ALLEN COUNTY LEADERS

ALLEN COUNTY LEADERS

These individuals are recognized for their leadership in improving daily life in Allen County, inspiring its people, and shaping the county into what we know it as today.

Altstaetter Family

The Altstaetter family, known for their musical talents, became a household name in Allen County during the 20th century.

Joseph C. Bradfield

1889-1936

Esteemed community doctor,  social activist, and namesake behind the Bradfield Community Center

Bessie Crayton

1857-1933

Leading suffragette, temperance advocate, and President of the League of Women Voters

Benjamin Faurot

1829-1904

Discovered oil in Lima, brought electricity to the city and supported the arts and community

Joyce Garrett

1926-2011

The first black teacher in the Lima community in 1953

Anna Mary Goebel

1849-1914

Doctor specializing in the diseases of women and children and nervous diseases

Jack Inoway

1889-1942

Area restaurateur, vaudeville performer and dedicated community member

James Mackenzie

1814-1901

Soldier, lawyer, political activist, teacher, newspaper editor, and judge

Dorothy Bernice “Bernie” Montague

1915-2022

The first woman in Allen County to hold an elected county-wide office

Frances Napier

1942-2016

5th Ward representative on the Lima City Council for over ten years

William Lockard Russell

1850-1923

The president of multiple oil companies and the owner of the Orpheum Theater

Easter Straker

1918-1992

Broadcaster in both radio and television, and community charity organizer

Dollie Taylor

1922-2020

Active in civic work in area churches and county organizations, and Head Start teacher

Christopher Stark Wood

1772-1855

Founding Father of Allen County

This exhibition is made possible in part by Ohio Humanities, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.