Allen County OH

Allen County was created in 1820 from lands formerly part of Shelby County and Logan County, though it remained largely unsettled until after 1831 due to earlier Native American land claims, with its county seat at Lima; the region had been inhabited by tribes including the Shawnee prior to their removal. Permanent settlement increased in the 1830s following land cessions and drainage of the Great Black Swamp, and genealogical records begin with county organization, including deeds, probate, and court records from the 1830s, while vital records were kept sporadically before statewide registration began in 1867. The county is traversed by the Ottawa River and its tributaries, which influenced early settlement and agriculture, and transportation routes developed from early roads to canals and later railroads connecting Lima to regional markets. Important repositories include the Allen County Courthouse in Lima, along with township records, churches established in the mid-19th century, and cemeteries that provide key documentation for family history research.

Biographical Sketch of Roy Donald Mullenhour

Roy Donald Mullenhour, born on August 1, 1887, in Lima, Ohio, transitioned from repairing bicycles to automobiles, becoming an expert in the field. After moving to California six years ago, he worked at several garages before founding the San Mateo Motor Car Co., a prominent automotive service establishment. His business, located on Second Avenue, is recognized for its modern facilities, including the maintenance of buses for the Peninsula Rapid Transit Company. Mullenhour is married and has two children attending local schools.

Treaty of August 8, 1831

On August 8, 1831, an agreement was forged at Wapaghkonnetta between U.S. Commissioner James B. Gardiner and Shawnee chiefs, facilitating the relocation of the Shawnee tribe to lands west of the Mississippi River. In exchange for their ceded lands in Ohio, the United States vowed to provide a hundred thousand acres in the west, cover relocation costs, and supply provisions for a year. The agreement also mandated the construction of mills and offered further support through provisions and tools for the Shawnee people.

Biography of Leonard V. McKee

Leonard V. McKee, a prominent figure in Marshall County’s development, was born on August 18, 1845, in Ohio and passed away in Frankfort, Kansas, on December 22, 1916. He founded the Frankfort State Bank, transitioning from farming to banking, and significantly contributed to local institutions, including Baker University and Bethany Hospital. A veteran of the Civil War, McKee was also active in local politics and philanthropy. He married twice, fathering six children, and was regarded as a caring community leader and devoted family man.

Biography of Richard Watson Argue

Richard Watson Argue (1845-1916) was a prominent figure in the Mid-Continent oil industry, establishing significant operations in Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Born near Ottawa, Canada, he began his career in Pennsylvania before moving to Buffalo and later to Independence, Kansas. A dedicated community member, he actively contributed to local church and civic affairs. After his death, his widow, Eva Jean Allport Argue, adeptly managed their extensive properties. Together, they had four children, all of whom pursued education and careers in various fields.

Biographical Sketch of Harley Stephen Cook

Harley Stephen Cook was born on December 4, 1882, in Columbus Grove, Ohio. The son of William Mitchell and Mary Trumbo Cook, he attended high school and briefly enrolled at Ohio State University. Cook served in the Ohio National Guard, where he rose to corporal. His career included roles as a claim agent for various railroads, notably the New York Central Lines. He married Blanche Irene Brady in Chicago on March 9, 1912, and was active in Masonic organizations and enjoyed playing tennis.

Biography of James C. Holland

James C. Holland, born April 2, 1853, in Ohio, became a pivotal figure in Kansas architecture, particularly in Topeka. With over thirty years of experience, he served as state architect and contributed significantly to public buildings, including the Shawnee County Courthouse and Topeka’s city hall. His expertise earned him membership in the prestigious New York Society of Architects. Holland’s lineage includes notable ancestors, and his family life has been supported by his wife, Lizzie, and children, who also joined him in the architectural field.

Biography of Frederic M. Wilhelm

Frederic M. Wilhelm, born on January 6, 1883, in Decatur, Indiana, began his career as an office worker at the age of fourteen. Over the years, he advanced to become the secretary of the Prairie Pipe Line Company in Independence, where he has worked for twelve years. A dedicated community member, he holds several positions, including secretary of the Independence Country Club. Wilhelm is married to Helen Bauman and has two children, all while being actively involved in Republican politics and local fraternal organizations.

Biographical Sketch of George Skinner Vail

George Skinner Vail, born on January 26, 1884, in Lima, Ohio, was the son of J. B. and Rose Skinner. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Case School of Applied Science in 1907. Vail married Cretora I. Hay on April 27, 1909, and they had one daughter, Jane. He worked as a salesman for Westinghouse Electric Manufacturing Company from 1907 to 1911 and became a branch manager in 1911, remaining in that position. He held memberships in various professional and social organizations.

Biographical Sketch of Cyrus Locher

Cyrus Locher, born on March 8, 1878, in Bluffton, Ohio, was a prominent lawyer and educational leader. He attended Pandora High School, Ohio Wesleyan University, and Western Reserve University Law School. Locher served as the superintendent of schools in Woodsfield, Ohio, from 1903 to 1905, and later as assistant city solicitor in Cleveland. He was a member of various law and honorary fraternities and served as County Prosecuting Attorney starting January 6, 1913. Locher was married to Beulah L. Baker.

Biography of Charles Hiram Cook

Charles Hiram Cook, born January 31, 1863, in Pennsylvania, has significantly influenced the Kansas oil industry since arriving in Coffeyville in 1912. After graduating from various educational institutions, he pursued a career in the oil and gas business across numerous states. A Republican and active community member, Cook is known for his extensive drilling operations and has interests in Oklahoma as well. Married to Maude I. Best in 1887, he has four children, contributing to both his family and the industry’s growth.

Biographical Sketch of W. P. Jacobs

W. P. Jacobs, born in Hammond, Indiana, in 1866, established himself in Bartlesville’s business community before his untimely death in 1906. He was educated at Danville College and began his career in the lumber industry in Ohio. Later, he became president of the Producers Explosive Company. In 1905, Jacobs married Carolina Raymond and moved to Bartlesville, investing in a drug store and oil properties. Known for his integrity and enterprise, his passing at age forty left a notable impact on both family and community.

Biography of Arthur C. Trumbo

Arthur C. Trumbo, born on August 6, 1866, in Ohio, was a significant figure in the development of Muskogee National Bank. After a diverse educational journey, including degrees in law, he practiced in Chicago until 1901. Trumbo co-founded the Bank of Muskogee in 1901, which became nationalized in 1908. He served as vice president and cashier, fostering a strong banking policy. His contributions extended to civic organizations and leadership roles, promoting growth in the community, while maintaining a commitment to public service without seeking political office.

Biography of Henry O. Valeur

Henry O. Valeur, born in Norway on April 30, 1882, was an accomplished architect and builder in Muskogee, Oklahoma. After pursuing advanced studies in Norway and Germany, he immigrated to the United States seeking better opportunities. Valeur initially worked in Sioux Falls and Lima before settling in Muskogee in 1909, where he designed significant public structures, including the West High School and Carnegie Library. A member of various fraternal organizations, he found success and community in his adopted country. He married Ella Schwint in 1909.

Shawnee Indians

The Shawnee Tribe, whose name means “southerners,” played a pivotal role in American history from Pennsylvania to Georgia. Part of the Algonquian linguistic group, they were known for their migrations and established key settlements, particularly in the Cumberland River Valley and Ohio. Prominent leaders, such as Tecumseh and Tenskwatawa, led their resistance against European settlers. Over time, the Shawnee were dispersed, with many relocating to Oklahoma by the 20th century, leaving a lasting cultural impact in various regions across the United States.