T. C .SHILLING, of the firm of Shilling & Roberts, leading furniture dealers and undertakers of Troy, Ohio, has been engaged in the mercantile business in this city for a period of over forty years. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1845, and is a son of Jesse Shilling, who prior to his death was one of the prominent and active citizens of Troy.

Jesse Shilling, a son of William and Hannah Shilling, was born in Maryland, in 1825, and was about two years of age when his parents removed to Columbus, Ohio. There he was reared and educated, and when twenty-one years old was foreman of the Hayden Foundry, at Columbus, Ohio. He acquired considerable skill as an engineer and followed that occupation for years. In 1854 he moved to Troy and soon afterward agitated the establishment of a fire department here. Largely through his activity the project was favorably acted upon and he was installed as the first engineer of the department. He was always among the foremost in furthering the city's interests, being one of the founders of the present water works system, and was most highly esteemed by his fellow citizens. During the war he was provost-marshal of Miami County under Captain A. C. Duel. He also served as a member of the City Council.

T. C. Shilling attended school in Columbus until his parents moved to Troy in 1854, and then attended school here until the Civil War was in progress. He enlisted as a member of Company H, 147th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Upon his return from the front he engaged in the dry goods business for some years, and then formed a partnership with Mr. Bond, under the firm name of Bond and Shilling, in the furniture and undertaking business. The partnership continued sixteen years, when upon the death of Mr. Bond, Mr. Roberts became a partner, the firm name being changed to Shilling & Roberts. This is the oldest firm of furniture dealers and undertakers in the city, and commands a liberal patronage at the hands of the people.

Mr. Shilling was married at Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Miss Jennie Hartzell, and they have two sons, Eugene and Wade, both of whom are identified with the business of Shilling & Roberts. Mr. Shilling takes a deep interest in local politics, but with the exception of service on the School board, has filled no public office, being strictly a man of business. Fraternally, he is a member and has filled all the chairs of the following lodges: Blue Lodge, F.& A.M.; Chapter; Odd Fellows; Knights of Pythias; also a member of the Knights Templar. He is also past commander of the local post, G.A.R. Religiously, he is a member of the Baptist Church.