Merlin Brenneman
Merlin Brenneman is the present superintendent of budget, Department of Finance, State of Ohio. His active experience in the fiscal side of the state government covers a period of over ten years. His duties as superintendent of the budget comprise the preparation of the biennial budget, covering all expenditures of the state as authorized every two years by the General Assembly. His individual character and special experience give him exceptional qualifications for this responsible post.
Mr. Brenneman was born in American Township, Allen County, Ohio, in 1879, and he still retains his legal residence in Allen County, at Lima. He is a son of Noah E. and Elizabeth (Humphreys) Brenneman, both natives of Ohio, and Allen County farmers. Merlin Brenneman was reared on his father's farm, attended public school at Elida, and is a graduate of the high school of that city. He also finished a business college course, and acquired his early business experience at Lima.
In 1913 he came to Columbus as secretary to Vic Donahey, who in the general election of 1912 had been elected auditor of the state. Mr. Brenneman served as secretary throughout the two terms of State Auditor Donahey, a period of eight years. He then continued in the service of the auditor's department under the present state auditor, Joseph T. Tracy, until February, 1923. With all this detailed knowledge of the state's financial system he was called to his present position by Governor Donahey.
Mr. Brenneman is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He married Miss Boka K. Rumbaugh of Allen County. They have two children, Howard and Elizabeth.
From History of Ohio, Vol. III, by Charles B. Galbreath, American Historical Society, Publishers; 1925