USA > Ohio > Miami County > Troy > Centennial history. Troy, Piqua and Miami county, Ohio > Part 54
USA > Ohio > Miami County > Piqua > Centennial history. Troy, Piqua and Miami county, Ohio > Part 54
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Franklin A. De Weese spent his boyhood days on the farm and when he could be spared from the farm work attended the district schools, his school days being very limited. After his marriage he went to Shelby County, and ran his father's farm at Anna Station one year, after which he took charge of the stone quarry for his father for two years. He rented a farm from his father a few years, and in 1882 bought his present farm from his brother, Harry DeWeese, the house on it having been completed the year previously. IIe farmed this in connetion with the farm of his uncle, Simon Estey, and later he erected a small greenhouse, 60x12 feet, which he heated by furnace. He later erected a hothouse 72x20 feet, another 72x25 feet, and still later a third one, 12x72 feet. Ile makes a specialty of lettuce and spring flowers, and has built up a large and well paying business. He puts out about 2,000 or 3,000 geraniums each year, which he sells to the citizens of Troy, and he also raises many plants.
November 20, 1879, he was united in marriage with Miss Nettie Small, a daugh-
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ter of David B. and Ellen (Conklin) Small. Her father was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, and was a mere baby when they came to Miami County, one of his treasured possessions at the present time being a little rocking-chair they had for him at the time of his arrival here. Mr. Small was born in New York State and was three years of age when the family moved from there to Miami County. The Small family in generations back were all great hunters, and Mrs. DeWeese is an expert in the use of firearms. Mr. and Mrs. De Weese are parents of the follow- ing children: Lester, who married Nellie Knoop and has a daughter, Virginia; Clyde, who married Mary McClung and has a son. Orville; Mattie, wife of George Shroyer; Elwood, who assists his father at the hothouses ; and May, who is a fresh- man in Piqua High School. Religionsly they are members of the Christian Church. He is a Republican in politics and formerly served as pike superintendent. He is at the present a member of the School Board. Fraternally he is a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics.
J. W. SIMMONS, an extensive grower of fruit and vegetable plants, is a substan- tial citizen and business man of Casstown, Miami County, Ohio. From a small and unassuming start, he has built np a large business and has a larger demand for his products than he can fill. He was born at Panola, Mississippi, March 25, 1844, and is a son of John and Agnes (Patter- son) Simmons.
John Simmons, father of the subject of this sketch, was born near Huntsville, Ala- bama, and when a young man went to Co- lumbia, Tennessee. There he was mar-
ried to Agnes Patterson, who was born within the shadow of the Natural Bridge in Virginia. After marriage they moved to Panola, Mississippi, where they re- mained for a time, and then located on a plantation in that vicinity, Mr. Simmons becoming a large cotton raiser. He was a strong Democrat in politics, and stumped his county for JJames K. Polk for presi- dent. It was his desire to name the sub- jeet of this sketch and his twin brother, Polk and Dallas, respectively, in honor of the president and vice-president who had been recently elected. He died in 1850, while in the prime of life. He and his wife were parents of the following children : William J., deceased ; James F., deceased ; Virginia E .. wife of George Rutledge, of Dayton, Ohio; Charles, a twin, who died at the age of nine months; and John Wood- ruff, a twin to Charles. Ten years after the death of her first husband, Mrs. Sim- mons formed a second marital union with James McCandless, who died in 1879. She survived him until 1892, when she. too, passed away.
John W. Simmons was a mere child when his parents moved from Panola to the plantation, and was six years old at his father's death. The year following the family moved to Dayton, Ohio, where he lived until his seventeenth year. At the time of his leaving, that city had a popu- lation of about 22.000, and was without water works, steam engines in connection with the fire department, a police force, or the various other departments which now characterize a city of that importance. Ile went to live upon the farm of his step- father, James MeCandless, in Lost Creek Township. Miami County, Ohio, which the latter had settled upon as early as 1828.
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Ile always had the greatest respect for Mr. MeCandless, who treated him with. pa- ternal kindliness. He remained on that place until he entered the army during the civil War. He entered the state serv- ice in 1863, and in May, 1864, became a 100-day man in the regular service, being on duty in the vicinity of the City of Washington. Upon receiving his honor- able discharge he returned to Miami Coun- ty, and was married the following year. Ile then located at his present place in C'asstown, but continued to farm until 1874. He then began raising small plants. at which he has been so successful. He first bought two acres of land here at $200 per acre, for which he went in debt. and he now owns three good residence properties in addition to his garden plot. He began without a dollar he could call his own and no experience, and the progress made by him is best shown by a partial statement of his products in 1908. He raised 35,000 cabbage, 25,000 tomato, 8,000 mango and 45,000 sweet potato plants. He also shipped 240,000 strawberry and 54,000 raspberry plants. He has fourteen beds, all under glass, and equipped in the most modern fashion. In thirty-four years he has never failed to have a crop.
In 1865 Mr. Simmons was united in mar- riage with Miss Effie Yaste, who was born in Maryland and was six years old when brought by her parents to Miami County. Ohio, making the trip in a carriage. She is a daughter of Colonel Samuel and Mary (Youtsey) Yaste, her father having been colonel of a regiment organized during the War of 1812. They have one son. Frank Simmons, who is in partnership with his father in the horticultural business. Frank was first married to Myrtle Jones, who
died six years later, and he subsequently formed a second union with Miss Alta Everingham. by whom he has a son, Paul. J. W. Simmons has always been as staunch a Republican as his father was a Demo- erat before him. He served two terms capably as township treasurer, in 1892 and in 1-94. He is a member of Coleman Post. G. A. R .. at Troy.
CHARLES E. GAINES, M. D., a well known physician and surgeon of Coving- ton, where he has been located since 1898, is serving his second term as coroner of Miami County. Ohio. He was born on a farm in Champaign County, Ohio, October 21. 1858, and is a son of Moses T. and Ann (Grafton) Gaines.
Dr. Gaines was reared on the farm and attended the district schools and Urbana High School. from which he was gradu- ated in 1875. He then returned to the farm for a time. and later entered Oberlin College. He in 1878 began teaching school, at which he continued for two years, and during this time began the study of med- icine under the preceptorship of Dr. B. F. Baker. of St. Paris. He represented a drug house on the road for some years in order to secure the means of completing his professional training, and later at- tended the medical department of the Uni- versity of Kentucky, from which he re- reived the degree of M. D. in 1890. He moved to Covington in 1898 and soon gained a high position in the profession of the county. In 1905 he was first elected county coroner, and in 1908 was re-elected for a term of three years. He has proved a man of exceptional ability, and in his conscientious discharge of his duties of of-
RALPH H. GIBSON
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fice has gained the commendation and high esteem of the public.
Charles E. Gaines was united in mar- riage with Miss Laura Stevens, and they have three children, namely: Dr. Waldo Gaines, who is in partnership with his father in practice and is a graduate of Central College of Physicians and Sur- geons at Indianapolis, Indiana : Mabel. the wife of Clifford Townsend, who has a daughter. Virginia Ann: and Thaddora. who is the youngest and unmarried. Dor- tor Gaines is a member of the Miami Conn- ty Medical Society, and of the Knights of Pythias. In polities he is consistent in his advocacy and support of Republican prin- ciples. Religiously he is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Covington.
RALPH I. GIBSON. the efficient sheriff of Miami Comty and a citizen hell in high estimation throughout the county. was born in Noble County, Ohio, Novem- ber 23, 1874. Ilis parents were Charles T. and Aminervi (Reed) Gibson. the former of whom followed the occupation of salesman.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools. and when okl enough to begin industrial life, took up railroading, soon after being appointed freight agent. He came to Miami County in 1880 and for some time was in the em- ploy here of the Cincinnati. Hamilton and Dayton Railroad. Then, giving up rail- road work, he went on the road a- a trav- eling salesman, in which occupation he continued four years, at the end of that time becoming department recorder of Miami County. He was elected sheriff of the county, on the Republican ticket. in November, 1905, entering upon the duties
of the office in the following January. In 190$ he was re-elected without opposition. He has made a very capable official and has won the regard of the voting popula- tion without distinction of party.
Sheriff Gibson is well advanced in Free Masonry and is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Elks. He mar- ried Miss Nellie Deeter, a daughter of Fred Deeter, of Pleasant Hill. Mrs. Gib- son was a member of the Christian Church, but since her marriage has become a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Gibson was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but at pres- ent does not belong to any. They have many warm friends throughout the coun- ty. Their home is in Troy, where they ocenyy a pleasant and commodious resi- dente.
THE PECKILAM COAL AND ICE COMPANY. a large business enterprise of Miami County, which is carried on both at Pigna and at Troy, under the same name and management, was established at Troy in 1900. and incorporated with the fol- lowing officers: Frank J. Peckham, presi- dent : Charles Peckham. secretary: and David Beckham, treasurer. In both cities large ice plants have been created and all facilities have been provided for the car- rying on of a business of large propor- tions according to modern methods.
Frank J. Peckham. the president and leading spirit of this important business concern, is yet a young man, born in 1877, at Troy, Ohio, a son of George W. Peck- ham. of that city. He obtained his educa- tion in the schools of District No. 4. Con- cord Township, and in the Troy High School. His first work was done at Day-
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ton, where he filled a position as book- keeper for six months, after which he re- turned to Troy and went into the coal business, later establishing an ice plant and conducting a successful business iu bothi necessary commodities, and in 1900 entering into the present corporation. In October, 1906, Mr. Peckham was married to Miss Florence Hawley, of Troy. They are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Peckham belongs to the National Associa- tion of Engineers.
VAN SHEARS DEATON, M. D., is a prominent member of the medical profes- sion of Miami County, located at Miami City, and is one of the foremost citizens of that locality. Progressive and public spirited, he has always been closely identi- fied with the affairs of the community, and has often been called upon to serve in offices of high public trust. The Doctor was born near Addison, in Jackson Town- ship, Champaign County, Ohio, August 1, 1847, and is a son of Nathan and Sarah (Scoby) Deaton.
George Deaton, grandfather of the sub- jeet of this sketch, was a resident of Vir- vinia and died in that State. He married Susan Ream, who was born in 1787, and their offspring were William, Andrew, Samuel, George, Nathan, Levi, Mary, Martha and Susan-all deceased but Susan.
Nathan Deaton was joined in marriage with Susan Seroby, a daughter of William Seroby, of Champaign County, and their children were as follows: Van Shears; Lydia A., wife of Jason Cutler, of St. Paul, Kansas; Emory G., who married El- len Hackett, and was a neighbor to the famous John Brown, in Kansas; Emma
D)., wife of John MeMorran, of St. Paris, Ohio; William Dyke, who married Mary Stafford, of New Carlisle; and Charles, who died in infancy.
Van Shears Deaton became an orphan at the age of nine years. He was educated in the public school at Christiansburg and the Honey Creek school, leaving the latter in 1864 to enter the army. He served with credit until near the close of the Civil War, when he returned to the home farm of Levi Deaton, in Clark County, Ohio. He worked on a farm, and for two years attended school in Lebanon, after which he engaged in teaching for several years, at the same time pursuing the study of medieine under Dr. Jonathan Thatcher, of Aleony. He taught the Hickory Grove School in Bethel Township, Miami County, two terms, and in Elizabeth Township two terms. Ife was graduated from the Cin- cinnati College of Medicine and Surgery in 1873, after a three years' course, and immediately thereafter engaged in prae- tice at Addison, where he continned for a period of four years. He then moved to Miami City, or Alcony Postoffice, where he has been engaged successfully in prac- tice for thirty-one years. He is a thorough student and has kept abreast the rapid ad- vaneement made in the science of medi- cine, and has met with good results in the treatment of the many complicated cases which have come under his care during his long practice here. Although his profes- sion has always been first and foremost with him, he has given much of his time to public service. He was coroner of Mi- ami County two years; justice of the peace six years ; a member of the Board of Edu- cation under the old law for sixteen years ; and a member of the State Legislature
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two terms, from 1894 until 1898, serving during his second term as chairman of the Committee on Common Schools. He has been a member of the Board of Edu- cation four years under the new law, and is serving his second term as president of that body. He is now president of the Board of Pension Examiners, and former- ly was a member of that board for four years during the administration of Presi- dent Harrison. In addition to his prop- erty in Miami City, Dr. Deaton is the owner of a fine farm of 115 acres in Pike Township, Clark County, farmed by his son, Ross.
Van Shears Deaton was married March 6, 1873, to Miss Laura E. Shidaker, daugh- ter of Henry and Elizabeth Shidaker, of Elizabeth Township, and they have two children: C. Ross, who married Loretta Moses, daughter of the late Samuel Moses, of Champaign County, by whom he has a son, Cecil Aquila, named in honor of Gen. Aquila Wiley, of Wayne County; and Dr. Ernest Heber Deaton, who married Mayme Deaton, daughter of Thomas Jefferson Deaton, of St. Louis, and is engaged in practice in that city. Fraternally the sub- jeet of this record is a member of Cass- town Lodge, I. O. O. F., and has passed through all the chairs of that lodge. He also is a member of Coleman Post, G. A. R., at Troy. In polities he is unswerving in his support of Republican principles. Dr. and Mrs. Deaton attend the MeKon- dree Methodist Episcopal Church of Eliza- beth Township.
JOHN McCLAIN, proprietor of the U. S. Anction Syndicate, doing business as a department store at Troy and handling almost every commodity, has been a resi-
dent of this city for the past twenty-two years. He was born in 1858, at Alliance, Ohio, where he was reared and educated. Mr. MeClain started into business as a traveling salesman and for ten years he represented commercial firms on the road, but after he came to Troy, in 1887. he em- barked in business for himself, establish- ing here the U. S. Auction Syndicate and investing in other enterprises. He is a director in the First National Bank and is treasurer of the Troy Telephone Company and has stock in other business houses. He is a very active and publie-spirited cit- izen and is serving as president of the Board of Public Service, this being his fourth year, and has also been a useful member of the City Council. Mr. McClain married Miss Lois Liddell, of Cleveland, Ohio, and they have five sons and one daughter: John W., of Detroit; William HI., a high school student: Harold; Car- roll; and Howard and Hellen, twins. Mr. McClain is a member of the Catholic Church and, fraternally, he is an Elk.
JOHN MCCANDLISS, who has always lived in Miami County, Ohio, is one of the progressive citizens and farmers of Staun- ton Township, where he has 140 acres of good land, and is at the present time one of the trustees of the township. He was born in Washington Township, Miami County, May 4, 1849, and is a son of James and Mary (Abbott) McCandliss, and a grandson of James MeCandliss, Sr.
James MeCandliss, Sr., was born in Pennsylvania, and after his marriage came to Miami County, Ohio, where he followed his trade as a carpenter. After a time he purchased a farm southwest of Piqua, in this county, where he resided at
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the time of his death. He and his wife
In 1867 Mr. McCandliss was united in were parents of the following children: marriage with Miss Margaret Heiner, who John, James, Amos, William, Mary, Sarah, Rebecca, Nancy and Ann. All are now deceased but the last named, who is the wife of David Mitchell.
James MeCandliss, father of the sub- ject of this record, was born in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, and was a young man when he accompanied his parents in wagons across the country to Miami Coun- ty, Ohio. Ile was a miller by trade, and for a time was identified with the mills of a Mr. Allen and Dye & Culberson. He later conducted the Sheets mill for a period of thirty years, and continued un- til his death in 1899, at the age of seventy- two years. He married Mary Abbott, who was born in Lost Creek Township, Miami County, Ohio, and is now living at an ad- vaneed age. The following were the issue of their union: John; James; Nancy, widow of Charles Rosser; Mella, wife of George Wolfe; Isaac; Charles ; May Bell, wife of Albert Carnes; and Crosier.
John MeC'andliss spent his youth on the farm, and being the eldest, had to go to work when young. His schooling was very limited, but he is a man of fair education, almost wholly self-acquired. At the age of ten years he went to live with Isaac Sheets in Elizabeth Township, and after growing up, conducted the latter's farm- ing operations, remaining with him in all about forty years. In 1903 he purchased his present farm in Staunton Township of B. F. Smith, and replaced all the old buildings with new and modern structures. He conducted a dairy in years past, but now devotes his time to general farming. He has a fine home and a well improved and fertile farmi.
died February 25, 1905, leaving a daugh- ter, Bertha, who is the wife of Clinton Trucksis and lives near Youngstown. Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Trueksis have six children- Melvin, Mary, John, Raymond, Harry and Margaret. Fraternally the subject of this sketch is a member of Casstown Lodge, No. 426, I. O. O. F. He is a Democrat in polities, and for many years served as su- pervisor in Elizabeth and Staunton Town- ships. In 1908 he was elected trustee of the latter. In 1909 Mr. McCandliss, ac- companied by Mr. Lincoln Cyrus, made an extended and pleasant trip to Texas.
JESSE SHILLING, superintendent of the engineering and electrical works in connection with lighting and heating the Miami County Court House at Troy and the jail and infirmary, having charge of the county electrical plant, was born at Troy, in 1857, and is a son of the late Jesse Shilling, who was a pioneer in Mi- ami County.
Jesse Shilling, Jr., was reared and edu- cated at Troy, where he went to the high school, after which he entered the Troy Fire Department, where he remained for ten years and operated one of the engines. He then left home and went as far south as Texas, and during the eight months of his stay there acted as a fireman on the Texas & Pacific Railroad, and later also ran an engine. AAfter he returned to Troy he was in the employ of the manufacturing firm of Child's Catarrh Specific, where he continued for about eight years. In 1887 lie became connected with his present work, of which he is now the capable su- perintendent.
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In 1879 Mr. Shilling was married to Miss Dora Hickerson, who was born and reared in Troy and is a daughter of James Hiekerson, who was one of the pioneer furniture dealers in this place. Mr. and Mrs. Shilling have two children : Harvey, who is a student in the Ohio State Uni- versity; and Leah, who resides at home. Mr. Shilling and wife are members of the Baptist Church. He is a Knight of Pythias and is ex-president of the local lodge of the National Association of Sta- tionary Engineers.
WILLIAM W. WHITMER, one of C'ov- ington's representative business men, con- ducting a furniture store and undertaking business, was born at Covington. Ohio, January 4, 1854. and is a son of John and Sarah (Lenhart) Whitmer.
John Whitmer was born, reared and married in Pennsylvania. In 1840 he set- tled at Pleasant Hill, Ohio, where he es- tablished a general store, conducting it for a time and then selling out in order to lo- cate at Covington. Here he entered into partnership with John Mikesell and Col. J. C. Ullery and conducted a general store until 1860, when he returned to Pleasant Hill, and until he retired in 1873, was in- terested in a general store at that point. He lived into advanced age, his death tak- ing place January 2. 1907, when he had almost reached his ninety-fifth birthday. He married Sarah Lenhart, who died De- cember 1, 1905, aged eighty-six years. They had eleven children.
William W. Whitmer was reared at Pleasant Hill. In 1886 he first engaged in the undertaking business, and in part- Dership with his brother-in-law, J. 1. Yount, bought out Fred Deeter, at Pleas-
ant Hill. The partners continued together for four years in that line and then traded for a traet of land in Mercer County, Ohio, which they later sokl. In June, 1891, he embarked in the undertaking business at Covington, and in 1902 added furniture dealing, having a partner in his nephew, R. R. Whitmer. although the business style continues Whitmer Bros. The firm carries a fine line of furniture, and for its undertaking business has every neces- sary equipment.
Mr. Whitmer married Miss Flora A. Shephard, a daughter of David C. Shep- hard, of Parke County, Ohio, and they have four children, namely : Cora B., who married W. B. Lyle: Gertrude, who car- ries on a millinery business at Covington ; J. D., who is a graduate of the Ohio State University at Columbus and is in business in Oregon; and Margaret, who resides at home. Mr. Whitmer and family are mem- bers of the Christian Church, in which he is a deacon. He is one of the active mem- bers of this body and for ten years served as church clerk. His fraternal connections include the Masons, both branches of the Odd Fellows, and the Red Men.
GEORGE WASHING, who is engaged in the grocery business at Piqua, was born in 1872, at Piqua. Ohio, and is a son of George Washing. a native of Germany. who died at Piqua in 1874.
George Washing, the younger, grow to manhood in his native city and was edu- cated in her excellent schools. Early in life he began to take care of himself, and engaged in elerking in grocery stores. which naturally led him into embarking in the business for himself. In 1900 he opened his own store and now has an ex-
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cellent line of trade, having won the con- fidence and esteem of the public through his honesty and courtesy while working for others. Ile also handles feed of all kinds and has an np-to-date meat market, car- rying a a full line of fresh and salt meats.
In 1898 Mr. Washing was married to Miss Margaret Weishardt, and they have four children, Frances, George, Margaret and Ray. Mr. Washing and wife are mem- bers of the German Methodist Episcopal Church at Piqua, he belonging to the offi- cial board. He is an active and useful member of the Retail Business Men's As- sociation.
JOHN LAMKA, general farmer and re- spected citizen of Elizabeth Township, Mi- ami County, resides on his valuable prop- erty, which consists of fifty-five acres of land, situated in Section 20 and lying along the lower Troy and Springfield Turnpike Road. He was born in Ger- many, June 20, 1843, and is a son of Will- iam and Sophia (Huptner) Lamka. The parents of Mr. Lamka never came to America, and only two of their family of fourteen children have made their homes in the United States. The father of Mr. Lamka died in Germany in 1881.
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