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Edwin Warren Alkire, well known in connection with the development of Westerville and with farming interests in this part of the state, was born in Franklin township, Franklin county, February 22, 1856. His parents were William and Mary (Rizor) Akire. The father was born in Virginia, February 12, 1812, while the mother's birth occurred in Pennsylvania, July 4, 1822. For a long period they resided on the old homestead farm in Franklin township, but about 1871 the father sold his property there and moved with his family to Holden, Missouri. After six months in the west, however, he returned to Delaware county, Ohio, settling about three miles west of Westerville. His death occurred in that county in September, 1884. He had long survived his wife, who passed away in Franklin township, Franklin county, in 1865. In his early life he devoted several years to the carpenter's trade and afterward followed the occupation of farming. His children were five in number, namely: Emily, who married Joseph Hains, of Delaware county, and both are now deceased; Anna Katherine, whose demise occurred when she was twenty-one years of age; Emanuel, who is also deceased; Sarah R., the deceased wife of Michael Bookman; and Edwin Warren, of this review.

Edwin W. Alkire was a youth of fifteen years when the family left the old home place upon which he was born and removed to the west. Following the return to Ohio he lived in Delaware county from 1871 until 1881, when he was married and came to his present place, taking charge of the farm for William Sharpe. After twelve years he bought the home and fifty acres of land lying partially within the village limits of Westerville and all in this county on the Delaware county line. Later he platted a part of his land and sold it in village lots; but he still retains the ownership of forty acres, carrying on general farming, his fields being under a high state of cultivation. Upon the place is a good brick house which was built by William Sharpe in 1849. Mr. Alkire also owns a double frame house on East Norwich Avenue in Columbus and his property interests return to him a good income.

In his political views Mr. Alkire is a stalwart republican and served for three terms of three years each as trustee of Blendon township. He was also for four years a member of the village council and in the fall of 1907 was elected township trustee, in which position he is serving at the present time. He has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking but on the contrary was called to public office by his fellow townsmen who recognized and appreciated his work, ability and patriotism. He believes most firmly in the principles of the Republican party as most conducive to good government and therefore gives to it loyal and stanch support. Since 1881 he has been a member of Rainbow Lodge, No. 327, I. O. O. F., of Westerville, and belongs also to Rigby Encampment, No. 187, of Columbus.

Mr. Alkire laid the foundation for a pleasant domestic experience by his marriage in 1880 to Miss Alice Spring, a native of Delaware county, born near Westerville, and a daughter of Frederick and Martha (Scott) Spring. During her infancy Mrs. Alkire lost her mother and was reared by her uncle, William Sharpe, who was previously the owner of the farm upon which the Alkire family now reside. Their three children, Alta May, Rolla Edwin and Mary, were all born on this farm. Their home is justly celebrated for its warm-hearted hospitality, which is greatly enjoyed by their many friends.

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