follows: Minnie M., born May 8, 1891, was graduated from the Edgerton High School, in which she is now a teacher, and also from the Baldwin- Wallace College, where she received the degree of Bachelor of Arts; Oscar S., born May 2, 1892; Arthur Paul, born December 16, 1893,' and Edwin C, born September 1, 1895. Oscar S. Krill completed the course of study in the Edgerton High School, after which he was graduated from an embalming school. He now has charge of a furniture and undertaking establishment in Wyoming, where he has a homestead. He married Golda De Groff. During the World war, he served in the medical department. Arthur Paul Krill, who is with Killinger & Company, of Edgerton, married Zella Beach, of Edon, Ohio. Edwin C. Krill, a member of the firm of Henry Krill & Son,' served in the medical corps during the World war. He married Mabel Gabrial, of Edgerton. Mr. and Mrs. Krill have four grandchildren Mary Alice Krill, Max Krill, Catherine I. and Martha J.

An active and influential member of the republican party, Mr. Krill has served as treasurer of the township and corporation in which he resides. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he is past grand; and is a member and past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias. Religiously he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is one of its official board, which he has served as president. A man of good business judgment, Mr. Krill has accumulated property of value, having a farm of eighty-six acres, lying a mile north of Edgerton, and has a pleasant home on Lynn street.

George R. Curl, M. D. - Actively engaged in the practice of his profession at Edgerton, Williams County, George R. Curl, M. D., is a physician and surgeon of wide experience, and one who has given much time and thought to the study of disease and the process of alleviating suffering. A native of Ohio, he was born, May 1, 1884, in Logan County, which was also the birthplace of his father, Harrison Curl.

Harrison Curl, now living retired from active pursuits, served as a soldier in the Civil war for four years, and is now a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a republican in politics, and a man of sterling worth and character. His wife, whose name before marriage was Arrena McCampbell, was born and bred in Union County, Ohio. Of the eight children born to their union, two are practicing physicians, and one is a veterinary surgeon.

Reared on a Logan County farm, George R. Curl was educated primarily in the public schools of Middleburg, and after his graduation from its high school studied for a year in the Ohio Northern University, at Ada. He subsequently taught school for a time in Logan County, and then entered the Eclectic Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1910 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Establishing himself in Edgerton in January, 1911, Doctor Curl practiced here continuously until June 20, 1917, when he was commissioned first lieutenant in the Medical Corps of the United States army. On August 16, 1917, he was called to service in the World war, and on September 12, of that year, sailed from New York, reported at London, England ; later was stationed at the Scottish General Hospital, in Glasgow, where he remained two months. The doctor was then sent to Blackpool, England, where for a month he was in training with the Royal Army Medical Corps Department. Being then assigned to the Twenty-Third Division of the British Army, he went iTjri^^^T- FrCC' and haVlng Sailed fr°m B-t on April 13, 1919 arrived in New York April 23. 1919. After spending s,x weeks ,n the debarkation hospital No. 1. the doctor was honoraWv discharged from the service with the rank of captain on 1 6 1919 Returning ^mediately to Edgerton, he has since been sue ces fully engaged in his chosen profession, his patronage being fl as large as before he went to France, and constantly increasing' ' 5 Z UTkd- °Ct0ber 16' 19U- Hortens* Cillis, a graduate