The history of a state, as well as that of a nation, is chiefly a chronicle of the lives and deeds of those who have conferred honor and dignity upon society. The world judges of the character of a community by those of its representative citizens, and yields its tribute of admiration and respect for the genius or learning or virtues of those whose works and actions constitute the record of a state's prosperity and pride. It is this record that offers for our consideration the history of men who for their probity, benevolence and kindly virtues, as well as their integrity in the affairs of life, are ever affording to the young examples worthy of emulation. For many years Mr. Sheets has been regarded as one of the most prominent residents of Tippecanoe City, and since 1896 has held the office of mayor, to which position he was called by popular ballot, his fellow townsmen recognizing his worth and ability. His administration has been most progressive, and the period of his incumbency has been an era of substantial growth and improvement in the history of the municipality.

Mr. Sheets is a native of Tippecanoe City, born September 30, 1869. His father, Thomas J. Sheets, was born in Clear Spring, Maryland, September 1, 1841, and was a millwright by trade. In 1859 he came to Ohio, locating in Tippecanoe City, where he worked on the old mill, being thus employed until the breaking out of the war. On the 5th of August, 1862, he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting as a member of the navy. He was assigned to the gunboat Tyler, in the Mississippi squadron, under Commodore David Porter, and from time to time received promotion, becoming a master mate and afterward an ensign, with which rank he was discharged in December, 1863, on account of ill health. He participated in the bombardment of Vicksburg and in other important engagements of the Mississippi squadron. After his return to Tippecanoe City he engaged in farming and stock-raising, which pursuits he followed until 1874, when he became the superintendent and general manager of the Tippecanoe Wheel Works. Under his leadership the plant was enlarged, new machinery was added and a very successful business was conducted, the enterprise proving a very profitable one to the town.

On the 16th of October, 1861, Thomas Sheets was united in marriage to Miss Allie Crane, a daughter of Dr. Crane, and to them were born two children, Lewis and Anna, the latter an accomplished young lady residing with her mother. Mr. Sheets was regarded as one of the most prominent, influential and able men of Tippecanoe City, and at his death all of the stores of the town were closed as a tribute of respect to one widely known and honored. He passed away July 24, 1882, and all who knew him mourned his loss. He was very charitable in his opinions and was beloved alike by old and young, rich or poor. As a citizen he was public-spirited and withheld his support from no movement or measure which he believed would prove a public benefit. Socially he was connected with the Grand Army of the Republic, of Tippecanoe City, and in politics was a stalwart Republican. His many excellencies of character gained him high regard, and throughout the community he had a very extensive circle of friends.

Mr. Sheets, whose name introduces this review, obtained his preliminary education in the public schools of Tippecanoe City and later attended Eastman's Business College, at Poughkeepsie, New York. He was thus well trained for life's practical and responsible duties, and when twenty-two years of age he became a member of the firm of Trupp, Weekly & Company, lumber dealers, contractors and builders. While a member of that firm he was also one of the organizers of the Troy Bending Company, of Troy, Ohio, which was established in 1890. Two years later, however, he sold his interest in that company, but retained his connection with the Trupp-Weekly Manufacturing Company until 1894, when he disposed of his share of stock to H. J. Ritter. The business has since been reorganized under the name of the Tippecanoe Building & Manufacturing Company. Mr. Sheets is now the owner of a valuable farm of one hundred and fifteen acres in Monroe township, and also superintends the cultivation of his mother's farm of four hundred and forty acres. He is a man of excellent business and executive ability, who carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes, and his keen discernment and capable management assures him a high degree of prosperity.

In 1895 Mr. Sheets was elected a trial justice of the peace, which office he has since filled in a most creditable manner. In 1896 he was elected mayor of the city, and has now filled the office for four consecutive years, during which time he has exercised his official prerogatives in behalf of many measures and movements toward the advancement of the city's interests. He gave his support to the establishment of the new electric power house, owned and controlled by the city, and other substantial movements sprang into existence as the result of his labors and advocacy. In his politics he is a Republican, unfaltering in his support of the party principles. A very prominent Mason, he belongs to Tippecanoe Lodge, No. 174, of Tippecanoe City, and is now a past master. He is also a member of Franklin Chapter, No. 24, R. A. M., of Troy, in which he is now holding the office of King, and belongs to the Council and Coleman Commandery, No. 17, K. T., of Troy.

A man of distinguished and forceful individuality, of broad mentality and most mature judgment, he has left and is leaving his impress upon the industrial world, while his study of economic questions and matters of public policy has been so close, practical and comprehensive that his judgment is relied upon and his utterances have weight in those circles where the material progress of his native city is centered.