J. Louis Barth
J. Louis Barth, decorator and dealer in wallpaper at Lima, was born in Marion County, Ohio, September 9, 1877. His father, William Barth, residing on Union Street, is a native of Saxony, Germany. Our subject's mother, whose maiden name was Rhoda Burrey, was born in Marion County, Ohio. William Barth and his wife reared three children, viz: Elmer, of Lima; David, of Los Angeles, California; J. Louis, the immediate subject of this sketch; and Laura, wife of Harry Thew, of Lima.
J. Louis Barth has resided in Lima since his childhood and when old enough to make his own way in the world entered the Monroe factory where he was employed about two years. He left that work to accept the management of the store room of Carnes, Agerter & Company's car and machine works. After he had been in that position or two years, he decided to engage in business for himself, and to that end learned the trade of decorator. In 1899 he opened a store for the sale of wall-paper, etc., and has given such general satisfaction to his patrons that to-day he is the leader in that line of goods in Lima. In his stock will be found fashionable papers suited to the most fastidious taste and ranging in price from 5 cents to $35 per roll. In addition to his extensive local trade, he has a large outside patronage, and is widely known for his skillful and excellent work.
Mr. Barth was married on May 31, 1904, to Jessie Eleanor Jenkins, daughter of Dr. J. S. Jenkins, of Venedocia, Van Wert County, Ohio. They have one child, Marvin Jenkins, born May 21, 1905. Mr. Barth is a member of the Presbyterian Church and a man of integrity and worth.
From History of Allen County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Edited by Charles C. Miller. Richmond & Arnold, Publishers, Chicago, 1906