HON. FRANK M. LONGNAKER, one of Pleasant Hill's most prominent citizens, who filled the mayor's chair for eight years and for eight years was postmaster, is identified with many of the important business concerns of this section. He was born at Pleasant Hill, Miami County, Ohio, May 8, 1869, and is a son of Ephraim and Eunice (Hill) Longnaker.

Ephraim Longnaker was born in Juniata County, Pennsylvania, and he came to Ohio in l859. He enlisted for service in the Civil War, early in the days of the Rebellion, and was a member of the Ninety fourth Regiment, O.Vol Inf., and was not mustered out until the close of hostilities sent the surviving soldiers back to their homes. At one time he was captured by the enemy, and was confined in Libby Prison. He is a highly respected resident of Pleasant Hill, where he has been employed as a carpenter, and also has conducted a boot and shoe store for a number of years. He is a Republican in politics, and one of the leading members of the Christian Church.. He married Eunice Hill, a daughter of John W. Hill, and they.have three children, Frank M., Jennie and Milton.

Frank M. Longuaker spent all his school days at Pleasant Hill, and after completing the high school course learned telegraphing. He was then employed for five years as agent and operator for the C.H.& D. Railroad, settling at Celina after his marriage and spending four years as agent there. He then became interested in the handling of sand and gravel, and in Septernber, 1894, went into the business in Newton Township with Martin Himes, under the firm name of the Longnaker & Himes Company, of which is president. After his long term as mayor terminated, he became manager of this company, and a large measure of his time is taken up in directing its affairs, the enterprise being one of considerable importance and giving employment to a large number of workmen. He is also a stockholder and a director in the Pleasant Hill Banking Company. In politics he is an ardent Republican. He has served one term as justice of the peace, and at present is president of the School Board.

Mr. Longnaker's business success has been phenomenal, and to his own industry, foresight and good judgment must a large part of it be attributed. When he went into business it was without one dollar of capital. With his partner he now owns a concrete manufacturing plant, and gives steady employment to twelve workmen, who handle from twenty-five to fifty cars of sand and gravel a day, shipments being made to all points on the C.R.& D. Railroad. Together with his other business interests, which have been acquired through the same channels of industry, Mr. Longnaker finds himself a very busy man, and in a fair way to become one of the most substantial men of this section.

On August 13, l891, Mr. Longnaker was married to Miss Avis Ely, a daughter of George W. and Annie Ely, and they have one daughter, Miriam, who is a student in the Pleasant Hill High School. The family are members of the Christian Church at Pleasant Hill, Mr. Longnaker being one of the trustees. He is identified with the Masons, belonging to the Chapter at West Milton, and is also an Odd Fellow.