Williams County, Ohio - The whole text, 1920 (part 9 of 12)

March 28 1915. The doctor ,s an active member of the county and state medical associations. Both he and his wife are worthy mem bers of the Presbyterian Church. Fraternally the doctor be onjs To Edgerton Lodge No. 357, Ancient Free and Accepted Mason and is now serving as its master. po,itics he is voting with out regard to party prejudices. g th~ of the science which he has chosen as a profession, and keeps in touch with the more modern methods used in dentistry He was born, j 19> ,878> fa w ^ ^ ^ J*

H T. Blosser was born, in 1847, near Fostoria, Seneca Countv th s state, and there grew to man's estate. Receiving excellent edu ational advantages when young, he taught school four witer terms of Defiance Commandery No. 30, Knights Templar. His wife, whose maiden name was Savilla Weidler, was born and educated in Stark County, Ohio, her birth occurring in 1850. Four children blessed their union, as follows : Howard V., a well-known physician and surgeon of Fort Wayne, Indiana ; J. E., the special subject of this sketch : Blaine A., of Fremont, Indiana ; and Frank A., of Cleveland, Ohio.

Spending the first fifteen years of his life in Superior Township, J. E. Blosser acquired his early education in the common and high schools of Farmers Center, and later attended the Tri-State College at Angola, Indiana. Subsequently, having previously taught school three years in Defiance County, he entered the Ohio Dental College, at Cincinnati, and after taking a course of three years was graduated with the class of 1903. Immediately opening an office in Edgerton, Doctor Blosser has since devoted his time and attention to his professional duties, and having proved himself eminently skillful in his work, has built up an extensive and remunerative practice.

Doctor Blosser married, in 1909, Jessie Willman, and they have two children, Dorothy, born in June, 1910; and Lois, in 1913. Identified in politics with the democratic party, the doctor has served ably and satisfactorily as mayor of Edgerton for two terms, and has been chairman of the township democratic committee. Fraternally he is a member of Edgerton Lodge No. 357, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons ; of Bryan Chapter, Royal Arch Masons ; of Bryan Council, Royal and Select Masters; and of Defiance Commandery No. 30, Knights Templar. Religiously the doctor is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and Mrs. Blosser of the Christian Church.

Ora E. Calvin. - Of the many industrious farmers who are the boast of Williams County, not a few are to be found in Center Township, and in this class, deservedly, is noted Ora E. Calvin. Mr. Calvin is numbered among those, also, who have passed their entire careers within the boundaries of this county and who have here accepted the opportunities offered for success. He was born on a farm one mile north of the one which he now occupies, a well-cultivated tract lying in section 12, Center Township, two miles west of the county seat of Bryan, November 23, 1862, a son of B. M. and Adelia (Gilbert) Calvin, natives of Portage County, Ohio.

Benia M. Calvin was reared to agricultural pursuits in his native county and as a young man removed to Williams County, where he passed the remainder of his life as a farmer, dying on his Center Township property, March 12, 1911, in the faith of the Christian

Church, ot which he had been a lifelong member and for some years an elder. He was a member of the Masonic Order, in which he had advanced to the Knights Templar degree, and in politics was a stanch and unwavering republican and served efficiently in several township omces. His wife was born at Edinburg, Ohio, March 20 1839 the youngest of a family of ten children, of whom all are deceased except one, Elizabeth who is a resident of Kokomo, Indiana. Mrs. Calvin attended the public schools and Hiram College three years, where she was a pupd of James A. Garfield, who later became President of the the dSri VCa!Vin, T Ttd H1 Cent6r TownshiP- where he attended he district school, also being a student at the Kokomo, Indiana, pubhc schools and taking a course at the Fayette Normal. He has resided on the farm which he now occupies since six years old and has made a success of his agricultural operations. His farm is well improved w.th good buildings and up-to-date equipment. Mr Calvin , a member of the Knights of Pythias and is entitled to membe h p in the Sons of Veterans, his father having served for three years as a member of an Ohio volunteer infantry regiment duringThe war

Wafker nt °L ^ ^ Sch°01 a"d now ^ wif7o1 Bryan ffi.h Icn ^ ^ ^ ^ *' 1898' a graduate of Bryan High School, ,s inspector with the Burroughs Addine Machine Company and belongs to the Masonic Order at Brvfn and also served as superintendent of the Sunday school; Virgil H born February 24, 1900; Chester G, born January 13, 1902, I member f he graduating class of 1920 at the Bryan High School- ML born December 3, 1903 ; Mildred L., born November 12, 1905 Nagat' L born October 16, 1907; Kenneth, born December 28 1W the only one deceased, he having died in infancv - I eswK I a -, 30, 1911; Marshall R, born M^arch 15 iZ" I^T L^Z" 14, 1918; and David, born December 23 1919 ^^

Orville U. Grose. - Improvement and progress may well be said to form the keynote of the character of Orville U. Grose, a wellknown farmer of Superior Township and one of Williams County's representative citizens, and he has not only been interested in the advancement of his own individual affairs, but his influence is felt in the upbuilding of the community which has so long been honored by his citizenship. The prosperity which he enjoys is the result of energy rightly applied and has been won by commendable qualities.

Orville U. Grose, whose farm is located four miles northwest of Montpelier, was born on a farm adjoining his present home on January 17, 1877, and is a son of Peter and Mary (Michaels) Grose. The father was a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Williams County, Ohio. Peter Grose was brought to Williams County by his father when eight years of age and here he grew to manhood and received his education. After his marriage he located on a farm in Superior Township, where he lived until 1912, when he retired from active farm pursuits and is now living in Montpelier. He is a republican in his political faith and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They became the parents of two children, twins, of whom the daughter, Orpha U., died at the age of nine years.

Orville U. Grose was reared on the parental homestead in Superior Township and received a good practical educational training in the district schools, later attending the Tri-State Commercial College. He has always followed the vocation of farming, which he has found profitable and to his liking, and he is well versed in every phase of his work. He is the owner of seventy acres of excellent land, which he has devoted to a general line of farming, raising all the crops common to this section of the country. In connection therewith, Mr. Grose also gives considerable attention to the raising of livestock, in which he specializes on Hampshire hogs and Belgian horses, breeding none but the purest of stock. He has also been very successful in the raising of pure-bred Plymouth Rock chickens. His farm is well improved in every respect and its general appearance is attractive to the passerby.

On September 19, 1901, Mr. Grose was married to Blanche Ogle, who was born in Superior Township, Williams County, in December, 1875, the daughter of Robert and Margaret (Hoverstark) Ogle, the latter of whom is dead. To Mr. and Mrs. Ogle were born five children, George, Alma, Blanche, Ray and Herbert. Mrs. Grose received a good public school education and was engaged for nine years prior to her marriage as a teacher in the public schools. She has become the mother of one child, Kermit, born July 4, 1902, who is a student in the Montpelier High School. Mr. and Mrs. Grose are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Montpelier, of which he is one of the trustees. Politically, he gives his support to the republican party and maintains a public-spirited attitude towards all movements for the advancement of the public welfare. Because of his genial disposition, business success and sterling qualities of character, he enjoys the esteem of all who know him.

Warren LaRue Hogue, M. D. - The medical profession in Williams County has an able exponent in the person of Dr. Warren LaRue Hogue, who, in addition to handling a large and successful general medical practice, is the owner, superintendent and surgeon in charge of the Hogue Hospital at Montpelier. His reputation has far transcended the boundary of the locality of which this history treats and no work of the nature of the one in hand would be complete without a resume of his career. In every relation of life he has proved signally true to every trust. He possesses a strong social nature and by his genial and kindly attitude to those with whom he comes in contact he has won the confidence and regard of all.

Warren LaRue Hogue was born in Superior Township, Williams County, on January 13, 1864, and is the son of Levi and Alatha Jane (Yoder) Hogue. The father was a native of Virginia and the mother was born in Seneca County, Ohio. Both came to Williams County with their parents and were married here. They had received good public school educations and she had been a teacher in the public schools. Her death occurred in 1867. They became the parents of two children, the subject of this sketch and a sister, Grace, who is the wife of Dr. L. A. Beard, of Pioneer, Ohio. After the death of their mother, these children were reared by their maternal grandmother, who gave them living and careful attention. They attended the public schools and the high school at Edgerton. The subject then became a student in the Fayette Normal School, where he was graduated, and in 1888 he commenced the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. J. A. Weitz. A year later he entered Rush Medical College, at Chicago, and in the spring of 1889 entered the Michigan College of Medicine and Surgery at Detroit, where he was graduated in June, 1890, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He engaged in the practice of his profession at Blakeslee until 1893, when he came to Montpelier and has been here continuously since. Doctor

Hogue has given close attention to the advances in his profession and has taken post-graduate courses, first in surgery and gynecology in 1894 and then in the Chicago Polyclinic in 1896. He has given special attention to surgery, in which he has met with pronounced success, gaining a widespread reputation because of his proficiency in this most difficult phase of his profession. In 1907 the doctor established the Hogue Hospital at Montpelier and through the subsequent years this institution has proven a most important aid to the profession in this community in the handling of difficult medical and surgical cases.

Doctor Hogue is a member of the Williams County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society, the Northwestern States Medical Society and the American Medical Association, as well as the Wabash Railway Surgeons' Association, the American Railway Surgeons' Association and the Clinical College of Surgeons of North America. Fraternally, he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, in which he has attained to the degree of Knights Templar, and he and his wife are members of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Politically, the doctor gives his support to the democratic party and has rendered effective service as a member of the school board. He is a stockholder and one of the directors of the Montpelier National Bank. The doctor possesses a diploma from the Clinic Laboratory of Surgical Technic, 1918, and is surgeon for the United States Employees Compensation Commission. During the World war he became a member of the Volunteer Medical Service Corps of the United States army.

In 1897 Doctor Hogue was married to Cora Hepker, who completed her studies in the Fayette Normal School and later had been a teacher in the public schools and an instructor in music. To them have been born four children, Halwyman, Grace L., Warren L., Jr., and Lorin L. Halwyman, after graduating from the Montpelier High School, was for two years a student in the University of Michigan. He then entered the medical department of Northwestern University, at Chicago, where he was graduated in 1913, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He then served as interne in the Cook County Hospital at Chicago, and is now engaged in the practice of his profession at Akron, Ohio. Grace L. Hogue graduated from the Montpelier High School, after which she spent a year in Belmont College, at Nashville, Tennessee. She had from childhood shown a special talent for music and had received careful instruction in the art. She attended the Columbian School of Music, Chicago, where she was graduated in 1915, with the degree of Bachelor of Music, and she then taught music one year in Houghton, Michigan. She is now the wife of Sidney S. Lang, who is superintendent of copper mines at Houghton. Warren L. Hogue, Jr., after graduating from the Montpelier High School, became a student in Northwestern University, at Evanston, Illinois, and the Northwest Medical School, of Chicago, being graduated from the former institution with the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1917, and from the latter school in 1919, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He is now an interne in the Michael Reese Hospital. Lorin L. Hogue graduated from the Montpelier High School and then spent two years in the pre-medical course at Ohio State University. In 1916 he joined the One Hundred and Thirty-Fourth United States Field Artillery, at Akron, and was sent to the Mexican border. From there he was sent to Chicago, where he was mustered out of service. Later he again entered the service and was sent to France as sergeant-major of the One Hundred and Thirty-Fourth Field Artillery. After reaching France, he left his regiment and attended the Artillery Training School at Somme. At the end of three months he received a commission as first lieutenant and was sent to the Third Division, which at that time was on the line of battle. He saw some strenuous work there and took part in the last fighting which occurred just prior to the armistice. He went into Germany with the Third Division and was assigned to a casual office. Subsequently he was ordered back to France and placed in command of Prisoners of War Camp No. 69. Later he was placed in charge of the American University in France, in which position he served until placed in command of the prisoners of war escort and superintended the return of German prisoners. He was finally ordered home, embarking at Brest and reaching the United States in October, 1919. He is now city salesman for the Akron Grocery Company, at Akron, Ohio.

James A. Bell. - The record of the gentleman whose name heads this brief sketch is that of a man who by his own unaided efforts has worked his way from a modest beginning to a position of responsibility and an enviable standing among his fellows. His life has been one of unceasing industry and perseverance and the honorable methods he has followed have won him the unbounded confidence of his fellow citizens of Williams County, whose interest he has at heart and has sought to promote when practicable.

lyn, New York, and is a son of W. A. and Grace (Turner) Bell. The father was a native of Scotland and the mother of England. They were reared and educated in their respective countries and were married in England. Mr. Bell learned the trade of a machinist in his native land and became an expert workman. After his emigration to the United States he located in Brooklyn, New York, whence he moved to Mattoon, Illinois, where he obtained a position as foreman in the shops of the Big Four Railroad. Later he went to Karns, Illinois, where he worked as a master mechanic, later held a similar position in the Big Four shops at Indianapolis, Indiana, being transferred from there to the shops of that company at Louisville, Kentucky. From there he went to Chicago, where he was master mechanic in the shop of the Wabash Railroad, but while there his health failed and he went to Denver, Colorado, were he worked as foreman in the shops of the Santa Fe Railroad. Having in a measure recovered his health, he then went to Ashley, Indiana, where he was employed as general foreman, and from there went to Fort Wayne as foreman in the Wabash Railroad shops. While there his health again failed, and he moved to Taylorville, Illinois, where he spent the rest of his days. He was a republican in politics and was a member of the Masonic order. To him and his wife were born eight children, of which number six are living: Lillie, the wife of Charles Clark; J. W., of Taylorville, Illinois, general superintendent of the Chicago & Indiana Midland Railroad; James A., the subject of this sketch; Margaret, who remains unmarried and lives at Decatur, Illinois ; Grace, the wife of O. H. Ault, who is engaged in the real estate business at Bloomington, Illinois; Catherine, the wife of E. T. Needham, superintendent of motive power of the Wabash Railroad.

James A. Bell received his educational training in the public schools at Mattoon and Karns, Illinois. His first employment was with the D. O. & O. R. Railroad, where he learned the trade of machinist, following which he became a fireman on the same road, and later was promoted to the other side of the cab. He then transferred his service to the Vandalia Railroad, where he worked first as fireigan and then as engineer, later working as engineer for the Big Four out of Louisville, Kentucky. In 1898 he became an engineer on the Wabash Railroad, remaining with that line until 1902, when he went to the Mobile & Ohio Railroad at Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he remained about eighteen months as engineer. In 1904 he rejoined the Wabash and was sent to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he remained until 1911, when he came to Montpelier as road foreman of engines, in which position he is still serving. His is a position of much responsibility, but his special qualifications and his long experience have fully qualified him for the work and he stands high in the regard of his superiors and associates.

In 1901, at Ashley, Indiana, Mr. Bell was married to Elsie Dunham, who was born in Richmond, Indiana, in 1883. She attended the public schools at Indianapolis, Indiana, Delphos, Ohio, and Frankfort, Indiana, completing her public school studies in the high school at Ashley, Indiana, where she was graduated. Mr. and Mrs. Bell have two children, James C. and Florence, who are students in the public school.

Politically, Mr. Bell is an ardent supporter of the republican party, while fraternally he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. Mrs. Bell is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In all the relations of life Mr. Bell has proved true to every duty. He possesses a sociable nature and by his genial and kindly attitude to those about him he has won the respect and confidence of everyone.

Leroy Schartzer. - The gentleman, whose name initiates this paragraph, is one of the worthy native sons of Williams County, and we are glad to give our readers a brief review of his career, for he is deemed eminently worthy of representation along with the best and most industrious citizens of the locality embraced by this work, owing to the fact that he belongs to the energetic and enterprising class that has contributed to the later-day success of his favored section of the great Buckeye commonwealth. He enjoys distinctive prestige in agricultural circles, his practical intelligence, mature judgment and sound sense winning for him the confidence and good will of all with whom he has come into contact.

Leroy Schartzer, whose excellent farm is located in Pulaski Township, was born in Bryan, Ohio, on December 14. 1871, and is the son of Noah and Mary (Johnston) Schartzer, the former a native of Wayne County, Ohio, and the latter born on the farm now owned by the subject. Noah Schartzer came to Williams County with his parents, and was here reared and educated. He always followed farming and spent the major portion of his life on his farm in Pulaski Township. He was a member of the Dunkard Church. To him and his wife were born seven children, all of whom are living, as follows : Leroy, the immediate subject of this review ; Belle, the wife of Nathan Leek; Robert, of Bryan; Howard, a farmer; William, of Bryan; Mertie; Ray, of Bryan.

Leroy Schartzer was reared on the parental farmstead in Pulaski Township and received his educational training in the district schools. He remained at home until eighteen years of age, when he went to work on a neighboring farm. After his marriage, which occurred in 1899, he lived for awhile in Superior Township, but later moved to Pulaski Township and took possession of the farm on which he is now living, and which comprises fifty-five acres of excellent land, which he devotes to general farming operations. He is practical and progressive in his methods and has achieved a splendid success in his efforts. Mr. Schartzer also gives some attention to the raising of livestock, and is a stockholder in the Farmers Grain Elevator at Bryan.

On March 23, 1899, Mr. Schartzer was married to Nora Gilcher, who was born in Superior Township, Williams County, on November 28, 1877, the daughter of Peter and Josephine (Steck) Gilcher. Her father was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1832 and was brought to the United States when about two years old. His wife was born in Hancock County, Ohio, in 1835, and their marriage occurred in the latter county. Subsequently they came to Bryan, Ohio, where they resided for about ten years, and then bought a farm in Superior Township, this county. Mr. Gilcher died in 1884, and was survived many years by his widow, whose death occurred on October 22, 1915. They became the parents of four children, namely: Roberta, the wife of Guy Wisman ; Charles, a farmer in Superior Township ; Leona, the wife of M. C. Wisman, and Nora. The latter was educated in the district schools and the public schools of Montpelier, after which she became a teacher in the schools of Williams County. Mr. and Mrs. Schartzer have one child, Lela J., born on November 5, 1900, who graduated from the Bryan High School with the class of 1918.

Mr. Schartzer is a member of the Christian Church and Mrs. Schartzer is of the Presbyterian Church, to which they give generous support. Mr. Schartzer is a republican in his political views and takes a public-spirited interest in the public affairs of his community. His life has been one of unceasing industry and perseverance and the systematic and honorable methods which he has followed have won for him the unbounded confidence of his fellow citizens throughout his section of the county.

John P. Fisher. - The year 1920 finds Williams County specially favored in the character, ability and effective service of its board of commissioners, and one of the most loyal, progressive and popular citizens now holding office as county commissioner is he whose name introduces this paragraph and who is able to claim this county as the place of his nativity. Mr. Fisher was born on the farm which he now owns, in section 28, Pulaski Township, two and one-fourth miles southeast of Bryan, the county seat, and the date of his nativity was May 30, 1874. He is a son of Benton and Lucy (Eggleston) Fisher, and of the other four children, one, twenty years ago, was killed by accident, July 11, 1899; Florence is the wife of Albert E. Ridenour ; Frank E. is a prosperous farmer of Pulaski Township ; and Harry C. is now a resident of the city of Toledo. Benton Fisher was born in Jefferson Township, Williams County, and his wife was born in the vicinity of the city of Cleveland, this state, a daughter of David Eggleston, who was engaged in the operation of sawmills, both in Ohio and Michigan, and who resided for some time in Fulton County, where his daughter became the wife of Benton Fisher, who, though a native of Williams County, was reared and educated in Fulton County. In 1873, in company with his wife, Mr. Fisher returned to Williams County, where he became the owner of one of the excellent farms of Pulaski Township, the old homestead, in section 28, being that now owned by their son, John P., of this review. On this farm the parents passed the remainder of their lives, and Mr. Fisher achieved substantial prosperity through his energetic and well ordered activities as an agriculturist and stock-raiser. He served three years as a member of Company E, Twenty-First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in the Civil war, and took part in many battles and minor engagements. In later years he perpetuated the more gracious associations of his military career by his active affiliation with the Grand Army of the Republic. He was a republican in politics, served as township trustee of Pulaski Township, was affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and both he and his wife were earnest members of the Presbyterian Church. John P. Fisher passed the period of his childhood and early youth on the old homestead farm which was the place of his birth and which he now owns, and after having availed himself of the advantages of the public schools he attended the Tri-State College at Angola, Indiana, for one year. At the age of twenty years he became associated with the development and operation of oil wells, and with this line of industrial enterprise he continued his connection ten years. When the Spanish-American war was precipitated, Mr. Fisher enlisted in Company E, Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and with his regiment he was in active service in Cuba, he having been a company musician at first and having later been transferred to the regimental band. He continued with his regiment until it was mustered out, at Atlanta, Georgia on May 24, 1899. After the close of this patriotic service, Mr. Fisher returned to Williams County, and here he gained more than passing prominence and success through the progressive policies which he brought to bear in connection with his farming operations. His farm, which comprises 120J4 acres, is one of the well improved places of Pulaski Township and of the same he still maintains a general supervision. He has given special attention to the breeding and raising of high-grade Holstein cattle, and has at the time of this writing, in the spring of 1920, a herd of about fifty head, the greater number being registered. Mr. Fisher is a member of the Farmers' Co-operative Association at Bryan, is a staunch republican in politics, is affiliated with the United Spanish-American War Veterans, and holds membership in the Bryan lodge of Knights of Pythias. He served seven years as trustee of Pulaski Township, and on November 5, 1918, he was elected a member of the board of county commissioners. He assumed the duties of this office September 15, 1919, and in the meanwhile removed from his farm to Bryan, the county seat, where he is now giving much of his time to his important official duties.

On April 8, 1900, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Fisher to Miss Bertha Fawney, who was born at Williams Center, this county, and they have two children, Helen and Marion, both of whom are (1920) students in the Bryan High School.

Daniel Augustine. - Closely identified with the agricultural interests of Williams County, Daniel Augustine, proprietor of Fair View Stock Farm, is pleasantly located in Springfield Township, where he is actively and profitably engaged in general farming and stock raising. A son of the late Joseph Augustine, he was born, March 31, 1862, in Seneca County, Ohio.

Born and educated in Alsace, France, Joseph Augustine immigrated to the United States in early manhood, locating first in Pennsylvania. Shortly after his marriage, he came with his wife to Seneca County, Ohio, and lived for awhile in the vicinity of Bloomville. Coming to Williams County in 1866, he purchased the farm now owned and occupied by his son, Daniel, the subject of this sketch, and began its improvement. When ready to retire from active pursuits, he settled at Archbold, Ohio, and there both he and his wife spent their remaining days. Both were members of the Mennonite Church, and he was a democrat in politics. He married, in Pennsylvania, Anna Youtzey, a native of that state, and of the seven children that were born of their union, two, John and Eliza, have passed to the life beyond, and five are living, as follows: Martha, wife of Emil Thourot ; Catherine; Elizabeth, wife of Henry Ouellet ; Daniel, and Joseph.

But a small child when his parents removed to Williams County, Daniel Augustine grew to man's estate on the home farm, acquiring his early education in the district schools, and being well trained under his father's instructions, in agricultural science. Becoming a farmer from choice, Mr. Augustine farmed for three years in Fulton County, this state. Returning to Williams County, he assumed possession of his present farm of seventy-four acres, and in its management has found both pleasure and profit, being successful both as a general farmer and a stock raiser, making a specialty of breeding Chester White hogs.

Mr. Augustine married, December 2. 1887, Ella Harris, who was born in Brady Township, Williams County, Ohio, February 2, 1865, a daughter of Richard and Margery (Dailey) Harris, the former of whom was born in Lincolnshire, England, and the latter in Tiffin, Ohio. Her parents located in Williams County soon after their marriage and spent the remainder of their lives on the farm they improved. Mr. and Mrs. Augustine have one child, Nora, born October 29, 1893. She married F. C. Gentel, and they have two children, Belle and Maurice. Mr. and Mrs. Gentel reside on the home farm with Mr. and Mrs. Augustine. Politically Mr. Augustine is a steadfast democrat. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and socially belongs to the Springfield Grange.

John W. Christy. - Distinguished not only as a native-born citizen of Springfield Township, but as an esteemed and thriving agriculturist, John W. Christy is eminently worthy of representation in a volume of this character. He was born, November 21, 1873, on the farm he now owns and occupies, a son of the late John Christy.

Born and bred in Pennsylvania, John Christy remained in his native state until nineteen years old. Migrating then to Ohio, he settled in Springfield Township, Williams County, and as soon as his means would warrant him in so doing, purchased a tract of land in that township, and by dint of persevering energy and persistent toil placed a large part of it under cultivation, and continued its management until his death. He was identified with the democratic party, and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Evansport He likewise belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His wife, whose maiden name was Frances Coy. was born in Evansport,

Ohio, and died on the home farm, in Springport Township, Williams County. Of the eight children born into their home, two died in infancy, and six are living, as follows : Belle, wife of R. B. Cameron, M. D., of Defiance, Ohio ; Walter, engaged in farming in Williams County ; Elmer, also a farmer in this county ; Flora, wife of Charles M. Calley; Maggie, wife of Walter Spangler; and John W.

Receiving his early education in the district schools, John W. Christy became familiar with agricultural pursuits as a youth, and having succeeded to the ownership of the home farm, which lies one-half mile east of Evansport, has since carried on general farming with ability and success, his 160 acres of land being well improved, and quite productive. Interested to some extent in stock raising, he makes a specialty of breeding Merino sheep, a branch of industry that well repays him for his time and labor.

Mr. Christy married, in 1902, Orpha Cook, and they have two children, namely : Vera, a graduate of the Evansport High School, and John L. Politically, Mr. Christy supports the principles of the democratic party. Fraternally he is a member, and past master, of Evansport Lodge No. 511, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, which he has twice represented at the Grand Lodge ; of Northwest Chapter No. 45, Royal Arch Masons ; and of the Order of the Eastern Star, to which his wife also belongs. Mrs. Christy is a most estimable woman, and a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Evansport.

Horace D. Sanford. - One of the industrious, enterprising and farseeing agriculturists of Springfield Township, Horace D. Sanford has started out in life with fair prospects for a prosperous future, his energy, ability and excellent business tact having already won for him a noteworthy position among the successful husbandmen of this section of Williams County. He was born, June 29, 1891, in Springfield Township, on the same farm, lying two and a half miles south of Stryker, where the birth of his father, Nathaniel B. Sanford, occurred some twenty-two years earlier.

A son of James C. and Roxanna (Clarke) Sanford, Nathaniel B. Sanford has spent his entire life on the old home farm, and since assuming its possession has managed it with characteristic ability and success. He married Alice M. Bayes, who was born in Pulaski Township, Williams County, and of the eight children born of their union, six are living now, in 1919, as follows: Horace D., Mary, Ellis O., James, Roxanna and Charles H.

Laying a good foundation for his future education in the public schools of Stryker, Horace D. Sanford studied agriculture for a year in the Ohio State University at Columbus. Returning to Springfield Township, he rented the home farm for a year, and subsequently served eight months as field man for the Continental Sugar Company, and later as traveling salesman for a fertilizer company, his territory including both Ohio and Indiana. When ready to locate permanently, Mr. Sanford purchased his present farm, in section 34, Springfield Township, one mile north of Evansport, and each year has added to the improvements previously inaugurated, and increased its value. In addition to carrying on general farming, he raises fine horses, Holstein cattle and White Leghorn chickens, branches of agriculture in which he takes both pleasure and pride. '

Mr. Sanford married, in February, 1913, Bethel Ellis, a native of Illinois, and into their pleasant household two children have made their advent, namely: Francis D., born October 17, 1914; and Herbert R., born June 22, 1917. Politically, Mr. Sanford is a staunch advocate of the principles of the republican party. He is a member of Springfield Grange No. 499, and takes great interest in advancing the prosperity of the organization. Fraternally he belongs to Evansport Lodge No. 511, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; to Bryan Chapter No. 45, Royal Arch Masons; and to Defiance Commandery No. 30, Knights Templar, which he has served as senior deacon. Both he and his wife are members of the Order of Eastern Star, and both belong, religiously, to the Methodist Episcopal Church at Bryan.

William H. Scott spent a number of years in railroad service. Like many railroad men he had a strong leaning toward farm life, and about twenty years ago he gratified his ambition in that direction by the purchase of some land in Williams County, and has since occupied it and has become one of the leading agriculturists of St. Joseph Township.

Mr. Scott, whose rural home is three miles southwest of Edgerton, was born in Jefferson Township, Wells County, Indiana, October 26, 1859, son of John E. and Anna (Parr) Scott. His father was a native of Wayne County, Ohio, and his mother of Allen County, Indiana. They were married in Wells County, first locating near Ossian and later southwest of that town in Jefferson Township. John E. Scott on selling his farm in northeastern Indiana moved to Michigan and spent the rest of his days on a farm in that state. He was a democrat in politics. There were five children : William H. ;

William H. Scott lived in Wells County, Indiana, to the age of ten years, and began his education while there. He then removed with his parents to Michigan, and remained at home until 1874, when his father died. His mother then married again and removed to Iowa.

Mr. Scott took up railroading at the age of twenty, beginning as a locomotive fireman, later as a brakeman, and still later as a conductor. He was in the service of the Wabash for about ten years, and in 1892 went with the Great Northern Railway as a passenger conductor, having a good run in the northwestern states. He remained in the service of the Great Northern until 1901.

In the meantime, in 1899, Mr. Scott had bought a farm in St. Joseph Township of Williams County, and he has occupied it since 1901. In 1883 Mr. Scott married Mrs. Sarah Uhlam, who died in 1917. On July 30, 1919, he married Mrs. Sarah Reas. Mr. Scott is a republican and his farm home comprises 108 acres. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Butler, Indiana, and Mrs. Scott is identified with the Women of Wood Craft.

Mrs. Scott's maiden name was also Scott. She was born in Wayne County, Ohio, April 20, 1855, a daughter of Robert and Catherine (Simpson) Scott, her parents also natives of Wayne County, where they were married. They moved to Williams County in 1855, locating on a farm in St. Joseph Township where they spent the rest of their days, her father dying in March, 1914, and her mother in 1901. Mrs. Scott was one of eleven children, nine of whom are still living. She grew up on a farm in Williams County, and her first marriage was with William Lee. By that union she had two children : Frances M., wife of Sidney Gorbell, and Mattie, wife of Ed Omer of Denver, Colorado. Mr. Lee died in 1888 and later she became the wife of Fayette Reas.

Waldo P. Whitney. - Because of the urgent need of greatly increased farm proudction that faces the world today, the operation of a stock farm has become almost a matter of public concern. In Williams County may be found enterprises of this kind that are well and efficiently managed and one of these is the Acco Stock Farm, situated four miles west of Pioneer, Ohio, which is the property of Waldo P. Whitney, one of the county's representative citizens.

Lila (Ames) Whitney. The father was born in the city of New York and was a young man when he came to Williams County, although he had completed a service of three years as a soldier in the Civil war. He was married shortly afterward, in Bridgewater Township, near Montpelier, to Lila Ames, who was born in Huron County, Ohio, and now resides in Erie County. Thomas E. Whitney established himself as a merchant at Bridgewater Center, where he conducted a store for many years, and died there on February 18, 1890. His three children all survive, namely : Waldo P. ; Hattie, wife of Percy Stull, of Chattanooga, Tennessee ; and Edwin, residing at Reading, Michigan.

Mr. Whitney was reared at Bridgewater Center and attended the village schools, afterward taking a course in the university at Valparaiso, Indiana. When he came home he took charge of a sawmill his father owned and also assisted in the management of the store, early proving the possession of business qualities which 'have since been notably manifested. He found himself naturally interested, however, in agriculture, and after a farm experience of six years, bought eighty acres and set about building up a great stock farm. To the original eighty he kept adding land and now has 120 acres of some of the finest land for stock purposes in Bridgewater Township. He devotes it to standard stock and is developing Holsteins, now having twenty-two head of these beautiful cattle, with the valuable bull Wanda Gigis Hero at the head of the herd. When Mr. Whitney exhibits stock from the Acco Stock Farm, he finds few cattle owners to dispute prizes with him.

In 1890 Mr. Whitney was married to Miss Josephine Crall, who was born in Williams County and was educated in the Montpelier schools. They have three children, namely: Dale, who is a high school graduate, was a soldier in training camp when the armistice was signed that terminated the Great war, and he is as efficiently turning his attention to peaceful pursuits on the farm, as he bravely assumed the duties of military training when the government called; Ilo, who is a graduate of the high school at Pioneer ; and Mildred, who is yet in the grades. With modern methods of transportation, the family can enjoy the healthful life of a country home and also urban advantages at Pioneer.

Mr. Whitney is prominent in the democratic party in county and township and frequently takes part in party councils, in which his good judgment and his wide acquaintance prove very valuable. He is serving in the office of township trustee, in 1910 was land appraiser, for five years was personal property assessor, and for ten years was township clerk. He belongs to the Ancient Order of Gleaners, in which he has passed all the chairs, and is past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Pioneer, while Mrs. Whitney is past chief of the Order of Pythian Sisters.

Henry Bayes. - The City of Bryan, county seat of Williams County, has its full quota of men who have stepped aside from the path of active participation in various vocations, to let pass the younger generation, with its hopes, visions and ambitions. In the retired colony of this city is found Henry Bayes, who was for many years a successful agriculturist of northwestern Ohio, and who now is spending the evening of life in comfortable retirement at his home, 446 West High street.

Henry Bayes was born in Lucas (now Fulton) County, Ohio, August 16, 1844, a son of Thomas and Lamenta (Swan) Bayes, the former a native of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and the latter of the state of Maryland. The parents were children when they accompanied their respective families to Ohio, each locating first in Holmes County and subsequently moving to what is now Fulton County. Thomas Bayes located in Fulton County about 1837, first taking up land a mile north of Delta, which he later sold to buy 160 acres, the present site of Wauseon. When the development company laid out the latter city, Mr. Bayes disposed of his holdings to the incorporators of the town and moved to a 160-acre farm which he purchased about one and one-half miles west of that place. There he passed the remainder of his life in the pursuits of the soil, and not only gained material success, but also secured the confidence and esteem of the people among whom the active years of his life were spent. A republican in his political views, Mr. Bayes took an active part in the local affairs and wielded some influence in the ranks of his party. He and his worthy and estimable wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and parents of nine children, seven of whom grew to maturity, while three are living at this time, namely : Henry ; W. F., whose home is near Wauseon ; and Miss Diadem, who resides at Bryan with the subject of this sketch.

Henry Bayes received his education in the public schools of Fulton County and was reared on the home farm located west of Wauseon. There, in his boyhood and youth, he assisted in the clearing and ditching of the land, and remained at home until his enlistment, June 18, 1863, in Company H, Eighty-Sixth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer

Infantry, which was assigned to the Ninth Army Corps and placed in the Army of the Cumberland, under General Burnside. After eight months of service he received his honorable discharge because of expiration of service, but later, in 1864, joined the home guards and served therewith four months. When his military career was through, Mr. Bayes returned to the home farm and resumed the duties of peace.' On September 9, 1869, Mr. Bayes was united in marriage with Miss Mary M. Campbell, who was born in Fulton County, Ohio, November 7, 1851, a daughter of Reason and Temperance Campbell.' The month following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Bayes came to Williams County and settled on a tract of eighty acres, located in the woods. Later Mr. Bayes bought forty acres 'additional, on which there was located a small house, and subsequently sold his original eighty acres and purchased eighty acres more, all' in Pulaski Township. Mr. Bayes continued to be engaged in farming on this property until 1904, and during his long residence in that community made numerous improvements on his farm and cut the first road from Springfield to his home. He was known as an energetic and progressive farmer, who took a pride in his surroundings and made the most of his opportunities, while personally his reputation for integrity was high and his standing in business circles of the best. Since 1904 he has resided at Bryan, where he has displayed all the elements and qualities that combine to make for good citizenship.

Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Bayes, seven are living: Alice, the wife of N. B. Sandford, of Springfield Township; Temperance, the wife of Frank Spangler, of Bryan; R. E., also a resident of Bryan; Lamenta, the wife of F. L. Doughten, an agriculturist of Center Township, Williams County; Edna, unmarried, formerly a teacher for ten years, but now taking a trained nurse's course at Cleveland; Effie, a graduate of Bryan High School, who is servinoas bookkeeper at Van Camp's Condenser, Bryan ; Inez, deceased, 1 graduate of Bryan High School and Michigan State Normal, who was the wife of A. E. Gee; and Wilda, a graduate of the Michigan State Normal School, who is now a teacher in the Schools of Winnetka Illinois.

The members of the Bayes family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Bayes has always maintained his interest in the Grand Army of the Republic, and is a past commander of two posts, belonging at present to Evans Post No. 149, of Bryan He and his wife are charter members of Elm Grove Grange, of which he is a past master. In politics a republican, Mr. Bayes has been an important and influential figure in his party in this locality for some years, and has served in public office on several occasions, having acted commendably and efficiently as township trustee for four years, as assessor of Bryan two years, and as one of the infirmary directors of Williams County.

Neri B. Newcomer. - One of the substantial residents of Williams County who has passed his entire career in this locality and who has devoted his efforts to farming and stock raising, is Neri B. Newcomer, the owner of a handsome and well-cultivated farm located, in section 9, Center Township. Mr. Newcomer's life has been one in which the homely but substantial traits of industry and honesty have been allowed full expression, with the result that while their possessor has been attaining material prosperity he has at the same time been accumulating the good will and sincere respect of the people who make up the community in which his home is located and his activities are centered.

Neri B. Newcomer was born on a farm south of BryanTin Pulaski Township, Williams County, January 6, 1870, a son of Nathaniel and Barbara (Brown) Newcomer. He was reared on the home place and in his boyhood was sent to the district schools of Pulaski Township, this preparation being subsequently supplemented by attendance at the Bryan High School and Defiance College. At the latter he took a commercial course, and after his graduation returned to his father's farm, where he made his home until his marriage, April 14, 1892, to Miss Melissa C. Frederick, who was born in Wood County, Ohio, October 26, 1869, a daughter of John and Caroline (Freyman) Frederick. Her father was born September 4, 1844, and her mother several years later, and both passed their lives in Wood County, where they were born. Mrs. Newcomer was two years old when her father died, in 1871, and only three years of age when she lost her mother, who passed away August 22, 1872. The child was taken into the family of an uncle. William Freyman, with whom she lived until the time of her marriage, her education being secured in the district schools of Center Township and the Fayette Normal School. After leaving the latter, she taught school for three terms in Center Township, but after her union with Mr. Newcomer her teaching career was terminated and they moved to a farm of 140 acres, in section 9, where they have since made their home. Through industry and intelligent direction of their affairs, Mr. and Mrs. Newcomer have prospered, and Mr. Newcomer is a stockholder in the First National Bank of

Bryan and the Williams County Telephone Company. In addition to carrying on general farming operations, he buys, feeds and sells stock, a field in which he has likewise met with merited success, and in which he has established a reputation for both knowledge of the business and for sound integrity and fair and honorable transactions. Mr. Newcomer is a republican in his political views, and has served two terms as a trustee of Center Township. With his family, he belongs to the Melbern Methodist Episcopal Church, where he is serving as a member of the official board.

Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Newcomer: I. Loyal, born July 15, 1893, a graduate of Bryan High School, attended the Ohio State University for two years, taking an agricultural course, married Chloe Fisher, and has one child, Arline, and is now engaged in agricultural operations in Defiance County; Galen, born July 22, 1895, also a graduate of Bryan High School, who attended agricultural college for three years, enlisted in the United States Army during the World war, and saw ten months of service in France, holding the rank of corporal and being a member of the military police and is now in partnership with his father operating the farm and feeding livestock ; Lura V., born May 29, 1898, a graduate of the Bryan High School, also attended the State Normal School at Bowling Green, taught for three years in the public schools of Center Township, was married to Clinton F. Stenger, February 26, 1920, and now lives on a farm two miles west of Melbern ; and Elwin C, born March 27, 1904, who is attending high school.

Byron Allison. - A well-known, active and thriving farmer of Springfield Township, Byron Allison is likewise identified with the industrial interests of this section of Williams County, having established an extensive draying business in Stryker, his prompt and efficient service as drayman having won him a lucrative patronage. A native-born citizen, his birth occurred June 30, 1867, on the farm which he now owns and occupies, and on which his life has been spent.

His father, John Allison, was born and bred in Ohio, and soon after taking upon himself the responsibilities of a married man located in Springfield Township, and having purchased the farm on which his son now lives, was industriously engaged in tilling the soil the remainder of his active life. A republican in politics, he was active and influential in local affairs, and served many terms as justice of the peace. He married, in Williams County, Ohio, Mary Casebeer, a native of Indiana, and they became the parents of two children, as follows : Frank, deceased ; and Byron, of whom we write.

Brought up on the home farm, Byron Allison spent his earlier days in very much the same manner as most farmers' boys, attending school and doing chores around the house and on the farm. Leaving the Stryker schools at the age of fifteen years, he started out in life for himself, and being ambitious, industrious, and trustworthy, he had no trouble in earning his livelihood. Succeeding to the ownership of the parental homestead, he has placed its twenty-nine acres of rich and fertile land in a tillable condition, and pays such excellent attention to its cultivation that its abundant harvests amply repay him for his labors.

Mr. Allison married, June 25, 1890, Lydia Mignery, a native of Springfield Township, and they have two children, namely: Lucille, who was graduated from the Stryker High School with the class of 1920; and Consuelo, attending school in Stryker. Mr. Allison is a republican in politics, and takes much interest in town and township affairs, although he is not an office seeker. Mrs. Allison is a valued member of the Baptist Church.

Wendell P. Grisier.- - Owing to his connection with business and civic affairs of the western part of Williams County for a number of years, the name of Wendell P. Grisier, of Stryker, needs no formal introduction to the readers of this work. In a straightforward, conservative manner, he has sought to perform the duties of a progressive citizen, while advancing his own interests, and his support has always been counted upon in the furtherance of any laudable movement having for its object the welfare of the general public.

Wendell P. Grisier, who is engaged in the undertaking business at Stryker, is a native son of the county now honored by his citizenship, having been born on his father's farm in Springfield Township, on August 18, 1891. He is the son of William and Margaret (Currie) Grisier, the former a native of Springfield Township and the latter of the state of Illinois. They were married in Kansas, where they lived for a short time, and then came to Springfield Township, Williams County, and engaged in farming. Eventually he moved to Stryker and for twenty years was engaged in the furniture business and the direction of funerals. Eventually, however, he sold his business and went to Plains, Colorado, where he is now engaged in operating a ranch. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and he sustains fraternal relations with the Knights of Pythias. He is an ardent republican in his political views and while living here he served as a member of the village council and of the school board. To him and his wife were born three sons, namely:

Orville J. was a student in Northwestern University and Greeley College, and is now county supervisor of schools at Rocky Ford, Colorado ; he is a veteran of the World war, having served in France with the Fourth Infantry Regiment, as a part of the Third Division ; Wendell P., the subject of this sketch, and Walter, who lives in Colorado.

Wendell P. Grisier received his education in the public schools of Stryker and spent his senior year at Bryan, graduating from the Bryan High School, and then attended the Tri-State Normal College, at Angola, Indiana. He then entered the Worsham Embalming School, where he took a complete course in that science. He worked for I. K. Platner, of Chicago, Illinois, a highly respected funeral director, and then went in as assistant to his father in the latter's business at Stryker. After his father went west, Mr. Grisier engaged in the business on his own account and has continued the business to the present time. By close attention to his business and the needs and wishes of his patrons, he has drawn a large share of the work in his line, and is today numbered among the leading funeral directors in the western part of Williams County.

Mr. Grisier was married to Frances R. Brickman, a native of Hancock County, Ohio, and they are the parents of three children, Geraldine, William and Donald. Mr. and Mrs. Grisier are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and Mr. Grisier gives his political support to the republican party. Fraternally, he is a member of Evansport Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Northwest Chapter No. 45, Royal Arch Masons ; Bryan Council ; Defiance Commandery No. 30, Knights Templar; of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Toledo, Ohio ; Stryker Lodge No. 432, Knights of Pythias, of which he is the present chancellor commander ; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Evansport Encampment, and a member of Council No. 407, United Commercial Travelers. Mr. Grisier takes an intelligent interest in local public affairs, advocating and supporting every movement calculated to advance the public interests in a material, civic or moral way, and he enjoys the good will and esteem of all classes.

Henry E. Olmstead. - The gentleman whose name heads this paragraph is widely known as one of the honored citizens of Stryker, Williams County, Ohio. He has lived in this county all his life and for many years was prominently identified with the educational interests of this community, in which profession he won an enviable reputation, but is now engaged in the insurance business. In all the relations of life he has commanded the respect and confidence of those with whom he has been brought in contact and a history of Williams County embracing the records of its representative citizens would not be complete without a brief recital of his career.

Henry E. Olmstead is a native of the county now honored by his citizenship, his birth having occurred near Stryker, in Springfield Township on March 13, 1866. His parents were Alva and Martha (Chichester) Olmstead, the former of whom was born near Saratoga Springs, New York, on March 28, 1827, and died on July 15, 1908, while his wife was born near Wooster, Wayne County, Ohio, on July 18, 1840. They came to Williams County with their respective parents and were here reared. Alva Olmstead came to Springfield Township in 1834 and was here reared and educated, attending the district schools, which in that early day were somewhat primitive as to methods and equipment. Here he followed the vocation of a farmer and spent the remainder of his life. He was a member of the United Brethren Church and was held in high repute among his fellows. To him and his wife were born two children, the subject of this sketch, and a sister Mary, now deceased, who was the wife of Alfred Betts. The mother of these children now makes her home with the subject.

Henry E. Olmstead secured a good practical education in the district schools and in the public schools of Stryker, to which town he moved in 1885. His higher education was acquired at normal school, Valparaiso, Indiana, and at Lima College, Lima, Ohio. After the completion of his education he began teaching school, a profession for which he was eminently qualified by natural inclination, his first school being taught by him when eighteen years of age. He was thus engaged for twenty-nine years and was recognized throughout the county as an unusually well-qualified and successful pedagogue. For a number of years he was engaged as a teacher in the Stryker schools, and was principal of these schools for nine years, following which, for six years, he served as superintendent of the rural schools of Springfield Township. He was also a member of the board of school examiners for twelve years. In 1914 Mr. Olmstead retired from his profession and since that time has been engaged in the insurance business in Stryker and as notary public and public administrator of estates. In these lines also he has been successful and has acquired some splendid property in Stryker, embracing his own home and seven good lots. He is also a stockholder in the Ohio Gas Company.

village assessor of Stryker and as treasurer of Stryker village and of Springfield Township. He gained success in one of the most exacting of all callings, his work as an educator having brought him prominently to the notice of the public, the result of which was a constant demand for his services where a high standard of professional excellence and required. He is a well-read, symmetrically developed man of scholarly tastes and studious habits, and to a marked degree enjoys the respect and esteem of all who know him.

John T. Day. - Seven and one-half miles northwest of Bryan, in Center Township, Williams County, is located the well-cultivated and highly-improved farm of John T. Day. This property, in its substantial buildings, modern equipment and general air of prosperity reflects the good management and progressiveness of one of Williams County's enterprising agriculturists, Mr. Day having been a lifelong farmer in this county, of which he is a native, having been born in Florence Township, April 17, 1854, a son of Thomas S. and Caroline (Bratton) Day.

Thomas S. Day was born in Pennsylvania, September 8, 1818, and there married Miss Bratton, who had been born in the same state in 1819. They remained in Pennsylvania until 1847, at which time they came to Williams County, settling on an eighty-acre farm one mile south of Edon, in Florence Township. While Mr. Day resided on a farm and carried on agricultural pursuits to some extent, he was a blacksmith by trade and followed that vocation throughout his life, being well and favorably known for many miles around. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and a republican in politics, and a man whose industry gained him prosperity, he being the owner of town property in addition to his farm. He and his wife were the parents of eight children, of whom four are living: Hannah E., the wife of Dan Klink, of Iola, Kansas; James of Denver, Colorado; John T. ; and Mary E., the wife of Austin Fiser, of Edon. The parents were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and active in church work.

John T. Day was reared on the home farm in Florence Township, and as a boy attended the district schools. He was first married in 1877 to Katie Freed. After her death he remained under the parental roof until his marriage, December 15, 1881, to Miss Jennie S. Boman, who was born January 22, 1860, in Wood County, Ohio, daughter of William and Rosabell (Eckels) Boman, and a member of an honored family of this locality. In the year 1835 George and Christina (Hock- enbarger) Boman, with their children, left Doylestown, Wayne County, Ohio, and journeyed to the northwestern part of Ohio, locating on a property which now forms the southeastern part of Blakeslee. There they endured the usual hardships that attended our forefathers in a new country, but sturdily and forcefully fought their way upward and won not only material independence, but the affection and esteem of the community. George Boman, who was a shoemaker by trade, was a great lover of dumb animals of all kinds, but dogs and horses were dearest to him. His worthy wife, who adopted the United Brethren faith after coming to Williams County, was unable to attend church for many years, but maintained her religion and was widely known for the beautiful manner in which she could tell the story of Jesus and his resurrection. The family of George and Christina Boman consisted of : William, Susanna, John, Mary, Sarah Jane and George Clark.

William Boman remained at home a few years after attaining his majority, following which he worked two years for Jonas Webb and then went to Wood County, where he met Rosabell Eckels. One year later they were married and to this union there were born the following children: Jennie S., the wife of John T«. Day, of the Edgerton community ; James W., who lives on a farm west of Blakeslee ; W. H., of Blakeslee ; Mrs. Maggie E. Favourite, of Edgerton ; and C. V., who lives on the Jacob Aucker farm in Williams County.

The father of the foregoing children, William Boman, resided in Hancock and Wood counties. On August 22, 1862, when thirty years of age, he enlisted at Findlay, Ohio, in Company G, One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was attached to the Second Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps. His brother, John Boman, served in the Third Ohio Cavalry. In 1873 William Boman moved to Williams County and settled on a farm west of Blakeslee which was known as the old Jordan farm, and here carried on agricultural pursuits during the remainder of his active career. When unable to do farm work any longer, he moved to Edgerton, and subsequently to Blakeslee, where his death occurred in 1909, when he was aged seventy-seven years, eleven months, thirteen days. His faithful and worthy wife, who died September 5, 1912, at the age of seventy-two years, four months, twenty-five days, was buried at the West Buffalo Cemetery, as was also Mr. Boman, William and John Boman, Susanna Riley and Sarah J. Berlew. At the time the Bomans came from Wayne County, the family of William Laub also made the journey and located on a farm adjoining the

Boman farm on the east. None of the Boman children are now living, but of the Laubs, three sons still survive : Norman, of Edon ; John, of Hicksville, Ohio ; and George, of Blakeslee.

Mrs. Day was thirteen years of age when brought by her parents to Williams County in the fall of 1873, the family locating in St. Joseph Township. She completed her education in the public schools of Edgerton and Edon and for five terms taught school. Mr. and Mrs. Day resided in Florence Township until 1902, at which time they removed to their present home in Center Township, where they have made numerous improvements and have come to be accounted among the substantial and reliable people of their community. They are active members of the local Grange, and have also been enthusiastic and helpful in their assistance of the movements of the Methodist Episcopal Church, being members of Salem congregation, where Mr. Day has served as class leader. He is a republican in his political views and has acted as ditch supervisor four years.

To Mr. and Mrs. Day there have been born the following children: Clair L. ; Thomas W. ; Joel E. ; Maggie, the wife of Frank Engler: Ivan E. ; J. Roger: Hershel H. ; Carvin C. ; Frances I. ; Duane A. and Donald D. The children have been given good educational advantages and fitted for honorable positions in life. Three of the sons, J. Roger, Hershel H. and Carvin C. were in the United States army service during the World war, but only one, Carvin C, saw service in France. He died December 5, 1919, from the effects of injuries received during the windstorm at Bryan November 29, 1919.

Clinton O. Figgins. - Among the enterprising and self-reliant men who are ably conducting the agricultural interests of Williams County, Clinton O. Figgins, a well-to-do agriculturist of Brady Township, occupies a noteworthy position, not only as a thriving farmer, but as one who has achieved success through his own unaided efforts. He was born July 28, 1874, in Brady Township, which was likewise the birthplace of his father, Emanuel Figgins.

Born and reared on a farm, Emanuel Figgins naturally followed the vocation of his ancestors, and as a tiller of the soil labored early and late. Settling after his marriage oh unimproved land in Brady Township, two and a half miles south of West Unity, he toiled with earnest heart and energy to clear his land, and has had the satisfaction of placing it in a highly productive condition, his farm now being among the best in the vicinity. He is an active worker in the repub* lican ranks, and a stanch supporter of all beneficial enterprises. He is a member of Brady Grange No. 2164, and both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, being leading members of Fountain Chapel. Emanuel Figgins married Sophena Altaffer, who was born in Jefferson Township, Williams County, and they are the parents of six children, as follows : Fred, of West Unity, is a mail carrier on the Rural Free Delivery Route ; Clinton O., the subject of this sketch; Bertha; Devilla, a farmer, living two and a half miles northeast of Kunkle, this county; Charles, engaged in farming three and a half miles southeast of Stryker ; and Clifford, living on the old homestead.

Living with his parents until becoming of age, Clinton O. Figgins attended the rural schools, and under his father's tuition acquired a practical knowledge of the science of agriculture. Beginning life for himself with a limited capital, having but $300 to his credit, he was engaged in building and contracting until 1914. Wise in his savings, and prudent in his expenditures, he accumulated some money, and having purchased sixty-three acres of land in Brady Township, a mile and a half south of West Unity, he has since made improvements of value, having erected comfortable and conveniently arranged buildings, his farm in its appointments and equipments now comparing favorably with any in the township.

Mr. Figgins married, April 28, 1900, Alice M. Rosier, a native of Williams County, and they have two sons, George E., a graduate of the West Unity High School; and Willard, a junior in the same school. Fraternally Mr. Figgins is a member, and past chancellor, of West Unity Lodge No. 637, Knights of Pythias, and of the Grand Lodge, in which he has filled all of the offices ; and a member and past consul, of the local lodge, Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. and Mrs. Figgins belong to the Pythian Sisters, in which he is past most excellent chief, while she is mistress of finance. A strong republican in politics, Mr. Figgins has never sought office, but has served as constable of Brady Township.

Frank C. Crawford has for thirty-five years been identified with the rural community of Northwest Township. A successful farmer, he is known as proprietor of the Cedar Lawn farm located seven miles north of Edon. His interests have also extended to banking in his neighborhood, and he has also given of his time and influence to promote the welfare of schools and other public institutions.

was born in Pennsylvania of Irish parentage, and was married in Richland County, Ohio, where his wife was born. In 1876 the Crawford family moved to Williams County, locating in Brady Township, and subsequently for ten years lived near Fayette in Fulton County. The parents then returned to Kunkle in Williams County where they spent the rest of their years. John Crawford was always active in politics, served as Justice of the Peace for sixteen years in Richland County and was a stanch democrat. He was also a Mason. He was twice married and by his first wife had six children. Susana Laser was his second wife and their three children were Delbert and Asa both of Kunkle, and Frank C.

Frank C. Crawford grew up in Williams County, attended common schools and remained at home until the age of twenty-one. About that time he and his uncles William and John Lasar bought the first steam threshing outfit in the vicinity of West Unity and he was identified with its operation for nine seasons. After his marriage in 1880 he located on his uncle's farm near West Unity, remaining there five years, and in 1885 moved to Northwest Township where he bought the 120 acres comprised in the Cedar Lawn farm. He paid for the land through his own efforts, and also placed its improvements, and year after year has not only made his farm self-sustaining but has increased its value. He has been a successful breeder of Shorthorn cattle. Mr. Crawford is a stockholder in the Farmers and Merchants Savings Bank at Montpelier and the Farmers Banking Company at Columbia.

September 12, 1880, Matilda Sanders became his wife. They were married at Waldron by Squire Reynolds. To their marriage were born five children: Elgin, born December 13, 1882, unmarried and at home: Blanche, born April 12, 1885, wife of Ed Dunham; Alta B., born August 31, 1888, wife of Urban Peck; Dale, born February 16, 1893, a farmer in Northwest township; and Mabel, born September 6, 1905. Mr. Crawford is affiliated with Edon Lodge No. 474 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. For many years he has been a leader in the democratic party in his township and is a member of the local school board.

Charles W. Chaney who lives five miles southwest of Montpelier in Superior Township was born there July 28, 1861, and has always lived there. He is a son of John and Mary (Lott) Chaney. The father was born in Richland and the mother in Seneca county. He came to Seneca and after they were married they located in Williams

County. John Chaney, who entered the land where Charles W. Chaney now lives, was a shoemaker and worked at his trade in Montpelier. He worked at his trade two years and then moved to the farm. There were fifteen children in his family, six of them living when C. W. Chaney related the family history.

The oldest daughter, Ann, is the wife of Isaiah Bechtol; Ellen is the wife of George Flumerfeldt; Mary is the wife of Sherman Leek; Eliza is the wife of James Fisher; Charles W. enrolls the family, and Clement Chaney is a resident of Montpelier. They were all given common school advantages, and C. W. Chaney remained at the family homestead until he was past eighteen years old when he went to Sandusky County where he farmed seven years. He came back to Williams County and August 23, 1885, he married Clara Gunyan. She was born September 28, 1864, and had always lived in Williams County. When she was eleven she entered school in Montpelier and was educated there.

When Mr. and Mrs. Chaney were married they lived three years on the Chaney farm, then moved to Montpelier where they remained one year and then they rented a farm where they lived five years. At that time they bought forty acres where they live today. Their son Willis A. Chaney served in Company E, Three Hundred Twenty-ninth Infantry, at Camp Sherman and he was transferred to the Eighty-third Division Supply Company and embarked for France June 12, 1918, being overseas when the armistice was signed and receiving his discharge April 19, 1919, spending ninety days of the time in a hospital. Clarence M. Chaney on first enlistment failed to pass the physical examination, but later passed it and was with his brother all through the service and was discharged July 16, 1919, both returning to Williams County. Blanche M. Chaney is the wife of Oscar Calvin, and Olive V. is the wife of Milo Patterson. Lola Pearl died in young womanhood.

The Chaneys are members of Mount Zion English Lutheran Church and he is a member of the official board as trustee. He is a member of Montpelier Lodge No. 547, Free and Accepted Masons, and of Montpelier Chapter No. 184, Royal Arch Masons, and Montpelier Council No. 102, Royal and Select Masters, and he is past chancellor of Florence Lodge No. 502, Knights of Pythias. Mrs. Chaney is a charter member of the Pythian Sisters, and they are members of Sodom Grange. Both are members of the Lillian Chapter Order Eastern Star. While he had always been a democrat Mr. Chaney now votes with the republicans.

Wilton D. McCoy. - Among the strong and influential citizens of Williams County the record of whose lives have become an essential part of the history of this section, the gentleman whose name appears above has exerted a beneficial influence throughout the community where he resides. His chief characteristics are keenness of perception, a tireless energy, honesty of purpose and motive and everyday common sense, which have enabled him not only to advance his own interests, but also to contribute in a definite way to the moral and material advancement of the locality where he lives.

Wilton D. McCoy, whose attractive farm is located in Superior Township, was born in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, on March 8, 1861, and is a son of Robert and Mary A. (Stanford) McCoy, the former of whom was also born in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, and the latter in Evansburg, that state. They were married there and in 1865 came to Williams County, Ohio, locating three miles east of Edon, where they bought a farm and lived for about eight years. They then sold that place and bought seventy-four acres, on which they spent the remainder of their lives, the father dying on July 11, 1901, and the mother on January 31, 1919. They were active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and Mr. McCoy was a republican in his political views. They were the parents of three children, W. D., the subject of this sketch, Collins S., who died in 1894, and Addie B., who died in 1913.

W. D. McCoy was about four years of age when he was brought to Williams County, Ohio, and in the schools of this locality he secured his education. He remained at home until nineteen years of age, when he began working on his own account, being employed by the month for two years. He then rented land and also bought forty acres, which he operated in connection with his rented land. At the time of his marriage in 1895 he had 114 acres and his success since then has been so sure that he has added to his landed holdings until he is now the owner of 189 acres of excellent and well cultivated land, practically all of which is in cultivation. In addition to a diversified system of farming, Mr. McCoy also gives some attention to the raising of live stock. His farm is well improved and presents an attractive appearance.

On March 28, 1895, Mr. McCoy was married to Flora Hughes, who is a native of Williams County and was educated in the district schools and the schools at Edgerton. Prior to her marriage she was a successful teacher in the district schools and the Montpelier public school. To their union have been born two sons, namely: Paul H., born on August 4, 1896, after graduating from the high school at Bryan, attended the agricultural department of the Michigan State Agricultural College, at Lansing, Michigan, where he was graduated; Dale, born on August 17, 1900, after completing the high school course at Bryan, entered the dairy department at the Michigan Agricultural College, where he is still attending.

Politically, Mr. McCoy has always been a strong supporter of the republican party and has served as township school supervisor. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Bryan, and Mr. McCoy is a member of its board of stewards. He has always taken a deep interest in the general material and moral welfare of the community and has given his support to a number of enterprises of importance. He is a member of the board of directors of the Farmers Co-operative Grain and Supply Company and a stockholder in the Pulaski Grain Elevator. His life history exhibits a career of unswerving integrity, indefatigable private industry and wholesome social relations - a most commendable career crowned with success, and he enjoys to a marked degree the confidence of all who know him.

Samuel S. Wineland. - In all that constitutes true manhood and good citizenship Samuel S. Wineland, one of the best-known and most substantial of Williams County residents, is a notable example and none stands higher than he in the esteem and confidence of the community honored by his citizenship. His career has been characterized by duty faithfully done, and by industry, thrift and wisely directed efforts he has acquired a fair share of this world's goods. He is a man of good judgment and sterling qualities of character and his record while serving as sheriff of his county stamped him as a man of fearless courage and resourcefulness.

Samuel S. Wineland was born in Jefferson Township, Williams County, Ohio, on June 20, 1865, and is the son of John and Ellen (Oliver) Wineland, the former a native of Knox County, Ohio, and the latter born in Jefferson Township, this county. John Wineland was reared and educated in his native county, but at the age of twenty years he came to Williams County and located in Jefferson Township, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a democrat in his political faith and was active in local public affairs, having served as treasurer of Jefferson Township. He and his wife were members of the Reformed Church, of which he was a trustee. These worthy parents had seven children, of whom three are living, namely : Charles O., of Bryan, Ohio; J. M., also of Bryan, and Samuel S.

Samuel S. Wineland was reared on the paternal farmstead in Jefferson Township and attended the district schools there. After his marriage, which occurred in 1897, he moved to West Unity, where he engaged in carpentering and contracting until 1912, when he was nominated as the democratic candidate for sheriff of Williams County. At the ensuing election he was successful, being elected by a plurality of 692, a splendid evidence of his popularity, when the fact is taken into consideration that the county was normally republican by 700 and that he was the first democratic sheriff elected in the county in twentyseven years. So satisfactory was his discharge of the duties of the office that in 1914 he was again chosen, this time by a plurality of 1,892, carrying every precinct in the county but two. One contributing factor to his greatly increased vote in the second election was an incident that occurred near the close of his first term. Three highwaymen had held up some parties, had taken their automobiles, together with money, jewelry and other valuables, the outrage occurring near the town of Pulaski. Sheriff Wineland promptly went after the bandits and, after a struggle, captured them and brought them to the jail. During the struggle Mr. Wineland received two bullet wounds, but hung onto his men until he had them safely behind the bars. After the expiration of his second term, Mr. Wineland served one term as deputy sheriff under Sheriff John Ruff, his official service ending on June 6, 1919. Since then he has devoted his time to looking after his property in Bryan and farm of ninety acres in Jefferson Township. He owns a comfortable and attractive home at No. 325 East Maple street, Bryan.

April 13, 1897, Mr. Wineland was married to Frances Beerbower, who was born and reared in Jefferson Township. As a man of ability, sturdy integrity and usefulness, and as a citizen representative of the utmost loyalty, Mr. Wineland has merited the consideration of his fellowmen, and his life record is deserving of a place in this publication, which touches those who have given to and sustained the civic and material prosperity of this favored section of the great Buckeye commonwealth.

Charles A. Fyke, one of the substantial men of Williams County, has long been associated with its agricultural interests, and since 1918 has been a resident of Bryan. He was born in Summit County, Ohio, on October 21, 1852, a son of Henry and Catherine (Butts) Fyke, natives of Pennsylvania and New York states, respectively.

and permanently located in Brady Township, where he became one of the landowners and prosperous farmers. Henry Fyke, after living for a time in Summit County, Ohio, moved, in 1856, to Williams County and bought a farm two miles south of West Unity, Ohio, where he lived for about ten years, and then sold his property and bought another farm southwest of Stryker, Ohio, in Springfield Township, Williams County, and here he and his wife rounded out their useful lives. They were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he was a republican. He and his wife had the following children: F. J., who learned the milling trade, is now proprietor of the Fyke Milling Company, of LaGrange, Indiana; Charles A., whose name heads this review ; Wilbur M., who was a farmer of West Unity, Ohio, and at one time a teacher, died August 29, 1920; Mary E., who is the wife of E. E. Mallory of Los Angeles, California ; George W., who is a steelworker of Chicago, Illinois ; and Ella, wife of John Paxton, who lives at Bryan, Ohio.

Charles A. Fyke was reared on his father's farm in Williams County, and first attended the district schools, later the Bryan Normal School, and then, when only seventeen years of age, he began teaching, first for two terms in the district schools and then at Archbold, Ohio, for nine months. He then attended the high school at Ann Arbor for two years, graduating in 1876 ; then entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and took a two years' course, and then returning home, continued to teach until 1885. In that year he bought a farm in Jefferson Township, Williams County, which he operated during the summer months, and then in the winter months he continued to teach school. Until 1905 he continued to alternate farming with teaching, but then left the educational field so as to give all of his time to his agricultural interests. In the meanwhile he had built up a large dairy, and continued it until the Van Camp corporation began operating in Bryan, when he turned his attention to breeding Holstein cattle, with remarkable results, his herd delivering as high as 105,000 pounds of milk annually. So successful has he been that he is still in the business. His herd has at its head a grandson of the "King of the Pontiacs." Since 1918 Mr. Fyke has resided at Bryan, but continues to oversee the operations of his stock farm.

On November 28, 1876, Mr. Fyke was united in marriage with Alma Rudisill, born on a farm in Williams County, Ohio, on November 28, 1854, and she died on this farm on April 5, 1913, having been the mother of three children, namely. Glendore, who was graduated from the Bryan High School, died in 1912; J. Lowell, who was graduated the electrical department of the Ohio University at Athens, Ohio, is assistant superintendent of the electrical department of the Allis- Chalmers works, Milwaukee, Wis. ; and Carmen A., who is the wife of Alfred Tingle, now operating the dairy farm in Jefferson Township.

On May 2, 1915, Mr. Charles A. Fyke was married to Julia B. Roys, who was a schoolmate of his at Ann Arbor, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Fyke are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a steward and a member of its official board. He is a member of the Beta Theta Pi Greek letter fraternity. In politics he is a republican. Although he no longer operates his farm of eighty-one acres in Jefferson Township, which is being conducted by his son-in-law, he still owns it.

Mrs. Fyke was born at Belleville on September 24, 1857, was reared at Ann Arbor, Michigan, and is a highly cultivated lady. Both she and Mr. Fyke stand very high in their community, and their many excellent characteristics are recognized and appreciated by those with whom they are brought into contact.

George W. Weidner, of Kunkle, has been for seventeen years cashier of one of the most nourishing financial institutions for a community of its size in Williams County. It is the ambition of many men to be manipulating the affairs of some great metropolitan bank, but if they fully realized what a splendid field there is for sound business and financial ability in the smaller agricultural centers, they would profit greatly. While Mr. Weidner might have succeeded as fully in one of the large cities as he has at Kunkle, he had the good sense to avoid the overcrowded metropolises and establish a house in a quieter community, which is a great credit to his judgment and ability and to the village where he is so highly honored.

Mr. Weidner was born on a farm in Madison Township, Williams County, Ohio, March 21, 1870, a son of Philip and Catherine (Strong) Weidner, natives of Richland County, Ohio, where the former was born August 23, 1840, and the latter on June 25, 1846, both parents still surviving. Philip Weidner left the farm in 1875 and came to Kunkle, where he established himself in business as a merchant and still maintains his business house, one of the oldest in the village, and an institution the conduct of which has always been characterized by a policy of strict integrity and fair and honest representation. He was the first postmaster of Kunkle and has given his aid to every forward movement, combining the qualities of merchant and citizen into a force for good that is well worthy of emulation. Mr. Weidner is at present president of the Bank of Kunkle. He and Mrs. Weidner are the parents of three children : George W., Homer F., who is man-

George W. Kunkle was five years of age when brought from the farm to Kunkle, and here he was reared to manhood and secured his educational training in the public schools. He received his introduction to business methods in his father's establishment, and when he was admitted to partnership the business assumed the style of P. Weidner Company, a concern in which Mr. Weidner still has an interest. He gave his complete attention to that business until 1903, in which year he became the founder of the State Bank of Kunkle, of which he was the first and has been the only cashier, the other officials being: Philip Weidner, president; Joseph P. Arnold and J. C. Kunkle, vice presidents ; and the foregoing gentlemen and H. F. Weidner, L. P. Wirtz and W. S. Clark, board of directors. Mr. Weidner has various other interests and is a stockholder in the poultry enterprise at Edon. He is actively identified with the Masonic fraternity, as a member of Superior Lodge No. 179, Free and Accepted Masons, and has been unswervingly attached to republicanism. Since early manhood he has been foremost in the public enterprises which have proved advantageous to his home locality, and is generally one of the most influential men in this section of Williams County.

Mr. Weidner was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Conley, of Kunkle, and to this union there was born one daughter, Margaret Conley, a graduate of the Kunkle High School, who is now the wife of George R. Daso. Mrs. Weidner died in 1892, and Mr. Weidner married Miss Jennie A. Greek, of this city, they having one daughter: Andea, a graduate of Tri-State College, of Angola, Indiana, who taught school for four and one-half terms. The second Mrs. Weidnet died in 1907, and Mr. Weidner married Miss Grace Hostetter. Mr. Weidner has four grandchildren, who were born to Mr. and Mrs. Daso.

Martin W. Varner. - Williams County is rapidly taking rank -among the most progressive farming sections of Ohio, now progressive not only in the technical processes involved in modern agriculture but also in point of good citizenship. One of the men who have contributed toward its record in the past decade is Martin W. Varner, owner of Liberty Farm in Florence Township. Liberty Farm, a highly cultivated place of a hundred acres, is located near West Edon.

Its owner was born April 24, 1877, in Putnam County, Ohio, son of Isaiah and Fannie (Landas) Varner. His parents grew up in the same community in Putnam County. Isaiah Varner was in the Civil war, served all through the Union army, and was once wounded. In politics he is a staunch republican, affiliated with the Masonic lodge, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Of ten children, eight are still living, the only one in Williams County being Martin W. The others are Maggie, Charles, Jacob, Jerry, Curtis E., Grace and Chester E.

Martin W. Varner spent his early life on the old farm in Putnam County and made good use of his advantages in the common schools. He was married in 1906, and the following year moved to DeKalb County, Indiana. That was his home until 1912, when he bought Liberty Farm in Williams County, and in the past eight years he has done a great deal of development and improvement, making his farm a source of profit and one of the real homes of the county. While a general farmer Mr. Varner has given much attention to livestock, and is also one of the specialty crop men in this section of Williams County, his specialties being onions and potatoes. In the season of 1920 he had fifteen acres planted to onions, and two acres in potatoes.