IRA J. MONTROSS. Ira J. Montross, successfully engaged in general mer chandising in Mexico, was born in Seneca county, February 5, 1871, his parents being Charles W. and Mary E. (Raively) Montross. The father, a native of New York state, was born February 22, 1848, and was five years of age when he was brought to Seneca county. There he grew to manhood and after completing his education followed the trade of a laborer. He now makes his home in Mexico, Tymochtee township. His wife is a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1841. They are the parents of five children, Charles, Ida, Mary, Arthur and Ira J. Ira J. Montross acquired his education in the district schools of Tymochtee township, which he attended until he was twenty-three years of age, after which he spent one sum mer in the Ohio Northern University at Ada. When he had laid aside his books he engaged in farming on shares and his ability along this line enabled him to continue his labors suc cessfully until 1911, when he turned his attention to commer cial pursuits, opening a general store at Mexico. His stock is valued at one thousand dollars and he carries a complete and well selected line of goods which are tastefully and at tractively arranged. In recognition of his straightforward and reliable business methods Mr. Montross enjoys an exten sive and steadily increasing patronage and is already known as a prosperous and progressive merchant and public-spirited citizen. Mr. Montross has been twice married. His first union was with Miss Ida Rosier, of McCutchenville, whom he wedded at Upper Sandusky, April 12, 1894. They were the parents of four children, three of whom died in infancy. The other is a daughter, Verna. Mr. Montross' first wife died in 1906 and on December 4, 1909, he married Miss Mary Tallman, a daugh ter of George W. and Melissa Tallman. To this union has been born a son, Klahr. Mr. Montross in his political views is independent of all lines and parties. In the short time during which he has been identified with mercantile interests in Mexico he has won a gratifying measure of success, for he has sought prosperity through legitimate channels of trade and has based his claims to recognition upon honorable and upright business methods.