JOHN H. RACER, dealer in real estate and breeder of fancy poultry, at Troy, formerly was very prominently identified with the construction of the leading interurban railroad lines in this section of the State. He was born in 1858, near Little Washington, in Rappahannock County, Virginia, and when sixteen years of age accompanied his parents to Greene County, Ohio, where he lived until grown to manhood.

After completing his education, Mr. Racer entered into newspaper work, becoming editor of the Bellbrook Moon, of Bellbrook, Ohio, where he resided for eleven years, identifying himself with the town's various interests, including the building of the Magnetic Hotel. Later he became interested in interurban traction and was the first secretary of the Dayton & Xenia and the Dayton & Spring Valley railroads. There was much opposition to the building of these lines and in all the complications which arose during their construction, Mr. Racer was prominent, the final success of the enterprise being largely due to his tact, judgment and executive ability. He then removed to Dayton and was associated there with Winters & Clegg, in the construction of the Dayton & Troy Railroad, having charge of the securing of the private rights and the franchises through the incorporated towns. He was identified with this road for three years going then to the Cincinnati & Loveland Railroad in the same capacity. His health becoming impaired, he retired from railroad activity one year later and settled at Troy. Here he embarked in the business of raising thoroughbred poultry, and his yards contain many exceedingly valuable specimens. He breeds the White Plymouth Rock, the single comb White Leghorns, the White Wyandottes, the Barred Rock, the Silver Spangled Hamburgs and others, with the English Ringneck and Golden pheasants. One specimen of the latter is of such beauty and value that Mr. Racer has refused $100 for it. His fowls have frequently been on exhibition and he has the world record of 96 3/4 White Leghorns and 95 1/2 White Plymouth Rocks. During the past year Mr. Racer has done a large business in handling Canadian land, in addition to his other activities. He owns 160 acres of land adjoining New Dayton, Alberta Province, Canada.

In 1901 Mr. Racer was married to Miss Mary E. Enyeart, who was born and reared at Troy. She is a daughter of John L. and Lydia (Martindale) Enyeart, natives of Bedford County, Pa., and Montgomery County, Ohio, respectively. Mr. Racer's fraternal interests include membership in the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows.