Sandusky Township (part 26 of 57)

James Joseph Weadock. In the twenty years since he was admitted to the bar. James J. Weadock has gained an enviable position as a lawyer at Lima. Ohio, and recently retired with great credit from the office of prosecuting attorney of Allen County. During the years of the present century his name has been associatecl with many of the movements undertaken in Lima as a progressive commercial and municipal center, and he is one of the truly representative lawyers of Northwestern Ohio.

His birth occurred in Lima, September 4, 1873. His parents were Dr. Thomas M. and Catherine A. (Gormley) Weadock. His father, who was born in Canada, came to Lima in 1871, and spent a long and active career as a physician.

schools in that city, and in 1894 graduated from Assumption College, at Sandwich, Ontario, Canada. He took his law course in the law department of the University of Michigan, where he graduated Bachelor of Laws in 1896, and was soon afterwards admitted to the bar. Since then he has been an active member of the Allen County bar and is a member of the County Bar Association and the State Bar Association. In 1900 he became associated with Isaac S. Motter and W. L. Mackenzie, and in 1907, at the death of Mr. blotter, he ajid Mr. Mackenzie continued in the practice of law under the firm name of ilaekenzie & Weadock. The firm is one of the strongest combinations of legal talent in Allen County.

Mr. Weadock 's able service as prosecuting attorney of Allen County, to which office he was elected in November, 1910, on the democratic ticket was rendered from 1911 to 1915. He is an active member of the Catholic Church and is now^ choir director in St. Rose's Church. He is affiliated with the Knights (if ('(ilnmbus, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, tlic Catholic Knights of Ohio, the Beuevdlcnt and Protective Order of Elks, and the Modern Woodmen of America.

John 0 'Connoe was founder of one of the best known families of Lima, and not only for that but also for his individual business career is entitled to the distinction of a permanent record in this publication.

He was born November 27, 1835, in Abbeyfeale, Limerick, Ireland, a sou of Patrick aiid Margaret (McCoy) O'Connor. He acquired his education in Ireland and in 1847 emigrated to America and wa.s first known at Lima as a capable mechanic employed in the shops of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railway, in which he was foreman for a number of years.

In 1865 John O'Connor engaged in the insurance business and established a general agency, which in time was developed as one of the largest in Northwest Ohio. Subgeciuently he took in his sons as partners and the firm was knowTi as John O'Connor Sons Company, and after John O'Connor's death in 1900 the firm became O'Connor Brothers Company. The business is now carried on by a grandson, Francis P. O'Connor, and Mrs.

John O'Connor served in the Lima city council fourteen years and for two terms was president of the council, and always took an interest in public enterprises. He was a democrat, a charter member of the Lima Club, and a communicant of St. Rose Catholic Church.

At Lima on May 29, 1858, he married Sarah O'Connell, who was born in Allen County, south of Lima, May 6, 1838. They became the parents of a large family of children whose names were John S., of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work, Mrs. T. A. Collins, Patrick, Daniel F., Mary A.,' Sarah, Hannah, Rev. Joseph A. O'Connor, a beloved priest who died only a few years ago in Lima ; James E., Elizabeth, Bernard E., Mrs. George Eekert and ilrs. Thomas W. Dillon.

Daniel F. O'Connor, one of the sons of John O'Connor in the course of his lifetime of fifty years acquired a firm and substantial place in the business, civic and social affairs of Lima.

He was born August 14, 1865, and died November 23, 1915. He received his education in the local parochial schools and later attended Assumption College at Sandwich, Ontario, and Notre Dame University at South Bend, Indiana. Early in his career he became associated with his father and brother, John S., in the insurance business, and after the death of John S. O'Connor Daniel purchased his interest and continued the business. Daniel O'Connor possessed all those qualities which make for a successful man. He was genial, progi-essive and popular both in business and social affairs. For many years he was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, belonged to the Lima Lodge of Elks, the Lima Club and the Knights of St. John, and was an influential member of St. Rose's Catholic Church. He also served as a director of the Chamber of Commerce, and among other business interests had connection with some oil development in other states.

Daniel F. O'Connor married Miss Anna Welsh. Mrs. O'Connor survives and is the mother of a number of children namely: Francis P., Sister Rosella, a Sister of Charity at Glendale, Cincinnati, Helen, Irene, Cecelia, Pauline, Joseph, Catherine, John S., Rose Ellen and Daniel F.. Jr. The family reside in the fine old residence at the corner of Wayne and Washington streets in Lima.

the active manager in his father's stead for a number of months, before the latter 's death, was born at Lima, September 18, 1892. He received his early education in the St. Rose Parochial School and in June, 1910, entered his father's office and has become a well experienced and capable business man and is well qualified to carry on the business established by his grandfather and conducted for so many years by his father. Francis P. O'Connor is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus and with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Melvin C. Light. Depending largely upon his own exertions, Melvin C. Light came to Lima in 1907, educated himself for the law, and after several years of experience in private practice was i-ecently elected to the office of city solicitor, which he is now filling with utmost competence and ability.

He was born in the Lightsville community of Darke County, Ohio, June 13, 1887, a soil of T. J. and May C. (Akerman) Light. His father was at one time a merchant and also a manufacturer. Melvin C. Light acquired his early education in tlie public schools of Union Cit.y, Indiana, which is just across the state line and not for from liis birthplace. He finished the high school course there. After coming to Lima he attended the Lima Business College, and in 1911 was graduated LL. B. from the law department of the Ohio State LTniversity. Since then he has been in active practice and is one of the well known younger members of the Allen County Bar Association. He was elected city solicitor of Lima in 1915, and took up his duties in that office in January, 1916. He is first lieutenant of Company C, Second Ohio Infantry, and has seen active Mexican border service since June 19, 1916.

Mr. Light is a member of the Wayfarers' Club, the Knights of Pythias, the Loyal Order of Moose and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. On September 11, 1912, he married IMiss Cleo O'Hara of Lima. Thev have one son. Richard C, born January "17, 1914.

Thomas R. H.vmiltox. He whose name initiates this review is a native of the Buckeye State, a scion of sterling pioneer stock in this favored commonwealth of the tfnion, and is distinctively entitled to designation as one of the representative members of the bar of Northwest Ohio. He has been engaged in the practice of his profession at Lima, the judicial center of Allen County, since 1894 and controls a large and important law business, in connection with which his success has been based upon technical ability as an advocate and counselor, close and loyal application and unequivocal personal popularity. Mr. Hamilton is retained as attorney for a number of representative corporations in Allen County, including the Harrod State Bank, besides which he is sei-ving as solicitor for the Village of Harrod. He has appeared in connection with many important litigations in the various courts of this section of the state within the past score of years and has ever shown his deep appreciation of the dignity and responsibility of his exacting profession, of whose unwritten code of ethics he is a punctilious observer.

Thomas Roy Hamilton was born in Orange Township, Hancock County, Ohio, on the 26th of February, 1867, and is a .son of Jonathan and Sarah Ann (Anderson) Hamilton, both of whom were likewise born and reared in Ohio, where they passed their entire lives and where the major part of the active career of the father was one of close and effective identification with the great basic industry of agriculture. He was one of the patriotic sons of the Buckeye State who gave loyal and valiant service as a soldier of the Union dui*- ing the climacteric period of the Civil war. In August, 1862, he enlisted as a private in the Ninety-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and he continued in active service until the close of the war, living up to the full tension of the great conflict and participating in many engagements, including a number of the important battles. Eventually his regiment, or the remnant thereof, became a part of the Fiftieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and with this command he continued in service until he was mustered out, in July, 1865, after having participated in the Grand Review of the victorious troops in the City of Washington. Thomas R. Hamilton was reared to adult age in his native county, and after duly availing himself of the advantages of the public schools of the locality and period he entered the Northwestern Ohio Normal School, at Ada, Hardin County, an institution now known as the Ohio Northern University, and in the same he prosecuted not only studies of academic and scientific order but also completed the curriculum of the law department. in which he was graduated as a member of the class of 1894 and from which he received the degree of bachelor of laws. He was admitted to the bar of his native state on the 4th of October, 1894. Virtually all of his collegiate expenses was defrayed through the returns from his effective service as a representative of the pedagogic profession. During intervals of each year from 1887 to 1894 Mr. Hamilton was engaged in teaching in the public schools of Allen County, four yeai-s having been devoted to services in the district schools and the remaining thi-ee having found him the successful and valued incumbent of the position of superintendent of the village schools of Beaver Dam, this county. While a student in the normal school at Ada Mr. Hamilton was a classmate and intimate friend of the present chief executive of the State of Ohio, Governor Willis, and they were associated in a speciality close way in their work in chemistry, their loyal friendship having continued during the intervening quarter of a century.

From the time of his admission to the bar Mr. Hamilton has been engaged in the general practice of his profession in the City of Lima, where he has proved himself also a loyal and public-spirited citizen who maintains deep interest in all that touches the social, moral, educational and material welfare of the community. He and his wife are zealous members of the Church of Christ at Lima, and he is a member of its official board, besides which he is teacher of the men's class, comprising 100 members, in the Sundayschool. He is president of the Central Brotherhood organization in his home city, where he is affiliated also with the Sons of Veterans, the Knights of 'Pythias, th(> Modern Woodmen of America, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he is past noble grand. At Lima ]\Ir. Hamilton owns his attractive residence property and other real estate, and at Edgewater Park, at what is commonly known as "The Reservoir," in Mercer County, his resort property comprises thirty acres, well improved with cottages, this attractive resort being the summer home of himself and his family. The political allegiance of Mr. Hamilton is given to the republican party and he is an effective advocate of its principles and policies, though he has manifested no desire for political office.

On the 14th of August, 1895, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Hamilton to Miss Leta McBride, who was born in Allen County where she was reared and educated. She died January 8, 1916. She was a daughter of

William and Lillie (Gates) McBride, who maintain tlieir home M Beaver Dam, Allen Count}', where ilr. McBride is a successful manufacturer. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton had two children, Ruth Ardella and Helen ]\Iay, the former of whom is a graduate of the Lima High School and the latter of whom is still attending the public schools of this city. Mr. Hamilton is a member of the Central Church of Christ, of which Mrs. Hamilton was also a member, and she was active in church work.

Orman p. Kephart, who is now living retired from his active business as a farmer at Spencerville, represents one of the old and honored names of Allen County. It is noteworthy that the Kephart farm was first entered "from the Government during the administration of President John Quincy Adams, more than ninety years ago.

Orman P. Kephart was born in Allen County, May 12, 1857, a son of Orman, Sr., and Amanda Ann (Hays) Kephart. The father was one of three children, Peter, Susan and Orman, and all of them spent most of their lives in Allen County. The original stock of the Kephart family came from Germany.

Mr. Kephart himself has made his success in farming pursuits and while a resident of Amanda Township took much part in local affairs, serving as treasurer. He is a member of the Amanda Baptist Church, being deacon and treasurer of that organization, and affiliates with the Knights of Pj'thias.

On November 18. 1880, Mr. Kephart married Miss Minnie il. Bailey, a native of Allen County and a daughter of the late John Noble Bailey, one of Allen Count.v's most distinguished citizens, reference to whose life and activities will be found on other pages. Mrs. Kephart received a public school education, and both at home and in her community has made her influence count for good in many ways. She is the jnother of six children. Ross C. is a prospering young farmer and married Minnie R. Carr. Hazel Louella is the wife of Sherman Ely, now sheriff of Allen Countv and residing at Lima. Ivy Forest lives at home. John Bailey is a popular young school teacher at Spencerville and married Heloise Rider. The two younger children, both at home, are Cecil Lillian and Mary Marjorie.

manufacture of a machine that lightened the burdens and increased the efficiency of agricultural operatives and before the idea and the business had reached the full fruition of his hopes and plans he was himself called away by death. His family have continued what he started, and today one of the largest industries of Northwest Ohio is owned and administered hy the Oppenheim family.

A native of Germany, born at Kirehhunden, Westphalia, ilarch IS, 1859, Joseph Oppenheim came to the L'nited States at the age of nineteen in 1878. He was a son of Bernard and Wilhelmina (Berg) Oppenheim. His parents were merchants and land owners in Westphalia in the District of Kirehhunden. Joseph Oppenheim was one of eight children, five sons and three daughters.

His keen intellect and natural abilities were subjected to the refining process of a liberal education. He attended the gjmmasium at Brilon, Germany, the univei-sity at Bonn, Germany, and the university at Innsbruck, Austria. On coming to the United States in 1878 he first located in Wisconsin and for three years continued his studies at St. Francis College in St. Francis that state. He became a teacher, and that vocation he followed until the last two years of his life. He taught school at various places, including Glandorf, and Freyburg, Ohio, New Albany, Indiana, Grand Rapids, ^Michigan, and Maria Stein, Ohio. Altogether he was a teacher for sixteen years.

While teaching he had opportunity at different times to follow his inclinations to experiment with various mechanical devices; and his inventive genius finally perfected a manure spreader with a "widespread" feature. He took out the first patents on a machine of this type, and in 1899 engaged in manufacturing, founding the New Idea Spreader Company at Maria Stein, Ohio. This business which he founded has subsequently been developed as one of the most successful industries in Ohio. It is much to be regretted that Joseph Oppenheim did not live to see its remarkable growth and success.

His death occurred at Maria Stein, Ohio, November 24, 1901, after an illnes.s of six weeks of typhoid malaria. The entire family was afflicted with the same malady and the worry and strain of nursing them had overtaxed his system.

talent. He was an accomplished musician, liad specialized in piano and pipe oi-gan. He was also a remarkable scholar, was conversant with four languages, and had read much of the literature of the world and was an excellent s]>eaki'r. His broad experience as an educntor had .uiwii him a mass ,,f well <liuvstc.l counlry and ala'oad, and he was I're'iUL'Utly heard with pleasure and profit at teachers' meetings and teachers institutes. In his spare time he indulged his fancy as a photographer and was an expert in that line. He did much jinrtrait work and enlargings. In religion he was a Catholic.

Josepli Oppenheim was married at Glandorf, Ohio, August 29, 1883, to Miss Anna Mary EUerbrock, daughter of Bernard and Mary (Schnipke) EUerbrock. She was born in Putnam County, Ohio, and her father and mother lived on a farm in that county and frr some years also operated a tile yard. The EUerbrock Farm was two miles west of Glandorf in Ci'oensburg Township.

Joseph Ojipcnlifim was survived liy six children, all iif wlnim ,ir>' now partners in the New Idea Si)rcadrr Company, and this immense business is entirely a ramily affair so far as the stockholding intcn-sis arc I'oncerned. The children are : Bernard C, mentioned elsewhere; Joseph A. Oppenheim, who married Anna McCoy of Celina, Ohio; Theodore and Justin Oppenheim; Wilhelmina, wife of Henry Synck of Coldwater. Ohio; Cecilia Sellhorst, wife of Bernard Sellhorst of Coldwater.

Bernard C. Oppenheim is a son of the late Joseph Oppenheim, inventor and founder of the New Idea Spreader Company of Coldwater, Ohio. Bernard C. was fifteen years of age when his father died and soon afterward assumed part of the business responsibilities of managing and developing the plant which his father had left with its substantial success not yet assured.

He was born at Freyburg, Ohio, December 27, 1886, and his early education was acquired by attending the public school at Maria Stein and also through private studies under the guidance of his father. He was thirteen years of age when his father first put to practical test the ideas he had developed in his invention of a manure spreader. At that time Bernard C. began working in his father's factory, and helped in whatever he could do in day time and performed office duties in the evening. Two years later his father died.

and thus at the age of fifteen he was left in charge of the sales promotion and financial end of the New Idea Spreader Company. At thai time I he cnmpany had less than .$25,000 behind it. and dispitc the excellence of the iiiveni ion the business was hardly yet a "going I'onrcni." Young Oppenheim gave every liouf of tiie day to hard labor in the plant, and for several years continued office work

In l!H)s be bad carried the business forward so thai it .justified establishing a new plant at Coldwater, Ohio. Mr. Oppenheim managed this )ilant, had charge of purchasing nuiterial needed there, and was in complete charge of the sales and financial department of the company organization. In 1912 the Maria Stein original plant was cnnsolidated with the Coldwater plant, at whieh lime Miv Bernard Opjienheim gave up his i-is]ioii>iliilities in connection with the purchasing department, and has since given his time to sales promoting and financing. He is owner of a one-sixth interest in the New Idea Spreader Company, whose aggregate business in 1916 reached 1^^1,250,000 with net assets of nearly $1,000,000. As the financial management of this company has been Mr, Oppenheim 's chief work, he deserves the greatest credit for the status of the company's business. Few men of thirt>- Ncars can look back upon so much subsianlial ;h hievement and few men so young have rome into eontact with the larger world of industry and affairs,

Jlr. ( )ppen!ieiiii inherits some of the meehanieal aljility of his father, and has perfected a number of improvements on the machinery manufactured by the firm. Public spirit is also one of his characteristics much admired in the community of Coldwater and he has taken it upon himself to lend his aid to every mnvement which would assist in making Coldwater .-I town second to none in point of si/,:- in this part of the state. His civic work has been entirely disinterested, since he has no end to serve and is owner of no real estate except his own home. Naturally enou.gh he has been extremely busy with his private afl'airs and has not been able to spare time for official duties.

Mr. Bernard Oppenheim has complete charge of the advertising put out by the New Idea Spreader Company. The partnership spends about $50,000 every year for publicity purposes. Few progressive farmers have failed to be attracted by the forceful presentation of the virtues and efficiency of the New Idea spreaders, and a large part of the copy for the many advertisements which appear in farm and trade journals has been written by Mr. Oppenheim himself. He has developed some novel ideas in implement advertising. He has also written numerous articles of general interest to the implement trade, and these have been widely published. His business duties are such as to require much travel throughout the States and Canada. Thus while he had limited opportunities while a boy to attend school, he is in fact a man of rather liberal education, acquired partly through observation and partly through reading and contact with men and affairs. An excellent memory has served him well so that what he learns is thoroughly retained and assimilated. Mr. Oppenheim is said to own one of the finest collections of standard works of literature in his home county, and when his business hours are over his time is devoted unreservedly to his family and his library. He has erected a residence at Coldwater which exemplifies every ideal of comfort and cultured taste. Perhaps his chief recreation is motoring. He usually owns a couple of cars, and for business or pleasure makes many long trips, being his own chauffeur. A week at least every summer is devoted to a vacation. It is spent in the north at some lake, with his family, and at such times he indulges his favorite recreation of fishing. Mr. Oppenheim is an active member of the Catholic Church. He was married at Coldwater, Ohio, June 28, 1910, to Miss Erma C. Rahe, daughter of Frank and Anna (Albers) Rahe. Her father, who died in 1900, was in early life a farmer and subsequently in the retail business at Cleveland and at Coldwater, Ohio, and for the la.st few years of his life had lived retired. Mr. and Mrs. Oppenheim have three children : Mildred Anna, Erwin Charles and Mary Alma Oppenheim.

New Idea Spreader CoMrANY. To the outside world the Town of Coldwater, Ohio, is best known as the liome of the New Idea Spreader Company. It is through such an institution that community gains its most substantial prominence. A town as in the case of an individual is important on account of the work that it does. The New Idea Spreader Company manufactures products valued at over $1,500,000 a year. It is a large and flourishing business, and is doubly interesting not only because of its size and the worth of its output to the farming class of America, but also for the interesting personalities behind the business. Reference has already been made in these pages to Mr. Joseph Oppenheim, founder of the plant and creator of the original idea, and also to the present active heads of the business Bernard C. Oppenheim and Henry Synck.

The business was founded in 1899 at Maria Stein, Ohio. Its chief assets were the idea and the invention. The first plant was a frame building 30 by 45 feet, one story high. Here were manufactured the first manure spreaders under the patent obtained by Joseph Oppenheim. In 1901 the inventor died and his widow Anna Mary Oppenheim continued the business, but leaving its actual management to her oldest son Bernard C. and to Henry S.ynck, a young man in her employ who later married her oldest daughter Wilhelmina. In 1902 an addition was made to the plant and further additions came every year until in 1908. owing to the scarcity of labor and the inadequate shipping facilities of Maria Stein a second plant was built at Coldwater. Here, due to the superior shipping facilities aud the larger supply of labor, the plant developed rapidly and profitably, and was gradually enlai-ged until in 1912 the Maria Stein plant was discontinued and the machinery removed to Coldwater. In 1916 the Coldwater plant covered 71/2 acres, practically all under roof. With all that .space further additions were necessary. Early in 1917 a nineteen-acre tract adjoining the old plant was purchased in order to provide for several new buildings.

The New Idea Spreader has been true to its name from the very start. It is radically diflferent in construction from others which had been in use prior thereto. Its special feature is that it is a "widespread" machine. At first it inevitablj' encountered prejudice. Farmers are proverbially conservative and they were afraid to try something so completely different from the macliiues they had been accustomed to. However, the New Idea Spreader demonstrated its capacity for better work, and through vigorous salesmanship the trade was built up and increased until the New Idea Spreader became dominant and competitors were obliged to change their machines or cease business altogether. The first patents on the New Idea Spreader expired in the spring of 1917. Already several competitors have taken up the original plan, though now they are in the same position as the New Idea Company was at the beginning and have to combat what is now recognized as the old and standard type. Then too the people who have bought and used the New Idea have come to appreciate the inventor's efforts and they remain loyal. New patents have been taken out on improvements so that the New Idea Spreader is still far ahead of the best eoiiipeting machines.

In IDIT) work was started on a new type mower, radically diii'erent from all others and the samples that have been placed have been proiuiuuced successful by every test. Arrangements arc now being made to produce a large number of sample machines in 1918, and plans being drafted for a large plant for the manufacture of this machine. It is fully covered by patents and its production means an immense increase in the volume of business done by the New Idea Spreader Company. Jobbers .and dealers in all parts of the country are looking forward to the time when this new machine can be obtained in quantities..

The sales organization of the New Idea Spreader Company is one of the largest in the United States among implement manufacturers. It comprises branch houses at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Columbus, Ohio, Jackson, ^Michigan, Indianapolis, Indiana, Chicago, Illinois, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Omaha, Nebraska, Kansas C'ity, ilissouri, and St. Louis, Missouri. These branches have an organization of seventy-five traveling salesmen. Territory not handled from these branch houses is taken care of through jobbing connections. The trade in Canada is liandled through an assembling plant at Guelph, Ontario, known as the New Idea Spreader Companj-, Limited, with a complete sales force under that office. Stock in this company is all owned by the parent house. An immense volume of business is required to sustain such an organization, and it all represents the cumulative efforts of seventeen years since Joseph Oppenheim manufactured his first machine.

The head office of the sales department is at Coldwater, Ohio, and is managed by Mr. B. C. Oppenheim. This department also has charge of tlie financing, collecting and advertising - in short the general sales promotion and finance. B. C. Oppenheim is senior male member of the family partnership, and others who are his active associates include his brother Joseph A. Oppenheim. who acts as treasurer; C. A. Mallenix, assistant sales manager; August H. Bernard, chief clerk ; Joseph Willhoff, in charge of the shipping department, assisted by Al Harting and J. Schlegel.

The manufacturing department is under Henry Synck, and comprises purchasing, designing and factory management. He is assisted by Ben Sellhorst as production manager ; Theodore Oppenheim as efficiency manager; Otto Geise as power plant manager; Bruce Rollman as experiment department manager; and Al A. Mueller as assistant purchasing agent.

When Joseph Oppenheim commenced this liusincss he had less than $3,000 to invest. At first the prospect was not encouraging. At his death his widow received $3,000 life insurance and she courageously placed this amount at the disposal of the business. It was a remarkable instance of business courage on the pai-t of a woman who had no other source of income. The results justified her confidencfc After her drath in 1!MI9 the business was continued l)y liri- six chihlren with B. C. Oppenheim and Henry Synck as managers. Constant progress was made and the net a-ssets of the firm on November 1, 1916, were over $1,000,000 with total sales for that year of $1,250,000. Each successive year since 1905 has shown an increase over the preceding one, some years as much as 75 per cent and it is the aim of the sales department to make an increase every year. Large sums of money are spent every year for publicity advertising, and the name of the product "New Idea" and the abbreviation of the company title "Nisco" are known wherever agricultural implements are used. Both names carry a registered trade inark.

Tlie business is owned by the six Oppenheim heirs: B. C. Oppenheim, Joseph A. Oppenheim, Theodore Oppenlieim, Justin Oppenheim. Wilhelmina Oppenheim S.ynck and Cecelia Opjienlieim Sellhorst, who also own all the stock in the Canadian corporation.

The plant at Coldwater is one of the largest in Northwest Ohio. It is new and modern, of tlie latest type of construction, and the buildings have the saw-tooth roof type, while the machinery is largely of special design for this special line of construction. A sprinkler system with sufficient water supply to guard against disastrous fires. The plant also owns an individual gas well on the premises to insure a cheap suppl.v of fuel for the furnaces. The power plant in addition to furnishing power for the factory supplies electricity for the Town of Coldwater and for the municipal water plant, and is thus in the nature of a public utility and a matter of economy to the entire community.

Isaac Bryant Post. One of the strong, upright, and useful pioneers of Allen County was called to his reward by death on September 20, 1915. Isaac Bryant Post had for more than half a century found a varied work and service in the Speneerville community and while the exact saope and power of his life could not be accurately defined, it helps in a suggestive way to understand what and who he was by saying that he was at different times a farmer, school teacher and music teacher, banker and business man, and had also rendered creditable service as an officer in the Union army during the Civil war.

He was the -sixth in a family of eight children, his brothers and sisters being Asher, Martha, Bryant, Leonidas Hamline, Adam Clark, Charles Graham and Harvey. Of all these he was tlie last survivor and had attained the age of seventy-eight years two months and twenty-nine days, when death called him. He was born at Shelby, Richland County, Ohio, June 21, 1837. His parents were Charles C. and Elizabeth Post.

A name that deserves special mention in the history of Northwest Ohio was Charles C. Post, who came to Ohio when the state was young, having been born and reared in Pennsylvania, and he settled in Wyandotte County, which was then on the frontier. There he lived for some years in the midst of the Indians, built a grist mill for grinding their corn, and on account of the justice with which he dealt with the red men became a power and held responsible commission from tlie Government in dealing with the Indians. In 1841, four years after the birth of Isaac B. Post, he removed to Allen County and settled on the old Post farm, three miles east of Speneerville. Besides clearing up and cultivating his land he built the first mill in Amanda Township, known as the Post Mill.

It was on his father's farm and around the old Post Mill that Isaac B. Post spent his early youth. He attended the public schools of Amanda Township, and for a number of years he taught in the district schools of Allen County. It is said that one of the schoolhouses in which he taught, a little log building, is still standing on the Lima Pike about three miles east of Speneerville. He was about twenty-four years of age when his career as a soldier began. He enlisted in the three months service in 1861, in Company E of the Pifteentli Ohio Infantry, and when his time expired he re-enlisted for three years in Company C of the Thirty-second Regiment.

He and his regiment were captured at Harper's Ferry, but after his exchange he served as second lieutenant of his company in the Army of the Tennessee, and was with Grant when Vicksburg was captured, and for meritorious services was promoted to captain. At the close of the war he was commissioned major, filling the position of division inspector. Having devoted himself for nearly four years to the work of preserving the Union, Major Post returned to Amanda Township, and applied himself again to school teaching and also to the activities of farming. In 1883 with Henry Wasson he opened a private Bank in Speneerville. ilr. Wasson retired in a few years, and after that Major Post directed the affairs of what is now the Citizens Bank, as cashier and president, for many years, and for the last twelve years of his life gave up. all business interests except as president of the bank, and was finally obliged to resign even the responsibilities of that office.

He was a successful man in a business way, and used his success to promote the enlargement and growth of an entire community. He erected a number of buildings in Speneerville, and for years was one of the most liberal contributors to the local Methodist Church, being on the building committee when the present edifice was erected.

Ira B. Post, son of the late Isaac Bryant Post, was born in Allen County, October 14, 1875. He had a public school education, entered his father's bank at an early age, was promoted to the responsibilities of cashier, and since his father's death has been both cashier and president. The two vice presidents of this institution are J. R. Welch and J. L. Cochran. The Citizens Bank is one of the solid financial institutions in Allen Countv. It has a capital of $30,000, surplus of $5,000, and undivided profits of $12,600, while its aggregate deposits are about .$425,000.

Ira B. Post is an active member of the Masonic Order. In 1899 he married Miss Ida Robbins of Speneerville, daughter of Simon and Orphalina Robbins, her father having been an early merchant in Allen County. To their union have been born two sons: Stanley B. and Howard L.

member of the State Legislature, and has made his professional and civic activities count for a large measure of public benefit in Northwest Ohio.

Born at Spencerville, October 12, 1875, educated in the public schools, he took his law course in the Ohio Northern University, where he was graduated Bachelor of Laws in 1899. Since then he has been in active ijraetice and has brought his ability to bear in promoting and directing several business organizations in Allen County. He is secretary and attorney for the Spencerville Home and Savings Association and is a director of the Spencerville Telephone Company.

The Spencerville Home and Savings Association wa.s organized in 1887, and its authorized capital is $1,000,000, with resources of $100,000. The first secretary was S. L. Ashton, the first president J. M. Bond, the first vice president R. H. Harbison, and the first attorney J. N. Bailey. The officers in 1916 are: D. M. Conner, president; J. M. Beard, vice president ; and R. R. Kennedy, who has been secretary and attorney since 1900. It is noteworthy that this company has not made a foreclosure during the past seventeen years. It pays 5 per cent interest on deposits, and has a large amount of money loaned on good security. The company has its own building, 20 by 60 feet, and it was newly equipped in 1916 with vaults and other furniture necessary to the i-eady conduct of Inisiness.

The Biederman Manufai-turinp- Company of Spencerville, in which ,Mr. Keiuirily is attorney and a member of the exei-utive committi r, \\:is (if'j-aiiized in 1909 with a capital of .$10.(1(111 :iii(l has Iniilt up a large business in tlie iiuuiufacliire of kitclien eal>inots and interior wootlwork. The first oftii-ci's wfvc : I.. Y. Cochran, president; A. C. IIoh-n'. scii-ftary; and S. F. Biederman, manager, hi lull the capital was increased to $25,000 and in 1913 to $50,000. In 1909 the company employed only six persons, while thirty-five are now on the payroll. A large plant has grown up in Spencerville, and in 1914 the company erected a 60 by 180 foot factory building, and there are two other buildings, one 60 by 60 and the other 18 by 64. The executive officers for 1916 are: J. H. Wright, president; G. L. Haas, secretary and treasurer: and C. Louth, vice president.

Mr. Kennedy held an appointive position in . the State Senate in 1898. and was elected and served two terms in the House of Representatives, from 1911 to 1914 inclusive. While a

Mr. Kennedy is a son of Claude M. and Handia J. (Washburn) Kennedy. His father, who followed farming as his regular vocation, came to Auglaize County, Ohio, in 1852 from Pennsylvania. At one time he served as trustee of Spencer Township in Allen County. While in the Legislature Mr. Kennedy secured the passage of the Fort Amanda Historical Association Bill providing for a monument and park, and has since been a trustee of the association. He is himself a direct descendant of Anne Russell, the first child born at Fort Amanda, and who married Charles C. Marshall, and later she married Samuel Washburn. Mr. Kennedy's mother was the daughter of Thomas A. Washburn, and is thus a direct descendant of that historic personage of old Fort Amanda.

For a number of years Mr. Kennedy has been active in the Ohio state military, served as private in Company F of the Second Regiment, Ohio National Guard, was promoted to lieutenant of Company F, and resigned that position to become captain in the quartermaster's department. For three years, 1901- 02-03, he served as clerk of the school board at Spencerville. He is affiliated with tlie Masonic Order, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His wife is active in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Kennedy married Susan K. Dunnathan, who was born in Auglaize County, Ohio, in 1877, a daughter of John H. and Mary A. Dunnatlian. Her father was at one time a county i-iinmiissioni'r in Auglaize County, and for s("\rrnl tiM'iiis was mayor of Spencerville, and also lilled the office of jiistice of the peace.

Rev. M.vrcellus Bunyan Fuller. With a record of twenty-five years' service in the Cincinnati Central and West Ohio Conferences of the Methodist Episcopal Church, IMarcellus B. Fuller, now of Lima, is regarded as one of the ablest ministers of his denomination in the state. He has been an indefatigable worker, and has the breadth of mind, the judgment and experience, as well as spiritual devotion, required for real leadership in any movement.

farmer. Doctor Fuller was liberally educated. He finished the gi-ammar school course at the age of fourteen and the high school course at Troy at eighteen. For the following three years he was a student in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, where he graduated in 1890, and then entered the Boston Theological Seminary.

His successive posts as a minister have been at: Manchester, Adams County, Ohio, two yeai-s; Georgetown, Brown County, three years; First Methodist Episcopal Church of Urbana, five years ; Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church at Cincinnati, five years; Grace Methodist Episcopal Church of Dayton five years. On October 1, 1912, he came to Lima and has since been pastor of Trinity Church. He opened the tine Trinity Church and dedicated it, and raised $50,000 to pay its indebtedness. In the seventeen years of his ministry he has not missed a single Sunday in receiving members, and his pastorates in the different places in Ohio have all been fruitful of large results, both in membership and in material growth. On Palm Sunday during the past five years he has received into his church a hundred or more membei-s each year.

He has the degree of Doctor of Divinity, given him both by Moore's Hill College in Indiana and the Ohio Wesleyau University at Delaware. In 1915 he was elected a delegate to the general conference of the church, which was held in Saratoga, New York, in May, 1916. He is a trustee of the Ohio Northern University and a member of the Alpha Tan Omeea college fraternity.

On September 9, 1891, Doctor Fuller married Gertrude McKnight of Troy, Ohio, daughter of John K. and Medora (Clark) McKnight. Her father was a merchant at Troy. To their union have been born three sous, but the first born died in infancy ; Glenn Vincent, who was born March 8, 1894, graduated from the Ohio State University with the class of 1916; Mark A., born Februaiy 22. 1897, is now in the sophomore class of the Ohio State University.

CH.A.ELES Herman Clark, M. D. Now superintendent and physician in charge of the Lima State Hospital for the Insane, Doctor Clark is regarded as one of the foremost authorities on mental and nervous diseases and administrative detail of management of the hospitals for the insane in the state. He has had a long and thorough experience, and for over twenty years has been associated in

His father Chambers K. Clark was also a prominent physician and during the Civil war served as assistant surgeon of the Thirty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The mother was ;\Iary E. Hendrix. Both father and son were boi'u in Champaign County, Ohio. Dr. Charles Herman Clark was born July 30, 1866, and ivas liberally educated in preparation for his professional career. After the public schools he attended the Ohio Northern LTniversity at Ada, .studied medicine under a preceptor, and on March 9, 1893, graduated M. D. from the Starling Medical College of Columbus. Almost immediately he became a.ssociated with the work which has kept himbusily engaged all subsequent years and has brought him numerous distinctions associated with his name.

For one year he was hoiise physician in St. Fz-ancis Hospital at Columbus. He then was first assistant in the opening of the Ohio Hospital for Epileptics at Gallipolis. He remained there four years, following which for one year he was assistant in the Columbus State Hospital. For eighteen months he was assistant physician in the Massillon State Hospital, and then went to Washington, D. C, where for seven years he was connected with the Government Hospital for the Insane, as assistant six years and for one year as clinical director.

Retmming to Ohio, Doctor Clark became superintendent of the State Hospital for the Insane at Cleveland, and filled that post seven years. On September 15, 1914, he was transferred to the Lima State Hospital for the Insane as superintendent and physician in charge.

Doctor Clark is a member of the American Medico-Psychological Society, and belongs to the Allen County and Ohio State Medical societies. In 1915 he was chairman of the section on nervous and mental diseases of tlie Ohio State Society.

Doctor Clark is a thirty -second degree Scottish Rite and Knight Templar Mason, a member of the Lima Club, the Shawnee Country >Club and the Rotary Club. On October 19, 1901, at Massillon. Ohio, he married Cora E. Taggart. Her father Isaac M. Taggart is a prominent banker of that city. Doctor and Mrs. Clark have one child, Elizabeth.

'a general practitiouer in the early part of his experience, but has more and more devoted his time and attention to surgery, and is now recognized as one of the foremost in that profession in Northwest Ohio.

Doctor Roush is a native of Allen County, having been born on a farm nine miles west of Lima, December 6, 1864. His parents were Jacob ;M. and Elizabeth (Holtzapple) Roush. Both were natives of Pennsylvania and both are now deceased. They were married in Pennsylvania, but in March, 1S48, moved to Allen County, Ohio. Jacob Roush was a poor man when he came to this section of Ohio and it was as a result of many years of hard work and constant exercise of thrift that he prospered and liberally provided for his home and his own wants in his later years. On coming to Allen County he took up a homestead of eighty acres and also bought forty acres, giving him a farm 120 acres in extent. He was a democrat in politics and he and his wife were members of the Christian Union Church. They were the parents of ten children. The four now living are : Nettie, wife of James Cremean of Muncie, Indiana; Charles, who is in the concrete business in Alabama ; Doctor William ; Ida, wife of E. C. Hopkins a farmer in Trumbull County, Ohio.

With the environment of the country during his youth, William Roush was iuipelled by an ambition to make the best of his talents and opportunities, and besides the advantages which his father could give him he also sought by his own earnings and eit'orts a liberal education. He attended the district schools near the old farm, also the Elida public schools, and had some courses in the Normal College at Ada. For four years he was a teacher, and with the earnings from that work he entered the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgerj', where he was graduated M. D. March 6, 1891. Two and a half years he spent in practice at Elida, and then ISi/o years at Spencerville. In 1908 Doctor Roush removed to Lima, and from that city as headquarters his name and reputation as a surgeon have become widespread. He confines his attention entirely to surgery. At different times he has served as a member of the hospital staff. He is now president of the Allen County .Medical Society, belongs to the State and Northwestern Medical societies and the American iledical Association, and through his achievements in the field of surgery is a member of the American College of Surgeons, membership in which organization is limited to men who have definite achievements and special ciualificatious in the surgical branch of the profession. Doctor Roush has taken several special courses in Baltimore, Cincinnati and Chicago, and for the past thirteen years has spent some time every year visiting the clinics and otherwise enjoying the superb advantages offered by the great J\Iayo institution at Rochester, Minnesota.

In June, 1894, he married Miss Nevada Wright, a native of Ilighland County, Ohio. They have four children : Gerald, who is employed by the Gramm Bernstine Company at Lima ; Richard, who died when eighteen years of age : Lucile and Mary, both in school. The family are members of the ^Methodist Episcopal Church. Doctor Roush has passed all the chairs of the subordinate lodge and encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. A democrat in politics, he served as a member of the pension examining board during Cleveland's second administration.

The Jennings family inut 1850. They were piiiiifci-s, since they found the I iliry srttled absolutely unci- touched by the plow. " They mIs, drained the swamps, built the privations and hardships il for more than sixty-five years family name of unblemished honor and integrity. 3Ir. and Mrs. Frank A. Jennings are now living retired in the Village of MeClure, both have spent nearly all their lives in this county, and. are kindly people with a record for honesty, temperance and good citizenship.

Mr. Jennings' grandparents came from Pennsylvania about the (ime they were married and settled as pioneers lu'ar Tiffin in Seneca County, Ohio. The grandfather died there when about seventy years of age, a sufferer from cancer. His widow outlived him many years and died at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Laura ]\Iiley at Wauseon, Ohio, and was tlien in very advanced years. She was a member of the United Brethren Church and the grandfather was a whig in politics. They had six sons and six daughters. Two are stiil living: Mrs. Susan Monson of Tiffin, Ohio, and Mrs. Sarah Harmon of Harrison Township, Henry County, both of whom are now in advanced years. Justin Jennings, father of Frank A., was born in Seneca County, Ohio, in 1822, and grew up as a farmer boy. He was married in his native county to Catherine Powell, who was born there and was a few years younger than her husband. Her parents, Samuel and Elizabeth Powell, were natives of Pennsylvania and were also early settlers in Seueea County. Later they removed to Grand Rapids in Wood County and there died when quite old. The Powells were also United Brethren Church people and Mr. Powell was an active class leader and local preacher and his son Andrew became a prominent minister of the church.

After his marriage Justin Jennings and wife lived for several years in Seneca County. Their son Henry was born there and died in infancy, and also a daughter Melissa, who was a small child when the family came to Henry County. This breaking up of home ties in Seneca County and the transfer of their possessions to Henry County, was accomplished in the dead of winter over rough and icy roads, and with wagons drawn by ox teams. Justin Jennings secured 160 acres of wild land in section 16 of Damascus Township. The conditions he had to t'lice would have discouraged a less deterniiiicd and capable pioneer. Much of the land was swampy. He and his wife lived in a luy cahiii fur several years. He not onlv had to clfar the tinibrrs. but also drain the land, feii'-,..,! it and most of this heavy labor he did unaided. Some years later he erected a substantial brick and frame house, and it was in that house that Frank A. Jennings was born. Other improvements came with passing years, and Justin Jennings lived to see himself' surrounded by much prosperity. He finally retired to Grand Rapids in Wood County, but planned to return to the old homestead." His wife died at Grand Rapids of apoplexy at the age of sixty-tive. Justin Jennings then returned home and died June 2, 1900, at the age of seventy-two. He and his wife were active members of the United Brethren Church, his wife having been reared in that faith, and .ioining the church in mature years. They helped organize the first church in their locality. He was also active in politics, a republican, and served as township treasurer for many years.

Emma E., the first of Justin Jennings' children born in Henry County, is the wife of D. L. Warner of Liberty Center, and all their children are now married. John S., a farmer in Saginaw County. Michigan, is married and has a son Clyde, also married. The next in age is Mr. Frank A. Jennings. Andrew B., who lives on a farm in Damascus Township married Toy Cromwell and has three sons and five daughters. Elizabeth is the wife of R. C. Sabin, lives on a farm near Ludington, Michigan, and has two sons. Thomas is a farmer in Wood County, Ohio, has been twice married and has children by both wives. George W., who lives in Grand Rapids, Ohio, has two sons. Perry H., a tenant farmer in Henry County in Napoleon Township, has two living sons.

Prank A. Jennings was born in Damascus Town.ship at the old homestead and in the then new brick house on April 11, 1858. He grew up on the farm, received his education in the Idi'al scliools and has given the best years of his life 1o tlic (-ultivation of the soil.

In liis native townsliip he married ^lary Reid. She was born on Turkey Foot Creek in that township August 8, 1856, a daughter of Thomas and Elmira (Crockett) Reid. Her father was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1823 and married his first wife in his native land. She died in Scotland, jjnd of her three children, James and Jessie are both deceased, while Thomas came with his father to the Ignited States. Thomas Reid after coming to America located in Seneca County where he met and mari'ied .Miss Crockett, who was a native of the Stale of xMaine. They located on a wild farm in Damascus Township, and ilr. Reid lived to clear it up and add another good farm to Henry County. He was a hard worker, and continue(1 U< imjn'ove and purchase more land until his lar'.:c farm eom|)i-ised 320 acres, improved with exi'dlent huildings. He died there in 1S77, and his second wife survived him al)out twenty years. He had been reared in the Presbvterian faith while his wife was a I verbal ist. In i-.-lities lie was a republleail. I'.eM.je. M,-. -le, -s the elnldren <ir tlie Reid family are eiveii ln-ief re.'cr.l as follows: Knott and Mattie were twins, the latter dying at the age of three years. Knott lives on the old homestead and by his marriage to Emma Pratt has four sons, Guy, Mathew, Maurice and Arthur. William Reid. who owns part of the old farm, married Jennie Past and has three living children, Ethel, John M. and Alice, and Thomas and Ruth now deceased. Charles, who also has part of the old Reid Farm, married Myrtie ]\Ieyers and has children named Glen, Eva and Grace. Edwin Reid, a farmer in Dama.scus Township, first married Bertha Shepard, who left him one child, Bruce, and his second wife was Ada Tussing, who died without children. Agnes

Mr. and Mrs. Jeniiiiifrs ;iftcr their mai-riage started out to farm ivntcd laml, and he subsequently bought forty u'l-i's. thi]i traded it for sixty acres, added twenty acres by purchase, and after some years sold that place and bought a fann of ninety -nine acres in Harrison Township. That was the home of his prosperous years until January, 1915, when Mr. Jennings sold out and retired to a comfortable home situated on a tract of 31/2 acres along North Street in the Village of McClure.

Mr. and Mrs. Jennings have been active members for thirty j-ears of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he is a republican. They have reared three children, and all are now well established in homes of their own. James, who was educated at Angola, Indiana, and in the college at Ada, Ohio, spent some years as a teacher, but is now in business at Litchfield, Michigan ; he married Lucile Curtis, who was a native of Michigan and was a student in the college at Angola, Indiana; they have a daughter Constance L. Catherine Jennings, who also secured a good education, was a fi'ai-lier until her marriage to Robert Notestiia'. a (laii-> fai'iiicr now located near Petoskc\ , Alirhit^aii : they have one son, Robert Stanley. Fraia-es, \\h() graduated with the highest honors from the Liberty Ceiitei- lii-ii School, married Homer E. Welson, wlio is also a graduate of Liberty Center High School and afterwards taught, and they live on a dairj' farm in Liberty Township of Henry County, and have a daughter Roberta A.

W. L. Neville, M. D. Continuously since pioneer times the name Neville has been associated with the practice of meiliriuf in Northwest Ohio. Dr. W. L. Neville has been a leader in the profession for over twenty-tive years, and his father before him practiced "fully half a century. Dr. W. L. Neville has been a resident of Lima since 1906, and has his offices in the Holland Block.

He was born at St. John in Auglaize County, Ohio, September 14, 1867, a son of John S. and Mary J. (Dinehart) Neville, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio, and both now deceased. The paternal grandfather Samuel Neville was born in Virginia, brought his family to Ohio in 1837, and followed the trade of sadler. The maternal grandfather Conrad Dinehart arrived in Ohio when a young man and spent the rest of his days in tl;is state. John S. Neville came to Logan County, Ohio, in 1837, afterwards studied medicine and did the greater part of his practice at St. John and Roundhead. He was a pioneer doctor, and in the early days carried most of his medicines in his saddle bags as he rode about the country taking his professional skill to his patients who lived in widely separated homes and many miles from his own home. He practically wore himself out in service of his patients, but kept up the practice for more than fifty years. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and a radical prohibitionist. He and his wife had two children. The daughter M. Belle, who died at the age of forty-nine, was the wife of the late Capt. Henry J. May, of the Regular United States Army*.

Dr. W. L. Neville spent most of his boyhood at Roundhead in Hardin County. He attended school there and also the Ohio Normal University at Ada. His first means of making himself useful and servicealJe in the world were as a school teacher. He taught two years and then entered the Starling Medical College at Columbus, where he was graduated M. D. in 1891. Doctor Neville practiced at Roundhead, Ohio, for fifteen years, and built up a large patronage in that village and over an extensive surrounding territory. In 1906 he removed to a still larger field at Lima and has enjoyed a successful business from the start. He was a partner of Dr. Charles Collins until the latter 's death a year later, and since then has looked after an individual practice.

Doctor Neville was a member of the commission for building the Lima State Hospital, having been appointed by Governor James M. Cox. He is a member in good standing of the County, State, Northwest Ohio and Tri- State Medical societies and the American Medical Association. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masonic Order in the Lodge, Royal Arch Chapter, Knight Templar Commandery. Consistory and Mystic Shrine, and also belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is an active member of the Lima Club, is a democrat in politics, and he and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church.

Doctor Neville was married in 1892 to Dora North. Mrs. Neville was born in Auglaize County, Ohio, daughter of Orin North, a farmer. Two children have been born to their marriage : Carl H., now a student in Cincinnati University ; and Wesley Jr., who is in a public school at Lima.

Thomas Knox, D. D. One oi the strongest organizations in Northwest Ohio is the Market Street Presbyterian Church of Lima, which has over 1,000 members, and has both the resources and efficiency of a great organization working for the welfare of the community. The pastor of this church since 1912 has been Dr. Thomas Knox, whose active services in the Presbyterian ministry cover a period of twenty-five years. During that time he has been connected with various prominent churches in metropolitan centers.

His people were the solid Scotch Irish Presbyterians of North Ireland. Doctor Knox was born near Belfast, Ireland, a son of Thomas and Mary (Wallace) Knox. His grandfather was also Thomas Knox and spent his life as a farmer in Northern Ireland. The maternal gi-andfather Robert Wallace was born in Ireland, lived there all his life, and was a man of exceptionally strong character and of keen intelligence. Thomas and Mary Knox came to the United States late in life, settled at Jersey City, New Jersey, and died there. The father was a man of good education, became a republican after taking his American citizenship, and he and his wife were active in the Presbyterian Church. He -was a farmer by occupation. There were nine children.

Dr. Thomas Knox was educated in the schools of Ireland, and after coming to the United States filled the position of cashier in a manufacturing establishment in New York City for five years. He educated himself along the broader lines, and in 1892 graduated from the Union Theological Seminary of New York City. He spent altogether about fifteen years at diiferent places in Illinois and some of his first work was done in the Union Mission Church of Chicago. In 1902 he became pastor of the Seventh Presbyterian Church at Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, and remained in that pastorate for ten years. Then in October, 1912, he came to Lima to the Market Street Presbyterian Church.

Doctor Knox married Elizabeth Marshall, of Chicago. She was bom in Scotland fifteen miles from Glasgow, was educated in her native country and later graduated from the Englewood High School of Chicago. Her parents Robert and Susan Marshall settled in Chicago after coming to America and her father for many years was foreman in the building department and is now retired on a pension. Mrs. Knox was a woman of fine ability and culture and was in many ways a co-operating factor with Doctor Knox in his work. She taught in Sunday schools and was also a worker in the Young Women's Christian Association and other organizations. Mrs. Knox died February 23, 1916. There were two children. Mary Wallace Knox has recently entered Northwestern University at Chicago. John Marshall Knox is a student in Kenyon College at Gambler, Ohio.

Doctor Knox is affiliated with the Lima Lodge No. 20.5 F. and A. M., has also taken the Scottish Rite degrees at Cincinnati, and throughout his ministry has proved a vigorous factor in the moral and social movements of the various cities in which he has lived. He has sought for the best interests of Lima since becoming pastor and has neglected none of those duties which are a part of good citizenship. In politicts he is a republican.

George R. ]Mell, D. D. of Lima, has had a a long and active career as an educator, minister of the Christian Church, farmer and business man. He has been a worker all his life, and has sought to the limit of his strength and opportunity to give a worthy serv-ice as he passed through the world. He has done a great deal of good and is one of the most widely known men in Northwest Ohio.

He belongs to the pioneer element in Allen County. He was born on a farm TVs miles north of Lima September 17, 1853. and grew up in a country district. He largely educated himself, since his father did not give him a dollar after he was fifteen years of age. He has been in church work either as a layman or a minister since early youth. Though he is now practically retired, he preaches at a church at Brock in Darke County, and also has charge of the property at Lima belonging to Defiance College. He still owns tlie old home farm of eighty acres. That farm has an interesting record. It has never been out of the Mell name or ownership since it came direct from the Government, and onl_y three deeds have been recorded on it. No mortgage has ever been laid against the land.

Mr. Mell is a son of John C. and Catherine (Jones) Mell. His grandfather George Mell was a native of Virginia, came to Ohio a boy, lived in Warren County until 1833, and then took his three sons to Allen County. The ^ first marriage license issued in Putnam County, Ohio, was to permit George Mell to marry his second wife. He located in that section of Putnam County that is now Allen County, and he operated the first saw i grist mill in Sugar Tree Township of Alien County. He was a soldier of the War of 1812. George Mell was of English and Welsh descent. Mr. Mell's maternal grandfather was Rowland Jones, a native of Wales, who came to Ohio in 1827, locating in Butler County, and in 1835 in Allen County, where he took up land from the Government. He spent his life as a farmer and was a man of strong religious inclinations and the first Sunday school in Sugar Tree Township was organized in his house.

John C. Mell, father of Rev. Mr. Mell, was born in Warren County, Ohio, in 1823, and died February 13, 1901. His wife was born in Wales in 1825 and died March 18, 1892. They were married in Allen County November 6, 1852. Their six children were : George R. ; Margaret M., who married C. H. Parish, both now deceased; Sarah J. Mell, who lives with her brother George ; Ann Eliza, who died in infancy; John E., who was born April 25, 1863, and died in 1904 ; Peter T., a contractor at Lima. John C. Mell was a member of the Christian Church and his wife belonged to the Welsh Congregational Church. She united with that church at Gomer, Ohio, when ten years of age. John C. Mell also took an active part in local affairs as a democrat. For twenty-one years he served as a justice of the peace and for fifteen years township clerk. In early life lie followed school teaching and later became a successful farmer.

George R. Mell after the advantages of country schools secured the rest of his education in the intervals of hard work for his support. He attended, nearl}' one school year, the Ohio Northern University at Ada, spent a year at Antioch College, and took three years selected work at the National Normal University of Lebanon. Altogether he was a school teacher and a student in these various institutions for nearly eleven years, and he also took correspondence courses in the East. He had the degree of Doctor of Divinity conferred on him in year 1914 by the Milton University of Baltimore, ]\rarylaud.

He began his ministerial labors with the Northwest Ohio Conference as a licensed exhorter on November 5, 1880. He was ordained after passing the requisites of the Conference on October 9, 1881. The ordaining committee were G. B. Garner, ^Michael JIarts, and E. H. Umphress. His first church was Bethlehem Church in Allen County and he preached there while a student. For thi-ee years he was in charge of the church at Arthur in Paulding County, and at three different times had pastorates in Montgomery County covering a ])cri()(l nf fdurteen years. He also held various cIiuitIh's in Allen and adjoining county. His imlisidnal church membersliip has been witli the West Cairo Christian Church for forty-nine years. For twenty-five years he was a member of the board of examinations and was assistant secretary of the Conference for ten years and secretary fifteen years. He has been a member of the Conference Committee since he was ordained and has been a member of the publication committee on the Conference.

On aiareh 23, 1882, Mr. Mell married Alice A. Ford. She was boi-n in Allen Countv and died January 27, 1889. On November 5,'] 891, he married Mrs. Ida Thompson. She was born in Covington, Ohio, and died Januarv 28, 1913. Mr. Mell was married February 24, 1915 to Josephine R. Richeson. Mrs. ilell was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio, a daughter of John T. and Sarah Lieuellen Richeson. Both her parents were born near Wilmington, Ohio, and her father was reared in Auglaize County. In the Richeson family were six children and the four now living are: Dr. Carrie A. Richeson, who for more than twenty-five years practiced medicine and surgery at Bellefontaine, Ohio ; ilrs. Mell ; Martha R., wife of E. C. Couch, a machinist at Defiance ; and John Lloyd, who is connected with the Big Four Railway Company at Indianapolis. Mrs. Mell's father was a Methodist and by trade a brickmaker.

Mr. Mell is affiliated with the Lodge and Encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has filled the various chairs in the Encampment and at four different times was high priest. Politically he is a prohibitionist and has been actively identified with that cause all his life.

V. H. H.VY, M. D. Thougli Doctor Hay has been in practice at Lima only a short time, his work has given him a high degree of favor and standing in the community, and on November 7, 1916, the choice of the people of the county fell upon him for the office of coroner.

Doctor Hav was born at Monroeville, Indiana, September 24, 1889, a son of W. H. and Lucinda (Krick) Hay. His father was born in Mercer County, Ohio, in 1864 and died in 1910, and his mother was a native of Allen County, Indiana, where she was born in 1869. She is still living and she and her husband were married in Allen Countv, Indiana. W.

H. Hay was a fanner and also did considerable business in the buying of hoi-ses. He was an active democrat, filled the various chairs in the lodge of Odd Fellows, and was also a member of the Modern AYoodmen of America. He and his wife were Lutherans.

Doctor Hay, the only child of his parents, was reared in Monroeville, Indiana, graduated from the high school there in 1907, and soon fixed his ambition upon the medical profession. In 1908 he entered Starling Medical College at Columbus, Ohio, where he was graduated M. D. in 1912. He also had one year of opporiunitj- and experience as an interne in St. Francis Hospital. With this preparation he came to Lima and has already built up a good general practice as a physician and surgeon.

Doctor Hay is unmarried. He is a member of the Allen County, the Ohio State [Medical societies and the American Medical Association, and in politics is a democrat. He is also affiliated with Lima Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Scott Wilkins. To know Scott Wilkins of Lima is to know one of the most interesting young men of Northwest Ohio. Measured by "the "goods standard" which is so frequently applied to success in life, he is now to be rated among the successful men, though he has risen to that position from the humblest of day labor. He knows all sorts and conditions of men. He is familiar with the worker and the toiler, and what he has seen and experienced has made him an ardent socialist, and he is one of the recognized leaders of that party in the State of Ohio. In 1914 he was his party's nominee for the office of governor.

In spite of the length and breadth of experience Scott Wilkins is still j'oung. He has barely passed his thirty-fifth birthday. He was born in Auglaize County, Ohio. June 17, 1881, a son of James R. and Sarah (Longwith) Wilkins. His grandfather Reuben Wilkins was a native of Virginia and an early settler of Auglaize Count.y. The maternal grandfather Cyrus Longwith was of Virginia parentage and had five brothers who fought as Union soldiers in the Civil war, one of whom, James, died in Libby Prison. Both James R. and his wife Sarah Wilkins were natives of Auglaize County. He was born in 1848 and died in February, 1915, and his wife was born in 1852 and is still living. James Wilkins was a farmer. In younger years he suffered much from ill health, but finallv accumulated a place of sixty acres and lived his last j-ears in prosperous circumstances. He was a democrat in politics. His wife was a devout member of the LTnited Brethren Church, and he furnished the ground and helped build one of the churches of that denomination in their neighborhood. There were three children : Charles, who occupies the old home farm : Scott ; and Ferd, who lives with his brother on the homestead. Scott Wilkins had onl,y a district school education. At the age of fourteen he began working in the woolen mills at St. Mary's, and afterwards was employed in a machine shop during the summer months while he attended school in winter. At the age of sixteen he went out to Kansas, found work as porter in a hotel, and afterwards was advanced to the responsibilities of night clerk. In the fall of the same year he returned home and entered the high school, but after two months illness compelled him to leave. The next season was spent working among the farmers, and he again went West and made a hand in the wheat harvest. From the harvest fields he went to St. Louis and became a laborer in a car foundry. One of the early experiences which made a strong impression upon his mind came at the age of eighteen, when he was arrested at Springfield, Ohio. At the time he was expecting a job as a ditcher at $1.25 a day. However, he was penniless, and was spending the night sleeping on the Fair Grounds as a common vagabond. After his arrest he was released through his acquaintance with a local hotel man. In early years as well as later Mr. Wilkins has shown a prompt willingness to take any work which would earn him an honest dollar and he has a thorough sympathy and fellowship with the toiling masses.

He also knows what army life is like. He enlisted in the Second United States Regulars at Springfield. Illinois, and spent two years eight months in the service. For one year eight months of the time he was stationed at Fort Thomas, and another year was spent in the Philippines. After leaving the army he came home by way of San Francisco, and was next engaged with a gang of men doing railroad construction work on the famous cut-off through the Salt Lake. From there he returned to St. ]Marys. Ohio, and after a correspondence course for the civil service he was appointed city letter carrier in St. Marys. He held that post for a number of years. Out of his wages he not only supported his family but paid for a home in that city. In the meantime, as a result of his studies and observations of political problems, he became allied with the socialist movement. He was nominated for the office of mayor on that ticket, and was elected and served one term, giving a most creditable administration of the municipal government of St. ^Marys. At the end of his term he refused a reuomination.

Using his home property which he had paid for, Mr. Wilkins then engaged in the real estate business, and in that has more than made good and is regarded as one of the keenest judges of real estate values in Northwest Ohio. He has handled an extensive business in both Auglaize and Allen counties and now has important business connections in Toledo. At the present time he is putting up a tliree-story business block at Lima to cost $18,000.

In 1905 Mr. Wilkins married Anna May Garner, whose maiden name was Stevely. She was born in Auglaize County. ]\Irs. Wilkins is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow. Until he took up socialism Mr. Wilkins was a republican. Besides the honor paid him by his party in nominating him for governor in 1914, he has served almost continuously on the state executive committee and on the- national committee for a number of years. Mr. Wilkins spends most of his time in Lima, and he also holds a residence at Wapakoneta.

William H. Battles. When a man as he progresses through life gains a competence of material goods, provides well for his family, lives honorably and uprightly before his fellow men, his career is properly accounted a success. All that William H. Battles has done and those who know him and appreciate his hearty fellowship, his good nature and love of wholesome merriment, know that he has accepted even the hard and bitter experiences of life with a light heart and with a courageous outlook upon the future.

Mr. Battles was born in Brie County, Ohio, August 31, 18.59. His grandparents Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Crane) Battles were natives of Penn.sylvania, where they spent tlieir lives. Nathaniel was a merchant. They died when quite old, and were the parents of three sons and three daughters, all of whom gi'ew up and married. Two are now living, John P. Battles and his sister Anna, wife of George Smith, who live in Huron County, Ohio, on a farm and have a son and daughter.

there, and when a young man moved to Oxford Township in Erie County. There he married Miss Catherine ]MeCann. She was born in New York Stale u\' Scotch parentage. When she \yas a child her parents came to Erie County and tiiey lived out their Lives in that section. After his marriage John P. Battles continued to live in Erie County for some years, but wlien William was twelve years of age the family went to Plain Township of Wood County There John P. Battles played the part of the real pioneer, clearing up a farm from the wilderness. His fii'st home there was a house of plain boards, but in time he surrounded himself with all the comforts and added to his prosperity came also the esteem of the community. Mrs. John Battles died there twenty-one years ago at the age of seventy-two years. Since then Mr. John Battles has lived with his children, and for several years has made his home with William H. Battles. He is now ninety-three years of age. In spite of the weight of years he is active and vigorous, gets out and works every day, rises before bi-eakfast and feeds the stock, and reads his newspaper without the aid of glasses and eats three meals every day. Truly he has mastered the art of attaining a green and smiling old age. It is a token of admiration as well as esteem when he is called on every hand "Daddy Battles." He has voted the republican ticket through so many campaigns that he can hardly I'ecall them, and still keeps up with current events. His wife was an active member of the Congregational Church. There were four children. George died at the age of ten years. Edward, who lives in Toledo, has been twice married and has a son by his fii'st wife. The third child is AVilliam li. Bert died after his mai'riage, leaving a daughter Kate, who has been twice married and has one son.

William H. Battles came to manhood on the old farm in Plain Township in Wood County. He lived in Grand Rapids, Ohio, for some time, was a farmer there for twelve yeats. and then came to Henry County and bought forty acres near Grelton in Damascus Township. Still later he bought forty-six acres more in section 4 and then thirty-nine acres in section 6. All of this land is highly improved. On his forty-six acres he has good farm buildings, and his own home is on section 31 in Damascus Township. His improvements at once classify him as one of the most progressive farmer citizens of Henry County. ' His barn is 40 by 60 feet with 20 foot posts and a shed 15 by 45 feet. All the buildings are painted white with green trimmings. His home is a modern twelve-room house. Mr. Battles takes the greater pride in this farm on account of the fact that he cleared up the fields from the forest.

In 1884 he married Mrs. Clara E. (Shidler) Croninger. Mrs. Battles was born in Seneca County, Ohio, October 5, 1859, and was reared there and in Wood County. Her first husband was Willis Croninger of Henry County, a son of Leonard Croninger. Willis died when about twenty-two j-ears of age, leaving one son, Willis, Jr., who was born in 1881. Willis Croninger, Jr., is now a thrifty farmer in Richfield Township, and by his marriage to Martha Zook of Harrison Township has three children, R^ba, Clara and Raymond. Mr. and Mrs. Battles have three children. Harle.v F., who now lives in Paradise. Oregon, married Blanche Croninger, and their three children are named Ha, William, Jr., and Harold. The daughter Nellie finished the course of the public schools and is still at home. The third child, Alverda, died October 26, 1916, aged thirteen years.

Isaac Snively Motter. In the death of Isaac S. Motter on March 21, 1907. Lima and Allen County lost one of its foremost attorneys and citizens. He was a man of thorough attainments in his profession, had the industry and the other qualifications which make for success, and earned a reputation that was not confined to his home city. Mr. Motter was born at Williamsport, Washington County, Maryland, January 19, 1852, and was just in the prime of life and his powers when death took him away. His parents were Isaac and Mary (Snively) Motter, the former a native of Emmetsburg, Maryland, and the latter born near Greencastle, Pennsylvania. Isaac blotter Sr. was a tanner, but subseciueutly sold that business and moved to the farm where he spent the rest of his years and which has been the family homestead for several generations.

Isaac S. Motter grew up in a good home, had a private tutor to look after his early training, and finally entered Roanoke College at Salem, Virginia, from which he was graduated with the degree Master of Arts. His law studies were directed by Colonel Schley, an uncle of the great American admiral at the Battle of Santiago Bay. Colonel Schley had his offices at Hagei-stown, Maryland. Mr. Motter himself practiced for several j'ears in Hagerstown, but on May 1, 1881, identified himself with the City of Lima and practiced there continuously for a quarter of a century. He was senior member of the firm of Motter, McKinzie & Wedock, and not only built up a splendid private clientage but was also active in local affairs. He served six years as prosecuting attorney of Allen County. He was a democrat and he and his wife were members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Lima, while in fraternal matters he was a Mason and Odd Fellow. He was the first president of the library here, and held the office until his death.

On November 18, 1886, Mr. Motter married Harriet Amelia Meiley. Mrs. Motter is the daughter of John H. and Catherine (Fisher) Meiley, her father born at Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and her mother on a farm near Quincy, Pennsylvania. They were married at MaiLSfield, Ohio, and on October 7, 1844, John Meiley located at Lima. For a time he was in the foundry business with Senator John Sherman at Mansfield, and afterward had a weaving establishment, and in later years followed the same line at Lima. His brother Samuel Meiley was the originator of a machine for weaving carpets, and the two brothers were associated in business manufacturing carpets and coverlets. John Meiley retired from the firm about 1850 and some years later he was elected to the office of clerk of county court. He made a splendid success in business, though he started life as a poor man. He was a democrat, a member of the ilasonie Order, and he and his wife were Lutherans, his wife being a charter member of Zion's Church. Mr. and Mrs. Meiley had nine children, the only survivor being Mrs. ^Motter. George Meiley, her brother, was a prominent and well known attorney of Lima, and died about 1894.

ilrs. Motter has one son. Benjamin Snively Jlotter, who is now a student in the law department of the L^niversity of Michigan. Mrs. Motter grew up in Lima, attended some of the early public schools, and for j-ears has been actively identified with the cause of the Lutheran Church in that city.

C. L. Steer, M. D. A physician and surgeon whose work has brought him very favorable consideration in Lima during the past seven years is Dr. C. L. Steer, a graduate of Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, and who came to Lima with a very broad and thorough training. He is a man of the highest standing in his profession and is also a popular citizen in the community.

Doctor Steer is a native of Ohio, born in Belmont County October 11, 1877. His parents were L. B. and Hannah (Penrose) Steer. The paternal grandfather was Israel Steer, who moved from Pennsylvania to Belmont County, Ohio, in early days. The maternal grandfather Richard Penrose was a pioneer settler in Morgan County, Ohio, and was a devout Quaker. L. B. Steer was born in Belmont County, Ohio, in September, 1844, and is still living. He was married in Morgan County to Miss Penrose who was born at Pennsville in that county in 1842. She died in October, 1907. L. B. Steer followed farming until quite recently and is now retired. He and his family are all active members of the Friends Church and in politics he has favored the republican party. L. B. Steer and wife were 'the parents of ten children, nine of whom are still living : W. J., a farmer in North Dakota ; R. A., a farmer, living in Belmont County, Ohio; Dr. C. L. Steer; Emma R., who lives with her brother on the farm; Mary, whose home is in California, the widow of Roan Bodenhamer ; Phoebe E., wife of Mr. Gaskill, their home being in New Jersey; Horace W., on a farm in Belmont County ; Jason P., who lives in California and is now taking a course in the Bible Institute in that state ; and Grace Alma, wife of Mr. Smith, a farmer in Harrison County, Ohio.

Doctor Steer spent his early life on a farm, and his literary education was largely under the direction of schools maintained by the Friends Church. For a time he attended the Friends Boarding School at Barnsville, and then spent a year in Oberlin College. Doctor Steer was graduated from the medical department of Northwestern University at Chicago on June 4, 1908, and as a further preparation before taking up active practice was for a vear connected with Hacklev Hospital at Muskegon, Michigan. On July '30, 1909, he established his home in Lima and bought o.ut the practice of an older physician. With that as his start, he has acquired by his own skillful service a large business, and has prospered from the beginning.

Dr. Steer was married in 1912 to Miss JIary Yandeven. a native of Lima, daughter of AVilliam Yandeven, a railroad man of that city. They have one child, Evelyn Marie, now two years of age.

Doctor Steer is a member of the Allen County and State Medical societies, the American Medical Association and the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association. He is also affiliated with the Knights of the Maccabees, belongs to the Lima Club, and in politics is a republican. In 1916 he was a\andidate on the republican ticket for the office of coroner, but was defeated in the general democratic landslide in Ohio.

Walter B. Richie. For more than forty years a member of the Allen County bar, and also prominent as a banker, Walter B. Richie is a native of Northwest Ohio and was born in Yan Wert County January 24, 1851, a son of John and Sarah (Eaton) Richie, who were farming people.

Reared on a farm, with an education in the district schools, he was soon led away from the country to prepare himself for a professional career.

Admitted to the bar April 2, 1875, Mr. Richie has now for more than forty years practiced steadily, though his ability has also enabled him to acquire substantial business interests. For many years he was senior of the firm of Richie & Richie which controlled a large and representative practice and he has also been president of the First National Bank of Lima. He takes much interest in fraternal affairs, being affiliated with the Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Improved Order of Red Men. In politics he is a democrat.

Mrs. Richie before her marriage was Catherine Eaton, a daughter of Reason B. Eaton of Bucyrus, Ohio. ilr. and Mrs. Richie are members of the Presbyterian Church.

Emmet E. Fisher. Now giving all his time to his duties as county recorder of Allen County, with home at Lima, Mr. Fisher has had a long and successful career in that city, and while always prominent in local politics has for the greater length of time been identified with business affairs. His family has lived in Northwest Ohio since pioneer days, and three generations have done their part and contributed their lives and influence to the improvement of material and social con; ditions in this section of the state. '

Mr. Fisher was born at Lima August 27, 1866, a son of James il. and Rachel (Nash) Fisher. His grandfather Emanuel Fi.sher was born in Perry County, Ohio, early in the last century, and was a pioneer settler in Allen County, where he served as one of the first count.v treasurers. He was always active m politics, and a citizen of more than ordinary prominence. The maternal grandfather of Mr. Fisher was John Nash, also a pioneer of Allen County. James M. Fisher was born in Perry County, Ohio, but removed to Alien County with his parents when he was quite young. He acquired his education partly in Perry and partly in Allen County, and after attaining his majority he engaged in a manufacturing business at Lafayette, Ohio. Financial troubles overwhelmed him, but after 1872 he made a fresh start and succeeded in recouping himself before his death which occurred in 1915. For nearly thirty years he was associated in business with John Wlieeler. He excelled as a penman, and was often employed for special work in the courthouse. He always took an active part in democratic circles, and was one of the trusted citizens of the county. He and his family wei-e members of the Lutheran Cliurcli. llis wife was born in Allen County, Ohio, in 1846 and is still living. They were married at Lafayette, Ohio, in 1865. Their three children were : Emmet E., J. E., a lather and builder at Lima ; and W. C, a merchant at St. Marys, Ohio.

After getting his education in the public schools of Lima, Emmet E. Fisher started out as a grocery clerk. Having manifested much interest from youth in politics, he also spent four years as money order clerk in the postoffice. For over twenty-four years 'Sir. Fisher was bookkeeper and office man for William Tigner & Company, and had many of the responsibilities of that large and well known cigar manufacturers at Lima. From his work there he was again called into practical politics, and in November. 1914, was elected county recorder. He was installed in office in September, 1915, and in November, 1916. was again elected, the people of the county showing their marked approval of his administration and the care and efficiency with which he handled all the records and matters entrusted to' his official care.

In 1895 Mr. Fisher married Minta Roberts. She was born in Allen County, a daughter of F. M. Roberts, a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher are the parents of three children : Harold who completed his education in the high school and also took a commercial college course, is now stenographer in his father's office in the courthouse. Margaret is a graduate of the Lima High School with the class of 1915, and has specialized in music. Grace is still a student in high school. The family are members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and

Hon. Calvin S. Brice. Of those citizens of Northwest Ohio whose names came to have great significance in national afi'airs, one of the most prominent was the late Calvin Stewart Brice, who died at New York December 15, 1898. However, he had maintained his home and legal residence at Lima until his death, although his interests were widely diversified, and he was a lawyer, railroad manager and political leader of national reputation.

He was born at Denmark, Ohio, September 17, 1845. His father, William Kirkpatrick Brice, was a Presbyterian minister and his mother was a woman of much intellectual force and charm of character. In 1848 the family removed to Columbus Grove in Putnam County, where Calvin Brice lived to the age of thirteen under the home care of his mother and the scholarly instruction of his father. He then entered the preparatory academy of iliami University at Oxford, but his studies were interrupted in 1861 by the Civil war.