CHAPTER XXVI.
SOCIETIES, ASSOCIATIONS, ETC.
BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS
Piqua.
Borden City Building and Loan
Association; incorporated, June 6, 1871; authorized capital
$1,500,000.
Third Piqua Building and Loan Association,
incorporated, Sept. 24, 1884, authorized capital $2,000,000.
Troy.
Peoples Building and Loan Association
Company; incorporated, Apr. 28, 1890; authorized capital,
$3,000,000.
Tippecanoe.
Monroe Building and Loan Association;
incorporated July 19, 1875; authorized capital, $400,000.
Covington.
Covington Loan and Building Association:
incorporated, Mar. 23, 1886; authorized capital, $800,000.
West Milton
West Milton Home Savings Association:
incorporated Dec. 1, 1887; authorized capital, $100,000.
FRATERNAL ORDERS.
Masonic.
Franklin Lodge, Troy.
Warren Lodge, Piqua.
Tippecanoe Lodge, Tippecanoe City.
West Milton Lodge, West Milton.
Covington Lodge, Covington
Social Lodge, Lena.
Pleasant Hill Lodge, Pleasant Hill.
Bradford Lodge, Bradford.
Troy Chapter, Troy.
Fidelity Chapter, Fidelity
Christian Chapter, Bradford.
Sharon Chapter, West Milton.
Covington Chapter, Covington
Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Piqua Lodge, Piqua.
Piqua Council.
Troy Lodge
Tippecanoe Lodge.
Industry Lodge, Lena.
Covington Lodge.
Taylor Lode, Fletcher.
Bradford Lodge.
Stillwater Lodge, West Milton
Casstown Lodge
Pleasant Hill Lodge
Brandt Lodge, Brandt.
Garfield Lodge (Col.), Troy.
Rebekah Lodges.
Begonia Lodge, Bradford.
Virique Lodge, West Milton
Trojan Lodge, Troy
Oriental, Tippecanoe.
Violet Lodge, Fletcher.
Silver Star, Lena
Mildred Lodge, Covington
Champion, Casstown
Household of Ruth, Troy.
Posts of the Grand Army of the Republic.
Alexander Mitchell Post, Piqua
A. H. Coleman Post, Troy
Langston Post, Covington
Grand Army Post, Pleasant Hill.
Rouzer Post, Tippecanoe.
Miscellaneous Societies.
Piqua Tent, Maccabees.
Veterans of the Spanish War, Piqua.
Sons of Veterans, Covington.
[Page 526] -
Daughters of American Revolution, Piqua
Piqua Tribe, I. O. Red Men.
Amokee Tribe, I. O. Red Men, Covington
Demoiselle Council, D. of P., Covington
Loramie Tribe, I. O. Red Men, Piqua.
Piqua Council, Royal Arcanum.
Piqua Court Foresters.
Piqua Court Marguerite.
Patrons of Husbandry, Covington.
Patrons of Husbandry, Pleasant Hill.
A. H. Coleman, W. R. C., Troy
D. M. Houser W. R. C., Tippecanoe.
Chattanooga Castle, K. G. E., Lena
Willow Camp, W. O. W., Piqua
Miami Grange, Piqua
Jr. O. U. A. M., Conover
Potsdam Council, Jr. O. U. A. M.
Miami Lodge, M. B. A., Piqua
Knights of Pythias, Fletcher.
Jr. O. U. A. M., Fletcher.
Milton Lodge, K. of P., West Milton.
Pythian Sisters, West Milton.
Stillwater Lodge, K. of P., Covington.
Stillwater Grange, Covington.
Order of the Gobblers, Covington.
Knights of Columbus, Piqua.
Jr. O. U. A. M., Tippecanoe.
Lodge of the Maccabees, Tippecanoe.
Modern Woodmen, Tippecanoe.
Daughters of America, Tippecanoe.
Order of Ben Hur, Tippecanoe.
Royal Arcanum, Tippecanoe.
Knights of the Golden Eagle, Troy.
Aerie of Eagles, Piqua.
Aerie of Eagles, Troy.
Knights of Pvthias, Troy.
B. P. O. E„ Troy.
B. P. O. E., Piqua.
Jr. O. U. A. M„ Troy.
Touquas Tribe, I. O. Red Men, Troy.
Trojan Lodge, Knights of Pythias, Troy.
Women's Clubs.
My readers will join me in
thanking Mrs. Addison F. Broomhall for the following very
interesting and authentic sketch of the Women’s Clubs of Miami
County. It comes as by authority, since she was
MORE TO COME.
[Page 527] -
[Page 528] -
THE PRINCIPAL INDUSTRIES OF MIAMI COUNTY.
Piqua.
The Miami Underwear Co.
The Atlas Underwear Co.
The Piqua Hosiery Co.
The Stuart-Brown Underwear Co.
[Page 529] -
The Orr Felt and Blanket Co.
The Pioneer Shaft and Pole Co.
The Piqua Handle and Mfg. Co.
The Piqua Furniture Co.
The Cron Kills Co.
The Wood Shovel and Tool Co.
The Sprague-Smith Furniture Co.
The Piqua Gas and Coke Co.
The Piqua Malt Co.
The Piqua Foundry and Machine Co.
The Piqua Packing Co.
The Piqua Milling Co.
The George H. Rundle Co.
The Ohio Marble Co.
The King Mfg. Co.
The Favorite Stove and Range Co.
The American Wagon Stock Co.
The American Straw Board Co.
The Piqua Flour Co.
The French Oil Machinery Co.
The Piqua Blower Co.
The Piqua Creamery Co.
Troy.
The Allen and Wheeler Co.
The American Fixture and Mfg. Co.
Troy Auto Supply Co.
The Troy Body Co.
Troy Bottling Works.
The Lorimer Mfg. Co.
The Montgomery Printing Co.
The Hobart Bros. Co.
The Hayner Distilling Co.
The Troy Carriage and Sunshade Co.
The Troy Coal and Ice Co.
Troy Feed Mill,
The Troy Laundry Co.
The Troy Light and Power Co.
The Troy Lumber Co.
The Troy Milk and Butter Co.
The Troy Pattern Works.
The Troy Stamp Works.
The Troy Wagon Works.
The McKinnon Dash Co.
The Hobart Mfg. Co.
The Troy Marble Works.
The Troy Foundry and Machine Co.
The Miami Trailer Co.
The Gummed Products Co.
Tippecanoe City.
Ford and Co., Wheel Works.
The Tipp Straw Board Co.
The Tipp Furniture Factory.
The Tipp Underwear Co.
The Tipp Bldg, and Mfg. Co.
The Sanders and Kerr Tobacco Warehouse.
The Deetrick Milling Co,
The C. W. Jensen Mfg. and Building Co,
Covington.
Covington Woolen Mills.
Compton and Son Boiler Works.
Covington Flouring Mills.
The J. W. Ruhl Quarries.
The C. N. Jackson Quarries.
Covington Lumber Co.
The Covington Electric Light Co.
The Covington Steam Laundry Co.
Pleasant Hill.
The Deeter Brickyard and Tile Co.
The M. and P. Tobacco Warehouse.
The Langanaker Sand and Gravel Co.
The Busy Mail Order Co.
NATHAN HILL - Came to Miami County as a
boy of 12 years and with his father settled in Newton Township.
He was born in Maryland, near Ellicott's
Mills, on the 15th day of March, 17S8. Thomas Hill,
his father, took part in the formation of Miami County.
Nathan married Frances Williams, a daughter of
Michael Williams, on the 29th day of June, 1809. He
organized Hopewell church, which became the center of a great
influence for good in that section. He expired on the 15th day
of Jan., 1852, leaving behind him a cherished memory of deeds well
done.
FRANCIS GRAY - Was born in Erie County,
Pa., Aug. 10, 1821. In 1881, the F. Gray Co. was
organized in Piqua, the leading stock holders being.
[Page 530] -
Francis Gray, N. C. Nellis and William C. Gray.
The product of the company consisted of paper makers, felts and
jackets, flannels and yards, the orders for felts coming from all
parts of the United States and Canada and even from across the
Ocean. “Their cylinder felt jacket earned the reputation among
paper mill men of being the best in the world.” This
enterprise, one of the greatest in the history of the country,
perpetuated by the successful Orr Felt and Blanket Co., of the
present time, did much to place Piqua among the successful
manufacturing cities of the state. Mr. Gray died Mar.
30, 1901, after an illness of several months, regretted by all who
had realized that he had been one of the most potent and successful
factors in our history.
MILTON G. MITCHELL - The son of
William S. Mitchell of Elizabeth Township, was born Aug. 30, 1845, and was educated
in the public schools and in the
grammar department of the Troy schools,
coming to the latter in the fall term of
1862, together with Dr. W. A. Robinson,
his cousin, and the author of this book. He
was a member of the extensive Mitchell family which have been more extensively
treated on in our chapter on religion and
the address on the history of McKendrie
Chapel, commencing on page 428. He died
Sept. 17. 1901 and left a wife, who had
been Mary Iliff and three children, Fern, Quinn B., and
Mildred.
GEORGE W. SCOTT
- Was born in 1849
in Elizabeth Township and was educated
in the public schools there and at Troy.
For ten years he engaged in the nursery
business; then served a term as deputy
treasurer of Miami County; then founded
the Troy Buggy Works, a successful concern
for more than 20 years. He became
the patentee of a storm front and later of
automobile attachments which he is at
the present time manufacturing in the
city of Cleveland, with a successful company
behind him. He was one of the most active and useful citizens in the
history of Troy.
ALEXANDER M. HEYWOOD -
W.. born Oct. 17, 1840, in Staunton Township, the son of
Nathaniel Heywood, one of the pioneer settlers, who was
educated in the schools of his Township and in Troy, he enlisted in
Co. H, Eleventh Ohio Infantry in 1861 and at the end of that three
months service, reenlisted in Co. B, 94; O. V. I. in which he served
to the close of the war. The record of the battles which this
regiment participated is ___ forth on page 399, Vol. 2 of this work.
He was successively a Sergeant, Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant,
Captain and Major. At the battle of Perryville when
Capt. John Drury of his company was killed, Heywood
took command and by his cool bravery won the respect and admiration
of his men and superiors. He served 4 years as Sheriff of
Miami County and now lives a retired life in his comfortable home,
301 East Franklin Street.
HON. WILLIAM CLARK HUGHES - Was born at Portsmouth,
Ohio, Feb. 5, 1875, son of Rev. Thomas L. and Hortense (Clave)
Hughes. Mr. Hughes’ ancestors were Welshmen. He was
graduated from the Washington and Jefferson College at Washington,
Pa., and is a graduate of the Indiana Law School and admitted to the
bar in June, 1900 and began the practice of his profession in Piqua.
In 1891, he was elected City Solicitor of his adopted city and again
in 1903 and as Mayor in 1905 and again in 1907. He was married
Sept. 22, 1904, to Anna Blushe Matthews, of Piqua, of which
union, one son, Thomas Floyd Hughes was born.
Mr. Hughes is a lawyer of excellent standing; worships
with the Presbyterians and acts with the Republican party of which
he is the present chairman of the County Executive Committee and
member of the State Central Committee for the Fourth Congressional
District.
ROBERT M. WILSON - Was
born in concord Township, Miami County, Ohio, Mar. 6th, 1849, a son
of John Wilson and Elizabeth (Debra) Wilson. The latter
was one of the strong and reliable characters of Concord Township,
serving as a Trustee of the same for 30 years, in which capacity his
son, Robert M., the subject of this sketch, is serving at the
present, time. Mr. Wilson was married to Miss Allie
B. Brown on Sept. 17, 1875, from which union, three children,
Clarence W. Viond, May and Anna. Mr.
Wilson and wife worship at the Christian church. He
fraternizes with Odd Fellows and Elks.
NATE IDDINGS
NANCY, FRANK B. & NATE IDDINGS
NATHAN
IDDINGS. - We copy the following admirable sketch, by
permission, from the pen of our friend T. C. Harbaugh,
familiarly known as Nate Iddings, president of the Bradford
bank, and a member of the grain firm of Arnold and Iddings,
of Bradford, may well be called one of the fathers of the town of
which he is one of the most prominent and stirring citizens and has
been for a period of nearly 40 years or since 1869.
He was born on a farm near Pleasant Hill, in Newton
Township, Miami County, March 171*, 1841, son of David and
Sarah (Hill) Iddings. His paternal grandfather was
Joseph Iddings, whose father (great grandfather of the subject
of this sketch) came to Ohio from South Carolina, settling on a
large farm situated on the boundary line between Montgomery and
Miami Counties, a part of the farm lying in each county. This
immigration occurred in 1796, at the time Joseph, the
grandfather of Nathan, was but a boy. He followed
agriculture as also did his son, David Iddings, who was born
in the locality, south-east of Pleasant Hill, and who, as has
already been seen, married Sarah Hill. The subject of
this sketch was reared on a farm and in his boyhood attended the
country schools. He afterward taught school for four years in
Miami County, in the vicinity of Troy and Pleasant Hill and proved a
successful teacher. Subsequently in furtherance of a laudable
ambition, he took up the study of the law, under the guidance of
Alexander Long, and after thoroughly mastering the principles of
the profession, he was admitted to the bar in Cincinnati in April,
1862. Instead of at once devoting himself to the practice of
his profession, he took up the business of court reporting, which he
followed thereafter, for 35 years, serving as a court reporter in
ten different counties in the western part of the state. He
reported in shorthand the first trial in Miami County at which
Judge Williams presided. During all this time, he made his
home in Bradford, taking an active part in the improvement and
development of the town and being generally recognized as one of the
foremost citizens, as he was also one of its first comers. It
is said that he had but one predecessor—John S. Moore—who
opened a grocery store in the place when there was scarcely anything
here but a primitive railway station, consisting of a box car set up
at the side of the track, and a woodyard, where the locomotives were
accustomed to replenish their stock of fuel. Mr.
Iddings was right on the heels of Mr. Moore,
opening a general store almost before the latter had time to get his
trade well started. From that day until the present, he has
been an active factor in the business life of the town and
practically in every phase of its development. In the early
days, he, with Frank Gruelich, organized the voting precincts
and in spite of the opposition of the town of Covington and
Gettysburg, had the village incorporated, and the Special School
District of Bradford, Miami and Darke Counties established. He
was one of the members of the first board of education, and was more
than any other member, responsible for the establishment of the
school house on its present site, which result was secured only
after a long and determined fight on his part, the question being
finally settled by an appeal to the popular vote. For over 30
years Mr. Iddings has been attorney for the Penn-
[Page 532] -
sylvania Railroad Company. In 1893 he organized the Bradford
bank of which he has since been the efficient president.
He is the owner of a large amount of agricultural property including
some ten farms in Miami and Darke Counties, Ohio, aggregating about
1,500 acres. He also owns about 400 acres south of Pleasant
Hill— the old home place —on which farm stands the largest barn in
the state, 100x 50 feet in dimensions and three stories in height,
with mansard roof. During his long and strenuous carreer,
Mr. lddings has been able to devote a few leisure
moments to literary pursuits and his interesting historical
sketches, dealing with local subjects and embodying for the most
part, his personal reminescences of men and things, have
appeared from time to time in the local journals to the interest and
edification of our citizens. His own life is an integral part
of the history of the town—and it may be said of the best part of
it, he has never shirked his duty as a good citizen, but on more
than one momentous occasion has stood to his guns and maintained his
position in spite of the resolute efforts of those who were opposed
to his ideas and who were in the majority; and this he has done not
from any unreasoning spirit of obstinacy, but from the fact that he
had carefully studied the situation and knew the plan he advocated
would in the long run be for the best interests of the community.
He has always been a man of action, quick to size the salient point
of a position and profit by his advantage while others were still
engaged in reconnoitering. When Gen. Grant said,
when he saw his opportunity at Fort Donnelson: “The one who attacks
first will win and the enemy will have to be quick if it gets ahead
of me” so Mr. Iddings in every important turning
point of his career, has acted on the same principle— with what
success those who know him will be able to testify.
Mr. Iddings was married in 1868 to Nancy
Patty, a daughter of Charles Patty. They
have had one child, a son Frank, who married Lillian
Miles and has daughter, Mildred.
In addition to the agricultural properly owned by Mr.
Iddings. which has been already referred to, he is also the
owner of about 60 houses in Bradford, which he rents. He is a
member of the Masonic order, and is at once the guide, philosopher
and friend of every interested enquirer into the history of the town
in which he has for so many years made his home.
-----
* SHARON WICK'S NOTE: Birth should be Mar. 17, 1841
according to Find A Grave.com
REV. ANTHONY J. MENTINK. - The
esteemed pastor of St. Patrick's Church, Troy, was born in
Cincinnati, Ohio, Dec. 11, 1877, being one of the six children of
Anthony and Rosalie (Weitershager) Mentink. His father, a
native of Holland and a blacksmith, is now a resident of Cincinnati,
where he still follows his trade.
The subject of this sketch received his earlier
educational training in St. Gregory Seminary and completed his
theological studies at St. Mary's of the West. He was ordained
to the priesthood in 1902 by the most reverend William H. Elder,
then Bishop of Cincinnati, but now deceased. His first charge
was as assistant at St. Anthony’s Church, Cincinnati, where he
remained until 1S06, when on March 30 of that year, he was
transferred to his present parish as pastor. The further
progress of this society and history of Father Mentink
and his pastorate in Troy up to the erection of the present splendid
edifice and the present date is fully set forth on page 494, Vol. 2
of this work by Father Mentink’s own pen.
JESSE
BURKETT. - A prominent citizen of Troy for many years, now
deceased, was a member of Co. D, 94 O. V. I. and that regiment
engaged as set forth on page 390, Vol. 2 of this work. He
occupied a position in the court house for many years and was
treasurer of the county for two terms. He was born in North
Carolina in 1835 and came to Darke County when
[Page 533]
eleven years of age. In 1847 his parents moved to
Fredericksburg, Miami County, where he worked with his father in the
blacksmith shop. On Dec. 29, 1874, Mr. Burkett
was married to Flora P. Tenney, who died in 1878, leaving one
daughter. Mr. Burkett again married for his
second wife, Anna Cosley Moody from which union
three sons were born. His widow survives him.
HENRY ORBISON EVANS - Was born in Troy, Ohio, Mar. 20,
1846, the son of Albert G. and Nancy E. (Orbison) Evans.
His father was born at Hillsboro, Highland county, Ohio, Mar. 5,
1811. When a young man, he moved to Defiance, Ohio, where he
was a pioneer storekeeper and Indian trader. In 1841 he
located in Troy where he continued in the mercantile business from
which he retired in 1867. He died on the home place, just
across the river from Troy, on the hill opposite Rose Hill on
Nov. 29, 1889. Henry, the subject of this sketch, was
educated in the public schools of Troy and in the Miami University,
from the latter of which he obtained the degree of A. B. and A. M.
For seven years he was engaged in his profession of civil engineer
in railroad work. In 1875 he was elected Surveyor of Miami County on
the Republican ticket and at the same time served as city engineer.
In 1891, he went to California and until 1894, followed engineering
in connection with irrigation work, and then until 1808 worked in
many parts of the west and south-west in railroad construction work.
Two years of this time he was in old Mexico and for nine years in
the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad as
assistant and division engineer.
He returned to Troy in 1908 and established his home on
the hill opposite Troy which he had purchased from his father’s
estate.
Mr. Evans was joined in marriage with Miss
Jennie Jefferson, a daughter of John Jefferson, of
Fayette County, Ohio. She died in 1885, leaving a daughter,
Nannie J., who is now the wife of Phillip A. Shaffer of
New York City, a chemist by profession, who has charge of the
Loomis Laboratory. Mr. Evans was united in marriage
again and this time to Miss Ella Hawthorne who was for a
number of years connected with the public schools of Troy as a
teacher. Mr. Evans is a member of the
Presbyterian Church and Coleman Commandery F. and A. M. In an
acquaintance of more than 40 years with Mr. Evans I have
known no man with a higher standard of ethics and a deeper sense of
his responsibility as a citizen. In the effort now being made
for a barge canal from Toledo to Cincinnati, he is an earnest
advocate. The reasons for the building of this canal are
epitomised by the author on page 207, Vol. 2, of this work to which
it is hoped the reader will be attracted and form an opinion on
this, the most important feature of transportation in the future of
the Miami Valley.
DANIEL M. SMITH - Was born Mar. 9,
1835, in Montgomery County, Ohio, a son of Lester Smith,
who was a pioneer in the business of manufacturing cut shingles in
Troy. He was educated in the Troy schools and for several
years was with the old state bank of Troy which in the 60’s
developed into the First National Bank of Troy. He was
successively promoted from bookkeeper to teller, assistant cashier,
cashier, president, and finally died in that office in March, 1919,
at the advanced age of 84 years. Mr. Smith was
married to Angeline Janver from which union six children were
born, Robert J., Margaret, Walter I.,
Frederick A., a graduate of West Point and now a Colonel of the
Regular Army, Eugene and Adeline. Mr. Smith and
family are members of the Presbyterian church.
ROBERT J. SMITH - Son of
Daniel W. Smith, was born in Troy, Ohio, on Nov. 18, 1865, and
was educated in the Troy schools and the Wooster University.
He was married to Harriet Emilie Jones on
[Page 534]
Sept. 17, 1889, from which union four children were born. He
is by occupation a lawyer, a member of the Presbyterian Church and
of the Junior Order of American Mechanics. He resides in Piqua
and successfully practices his profession in that city. Has
been a member of the National Guard of Ohio, the City Solicitor of
Troy and Chairman of the Republican Committee of Miami County.
I cannot refrain from giving point here to the vein of
humor that constantly bubbles from this good friend. In the
blank I furnish for sketches one of them asks the question, date of
death? which should be erased when sent to persons still in the land
of the living, but this and the next one were promptly filled out by
“Bob” as follows, date of death? Continuous !
Where buried? In a law office in Piqua! He adds at the
bottom of his sketch blank in his own hand writing, ‘‘A very
calm and uneventful life, spent mostly in Troy and Piqua, except
while absent seeking health of my family, during which period, was
for ten years a division attorney for the Frisco railroad system in
Texas.”
ELIAS GARST HAWN - About one and
a quarter miles on the Covington pike north-west of Troy, lives the
subject of this sketch, one of the substantial farmers of Concord
Township, born in Bethel Township in June, 1842, married to
Cynthia A. Nutter and them were born eight children.
JOHN BELL - Born Oct. 31, 1970, in Logan
County, Ohio, lived with his father and mother, John and Nancy E.
Bell, until young manhood, being educated in the public schools
and at Findlay College of law, He came to the city of
Piqua some ten years ago and has since practiced his profession of
the law in that city with an ability which has placed him high in
the estimation of his fellow citizens. He united in marriage
with Martha E. Rosebrook on Oct. 18, 1899, from which union
two children, a boy of 8 and a girl of 6 have been born. He
worships at the Methodist Church and is a member the Knights of
Pythias. He served in Cuba during the Spanish-American war and
has served as Mayor and City Solicitor of the city of Piqua and as
secretary of the local draft board for Miami County during the world
war preparation.
WATSON F. CALDWELL - Was born
in Tippecanoe, Miami County, on Jan. 8, 1857, and lived with his
father and mother Chester Louis Caldwell and Mary Stewart
until young manhood. He was educated in Tippecanoe and
Humboldt, Kansas, and was married to Frances Timmins
on Sept. 4, 1883, from which one child, now deceased, was born.
He is by occupation a printer and conducts one of the successful job
houses in his city; worships at the Presbyterian church and
fraternize with the Masons and Odd Fellows and has served as deputy
supervisor of elections.
A. R. GARVER - Was born in New
Carlisle, Clark County, Ohio, on Dec. 20, 1860, and lived with his
father and mother, Benjamin C. and Ruth Anna Carver, until he
had attained his majority. He was educated in the New Carlisle
schools and at Wittenberg College, in Springfield, Ohio, and married
Ida Rohrer at Tippecanoe, on Dec. 20, 1887, from which
marriage three children have been born; Ruth E., on Oct. 18,
1888; Carl R., Nov. 1, 1890, and Jacob C., Jan. 16,
1896.
Mr. Garver is one of our most spirited and
enterprising citizens; a prominent manufacturer of furniture in
Tippecanoe: president of the Tippecanoe National Bank; large land
owner in the west; a member of all the Masonic orders and worships
at the Lutheran church. He served with distinction in the
State Senate of Ohio between 1914 and '16, from the 12th Senatorial
district, composed of Darke, Miami and Shelby counties, overcoming a
Democratic majority of about one thousand. [Page 535] -
HENRY FLESH - Was born in Bavaria,
Germany, on June 29, 1837, and was educated there, corning to
America in 1852 and to Fiona in 1858 where he was married in
1862 to Caroline Friedlich from which union Leo
was born on Sept. 20, 1863 and Joel W. on Dec. 7 , 1867.
A history of Piqua would be quite incomplete with Henry
Flesh left out. He has been a banker for near 50 years;
was 23 years a member of the City Council; President, of the Ohio
Bankers Association; a member of the Ohio Centennial Commission and
a life trustee of the Piqua Memorial Hospital and now in the 83rd
year of his age, he can be seen daily in his place at the outside
desk of the Citizens Bank, where his benevolent countenance has
greeted the public since the memory of the present generation
runneth not to the contrary.
I have known and respected him for more than half a
century. There is perhaps no resident of the county more
entitled to the high esteem and veneration of our citizens. On
the 4th day of April, 1919, as I sat with him in his office at the
bank, he reverted to his active past and to incidents of mutual
interest in our past and unreservedly of the future, he said.
“So long as I can help out in the bank and be of use to my time I
shall be glad to stay but I have learned to say with perfect
equanimity, ‘Thy will be done.’ ”
In 1902, a resolution passed the legislature of Ohio,
creating a Commission to prepare a centennial celebration of the
admission of Ohio to the Union. In the capacity of a
commissioner, Mr. Flesh came to the city of St. Louis,
in that year, where the great St. Louis World’s Fair was being
promoted in celebration of the anniversary of the Louisiana
purchase, being coincident with the Ohio date, and it was there as
secretary of the Finance Committee of the great event in St. Louis
which did not take place until 1904; I had the pleasure of
introducing Mr. Flesh to ex-Governor David R.
Francis and the Board of Directors in language I thought
befitting his high standing in Miami County. In our meetings
in the past 12 years, since I returned to Ohio, Mr. Flesh
invariably refers to this pleasant episode in our lives.
Since writing the above, the spirit of my friend has departed and he
lives in the beyond.
BLANCHE CHAFFEE RANNELLS.
- Was born in Tippecanoe City, Miami County, Ohio, on June 9,
1863, and lived with her father and mother, Sidney Larkin Chaffee
and Barbara Cecil, until young womanhood. She was
educated in the public schools at Tippecanoe City and at the Oberlin
and Ohio Wesleyan Female University at Delaware.
She united in marriage with Benjamin Ulysses
Rannells on July 18, 1389, from which union two children have
been born, Florence Cecil on Sept. 7, 1890 and
Marion Elizabeth on Dee. 10, 1894.
Mr. Rannells has been engaged in the
insurance business for some years, located in the city of Cleveland,
O., but during the years '17 to '19 in war work in connection with
colleges in Ohio and adjoining states.
WALTER F. HENNE - Was born in
Troy, Ohio, on Nov. 15, 1868 and lived with his father, Carl
Henne, whose portrait appears in this volume, and his mother,
Theresa Deis, until he had attained his majority.
He was educated in the public schools of Troy and the Dayton
Commercial College. On Oct. 29, 1893, he united in marriage with
Sallie M. Marriott, from which union five children have been
born. He was brought up in the boot and shoe business with his
father, and conducted a house in both Piqua and Troy and still
continues the Piqua house, although the four brothers have become
large manufacturers of rubber, having branch establishments in
Columbus, Mansfield and Youngstown. Mr. Henne has built
him a palatial home in Miami, Florida, where he delights to take his
aged mother for winter recreation, who has a pleasant bungalow on
East Franklin street in Troy. [Page 536] -
CARL HENNE - Was of German
nationality, born at Wittenberg, on Nov. 4, 1843, and lived with his
father, Jacob, until 14 years of age, when he came direct to
Troy, where his elder brother Joseph, had preceded him.
His education in Germany, was necessarily limited, and
almost equally limited after his arrival here but that which he
lacked in this particular was largely counterbalanced by hard horse
sense and a wonderful memory that served him successfully in his
business life. He was a shoe maker and worked at the bench for
several years when he and his brother, John E. Henne, whose
portrait and sketch appears on page 483 of my second volume became
partners in the sale of boots and shoes and in which business
Carl continued until his death. It was from him I
purchased my foot wear for 40 years and it was with him for even a
longer period, I enjoyed friendship and social intercourse.
He and his family were communicants of the Catholic
church and he was a member of the Independent Order of Red Men,
where, 30 years ago, he was a prominent figure.
His military service was confined to membership in the
Lafayette Blues, the most famous of all our Troy military
organizations, during peaceful times. From ’75 to ’85. I
was prominent in the Republican politics in Miami County, having
served during that period for 5 years as the leader of the party in
county and senatorial district as well as being Chairman of the
Congressional Committee a part of that time. My friend Carl
Henne was a stalwart Democrat but it made no difference in
our friendship and indeed, we often worked together in municipal
matters.
Carl was married in April, 1866, to Theresa
Deis, from which union six children were born: Jacob C.,
on Feb. 9, 1867; Walter, in Nov. 1368; George
William on Apr. 21, 1872: William George on Apr. 21,
1872; Ida Marie, born May 19, 1877, and died Sept. 12,
1877; Marie Theresa, born Aug. 15, 1879, and died Jan.
21, 1891.
Carl Henne died on Aug. 17, 1908, and was
laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery.
“Forty years ago did you say?
Forty years? Ah, my friend it is true!
All the dreams that have flown since that day,
All the hopes in that time passed away, Old friend,
I’ve been thinking of you.’’
DR. ISAAC CELSUS KISER - Was
born in Fletcher, Miami County, on Aug. 16, 1873 and lived with his
father, Benjamin L., and his mother, Mary A. Hetzler,
until young manhood. He was educated in the public schools at
Fletcher, and at the Ohio Medical University at Columbus and
practiced his profession, after graduation, in his native town until
1918 when he removed to the city of Piqua, where he immediately
entered into a large and lucrative practice.
He married Rose S. Sanders in August of 1897,
who has been his intelligent and responsive help meet both in the
home and in his practice.
The Doctor has not confined his activities to his
profession. He served as State Senator for the 12th Senatorial
District comprised of Darke, Miami and Shelby counties from 1914 to
1916 and gained for himself a reputation for industry and
fearlessness in legislation that secured him the respect of his
constituents of both political parties. The Doctor is
intensely patriotic, serving for years as chairman of Memorial Day
services at Fletcher. Withal, he is also a good man and good
fellow.
RAPHAEL LOUIS—Was born in Piqua on
Oct. 7, 1861 and lived with his father, David Louis, and his
mother, Regina Lebensberger, until young manhood. His
father commenced the grocery business in I860 in which young
Raphael grew up. In 1908, he and his brother, Meyer
Louis established the Piqua Paper Box Factory on Covington Ave.,
and College [Page 537] -
street, Piqua, commencing on a small scale until they have now
expanded into an output of 2 1/? million boxes per year
and furnishing largely the trade in that
line for western Ohio and eastern Indiana.
MEYER LOUIS.—Another thorough-going
American of Hebrew ancestry, a partner of Raphael, was born
in Piqua on
Nov. 12, 1862 and was educated in the public schools of that city
and was married to Fannie Stetch on Oct. 1, 1891,
from, which union four children were born: Ruth, 1893;
Samuel, 1896; Helen, 1898; Ralph, 1900.
DR. WILL J. PRINCE -
DR. ROBERT
O'FERRALL -
JOHN P. SPIKER.
-
FRANK SHIPLEY -
[Page 538] -
ARCH MUIR VAUGHAN -
CLIFFORD D.
UPTON -
DR. LLOYD DANIEL
TROWBRIDGE - [Page 539] -
WILLIAM WILSON WOOD 3. -
ROLLIN. -
[Page 540] -
C. E. HEATHERINGTON. -
CYRUS T. BROWN.
-
HENRY WARE
ALLEN. - [Page 541] -
[PORTRAIT OF CARL HENNE]
[Page 542] -
[Page 543] -
[Page 544] -
[Page 545] -
JOHN W. BROWN. -
CAPTAIN JOSHUA
BABB. -
A. B. CAMPBELL.
-
[Page 546] -
W. A. HAINES. -
C. M. HUNT. -
JOHN GAHAGAN. -
JOHN WILSON
ROSS. -
C. BARTON BAKER.
-
A. W. DEWEESE. -
[Page 547] -
THOMAS CHALMERS HARBAUGH. -
A G. STOUDER. -
[Page 548] -
AMOS M. HETZLER. -
GEORGE A. FREY.
-
GEORGE R.
McCONNELL. -
[Page 549] -
J. W.
DAVIS - Who has long been prominently identified with the
affairs of Troy, Ohio, has been a resident of this city since 1880
and is engaged in the real estate and insurance business at the
present time. He was post master of Troy during the second
administration of President Cleveland, receiving his
appointment in 1893 and during his tenure of office had the
distinction of sending out the largest amount of first class mail of
any post-master of the same class in the United States, 300 mail
pouches being required for use in the local office. This
supremacy brought the city into prominence throughout the country.
Mr. Davis was born in Tippecanoe City, Miami County,
Ohio, in 1862 and was reared and graduated at that place, being a
graduate of the Tippecanoe City High School. In 1880 he came
to Troy and accepted a position as clerk with the wholesale and
retail grocery firm of D. M. McCullough. After one year
he entered the employ of C. L. Coolidge (dry goods, boots and
shoes) in the capacity of bookkeeper and salesman and so continued
for three years. He next represented E. Levering and Co.,
coffee importers of Baltimore, Maryland, in the wholesale and retail
trade through the states of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, continuing
with that firm for seven years. He then became associated in
business with C. T. Long under the name and style of Long
and Davis. They conducted a gentlemen’s furnishing and
fine tailoring establishment for a period of five years. In
1893 he was appointed postmaster and upon his retirement from that
office he became associated with M. K. Gantz and George S.
Long in the ownership of the Troy Democrat which they conducted
for two years. Mr. Davis then embarked in the
real estate and fire insurance business with which he has since been
successfully identified. He has always taken an active
interest in politics and the success of the Democratic party and has
served as chairman of the executive committee of that party and as
chief state supervisor of elections for Miami County. In 1889,
Mr. Davis, was united in marriage with Miss
Ellen Eliza Shilling who comes of one of the
pioneer families of Miami County and the youngest daughter of
Jesse Shilling, Sr. One son, Brice Barron Davis
was born to them and died in infancy. In 1915 Mrs. Davis
died, and in 1919 Mr. Davis was married to Mrs.
Lillian B. Ziegenfelder.
Mr. Davis is past Chancellor Commander of
the local lodge Knights of Pythias, Eminent Commander of Coleman
Commandery and a member of Antioch Shrine A. A. O. N. M. S. at
Dayton.
H. L. JOHNSTON. - Manager and chief
engineer of the Hobart Electric Manufacturing Company has been a
resident of Troy some twenty years. He was born at Bainbridge,
Indiana, and was nine years of age when his parents moved to
Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Johnston attended the
public schools of Cincinnati and afterward pursued a course of study
at the Ohio State [Page 550] -
University in electrical engineering, graduating with the class of
1892. He entered the employ of the General Electric
Company in the Cincinnati office and continued in its service for
three and one-half years. In 1893, he represented that
firm in the installation of the electrical work for the interurbnn
railroad from Troy to Piqua and continued here as superintendent of
the work for six months. This was the third interurban road
built in the State of Ohio, and the first to run big cars.
After retiring from the superintendency, Mr. Johnston
became associated with Mr. Hobart in electrical
manufacturing, the business being incorporated under the name of The
Hobart Electric Company. He was vice-president and treasurer
of the concern until he was made manager and chief engineer.
It is one of the principal manufacturing enterprises of the city and
transacts an enormous business. Mr. Johnston is
the mechanical expert of the Troy Sunshade Company in which he is
financially interested and is the patentee of several valuable
articles used by that firm. In 1900 Mr. Johnston
was united in marriage with Miss Adeline Smith, a
daughter of D. W. Smith, cashier of the First National Bank
of Troy for many years, and they have two children, Edward
and Frances. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights
of Pythias and the Troy Club. In religious attachment he and
his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.
JOHN L. PRUGH. -
GEORGE DREES. -
[Page 551] - [Page 552] - [Page 553] - [Page 554] - [Page 555] -
W.
R. THOMPSON, M. D. - Who for some forty years has been in the
active practice of medicine and surgery at Troy and enjoys a well
earned reputation for professional skill, was born in Montgomery
County, where he was reared.
After completing the common school course in his native
county, Dr. Thompson attended the Ohio Wesleyan College,
going from there to the University of Michigan, where he was
graduated from the medical department in 1869. He first took
up practice in Tennessee but after a year and a half he returned to
Montgomery County and located at Vandalia where he remained until
1879 when he came to Troy. Dr. Thompson is an
active and valued member of the Miami County, the Ohio State and the
American Medical Associations. He is the surgeon of the larger
number of corporations of Troy and numbers patients from all parts
of the State. In 1871 Dr. Thompson was married to
Miss Laura A. Stouder of Tippecanoe City, Miami County, and they
have three children, namely: Charlotte, who is the wife of
W. E. Bowyer, cashier of the Troy National Bank; Fannie E.
(the wife of Walter H. Coles, deceased) who died recently
at her home in Troy and Wilbur S., a promising young business
man of the city recently married to Miss Isabel Hayner.
In addition to being eminent in his profession, Dr. Thompson
is an active citizen, recognizing his responsibilities as such and
lending
his influence to everything which in his judgment is beneficial to
the community. JAMES E.
SIMES -
[Page 556] - [Page 557] - [Page 558] - [Page 559] - [Page 560] - [Page 561] - [Page 562] - [Page 563] - [Page 564] -
D. L.
LEE - The late D. J. Lee was born in Virginia of the
celebrated family of that name and came as an early settler to Miami
County. In Troy, his son David L. Lee was born in 1843
and educated in the district schools of the county. He had
scarcely left school when he enlisted for service in the Civil War
in which he remained from November, 1861, to the close of the war.
He entered Company E, Seventy-first Regiment, O. V. I. as a private
and was mustered out with the rank of sergeant. After taking
part in the battle of Shiloh he participated in the arduous campaign
through Tennessee and Georgia and was on every noted battle field
where his regiment was engaged until the battle of Nashville where
he was so severely wounded that it was found necessary to amputate
his left leg, the operation being performed in a field hospital.
On one occasion he was captured by a band of guerillas, six
companies being forced to surrender at Clarksville, but he was
paroled forty-eight hours later. There were few hardships of
war that Mr. Lee escaped, the entire record of his service
being one to reflect honor on his name as a soldier. After his
honorable discharge in April, 1865, Mr. Lee returned to Troy
where he learned the jewelry trade and worked at it for two years.
He then received his appointment to the United States Revenue
Service and served six [Page 565] -
years. In the fall of 1873 he was elected Sheriff of Miami County
and served two terms being re-elected in 1875. After that, he
was engaged in business for several years in Kansas City and after
he came back to Troy conducted a grocery enterprise for six years.
Then, under the administration of President Harrison,
he was connected with the revenue service again for four years.
Following this, came four years as Township Clerk when he was again
appointed to the revenue service where he continued an efficient
officer until the time of his death. In 1869, Sir.
Lee married Miss Elizabeth Clyde, a daughter of George
C. Clyde, who was a pioneer of Troy. Mrs. Lee died
in 1905 leaving two sons: Harry, who is connected with the
Central Union Telephone Company of Indianapolis, and Fred,
who is a successful funeral director of Tippecanoe City. Mr.
Lee was a member of the First Presbyterian church. He
was secretary and treasurer of the Seventy-first regiment, Ohio
Volunteer Association, for a number of years, belonged to the Grand
Army of the Republic and also was a member of the Odd Fellows and
Knights of Pythias and was treasurer of both these organizations for
a long time. ROBERT EVANS.
[Page 566] -
[Page 567 -
[Page 568] -
[Page 569] -
[Page 570] - [Page 571] - [Page 572] - [Page 573] - [Page 574] - [Page 575] - [Page 576] - [Page 577] - [Page 578] - [Page 579] - [Page 580] - [Page 581] - [Page 582] - [Page 583] - [Page 584] - [Page 585] - [Page 586] - [Page 587] - [Page 588] - [Page 589] - [Page 590] - [Page 591] - [Page 592] - [Page 593] - [Page 594] - [Page 595] - [Page 596] - [Page 597] - [Page 598] - [Page 599] -
[Page 600] - [Page 601] -
[Page 602] - [Page 603] -
[Page 604] -
DAVID M. COPPOCK - One of Miami
County's most prominent citizens, formerly mayor of Plesant Hill,
president of the Pleasant Hill Baking Company, president of the
Miami County Mutual Insurance Company and identified with many of
the movements which have resulted in advancing the various interests
of this section, was born Dec. 29, 1841 in Union township, Miami
County, Ohio, his parents being Benjamin and Esther (Miles)
Coppock. Benjamin Coppock was a native of Miami County
where his life was spent in agricultural pursuits. He married
Esther Miles, a daughter of William and Mary (Pearson)
Miles, and they had three children: David M., Almeda and
Elwood.
David M. Coppock obtained his education in the
Union Township schools but his success in life has not been
dependent upon the knowledge there gained, a natural inheritance of
foresight, ability and good judgment doing much more. He
remained with his parents through early manhood, including one year
after his marriage and then moved to the vicinity of Pleasant Hill
where he lived until 1905 when he came to Pleasant Hill, purchasing
here a residence. He still retains his valuable farm of 150
acres which is situated in Newton township. Mr. Coppock
was married (first) Mar. 21, I860, to Miss Jane Jay,
who died Jan. 17, 1879. She was a daughter of Joseph F. and
Mary Jay. The following children were born to that marriage:
Anabel, Horace, Lambert, Almeda, Furnas
J., Lura, Bertha, Fred and Charles B.
In August, 1880, Mayor Coppock married (second) Miss
Rachel Overman, a daughter of Silas and Hannah Overman,
of Marion, Indiana, and they have four children: Clarence,
Herbert, Chester J. and Esther J.
Politically, a Republican, Mr. Coppock has been
frequently chosen by that organization in the township as standard
bearer and prior to coming to Pleasant Hill served in local offices.
As mayor of the town he was a fearless official and has brought
about excellent local conditions. He still retains his
membership in the Grange and is also a Mason. For many years
he has been a leading member of the Christian church. [Page 605] -
[Page 606] - [Page 607] -
HON.
WALTER D. JONES - Common pleas judge for the Second Judicial
District of Ohio and one of the most highly esteemed residents of
Piqua was born in this city June 21, 1857, son of Hon. M. H. and
Jane (Wood) Jones. His father, but recently deceased, also
a resident of Piqua, was one of the best lawyers in Miami County,
was born in the District of Columbia in 1825 and became a resident
of Piqua, Ohio, at a comparatively early date. For a number of
years he was associated with his son Walter in a law
partnership, the firm commanding the leading practice in Piqua and
might almost be called the Nestor of the bar, having been engaged in
the legal practice here for more than sixty years.
Walter D. Jones was reared and educated in
Piqua, being graduated from the high school of Piqua in 1872.
He then began industrial life by learning the printer’s trade at
which he worked in the office of the Miami Helmet and in other
newspaper offices for several years. In the meanwhile under his
father’s direction he was acquiring a stock of legal learning and
having successfully mastered the principles of his profession was
admitted to the bar at Columbus, Ohio, before the Supreme Court of
the State in 1878. His first practice was in partnership with
his father with whom he continued for a number of years or until his
appointment by Governor Bushnell as common pleas judge
to fill the vacancy caused by the election of Judge Theodore
Sullivan to the Circuit Court bench. In the November
election of 1829 he was elected by the people to fill the unexpired
term of Judge Sullivan; he was re-elected for a full term in 1902
and again re-elected in 1907 which practice has continued and at the
present time Judge Jones is serving his fifth term as
common pleas judge of this county. He has shown all the
capabilities of an upright and learned jurist taking a comprehensive
view of every case and impartial in his decisions which are based
upon a sound knowledge of the principles of law and a careful
consideration of the evidence in every case which comes before him.
His uniform courtesy, as well to the younger as to the older members
of the profession has made him popular with all and he is much
esteemed by his legal conferees as he is respected by the citizens
in general throughout the district who see in him a faithful and
capable public servant. Before his elevation to the bench he
served for twelve years as city solicitor of Piqua being elected for
six terms, a record which shows the confidence reposed in him by his
fellow citizens. In his political principles Judge
Jones is a staunch Republican but has not been an active member
in the ranks of his party, preferring to devote his best energies to
the creditable performance of the duties pertaining to his judicial
office. Of decided literary tastes, he is an able writer but has
hitherto not sought to gain a reputation with his pen. He is a
prominent member of the Masonic Order, has served as Worshipful
Master of Warren Lodge, No. 24, F and A. M. and as high priest of
Piqua Chapter No. 31.
In 1879, Walter D. Jones was united in marriage
with Miss Laura Harlow, then and now a resident of Piqua, who
was born in Tennessee and who in her eighteenth year accompanied her
parents, Rev. William D. and Kate (Tuttle) Harlow to Miami
County, Ohio. Their union has been blessed by one daughter,
Laura C. It is a matter of pride to Judge Jones
that he has not had to go to some distant State to achieve success
but has carved out for himself an honorable career in the city of
his birth and among those who know him best—the friends of his early
years and those of his own name and blood.
WILLIAM F. DEETER -
[Picture of Old Massey House,
July, 1882, Piqua, O.]
[Page 608] - [Page 609] -
HON. J. HARRISON SMITH - One of
the leading members of the Miami County bar and a man who stands
high in the esteem of his fellow citizens, was born in Piqua, where
he now resides, on Sept. 1, 1861, son of Frederick and Mary (Sullenbarger)
Smith. His father was born in Baden Baden, Germany, in
1833, after coming to America enlisted in the Union army and was
killed at the battle of Stone River. John F. Smith
had not long been married when he thus met an untimely end for it
was but in 1860 that he was united in wedlock with Mary
Sulienbarger, who had become a resident of the county some ten
years previously, coming hither with her parents from her native
county of Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, where she was reared.
The subject of this sketch acquired his elementary
education in the public schools of Piqua and graduated from the High
School in the class of 1884. In the following year he became a
student in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, where he
remained for a year. He then entered Harvard University where
besides taking the regular classical course, he studied philosophy,
history, political economy and law. The last mentioned study
he pursued with special ardor for he had resolved to adopt the legal
profession as his future sphere of activity. After leaving
college he commenced the practical study of law under the mentorship
of the Hon. John McDonald of Piqua. That he showed
himself a young man of capacity may be gathered from the fact that
he soon afterwards— in 1890—received the appointment as special
agent in the United States census department to ascertain the
mortgaged indebtedness of the states of Mississippi and Arkansas
which work occupied him for some six months. He was then
offered a position at Washington. D. C., to assist in the
classification of the mortgaged indebtedness of the United States
and was there engaged until 1893. While a resident of the
Nation’s capital he entered the Columbia Law School (now the
George Washington Law School) and pursued his studies to such
good advantage that he was graduated a bachelor of law in 1891 and
received the degree of master of law in the following year. He
was admitted to the bar at Richmond, Virginia, in 1893.
On returning to his home in Miami County, Mr.
Smith, instead of immediately taking up the practice of his
profession, spent two years working on the farm but in March, 1896,
he was admitted to practice in his native state and has since been
engaged in the practice of law in the city of Piqua. In
November, 1896, he was elected on the Republican ticket as
prosecuting attorney, assuming the duties of his office in the
following January and serving two terms. He soon proved his
efficiency and it is the general opinion that the legal business of
the county was never better taken care of than when in his hands.
Mr. Smith was Probate Judge from November, 1902, and
served one term. He was subsequently nominated for a second
term but on this occasion suffered defeat.
For a number of years Mr. Smith has taken
an active and beneficial interest in local, state and congressional
politics, his aim being not merely the success of his party but the
carrying out of the popular will and the perpetuation of pure,
stable and representative government. As a lawyer he takes a
high rank possessing not only the qualifications of a good attorney
but also a high degree of forensic ability and eloquence. He
is also a keen judge of character and has been especially successful
in jury cases. He has a convenient and well appointed office
in the Orr block. Mr. Smith belongs to
various prominent fraternal orders, being a member of Dayton Lodge,
No. 147 F. and A. M., Piqua Lodge, No. 8. I. O. O. F. and Piqua
Lodge No. 523 B. P. O. E., also Loramie Tribe, Improved Order of Red
Men No. 353, Piqua, and Council No. 80, Junior Order United American
Mechanics.
He was married in 1895 to Miss Anna E. Ball, a
daughter of William B. and Kate Ball of Memphis, Tennessee.
They had two children, John H., who died, and Fred W.,
who was born August 1, 1908.
On Nov. 4, 1919, Mr. Smith was elected
Mayor of the City of Piqua by a majority of 951, the largest ever
received for that office in the history of that city.
JACOB STICHTER -
[Page 610] -
George Washington Law School) and pursued his studies to such
good advantage that he was graduated a bachelor of law in 1891 and
received the degree of master of law in the following year. He
was admitted to the bar at Richmond, Virginia, in 1893.
On returning to his home in Miami County, Mr. Smith,
instead of immediately taking up the practice of his profession,
spent two years working on the farm but in March, 1896, he was
admitted to practice in his native state and has since been engaged
in the practice of law in the city of Piqua. In November,
1896, he was elected on the Republican ticket as prosecuting
attorney, assuming the duties of his office in the following January
and serving two terms. He soon proved his efficiency and it is
the general opinion that the legal business of the county was never
better taken care of than when in his hands. Mr. Smith
was Probate Judge from November, 1902, and served one term. He
was subsequently nominated for a second term but on this occasion
suffered
defeat.
For a number of years Mr. Smith has taken an
active and beneficial interest in local, state and congressional
politics, his aim being not merely the success of his party but the
carrying out of the popular will and the perpetuation of pure,
stable and representative government. As a lawyer he takes a
high rank possessing not only the qualifications of a good attorney
but also a high degree of forensic ability and eloquence. He
is also a keen judge of character and has been especially successful
in jury cases. He has a convenient and well appointed office
in the Orr block. Mr. Smith belongs to various
prominent fraternal orders, being a member of Dayton Lodge, No. 147
F. and A. M., Piqua Lodge, No. 8. I. O. O. F. and Piqua Lodge No.
523 B. P. O. E., also Loramie Tribe, Improved Order of Red Men No.
153, Piqua, and Council No. 80, Junior Order United American
Mechanics.
He was married in 1895 to Miss Anna E. Ball,
a daughter of William B. and Kate Ball of Memphis, Tennessee.
They had two children, John H., who died, and Fred W.,
who was born Aug. 1, 1908.
On Nov. 4, 1919, Mr. Smith was elected Mayor of
the City of Piqua by a majority of 951, the largest ever received
for that office in the history of that city.
[Page 611] -
ROBERT F. WILSON. -
[Page 612] -
[Page 613] -
[Page 614] -
[Page 615] -
[Page 616] -
[Page 617] -
[Page 618] -
[Page 619] -
[Page 620] -
[Page 621] -
[Page 622] -
C.
ROY COPPOCK - Is a well known resident of Pleasant Hill,
Miami County, Ohio, and has charge of the correspondence of the
Jesse Beery Company of that place. He was born in
Bradford, Newberry township, Miami County, Sept. 4, 1874, a son of
Elwood and Sarah (Younce) Coppock, and a grandson of
Benjamin Coppock. Benjamin Coppock the grandfather, was
one of the early settlers of Miami County and was located on a farm
east of Ludlow Falls, in Union Township. He lived there until
his death in 1890 and was buried at Union Cemetery, as was his wife
who survived him for some years. Her maiden name was Esther
Milk and they had three children, two of whom are living,
David M., and Elwood. Religiously. they were
members of the Society of Friends. He was a Whig in politics.
Elwood Coppock was born at Ludlow Falls,
Miami County, where be lived until
[Page 623] -
after his marriage when he moved to Bradford and conducted a shoe
store. He remained there four years and then carried on the
same business in Arkansas. Returning north, he became a
traveling salesman at which he has since continued, being first
located at Goshen, Indiana, and then at Logansport, Indiana, where
he now lives. He is a Republican in politics. He was
married to Sarah Younce, a daughter of David
Younce and they became parents of six children: Minnie,
Lulu, C. Roy, Frank (deceased), Cado
(deceased) and Esther (deceased. C. Roy Coppock
first attended school in Arkansas, then at Goshen, Indiana, Webster,
Indiana, Fountain City, Indiana, Pleasant Hill, Ohio, Richmond,
Indiana. In the meanwhile he learned sign painting and the
trade of a baker, which he followed for a time, and he also followed
the insurance business. He engaged in selling sewing machines prior
to accepting his present position with the Jesse Beery
Company of Pleasant Hill. He served four years as city clerk
at Pleasant Hill and proved a most efficient officer. He is a
Republican in politics. Oct. 29, 1903, Mr. Coppock was
united in marriage with Miss Effie Whitmer, a daughter of
John W. and Frances Bell Whitmer, and they
have a pleasant home in Pleasant Hill.
Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic Lodge, the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Junior Order United
American Mechanics.
J. A. KERR,
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[Page 625] -
[Page 626] -
[Page 627] -
[Page 628] -
[Page 629] -
ALLEN
COPPOCK - A highly re-
[Page 630] -
spected citizen of Pleasant Hill, was born Mar. 14, 1838, in Newton
township, Miami County, Ohio, a son of Joseph C. and a
grandson of William Coppock. The Coppocks
were among the earliest Quaker settlers in this section and have
always been numbered with the reliable and substantial people,
William Coppock engaged in teaming and his wagons were
operated between Cincinnati and the outlying settlements. His
home was at Ludlow Falls. He married Eunice Cochran
and they had three children: Joseph, Susan and May.
William Coppock died about 1812 and his burial was one
of the first in the East Union Cemetery, a Friends’ burying ground.
His widow survived for several years.
Joseph C. Coppock was born in a log cabin which
still stands near Ludlow Falls, Miami County, Ohio. He engaged
in farming after his first marriage, later moved to the old mill
property near Pleasant Hill, after his third marriage, but in the
interim had lived for several years with his son Allen.
He died in June, 1896 and was interred in the East Union Cemetery.
For a number of years he was Justice of the Peace. Joseph
C. Coppock was married first to Sarah Jay, daughter of
William Jay. She died in 1841, the mother of three
children: William, Allen and Henry.
Mr. Coppock was married (second) to Sarah (Aldrich) Conway,
daughter of Varnum and Margaret Aldrich and two children were
born to this union: Amanda and Frank M. His
third marriage was to Bianca Barrett, a daughter of
Thomas Barrett.
Allen Coppock attended school until he
was about twenty years old, first near the Quaker meeting house and
later the district schools and completed his education at a well
known educational institution on College Hill, Cincinnati. He
assisted in operating the home farm after his return until 1864,
when he enlisted in Company A, 147th regiment, Ohio Volunteer
Infantry and served four months as a soldier. He escaped all
injury and after his marriage, which took place in a short time, he
settled down to farming one mile south of Pleasant Hill in Newton
township, where he had 144 acres winch he operated until 1871.
He then traded farms with his father, taking the old homestead and
there continued to live until 1898 when he retired to Pleasant Hill.
Mr. Coppock is in the enjoyment of excellent health and
taking advantage of his leisure has traveled quite extensively in
later years. On Dec. 18, 1908, he made a very interesting and
enjoyable visit to California and during this trip stayed two months
at Santiago, two month's at Los Angeles and also saw the sights of
San Francisco, the city rising from its ruins, and on the way back
home stopped over in Colorado and Salt Lake City. Such is trip
is not only interesting but educational. He reached home in
April, 1909.
On June 21, 1865, Mr. Coppock was married
to Miss Maria E. Furnas, a daughter of Joseph and Margaret
Furnas, and they have had the following children: Sarah,
Joseph, Margaret, Fred D., Jeddie
Carlton, Mary Ethel, Allen B., Harry
and Clarence C. Sarah married L. A.
Kesler and has three children. Joseph married Ida
Moler, a daughter of Ephriam Moler, and
they have two children—Jay S. and Josie.
Margaret married Omer Patty and they have three
children, Clarence, Joseph and William A.
Fred D. married Maude Miles, a daughter of
John and Susan Miles, and they have two daughters, Dorothy
and Eugene. Jeddie Carlton married Zoa DeBra,,
a daughter of John and Mary Ann Debra. She died
Oct. 29, 1905. He married (second) Bonnie Weaver,
a daughter of John Weaver. Mary Ethel
married Harry Brown, and they have one daughter,
Margaret. Allen B. married Grace Dickey.
Harry, born Dec. 22, 1868, died Aug. 10, 1870.
Carence C., born June 24, 1873, died Mar. 15, 1879. Mr.
Coppock joined the Masons in 1868 and has been identified
with the Pleasant Hill Lodge ever since. In Political
affiliation he is a Republican, but takes no active part
[Page 631] -
in campaign work. He is a member o£ Dan Williams
Post G. A. R. No. 369, Pleasant Hill.
R. HAYES WIDENER -
FRANK GOODMAN DAVIS - Merchant and manufacturer of
Tippecanoe City, Ohio, was the youngest son as well as the youngest
child of Enoch and Barbara Davis (nee Goodman) and was
born in Elizabeth Township, Miami County, Ohio, May 5, 1855.
He moved with family to Tippecanoe City (then a small village) in
1862, where he entered the union or public schools in which he
continued until he had a fair common school education, through the
use of which, together with his congeniality and his untiring
application to his duties, he has gained the enviable and honorable
position he now occupies. He is not only well known and
popular in and about his immediate home town but throughout the
entire county.
Mr. Davis’ first employment after leaving
school was at telegraphy, working at the key until the death of his
father in 1872 which compelled a thorough alteration of his plans.
From the key he went to a clerkship in the general store of
Bowman and Lindsley and from a clerkship with Bowman
and Lindsley, later J. W. Bowman, he rose to be a
partner, the firm being Bowman and Davis, which was
for many years one of the best known concerns in Miami County in the
mercantile business as well as one of the largest distributors of
general merchandise in south Miami County. The present firm is
Davis and Smith, which firm continued to handle a
large part of the general merchandising business of this most
prosperous little city and country surrounding.
Mr. Davis was one of the first promoters
of the whip manufacturing industry in Tippecanoe City and was one of
the first incorporators of The Tipp Whip Company and the president
of the company for nearly twenty years. He was also the
promoter of the Davis Whip Company which was incorporated eleven
years ago and his official relation to that company is president and
general manager. Both these concerns are prosperous and
representative of the most modern ideas in whip manufacturing.
Their output is marketed all over the United States. In 1332,
Mr. Davis was married to Diary E. Harshbarger,
daughter of Isaac D. and Hannah R. Harshbarger, nee Kable.
They have three children, Margaret E., Loa L., and Robert
G.
Mr. Davis, as well as an active citizen in
nearly everything good in the town, en-
[Page 632] -
joys distinction in Democratic political circles also and his
strength has been recognised by his party, it having nominated him,
unsolicited and against his earnest protest, twice for important
offices, his defeat in both instances being accomplished through the
most untiring endeavor of his opponents and by a reduction of a big
Republican majority to almost no majority at all. His party
honored him by sending him as a delegate to the National Democratic
Convention which convened in Chicago in 1892 and which nominated
Hon. Grover Cleveland for the presidency.
He belongs to F. and A. M. Lodge No. 174, I. O. O. F.
Lodge No. 247 and the
Royal Arcanum Lodge, all of Tippecanoe City, Ohio.
DAVID
DAVIS - A prosperous farmer residing one mile north of West
Milton, Ohio, has 148 acres in his home farm and is also the owner
of a fifty acre tract situated one-half mile west of that place,
both lying in Union township. He was born in that township
Jan. 27, 1831, and is a son of Benjamin and Margaret (Wareham)
Davis.
The paternal grandfather of Mr. Davis was
Abiathar Davis, who was a native of Wales. Upon coming to the
United States he first located in Georgia, and in 1902 made his way
north to Miami County where he remained for two years. He
later settled a section of land in Union township west of West
Milton and there lived the remainder of his days, being a carpenter
by grade, and also farming.
Benjamin Davis was about ten years old at
the time his parents came to Union township and here he was reared
to maturity, undergoing hardships of pioneer life. He always
followed farming and acquired 240 acres of land in Miami county, the
most of which he cleared and improved. In 1856, he said his
farm and went to Iowa where he purchased 700 awes. He was in
Iowa at the time of his death which occurred at the age of
eighty-four years. He married Margaret (Wareham)
Fetters of Pennsylvania and they had eleven children.
Her death occurred at the age of forty-nine years.
David Davis after completing his education in
the schools of West Milton, took up the occupation of farmer.
He worked for his father until he became of age and thereafter
worked for himself with all the energy and thrift characteristic of
the Welsh race. - On his home farm he erected one of the largest
residences in the vicinity, it being occupied by his son, who farms
the place, and he also made most of the other improvements now on
this farm. After many years of unceasing activity he
practically retired to enjoy the fruits ox his toil. He is
fond of travel arid spends most of his winters in Florida to escape
the severity of the northern climate.
Mr. Davis was first married to Miss Anna Mote,
whose death occurred in 1891, and they became the parents of five
children, as follows: J. O. Davis, of Troy, Ohio; Lambert,
deceased; J. Warren, who lives on the home place; Laura,
of Dayton, Ohio, and Mary, who lives at Springfield, Ohio. He
formed a second union with Miss Mary Kelly. Mr.
Davis is a Republican in politics, and served as a member of the
school board for a number of years.
A. J. IDDINGS -
[Page 633] -
WILLIAM WILGUS, SR. -
[Page 634] -
T.
C. SCHILLING (deceased) - Was for long years engaged in the
mercantile business in troy, having conducted a furniture store and
undertaking establishment for more than forty years. He was
born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1845 and as a son of Jesse Shilling
who prior to his death, was one of the prominent and active citizens
of Troy. Jesse Shilling, a son of William and Hannah
Shilling, was born in Maryland in 1825 and was about two years
of age when his parents removed to Columbus. There he was
reared and educated and when twenty-one years of age was foreman of
the Hayden Foundry at Columbus, O. He acquired
considerable skill as an engineer and followed that occupation for
years. In 1854 he removed to Troy and soon after agitated the
establishment of a fire department here. Largely through his
activity the project was favorably acted upon and he was installed
as the first engineer of the department. He was always among
the foremost in furthering the city's interests, being one of the
founders of the present water works system and was most highly
esteemed by his fellow citizens.
T. C. Shilling attended school in Columbus until
his parents moved to Troy in 1854 and then attended school here
until the Civil War was in progress. He enlisted as a member
of Company H, 147th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Upon
his return from the front he engaged in the dry goods business for
some years and then formed a partnership with T. C. Bond
under the firm name of Bond and Shilling, in the
furniture and undertaking business. The partnership continued
sixteen years when upon the death of Mr. Bond, Mr. F. C.
Roberts became a partner, the firm name being changed to
Shilling and Roberts. This establishment was most
successfully conducted and commanded a lib-
[Page 635] -
eral patronage at the hands of the people. Mr.
Shilling was married at Ft. Wayne, Indiana, to Miss Jennie
Hartzell and they have two sons, Eugene and Wade,
both of whom became identified with the business of Shilling
and Roberts, the younger son, Wade, being now in the
undertaking business for himself. Mr. Shilling
took a deep interest in local politics, but with exception of
service on the School Board has filled no public office.
Fraternally he was a member and has filled all the chairs of the
following lodges: Blue Ledge, F. and A. M.; Chapter; Odd Fellows;
Knights of Pythias; also a member of the Knights Templar. He
was past commander of the local post, G. A. R. Religiously he
was a member of the First Baptist church. Failing health
compelled his retirement from active business and after several
years of semi-invalidism he died in July, 1919.
[PORTRAIT OF JOHN W. STILLWELL]
JOHN WILLIAM STILLWELL
[Page 636] -
HAVILAH
COPPOCK - The subject of this sketch was born in Union
Township, Miami County, of pure American stock, transplanted here
from South Carolina, on the 8th day of February, 1843. His
father and mother, James and Jane, came to Miami
County in 1804, and entered 160 acres of land, near Ludlow creek,
west of the picturesque falls, a picture of which will be found on
page 369 of volume 2. They were of the Quaker faith, and so
much opposed to the institution of slavery that they sought a home
in a free state, and rather than bring up around them they came to
the primeval children in contact with that influence around them,
they came to the primeval forests where the antlered deer ran his
swift course, in advance of the baying hounds. The black bear,
the wild cat, the fox, the lynx, the raccoon, the opossum, were here
in great abundance. It was not only a land with abundance of
game, but a land of sunny skies and sparkling springs, of beautiful
scenery, verdant dales and flowery fields, of fruitful soil and many
wild fruits and nuts, of healthful and delightful climate and
luxuriant flora and fauna.
When the subject of this sketch first opened his eyes
lo the light many changes in these surroundings had taken place.
The school and church had followed quickly in the path of progress;
much of the great forest growth had disappeared and all of the
larger game. He was of the second generation of pioneers who
largely placed the county in its present advanced position, in which
work he has borne a conspicuous and honorable part. He
remained on the home place till he had obtained his majority, when,
after having been educated in the public schools of the time, he
became a school teacher and married Mary Potter, in
December, 1867, from which union he had three children. His
wife dying, he again married Josephine Vore
Pickering, on June 23th, 1898. For years he purchased live
stock and sold them in the Dayton market, and at first hauled them
by wagon, but when his business extended he drove them through,
occupying three day on the going trip. He owns the old home
farm, near the old woolen mill, on Ludlow creek, which in the early
day was a station of the underground railway in which the elder Cop
pock was an ardent agent. It was the duty of this station to
receive runaway negroes and forward them to the next station in
Mercer county. This mill was owned by Isaac Coate.
Mr. Coppock served his township as
assessor for three years, and township trustee for four years.
He was elected a County Commissioner in 1896, and served for six
years, besides a term of eight months from January, 1867 to
September of that year, before his regular term commenced. He
was a faithful, upright and efficient officer. No padded bills
passed his watchful eye. Although he belongs only to the Big
church and the big lodge, he is a man of high morals and stands for
the highest class of citizenship. He said to me but yesterday,
“I am in good health, and so far as my vital organs are concerned.
I may live 15 years yet, but I feel that whenever the time comes, I
will leave with a consciousness that I have tried to live right.”
[Page 637] -
He visits his 230 acres of rich land practically every
clay, superintending its management with enthusiasm and keen
enjoyment.
He lives in a fine residence in West Milton. The
world will be better for Havilah Coppock having lived
in it.
WIRT KESSLER.
A. M. FRY
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[Page 639] -
[Page 640] -
[Page 640a] -
HARRY L. DAVIS
Served as Mayor of Cleveland, Ohio, from 1916 to 1920, resigning the
same to become a candidate for Governor of Ohio, to which office he
was elected on Nov. 2, 1920 and to which he was inaugurated on Jan.
10th, 1921. His greater field lies in the future when a full
sketch of his life is written. This history of Miami county is
the only book extant in the state containing a portrait of all the
Governors of the state from St. Clair to Davis.
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