USA > Ohio > The biographical annals of Ohio, 1902-1903. A handbook of the government and institutions of the state of Ohio. Vol. 1 > Part 35
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Composed of the Counties of Butler, Warren, Clermont and Brown
WILLIAM FRANKLIN ROUDEBUSH, OF BATAVIA.
Senator Roudebush, Democrat, from the 2-4th district (Joint), is serving his sec- ond term in the Senate; was born on a farm in Clermont county, on July 3, 1852, where all his boyhood days were spent under the oversight of his father, Col. Wm. Roudebush, who instilled into the boy the virtues of industry, honor and truth. After receiving his first instruction in the common schools and graduating from the Nor- mal University at Lebanon, he entered the Cincinnati Law School, and graduated with the class of 1876. He at once commenced the practice of law in Batavia.
He devotes a great part of his time to overseeing and managing his lands, of which he owns some twelve hundred acres, or more, of the best in the county, and which he so manages that it nets a good income. He is a lover of stock and ex- tensively engaged in raising hogs, sheep and cattle, and is one of the most suc- cessful stock breeders and farmers of the county. He is also extensively engaged in the construction of interurban railways.
His ability as a lawyer, his ready and forcible way of speaking, his knowledge of business, as well as of the wants and needs of the people, make him one of the best equipped and most valuable members of the Senate. He is, and has ever been a reliable Democrat, commencing service for party when only twenty years old, by delivering speeches in the then national campaign; alert, active and earnest in all local political struggles, attending conventions, assisting in campaigns, he is one of the trusted and valuable men every ready with purse, pen and voice to defend the right, or wage war to exterminate wrongs of the people.
Senator Roudebush was united in marriage in 1878 to Ida Anderson, of New- tonville, Clermont county, who died in 1889, leaving two sons, William Anderson Roudebush, now a student in Denison University, and Allen Cowen Roudebush, who is finishing the high school course in the Batavia schools.
He is a member of the standing committees on Agriculture, County Affairs, Fed- eral Relation, Finance, Judiciary, Insurance, Medical Colleges and Universities, Municipal Corporation No. 1, Railroads and Telegraphs, Privileges and Elections.
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THIRTY-FIRST DISTRICT,
Composed of the Counties of Seneca, Crawford and Wyandot.
JOHN C. ROYER, OF TIFFIN.
The Senator from Seneca is a Democrat, an experienced public officer, a skillful attorney and a man of pleasant personality. He is serving his second term and came to the Senate almost directly from serving two terms as Probate Judge of Seneca county, and brings to the consideration of proposed legislation the trained mind of a successful judge whose experiences lie directly along the lines of the private and personal interests of the common people. The litigation before the Probate Court is a fruitful source of private weal or woe, and a legislator whose previous training has been along these lines in actual practice, has a distinct advantage in consider ing the possibilities which lie wrapped up in the numerous propositions which come before the General Assembly.
Senator Royer was born in Thompson township, Seneca county, May 6, 1856, and lived with his parents on the farm until he was entered at Heidelberg University, Tiffin, at the age of eighteen. Graduating from the University with the class of 1879 he began the study of law, and was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court of Ohio, in October, 1881. He formed a partnership with Judge J. C. Rickenbaugh, and afterwards with Judge Bunn, under whom he had been a student, but his active practice was interrupted by his election as Probate Judge in November, 1887, and by his re-election in 1890. After expiration of his second term in 1894, Judge Royer again devoted himself to his profession and at the time of his election to the Senate was in possession of a satisfactory practice among the leading attorneys of Tiffin. In 1883 Mr. Royer was elected Mayor of Tiffin, defeating by the usual Demo- cratic majority the late General Wm. H. Gibson, who was the nominee of the oppo-
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THE BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF OHIO.
The 75th General Assembly-Senate.
sition. He was re-elected in 1885. Mr. Royer was married in April, 1883, to Miss Clara Baltzell, who died June 22, 1889, leaving three daughters, the oldest now sixteen years of age. Since the death of Mrs. Royer the Senator's domestic estab- lishment has been presided over by his mother and sister.
He was renominated for his second term and re-elected in 1901 without an op- posing candidate appearing against him, in convention or at the polls.
He is a member of the standing committees on Federal Relation, Fees and Sala- ries, Judiciary, Insurance, Library, Public Printing, Railroads and Telegraphs, Privileges and Elections, Revision, Sanitary Laws and Regulations.
SEVENTEENTH-TWENTY-EIGHTH DISTRICTS,
Composed of the Counties of Knox, Morrow, Wayne and Holmes.
NEWTON STILWELL, OF MILLERSBURG.
The Democratic Senator from the Twenty-seventh-Twenty-eighth District was born and reared in Holmes county, Ohio. Obtained his education in the Millers- burg schools and at Smithville, Ohio, then spent a year in schools in Switzerland, Europe. Taught and superintended schools. Was a member of the Board of School Examiners six years. Read law with Hon. Henry B. Curtis at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and was admitted to the bar in 1884 and to practice in the United States Circuit and District Courts for the Northern District of Ohio, and has continuously practiced since. Was elected Senator as a Democrat, November 7, 1893, and for the 17-28th District of Ohio. He served one term in the 71st General Assembly, and was again elected to the same office November 5, 1901. Mr. Stilwell is unmarried.
He is a member of the standing committees on Benevolent Institutions, County Affairs, Ditches and Drains, Common Schools and School Lands, Judiciary, Medical Colleges and Universities, Penitentiary, Privileges and Elections, Roads, Highways and Turnpikes.
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TENTH DISTRICT,
Composed of Franklin and Pickaway Counties.
W. M. THOMPSON, OF COLUMBUS. Chairman of the Committee on Public Expenditures.
Senator Thompson, who with Senator Yates, shares the honor of representing the Tenth District, in the Ohio Senate, was born at Georgetown, Brown county, July 29, 1868, the only son of W. J. Thompson, a prominent attorney and ex-prosecuting attorney of Brown county. Studied law with his father and in 1887 entered the law department of the University of Michigan, graduating in June, 1890, with the de- gree of LL. B. He came to Columbus in the same month and entered the law office of Peters & Clarke. He served as police judge for several months under Mayor Samuel L. Black. He was nominated for police judge of the city of Columbus, but was defeated by a small plurality. He was nominated for Senator from the Tenth District on the first ballot at convention and was elected by a plurality of 1,099 votes.
Senator Thompson is married and resides at 1129 E. Livingston avenue. He is a member of the B. P. O. E., K. of P., Woodmen of the World, I. O. R. M., and Maccabees. He is a member of the standing committees on Corporations other than Municipal, Judiciary, Labor, Municipal Corporation No. 2, Railroads and Telegraphs, Imbecile Youth, Taxation, Universities and Colleges, and Banks, Building and Loan Associations.
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TWENTY-FIFTH DISTRICT, Composed of Cuyahoga County.
MILLARD F. WARNER, OF CLEVELAND. Chairman of the Committee on Medical Colleges and Universities.
Senator Millard Fillmore Warner, Democrat, one of the four Senators from Cuyahoga county, was born October 15, 1848, in Tuscarawas county, brought up to labor on a farm until his seventeenth year; was educated in subdistrict schools; preparatory and collegiate departments of the Ohio Wesleyan University; Drew Theo- logical Seminary at Madison, New Jersey; and Medical College of New York Univer- sity, city of New York.
From 1873 to 1899, Mr. Warner was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, being connected after 1878 with the North Ohio Conference. From 1887 to 1899 he was a professor in the Baldwin University, of Berea, Ohio, a Methodist col- lege; the last five years of which period he was president of the institution. In 1899 he became a medical practitioner, taking up the special work in ailments of the eye, ear, nose and throat. Dr. Warner cast his first ballot for General Grant for his second term of the presidency, though not thoroughly endorsing the adminis- tration of the first term; was a mugwump down to 1884, a disciple of Edwin L. God- kin of the New York Nation. Though never a believer in free silver as presented in 1896 he has been a Democrat, except in that campaign, down to the present time.
He was married in 1876 to Mabel G. DeWitt of Harmony, N. J. They have two children, both now living.
In the election of 1901 he received the greatest number of votes cast for any legislative candidate on the ticket. He is committed to the ideas of tax reform which have been brought forward by Mayor Johnson of Cleveland.
This is the Senator's first political office.
Senator Warner is a member of the standing committees on Benevolent Institu- tions, Common Schools and School Lands, Corporations other than Municipal, Enroll- ment, Finance, Fish Culture and Game, Industrial Schools for Boys and Girls, Rules, Universities and Colleges, Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home.
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FIFTH AND SIXTH (JOINT) DISTRICT,
Composed of the Counties of Greene, Clinton, Fayette, Highland, and Ross.
THOMAS M. WATTS, OF CARMEL.
Chairman of the Committees on Mines and Mining, Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home.
Senator Watts, Republican, of the Joint 5th-6th District was born 58 years ago, on a farm in Highland county, Ohio. He grew to manhood on a farm, following the usual course of the country boy, working on the farm in summer and attending dis- trict school in the winter. At the age of 20 years he enlisted as a private soldier in Co. A, Ist Ohio Heavy Artillery, serving until the close of the war.
After the war he engaged for a few years in farming and teaching. He then began the business of general merchant at Carmel, Ohio, and continued in that busi- ness until the summer of 1901. He was married in 1865 to Miss Mary McCoppin, and has four children. He was elected to represent the 5th-6th district in the Senate of the 75th General Assembly of Ohio. He is a member of the Methodist Church, of the Grand Army, of the order of Masons, and of the Republican party.
He was elected by a majority of 6,071.
Senator Watts is a member of the standing committee on Agriculture, Benevo- lent Institutions, Corporations other than Municipal, Geological Survey, Insurance, Medical Colleges and Universities, Roads, Highways, and Turnpikes, Imbecile Youth.
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TWENTY-FIRST DISTRICT.
Composed of the Counties of Carroll and Stark.
1
GEORGE W. WILHELM, OF JUSTUS.
Chairman of the Committees on Claims and Railroads and Telegraphs.
Senator Wilhelm, of the Stark county District (the 21st) is serving his sec- ond term in the Ohio Senate. He was a member of the House of Representatives in the 68th and in the 72d General Assemblies, and in his campaign for the Senate in 1899 was elected by over 2,000 majority. He was re-elected in 1901 by a majority of over 4,000 votes. He had the characteristic of all large men, a ready good nature which covers a decided and unflinching devotion to the standards of public and pri- vate policy to which he gave his allegiance, on mature deliberation. He was stead- fast in his friendships and true in his redemption of personal or party pledges. His neighbors have been voting for him for Justice of the Peace so long that lie is now serving his eighth term in that modest office, which comes to him regularly, without an effort. His place of business in Justus is headquarters for the Veterans of the War of the Rebellion, the Masons, and the Elks, the Senator being a moving spirit in each of these organizations.
He was born in Wilmot, Stark county, August 15, 1847-the oldest of a family of nine children. At six years of age his father moved to a farm, and the boy at- tended district school until he was thirteen, when he was withdrawn from the school to help his father run a threshing machine. At the age of sixteen, he enlisted in the Union Army, was present in the operations around Petersburg under Burnside, wit- nessed the blowing up of the mines laid in the siege of the city, and continued in the service until discharged at the close of the war, in 1865. For the next fourteen years he was occupied with machine and saw mill work, until, in 1879, he opened up
24 B. A.
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THE BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF OHIO.
The 75th General Assembly-Senate.
a general store in the town of Justus, where he has since been continuously engaged in mercantile pursuits. Senator Wilhelm stands high in the estimation of his neighbors and constituents, and is well liked by his colleagues in the Senate. He has always been an earnest Republican, and an active exponent of the principles of the party, in local, as well as in state and national campaigns.
Senator Wilhelm was married to Miss Jane E. Sinnock, on the 24th day of December, 1867, and has a family of two children. He is a member of the standing committees on Fees and Salaries, Finance, Sanitary Laws and Regulations, Taxation, Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home.
Since the above was written Senator Wilhelm died on December 18, 1902. After a brief illness which was rendered more dangerous by grief over the death of his wife, to whom he was devotedly attached Senator Wilhelm died Thursday, December 18, 1902.
TWENTY-THIRD DISTRICT,
Composed of the Counties of Trumbull and Mahoning.
BENJAMIN F. WIRT, OF YOUNGSTOWN.
The Senator from the Twenty-third District, a staunch Republican, from a stal- wart Republican constituency, is serving his second term in the first public station he ever occupied. His nomination and election to a seat in this branch of the General Assembly in 1899 was brought about by a movement led by a number of the leading citizens of his district, at whose request he became a candidate before the Senatorial convention. His majority was over 5,000 votes in the district. In 1901 he was re-nominated and re-elected without opposition. Senator Wirt was born in West Middlesex, Mercer county, Pennsylvania, during the temporary sojourn of his par- ents, who had gone there from Ohio a short time previous to his birth, which oc- curred on the 26th day of March, 1852. He was educated in the public schools and at the Rayen School in Youngstown, graduating from the latter in June, 1869. He began the study of law, and, after being admitted to the bar, began the practice of his chosen profession in Youngstown in the year 1873, in which he is still engaged. Coming from the stock of the early settlers of the Western Reserve, and living in daily touch with the life of its people, the Senator feels an especial pride in being permitted to represent the "Reserve" in the General Assembly of Ohio.
Senator Wirt was married on the 23d of June, 1881, to Miss Mary McGeehen. He is a member of the Christian Church. He is a member of the standing committees on County Affairs, Judiciary, Labor, Mines and Mining, Municipal Corporation No. 2, Railroads and Telegraphs, Revision, Taxation, Banks, Building and Loan Associa- tions.
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TENTH DISTRICT,
Composed of Franklin and Pickaway Counties.
BALLARD B. YATES, OF WILIAMSPORT.
Chairman of the Committee on Geological Survey.
Senator Yates, Democrat, of the Tenth District, was born in Deercreek township, Pickaway county, February 6, 1870. He is the youngest son of the late Hon. David R. Yates, a prominent farmer of that township, who represented Pickaway county in the General Assembly from 1880 to 1884. His grandfather, John Yates, was one of the pioneers of the same township, and served the county as Commissioner. His maternal grandfather, Trustin Brown, was a widely known citizen and extensive farmer of Deercreek township. Ballard Yates was educated in the schools of the township and at Antioch College, Yellow Springs, O. In early manhood he engaged in farming, the avocation of his father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Before he was 24 years of age he was appointed administrator of his father's large estate, and managed it with good judgment and business capacity. The past few years he has been a successful stock buyer and shipper, handling large lots of cattle. He is con- sidered one of the most discreet and sagacious business men in the county. He is now serving his third term as Treasurer of Deercreek township, his second re-election in a usually close town.
Mr. Yates is unmarried, is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He is a member of the standing committees on Agriculture, County Affairs, Claims, Manufactures and Commerce, Municipal Corporation No. 2, State Buildings.
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MR. MCKINNON, OF ASHTABULA COUNTY. Speaker.
W. S. Mckinnon, who is serving his third term as the Representative from Ash- tabula county, was born at Owen Sound, Ontario, December 19, 1852. He early removed to the United States and settled at Cleveland, where he spent his youth. Mr. Mckinnon is a machinist by trade and is the owner of extensive machine shops. He has held several positions of trust among the people of Ashtabula county, having been member of the Board of Education, of the City Council, and Mayor of Ashtabula.
He was married April 2, 1878, to Miss J. Octavia Porter, and they have four boys and one girl.
He is a strong Republican, and as such was elected to the 73d, 74th and 75th General Assemblies. Mr. Mckinnon is a member of the standing committee on Rules.
He was elected Speaker of the House of the 75th General Assembly and served as such during the Regular and Extraordinary sessions.
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MR. COMINGS, OF LORAIN COUNTY.
The President Pro Tem.
Andrew G. Comings, Republican, Representative from Lorain county, is serving his second term in the House of Representatives. He was born at East Berkshire, Franklin county, Vermont, September 26, 1856. The first nine years of his life were spent on the farm on which he was born. In 1865 his parents removed to Oberlin, Lo- rain county, Ohio, where, with the exception of about ten years, spent teaching school, Mr. Comings has since resided. His education was secured in the common schools at Oberlin and at Oberlin College, from the literary department of which he grad- uated in 1877. One year later he was married. Two children have been born to the union, a boy and a girl. The boy has recently returned from a term of service in the United States Army in the Philippines.
From 1879 to 1890 Mr. Comings was engaged in the profession of teaching, serv- ing as Superintendent of Schools at Vermillion, Erie county; at Conneaut and Brook- lyn Village and as principal of a ward school in Youngstown. In 1890 he gave up the profession of teaching, and, moving back to Oberlin, embarked in the business as the proprietor of an extensive book and stationery store, in which business he is at present engaged. His first political venture was in 1890 when he was elected a coun- cilman in Oberlin. In 1892 he was elected mayor and in 1894 he was re-elected to the same office. In 1897 he was appointed a member of the board of trustees of the Oberlin Waterworks. During the same year he was elected a member of the Oberlin Board of Education. At the time of his first election to the General Assembly (in 1899) Mr. Comings was serving in both of the above mentioned offices and has been continued in them by his constituency regardless of his duties as a legislator. His re-election to the House in 1901 was an emphatic endorsement of his public career by the people of Lorain county. Mr. Comings is a member of the standing committees on Library, Municipal Affairs (chairman), and Rules.
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BURGESS L. MCELROY.
Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives.
Was born August 25, 1858, on a farm in Knox county, Ohio.
Attended the country schools until about 14 years of age.
Prepared for college at Milnor Hall, Gambier, Ohio.
Entered class of '82 Kenyon College.
Graduated from Butler University class same year.
Is an alumnus of Kenyon College and Butler University.
Was a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity.
Taught school through the winter sessions to pay college expenses.
Studied law, but like a great many others, by necessity was compelled to drift into other business that would produce a more immediate livelihood.
Was the State Treasurer of the Ohio Republican League for three terms, was also Secretary for one term.
Was the State Oil Inspector under President Mckinley during his term as Governor of Ohio, the most lucrative and one of the most potential positions in the gift of the Chief Executive of the State of Ohio.
Was at the head of an important bureau at Chicago with the Republican Na- tional Committee in 1896.
Was Secretary of the Republican State Executive Committee during the cam- paign of 1898.
Was elected on January 1, 1900, on the first ballot Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives of the 74th General Assembly, and also on January 6, 1902, was elected on the first ballot Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives of the 75th General Assembly, which position he has ably filled and continues to hold until 1904.
Is a member of Clinton Commandery No. 5, Mt. Vernon, O., Knights Templar and a Shriner, being a Sir Noble Aladdin Temple, Columbus, Ohio.
He has frequently been a delegate to congressional and State Conventions and is now a delegate to the Republican National Convention from the 14th Congressional District.
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ANDREW JACKSON, OF CEDARVILLE.
Sergeant-at-Arms.
Andrew Jackson, Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Representatives, was born near Cedarville, Greene county, Ohio, December 25, 1845. Received a common school education at Xenia, Ohio; enlisted in the 94th O. V. I., August, 1862, served three years; was elected as Representative of Greene county to the 68th General Assembly and re-elected to the 69th General Assembly. Was elected sergeant-at-arms of the 70th and 71st and 74th and 75th General Assemblies. He is a farmer and breeder of fine horses.
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FREDERICK BLANKNER, OF COLUMBUS.
Third Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms.
Frederick Blankner, Third Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms, was born in Germany, July 28, 1836. One year later his parents moved to America and settled in Columbus, Ohio, where he has since resided. For two years he served in Co. A, 5th Battalion, O. V. I. In 1856 he was appointed porter in the House of Representatives and twice was re-appointed to that position, after which he was elected Third Assistant Ser- geant-at-Arms, which office he has held continuously to the present time, his valuable services being recognized by both political parties.
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MR. ADKINS, OF PICKAWAY COUNTY.
Barzillai Adkins, serving his second term as representative from Pickaway county, was born in Ross county, September 3, 1831, his parents having moved there from Maryland. About a year later the family moved to Pickaway county, where Mr. Adkins has since resided. His early education was obtained in the common schools of the county, although he attended a select school and had private tutors. Studied medicine two years and attended one course of lectures. Served as assessor of his township seven years, and for twenty-five years has been a member of the Board of Education. He is a farmer by occupation. Was elected to the 74th Gen- eral Assembly and re-elected to the 75th General Assembly as a Democrat. Resi- dence, Deercreek. He is a member of the standing committees on Deaf and Dumb Asylum, Privileges and Temperance.
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MR. AINSWORTH, OF DEFIANCE COUNTY.
John M. Ainsworth, Democrat, is serving his second term as representative from Defiance county. He was born at West Jefferson, Madison county, Ohio, September 10, 1835. In 1848 his parents removed to Van Wert county, where they settled on a farm. In 1853, he went to Fort Wayne, Indiana, and worked in a store until 1857, when his employers sent him in charge of a stock of merchandise to Hicksville, O. In 1859 he formed a partnership with the late Hon. Alfred P. Edgerton, and two years after he purchased the interest of his partner and continued the business alone until 1872. In 1859 Mr. Ainsworth married Sarah, daughter of Allen Parker and Esther Osborn, who were the first persons married in Hicksville township in 1839. Residence, Hicksville. Mr. Ainsworth is a member of the standing committees on County Affairs, Elections, Finance.
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MR. ALLEN, OF FULTON COUNTY.
Charles L. Allen, Republican, is serving his fourth term as the Representative from Fulton county. He was born in Clarkson, Monroe county, New York, Novem- ber 16, 1838. His father, Isaac Allen (who was a soldier of 1812), at the age of twenty-one years, soon after the declaration of peace with England in 1815, left his Connecticut home and settled in Clarkson, New York. He raised a family of ten children, six sons and four daughters. The six sons still living and two of the daugh- ters. Charles L. is the next youngest of the family.
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