John H. Ireland, the leading optician at West Milton, and an instrumental musician of something more than local reputation, was born in 1889, at West Milton, a son of G. F. and Anna (Applegate) Ireland. During the War of 1812, Henry Ireland, the great- grandfather of John H., was a member of the band at Fort McHenry, which played inspiring music for the little garrison during the heavy bombardment by the British warships, September 14, 1814. It was at this time that Francis Scott Key, who was detained on one of the warships, wrote "The Star Spangled Banner." The grandfather of Mr. Ireland organized a militia company for service in the Union Army during the Civil war, was made its captain, and lost his life in the battle of Pittsburg Landing. G. F. Ireland has been for many years the leading jeweler of West Milton, where he is greatly esteemed and respected, and has served as postmaster. He and his wife have two children: John H. and Mrs. Dr. E. Furnas, of Englewood, Ohio. John H. Ireland received his education in the public schools of West Milton, following which he pursued a course at the Northern Illinois College of Optometry. Graduating therefrom in 1912, he at once entered upon the practice of his calling at West Milton, where he has since built up a large and representative patronage. Mr. Ireland is also an accomplished instrumental musician, and in 1911 enlisted in the Ohio National Guard, being made assistant band leader thereof. When his contingent began training for service in the World war, he was made band leader at Camp Lee, Va., and later went to France, where he served in a like capacity. He has been connected with several musical organizations at West Milton and is an acknowledged artist on several instruments. He takes an active interest in all that affects the welfare of his community, where he is known as a substantial and public spirited citizen and is possessed of numerous friends. Mr. Ireland married Alberta, daughter of Henry Seaman, of Cincinnati.