USA > Ohio > Shelby County > History of Shelby County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 69
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98
L. E. BLAKELEY, postmaster at Botkins, O., successor of his father, the late A. E. Blakeley, in this office, and also succeeding him as editor and owner of The Botkins Herald, one of the leading weekly newspapers of Shelby county, was born at Botkins, March 10, 1882, a son of A. E. and Emma (Cochlin) Blakeley.
A. E. Blakeley was born at Botkins when it was little more than a village, June 25, 1856,, and was a son of John and Elizabeth (Elliott) Blakeley, the former of whom was from Pennsylvania and one of the pioneer settlers in this part of Shelby county. John Blakeley followed farming but later retired and lives at Botkins, one of its oldest residents, being now in his ninetieth year. A. E. Blakeley was reared on a farm, later taught school, and then went into the newspaper business, first at Sidney, in 1898 coming to Botkins, where he established The Botkins Herald and had made it a leading organ of his party before his death, which occurred in January, 1912.
L. E. Blakeley was reared and educated at Botkins and after completing the high-school course entered his father's newspaper office and continued in this connection, succeeding to his father's interests and responsibilities
644
HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY
as above mentioned. In April, 1912, he became postmaster, having received the highest grade at the civil service examination, thereby gaining the office. Mr. Blakely married Miss Ollie Giams, daughter of A. P. Giams, of Botkins, and they have one child, Geraldine. Mr. Blakeley is a member of the Bot- kins school board, and fraternally is identified with the Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World.
O L. KERR, who has held the office of postmaster at Houston, O., since June, 1902, and is also ticket agent of the Big Four railroad at that place, was born in Northwood, Logan county, O., July 29, 1868, a son of D. P. and Charlotte E. (Carter) Kerr. Both his parents were natives of Logan county, the mother's family residing at Huntsville, O., and in that county they were married. Mrs. D. P. Kerr was a daughter of K. G. and Nancy A. (Cooper) Carter; her father, K. G. Carter, who came from Vir- ginia, died at Cherokee, Logan county, this state. Her mother, Nancy A. (Cooper) Carter, the maternal grandmother of O. L. Kerr, died at Hunts- ville, Logan county.
Mr. Kerr's parents resided for a short time at Bellefontaine, in Logan county, from which place they removed to Northwood in the same county, and then to Harper, also in that county, where D. P. Kerr was engaged for some time in mercantile business. Afterwards he carried on the same busi- ness at Big Springs, Logan county, O., and was postmaster there for a num- ber of years. He next moved to Alvada, O., and after a short stay came back to Logan county, settling at Wharton, where he conducted a store. This he subsequently sold and taking up his residence again in Bellefontaine, spent the rest of his days in that place, where he died August 3, 1910, at the age of seventy-three years and one month. He was buried in the old Harrod cemetery, near Huntsville, O. He was married to Charlotte E. Carter September 15, 1864. He and his wife were members of the Presby- terian church, and at one time he studied for the ministry but was obliged to relinquish his studies on account of poor health. He was a republican in politics and while a resident of Bellefontaine, served as assessor of his ward. He and his wife were the parents of two children: Minnie, who died in infancy, and O. L., the subject of this sketch.
O. L. Kerr in his boyhood attended school at Harper and Big Springs, O., and then attended the Agosta Normal School at Agosta, Marion county, O. He then began business life as clerk in his father's store. He later began the study of telegraphy in the employ of the old "Bee line" and a year later was taken on as extra agent. In April, 1890, he was made station agent at Houston for the Big Four, formerly the old "Bee Line," which position he has since held, having performed his duties in a manner satis- factory to the company. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Piqua Lodge, No. 8, of the O. R. T. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, in which he holds the office of deacon and clerk. In politics he is a republican, as was his father.
O. L. Kerr was married August 22, 1893, to Mary P. Ginn, who was
7
GRANT E. RUSSELL
MRS. GRANT E. RUSSELL
647
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
born west of Fort Loramie, O., March 9, 1875, a daughter of John and Ella A. (Wilson) Ginn, of McLean township, who are now residents of Houston, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Kerr have had children as follows: Paul Ginn, born August 9, 1895, who died July 24, 1896, and is buried in Houston cemetery; Dean Burwell, born September 18, 1898, who is now a pupil in the eighth grade of the Houston school; Dale Wilson, born August 2, 1902, who is in the fifth grade of the same school; and Vesta Agnes, born October 27, 1905, who is in the second grade, Houston special school district. Mr. and Mrs. Kerr have resided in Houston since their marriage, where they have many friends. Mrs. Kerr is a member of the Presbyterian church, and an active member of the W. C. T. U., being president of the local branch.
EDWARD J. SHAFER, member of the firm of Paul & Shafer, operat- ing a grain elevator at Botkins, O., is an enterprising and representative busi- ness man of this section and is well known in this and adjacent counties. He was born on his father's farm near Lock No. 2, in Auglaize county, O., December 18, 1869, and is a son of Jacob and Susan (Keister) Shafer.
Edward J. Shafer was reared on the home farm in Washington town- ship and engaged in agricultural purusuits until March, 1906, when he came first to Botkins and for six months afterward drove a team for the Paul & Sheets elevator. Afterward, for several years, he was connected with the Wapakoneta Grain Company at Wapakoneta, O., coming again to Botkins and purchasing his present business from its former owners, Taylor & Marx. Later he became a partner and half owner with Mr. Paul, under the present firm name of Paul & Shafer. In July, 1912, the old elevator was burned but was immediately replaced and business was interrupted for only a short time. The firm enjoys the confidence of the community and they do a large business.
Mr. Shafer married Miss Nora Weisley, of Washington township, and they have one daughter, Evaline. Mr. Shafer is not very active politically although he is ever ready to give support to movements that seem to him beneficial for the country. He has been identified with the Odd Fellow's for a number of years.
GRANT E. RUSSELL, who is one of the representative citizens and well informed and successful agriculturists of Clinton township, Shelby county, O., where he owns and operates 160 acres of excellent land, was born in this township, March 2, 1860, and is a son of Moses James and Martha (Beck) Russell, the family being a leading one in this section.
Moses James and Martha (Beck) Russell were the parents of the following children: Harry W., who is a well known attorney at law, at Dayton, O .; Fred J., who is in the mill business at Sidney; Jessie, who is the wife of John Blake; Daisy E., who is the wife of Frank M. Sayer, who is secretary and treasurer of the Farmers Grain and Milling Company at Sidney ; Bertha E., who is the wife of Elmer Sturn : Dana G., and Grant E.
648
HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY
Since his school days Grant E. Russell has been engaged continuously in agricultural pursuits. When he reached manhood he was married to Miss Ida M. Blake, who was born at Sidney, a daughter of Oliver B. and Mary A. (Ensey) Blake. Mrs. Russell died in September, 1894, leaving two chil- dren: Howard Blake and Homer Clifford. Mr. Russell's second marriage was to Florence Green and they have one child, Bonnie Ensey. The father of Mrs. Russell was formerly a butcher and later a farmer, and now lives retired at Sidney. Mr. and Mrs. Russell are members of the Presby- terian church, taking a conscientious interest in all its work. Politically he is a Republican but has never accepted any office exxcept that of school director, and fraternally he is identified with the Masons.
SOLOMON SPRINGER, whose sixty acres of fine land are situated in Clinton township, is one of the successful farmers and respected citizens of this section. He was born in Berks county, Pa., September 12, 1861, and is a son of Solomon and Lena ( Wise) Springer.
The parents of Mr. Springer were also natives of Pennsylvania and there spent their lives. The father was an industrious man and in his neigh- borhood was well known and respected. , He cast his vote with the republi- can party and in his religious sentiments was a Lutheran as were his parents. To Solomon and Lena Springer the following children were born: Mary, who is the wife of Richard Link; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Solomon Knabler; Ellen, who married John Dolman and after his death, Daniel Specht; Hettie, who is the wife of Albert Merkle; and Solomon and Emma, twins, the last named becoming the wife of George Weinert.
Solomon Springer attended the public schools and afterward worked at different tasks for some time, by the day, and was eighteen years of age when he came to Shelby county, O., where an uncle lived, with whom he made his home for some time. He became a farm hand and continued to work by the day. After marriage Mr. Springer and his young wife went to house- keeping in a log cabin and he kept on working by the day, always being busy, and then bought twenty-five acres of land from David Oldham. This first purchase he sold to advantage and in 1896 bought his present farm of Alvina Fulton and here has engaged in general farming and moderate stock rais- ing ever since. He is a practical, common-sense farmer and the results of his industry are very satisfactory.
On February 28, 1882, Mr. Springer was married to Miss Catherine Amanda Willauer, who died July 5. 1912, and her burial was in Graceland cemetery at Sidney. This estimable lady was born in Clinton township, a daughter of Andrew and Amanda (King) Willauer, the eldest of their family, the others being: Lavina, wife of I. B. Bussard; Margaret, deceased ; Callie, deceased, formerly Mrs. Williams; and George.
Mr. and Mrs. Springer had the following children : Mayette, who resides at home and looks after her father's comfort; Pearl, who is deceased : Lena. who is the wife of Sylvester Rauhouse; Charles A. ; George Albert ; Clarence Willauer; Raymond E .; Theron Harold: Clement Theodore; and Adele
649
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
Rucile, Robert Andrew and Catherine Isabel. Mr. Springer and his chil- dren are members of the Lutheran church. In politics he has always been a democrat but has never accepted any public office except that of school director. He is identified with the order of the Modern Brotherhood of America.
FREDERICK R. McVAY, physican and surgeon, at Botkins, O., has built up a satisfactory practice here and has established himself in the confi- dence of the people both personally and professionally . He was born on a farm in Salem township, Shelby county, O., one mile northeast of Port Jefferson November 21, 1883, and is a son of James and Sarah (Frederick) McVay.
The McVay family is an old and honorable one in Shelby county and was founded in Salem township by the grandfather, James McVay, who, at the time of his death, in 1908, was one of the most venerable residents of the county, being then aged ninety-eight years and six months. James McVay, Jr., was born in Salem township, followed an agricultural life and died there March 29, 1907.
Frederick R. McVay was educated in the country schools and those of Port Jefferson and after graduating from the Port Jefferson high school entered the Ohio Northern University at Ada and afterward taught school for two years, following which he took a course of four years in the Medical College of Ohio at Cincinnati, where he was graduated in 1909 and imme- diately came to Botkins. During his senior year at college he practiced in the Ohio Maternity Hospital at Cincinnati. He carries on a general practice in both medicine and surgery.
Dr. McVay married Miss Maybelle Lochard, who is a daughter of J. W. Lochard. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In his fraternal relations he is a member of Stokes Lodge No. 305, F. & A. M., at Port Jefferson, and of the Woodmen of the World at Botkins.
JOHN C. KOENIG, whose business interests are largely centered at Botkins, O., where he is in the hardware line, being the senior member of the firm of Koenig Bros., proprietors of the Botkins Hardware Company, was born on a farm in Auglaize county, O., one and one-half miles north of Bot- kins, September 19, 1880. His parents are John H. and Margaret Koenig, who are well-known and highly esteemed residents of Botkins.
John C. Koenig was reared on the home farm and attended the country schools. His first business experience away from home was as a traveling salesman for the International Harvester Company, of Fort Wayne, with which corporation he continued for two years, when he came to Botkins to make a permanent business establishment, in which commendable under- taking he was associated with his brother, Michael Koenig, and they, under the firm style of Koenig Bros., bought the hardware business then conducted by Jacob Paul. For the past seven years they have operated their present store, enlarging their stock as demand has arisen and probably have one
650
HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY
of the largest and best equipped stores in the general hardware line, in this part of Shelby county. John C. Koenig is a member of the Catholic church and is identified with the Knights of Columbus at Sidney. Mr. Koenig is unmarried.
ERNEST J. ROETH, a general farmer who is successfully cultivating a valuable tract of eighty-four acres of land which is situated in Loramie township on the range line turnpike road, is a well-known and highly respected citizen of this section of Shelby county. He was born in Germany August 10, 1875, and is a son of Carl F. and Catherine (Wagner) Roeth.
The parents of Mr. Roeth were also born in Germany and came from there to the United States in 1881 and settled on the farm above mentioned when there were but few permanent residents in Loramie township. By trade the father was a carpenter but later became a farmer and in clearing and putting his land under cultivation as fast as possible, spent the rest of his life, his death occurring at the age of fifty-two years. He was a most worthy man, a consistent member of the Lutheran church to which religious body his wife belongs, her present place of residence being Covington, O. In Germany seven of their family of, ten children were born, three others being added after they came to Ohio. Annie, the eldest, who is now deceased, was the wife of Simon Wehneman. Henry and Mary both reside in Miami county. Reynold is deceased; Ernest J. is the fifth in order of birth; Fred lives in Loramie township; Louis and Albert, both are residents of Chicago, Ill. ; Alma lives in Miami county, and Edward, the youngest; is now deceased.
Ernest J. Roeth was six years old when his people came to Shelby county and settled in Loramie township. With his brothers and sisters he attended the Beech Grove school and afterward, until his father's death, hired out to neighboring farmers and subsequently, with his brothers, took charge of the home farm, where he still continues his management, and his success has given him the reputation of being one of the most capable farmers of the township.
Mr. Roeth married Miss Anna Fessler, a daughter of the late Martin Fessler, and they have the following children: Ada, Forest, Clara, Naomi, Eva, Dora and Herbert. Mr. and Mrs. Roeth have lived on this place since 1902 and he has greatly improved it, remodeling the residence and building the substantial barn. In politics he is a democrat but has never accepted any public office except membership on the school board of the Beech Grove special school district, to which he has belonged for three years. He is justly proud of his father's record as a soldier in the Civil war, he having served for three years as a member of the One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, receiving an honorable discharge and was mustered out on July 3, 1866. Mr. Roeth and family belong to the Lutheran church at Houston.
M. C. SULLIVAN, who is one of the best known residents of Shelby county, O., for thirty-seven years has been continuously engaged in educa-
651
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
tional work and at present is a valued teacher in the public schools of Bot- kins, O. He was born at Webster, in Darke county, O., February 22, 1856, and is a son of Marcus and Mary ( Kelly) Sullivan.
M. C. Sullivan was about two years old when his parents moved on a farm situated one mile south of Botkins, the father being a railroad man. M. C. Sullivan attended the district schools in Dinsmore township and after- ward attended the Ohio Normal, now the Ohio Northern University at Ada, O., largely providing for his own expenses and, being very ambitious, mak- ing the most of his opportunities. He was only sixteen years old when he taught his first school, this being at Glynwood, in Auglaize county, O., and he continued to teach in that county, although not continuously, for about thirteen years, being at Freiberg for two years, otherwise he has taught mainly in Shelby county. As an educator Mr. Sullivan has few equals n this section and is held in great esteem. Teaching has been his life work and he has found his greatest pleasure in imparting instruction and in watch- ing the seeds of knowledge he has planted develop into the educational standards which have prepared hundreds of his pupils for successful careers in life. A democrat in his political views, Professor Sullivan has frequently been called upon by his party to accept the burdens of public office and when he has done so his duties have been performed with the efficiency which marks his life. While residing in Dinsmore township he served as clerk of the township and at the present time is filling the same position at Botkins.
Mr. Sullivan was married to Miss Catherine O'Neil, who was born in Canada and was two years old when she was brought to. Shelby county They have had five children : John M., who resides at Lima, O .; Neal; Ruth; Raymond, who died at the age of three months; and Mary Louisa. Mr. Sullivan and family are members of the Catholic church. He is identified with the Woodmen of the World, and has frequently served on charitable boards, and has addressed educational bodies.
JOSEPH H. BARHORST, one of the leading citizens and successful agriculturists of Cynthian township, owner of a fine farm of 120 acres, sit- uated in section 34, three miles southwest of Newport, O., is a member of the township board of trustees and has also served on the board of education. He was born in McLean township, Shelby county, January 20, 1872, and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Schultze) Barhorst.
Joseph H. Barhorst was reared on his father's farm and attended school in the Berlin special school district. Since his marriage he has resided on his present farm, which he purchased from his father who had bought the same from George Wishwitz, and has done the most of the improving. He has a very fine barn, 80x40 feet in dimensions and other substantial buildings. In addition to carrying on general farming, Mr. Barhorst keeps a herd of high grade cattle for dairy purposes and sells his milk to the New Bremen Creamery.
Mr. Barhorst was marriel to Miss Anna Ungruhn, who was born and reared at St. Rose, a daughter of Joseph and Catherine Ungruhn, and they
652
HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY
have had nine children : Magdalena, Bernard, Veronica, Frank, Clara, Freda, August, Joseph and Mary, all of whom survive except August, the third youngest, who died at the age of five months. All the other children have attended school in the Turner special school district, which is a tract of forty acres, on the northwest corner of this farm, of which it was origin- ally a part. Mr. Barhorst and family belong to the Catholic church at New- port, O. In politics he has always been a democrat and personally is looked upon as one of the solid and reliable men of this section.
F. I. MONNIN, treasurer of the board of education of the Huffman special school district of Loramie township, is the owner of a well-drained and tiled farm of eighty acres, which is situated two and one-half miles northeast of Russia, O. He was born February 13, 1869, in Loramie town- ship, Shelby county, O., and is a son of Frank and Henrietta (Thiebeau) Monnin, both of whom died in this township.
F. I. Monnin spent his first year of school life in Cynthian township but afterward was a pupil in the Loramie schools and when old enough to assume such responsibilities learned the principles and has ever since followed farming. He came to his present place following his marriage and improved the property to a considerable extent and is numbered with the successful agriculturists of this section. He cultivates all but ten acres of his land and that makes a valuable wood lot.
Mr. Monnin married Miss Rosa Mary Perin, who was born in Cynthian township, a daughter of Jule and Rosa Perin, and they have had six chil- dren born to them, namely: Amos, who died when aged three and one-half months; Albert; Emma; Agnes, who died when in her sixth month; and Elmer and Wilfred. Mr. Monnin and family belong to the Catholic church at Russia, O. In politics a lifelong democrat, Mr. Monnin has been no office seeker but has consented to serve on the school board, of which he has been a member for three years and its treasurer for the last two years.
PROF. WEBSTER C. KING, superintendent of schools of Botkins, O., is one of the younger educators of the state and through scholarship and executive ability of a high order, has reached a very prominent position as a teacher. He was born on a farm in Montgomery county, O., June 15, 1884, and is a son of Adam F. and Rose E. (Goode) King.
In 1888 the parents of Mr. King moved to Shelby county, locating for a short time at Sidney, and then moved to the old Dr. Silver farm in Clinton township, where they resided for a number of years. Subsequently they lived on a farm in Orange township and then moved to Port Jefferson.
Webster C. King attended the public schools, rural and village, and after- ward taught school for seven years, first in Salem township and then in Logan county, and after satisfying himself that a career as an educator would be a congenial one, he entered the Ohio Northern University and there thoroughly prepared himself. Since completing his course there he has taught in different high schools and prior to coming to Botkins in 1910
653
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
he taught for three years at Lake View, in Logan county. Under his super- intendence the schools of Botkins have made marked advances and he not only has won the confiedence of the pupils but the respect and cooperation of his teachers and the public.
In 1907 Mr. King was married to Miss Cora Nettleship of Port Jeffer- son, a daughter of A. L. Nettleship, and they have one child, Maurice. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is identified with the Odd Fellows and is more or less interested in various educational organi- zations in different parts of Ohio.
HON. JOHN B. STOLLY, mayor of Botkins, O., a justice of the peace, and a representative business man of the place, is a native of Shelby county. O., born on a farm in Jackson township August 11, 1849, and is a son of Frank J. and Susanna (Seiter) Stolly.
Frank J. Stolly was born in Alsace, France, and after coming to the United States first located in Stark county, O., removing from there to Jack- son township, Shelby county, when very few settlers had yet secured homes here. He followed farming all his active life and died in advanced age at Botkins, O.
John B. Stolly was fourteen years old when he left Jackson for Dinsmore township and in 1867 came to Botkins, where he learned telegraphing, after- ward working for the C. H. & D. Railroad for eight years, following which he did teaming for a time and then embarked in the meat business, and ever since has conducted it along his own lines, doing his own slaughtering, and retaining old customers who have never used stock yard products from other places. So successfully has Mr. Stolly conducted his own business affairs, during all these years keeping the confidence of his fellow citizens, that it is not remarkable that they should place reliance in him in public affairs and honor him by electing him to the highest municipal office in their gift. Mr. Stolly was elected mayor of this pleasant and progressive town in the fall of 19II, on the democratic ticket, and took charge of affairs on January 1, 1912. His policy is the same that has brought him prosperity in his private under- takings and Botkins is to be congratulated on having so sensible, courageous and judicious a mayor. Some twenty years ago he served two terms as a justice of the peace and is now serving in his fifth year in the same office.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.