Samuel J. Vining

Samuel J. Vining was born at South Salem, Indiana on March 3, 1864. His parents moved to Ohio in his infancy, and he lived on a farm until age thirty-two.[1] He attended the common school until age seventeen, and then began teaching. He attended the normal school at Portland, Indiana, and taught in winters for fifteen years, farming during summer months. He also read law for two years, but never applied for admission to the bar.[1]

Vining was justice of the peace for five years, and resigned that office. He was elected as a Democrat as Clerk of Court in Mercer County, Ohio in 1896, and was re-elected in 1899. He was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 1980, and was re-elected, unopposed, in 1910. In 1911, his colleagues chose him for Speaker.[1]

Mr. Vining had a residence, real-estate, and insurance businesses in Celina, Ohio, and was a member of the Knights of Pythias, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen of America, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and D. O. O. K.[1]

Vining married Addie Ellsworth from Auglaize County, Ohio on February 8, 1887. They had children named Vernon E., Valley Echo, and Leo Heath, who all attended Ohio Wesleyan University.[1]

Vining died of appendicitis in 1914 at Celina.[2]