Sandusky Township (part 50 of 57)

In 1908 Mr. Faweett married Martha E. Weible. Mrs. Faweett was born at Dupont, Ohio, November 3rd, 1885, received a common school education in the local schools of the comity and later attended Miami University at Oxford, Ohio. For five years before her marriage she was a teacher in the schools at Continental, Ohio. She is a daughter of George C. and Nancy A. (Snell) Weible, and her paternal grandparents were Henry and JMary (Will) Weible of Delphos, Ohio, while her maternal grandparents were Albert and jMartha (Van Horn) Snell. Mr. and Mrs. Faweett have five children : Mary Evangeline, Loretta Catherine, Ralph Monroe, George Clinton and Anna Josephine. Mrs. Faweett and family are members of the Catholic Church at Ottawa, Ohio. She is also a member of the Catholic Ladies of Columbia and takes an active part in all church and social work.

Julius Jacob Bliss first identified himself with the community of Bueyrus as an educator, and for a number of years was superintendent of the local school system. For the past ten years he has been a banker and has given much of his means and time to the promotion of institutions intimately connected with the welfare and culture of the city. He is especially interested in the Bueyrus Public Library, and has been a member of its board of directors and secretary since the organization of this institution.

Mr. Bliss is of an old and patriotic American family. He was born in Rusgell Township of Geauga County, Ohio, May 16, 1854. When he was five years of age his parents removed to Bainbridge in the same county, and in that locality he grew to manhood. His paternal ancestry goes back to the Plymoutli colonj' of Massachusetts, where the first record of the family is found in 1636. Three members of the Bliss family were soldiers in the Revolijtionary war. Mr. Bliss's grandfather, Col. Otis B. Bliss, was a soldier in the IMexican war, and the father, Olney Reuben Bliss, tried to get in the Civil M-ar but was rejected on account of physical incapacity. However, he was employed in drilling militia for service. Julius J. Bliss was too young when the Civil war was in progress and was far past the age limit at the time of the Spanish-American war. The mother of Olney Reuben Bliss was a Potter, and she was descended from Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island and Providence plantations. Two of this line were also Revolutionary soldiers. Olney Reuben Bliss married Mahala J. McFarland. Her ancestor, Duncan McFarland (from McFarland clan near Loch Lomond j, settled in Cambridge, ilassachusetts, as early as 1719, having immigrated from Scotland.

J. J. Bliss had the environment of a farmer boy. He early began to look beyond the horizon of a farm as the scene of his activities and efforts, and his ambition caused him to work hard for a higher education. Through his own earnings as a farmer and as a teacher in the common schools he paid the expenses of his college course. He first attended Hiram College and afterward Oberlin College, from which he has the degrees A. B. and A. M.

After graduating from Oberlin in 1881 Mr. Bliss became superintendent of the schools of Kelleys Island one year. For 21/2 years he was principal of the Bucyrus High School, and from 1885 to 1895, a period of ten years, was superintendent of the Crestline schools. He then returned to Bucyrus in the capacitjof superintendent, and had active management of the city schools for twelve years. After giving up school work he entered the Bucyrus City Bank, and is still with that institution.

Besides his work as a banker and educator and his active influence in behalf of the Bucyrus Public Library, Mr. Bliss has heartily identified himself with every movement for the general uplift in the community. Through his instrumentality the Y. M. C. A. was established in Bucyrus, and for several years he was its president. Mr. Bliss is a man of literary tastes and pursuits, and has written some prose and verse that have found favor among many readers. Politically he is independent and has exercised his originality of thought in viewing all matters of public discussion, including the present great world's crisis. He is a past chancelor of the Knights of Pythias. He is identified with the PresbA-terian Church of fBucyrus.

On 'June 24, 1886, at Bucyrus, Mr. Bliss married Ella May Fuhnnan. She is a daughter of Thomas and Adaline (Kirby) Fuhrman. She is a cousin of Gen. Miner Kirby of Upper Sandusky. Mrs. Bliss is a foster daughter of George and Mary (Fuhrman) Donnenwirth, of Bucyrus. Her grandfather, Sebastian Fuln-man, served as a soldier under the great Napoleon. Mrs. Bliss is a graduate of the Bucyrus High School and has taken much part in social affairs in her home community, being a member of the Current Events and New Era clubs. Three children have been born to their marriage, and the first died in infancy. The other two are: Marion George and Mary Mahala.

Ashley H. Dirdam has been a druggist by pi-ofession and business experience in Bowling Green all his active life. He is a member of and active head of the firm of Lincoln & Dir- 1am, whose store is a landmark in the commercial district of Bowling Green and has come to be a recognized institution of the city.

It stands at the corner of ]\Iain and Wooster streets. More than forty years ago a Mr. Page opened a stock of goods on that site and the building has hovised a drug business ever since. About thirty years ago Dr. J. C. Lincoln, one of the best known citizens Bowling Green has ever had, bought an interest with Mr. Page. Doctor Lincoln was a thorough pharmacist as well as an able physician and had much to do with the building up of a successful patronage. Later Doctor Lincoln bought the entire store and took in his son, J. H. Lincoln, as a partner. This son had just left school. April 1, 1908, Doctor Lincoln retired and was succeeded in half ownership of the business by Mr. Dirlam. Since then the firm has been conducted as Lincoln & Dirlam, with Mr. Dirlam in active charge.

For twelve years before he acquired a partnership Mr. Dirlam had been employed as a pharmacist and drug clerk with the firm, and is thus thoroughly qualified for his active participation in the business. Mr. Dirlam was born in Ashland County, Ohio, October 16, 1876. He was still a young child when brought to Bowling Green by his parents, Alonzo and ]Mary (Porter) Dirlam. His parents were both born in Ashland County and were both of pioneer families of New England stock. The grandfather, Jlartin Dirlam, was the first wliite child born in Sullivan Township of Ashland County. He became a farmer and he and his wife lived in Ashland County until they died at a good old age. Hamilton Porter, the maternal grandfather, was also an early settler in Sullivan Township of Ashland County and followed farming. For many years he also acted as .jnstiee of the peace or squire. Both the Porter and Dirlam families stood very high in that section of Ohio.

After their marriage Alonzo Dirlam and wife went to farming in their native township and county and in 1883 came with their only child to Bowling Green and bought a farm in Center Township of Wood Coimty. On that farm they spent their remaining years. The father died in 1907 at the age of sixty-two and his wife had passed away ten years previously, at the age of fifty-three. She was a member of the Christian Church. The father was a very strong republican and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in both the Lodge and Encampment. Besides their son Ashley they had an adopted daughter. Dot, She is now the wife of Elisha Halley, of Sugar Ridge, Wood County, and they have two sons and three daughters.

Ashley H. Dirlam spent his early life on a farm. He attended the public schools, the high school at Bowling Green, and went directly from high school into the work of the Lincoln drug store, which has been his business home since early youth.

In Bowling Green in 1909 he married Miss Carrie Leiiman. She was born in that city, and went through the high school course there. Her parents were Chris and Caroline (Kabig) Lehman, her father a native of Germany and her mother of Seneca County, Ohio. They were married in Tiffin, where ilr. Lehman learned his trade of butcher, and in August, 1871, located at Bowling Green, where he spent the rest of his career as a butcher. He died while still active in business in 1904. He prospered in his business affairs and before his death owned five substantial brick blocks in Bowling Green, besides a large farm in the country. His widow is still living, ilr. and Mrs. Lehman were active members of the Presbyterian Church, and that church is the home of Mr. and Mrs. Dirlam in their religious participation. Mr. Dirlam is affiliated with the Lodge and Chapter of ^Masons at Bowling Green and the Commandery at Fostoi-ia. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and in polities' is a republican

Henry Francis Gr.vves. To build up a substantial business may not be an impossible outcome of many of man's industry, but to so build that absolute worth is its inherent part does not come within the scope of every one's abilities, and again and again it has been proved that a capable business man in the general sense is by no means, therefore, a wise or trustworthy banker. A peculiar line of talent is required to successfully recognize the financial problems that enter so largely into the banking business and see the path -whereby to solve them, and this involves financial experience, great business foresight, conservatism of policy, personality that invites confidence and a deep and sure understanding of the emotions that sway men 's motives. So important are the banking interests to the country at large and to every community tluit tliey may be denominated foremost. One of the leading bankers of Wyandot County is found in Henry Francis Graves, who is president of the Peoples Bank Company of Carey, Ohio, and additionally is identified with many other important enterprises which have been developed through his encouragement and support.

Henry Francis Graves was born in May, 1852, near Xenia iii Greene County, Ohio. His parents were Noah H. and ilartha :M. (Rinehart) Graves. The father's people came from England at an early day and settled first in Virginia and from there the family came to the southern part of Ohio. In 1853 they moved to Findlay, Ohio. Noah F. Graves was a stockraiser and shipper near Findlay and died there on his farm in 1859. His wife survived until 1916.

Of liis parents " three children, Henry Francis was the eldest and the death of his father when he was only seven years of age interrupted his schooling and brought hardship to the little family. His mother continued to live at Findlay, to which place the family had moved, and there he sought odd jobs of work after leaving school when twelve years old. W^hen he was fifteen years of age he was driving an express wagon and then secured a position as salesman in the hardware store of Kobb & Company at Findlay, where he was a faithful worker for seven years. On June 1, 1874, Mr. Graves came to Carey and for seven more years he was a clerk in a hardware store, but in 1881 he secured a clerical position in the Peoples Bank, then owned by D. Straw & Son, and thus commenced his association with the bank which has continued to the present day.

In 1890 Mr. Straw died and Mr. Graves, who was then cashier of the bank, in partnership with D. H. Straw, the son of the old firm name, bought the bank, ]\Ir. Graves having only a small interest, but in 1895 upon the death of D. H. Straw, ilrs. D. H. Straw and Mr. Graves took over the interest and they continued to conduct it as a private bank until 1902, when the business was incorporated, and ill'. Graves was elected president. This is the oldest bank at Carey and is the only one that does not pay interest on deposits. It does a general banking business and is recognized to be one of the soundest financial institutions in the state. Its capital,

Mr. Graves iuis sliowu liis public spirit iu many years. It is j^robable that the city owes its tine muuicipal water system and other utilities to his sugfjestious and encouragement. In 1895 he was one of the prime movers in securing the establishing of the Carey Electric Telephone Company, which uow has 650 telephones in operation, ilr. Graves is president of this company. He also assisted iu establishing the Natioual Electric Porcelain Company here and is treasurer and a director of that important enterprise, and is one of the principal stockholders in the Carey Mill and Elevator Company.

In 1882 Mr. Graves was married to Miss Nora De Witt, who is a daughter of Joseph De Witt, of Carey, Ohio. They are members of the Lutheran Cliurch. Politically he is a republican and at times he has served on the city council, and always with good Judgment and in the iuterest of the public. He is a Thirty-S(M'ond decree Mason and has held all the ofliccs in the local lodge of Odd Fellows. Mr. Graves undrrstands how to put a visitor at ease, fur lie has a cordial and i-ourteous manner with a dignified ln'ariii^. He may be classed with his community's selfMiiade men and it is certain that he stands liigii in pulilic esteem all over Wyandot County.

H. A. Keller. Among the public officials of Crawford County, none have come more rapidly to the front because of ability than H. A. Krll.-^r. civil engineer and now serving as coiinly siir\cy<:ir. He was born at Wathena, Kansas, OctulMT :24, 1888. His parents are Rev. Frederick and Anna (Lecrone) Keller.

Rev. Frederick Keller was born at Bellevue, Ohio, and is a son of the venerable Rev. Eli Keller, who is a veteran minister in the German Reformed ministry, a Doctor of Divinity, and an honored resident of AUentown, Pennsylvania, where he is bearing well the weight of ninrty-twii years. Rev. Frederick Keller attended Crsinas College, a German Reformed institution in Pennsylvania, and later Heidelberg College at Tiffin, Ohio. He is well known in many sections of the country, as he has had charges in Kansas, Pennsylvania and Ohio, and at present is pastor of St. John's Church at Bucyrus. He is one of the prominent members of the German Reformed clergy and has acceptably filled his present pastorate for the past seven years. At Tiffin, Ohio, he was married to Anna Lecrone, a daughter of Benjamin Lecrone, a native of Waynesboro,

H. A. Keller attended the public schools in boyhood and completed his course with credit and was graduated in 1908 from the high school at Sharpsville, Pennsylvania. While he was a satisfactory pupil iu every line, he was especially proficient in mathematics and after taking a course in higher mathematics in the Ohio State University as preliminary, he studied civil engineering and has had considerable experience. In November, 1914, he was elected county surveyor of Crawford County and proved so acceptable that he was re-elected in 1916. Mr. Keller has the reputation of being a hard worker and those who have had occasion to do business with him testify that he is well qualified for the important ofiice to which he has been twice elected.

On June 10, 1917, Mr. Keller was united in marriage with IMiss Ruth Elizabeth Ott, whose father, George A. Ott, is well known at Bucyrus in the rooting and contracting business and formerly in the hardware line. ilrs. Keller is a member of the English Lutheran Church, and Mr. Keller of the German Reformed Church. Like his respected father,, he is a staunch democrat and an earnest and useful citizen. Both he and his father are Masons of advanced degree, and he belongs also to the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Lapfer C. Poland. One of the stable business men and representative citizens of Paulding County is found in Laffer C. Poland, who is cashier of the Farmers and Citizens Bank of Payne, Ohio, and financially interested in other successful enterprises. Mr. Poland has been a continuous resident of Payne for the past seventeen years, but his birth took place near Council Bluffs, Iowa, July 23, 1869, where his parents were then sojourning. They were natives of Ohio and the father was an early settler in Tuscarawas County, where he became a .successful general farmer. When political issues resulted in war between the states in 1861 he early offered his services to President Lincoln, enlisting in that year in the Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was a brave and gallant soldier at Lookout Mountain and Chiekamauga and on tliree different occasions received serious wounds. He belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic,, and his death occurred at Uhrichsville, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, May 19, 1917.

parents' family of six children, and he was educated in the schools of Uhi-ichsville, when seventeen years old becoming a telegraph operator on the Cotton Belt Railroad in Arkansas. He served three years with that road and afterward for one year was with the Batesville & Brinkley Railroad, also in Arkansas, and was known as an expert operator of the key. In 1900 Mr. Poland turned his attention in another direction an,d became a partner in the firm of H. H. Roose & Company, in the grain and electric light business, and remained with that concern for four years, acting as manager, and retiring in 1904.

Mr. Poland has been identified w-itli the Farmers and Citizens Bank fof sdiuc thirteen years in the capacity of casliiiT and is also a member of its board of dircrtors, tlie other directors being: C. E. Ilymau, who is president of the bank; and John Sullivan, Henry Hyman, J. A. Woolard and F. E. Gideon, all men of unblemished diarartcr and lii'^li liusincss rating. This liank is an old an. I stable institution and wi.rks with a capital stock, surplus and undivided pi'ofits of $54,000, and paj's 4 per cent on time deposits and savings accounts.

In other directions ]Mr. Poland has exhibited business acumen and sound judgment. He was one of the organizers ancl incorporators in 1911 of the ^laumee Valley Land Company, which deals in city real estate and farm lands and which has proved a very profitable business venture, having during its existence of six vears transacted a business of about $6,000,000.

'Sir. Poland was married in Tuscarawas County, July 19, 1891, to Miss Cora J. Rankin, who is a daughter of Thomas B. Rankin, a well known citizen of New Philadelphia, Ohio, and a member of an old Pennsylvania family. Mr. and Mrs. Poland have three children. Mary E., who was born August 19, 1895, is the wife of J. L. Howard, bookkeeper for the Farmers and Citizens Bank at Payne, Ohio. They have two children: Hilda and David. Lela C, who was born October 30, 1898, is a student in Western College at Oxford, Ohio. Herbert R., who was born February 24, 1904, is a pupil in the Payne High School.

While IMr. Poland has never been very active in politics, he is not au indifferent citizen and has always been ready and willing to lend a helpful influence when movements of worth have been under consideration, and has done his full share in benevolent work when a need for the same has been apparent. He is identified with Flat Rock Lodge, No. 580, Free and Accepted Masons, of Payne, with Paulding Chapter, No. 165, Royal Arch Masons, of Paulding, Ohio, and "^with the Council and Commandery at Van Wert, Ohio. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias.

BovpLiNG Green State Normal College. The Ohio General Assembly made provision for the establishment of two new state normal schools in 1910. The commission appointed by the governor selected Bowling Green as the location for the Northwestern Ohio School. The first board of trustees appointed by the governor was organized June 30, 1911, and on February 16, 1912, the trustees elected as first president of the college Dr. Homer B. Williams, who began his diities on September 1, 1913. Up to the present time about half a million dollars have been appropriated by the state for buildings and other improvements. The college was opened in temporary quarters September 15, 1914, with a faculty of fifteen members. The initial enrollment was LIS. and the total enrollment from September to .Tunc exceeded 300. In September, 1915, the faculty was increased to twenty-four members.

The Normal College grounds are located in the eastern part of Bowling Green at the end of Court Street. The campus contains eightytwo and a half acres, affording ample space for agricultural experiments, scliool gardens and nature study. An important feature of the school is its farm, which serves as an experimental station in which students may be instructed in practical and experimental courses of agricidture and stock husbandry. Tile buildinsfs now enmpleted and in use at the lie-innino of tlie sebn.il year, 1917-18, are the A.lniinistratien I'.nil. ling, the Central Heatiiiy Plant, the North Dormitory and the Science Building. The Administration Building contains the auditorium, with a seating capacity of 1,000, gymnasium, and numerous class rooms. The library is temporarily located in the Administration Building. The Science Building has every equipment and laboratory facility for the teaching of agriculture, science and industrial arts. The Dormitory is for the women students. All the buildings are heated from a central plant. Recently the state has appropriated $100,000- for a modem Training School Building, now in course of construction.

professional course for college graduates, four year coiirses leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in education, which is the only degree conferred by the college, though it also grants diplomas in two-year courses in agriculture, elementary education, rural 'education, home economics, industrial arts and music. The Training School of the college comprises the first six grades and recently a kindergarten has been added. The entire city school system of Bowling Green also affords opportunity for student teaching. Furthermore the college maintains a summer school and has provided an extension department.

Homer B. Williams, who has been president of the State Normal College since it was organized, is a prominent Ohio educator. His entire life has been devoted to educational affairs and the crowning success of his career is the Bowling Green Normal College. Since his election as the first president he has concerned himself with every detail, however minute, in connection with the buildings and the preparation of the school for its splendid work. He served as advisor to the board of trustees in drawing the plans for the buildings and the laying out of the campus, and even looked into such technical details as the color schemes used in the decoration of the class rooms and auditorium. The buildings, the grounds, the work of every department bears the impress of Doctor Williams' patient care and study.

Homer B. Williams was born on a farm near Mount Ephraim, Ohio, in Noble County, October 16, 1865, a son of John Baldridge and Mary A. (Seerest) "Williams. He was 'educated in the local schools and began his as a teacher at the age of seventeen. Subsequently he attended the Ohio Northern University at Ada, from wliich he was gi'aduated A. B". in 1891. He holds the degrees Ph. B. and A. IM. from Baldwin-Wallace College, granted in 1912; the Master of Arts degree from Columbia University, awarded in 1914, and in 1913 the Ohio Northern University conferred upon him the Ph. D. degree and he was similarly honored by Miami University in 1914.

Doctor Williams taught in rural and village schools from 1885 to 1888, was superintendent of schools at Caldwell, Ohio, from 1888 to 1892, at Kenton from 1892 to 1894, at Cambridge from 1894 to 1898, and from 1898 to 1913 was superintendent of the city schools of Sandusky, a period of fifteen years. He served as a member of the Board of Ohio State School Examiners from 1904 to 1909, and was president of the Ohio State Teachers

Association in 1912. For a number of years he was active also in teachers institutes, and during that service he came in contact with. the teachers and schools of most of the counties of the state. Doctor Williams is a member of the National Education Association, and is active in Masonry, being a Royal Arch and Knight Templar. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

On June 12, 1890, he married Cora Belle Brewer, who was born and reared near Marion, Ohio. Of their children, the oldest Lloyd B., is a graduate from the agricultural department of the Ohio State University and since 1912 has been a practical and scientific farmer at Morral in Marion County. He married Miss Sarah Laudensehleger, and they have a son, Kenneth. John, the second son, aged twentyone, is a graduate of the Bowling Green High School and he was a student in the Normal College for one year. He is now (1917) a member of the Third Ohio Hospital Unit. Elbert H. is a junior in the Bowling Green High School and Mary E., the youngest, is a student in the Training School.

William A. Cook. Almost from the time he gave up his books and school work William A. Cook has been identified with the grocery and provision business at Bowling Green. He now has one of the fine stores of that kind in Wood County, located at 117 South ilain Street in Bowling Green. To say that he is master of his business is to give the highest form of praise, since no line of mercantile enterprise requires better skill or more careful attention than the buying and selling of provisions. Such commodities are with few exceptions "perishable goods" and require most efficient handling both at the buying and selling ends.

Mr. Cook has had experience in this line for twenty-five years. For eleven years he was a member of the firm Coen & Cook and prior to that for about eighteen months had been associated with Robert Fletcher. In 1912 Mr. Cook started in business for himself and at his present location. He has had a real store attractively arranged, stocked with the best lines of groceries and provisions, and has built up an organization capable of rendering a prompt and careful service to the large patronage. His store building is 22x100 feet.

Mr. Cook learned this branch of merchandising as a clerk. He was born in Perrysburg. Ohio, March 18, 1871, and lived in that locality until he was fourteen, when he came to Bowling Green with his parents, Asher and Mary (Sweet) Cook. His father was born in Ohio and his mother in Canada. They were married in Ohio, in Wood County. The grandfather, Lett Cook, was among the early settlers of Wood ( 'niitity. He was in the livery bnsiness ami siilis(M|uently served as sheriff of the oouDly. Lett Cook was twice married. His first wife, grandmother of William A. Cook, died when her son Asher was a child. Lett Cook spent his last years at Perrysburg. His brother. Judge Asher Cook, was a very prominent citizen of Perryslmrg and was frequently honored in polities and in public affairs. Asher Cook, Jr., and wife after their marriage located at Perrysburg, where he became a potash manufacturer. After removing to Bowling Green he was in the transfer and liack business, but is now living retired. He and his wife have a comfortable home on South Church Street in Bowling Green, and are still active and vigorous, being about three score and ten years of age. . They are members of the ]\Iethodist Episcopal Church and he is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and is a republican.

William A. Cook was one of a family of four sons and three daughters, all living, all married, and all have children except one. Mr. W^illiam A. Cook was married in Bowling Green to Jliss Ella Cramer. She was born in Hancock County, Ohio, in 1874, and when a small child came to Bowling Green with her parents, Richard and Elizabeth (:\IcCaulley") Cramer. Her father enlisted from Hancock County in the Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry and as a result of hardships and wounds received while in the war his life was materially shortened and he died in 1885, when a comparatively young man. His widow is still living, at the age of seventytwo, and has her home on Buttonwood Avenue in Bowling Green. The Cramers were I\Iethodists. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Cook, R. Ray, born January 20, 1897, was graduated from the Bowling Green High School in 1915 and is now a student in the Ohio Wesleyan LTniversity at Delaware. Through his vacations lie assists his father in the store. Gertrude Helen, who was born November 14, 1902, is still pursuing her studies in the high school. Mr. Cook and family are members of the Methodist Church. Politically he is a republican and has always shown a keen interest in local affairs. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Lodge of Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

William G. Hubach, of the Hubach Brewing Company of Tiffin, has spent his active career in the brewing industry'. After a thorough preparation in the technical as well as practical phases of the business he entered the establishment of his father at Tiffin and has assumed increa.sing responsibilities until he now devotes all h'is time to the superinteiidi'iicy (if this plant.

Mv. Iliiliiicli was born at Fort Wayne, Indiana. I''cliriuiry 19, 1875, a son of Henry and Emma {Rcyfuse) Hubach. The parents were Ixitli natives of Germany. His father was born January 27, 1843, and died June 16, 1915, and his mother was born in 1846 and died in 1900. They were married in Cincinnati. Henry Hubach came to the United States about 1866, locating in Philadelphia, where he learned the brewing business. He afterwards worked at his trade in Milwaukee and Cincinnati, and at Fort Wayne he owned a brewery. In 1877 he came to Tiffin and bought tlic lirst brewery that made lager beer on the western side of the Allegheny Mountains. He acquired this brewing business from Joseph Wagner. In 1903 the old plant was completely torn down and a new one erected at a large expense and with such equipment and facilities as few breweries in Ohio possess. The plant has a capacity of 25,000 barrels a year and practically all the product is sold and distributed in Seneca County. Henry Hubach and wife were active members of the Second Reformed Church of Tiffin. He was a democrat in politics and an influential citizen. He had begun life poor and had built up a large and flourishing business. He and his wife had eight children and the six now living are : Emma, wife of J. E. Diemer, of Toledo; William G., superintendent of the Hubach 's Brewery; Alma, wife of A. Graf, a Cleveland brewer; Charles, who is associated with his brother William in the brewing business at Tififin as manager of the plant; Selma and Alice, both unmarried and still at home.

William G. Hubach was two years of age when brought to Tiffin and grew up in that city and after the high school he entered Heidelberg College at Tiffin. He was graduated from tlie Tiffin Business College in 1895 and then took a course in the Wahl-Heinius Brewing Institute at Chicago, where he studied and acquired a knowledge of the brewing art in all its scientific as well as practical application and returned home well qualified for a position of usefulness in his father's business.

In 1900 Mr. Hubach married Elizabeth Mathias. She was born at Tiffin, daughter of J. B. Mathias, a luiabermau of that city. ]\Irs. Hubach is a member of the Catholic Church. He has fraternal affiliations with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Loyal Order of Moose, the Improved Order of Red Men, the German Benevolent Societ.v and the German Alliance. Politically he is a democrat.

H.\ROLD K. MorsER, M. D., is one of the capable physicians and surgeons of Northwest Ohio, took up the same profession which his father followed for many years, and since 1912 has been located at Maiioii, where more and more liis time and sci'viccs are being required as a surgeon, ior wliiuh he has special skill and abilitj'.

Doctor Mouser was lioru at LaRue, Ohio, July 13, 1884, a son of Dr. Justus A. and Sarah Eleanor (DeLong) ilouser. Dr. Justus A. Blouser was born in Marion County, Ohio, in 1832 and died May 22, 1898. His wife died in 1908. They were married in Marion Count.y. Doctor IMouser, Sr., was graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware with the degrees A. B. and A. il., and did his work preparatory for his profession in the Ohio Medical University at Cincinnati. He l)('paii luaiticc at LaRue, looked after a large clicntcic tlirre for many years until 1896, when he removed to Paulding County, Ohio, and spent the rest of his days there. He and his wife were both very active in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a Mason, having passed all the chairs in the ^ocal lodge, and in politics was a prohibitionist. He and his wife had nine children and the six now living are Ambrose, Grant, Maude, Howard, Roy and Harold K. Ambrose is a physician at Latty, Ohio. Grant is now .judge of the Common Pleas Court at Marion. ]\Iaude is the wife of William F. Kniffin, head of the teleplione company at LaRue. Howard is a traveling railway auditor with headquarters at Portland, Oregon. Roy, now engaged in the real estate business at Los Angeles, California, is a college man, an excellent writer, and was formerly editor of the Jeffersonian at Los Angeles.

Harold K. IMouser received his earlv education in his native village, graduating from the LaRue High School in 1901. He then spent one year in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware and subsequently completed the pharmacy course in the Ohio Northern University at Ada. In 1907 he received his M. D. degree from the Indiana University School of ^Medicine at Indianapolis, and following that was for three years resident surgeon of the hospital at Port Wayne, Indiana. Thus he began practice at Marion with an unusual equipment and experience for successful work.

January 1, 1910. Doctor Mouser married Miss Faye Strother. She was born in Paulding County, Ohio, a daughter of Clarence Buckingham Strother. Her father was a native of Van Wert, Ohio, and in early life was a lumberman, later a merchant, and is now connected with the Galion Iron Works at Galion, Ohio.

Doctor IMouser and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Knight Templar and Scottish Rite Mason, a member of the Knights of Pythias and of Lodge No. 32 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In politics he is a republican and his professional affiliations are with the Marion County IMedical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society, the Ohio Clinical Society and the American Medical Association. Doctor IMouser was commissioned first lieutenant of the Medical Reserve Corps June 24, 1917.

L. C. Feighner has been one of the successful members of the Crawford County bar for the past thirty-five years, and has given all his time and efforts to the capable service of his clientage with practically no participation in politics or interruption due to official responsibilities.

IMr. Feighner was born in Crawford County, Ohio, and is a son of John and Margaret (Gratz) Feighner. Both the Feighner and Gratz families were early settlers in Stark County, Ohio, though both Mr. Feighner 's parents were natives of Pennsylvania, his father having been born in 1820. They went as .young people to Stark County. The paternal grandfather, George Feighner, also a native of Pennsylvania, first settled in Stark County and afterwards went to Crawford County, where he died. He was both a farmer and a cooper. The maternal grandfather, Jacob Gratz, moved from his native state of Pennsylvania to Stark County and spent his life there as a mill proprietor and farmer. John and Margaret Feighner after* their marriage in Stark County moved to Crawford County and he took up some land from the Government and acquired other tracts by purcliase. He was in very comfortable circumstances at the time of his death. In early life he had learned the trade of cooper at Canton and he worked at the trade and used the means to clear up and develop his farm. His wife was active in the United Brethren Church while he was a German Reformed member. He was affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in politics a republican. Of their nine children three are still living: Sarah, wife of Peter Keifer, a farmer and carpenter in Crawford County ; James, a farmer near Poplar, Ohio ; and L. C. Feighner.

L. C. Feiglmer grew up on liis father's farm, completed his education in Heidelberg College at Tiffin, where he graduated in 1879. Coming to Bucyrus he diligently applied himself to the study of law under S. R. Harris, and since his admission to the bar in 1882 has been in a general practice and always by himself. He has had a large volume of litigation in all the courts of the state and also a number of cases before the Federal tribunals.

In 1882 Mr. Feighner married Elizabeth Duncan. She was horn in Crawford County, daughter of Washington and Eliza (Gibson) Duncan. Her father was one of the early farmers of Crawford County, taking up land from the Government and spending the rest of his life there. Jlr. and Mrs. Feighner, who have no children, are memV)ers of the Presbyterian Church. Politically lie is aligned with the republican party.

Frederick H. Prieur. The business career of Frederick H. Prieur of Bowling Green has been characterized bv a remarkable degree of business enterprise. He is proprietor of a large general hardware establishment at Bowling Green, and carries a stock selected with special care and with diie consideration of all the possible needs and demands of his trade, which is drawn from a country in a radius of many miles around Bowling Green. Practically everything in the way of general hardware is found in his store and he also carries many of tlie standard farm implements, farm tools, harness and many special lines.

His store is located at 161-163 South Main Street and is housed in a building 50x110 feet. j\Ir. Prieur bought and took charge of this business in December, 1909.

Besides his success as a merchant Mr. Prieur has a reputation all over Northwest Ohio and Southern Michigan as one of the best versed men in the management and breeding of horses, and is regarded as a competent authority on the grades, breeds and quality of practically every animal that deserves the name of a horse.

Prior to locating at Bowling Green he was for many years a successful business man in Saginaw County, Michigan. He went to Chesaning in that county in 1879, and for twenty-seven years conducted a clothing store but gradually enlarged it until it was practically a department store. In later years Mr. Prieur has acquired extensive interests in real estate and in oil lands in the South. He has been practically engaged in l)usiness affairs since he was sixteen years of age.

He is of old and distinguished French ancestrj- on both sides. He was born in Montreal, Canada, September 2, 1860. His grandfather, Antoine Prieur, was born in France, where the Prieurs furnished brave soldiers and men of leadership in political affairs. Antoine and others came to America, locating at ^Montreal, where he married IMiss Peaeor, also of French stock, and some of her ancestors were of royal blood and people of wealth and attainments. Antoine and wife spent the rest of their years on a farm at Montreal. He died in October, 1871, during the same week as the Chicago fire. His widow survived him several years. Their eight sons all grew to stalwart manhood, and most of them died when past eighty years of age. As a family of children they became generally well to do.

Joseph Prieur, father of Frederick H., next to the youngest of the family, was born in 1830 and died in 1906. He was married in Canada to Josephine E. Abare. Her mother was of the French Premo family, connected closely with the nobility of France. Jos?ph Prieur followed farming and also was a lumberman. His wife died in jMarch, 1904, at the age of seventy-nine.

Frederick H. Prieur grew up in Montreal, learned the French language as his vernacular, and was educated in the French schools of IMontreal. His parents were French Catholics. He and his brothers were the only members of the family to come to the United States. In 1879 they went to Saginaw, Michigan, but Joseph subsequently returned to Canada and is now living in the northern part of the Dominion. He is married and has a family.

In 1885 Frederick H. Prieur was married in Saginaw City on the 7th day of July to Miss Jennie Bennett. Mrs. Prieur was also a native of Montreal, where she was born March 19, 1865. Her grandfather, Hon. T. H. Bennett, was a political leader of great brilliance and power in Canada and long a member of the Canadian Parliament at Ottawa. He spent his life in Glengarry, Canada, but became well known all over his Province. He married a Scotch Presbyterian woman and both were active members of the Presbyterian Church. A history of the Hon. Mr. Bennett shows that he exercised his brilliant powers effectively to promote the best interests of his country and left a name that will always be cherished by his descendants. ^Mrs. Prieur 's father was Joseph Bennett, the oldest son of his father. He spent an active career in the grocery trade until sixty years of age, much of the time in I\Iichigan. He died at Saginaw December 24, 1909, at the age of eighty-four. The maiden name of his wife was Adelaide DeVeaux, oldest daughter of Joseph DeVeaux, a native of France. Joseph DeVeaux had come to Canada and for many years was a hotel proprietor. I\Iiss Jennie Bennett was five years old when she accompanied her parents in 1870 to Saginaw City, where she grew up and was educated. She attended the grammar and high schools, graduating from the latter with the class of 1884. She possessed many beautiful and happy qiialities of heart and mind and was an exemplary mother and wife. Her death occin-red at her home in Bowling Green November 6, 1915, when fifty years of age. She was an active member of the Presbyterian Church and her children were reared in the same faith. Mr. Prieur has since married a sister of his first wife, Clara G. Bennett, who was born, reared and educated at Saginaw, Michigan. Mr. Prieur is himself a member of the Catholic Church.

He and his wife had nine children. Arthur H., who was born ilay 14, 1886, was well educated in IMichigan and is now assistant manager of his father's large store at Bowling Green. He married Lina McKnight, who was born at Troy, Ohio, July 18, 1887, and was educated in Brownsville, Tennessee, and at Bowling Green. Her parents, Joseph and Cora (Douglass) ^McKnight now lives at Bowling Green. Arthur Prieur and wife had a son, Arthur E., who died September 29, 1916, at the age of fourteen months.

- is now the wife of "William Page Ruth of Bowling Green. They have a daughter, Elzabetta. The next three children died in infancy, George at his birth on February 22, 1888, Clara, in early infancy, and Fred M. at the age of twenty-two months. Clarence Bennett had finished the public school course and was entering iipon a promising young manhood when at the age of eighteen, on June 4, 1916, he lost his life through an accident. Marjorie E., aged seventeen, is now a student of music at St. Mary's Academy at Monroe, Michigan. Catherine, who was born in March, 1902, is attending the public schools, and Freda E., born May 17, 1905, is also in the local schools. Arthur H., the oldest son, is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias at Bowling Green.

J. Cliff Wetherill, ]M. D. Special qualities of mind and character are called for by certain conditions in order that the best in an individual be brought forth. While all men may be born equal, circumstances, surroundings and aids or disadvantages caiise a difference to develop which marks the distinction between a man of affairs and the one who never rises above the ranks of the mediocre. By many it is argued that in the smaller cities men have a better chance to reach a more perfect personal development than in the great centers of population, where individuality is cramped and finds expression rather in masses than singly. The man in the smaller community comes into close touch with his associates, realizes the crying needs of his fellow-men, and feels for each one a more or less personal regard that urges him onward to exert himself for the common weal. In this connection, one who forms a part of this kind of desirable citizen.sbip at Weston is J. Cliff Wetherill. M. D., one of the leading members of the Hood County fraternity and a man who has always taken a keen and helpful interest in civic affairs.

Doctor Wetherill was born at Beaverdam, Allen County, Ohio, February 18, 1884, and is a son of Dr. Ira R. and Susan (Lattimore) Wetherill. He comes of an old and honored English family, the name being well known in Lincolnshire, from whence John R. Wetherill, the grandfather of the doctor, came to the United States in 1809. Pie made the journey by sailing vessel, the trip across the Atlantic consuming some three months, and after landing in this country located first in Pennsylvania. Subsequently he removed to iladi- son County, Ohio, and then to Hardin County, in the same state, and there continued to be engaged in agricultural pursuits during the remainder of his life, his death occurring when he was eighty-nine years of age. He was a sturdy, intelligent man, full of energy and ambition a:;d a citizen of sterling rectitude of eharactt'r. While residing in Pennsylvania he was married to Catherine Glooyd, who was born in I'ennsylvania and died in Hardin County in middle life, about 1864. Of their fourteen children, eleven grew to maturity and nearly all had families, and the three who are still living are all married.

Dr. Ira R. Wetherill, father of Dr. J. Cliff Wetherill, was one of the younger children of his parents, and was born in 1855, in Madison County, Ohio. In his youth he became interested in the study of medicine and after his preliminary education was completed in the public schools he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, JIaryland, from which he was duly graduated with his degree. Returning at once to Ohio, he commenced practice among the people of Beaverdam, but later removed to Bluffton, Ohio, and there completed his busy and eminently useful career as a medical practitioner, his death occurring in 1892, when he was in the neighborhood of sixty years of age. Doctor Wetherill was widely known in Wood, and other counties as a man of superior attainments, and wherever his labors were prosecuted he was held in the greatest confidence and affection. He was married in Hardin County to ]\Iiss Susan Lattimore, who was born in 1855 or 1856 in Ohio, of Virginia ancestry, and died at Bluffton, in 1904. She was a devout member of the Methodist Church, a faithful wife and devoted mother, and a woman of noble character who spread sunshine among those with wliom her lot was laid. She and Doctor Wetherill were the parents of three sous: Webb, who was a mounted policeman at San Francisco, California, at the time of the great earthquake and fire ; Ova, of Bluffton, Ohio, the widow of Roy Ewing, and the mother of six children : Paul, Ruby. JIary. William, Ellen and Hannah ; and J. Cliff, of this notice.

J. Cliff Wetherill attended the public schools of Beaverdam, following wliich he enrolled as a student at the Central ilennonite College, Bluffton, and was graduated therefrom with the class of 1907. He then entered Starling College at Columbus (now a part of the University of Ohio), and in 1909 was graduated with his degree and at once came to Weston, where he has since been in the enjoyment of a constantly growing clientele. In addition to a large private practice he has other duties of an important character to take care of, being examiner for a number of insurance companies and other concerns and local surgeon for the C. H. D. & 0. Railroad. He is a valued member of the Wood County iledical Society, the Ohio State Medical \Society and the Northwest Ohio Medical Society, and in every possible way keeps fully abreast of the various advancements constantly being made in his profession. Among his fellowpractitioners he has gained an enviable place, and the confidence in which he is held by the public in general is something that comes seldom to so young a profcssimuil man. Fraternally he is affiliated with Winston Lodge No. 521, Free and Accepted :\las()iis, of which he is treasurer, and his political belief makes him a supporter of the principles of the republican party.

Doctor Wetherill was married in Hancock County, Ohio, to Bertha Battels, who was born in that county in 1885, and there reared and educated in the public schools, a daughter of Edward and Matilda (Popple) Battels, natives of Ohio, the former of New England ancestry and the latter of Irish descent. They were married in Hancock County, where they secured and improved a valuable farming property, and were active agriculturists until 1915, in which year they retired to Bluffton, where they still reside in the enjo.yment of the rewards of well-ordered lives. Mr. Battels is a democrat. They have five children : Joliti, Henry, Bertha and Lewis, who are married; and Harley, single. Doctor and Mrs. Wetherill are the parents of one son : Robert E., born August 22, 1903, and now a student at the Weston High School. The members of the Wetherill family Ijelong to the Presbyterian Church.

^Michael Waddell, secretary of the Home Building, Savings & Loan Company of Marion, has been a sturdy factor in the business and official life of Clarion Count.y for many .vears. He is an unselfish and public spirited citizen and no insignificant part of his personal record is what he has clone for institutions and movements that express the higher life and ideals of the community.

Histoey Op Northwest Ohio

at what was then Wheeling, Virginia, now West Virginia. In March, 1821, he arrived in this section of Ohio and bought a tract of Government land. This land afforded him the opportunity for many years of hard work in clearing, cultivating and improving and he continued a resident of Mapion County until his death.

Michael Waddell was born on a farm in Marion County May 2, 1853, son of Samuel and Catherine (Jacoby) Waddell. Both parents were natives of Marion County, the mother being a daughter of Michael Jacoby. Samuel Waddell was born in 1827 and died in 1909. His wife was born in 1835 and died in 1882. They were married in ]\Iarion County, and he spent his active career as a farmer. At one time he served as a county commissioner and was a democrat in politics. Both he and his wife were active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. By his marriage to Catherine Jacoby he had eleven children, eight of whom are living: Jlichael; Hiram, a farmer at Burlingame, Kansas; Henry, who has a farm near Olathe, Kansas; Margaret, wife of John Schaffuer, a farmer near Delaware, Ohio; William, who is sales manager of New York City for the Clarion Steam Shovel Company; Wesley, a farmer at Pawnee, Nebraska ; Bertha, wife of Joseph Cheney, a traveling man with home at Marion ; and Walter, who is an oil operator living in Greenwood, Missouri. Samuel Waddell married for his second wife Grace Faust, and the one child of that marriage is Samuel, Jr., in the brick business at Columbus, Ohio.

Jlichael Waddell had his education in that familiar American institution, the little red schoolhouse. He early broke away from his farm environments, taiight school for some years, and on coming to Marion he was local agent in JIarion and Wyandot counties for the Ohio Farmers Insurance Company. He built up a large business for that company, riding horseback over the two counties in both winter and summer.

It was his large acquaintance thus formed with the people of the rural as well as the town districts that made him the popular candidate for clerk of courts in 1894. He was elected and served two terms, until 1900. ^Ir. Waddell left his office in the courthouse to become secretary of the Home Building, Savings & Loan Company, which had been organized in 1898. This company has an authorized capital of .1;2.000.000 and its present assets are $1,724,000. To the upbuilding and management of the company's affairs Mr. Waddell has given most of his time and attention for the past seventeen years.

He has long enjoyed a place of leadership in the democratic party of Marion County. He is president of the Marion County Children's Home, and has been on the board of trustees continuously for fifteen years since the home was organized.

In 1879 Mr. Waddell married Mary Rupp. She was born in Marion County, daughter of George W. Rupp, a native of Lanca-ster, Pennsylvania. Mrs. WaddeU, who was a member of the ]Methodist Episcopal Church, died in 1886, leaving two children. George Earl, the son, was formerly in the grocery business at Clarion but is now living on his mother's old homestead. Bessie, the daughter, is the wife of Dr. C. H. Weisman, a physician at Spokane, Washington.

In 1887 Mr. Waddell married Nettie Redd. She is a native of Marion Count}', daughter of P. 0. Redd, a farmer. By this marriage there are three children : Roy H., who is with his father in the building and loan company; and Helen C. and Donna, both at home. Mr. and Mrs. Waddell take an active part in the ^lethodist Episcopal Church. He is a prominent Mason and Knight of Pythias. His Masonic affiliations are with all the bodies of the York and with the Scottish Rite up to and including the thirty-second degree, and also with the Mystic Shrine. He has passed the chairs of the Lodge, Council, Chapter and Knights Templar Commandery and has also filled the various offices in tlie Knights of Pythias and lias been representative to the Grand Lodge.

Chauncey C. Underwood. Wood County has no better known citizen than Chauncey C. Underwood, member of a prominent pioneer family and now subsequently interested in a grocery business with his son at Bowling Green. Aside from his interests and activities as a business man Mr. Underwood is widely known for his social and genial qualities and his effective philanthropy. His name is spoken with the respect it deserves throughout the length and breadth of the county. At one time he was nominee for county commissioner, and though on the minority ticket was beaten by only a few votes.

He and his son now conduct a model grocery establishment at 151 East AVooster Street. Their .store is twenty-four l)y ninetv-six feet and is stocked with staple provisions of all kinds. Mr. Underwood has been in business at that location for fourteen years. He and his son Irvin are engaged in business together. His son has been a grocery clerk and has developed a .skill as a buyer in the grocery line second to none in Northwest Ohio. This firm has a notable record of having discounted every bill since the day they opened their store.

Mr. Chauneey C. Underwood came to Bowling Green from the farm on February 22, 1898. A few days later he enlisted for service in the Spanish-American war in Company H of the Second Ohio Volunteer Infanti-y. He served as a private until the close of his term and was mustered out at ]\Iaeon, Georgia. He then returned to Bowling Green and followed different occupations until he went into the grocery business on April 11, 1903.

Mr. Underwood was born on the banks of Mahoning River in the county of that name April 13, 1856. When he was two years of age he was brought to Wood County by his parents, William and Jane (Russell) Underwood. His father was born in Ohio and his mother in Pennsylvania. Jane Russell was brought to Wood County by her father, Joseph Russell, when this section was a wilderness peopled with Indians and wild animals. The Russells lived in a log cabin, and one of the good farms of the county was cleared up by the efforts of Joseph Russell. He died here at the age of fifty-five and his widow survived him until seventy-five.

William Underwood and wife were married in Mahoning County, though she was reared in Wood County. In 1858 they came to Wood County and made their home in Center Township. This was still a somewhat backward section of Ohio and there were many log cabin homes, the Underwoods also having an abode bf that type. It was situated on the banks of Portage River in the midst of the heavy timber. William Ihiderwood had the industry and the vigor required of the pioneer who makes a home in such surroundings. Much of the land in that early day was a swamp covered with water, and owing to the heavy growth of timber the sunlight seldom reached the ground. From the modern standpoint the clearing up of such land means a terrible economic waste. But there was no other recourse in those days, since there was no market for timber and the farmers had to have space in which to cultivate their crops. Much of the forest around the old Underwood home was of big black walnut and of immense poplar

It is recalled that William Underwood joined some of his neighbors in a volunteer effort to improve the quality of the early highways through the timber. The ground l)eing swampy and constantly in the shadow of the trees, the roads were almost impassible the greater part of the year. He and his neighbors therefore undertook to cut down all the trees on the south side of the road for a distance of three and a half miles and about four rods wide. Thus the sun was allowed entranci' and fxeept in the wet seasons the roads wfi-.- (Ii-y ,iHd it was possible to navigate a wagdii ami tram over them.

The career of William Underwood was cut short by a comparatively early death at the age of fifty -five. During a storm he had been injured and the resulting pleurisy brought about his death. His widow survived him and passed away at the old home in 1886. They were well known and highly respected people and conscientious Christians. He was a republican and a man of considerable influence in local politics. He served as township trustee and in other offices. Two of their children, Frank and Edith, died in childhood. The daughter Effie died after her marriage, leaving no children. Five are .still living. Herbert is a farmer in Center Township, is married and has a family. The next in age is Chauneey C. Ella is the wife of Charles Mergenthaler, a retired jewelry merchant at Fostoria, Ohio. Nora, widow of John Smith, is living in Cleveland, and is manager and half owner in a tile and mantle manufacturing concern. Ada is the wife of Dr. R. Cobb, a successful physician of Toledo, and they have one son.

Chauneey C. Underwood was married in Wood County to Ella Wyant, who was born in Seneca County, Ohio, at the Village of Kansas. February 27, 1861. She was reared and edui-atfd in Wood ( *ounty, and has been with her husliand side by side in the work of establisliing a home and rearing and training their children. Of their children the oldest is Irvin C, who for the past fourteen y§ars has been associated with his father in the grocery business. He finished his education in the Bowling Green High School. He married for his first wife May Glancy, who died when her only child, Gerald, was two years old. This grandson, Gerald, now lives with Mr. and Mrs. Underwood. Irvin C. married for his second wife Eunice Lowrey, of Michigan, and they have two children, Helen I. and Geraldine. Clarence, the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Underwood, is in the insurance business' at Columbus, Ohio. He married Laura Banks. Gertrude, who was educated in the local high school, is the wife of Andrew Teller, a salesman and broker in stocks and bonds living at Cleveland. Mr. and Mrs. Underwood are members of the Methodist Church, and the children affiliate with the same denomination. Politically he is a republican.

Simeon Gillis. As soldier, county official, a business man and citizen, Simeon Gillis has lived up to the most exacting standards of responsibility and faithfulness to duty during his long career. His home is in Bryan, where for a number of yeare he has represented the Continental Insurance Company and other companies, and his family were among the pioneer makers of Williams County.

His birth occurred near Iberia, then in Richland, but now in Morrow County, Ohio, May 2, 1842. His parents were William and Jane (McClaren) Gillis, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Ireland. His mother was of Scotch ancestry, her forefathers having gone to Ireland with William of Orange during the latter part of the sixteenth century. She always boasted that her ancestors had retained their Scotch blood in all its purity despite their residence in Ireland.

The Gillis family has been resident in Ohio for more than a century, in fact since Ohio was part of the Northwest Territory. The paternal grandparents of Mr. Gillis were born in Maryland and came to Ohio in the spinng of 1800. William Gillis, his father, was born near Annapolis, in what was then Harrison but is now Jefferson County, Ohio, May 11, 1813. When nineteen years of age he moved to Richland County with the family of his widowed mother and settled in Congress Township, in what is now Morrow County. There he assisted his brothers in clearing up the farm acquired by their mother. Having had only three months of schooling William Gillis was in every practical sense a self-educated man.

On December 24, 1835, he was married in Richland County to ]\Iiss Jane McClaren. Her parents, James and Jeanette (McClain) Mc- Claren, arrived in Richland County about the same time as the Gillis family. From Richland County in October. 1845", William Gillis removed to Williams County, reaching that section on the 27th of October. His first location was eighty acres of land, covered with dense woods, in Florence Township. He spent about nine years there 'clearing and cidtivating his land, but in 1S54 sold out and bovight 160 acres in section 11 of the same township. The unsettled and undeveloped condition of Williams County at that time is well illustrated by the fact that in order to reach his new purchase Mr. Gillis had to cut a byroad through the woods. He and his family arrived and took possession in the early spring of 1855. That farm, the fifth to be cleared by his sturdy arm, was ever afterward his home. While distinguished by a sturdy application of his energies to his private affairs and the development of a successful farm property, William Gillis was none the less a leading citizen in evei-y community where he lived. The respect and esteem of his fellow citizens were paid him in generous measure, and in public affairs he took a patriotic interest and to the best of his means and ability aided all projects that had in view the best interests of the communitj'. In politics he was strongly anti-slavery, though never a radical abolitionist. He was successively allied with the libei-ty, the freesoil and the republican parties. He was also a militant Christian, and he and his wife as Presbyterians became charter members of the Eagle Creek Presbyterian Church, organized at the home of Robert Ogle in Superior Township. William Gillis died April 30, 1889, at the age of seventy-six, while his wife passed away in 1903. ."

They had children that did them honor. Martha E. was one of the early schoolteachers of Williams County, and died unmarried at the age of twenty-six. Rebecca ilcC. in early womanhood performed a feat as a weaver which possibly has never been equaled ; on a hand loom with an ordinary hand shuttle she wove in one day twenty-two yards of linsey, a cloth with cotton chain and wool yarn filling ; she afterward became the wife of Samuel A. Young, a soldier of the Civil war and a farmer of Northwest Township, both now being deceased. Eliza J. married John W. Van Fossen, a soldier of the Civil war. The next in order of age is jMr. Simeon Gillis. James F. had a notable military record. Enlisting in September, 1862, in Company K of the Sixty-eighth Ohio Infantry, he went directly to the front, served through the early campaigns of the regiment up to ]\Iay 16, 1863, and then through loss of health being incapacitated for further duty in the army he was detailed nurse in the tield hospital at Champion Hill battlefield. Only a few nurses were assigned to care for the hundreds of injured, and he had to labor twenty hours out of every twenty-four until he was completely exhausted at the abandoning of the hospital. He and otliers left at the hospital were taken prisoners by the enemy, but he was paroled and sent North, where he died one year after the date of his enlistment. William M., the next of the family, was a school teacher, farmer and carpenter, and died in 1877, at the age of thirty-one. Mary, a teacher and milliner, married Benjamin S. Carpenter, who died some years ago, and she is now a resident of Montpelier in Williams County. Alexander C, who followed school teaching and farming, now resides at Orland, Indiana. Rhoda L., a former teacher, married Edward L. Brooks, who' was one of the pioneers of Northeastern Nebraska, was successful as a farmer, merchant and banker, and died suddenly in 1913; after his death his wife returned to Williams County and is now living at Montpelier. Sarah, the youngest of the familj-, died at the age of eight years.

It was Sy^ years after the birth of Simeon Gillis that the family came into Williams County. His early years were spent on his father's farm in Florence Township, and his developing strength had full practice in assisting to clear up the farm of eighty acres.

Every passing year lends a heightened appreciation of the services of those brave and faithful men who went through the struggles of the early '60s to preserve the Union. It is therefore consistent to give record in this publication to ]\Ir. Gillis' past service as a soldier. October 22, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company K of the Sixty-eighth. Ohio Infantry. He was not yet twenty years of age. He had a sturdy physique developed by work on the farm, and went into the army with such education as was supplied by the pioneer schools of his day and a course in a commercial college at Flint, Michigan. The regiment first encamped at Napoleon, Ohio, and later at Camp Chase, where he was assigned to guard duty over the Confederate prisoners. He also took part in the drilling exercises and other preparations for the campaigns to follow. Early in the spring of 1862, on the Sunday previous to the battle of Fort Donelson, his regiment entrained for Cincinnati, then took passage on a steamboat and the following Friday morning debarked and took its position in line with the army surrounding I'ort Donelson. The regiment faithfully performed its duty in the line until the surremlcr on the Sunday morning following. The regiment next marched across the country to Metal Landing on the Tennessee River, embarked on a steamboat and arriving at Crump's Landing became a part of General Lew Wallace's division on the battlefield of Pittsburg Landing or Shiloh. During the great battle that followed on the days of April 6th and 7th the regiment was detailed to guard the division property at Camp Crump and Camp Cramp No. 2, close enough to hear and realize the horrors of that sanguinary struggle, without the excitement of actual participation. In the siege of Corinth the Sixty-eighth Regiment was on the exti-eme right of the line and performed its full share of work in building roads and entrenchments. Following the evacuation the regiment marched to Bolivar, Tennessee, and spent the summer engaged in guarding the railroads from Jackson to Grand Junction. The regiment was present and took part in the battle of Metamora, Tennessee, and were highly complimented in general orders by the division commander. General Hulbert. Starting from LaGrange, Tennessee, November 28,

1862, the regiment took part m General Grant's winter campaign to reach the rear of the Confederate works at Vicksburg. However, the supplies being cut in the rear, after the regiment had reached Water Valley, the project was abandoned and the army retreated to Memphis, where it arrived January 19, 1863, and remained until February 20,

1863. When the regiment, with the Army of the Tennessee, embarked on steamers to join the army encamped just above Vicksburg, Mr. Gillis and his comrades had their share in constructing the famous canal by which General Grant expected to reach the high ground south of Vicksburg. April 23, 1863, with the rest of the army, the regiment began to march around Vicksburg, crossing the swamps, bayous and swollen streams, and on May 1st crossed the Mississippi River at Bruinsburg, Louisiana, and following a forced march arrived at the battlefield while the engagement of Thompson's Hill was in progress. Then followed the battles of Raymond and Jackson and the battle of Champion Hill. Champion Hill was the end of the military career of Mr. Gillis. Early in the day he was wounded, a ball piercing his left leg and necessitating amputation below the knee. From shortly afternoon until sundown he lay on the battlefield before being conveyed to the field hospital, and on JMay 26th iie was taken prisoner. Released June 24th, he remained at the hospital in Memphis until December, 1863.

Thus for two years Mr. Gillis accepted every hazard and fortune of the brave and efficient soldier, and came home with an honorable record that will always be cherished by his descendants. In the fall of 1866 Mr. Gillis was nominated on the republican ticket for auditor of Williams County. He was elected, and in 1868 re-elected and again in 1871. Altogether he served six years and eight months, and for one year following was deputy in the office.

Retiring from his official duties, he spent two years after 1875 in the sawmill and lumber business. Associated with Hon. C. A. Bowersox and A. W. Killits, they then bought the Bryan Press and for a number of years he was influentially and actively identified with that prominent Williams Coimty paper. The firm afterward became Gillis & Ogle, and after several years ilr. Gillis became sole proprietor of the Press. He sold it in 1889, and definitely retired from the newspaper business. For the past quarter of a century he has been engaged in the insurance field, and he has also served as pension attorney at Bryan.

For nearly forty years he enjoyed the companionship of a devoted wife, and in his declining years he may take a full mea.sure of comfort in the character and attainments of his worthy children. On July 7, 1870, he married ]\Iiss ]\Iyra Ball, daughter of Thomas and Phoebe (Wright) Ball. Her parents were early settlers in Williams County, locating there in 184.5. Mr. Gillis died October 20, 1909. She was the mother of four children. Ethel, who after fourteen years of a successful business career became the wife of J\[r, Frank Dorsey, and is now devoting her energies to the domestic duties of her home at Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and is the mother of a son, Frank G. Faie, a former school teacher, is the wife of Omar L. Spangler, a manufacturer and jobber of candies and confectionery; they have two children, Helen and Harlan G. Harlan W., who spent some years in the building and superintendence of telephone plants, is now superintendent of the cost, stock and statistical department of the Dodge Transmision Company of Mishawaka, Indiana. Donna is the wife of Hugh

Mrs. Gillis was for many years a successful teacher in tlie common schools of Williams County and for two years in the graded schools of Greensburg, Indiana. After her marriage she was intensely devoted to the welfare of her home and children. Jlr. Gillis is an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and he and his children worship in tlie Presbyterian Church.

Frederick Edward Whitker lias been a factor in the business life of Bowling Green for many years, though he is still in the possession of youth and has the promise of many years of activity and usefulness before him. He is a president of the Royce & Coon Grain Company and handles a number of other interests in which his wife's father, the late Albert E. Royce, was prominent.

The Grain Company, which was organized sixteen years ago, is a corporation and is the outgrowth of a business started years ago on a small scale by Albert E. Royce, who subsequently became associated with Mr. J. J. Coon of Toledo in the grain business. Mr. Wliitker has been president of the Grain Company for the last two years. L. A. Trepanier, of Dunbridge, is the vice president, and C. S. Young, of Bowling Green, is .secretary and treasurer. The company is incorporated with a capital of $75,000. It is one of the largest general grain and elevator companies in Northwest Ohio. They have in operation ten elevators, all within a short radius of Bowling Green. Three are in Bowling Green, one at Tontogany, one at Custar, one at Townwood, one at Portage, one at Sugar Ridge, one at Dunbridge and one at Dowling. These elevators concentrate and handle much of the grain raised in this fine farming section of Ohio. The company also are dealers in hay and straw on a wholesale scale.

Mr. Whitker was formerly connected with the Commercial Bank of Bowling Green, which was established by the firm of Royce, Smith & Coon as a private institution, Mr. Royce was the first president of the Commercial Bank and Mr. Smith the first cashier. All the older partners are now deceased, ilr. Royce having died in 1914, Mr. Coon about ten years ago, and Mr. Smith has been dead about twenty years.

about forty-nine years ago. He grew up and received his education in the public schools of the county. His father is John H. Whitker, also a native of Wood County and of Hanover German ancestors. His father came to Wood County in early days, bought and improved a farm in Troy Township, and there he and his wife spent their last years. John H. Whitker grew up as a farm boy and was married at Toledo to Elizabeth ilatzinger, who was born in Switzerland and came as a child to this country with her parents. She grew up in Toledo, and after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Whitker located at Weston in Wood County and became successful farmers. About five years ago they retired to Weston, where Mr. Whitker is now living at the age of seventy-four. He is a democrat and has been quite active in local affairs. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church but they were reai'ed and confirmed as Lutherans.

Frederick E. Whitker spent his early life in and near Weston. Between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five he worked as clerk in a store there, and then removed to Bowling Green and took up the grocery trade, which he followed successfully until he became identified with the grain company.

He married Miss ]\Iaude Royee, who was born in Bowling Green November 29, 1871. She attended the high school and also the Oxford Woman's College. Mr. and Jlrs. Whitker have one son, Roj'ce A., aged nineteen, a graduate of the Bowling Green High School and now attending Boulder University of Boulder, Colorado. Mr. Whitker is affiliated with Wood County Lodge No. 112, Free and Accepted Masons, Lodge No. 818 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and Lodge No. 626 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Bowling Green. He and his wife are active members of the Presbyterian Church.

Chakles F. Plumb, cashier of the First National Bank of Upper Sandusky, became an employe of that institution when a young man and has steadily climbed the ladder of prosperity and business influence and is one of the men upon whom Upper Sandusky relies for efficient work both in commercial and civic affairs. His sterling integrity and splendid strength of character have for almost a quarter of a century marked the policies of this powerful and conservative bank.

Christiana (McCallum) Plumb. His father, who was a landscape gardener and contractor, was born in Lincolnshire, England, a district that has produced many successful gardeners and landscape artists. When a young man he came to America and located at Upper Sandusky in 1848. His brother Valentine had come to this part of Ohio a few years previously. Valentine was a California forty-niner, had .some success in the gold fields of the far West, and finally returned East to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he bought real estate and lived until his death. Thomas Plumb spent his first six years in Ohio working as a farm hand, and then invested his modest savings in forty acres seven miles southwest of Upper Sandusky. He farmed there until the winter of 1863-64, when he enlisted in the One Hundred and Forty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and sei-ved loyally in behalf of his adopted country until the close of the war. On returning home he moved to Upper Sandusky and entered the contracting business. He subsequently sold his farm and did contracting and landscape gardening until his death in 1900. He was a man of decided convictions in politics and always a loyal republican.

Mr. Charles P. Plumli, who had only one brother. Frank, who died in infancy, secured his early educatidn in tln' public schools of Ui)p.T Samliisky. Ur Icfi school at the age of twi'iity lull aftiTwanls siicnt one term in Eastman's Business (dllci;,' at Ponrrhkccpsie, New York. In tlir mranl imc he lui,l wdi'ked for his father iluiaiie- the sutiiiiirr srasdiis, attending school largely in tlie winter. After his return from the eastern school he spent a short time as clerk in a drygoods store,, and in 1879 entei-ed the employ of the First National Bank as collection clerk. He was promoted to bookkeeper and from that was given the cashiership. and has looked after the customers and the Imsiness of the bank now for thirty years. He is one of its stockholders and (lircftniN and tlie bank has alwavs receive] lii. lu.si an,] al.ilitv.

In ls!il Air. I'liniil. married" Florence E. Demarest, daughter of Simeon and Sarah (Terry) Demarest. Her people were pioneers in Wyandot County and her father made the first survey of the Town of Upper Sanduslr^'. I\Ir. Demarest was a farmer and was also noted for his ability as a scientist, having a natural knack in that line.

the city is normally democratic. He served on the street and sewers committee, and during his term most of the permanent improvements in those lines were made in Upper Sandusky. Mr. Plumb is a member of the board of trustees of the First Presbyterian Church, and is affiliated with Lodge No. 186, Free and Accepted Masons, at Upper Sandusky and the Knights of Pj-thias.

F. V. Murphy, M. D., a competent physician with a widely extended practice over Marion County, is one of the younger men in his profession, and his substantial position is a tribute to his energetic abilities.

Doctor Murphy wa.s bora in Marion, Ohio, November 6, 1887, a son of D. W. and Catherine (Brennen) Murphy. He is of Irish stock on both sides. His paternal grandfather, John Murphy, was a native of Ireland, and on coming to Ohio acquired a farm near Marion, where he spent his active career. The maternal grandfather, Dennis Brennen, .spent all his life as an Irish farmer. Doctor Murphy's parents are now living retired at Marion. His father was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, and his mother in Ireland. They were married in Delaware County, Ohio, and D. W. Murphy for a number of years was engaged in the real estate business. He served as president of the ]\Iariou council and under Governor Cox was a special bank examiner for the liquidation of .state banks. Recently he was a candidate for the office of county commissioner. He is a prosperous man, though starting life poor. In politics he is a democrat, a member of the Knights of Columtus, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and with his family worships in the Catholic Church. Of their six children four are living: Doctor Murphy; Agnes, wife of Harry Hesberger, connected with a clothing store at Marion ; Mary, unmarried and living at home ; and Harold, attending school.

Doctor Murphy was given exceptional advantages for training and qualifications for his profession He attended the Marion High School, the "West Virginia University at Morgantown, and in 1914 he completed the course of the medical department of the Ohio State University at Columbus. He also had additional training in the Chicago Policlinic and the Boston General Hospital in Masachusetts. Doctor jMurphy began practice at Marion in the fall of 1913, and for the past three years has been the physician in charge of the local infirmaiy. He is a member in high standing of the County and State Medical societies and the American Medical Association and gives all his time and resources to his chosen calling. He is a member of the Phi Rho Sigma medical fraternity, the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and with his family is a Catholic. Politically he is a democrat.

Doctor Murphy married October 30, 1916, Miss ilargaret Kirehner, who was born at Marion, daughter of Martin Kirehner, a retired merchant. They have one child, Daniel I\Iartin ilurphy, born July 23, 1917.

George B. Fulton, present clerk of courts of Wood County, was well and favorably known in business and civic affairs at North Baltimore prior to his election to his present office and removal to Bowling Green. He still has large business interests at North Baltimore, and his official connections and his character have made him one of the best known citizens of the entire county.

Mr. Fulton was first elected clerk of courts in 1914 and was re-elected in 1916. He is a republican and has long been affiliated with that party. It has been Mr. Fulton's object, which he has successfully carried out, to maintain the efficiency of his office at the highest standard and the books and records are always iu a condition where they invite inspection and secure proper appreciation.

In North Baltimore Mr. Fulton was elected city clerk in 1903, and in 1905 became mayor of the city, an office in which he was re-elected in 1907, and was again chosen in 1913. He resigned as mayor to enter upon his present duties as clerk of courts. As a republican Mr. Fulton has served as a member of the Central and Executive Committees.

He was born in North Lawrence in Stark County, Ohio, February 22, 1870. He was reared in Stark County, attended the public schools, and in 1890 graduated from Duff's Business College at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Later he studied pharmacy in the Ohio Northern LTniversity at Ada and was licensed and registered as a pharmacist by the Ohio State Board. For a time Mr. Fulton was in the drug business at ]\Iassillon, but in 1898 he removed to North Baltimore and took the management of Doctor Summers' drug store in that city. From the drug business Mr. Fulton became an ice and coal dealer, and in 1914, having sold out his other interests, he erected one of the largest and best equipped garages in the entire county at North Balti- more. This garage was under his personal management and supervision until.1915, when, on account of his added responsibilities as clerk of courts, he sold a half interest to J. W. Beckett. The firm now enjoy a large business, and besides operating a garage and repair shop they handle the Ford, Dodge and Studebaker cars.

Mr. Fulton is of Scotch-Irish ancestry and his people were Pennsylvauians originally. His grandfather was born in Scotland and his grandmother in Ireland, and on coming to the United States they married in Pennsylvania. Later they moved to the frontier in Stark County, Ohio, and went through all the experiences of pioneers, living in log cabins and enduring the privations and hardships of the time. The product of their efforts was a good home, cut out of the wilderne-ss, and in that they spent their last years. Both were active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. One of the sons in their large family was Benjamin Fulton, who was born in Stark County in 1822 and grew up as a farmer. His influence was not confined to his immediate locality or to his farm and home, and he was widely known in polities. From the beginning of the party he was one of the strongest supporters of republican principles. His associates always credited him with having helped to make the career of the late William Mc- Kinley. He was largely instrumental in securing the nomination of Mr. McKinley for the office of prosecuting attorney of Stark County. This nomination undoubtedly opened up the career of j\Iajor McKinley to a higher distinction, and it was the first important civil office he had held. Throughout the rest of his life Benjamin Fulton was one of Mr. McKinley 's warmest admirers and was committed to his friendship and support through all his increasing political fortunes. Benjamin Fulton died in Stark County in 1892. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was married at Ashland. Ohio, to Esther L. Smith, who was born in Ashland County in 1824. Possessing an excellent education, she taught school for several years before her marriage and she proved unusually successful in the management of her children and her home. She 'was a leader among tli.^ women of her county in temperance work and was always devoted to her church, the Methodist Episcopal. This good woman passed away in 1901. She was the mother of seven children, five daughters and two sous. Two of the daughters died in earlv life and all the rest grew up and married. Those still living are : Samuel W., a machinist by trade, living at Canton, Ohio, and is married and has seven soHS; Etta is the wife of A. J. Kittinger of Cleveland, and they have a family of three sons and two daughters; Eva is the wife of Robert McCracken, a printer living at Walla Walla, Washington, and they have one daughter.

George B. Fulton, the youngest of his parents' children, was married in Stark County to Luella B. Landrock. She was born in Canal Fulton, Ohio, secured a high school education and had taught for some time before her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Fulton are both active church people, his wife a member of the Reformed Church, while he remains loyal to the faith of his ancestors, the Methodist. He is actively identified with Lodge No. 232 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, also with the Knights of Pythias and the Woodmen of the World. In the Woodmen of the World he served as head consul of the State of Ohio from April, 1915, to April, 1917.

J. D. Mercer has long been an active business man in Wood County, has extensive farm interests, and is also vice president of the Commercial Bank and Savings Company of Bowling Green.

It was more than fourscore years ago that the Mercer family was established in the wilds of Wood County. The family history goes back to his grandfather, William Mercer, who was born in Lancaster Count}', Pennsylvania, May 13, 1775, of Pennsylvania parentage. On November 8, 1798, he married Charity Pettit. She was born in the same county June 11, 1781, a daughter of Daniel and Martha Pettit, both of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The Pettits removed \yith their family to Columbiana County, Ohio, about 100 years ago and settled there in the midst of the wilderness, securing land direct from the Government. They had many interesting experiences as pioneers, and in the course of time they had fulfilled their duties and obligations, had made for themselves financial independence, and passed away at ripe ages. Daniel Pettit died in 1831, at the age of eighty-seven, and his wife in 1827, at the age of seventy-six.

After their marriage W^illiam Jlercer and wife lived in Columbiana County for a number of .years. In 1834 they removed with wagons and teams into the wilderness of Wood County, where William Mercer secured some Government land in Liberty Township. That land in the course of years underwent many developments and became one of the fine farms of that vicinity. William jMercer died about five years after coming to Wood County* on March 2, 1839. His widow .survived until February 2, 1855. They had a large family of thirteen children, named IMartha, Mary Ann, George, William, John, Daniel Beulah, Caleb, Charity, Lucretia, Abraham, Ellis and Charles. All of these are now deceased.

Charles Mercer, the youngest of the family, w^as born in Columbiana County April 22, 1826, and was eight years of age when he came with the family to Liberty Township in Wood County. He grew up there, and obtained most of his education in the Portage schools. Having inherited part of the old homestead, he proved himself an industrious farmer and a man of capable business judgment and in the course of time had an extensive acreage under his control. In 1888 he retired to Bowling Green and lived thei-e until his death about 1890. He was a well known citizen, was a republican in polities, and was a member and liberal giver to the Church of Christ.

Charles j\Iercer was married in Wood County in 1855 to Jane ]\Iominee, who was born in Lucas County, Ohio, February 28, 1840, and is now living, at the age of seventyseven, witli her daughter Mrs. Rudolph in Bowling Green. She represents one of the oldest families established in the wilderness of the ]\Iiddle West around the Great Lakes. Her parents were Anthony and Angeline (Demars) Mominee. Her grandfather, Louis Mominee, was born in Quebec, Canada, in 1740. In 1759 he joined a colony of Frenchmen at an old settlement south of Detroit, at Monroe, in what is now the State of Michigan. It was then merely one of the far outposts of the old French regime jn Canada. Louis Mominee married at Jlonroe Leahr Freedom. These parents had twenty-two children. Of them, Anthony, father of Mrs. Mercer, was the twentieth in age and was born January 15, 1785, in Monroe County, ^lichigan. He enlisted from Michigan and served during the War of 1812, and at one time was captured and held a prisoner by the Indians. He died July 5, 1854. He was first married in 1817, to Margaret Duso by whom he had two children. On June 4, 1821, he married Angeline Demars, mother of Mrs. Charles Mercer.

Charles Mercer and wife had six children. Three died in childhood, named Nora, Hiram, and Hamilton. Of those living F. M. Mercer is a retired farmer of Bowling Green, is married and has a son and daughter. The second is J. D. Mercer. Ellen Etta is the wife of J. H. Rudolph, a former county trea.surer of Wood County, living at Bowling Green.

J. D. Mercer was born in Liberty Township of Wood County, attended the public schools there and also the city school of Bowling Green. His early environment was a farm, and he began farming as his first independent vocation. Subsequently for eight years he was a lumber dealer at Rudolph. About five years ago Mr. Mercer removed to Bowling Green, but .still retains his interests as a farmer. His home is at 410 South Main Street, where a number of years ago he erected a beautiful home. Politically his actions are as a republican and he has served as township treasurer and in other local offices. He is a Lodge and Chapter ilason.

Mr. fiercer was married in Rudolph to Miss Rebecca L. Aller. She was born in Geauga County, Ohio, and was a small child when brought to Wood County by her parents, Zacheus and Lucy (Martin) Aller. Her parents spent the rest of their years in Wood County and her father died when not much past middle age. Mr. and Mrs. jMercer have four children : Lorenzo D. is a college graduate and is now cashier of the Commercial Bank and Savings Company of Bowling Green. He married Zula Forest and they have a daughter, Mary Jane, now three years old. Ina is a graduate of the Bowling Green High School, was a student in Oberlin, and is the wife of Grant ilcQuawn, who is connected with the Heinz pickle factory at Bowling Green. Hazel, who is still at home, is a graduate of the high school, of Bethany College and of the Wisconsin State University at Madison. Galen, the youngest of the family, is a student in the Bowling Green High School. The family are all active members of the Church of Christ, of which Mr. Mercer is a trustee.