Class _ Book -H'3 Cs ly (% A ^'^ y Qh.c^gc /^^ ^^^ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY OHIO ILLUSTRATED EMBELLISHED WITH PORTRAITS OF MANY WELL KNOWN PEOPLE OF HANCOCK COUNTY WHO HAVE BEEN OR ARE PROMINENT IN ITS HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT NEW YORK AND CHICAGO THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY 19 3 ^ PREFACE, Wf{l^\f^^^ UT of the depths of- his mature wisdom Carlyle wrote, f^ "History is the essence of innumerable biographies." if BeHeving this to be a fact, there is no necessity of j2 advancing any further reason for the compilation of ^ such a work as this, if reliable history is to be the %X:^;^SJ?X4ol^fe ultimate object. The section of Ohio embraced by this volume has sustained within its confines men who have been prominent in the history of the State, and even the nation, for a century. The annals teem with the records of strong and noble manhood, and, as Sumner has said, "the true grand- eur of nations is in those qualities which constitute the greatness of the individual." The final causes which shape the fortunes of individuals and the destinies of States are often the same. They are usually remote and obscure, and their influence scarcely perceived until manifestly declared by results. That nation is the greatest which produces the greatest and most manly men and faithful women; and the intrinsic safety of a community depends not so much upon methods as upon that normal development from the deep resources of which proceeds all that is precious and perma- nent in life. But such a result may not consciously be contemplated by the actors in the great social drama. Pursuing each his personal good by exalted means, they work out as a logical result. The elements of success in life consist in both innate capacity and deter- mination to excel. Where either is wanting, failure is almost certain in the outcome. The study of a successful life, therefore, serves both as a source of information and as a stimulus and encouragement to those who have the capacity. As an important lesson in this connection we may appropriately 4 PREFACE quote Longfellow, who said: "We judge ourselves by what we feel capa- ble of doing, while we judge others by what they have already done." A faithful personal history is an illustration of the truth of this observation. In this biographical history the editorial staff, as well as the publishers, have fully realized the magnitude of the task. In the collection of the ma- terial there has been a constant aim to discriminate carefully in regard to the selection of subjects. Those who have been prominent factors in the public, social and industrial development of the county have been 'given due recognition as far as it has been possible to secure the requisite data. Names worthy of perpetuation here, it is true, have in several instances been omitted, either on account of the apathy of those concerned or the inability of the compilers to secure the information necessary for a symmetrical sketch; but even more pains have been taken to secure accuracy than were promised in the prospectus. Works of this nature, therefore, are more reli- able and complete than are the " standard " histories of a country. THE PUBLISHERS. INDEX. Adams, James T., 321 Adams, M. A., 403 Adams, Newton M., 323 Adelsperger, W. H., 218 Alexander, Matliew M., 456 Alford, William C. 235 Alspach, Salathiel V.. iQQ Alspach, William, 487 Anderson, John D., 355 Arnold, John T., 44 Baker, John, 84 Baker, Joseph P.. 480 Balsley. Alfred H., 522 Barnhill, Tobia G., 549 Barr, John M., 420 Bartoon, Joseph T., 438 Beamer, Charles, 576 Beard, John, 406 Beardsley, Herbert V., 591 Beck, David, 492 Bell, Marion, 501 Benner, J. H., 541 Bennett. Rufus W., 230 Bibler. B. R, 475 Bickelhaupt, Frederick J., 213 Bigelow, Charles H., 211 Biggs. Samuel M., 338 Bish, Andrew, 500 Bish, William S., 500 Bishop, Henry, 48 Bishop, John S., 50 Black. William P., 411 Blymyer, Henry J., 302 Boger, Jacob H., 8g Bohn. Jacob. 227 Bolander, William, 301 Bolton. Elmer C, 332 Bond, Charles A., 491 Bope, James A., 82 Bowers, Jacob, 556 Bowlby, Salamis, 305 Boyd, Richard W., 27 Boyd, T. C, 282 Brenner, John, 545 Brenner, William, 590 Brickman, H. A., 114 Brickman, William F., 2.^5 Bright, Charles, 28 Bright, Levi, 254 Bright, Major, 104 Brinker, Jesse I., 197 Broadwater, Luke H., 266 Brooks, C. W., 424 Brooks, Harrison, 318 Brown, Abraham, 72 Brown, Henry W., 553 Browneller, D. P., 310 Browneller, Frederick. 309 Burket, Harlan F., 520 Burket, Jacob F., g Byal, Absalom P., 162 Byal, Henry, 64 Carlin, Squire, 192 Carpenter, C. A., 335 Carrothers, George, 12 Casterline, Cyrus L., 550 Gathers, Preston B., 198 Chambers, Clinton A., 221 Chambers, David U., 573 Chase, Justus, 24 Chase, J. Z., 172 Clark, Harvey G., 537 Clark, James R., 317 Clayton, Joseph B., 393 Clymer. A. H., Sr., 559 Clymer, Thomas H., 292 Cobb, Alden H., 268 Cobb, Marion A., 261 INDEX. Cole, Ralph D., 553 Cole, Raymond, 103 Cole, William W., 167 Coleman, Nelson, 27Q Coontz, Warner, 298 Cooper, Isaac W., 443 Cooper, Robert A., 565 Corthell, Clinton S., 495 Corwin, Hezekiah, 161 Cowley, Millard C, 68 Cramer, Andrew, 149 Cramer, George F., 34 Cramer, Joseph, 139 Creighton, William J., 241 Cross, James, 121 Cross, John H., 560 Crowell, Frank R., 594 Cusac, James M., 85 Cusac, William, 85 Cusac, William J., 390 Dailey, Baker, 511 Daily Courier, The, 587 Daman, W. C, 348 Davis, Abner L., 424 Davis, David T.. 225 Davis, Isaac, 341 Davy, Mrs. Rebecca N., 89 Davy, Robert, 88 Decker, James, 465 Deihlman, George A., 498 Demland, William A., 502 Dennison, James, 52 De Vore, George W., 538 De Wolf. Surrel P., 340 Dick, David, 96 Donnell, James C. 303 Dorsey, Wallace, 311 Doty, John N., 20 Doty, William C, 258 Dozer, Jesse L., 395 Dreisbach, David M.. 112 Dreisbach, Gabriel M., 368 Dukes, Clark W, 362 Dukes, Lewis S., 16 Dunn, Eliiah T., 525 Enfield, James A., 148 Eofif, Louis W., 504 Ernest, G. W., 205 Ernest, William W., 366 Ewing, Albert L., 106 Ewing, Cornelius, 119 Ewing, Erwin E., 17 Ewing, Melvin E., iii Ewing, Philip W., 457 Falk, Levi, 108 Finsel, John E., 260 Firmin, Francis W., 184 Firmin, Lorenzo, 448 Fisher, A. J., 79 Fisher, Gotlob D., 163 Fisher, John, 163 Fisher, William, 342 Fitch, D. W., 57-2 Fitzgerald, Robert H., 521 Flamion, Philip, 563 Flick, Thomas, 299 Fogler, William, 147 Ford, Clayton W., 493 Franks, Henry, 466 Frey, William J., 327 Fruth, Jacob, 412 Garber, Christopher, 398 George, Willard, 483 Gillespie, Thomas F., 345 Glathart, Aaron J., 100 Glauner, William F., 361 Gleckner, Adam, 593 Goeppele, George, 509 Goodman, George M., 580 Gray, William P., 460 Green, William, 383 Greene, Isaac M., 579 Gressly. Jacob, 295 Griffin, Frank A., 206 Grimm, John W., 286 Growden, Arthur M., 439 Grubb, Cyrus, 32 Grubb, John H.. 468 Guise, Perry O., 413 Eckels, Joel, 22 Ellis, Asa, 91 Elsea, George W., 582 Elsea, Samuel H., 76 Haddox, Samuel, 435 Hale, E. W., 557 Hall, George W., 519 Hammond, George F., 36 INDEX. Hammond, M. R., 5.34 Harrop, William, 4Q4 Hartman, Andrew, 135 Hartman, Jasper N., 216 Hause, Henry M., 459 Hawkins, Edgar A., 56 Hayward, Collin D., 186 Heck, Anderson C, 4q6 Heck, John, 3Q7 Heckert, William, 154 Heimhofer. John B., 66 Heistand, Henry, 191 Herman, Joseph J., 569 Hershey. Isaac, 138 Heyn, Christian, 10.3 Higbie, J. L., 117 Hirschberger, John F., 281 Holliger, Frederick A., Z7^ Hooper, Isaac W., 168 Hosier, Morrison, 363 Hosier, William F., 55 Hostler, Lewis H.. 385 Houck, William H., 40 Hoy, James T., 329 Hudson, J. E., 433 Hughes, Don C, 367 Ingold, Jacob, 533 Insley, Isaac, 62 Jacobs, John W., 306 Jameson, Cornelius S., 87 Johnston, Charles S., 575 Kagey, John C, 47s Kagy, Joseph R., 18 Karg, Frederick J., 476 Karg, Louis, 497 Karn, Theodore, 3.31 Karst, J. B., 447 Keeley, James, 187 Keenan, Hugh J., 486 Kelley, James W., 401 Kelley, J. B., 437 Kelly, Luther C, 11 Kempher, Rado, 568 Ketzcnbarger, Jacob O., 42 Kibler, Jacob, 357 Kibler, R. J., 237 Kiefer, William I., 394 Kimmell, Jacob A.. 200 Kinder, Walter H., 313 Kirkbridc, James W., 19 Kissebcrth, John L., 67 Kistler, Benjamin, Sr., 128 Krabill, Hiram D., 485 Krauss, Charles J., 419 Kuhlman, William, 462 Larkins, Sorel}', 555 Latshaw, A. B., 240 Lear, William A., 405 Lechner, Michael, 180 Lee, Noah, 144 Lemott, Samuel, 150 Leonard, Robert L., 59 Lewis, Francis M., 544 Lichty, Benedict, 320 Linhart, Jacob A., 27 Linhart, John H., 26 Longbrake, Louis, 214 Mw Maclachlan, Norman L., 478 Madsuse, William, 356 Mallen, Charles, 489 Martin, Jerome M., 252 M'arvin, Isaac W., 536 Marvin, Otta B., 482 Mascho, Charles W., 499 Matthias, Albert C, 517 McAn^lly, Moses, 115 McArthur, George, 276 McElwaine, William H., 523 McGee, Martin P., 446 McLeod, Joseph R., 349 • McManness, Lemuel, 181 McRill, Jefferson C, 296 Measel, Mrs. Harriet H., 192 Mellott, John H., 463 Metzler, W. M.. 418 Miley, Harvey C, 51 Miller, Alexander. 264 Miller, Francis M., 39 Miller, Levi, 273 Miller, William B., 247 Mitchell, Parlee, 552 Miitchell, Thomas M., 352 Moffett, William R., 245 Montgomery, John, 109 Montgomery, John T., 43 Montgomery, William, 74 Moorhead, John M., 174 8 INDEX. Morrison, Nelson H., 594 Morrison, Philemon B., 451 Motherwell, Robert B., 228 Moyer, Edwin R., 253 Moyer, M. M., 25.3 Mioyer, Uriah B., 308 Nau, Jacob, 354 Neibling, William C, 488 Nelson, George, 209 Nelson, Jonathan, 169 Newcomer, Levi B., 454 Newhouse, William M., 422 Nichols, Allison H., 531 Norris, George W., 326 Nusser, J. A., 467 Oliver, Philip B., 514 Oman, Ephraim I., I53 Oman, George W., 535 Overholt, A. J., 37i Overholt, Christian, 232 Parker, Havilah L., 291 Parker, John, 212 Patterson, James L., 587 Patterson, Joseph S., 336 Pendleton, George F., 98 Pendleton, George S., 474 Pepple, Eli W., 554 Pepple, Jacob, 173 Pepple, William H., 15 Peterman, John, 140 Peters, George W., 105 Phelps, George H., 262 Phifer, George W., 450 Pilcher, Milton A., 226 Plotts, Andrew J., 384 Poe, Nelson, 365 Powell, Alexander B., 319 Powell, Jacob E., 512 Powell, Peter H., 256 Powell, Sullivan, 217 Powell, Valentine, 272 -Presler, Napoleon B., 251 Priddy, S. N. E., 430 Purkey, Henry O.. 244 Rainey, Harvey, 47 Ramsey, Hamilton L., 289 Ray, Frank C., 461 Redfern, Joseph P., 203 Reiter, Henry, 270 Reiter, Sebastian J., 271 Reynolds, George M., 589 Rial, Allfree H., 208 Ricketts, Jasper T., 428 Riegle, John W. S., 61 Roberts, Solomon N., 134 Roether, Abraham, 588 Roller, George W., 127 Roller, Jefferson, 539 Roller, W. C, 196 Ross, George W., 170 Routzon, David C, 31 Rummell, George B., 63 Rmnmell, William R., 38 Russell, Frank, 222 Russell, Robert B., 53 Sager, Andrew, 445 Saltsman, Norman, 402 Saltzman, Christopher A., 95 Sampson, John Z., 571 Sausser, David W., 130 Schoonover, John, 392 Schubert, Daniel N., 243 Schubert, John, 124 Sch-winn, Philipp, 353 Scothorn, Abraham W., 408 Shafer, Morgan C, 506 Sharninghause, William, 564 Shea, James, 190 Sheets, Henry, 441 Sherick, David, 70 Sherman, Conrad, 548 Shilling, Jesse, 346 Shoe, John W., i8g Shull, Hermon T., 131 Shull, Isaac L., 570 Siddall, A. C, 423 Smith, A. H., 581 Smith, Augustus M., 516 Smith, Charles F., 324 Smith, Daniel L., 508 Smith, George H., 351 Sm.ith, Henry C, 107 Snider, Isaac C, 143 Snider, Solomon, 4-10 Snider, William F., 54 Snyder, George W., 380 Snyder, Henry, 238 INDEX. Solether, John S., 176 Solt, David B., 333 Solt, Peter, 248 Stackhouse, Thomas J., 503 Stacy, Thomas, 210 Stahl, Levi, 546 Stall, John F., 382 Steinman. Benjamin C, 35 Stephenson, William, 426 Stephenson, William E., 31; Stevenson, A. W., 452 Stevenson, Evan D., 178 Stewart, S. M., 93 Stockton, Charles A., 30 Stoflfel, Joseph, 547 Stoker, Darius R., 472 Stoker, George M., 14 Stoker, Wilson C, 464 Storts, Francis M., 300 Stough, George S., 586 Stough, Henry, 71 Strother, Mrs. Sarah A., 414 Sutter, Fredrick, 477 Sutton, John A., 375 Swab, John W., 132 Swab, Samuel, 400 Swank, H. D., 561 Swartz, Nelsen R.. 498 Switzer, Daniel E., 321 Tait, William M., 316 Tarbox, Harry L.. 120 Taylor, Charles R.. 532 Taylor, Edmund C, 46 Taylor, Rufus E., 157 Teatsorth, Isaac, 578 Thomas, Albert J., 283 Thomas, Charles H., 432 Thomas, David, 470 Thomas, Grant, 220 Thomas, John A., 389 Thomas, Samuel B., 574 Thomas, William, 469 Thompson. Isaac, 416 Trout. Ephraim, 374 Trout. Milton E.. 379 Trout, Sylvanus W., 378 Trueslow, Wilbur F., 293 Van Eman, Josephus C., 234 Van Horn, Perry, 347 Van Lue. E. V., 151 Van Sant, Frank, 158 Van Sickle, John, 370 Vickers, Hilton A., 440 Waggoner, William G., 278 Walter, Daniel, 288 Wanamaker, Eliphes, 344 Watkins, George W., 275 Watson, Charles E., 207 Watson, Charles R., 269 Watson, Richard M., 360 Webster, W. C, 543 Weirough, Philip, 566 Whitman, George W., 515 Wilcox, Edgar, 455 Williamson, James, 81 Williamson, William A., 277 Wilson, James, 165 Winders, Henry F., 551 Wineland, B. F., 387 Wise, Benjamin J., 364 Wise, Franklin, 126 Wise, W. A., 490 Wiseley, Martin L., 224 Wisely, William P, 136 Wiseman, Andrew, 528 Wiseman, Joseph, 530 Witmore, Henry E., 183 Wolf, Adam, 429 Wolf, Simon, 524 Wolfe, Mary A., 266 Wolff, Louis A., 510 Woodruff, Sheldon, 284 Woods, L. S., 376 Worden, Alvin L., 312 Worden, Robert B., 312 Young, M. C, 540 Zeller, John W.. 583 A CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY, OHIO. JACOB F. BURKET. The subject of this sketch has been a famihar figure in Ohio for many years, owing to his prominent connection both with the bench and bar of the state. For over thirty years he was an attorney in active practice at Findlay, and since February 9, 1893, has been a member of the state supreme court, at present holding the position of chief justice of that tribunah His family is of Swiss origin and it seems that the name was originally written Burkhardt. In 1758 the great-grandparents of our subject emigrated from Switzerland to America, accompanied by their son John, who was at that time an infant about four years old. On the voyage across the ocean the father died of a fatal illness, and his wndow^ after arriving in the United States located at Reading, Pennsylvania. John Burkhardt grew to manhood at that place, and at the beginning of the Revolutionary Avar became a member of Von Heer's Cavalry, which was organized under a special act of the Continental congress i<.)V the purpose of acting as a body guard to Washington. He participated with his command in its subsequent service, and Avith them shared the horrors of the never to be forgotten winter at Valley Forge. He remained with the army until the surrender of Cornwallis, after which he returned to his home at Reading, where he married a Miss Fox and subsequently removed to Ohio. Locating first in Perry county, near the village of Somerset, he removed later with his family to Sandusky county, settling near Hessville, west of Fremont, where his death occurred in February, 1847. Jo^^ii Burket became the father of eio-hteen children, among the younger of whom was a son named Solomon, lo CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Avho was born in 1806. He married Alary, daughter of George Brehn, who was a soldier in the war of 181 2, took part in the battles of Fort Meigs and Fallen Timbers, and died in Perry county at the age of ninety-three years. Solomon Burket resided in Perry county until 1838, when he removed to Hancock county, where he engaged in farming and followed that occupation until his death, which occurred March 6, 1847. He had a family of ten chil- dren, among whom was included the subject of this sketch. Tacob F. Burket was born on a farm in Perry county, three miles south of the village of Somerset, March 25, 1837, and when eighteen months old was brought to Hancock county by his parents, who located in Union township. He passed the earlier years of his life in the uneventful routine of farm work, in the meantime acquiring a fairly good education in the schools of the district and at Findlay. After finishing at this place, he completed his educated at the Seneca County Academy, then the best school in northwestern Ohio. When he had reached the eighteenth year of his age he became an instructor and taught his first term of school during the summer of 1855, "^ Blanchard town- ship. The subsequent seven years were occupied in teaching and attending school, with a view to entering the legal profession, of which he became a member by admission to the bar in 1861. In the fall of 1861 he located at Ottawa, Putnam county, but in April, 1862, returned to Findlay, where he continued the practice of law with marked success until 1893. During this period of more than thirty years Mr. Burket steadily rose in his profession and made a reputation as being one of the best lawyers of the Findlay bar. In 1892 he was nominated by the Republican party as candidate for judge of the supreme court of Ohio, was elected in the ensuing fall and took his seat Feb- ruary 9, 1893. In 1897 he was re-elected to this position for another term of six years and is now chief justice of the court. While throughout his life Judge Burket has always been a consistent and earnest Republican in politics, he has never taken an active part in the campaigns. In 1880, however, he was an elector on the Garfield and Arthur ticket and still retains the ticket cast for those candidates in the electoral college. In 1887 he assisted in organizing the American National Bank of Findlay, of whicli he was elected president. Judge Burket was married near Adrian, Michigan, to Miss Pamy D. Walters, daughter of John and Eliza (Lowrey Walters, and to this union have been born six children, whose names are Harlan F., Charles O., William J., John F., Reginald and Lillie B., the latter being now the wife of Louis W. Eoff. Mrs. Burket died June 6, 1900. Judge Burket is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was grand master of the Ohio order in 1882 and 1883. He and his sons, Harlan F. and John F., are members of the society MRS. JACOB F. BURKET. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY n of the Sons of the American Revohition. He and his son, Harlan F., are members of the Ohio State Bar Association, also of the American Bar Asso- ciation, and usually attend the meetings of those organizations. LUTHER C. KELLY. The family of this name, so long and favorably known in Hancock county, had its Ohio origin in Pickaway county from emigrants who came west at what the pioneers called "an early day." We first hear of Joseph Kelly, who was born in Pickaway county, about the beginning of the last century, and he was married in Fairfield county to Sarah Shaw, an incomer from Pennsyl- vania. After marriage this couple located in Pickaway county, where they reared five children, and of these four came to Hancock county for residence at different times. Among the latter was George J. Kelly, whose birth occurred m Pickaway county, Ohio, in January, 1823, and who remained in his native locality until about thirty years old. In April, 1842, he married Caroline Fel- lers, and eleven years later left Pickaway to seek a home in Hancock county. He located on eighty acres of land in Union township, v,hich embraced the present site of Rawson, and shortly after his arrival in 1852 this village was laid out. This made a demand for lots, and a considerable portion of George J. Kelly's purchase was thus disposed of. Subsecjuently he acquired additional land until his total holdings amount to two hundred and eighty acres, besides several houses and lots in Rawson. He suffered a loss of over seven thousand dollars by a destructive fire which swept over Rawson in 1887 and practically wiped the village from the map. Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. George J. Kelly the six living are: Mrs. Jane Benedict, Luther C., John A., Mrs. Olive M. Zugschwert, Mrs. Mary A. Allion and Mrs. Ines A. Woods, Chester D., the deceased son, whose death occurred in 1894, was a lawyer of promise who resided at Kenton, where he served as prosecuting attorney for two terms. Li addition to his own children Mr. Kelly reared and educated Scott H. Kelly, his nephew, who is now practicing law at Toledo, Ohio. Mrs. Caroline Kelly passed away in 1898, and all accounts agree in representing her as a most affectionate wife and devoted mother. Luther C. Kelly, eldest of his father's sons, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, November 10, 1847, and was consecj:uently four years old when his pa- rents came to this county. He was reared at Rawson, and after attending the common schools there went to Findlay for the purpose of fitting himself as a teacher by a course in the high school at that place. After finishing the edu- cation prescribed for him he taught school awhile in Jackson township, but 12 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY soon abandoned this occupation to engage in mercantile pursuits. Securing a clerkship in an establishment at Ada, he remained there a year and then re- turned to Rawson to go into business with J. C. Benham. This partnership, after lasting a year or so, was dissolved with mutual consent and Mr. Kelly determined to make agriculture a permanent employment. With this in view he made his first real estate investment in 1875, consisting of forty acres of land in Union township, which he increased in 1880 by an addition of twenty- one acres, and by subsequent deed from his father his total holdings were brought up to an even one hundred acres. On this place he has since resided, cultivating his fertile fields after modern methods, raising good stock and otherwise leading the life of a well-to-do Ohio farmer. Aside from his own business his public service has consisted of two terms as township trustee and several terms as member of the school board, in whose educational work he has taken an especial interest. In 1868 Mr. Kelly was married to Sarah, daughter of W. C. and Mary A. Needles, by whom he had one child, Sarah Eva, now Mrs. M. A. Runkle. In 1883 he contracted a second marriage with Magdalena M., daughter of David and Julia A. Stallsmith, and the children by this union are Jasper F., who married Bessie Reed, of Ottumwa, Iowa; Florence M., now Mrs. A. B. DeWese, Homer C, Julia A., Lucia E. and Zoda J. Mrs. Kelly, who is a native of Portage county, was a successful teacher in her earlier life and en- joyed a high reputation in the educational circles of Portage, Marion and Hancock counties. The Kellys were formerly members of the Methodist Protestant church, but that establishment not being regularly supplied with pastors the family joined the old Methodist church, in whose work they are actively interested. Mr. Kelly and his father have at different times held nearly every official position in the church except that of minister. Owing to their success in business, their exemplary lives and their value as citizens this family has long occupied a position of influence in the locality around Rawson. GEORGE CARROTHERS. As a veteran of the C\\\\ war, farmer and later a real estate dealer of enterprise and prominence, the subject of this sketch has made so creditable a record as to enjoy high standing in Findlay. He comes of Scotch-Irisii stock and at every crisis of his life has displayed the courage and persistence characteristic of that historic race. His grandfather, John Carrothers, was born in Scotland, w^ent from there to the North of Ireland and about the year 1813 crossed the Atlantic to the United States, where he died when near his '>MJUi^i:^.Ji _ ^a-r^^-^Hi 'zkry-^^ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 13 forty-fifth year. John Carrothers, son of the last mentioned, was born in North Ireland in 1807 and came to America with his parents in childhood, the vessel in which they sailed being wrecked and causing a loss of all the family belongings. They made their way to Guernsey county, Ohio, where the fa- ther of our subject grew up and later made his way to Crawford county, where he died in 1883. In 1833 he was married to Elizabeth Laird, by whom he had eight children. John. W., the eldest of these, was a non-commissioned officer in the First Regiment of Nebraska Volunteer Infantry and died some time after the war. Margaret E. and Robert are deceased; George was the fourth child, and James B., the next in order of birth, was a private in the One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, from which he received an honorable discharge in 1863 for disability. William is dead and Dr. Moses M. served with the troops called out in 1864 to meet Morgan's raid. Mary J., the youngest child, has departed this life, as has also the mother, whose death occurred in 1891. George Carrothers was born in 1839 while his parents were living on their farm in Crawford county, Ohio, and he re- mained in that neighborhood until seventeen years of age. Having earned money enough to pay his own wa}-, lie entered Oberlin College and there obtained most of his literary education. In June, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in Avhich he served as a private for three months and then veteranized in the same command for the three years' service. He took part with his regiment in the battles at Cross Lane, West Virginia, the first engagement at Winchester and the bloody struggle at Cedar Mountain, August 9, 1862. He was so badly wounded in the last mentioned battle as to necessitate his transference to a hospital, the one selected being Davids Island, New York. After confinement there until May, 1863, he was honorably discharged from the service for serious disability and returned to his home in Crawford county, Ohio. For three years he was incapacitated for labor, but in 1867 engaged in the fire insurance business, which constituted his employment until 1869. On March 9 of that year he was married in Richland county, Ohio, to Lucina ]\I., daughter of Rev. Pliilo and Clarinda (Rogers) Blackman, by whom he has had five children: Clara E. ; Minnie M., wife of George B. Landis; Lulu D., wife of R. B. Myers; Georgia M., and James G. The family of Mrs. Carrothers is of ancient origin and many of its members have made creditable records both in civic and military life. Rev. Adam Blackman, the founder of the family in America, was born in England in 1598 and came to this country as far back as 1639. He settled in Stratford, Connecticut, where he organized the first Congregational church, of which he was pastor for twenty-five years, and 14 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY died there in 1665. John Blackmail, one of his descendants, became the fa- ther of Ebenezer Blackman, the great-great-grandfather of Mrs. Carrothers. Her great-grandfather was Enoch Blackman, who served at different times in the Revolutionary army, his last enlistment being August i, 1780, and his dis- charge December 9, in the same year. Rev. Fhilo Blackman, father of Mrs. Carrothers, served as a private in the Fifteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and died in 1877. The mother of Mrs. Carrothers was born at Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, and died at Columbus Grove, Ohio, when eighty- one years of age. After his marriage, Mr. Carrothers located on a farm in Crawford county, which he cultivated until 1882, ^vhen he came to Findlay, where he has since made his home. He engaged in the real estate business, which by good judgment and energy he has made quite remunerative. From 1887 until the fall of 1902 he was extensively engaged in the oil and gas business. He was one of the first men to engage in these industries in this district and in the main was successful. He has been a director of the American National Bank of Findlay ever since its founding. He increased the corporate limits of Findlay by an addition called after his name, containing eighty-four lots, and has erected forty houses on this land. He lias been an active figure in the business affairs and industrial development of Findlay and served one term as gas trustee of the city. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, Republican in politics and belongs to Henry Lincoln Post, No. 343, Grand Army of the Republic, at Oberlin, Oliio. GEORGE M. STOKER. With the industrial interests of jMcComb this gentleman is closely as- sociated, being a member of the firm of Stoker Brothers, owners of the planing mill. He is a young man of enterprise and business capability and in his un- dertakings is meeting with desirable and well merited success. Mr. Stoker is a native of Hancock county, his birth having occurred in Allen township, upon his father's farm, in the year 1866. He is a son of T. A. Stoker, a well known agriculturist of this community. He remained upon the old homestead until fourteen years of age, during which time he pursued his education in the public schools of the neighborhood, and through the summer months and in the periods of vacation he worked in field and meadow, assist- ing in the cultivation of the farm, but believing that another pursuit would prove more congenial, when fourteen years of age he began learning the carpenter's trade, which he followed continuously until 1897. He became a CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 15 proficient workman and ex'idences of his skill are seen in many substantial buildings of the county. In 1897 he joined his brother in the establishment of a planing- mill business in McComb, and in the new enterprise they prospered, their business assuming large and projfitable proportions. The Stoker Brothers are now manufacturing the Little Star grain separator for the com- pany of which they are now members, and of which company George AI. Stoker is the manager. In the year 1888 ]\Ir. Stoker was united in marriage to ]\Iiss Lily Stout; and they have one son, Fred. Mr. Stoker is a prominent Odd Fellow, belong- ing to both the lodge and the encampment, and in the former he has filled all of the chairs. He is now serving as treasurer of the town, being elected on the Republican ticket by a majority of ninety-five, although the usual majority is about thirty, — the increased vote indicating his personal popularity and the confidence and trust reposed in him by his fellow townsmen, who recognize his capability and his loyalty in citizenship. WILLIAM H. PEPPLE. The carpenter, always one of the most important characters in any com- munity, was especially so before the custom of using stone and metals came so much in vogue. In fact during the pioneer period the carpenter was indis- pensable — there could be no industrial growth without him. One of the old- est, it is also one of the most useful of all the mechanical callings, and usually this trade is regarded in rural neighborhoods as the A^ery embodiment of in- dustry and good citizenship. Mr. Pepple, whose memoir it is now a pleasant duty to set before the readers of this volume, is a typical mechanic of the kind above alluded to. He has been following carpentering in Jackson township for nearly thirty years, and during that time has done a large amount of work in the line of his trade. In fact monuments to his skill are scattered around abundantly in the shape of scores of barns, all of which owe their erection to Mr, Pepple, and it is only necessary to examine them cursorily to find that they were put up by a first-class workman. William H, Pepple was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1849, but only three years of his life were passed in the place of his nativity. In 1852 his pa- rents, Jesse and Mary (Tipple) Pepple, removed to Hancock county, located on a farm in Jackson township and lived there until 1870. In that year they went to ^Michigan and purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land, which they occupied and cultivated until both Avere claimed by death. William H. Pepple remained with his parents in ^Michigan until 1875, i6 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY meantime beginning to learn his trade as carpenter and completed his ap- prenticeship after returning- to Hancock county. He gradually developed into a mechanic of the best class, and as he got plenty of business to do was re- warded with a fair measure of this world's goods as proof of his industry and saving disposition. At the present time one may count in Jackson and sur- rounding townships one hundred and eighty-two barns, all of which were constructed by Mr. Pepple, to say nothing of many minor jobs turned out by him at different times. While doing well for himself he has done well for his community, of which he has long been considered a leading carpenter. In 1 87 1 Mr. Pepple was united in marriage with Miss Mary J., daughter of James and Elizabeth Jacobs of .Marion township, and they have had six children, Martha, Mary, Jesse, Gertrude, Flora and James. At the present time Mr. Pepple owns and resides upon a farm of fifty acres, which makes a comfortable home for himself and family and a pleasant visiting place for his many friends. LEWIS S. DUKES. Throughout a long period Lewis .S. Dukes has been a prominent figure in the annals of Hancock county, and has aided materially in its progress and development. By a life of uprightness, industry and honorable dealing — a life devoted to the support of whatever is good and true — he has won the genuine regard of a large circle of friends. He traces his ancestry back to the Old Dominion state, for in that commonwealth his father was born, but as early as the '30s he removed from Franklin county, Ohio, to Hancock county, Ohio, where he entered a large tract of land in Union township. As the years passed by he was enabled by his industry and excellent manage- ment to add to this tract nn.til he became the owner of about one thousand acres. He was an excellent business man, a successful farmer and a man whose influence for good was felt far and wide in his township. He was twice married, first to a Miss Downing, by whom he had three children, two of whoni are now living, George and William. For his second wife he chose Sarah Smith, by whom he had four children, and the two no^^' living are Ivlrs. Mary Greeen and Lewis S. Nicholas Dukes was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in that faith he passed away in death in 1850, but he is still survived by his widow. Lewis S. Dukes, whose name introduces this review, was born in Union township, Hancock county, on the farm on which he now resides, on the 6th of January. 1848. When about seven years of age he was taken by his mother to Pennsylvania, "vvhere she was a second tune married, and in that MRS. LEWIS S. DUKES. ^?AA.n^ JO^ jQ-uyflui CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 17 commonwealth Lewis S. received his early education. Remaining in the Keystone state until arriving at his majority, he returned then to the town- ship of his nativity, where he has ever since devoted his time and energies to farming and stock-raising on an extensive scale. His landed possessions consist of three hundred and sixty acres of fertile and productive land, eighty acres of which are located in Putnam county, while the remainder lies in Union township, Hancock county. He is also the vice president and a director in the First National Bank of Bluffton, and his business interests are varied and extensive. For his wife Mr. Dukes chose Miss Mary L., the daughter of John Weltner, their wedding having been celebrated in 1877. Unto this union were born six children, as follows : Elfa E., Grace A:, Ruth E., Lulu R. (deceased), Lela M. and Lewis W. The mother of these children was born in Pennsylvania in 1856, and on the 4th of July, 1898, she was summoned to the home beyond, aged forty-two years, nine months and twenty-two days. Llaving been a resident of the Buckeye state since pioneer days, Mr. Dukes has watched with interest through the passing years its development and progress, and has borne his part in its substantial upbuilding. He is known as one of its reliable and progressive citizens and a man whose example is well worthy of emulation. In politics Mr. Dukes has been a life-long Re- publican. ERWIN E. EWING. Few men are better known in Hancock county than he whose name is given above, as he was long prominently identified with the political manage- ment of the county. As deputy sheriff for several years under different prin- cipals and later as incumbent of the sheriff's office for two terms, he became ac- quainted with nearly everybody in the county. Since his retirement from office, his connection with the oil industry has enlarged his acquaintance m business circles, where he enjoys good standing as an enterprising producer. His grandfather, Jacob Ewing, was a Pennsylvanian who settled in Ohio in early manhood, and ended his days in this state. The latter's son and namesake, and father of our subject, was born in Ashland county, Ohio, in 1836. Ten years later he came to Hancock county, engaged in farming and followed that pursuit until the time of his death, which occurred in 1878. Erwin E. Ewing was born on a farm in Liberty township, Hancock county, July 6, 1862, and spent the first five years of his life at the place of his nativity. About the expiration of that time, his parents removed to a farm in Pleasant township, where he grew up and received his education in the 1 8 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY country schools. After reaching manhood he took some interest in pohtics, worked for his party during campaigns and thus attracted the attention of the leaders. In 1890 he received the appointment as deputy under Sheriff George L. Cusac, and served acceptably in this position for two years. When Sheriff J. T. Barton took office, he too tendered a deputyship to Mr. Ewing, who accepted and served under that official for one year. His satis- factory service as deputy advertised him so favorably to the rank and file of his party, that he was urged for the main office by his many friends, and in 1896 received the nomination as the Republican candidate for sheriff. At the ensuing election he was triumphant, and served his first term so satisfac- torily that in 1898 he was honored by renomination and reelection. After retiring from the shrievalty, Mr. Ewing engaged in the oil producing busi- ness, and this is his present occupation. Mr. Ewing is not connected with any of the religious denominations, but shows fondness for the fraternities, en- joying the associations afforded by the various orders. He holds membership in the Knights Templar, Lodge No. 400, Knights of Pythias, the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 75. In his fraternal, social and political relations, Mr. Ewing has culti- vated many friendships, which are as grateful to himself as agreeable to those who know and esteem him. JOSEPH R. KAGY. To give the causes of success or failure, to describe minutely the character and disposition of a man, is beyond the limits of a work of this nature ; all that can be done is to afford a bare outline of the outward facts and allow the world to judge the inner nature of the individual. In the case of the subject of this sketch there can be no doubt as to his peculiar fitness for the duties that have been assigned him in public life nor that he has well deserved the success he has won. Joseph R. Kagy dates his birth as occurring in Fairfield county, Ohio, on the 2ist day of December, 1842, and he came five years later to Hancock county with his parents, who located on a farm near Van Buren, where his boyhood days were passed. Here he attended the district schools until he was eighteen and then entered the high school at Findlay, where he prepared him- self for the profession of teaching. He began teaching at the age of nineteen and was engaged in this in the winter and in farming in the summer up to 1877, for nine years of this time having charge of the schools at Van Buren. While residing in Van Buren, Allen township, Mr. Kagy had served as /I (yyf^yxj^^^ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL LIISTORY 19 township clerk for two terms, as township assessor two terms, and as town- ship treasurer for about seven years. He was holding this last named office, when in 1877 he was elected auditor of Hancock county. He was reelected m 1880, serving for six years, then for eighteen months was deputy auditor and in 1885 was elected to the city council. Mr. Kagy served as member of the board of county .school examiners from 1871 to 1877— and as mayor of the city of Findlay to fill out the unexpired term of W. L. Carlin, who resigned to take his seat in the Ohio state senate. During the period from 1886 to J 889 he engaged in the oil and gas business at Findlay. January, 1890, found him one of the assistant clerks of the senate, and in the spring of that year he became deputy state superintendent of insurance under W. H. Kinder. For two years he carried on a real estate business at Findlay; and from 1895 to 1898 he served as roll clerk in the pension department at Columbus, Ohio, under General A. V. Rice. Since this time Mr. Kagy has successfully conducted a real estate and insurance business. In the fall of 1 90 1 he was candidate on the Democratic ticket for state senator from his district, but failed of election. On January 21, 1864, at Van Buren, Mr. Kagy became the l.aisband of Catharine M., daughter of John Zarbaugh, and six .children were born to them, of whom two died in infancy and one after arriving at maturity. Those living are Nora B. ; Mary E., the wife of Dr. E. B. Jacobs, of Chicago; and David D., who is a teacher in the Findlay public schools. Mr. Kagy is an hon- ored member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Elks. He holds a highly respected place in society as a result of his long and successful career as farmer, teacher, public spirited citizen and office holder. JAMES W. KIRKBRIDE. James W. Kirkbride, who has been identified Avith the oil producing dis- tricts of New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio for many years, was born in Og- densburg, New York, November 22, 1854, and is a son of Joseph and Sar^.i (Nugent) Kirkbride. Joseph Kirkbride was born in Northumberland, County of Claire, England, December 6, 1821, and came with his father to America in 1833. The father of our subject has been indirectly associated with production of oil since 1863. Sarah Nugent Kirkbride died in i860, leaving a family of seven children— four girls and three boys, of which James W. is the second son. James W. Kirkbride grew to the age of thirteeen years in his native place, and at that time accompanied his father's family on their removal to 20 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Tidioiite, Warren county, Pennsylvania, where he continued to attend school for several years. He began his business with his father, whom he assisted in the contracting and building of oil derricks and tanks, following this for about four years, when he removed to Parker, in x\rmstrong county, Penn- sylvania. His connection with the oil industry dates from early manhood, his thorough and systematic study of the Butler and Armstrong county fields being of untold value to him in later years. The development of a new field near Bolivar, Alleghany county, New York, called Mr. Kirkbride to that place in 1880, where he remained until the Ohio field was opened in 1886, then moving to his present home at Findlay. In 1887 he embarked in the wholesale and retail lumber business and until 1892 carried this on in connec- tion with his large oil interests, since that time devoting his time to the latter. November 15, 1894, he, in connection with a brother, drilled in the largest oil well that had ever been found in this country and from which the Kirkbride Brothers derived enormous dividends and not a little fame. Mr. Kirkbride is one of the largest independent producers of oil in the country, his produc- ing wells and leases lying in many counties. He also has extensive mining interests at Joplin, Missouri. Since locating in Findlay he has become interested in various financial enterprises and is one of the directors of the Farmers' National Bank. In politics he is a Republican, but his attention to business has obliged him to refuse many flattering offers in politics, as he has also been obliged to decline many positions of trust in the world of business. In 1877 Mr. Kirkbride was married in Parker, Pennsylvania, to Amy C. Carson, who is the daughter of George W. Carson, and they have three children, namely : Charles W., Amy G. and Harry C. Mr. Kirkbride is a lead- ing member of the Howard Methodist church, to which lie is a liberal con- tributor. As a business man he is regarded with confidence and respect, while he has a wide circle of friends through the community who esteem him highly. JOHN N. DOTY. The gentleman above mentioned, who is at present a leading member of the Findlay bar. has served his fellow men in the triple capacity of teacher, farmer and lawyer. Nor is it at all in the nature of flattery to say that he has made a marked success in each one of these callings, having first been a good teacher, later a good lawyer and still later an agriculturist of the pro- gressive school. His family originated in Maryland and the Ohio branch was founded by Henry Doty, who came to the state early in the nineteenth CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 21 century, located in Fairfield comity and li\ed there until his death in 1873. Though advanced in years at the outbreak of the Civil war, he was especially enthusiastic in support of the Union cause, and did all he could to uphold the government and assist the soldiers in the field. His son, William Doty, was born in Fairfield county in 1825, removed to Flancock county in his seven- teenth year and was identified with its agricultural interests for more than half a century. He was a man of vigorous understanding, noted for the uprightness of his character, and when on September 10, 1900, his long and blameless life came to a close, it was the general remark that Hancock county had lost one of its most esteemed citizens. In 1847 William Doty was mar- ried to Mary A., daughter of Levi Sampson, and a member of an old Mary- land family, who came with her parents to Hancock county when a child eight years old. After becoming the mother of eight children, of whom seven are living, Mrs. Doty ended her earthly career February 4, 1894, and was fol- lowed to the grave by a large concourse who mourned her sincerely as a true "mother in Israel." John N. Doty, one of the seven surviving chikh-en of William and Mary (Sampson) Doty, was born on his father's farm in Jackson township, Han- cock county, Ohio, April 19, 1858. Having a natural turn for books and being an apt pupil, he received more benefits from his attendance in the coun- try schools than falls to the lot of the average boy. This is demonstrated by the fact that he had hardly ceased to be a student until he became a teacher, being licensed for that calling at the unusually early age of fifteen years. Boy as he was, however, he succeeded in convincing even his own neighbors that he Vv^as able to teach their children something, his first rather daring venture as a pedagogue being made in his native district. This success was followed by others and during his six years' tenure of the home school the young teacher grew in popularity while adding to his own mental culture and training as an educator. This novitiate, as it may be termed, was followed by a year's attendance in the Normal School at Lebanon, after which he entered college at Adrian, Michigan, and finished the literary course in 1881. Not content with the equipment thus gained but anxious to qualify himself thoroughly, Mr. Doty returned some years later to his alma mater at Adrian and added to his store of learning by taking a post graduate course. Shortly after leaving school, he located at Findlay and in 1882 was appointed school examiner of Hancock county, in which position he served two three-year terms with en- tire acceptability to all concerned. After leaving the office of examiner, Mr. Doty became one of the teachers in the Findlay high school, and continued in that occupation until his admission to the bar in June, 1887. With that 22 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY e\er.t his career as a teacher ended and that of a lawyer began, with the re- sult that during his practice of about fifteen years Mr. Doty has established himself as one of the leading men of the profession in his native county. Bur, aside from his business as an attorney, Mr. Doty is largely interested in agriculture, and during the last fifteen years has managed his own farm, which consists of about three hundred acres of excellent land near Findlay. December 29, 1881, occurred the marriage of John N. Doty and Bertha E., daughter of James and Mary A. (Ewing) Huston, all of Findlay, Ohio. Euclid DeLoss Doty, the only son by this union, is now in his closing high school year. Miss Maud Ethel Doty, the only daughter, died January 6, 1902, at the age of fourteen years and four months. Mr. Doty's religious affiliations are with the Methodist Episcopal church and he contributed one thousand dollars toward the building of the new house of worship of this denomination at Findlay. His fraternal connections are confined to mem- bership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he is past chief patriarch of the encampment. JOEL ECKELS. A worthy representative of the modern methods of farming prevalent in Hancock county is here presented to the readers of this volume. He lives in Cass township, where he cultivates a farm of ninety acres. He is the grand- son of William Eckels, one of the first pioneers of this county, wd^.o took up government land m 1833 under President "Hickory" Jackson, the tract being two hundred and forty acres in extent. Eighty acres of this tract had fallen to Charles Eckels, a son of AVilliam, which our subject now owns. William Eckels finally sold out his one hundred and sixty acres, and removed to the state of Wisconsin. He was an excellent farmer and an upright man in all his dealings v/ith his neighbors. He held the office of justice of the peace for many years in Hancock county. Fie was a strong churchman, lent his in- fluence to the establishment of Methodism in the new country, and his home was always open to the itinerant preachers of that denomination, whom he delighted to honor. His death occurred in 1866 and Isabella, his wife, died ■.l'..n-i)ig the previous year. They had ten children, and of this number one daughter is still living. Her twin brother, Irvin, was a captain in the Civil war and suffered death at the battle of River's Bridge in South Carolina, in the last months of the war. His company was a part of the Thirty-second Regi- ment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. Charles Eckels was the son of the original pioneer and the father of Joel. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 23 His birth occurred in Pennsylvania in 1810 and came to Hancock county with his parents in 1833. He was a citizen of good repute, and hke his father be- fore him a pillar in the Methodist Episcopal church. He held the office of as- sessor of Cass township for a number of years, and was also elected to other of the minor offices. He was interested in the public life of the community, iiud for a number of years was captain of a rifle company that had quite a reputation in Hancock county. He was a practical farmer and useful man in the commuity, whose hand was always outstretched to do good. He married Magdeline Karn, a native of Maryland, by whom he had eight children, two of whom now reside in the county. Charles Eckels, after a life of usefulness, died in 1852 and his wife passed away in 1877. Joel Eckels is a native of Hancock county, born on the farm which he now cultivates, March 22, 1837. He received his education in the common schools of his district, and passed his boyhood in the active work of those pio- neer days. In his younger years he learned the blacksmith trade, serving his time at Fostoria and doing journeyman work for four years at Findlay. He worked twenty-five years at the anvil, during which time he established the reputation of being one of the best horse shoers and w^orkers in iron in the county. No event of special importance occurred in the early life of Joel Eckels to vary the usual routine, but after the inauguration of the Civil war all was changed and the patriotic spirit of the young man was aroused. He became one of the boys in blue w^ho went to the front in defense of "Old Glory." He enlisted as a member of Company F, Twenty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for the three months' service, expecting as a great number of the soldiers did at the inception of the Civil war, that it would only take a short period to suppress the rebellion. On his being honorably discharged from that first service, he again enlisted, this time as a member of Company K, One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for "three years or the w-ar." He saw much active service, following the flag through many of the most important battles of the war in the middle west. He was at Alossy Creek, Resaca, Kennesaw Mountain, Nashville, Franklin, on the At- lanta campaign and in many of the lighter skirmishes. Soon after his enlist- ment he was made first sergeant of his company, and in February, 1864, was commissioned second lieutenant for meritorious service on the field, and the following year w^as advanced to the rank of a first lieutenancy. He received his discharge at the close of the war and returned home with an honorable record as a defender of the Union. He had proved himself a true and brave soldier, and a good and true friend to his men, among whom he was an ex- 24 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY ceedingly popular officer. Air. Eckels passed through the service without liarm, with exception of the battle of Ft. Anderson, where he received a slight wound from a piece of shell. Tw^o of his brothers also served in the Union army. Valentine Eckels was a member of the Fifty-seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was a sergeant and honorably discharged on account of disability. John Eckels was a member of Company G, One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was advanced to the rank of sergeant for bravery on the field, and was subsequently commissioned second lieutenant of his company. He died while in the service of his country near Kennesaw Mountain in 1864. November 13, 1867, Joel Eckels celebrated his marriage to Miss Deborah J., daughter of Llewellyn and Martha Biggs, and their union resulted in the birth of six children: Charles L., Cora V., deceased, Anna B., Martha E., Maggie D., and Clara B. Mrs. Eckels w^as born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, April i, 1834. The military record of the Biggs family is as remarkable and as honor- able as that of -the Eckels, four of Mrs. Eckels's brothers giving gallant serv- ice during the war, their names being Samuel, Mathew, Weslc}" and James, Samuel w^as a captain. His death occurred August 22, 1900. James w^as a sergeant in the Fifty-seventh regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, the same in which Valentine Eckels was a sergeant. Mathew and Wesley w^ere pri- vate soldiers, all gallant men and fought as heroes for the integrity of their country's flag. Joel Eckels is a member of Urie Post, G. A. R., No. no, of Bloomdale. He stands well in the community, and has filled some of the minor township offices, such as assessor, constable and supervisor. He enjoys the full confi- dence of his fellow citizens, and well deserves representation in this volume. JUSTUS CHASE. After a long and laborious life, characterized by the trials and troubles, good and ill fortune which beset all humanity in its struggle for betterment, the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch has retired from active busi- ness and is spending the evening of his days in repose at Eindlay. It has not been an adventurous life, nor have its different periods been marked by either the romantic or the heroic. Just the plain life of an industrious agriculturist, and such as falls to the lot of most of those engaged in wresting a living from the bosom of Mother Earth, has been that of Justus Chase. He is a native of New York state and was born in 181 7 on a farm in Saratoga county, near i^..^a^ . ^^6^ AM>i/U^ UA^tU^ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 2s Amsterdam. When he was six months old his parents started in a \vag(D!i for Ohio, and all who have read the history of the early settlement of the west will understand that this was not a pleasure trip. A jolting ride over bad roads or no roads, all the way from central New York to the then unde- veloped regions of Ohio, w^as hardly such as would be recommended to in- valids or weaklings of any kind as a means of restoring health. But the little part}', consisting of father and mother and fretful bal)y, e\'entually got across tlie mountains and plains lying between and drew up in ^Madison county, Ohio, wdiich had been selected as their location. It not proving satisfactory for some reason, the Chases resumed their wanderings after a stay of twO' years and next took up their residence at Little Sandusky, in the county of Wyandotte. They lived there several years and then decided to retrace their steps to the old home in New York, thus illustrating tlie proverb that a ■'rolling stone gathers no moss." Again the emigration fever set in, and again ]\Ir. and Mrs. Chase, with the baby and weary team, were on the road, this time headed for Niagara Falls, New York, in the vicinity of which great cataract they settled on a farm and endeavored for two years to extract a living from ihe same. At the end of that period a consultation was held and a decision arrived at to agam try their fortunes at Little Sandusky, to which place they accordingly returned and there lived for the usual space of two years. Still another move, however, was to be made and this proved the tinal one, which gave the turn to the whole future life of our subject. In 183 1 his parents settled permanently in Liberty township, B.ancock county, wdiere fortune at last smiled upon them and v^diere they lived in peace until the end of their earthly career. At the time his parents finally "came to anchor," as the sailors would say, Justus Chase had about completed the fourteenth year of his age, and the succeeding sixty-four years and seven months were spent on this Hancock farm. This long period was unbroken by any special incident, being devoted to agricultural affairs, in all the details and ramifications of which J\lr. Chase became very proficient and accumulated a fair share of this world's goods. In 1895 he retired from active business and located at Findlay for that rest and repose with which every wise man desires to spend the evening of his earthly existence. Mr. Chase has been three times married, the first time in 1839 to Mary A. Jones, with whom he lived for fifty years, and who died in 1889, leaving five survivors of her eleven children. The second wife was Mrs. Sarah Williams, whose maiden name was Howard, but this lady only survived her marriage a year or two and died without issue. In 1895 Mr. Chase was united in marriage with Mrs. Anna (Frew) Eckles, who is at 26 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY present sharing with him the quiet home hfe at Findlay. ^Ir. Chase has long heen connected with the Methodist Episcopal church, but his wife is a Pres- byterian in her religious faith. The first presidential vote of Air. Chase was cast for William Hem-y Harrison after the exciting "log cabin and coon sKin" campaign of 1840. From the Whigs he naturally gravitated into the Republican movement and has \oted steadily with that party from Fremont m 1856 to McKinley in 1900. The only one of the great fraternities to wdiich he belongs is that of the Masons. He is a member of Findlay Lodge, No. 22-j, A. F.. & A. M., which he joined thirty years ago. As a farmer, as u Mason, as a neighbor and as a good all-around citizen Justus Chase has always ■done his duty to his fellow man and to his country. JOHN H. LINHART. One of the most valuable farms in Hancock county, not only for agri- cultural purposes, but in the line of oil producers, is that owned by the sub- ject of this review. It is situated in Cass township, and on it are sixteen pro- ducing wells. The subject of this biography is a son of Jacob and Martha (Homing) Linhart, both of whom were natives of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and born about the year 1808. They passed almost the entire period of their lives in the county of their nativity, where they were suc- cessful and prosperous farmers. In the last year of the great Civil war they removed to Hancock county, where they purchased two hundred and sev- enteen acres of land, to which they added at various times, and at their death the estate consisted of three hundred and seventy-seven acres. Jacob Lin- hart attended strictly to his own business, and succeeded in paving the w'ay for his descendants, who have taken up the reins where he laid them down. He gave adherence to the Lutheran faith, and was a liberal contributor to the church. He died in 1872, his wife outliving him by two decades, and their family numbered seven children, five of whom are living. John H. Linhart was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in 1844, and passed his boyhood on the farm, no event of special importance occurring to break the monotony of his existence. He acquired the ordinary branches of education in the common schools of his district. He has always confined himself to agricultural pursuits, and upon arriving at maturity purchased one hundred acres of land. He is a practical farmer and a worthy citizen. He stands well in tlie community, where he has held the ofiice of supervisor for some time. He, like his father before him, is a member of the Lutheran church, as is also Mrs. Linhart. This lady he married in 1867, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 27 her maiden name having been Hannah Starm. Her parents, Samuel and Ehzabeth C. Starm, came to the county about 1856 from Wayne county, Ohio, and settled in Madison township on a farm of eighty acres. They later removed to Fostoria, where Mr. Starm pursued his early trade, that of car- pentry, for a number of years, and where he died in 1892. Mrs. Starm is also deceased, having passed to her rest in the year 1900. They reared a family of eight children, four of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Linhart have five children : Martha E., Jacob A., Nellie M., Harvey S., and Curtis C. Jacob A. Linhart, the eldest son, now one of the progressive young farmers of the county, was born in Cass township, December 26, 1871. Be- mg reared on the farm, he early became familiar with the labors of the field and meadow and assisted in the general work. He passed his boyhood days uneventfully, and in the common schools of his district acquired his ele- mentary education. Arriving at manhood, he chose for a companion on life's journey a ver}^ estimable lady and a member of one of the most progressive and respected families in the county, the record of which will be found elsewhere in this volume. Her maiden name was Arnolda M. Overholt, she being the daughter of J. S. and ]Maria Overholt. Her marriage to Mr. Linhart occurred August 17, 1893, and to this happy union have been born two children, Le Roy, born August 26, 1894, and John S., bom May 14, 1896. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Linhart are worthy members of the Lutheran church. RICHARD W. BOYD. Richard W. Boyd is now living a retired life in Findlay. He has passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey and receives the veneration and re- spect wdiich should ever be accorded to one in advanced years. He was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, July 19, 1822. His father, Thomas Boyd, was also a native of the same county, while his grandfather, David Boyd, was likewise born in the Keystone state. The father of the last named was killed by the Lidians when David was a mere child, and he was carried off and held a prisoner for three years. When the country became invoh'ed in war with England, wishing to become an independent nation, David Boyd entered the American army and valiantly fought for the cause of liberty. Thomas Boyd was reared and educated in his native state and after arriving at years of maturity he wedded Mary Scott, by whom he had eight children, two of whom are yet living: Joseph H., a resident of Ashland, Ohio, now ninety-three years of age; and the subject of this review. 28 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Richard W. Boyd spent the days of his boyhood and youth under the parental roof in Pennsylvania, there remaining until he was twenty-five years of age, when he came to Ohio, settling in Ashland county, where he engaged in farming for two years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Mansfield, Ohio, where he lived for two years and during that time engaged in executing a contract to furnish ties for four miles of the Pittsburg & Fort Wayne Railroad. In 1851 he came to Liberty township, Hancock county, Ohio, and here again turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, success- fully conducting his farm until 1887, when oil was found upon his land, and there are now about forty wells upon his place. These return to him a good royalty and since the disco\'ery of oil and the sinking of the wells he has practically lived retired. In 1900 he took up his abode in Findlay, where he is now living in the enjoyment of a well merited rest. In 1853 Mr. Boyd was united in marriage to Almira, a daughter of lacob Ewing, and this union has been blessed with nine children, four of whom are yet living, as follows: Mary M., the wife of Eli Reed; Thomas C. ; Etta R., the wife of John B. Heimhofer; and Jennie, the wife of Parlee Mitchell. Mr. Boyd has ever been a loyal, public spirited citizen and at the time of the Mexican war he volunteered his services, but the troops were not needed and he never went into action. He has served for four years as justice of the peace in Liberty township, discharging his duties with fairness and capability. He belongs to the Presbyterian church and his life has been an upright and honorable one, winning for him the commendation of all concerned. HON. CHARLES BRIGHT. The world instinctively pays deference to the man whose success has been worthily achieved, and who has acquired a high reputation in his chosen calling, and whose prominence is not the less the result of an irreproachable life than of recognized natural gifts. It is a pleasing duty to write the biography of a man of this character, such as the Hon. Charles Bright is knovvn to be. This gentleman is a well known and influential farmer of Marion towaiship, Han- cock county, Ohio, residing on a farm of three hundred and fifty-three acres, containing both gas and oil. Mr. Bright is not only an extensive farmer, but is a well informed and successful business man. He was born near the town of Lancaster, in Fairfield county, Ohio, on the 28th of December, 1835, and is the son of David and Leahr (Arnold) Bright. David Bright, the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 29 paternal grandfather was born in Berks county Pennsylvania, and came in iSoo to what is now the state of Ohio, setthng near Lancaster, where he died. Charles Bright received a common school education, which was greatly enlarged by subsequent study. Being of an observant and inquiring dispo- sition and a great lover of books, he has added to his stock of knowledge until he is now looked upon as a very well read man. His life has been an active and eventful one. In the dark days of the Re1:)el1ion, in the full power of his manhood, he gave himself a willing sacrifice on the altar of his country. He enrolled as a private soldier in Company F, of the Seventeenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to the First Brigade, Second Division, F'ourteeenth Army Corps. Immediately after his enlistment he was made corporal of his company, and the following }ear was promoted to ser- geant for meritorious service on the field. He participated in the following battles: Wild Cat Mountain (Kentucky), Corinth, Hoover's Gap, Chicka- mauga, jNIission Ridge, Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, the siege of Atlanta, Peach Tree Creek, Burnt Hickory and Jonesboro, besides other battles of minor im- portance. During the three years of his army life he had shown himself worthy of the great nation of which he was a citizen and the great cause lie represented and helped to carry through to a successful issue. He had during this time many narrow escapes. The exposures he endured brought on rheu- matism, but he is now receiving a recompense for this, which is richly de- served. He was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant at Atlanta, Georgia, on the 22d of October, 1864. Returning to his home, he on the 24th of September, 1866, was happily married to Miss Katherine A., the daughter of John and Eliza Carnes, of Fairfield county, Ohio. The union has been blessed with two sons and a daughter, whose names are John C, born June 12, 1869; David R., born August 3, 1873, and Effie E. E., born August 2, 1876, now Mrs. Curtis M. Wiseley. in 1867 Mr. Bright removed to Hancock county, Ohio, where he located on his present farm, containing one h.undred and fifty-seven acres at that time, to which he has added at various times two other farms, making in all tliree hundred and fifty-rhree acres. In public life Mr. Bright has always been willing to do his share of the work of his immediate community. He has served as supervisor for several years at various periods. He has also served as trustee of the township, and at other periods has held the offices of treasurer and land appraiser, which he has filled with exceptional ability and to the entire satisfaction of his fellow^ citizens. In 1893 1"*^ ^^'^^ elected a member of the seventy-first general assembly of the state of Ohio from Hancock county. This was in recognition of effective 30 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY service rendered his party during his long residence in the county, he having ahvays been ready to do anything that would advance the principles which lie values so much. His majority over his competitor, who was a very popular gentleman by the name of Moses McAnnelly and a Democrat of the strongest type, was four hundred and eighty-six. the liighest majority ever given a Re- publican for the office of representative in Hancock county up to that date. Mr. Bright has connected himself with Stoker Post, Grand Army of the Re- public at Findlay, and takes delight in furthering the interest of the old sol- diers, of whom he is a worthy and honored representative. It is a pleasure to show our appreciation of such a man as Mr. Bright, who in every relation of life has been faithful to e\'ery trust, a statesman dili- gent in the service of his country and keeping before him only the public CHARLES A. STOCKTON. The well known pension agent of this name at Findlay is entitled to rep- resentation in any history of his county by reason of his services to the com- munity, both in war and peace. He has an unblemished .and unusually meri- torious military record, covering four years of arduous campaigning, dur- ing the Civil war, while most of his time since has been devoted to serving his old comrades in their efforts to get what is due them from the government. Meantime he has not been neglectful of any duty imposed by the obliga- tions of good citizenship, but has stood ready at all times to do his share in promoting the general welfare. The Stockton family, which originated in England, can justly boast of a long lineage and an aristocratic pedigree. Not attempting to go farther back than the earliest emigration to this country, it may be stated that Charles W. Stockton, son of the first comer, was born in New Jersey, where he married Elizabeth, sister of Lord North, of England, an adviser of George HL Charles W. was a cousin of Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declara- tion of Independence. Richard W. Stockton, son of the last mentioned, and a native of New York, served as surgeon in the war of 1812, and died in 1870 aged eighty-four years. His son, Erastus D. Stockton, was born in New York in 181 1, became a general merchant after his removal to Ohio, joined an Jowa regiment in the fall of 1861 and died in the service about one year later of disease. Charles A, Stockton, son of Erastus D., was born in Nelsonville, Ohio, in 1839, and seven years later went to live on a farm in Knox county. After CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 31 remaining- there until 1858 he removed to Hancock county and located at Alount Blanchard, where he resided until entering the Union army. In 1859 Charles A. began the study of medicine in connection with school teach- ing, which occupied his time until the momentous event which completely changed tlie whole tenor of his life. April t8, 1861, he enlisted at Forest, Ohio, as a private in Company D, Fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer In- fantry, with which he served three months and then veteranized by re-enlist- ing in the same for three years or the war. ]\Ir. Stockton took part v,'ith his regiment in the most famous campaigns and several of the most important battles of the Civil war, including Rich Mountain, Romney, Winchester, Front Royal, Port Republic. Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettys- Ixirg. He received a wound in the arm at Chancellorsville, and after Gettys- burg was detailed as assistant in the adjutant-general's office at Washing- ton, D. C, where he remained until mustered out on June 4, 1864, at Colum- bus, Ohio, with the rank of corporal. After being released from army duty, Mr. Stockton embarked in the dry-goods and pension business at Forest, Ohio, which he conducted in combination for fifteen years. In 1880 he transferred his scene of operations to Little Rock, Arkansas, where he con- ducted the pension business four years and tlien returning to Ohio established an office for the continuance of his work at Findlay. In 1865 ]\Ir. Stockton was married to Emma J. Cook, by whom he has five children, and since 1889 the family has resided at Findlay. He is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church. Republican in politics, has served on the board of trustees and as justice of the peace. ]\Ir. Stockton is promi- nent in Odd Fellowship, having been representative to the grand lodge four years, and belongs to Stoker Post, No. 54, Grand Army of the Republic. DAVID C. ROUTZOX. ]\Iarion township, Hancock county, has many estimable citizens within its borders, but none more so than the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He was born in Holmes county, Ohio, in 1837. In early childhood his parents removed to Hancock county, where he was reared and was given the ordinary country school education. Fie came to the county when he was three years old, and has since been a resident here. He passed his boy- hood on the farm engaged in the occupations and pleasures of the average farmer boy. They were such, however, as to develop good traits of char- acter, and he has always been an active and busy worker. He early learned the brick layer's trade, which he followed for a period of thirty-seven years. 32 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY During that time he was an extensi\'e contractor, and he erected many hand- some buildings, which are to-day monuments to his superior handicraft. Many of these buildings are to be seen in the city of Findlay and vicinity. The energy which he devoted to his calling, together with the sound business judgment which he always displayed in making investments of his savings, resulted in the accumulation of a competence which he is now enjoying. He, however, is not entirely inactive, for no man who follows the busy life which our subject pursued, can afford to rust out. People of his class always pre- fer to wear out. He therefore is continuing this wearing process in the management of a small place, making a specialty of bee culture, and having at this time about one hundred colonies of bees. Mr. Routzon is an expert in bee culture, having given attention to this business for the past twenty- five years, and he is well up on all that pertains to a modern apiary. His stock is of the best Italian strain, the output per colony being fifty pounds. He cleared his own land and built his own house, and as he remarks "owes no man anything but — love." March 28, 1861, Mr. Routzon was joined in marriage to Mary Baer, who has borne him twelve children : Jannette ; Jennie, deceased ; Margaret ; Vivie ; G. W. ; John D. ; Warren ; David E. C. ; Jason H. ; Wilbur ; Eugene, deceased ; and Harvey, deceased. The mother of this family was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, February 3, 1842. The parents of David C. Routzon were John and Jane Routzon, natives of Alaryland and Ohio, respectively. His father was born in 1796 and died in 1877 in Hancock county, Ohio. He was a brickmaker by trade, and was one of the early pioneers of the state. He was an extensive con- tractor and a well known business man of the town of Findlay. The grand- father of David C. Routzon was David Routzon, a native of Maryland, who came from Columbiana county, Ohio, to Hancock county in 1837, ^^'^^ died at Findlay. David C. Routzon has been one of the upright men of this county. He has never had a lawsuit and is universally esteemed both as a man and citizen. CYRUS GRUBB. In recounting the life of Cyrus Grubb we are touching the history of one of the prominent families of this county. His parents, Jacob and Mary A. (Critzer) Grubb, were both of Welsh descent and natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a tailor by trade, but shortly after his marriage began farming in Cumberland county, P'ennsylvania. In 1848 they left the old home to put their efforts into an unimproved farni of one hundred and twenty acres ^^^^<^^^Xjl^ .J&Aa^/^ <^^^^yzj^ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 33 near Findlay in Marion to\vnship. Tbev held this land until 1862, when they sold and located on a farm of the same size in Liberty township. The old farm in Marion township is now owned by D. I.. Norris, whereas the land in Lib- erty township is still in the family, being held and operated by the youngest son, John H. Grubb. Jacob Grubb was a man in whom his fellow citizens placed great confi- dence. He belonged to the United Brethren church and was for several years a steward in that cluirch. In 1889 his wife died, and three years later, in 1892 he followed her to the grave. Of their nine children six survive: Elizabeth, Cyrus, Catherine, Emma, Jacob G. and John H. Grubb. The eldest son, Cyrus, was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, November 9, 1843. Fi^" years later his parents settled near Findlay, where Cyrus spent his childhood and youth, securing a common-school education and learning to enjoy agricultural pursuits. Li 1862 he followed his parents to Liberty township, and one year later enlisted in Company B, of the Twen- ty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving his country until the close of the war, when in 1865 he was honorably discharged. Three years later, in 1868, he married Leafifa A. Goiidy, by whom he had four children: Lewis O., Mary B., Calvin O. and Bertha A. Mary became the wife of D. D. Porter, and Bertha was married to Roy George. In 1884 his wife died, and two years later he married Lizzie Fry, who was born in Snyder county, Penn- sylvania, March 28, 1862, a daughter of Jesse and Mary Ann (Bowmian) Fry, who were born and died in Pennsylvania. By this marriage Mr. Grubb was the father of four children: Roy A., Grace M., Clarence H. and Fae Aline. Cyrus Grubb stands among his fellow citizens as a true type of the self-made man. His industry has assured him comfortable circumstances, and by his integrity and patriotism he has won the esteem of the community. His first purchase of land was made in 1872 under the burden of a heavy debt. By untiring industry he gained a clear title to the first eighty acres, and now he is sole owner of four hundred and thirty-seven acres of the finest farming land in Hancock county. Two hundred of these acres are in Blanchard township, upon which there are new buildings; the remaining land is in Liberty towaiship, where in 1899 he built a beautiful residence and where from time to time he has put up larger and finer farm buildings, as the increased demands of his business dictated. Mr. Grubb, though dioroughly devoted to farming, has had sufficient time and interest in public affairs to hold several township offices, including" 34 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY that of township trustee. His Hfe may truly be comitecl a success. In pohtics he has been a Hfe-long Repubhcan and member of Benton Ridge Post, No. 109, G. A. R. GEORGE F. CRAMER. Since early pioneer days members of the Cramer family have resided in Hancock county, and they have nobly borne their part in the work of im- provement as Loyal and patriotic citizens. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Philip Cramer, came from Pennsylvania, his native state, to Fair- field county, Ohio, in early pioneer days, and in that locality the family made their home for some time. Coming to Hancock county in 1830, he here entered four hundred acres of land, which was located in various townships, and this he afterward gave to his children. His was a deeply religious na- ture, and he became a prominent minister in the United Brethren church, having been the means of guiding many to the better way, while at the same time he proved himself a financier of no small ability. Through his efforts was erected the first grist-mill operated by horse power in Union township. Philip Cramer was three times married and became the father of fifteen chil- dren, and one of his daughters, Sally, was the first girl married in Union township, Hancock county. The following are the children who accom- panied him on his removal to Hancock county : Philip, John, Christina, Simon, Adam, Daniel, Jacob, Sarah, Phebe, Rachel and Margaret. Philip Cramer died after reaching the eighty-fourth milestone on the journey of life. His was a long, active, useful and honorable life, and his name is in- delibly inscribed on the pages of Hancock county's history. Daniel Cramer, the only one of the above named children now living, became the father of our subject. He was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, on the 22d of July, 1820, and was but ten years of age when he was brought by his parents to Hancock county, the year of their arrival being 1830. His farm of seventy-three acres was inherited from his father, and the tract is located in Union township, where he is engaged in general farming. In April, 1844, he was united in marriage to Christina Hartege, who was born in 1824, in Germany, where her father, Lorenzo Hartege, served as a soldier under Napoleon. In 1834, when ten years of age, ]\Irs. Cramer left her little German home for the United States, and by her marriage she became the mother of ten children, eight of whom are now living, namely : George, Lou- isa, Levi, Elmira, Rebecca, Aaron, Amanda and ]\Ielissa. Six of the number reside in Hancock county. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 35 Georg-e Cramer, whose name introduces this review, was born on his father's farm in Union township, on the 30th of March, 1846, and to its pubhc school system he is indebted for his elementary education, which was completed in the schools of Findlay. During the early years of his life he worked at the carpenter's trade, but later abandoned that occupation for farming-, which he now continues on the old homestead. For six years he made his home in the village of Rawson, and during that time he served efficiently as its treasurer. He has also held other public positions, having for ten years served as the constable of his township, and for a long period was an assessor. In his fraternal relations he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Rawson. His marriage was celebrated on the 26th of August, 1886, when Miss Sarah C. Barnhill became his wife. She w^as born in Liberty township, Hancock county, Ohio, ]\Iay 18, 1858, being a daughter of Joseph and Sarah Barnhill, and her death occurred on the 26th of August, 1892. Three children graced this union, but the first born, Grace, is now deceased, the others being Georgie F. and Gerty G. The family are members of the United Brethren church. BENJAMIN C. STEINMAN. Jenera, a village of Van Buren township, though a comparatively new growth, holds its own quite well with other towns of its size in Hancock county. It is surrounded by a good farming community and is the center of a considerable trade of a local character, which promises in time to make the village a place of some importance. In places of this kind "the store" is al- ways a feature of consequence, being a kind of rallying point and headquarters for news, as well as the supply depot for all in need of goods of any kind. The establishment in Jenera which fills this description has for six or eight years been under the energetic management of Mr. B. C. Steinman, who has shown himself well qualified to fill the role of general merchant, and has attained a high degree of prosperity ampng his patrons. He is of German descent and a son of a man who rose to distinction in politics and held a position of commanding influence during his days of activity. Adam Stein- man. a native of Germany, ^^'as but eleven years old when brought to this coun- try by his parents. His first residence was in Pennsylvania, but later he came to Columbus, Ohio, and there learned the tailor's trade, which he afterward pursued many years with a profit that made him fairly independent. Event- ually he found his way to Hancock county, where his "mixing" qualities soon made him popular and enabled him to rise in the political world. Be- 36 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY coming one of the local leaders of the Democracy, he was elected county re- corder on the ticket of that party during the period of the Civil war and subsecjuently served repeated terms in the office of justice of the peace. By a first marriage, with a l\Irs. Smith, Mr. Steinman had three sons and one daughter; by a second union, contracted with Mrs. Elizabeth (Tanner) Helmes, there was no issue. Benjamin C. Steinman, the second child as well as second son in this family, was born in Eagle township, Hancock county, Ohio, February 4, 1858, and received his education in different schools, including those at Findlay. In early life he went to Springfield, Ohio, in search of work, and, obtaining employment as a clerk in one of the general stores of that city, remained there four years. At the expiration of that time he returned home and subsequently went to Findlay, where he was engaged a short time in the grocery business. This he abandoned to go into farming, which pursuit he followed until his marriage, August 30, 1888, to Miss Maggie C. Gross- man. A year after this important event in his domestic life Mr. Steinman engaged in the general merchandise business at Jenera, first as clerk and later as proprietor. In 1095 he purchased from his employer the store in which he had been clerking and has since then had sole charge. It is a general store in the truest sense, containing a large and miscellaneous stock of goods of every kind likely to be in demand at such a place, dry goods and gents' fur- nishings being special features. Of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Steinman one, named Carrie, died in infancy, the survivors being Ancel C, Calvin A., Nelo B. and Imo C. Mr. Steinman is Democratic in his politics, has held the offices of clerk of the township and mayor of the village and is now treasurer of the corporation. He holds fraternal relations with the K. O. T. M. and ranks as one of the leading men in the political and social as well as the business life of the township. GEORGE F. HAMMOND. The above named, at present a prosperous farmer of Union township, is one of that honored class who served his country loyally and well during the great crisis of the Union, and cherishes the memory of the adventures, hardships and dangers which beset every veteran of the Civil war. The modest soldier never boasts of his achievements, but it is fitting that others should say for him what he fails to say for himself, and it is a pleasure for the biographer to state that no private soldier of the great army whose heroism and self-sacrifice perpetuated this great Republic, has a more creditable record ylU/Ly.CLyu^ iH^A^L.Jo^JUylqJ^-o^.^^cLa^^v^v^y^ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 37 than George F. Hammond. More fortunate tlian others, though serving throughout the whole period of the war, he escaped without serious injury and has since devoted his strength of mind and body in achieving anoth.er honorable career in the ranks of industrial toilers. On the paternal side he is of Virginia ancestry, his father, George Hammond, having emigrated frcmi the Old Dominion during the earlier decades of the nineteenth century. He located in Carroll county, Ohio, married a lady whose parents came from Maryland, and in 1852 removed to Hancock county. He was a cooper by trade and followed that calling throughout his life, the latter years of which w-ere spent in Indiana, wdiere he ended his days in 1S65. His wife Ann Hammond had preceded him from the scenes of earth, her death having oc- curred in 1863. Their son, George F. Hammond, was born in Carroll county. Ohio, September 19, 1838, and was consequently fourteen years of age when his parents took up their abode in Hancock county. The Civil war was opened shortly after he reached manhood and he imbibed the spirit of patriotism then rife around him, which urged every able bodied young man to take up arms for his country. . Mr. Hammond was one of the first to come forward and exhibited his earnestness by enlisting in the Twenty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he was promptly sent to the front. It was his fortune to serve in some of the most important of the western campaigns,, including the ever memorable one of Sherman in 1864 from Chattanooga to Atlanta. During his service Mr. Hammond took part in innumerable skirmishes and hard marches, besides the great battles of Stone River, Chicka- mauga. Missionary Ridge and Atlanta. He carried his musket until the termination of hostilities, missing few roll calls, and always on hand when serious work was to be done, finally getting an honorable discharge without serious mishap at the close of the w-ar in 1865. Mr. Hammond's father and one of his brothers were also soldiers in the Eleventh Regiment, Indiana Cav- alry. Another brother, named Harrison, died in the service at Nashville, Ten- nessee, in June, 1863. After returning to civil life Mr. Hammond lost no time in seeking a means of livelihood by joining the hosts engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1867 he made his first purchase of land, consisting of forty acres in Blanchard township, which he retained and cultivated for some years after- ward. Subsequently, however, he disposed of this property and purchased of Lewis Dukes a tract of one hundred and fourteen acres situated in Union township, which constitutes his present homestead. This farm w^as in only a fair state of cultivation at the time it was purchased by Mr. Hammond, but 38 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY he has since greatly improved it and devotes all the arable area to general iarming and stock raising. October 28, 1858, i\lr. Hammond selected his life partner in the per- son of Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel and Martha Seitz, with whom he lived happily until her death July 31, 1902, at the age of sixty years. The children resulting from this union were eight -in number, but of these only the following named grew to maturity: Jane, Sherman, Emma, Alfred, Amanda and George G. Mr. Hammond has always supported the principles of the Republican and preserves memories of old times and old associations as a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. WILLL\M R. RUMMELL. One of the representative citizens and progressive business men of the city of Findlay is Mr. Rummell, whose life has been passed here, his father having located in the town more than half a century ago and having been prom- inently identified with its business activities until his death, being a man of tlie highest character and commanding unequivocal confidence and esteem in the community. William R. Rummell was born in Findlay, on the 2d of September, i860, and received his early educational discipline in the public schools of his native city. He left school at the age of fifteen and gave inception to his business career by assuming a clerical position in his father's furniture estab- lishment. He thoroughly familiarized himself W'ith all details of the enter- prise, and in 1888 was admitted to partnership in the business, the firm name of D. Rummell & Son being simultaneously adopted. Since the death of his father, in 1897, the subject of this sketch has individually continued the business, which is one of no inconsiderable scope and importance, the es- tablishment being well equipped with a large and select line of furniture and being one of the popular business institutions of the city. David R;.nnmell, father of our subject, was likewise a native of the Buckeye state, having been born in Columbiana county, Ohio, in the year 3830, the son of Jacob Rummell, who was born in Germany, in the year 1792, and who died in Findlay, in 1879, having been a brick mason and contractor by vocation and honored as one of the pioneers of the state. In 1851 David Rummell was united in marriage to Mary Reed, daughter of William Reed, of Letonia, Columbiana county, and they became the parents of four chil- dren, namely: Ellen M., Jesse B., William R. and George B. David Rum- mell came to Hancock county in 1848, having been a chairmaker and brick CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 39 mason by trade. In 1875 he established himself in the furniture business in Findlay and by his sterling integrity and honorable and progressive methods succeeded in building up a large and representative business, while he took a lively interest in all that promoted the general welfare of the community. He served for a number of years as a member of the city council and also as a member of the board of education, and he was honored for his fidelity and for his rigorous observance of the ethics which should safeguard all human thought and action. William R. Rummell proved an able coadjutor to his father m his busi- ness enterprise and has since continued the same with honor and credit. He is a Republican in his political proclivities and his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, while fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias and Junior Order of United American Mechanics. In Allegan county, Michigan, in the year 1882, ]\Ir. Rummell was united in marriage to Miss Nancy E. Bowman, a daughter of William Bowman, and they are the parents of three children, — Karl R., Maud B. and Mary C. FRANCIS M. MILLER. During his residence of less than seven years in Findlay the subject of this sketch has become popular in connection with the city's varied activities, social, political and commercial. He has made the "Oak Pharmacy" a well known establishment and both by business tact and uniform courtesy in his intercourse has acquired a good patronage along with many friends and well-wishers. He -thoroughly understands the technique of his calling, which is that of a pharmacist, and keeps well informed as to all improvements and new discoveries in that line of business. Llis family originated in Pennsyl- vania, whence his grandparents came in the first half of the nineteenth cen- tury, and settled in Monroe county, Ohio. With them came a son named Jacob, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1822, and was but a youth when the removal to the west took place. Jacob Miller grew up in his new Ohio home, married, raised a family and went to his final rest in Beallsville in 1883. His surviving children, five in number, are thus named in order of birth : Emmet M. ; Ophelia, wife of Isaac Hartline; Francis M. ; John B. and Clara. Francis M. Miller, third of the above enumerated family, was born at Beallsville, Monroe county, Ohio, in 1S68, and was reared and educated in his native place. From an early age his tastes and inclinations were towards 40 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY the druggist's profession, and after growing up he lost no time in securing an opportunity to quahfy himself for this useful calling. Shortly after reach- ing his majority he entered the College of Pharmacy at Ada, Ohio, and re- mained at that excellent institution until his graduation in 1894. Thus equipped with a modern education in his chosen vocation, he went with little delay to Lima, Ohio, where he purchased a drug store and opened for business. Not liking the location, he determined to transfer his scene of operations to Findlay, where, in 1895, ^^ established the ''Oak Pharmacy,'' and from that time on he has had charge of this store, which has grown in popularity as it increased its patronage. Mr. Miller is cjuite conspicuous in Knights of Pythias circles, and takes much interest in the affairs of the order. Pie is a member of Lodge No. 400 at Findlay, captain of the Uniformed Rank and has held all the chairs in his lodge. Politically his affiliations are with the Republican party, though not especially active in the campaigns, and he holds membership in the Church of Christ. As a young man of good manners as well as good morals, ]\Ir. Miller has commended himself to all with whom he has come in contact, and enjoys general esteem both in the social and business world. \VILLL\M PL PIOUCK. An interesting old pioneer couple were the late Jacob F. Houck and his wife, whom he married as E\e Ebaugh. The former was born in Baltimore county, Maryland, early in the nineteentli century, and the latter in York county, Pennsylvania, and after marriage in the east they came to Hancock county in the fall of 1836. They located on a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of land, purchased in Jackson township, which was- shortly afterward increased to the extent of thirty-six additional acres, and here they settled dovvn to the hard work of clearing a primitive place. Jacob became a man of consequence in the community in various ways, holding every office in the township except those of constable and justice of the peace, and was cap- tain of a militia company called the Blanchard Blues. The family's religious affiliations were with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Houck was steward for a number of years and one of the pillars of the organiza- tion. This worthy pioneer pair had ten children, of whom eight grew to ma- turity and seven of these are still living. The mother passed away in 1850, and her husband, after surviving her thirty-four years, closed his eyes upon the world in 1884. William H. Houck, eldest son among the children above mentioned, was ^^ ^ o» CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 41 born in Baltimore, now Carroll county, Maryland, March 4, 1826, and con- sequently was ten. years old when his parents made their journey to the west- ern wilderness. It was upon his vigorous young shoulders in after years that the task devolved of bringing into cultivation the wild land purchased by his father. In 1852, m connection with his father, he built a sawmill at what was called Houcktown and the operation of this occupied most of his time for ten years. Eventually he exchanged this property for eighty acres of land, which, however, v^'as soon sold and the proceeds invested in another tract, still in its virgin state. Mr. Houck took hold of this with his usual energy and in time converted it mto a smiling farm, well fenced and highly improved after the latest methods. Some notion of what this pioneer settler has gone through may be realized from the statement that during his life- time he has cleared all told two hundred acres of land. The amount of "hard licks," patient endurance, grinding labor and endless drudgery involved in this will give the modern man an idea, however incomplete, of what it took to make Hancock county the agricultural paradise it now exhibits. Mr. Houck's present homestead, which he has owned since 1863, consists of two hundred acres of well improved land in Jackson township, which he devotes to general farming and stock-raising. He has held various important town- ship offices, including that of trustee for six years and in a general way has been both a busy and useful citizen. In 1852 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Smaltz, and of the eleven children of this union ten grew to maturity: Solomon S., Adam B., Catherine E., Annie M., Lottie A., John P., Jacob H., Robert C, Perry H. and Willie E. All these have been liberally educated, well settled in life and occupy places of usefulness in their respective spheres. The mother passed away in September, 1899, in ripeness of years and enjoyment of the devoted love of her family as well as the universal respect of all acquaintances. Mr. Houck is a devoted member of the Methodist church, in which he has been class leader for more than half a century and licensed to exhort over forty years. The appreciation put upon his good judgment and rectitude is shown by the fact that on five different occasions he was selected as a member of the county grand jury. His brother Adam served as a soldier during the Rebellion and became an eminent physician after the war, removing to Kan- sas, where his death occurred some years ago. The foregoing details are ample to show that the Houcks, both of the older and later generations, are among the best families in the county and second to none in the discharge of all the duties of good citizenship. In 1902 Mr. Houck took up his home with his son Willie, at 605 West Plardin street, in Findlay. Willie married 42 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPEIICAL HISTORY Gail Grindle, daughter of D. H. and I>izzie U. (Miller) Grindle, and has two interesting children, Hugh H. and Mary Elizabeth. He is interested in the marble and granite business. JACOB O. KETZENBARGER. Few citizens of Hancock county, Ohio, are better known or have been more successful in agricultural pursuits and stock-raising than Jacob O. Ketzenbarger, who owns and operates a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Union township. He is a native son of Hancock county, his birth oc- curring in Union township on the 7th of February, 1861. He is a son of Sebastian Ketzenbarger, who was born in Germany August 31, 1823, and the latter's parents, Michael and Eve (Strong) Ketzenbarger, were also na- tives of the fatherland. In 1833 they emigrated to America, first taking up their abode in Baltimore, Maryland, where Michael pursued his trade of wagonmaking and farming for a number of years. From Baltimore they subsequently removed to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, there making their home for a time, and in 1840 cast in their lot with the early settlers of Hancock county, their son Sebastian being at that time about eighteen years of age. During all these years Michael Ketzenbarger continued to follow his trade of wagonmaking, while his sons carried on the work of the farm. In his family were three children who grew to years of maturity — Mary, Annie and Sebas- tian, but the last named is now the only one living. The father was called to his final rest in 1845, and his wife followed him to the grave some years later. Sebastian Ketzenbarger, the father of our subject, accompanied his par- ents on their various removals, and his first purchase of real estate was in Union township, Hancock county, the same consisting of one hundred acres of timber land. In the midst of the virgin forest he erected a little log. house and began life in true pioneer style, but as the years passed by he succeeded in clearing his land and placing his fields under cultivation, this having been accomplished only by incessant toil and excellent management. Selling his possessions in 1866, he removed to Wood county, Ohio, where he became the owner of a farm of one hundred and twenty acres on which he made his home until 1888, and in that year he came again to Hancock county, where he now owns and operates one hundred and sixty acres of land. Mr. Ketzenbarger has been twice married, his first wife having been in her maid- enhood Miss Rachel Cramer, and their wedding was celebrated on the 13th of September, 1849. This union resulted in the birth of nine children : Isabell, who was born in 1850, and is now deceased; John, born in 1851 ; Sarah, who CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 43 was born in 1853, and is also deceased; Andrew, born in 1855; Irene, born in 1857; George and Ella, t\yins, and their birth occurred in 1859, but the last named is now deceased; Jacob O., born in 1861 ; and Marianna, born in 1862. Mrs. Ketzenbarger, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, April 21, 1822, died in 1891, and Mr. Ketzenbarger' s second marriage occurred in December, 1895, when Mrs. Lucy Fox became his wife. In political matters the family have long been identified with Democratic principles. Jacob O. Ketzenbarger, the immediate subject of this review, was taken by his parents to Wood county, Ohio, when but five years of age, and in the public schools of that county he received his early mental training. In 1889 he returned to Union township, Hancock county, and in 1900 purchased his present farm of fifty acres, which he is now operating in connection with his father's old homestead. He makes his home on the last named place, and in his farming and stock-raising interests he has met with a high degree of success. His land is well improved, and his fields now annually yield to him a handsome financial return for the care and labor which he bestows upon them. On the 9th of November, 1882, Miss Nellie Eckleberger became his wife, and they have become the parents of four children, namely : Reggie C, who was born on the 25th of September, 1883; John I., born May i, 1887; Ella G., who was born on the 2d of June, 1890; and Ethel L., born December 2y, 1895. Mrs. Ketzenbarger was born in Wood county Ohio, April 18, 1862, and is a daughter of John and Barbara Eckelberger. The Ketzenbarger fam- ily are worthy members of the United Brethren cliurch. They are held in high regard in the community in which they reside, and their own home is celebrated for its gracious hospitality. JOHN T. MONTGOMERY. The subject of this sketch, though now a prosperous producer and dealer in oil, a factor in a Missouri lumber enterprise, and otherwise identified with the industrial development of Findlay, has not reached his present position without the usual "ups and downs" that generally accompany human en- deavor. He had few advantages in early life and put in many hard licks as a blacksmith before fortune smiled upon him and enabled him to live with- out the the drudgery of daily toil. He is of Irish origin, his father, William Montgomery, having been born in the historic land of Erin in 1820, whence he emigrated to the new world and after a struggle ended his days in Can- ada in 1894. It was in the last mentioned country that his son, John T. Mont- gomery, first saw the light of day, his birth having occurred there in 1853. 44 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY He was reared at Renfrew, the place of his nativity, but in 1877 made his way to the Pennsylvania oil fields. But being of a speculative turn of mind and realizing that blacksmithing was a rather slow way to make much ad- vancement, Mr. Montgomery secured an interest in some oil wells in Alle- gany county. New York. After obtaining this foretaste, and realizing the immense possibilities of this great industry, he transferred the scene of his operations to Ohio, locating at Findlay in 1887. Immediately thereafter he entered upon his career as a producer and contractor in oil, and has achieved conspicuous success in this fascinating line of investment. He is now senior member of the firm of Montgomery & Stitt, which owns wells in Hancock, Wood, Mercer, Sandusky and Lucas counties, Ohio. In addition to these inter- ests, Mr. Montgomery is a member of the Findlay Lumber Company, consisting of two persons besides himself, which has acquired a lot of timber land in Mis- souri and is operating a sawmill thereon. In September, 1893, Mr. Montgomery married Anna M. George, who died leaving a daughter named Hortensia. In 1897 ^^ took a second wife in the person of Miss Lida M. Shoultz, of Findlay, Ohio, by whom he has two children, John William and Irene. Mr. Montgomery is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church, independent in politics and a Mason. He is recognized among his associates as a man of strong force of character and remarkably good judgment in business matters. Though not a large man, his physical development is like that of an athlete, full of nervous en- ergy and with a muscular strength which suggests his early training at the anvil as the prime cause. He lives in a handsome house at Findlay, where all friends who call are entertained with cordial welcome and genuine Irish joviality. JOHN T. ARNOLD. While a modest man never boasts of his achievements, from dislike to v/hat would appear as self-glorification, it is not improper for friends of the gentleman above named to say for him what he would not be heard saying for himself — that he had achieved success in the world under very disadvan- tageous circumstances. The orphan at best usually has a hard lot, but when poverty is coupled with orphanage at a very early age a cross is made which is very hard to b,ear. Even if the child is fortunate enough to fall into good hands there can be no substitute for a mother's love or a father's care, and when later the real battle of life begins the natural difficulties always in the way seem especially loaded for the forlorn and friendless. The fact that J^ 61^ //a^f^z^C^, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 45 Mr. Arnold had to go through all these experiences and overcame them with- out succumbing furnishes the basis for the compliment paid him in the opening sentences of this introductory, and the justness of which will be proved as we proceed. During the latter part of the '30s Thomas Arnold was married to Rachel Moore in Hancock county, Ohio, and later took up their abode in the county of Delaware. There, on the 7th of December, 1840, John T. Arnold was born, and within six months after his advent into the world his mother was carried away by death. This first great misfortune was followed in a little over two years by another, the death of his father at that time leaving the child an orphan. Fortunately Elijah Galant, an uncle who lived in Delaware county, took charge of the boy and looked after his welfare until he grew to man's estate. When twenty years old he went to Columbus and learned the plasterer's trade, which furnished him occupation until 1864. In that year he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served imtil honorably discharged. Pre- vious to this, however, lie had been a member of the militia, and in both branches of the service, during the short time he remained, endeavored to do his full duty as a soldier. February 18, 1864, Mr. Arnold was married, in Licking county, to Jane Lewis, and for awhile engaged in farming in Dela- ware county. In 1866 he came to Hancock county and located on land in Orange township, where he remained until 1875, and then removed to the farm on which he now resides. This tract, consisting of two hundred acres at the time Mr. Arnold took possession, was wet land, mostly covered with tim- ber and required much ditching. The task of clearing the pl'ace and getting it into shape for cultivation was a heavy and expensive one, but Mr. Arnold managed to accomplish it in time by the hard work of himself and his em- ployes. The soil is rich and productive, and under Mr. Arnold's manage- ment his land has been made one of the best farms of its size in that neighbor- hood. Mrs. Arnold died January 17, 1897, ^fter becoming the mother of eleven children, whose names are thus recorded in order of birth : Lizzie, wife ot Miles Raston, of Morrow county, Ohio; Dellie M., who died June 16, 1895; Thomas, who died April 9, 1880; Samuel R. ; James H. ; Sarah G., wife of Ross Rockey; George W., who died July 14, 1880; Ida, who died January I, rS8o; Bertha A.; Hulda, who died February 7, 1883; and William J. Mr. Arnold cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1864, and has ever since been a stanch supporter of Republican principles. He is a member of tlie Baptist clmrch, and for many years was clerk of the sessions, always 46 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY taking much interest in the rehgious work. At one time he belonged to the Grange, keeps well posted on affairs relating to agriculture and altogether is an kindhearted, unassuming man, who enjoys general respect as a good neigh- bor and good citizen. EDMUND C. TAYLOR. To the discovery of oil in Pennsylvania and Ohio, and the resultant in- dustries that grew therefrom on such a large scale, may be attributed the development of what may be called a new type of business men. The neces- sities of the case sharpened the wits, while enlarging the faculties, with the result that many of the most remarkable men of the country have owed their training to the exigencies of the great oil fields. The failures, of course, in ihat, as in all other lines of business, far exceed the successes, but those who were fortunate enough to be added to the latter list will generally prove, when found, to be the ruling spirits of their communities. These remarks will apply to several who have been mentioned in this volume, but to none with more force than to the gentleman whose career is herein outlined. In fact Mr. Taylor's whole life may be said to have been spent "in oil," though he himself will be the first to admit that the sailing was not always as. smooth as the term would indicate. Almost from boyhood he has been connected in one way or another with the oil industry of Pennsylvania and Ohio, and none understand better than he all the "ins and outs," the advantag;es as well as the dangers of the fascinating road to wealth which leads through those mysterious subterranean channels where is formed the precious fluid that has revolutionized the world. Mr. Taylor is one of those who made a success of this business^ acquired wealth by dint of much hard work and risky venture, and is now at the head of one of the leading financial institutions of Findlay. Edmund C. Taylor was born in Ohio, September 2, 1851, attended tlie common schools as he grew up and rounded out his education at Oberlin College. Being ambitious for a business career and full of the ardor of youth, he could scarcely await the completion of his college career before venturing into the struggle for fortune with the hosts then engaged so strenuously in developing the Pennsylvania oil fields. He was twenty years old when he reached Oil City, then the center of the industry, and lost no time in be- coming one of the throng who were making that town a hive of industry and speculative ventures. Mr. Taylor spent about eighteen months at Oil City, without any incident worthy of special mention, but regarding Butler county CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 47 as a better opening, he repaired to that section and there continued in the same hne of business for six years. In 1878 he located at Bradford and opened a nitro-glycerine manufactory, which was conducted in connection with the "shooting" of wells for prospectors, and this highly dangerous busi- ness occupied him for seven years, during which time many of those asso- ciated with him lost their lives by contact with the explosive. But the "fittest survive," according to the Darwinian philosophy, and it was Mr. Taylor's good fortune to escape all the deadly dangers incident to his perilous occupation. From Bradford he transferred his scene of operations to Rich- burg, Pennsylvania, where he became an oil producer and prosecuted that branch of the business with vigor, and more or less success, from 1881 until 1886. In the latter year he decided to abandon the Pennsylvania for the Ohio fields, and in order to be in the center of activity, located at Findlay, where he immediately resumed operations with his usual energy and was connected with the first well drilled for oil in that region. During his resi- dence of sixteen years in Hancock county Mr. Taylor has maintained his connection ^Mth the oil interests, but has found time to devote to other mat- ters of importance for the public welfare. Among his contributions in this line was his service for many years as one of the gas trustees and his man- agement of the Commercial Bank and Savings Company, to the presidency of which institution he was elected in January, 1901. In 1889 Mr. Taylor was united in marriage at Findlay with Mrs. Grace Moore, whose maiden name was Ostermeyer, and their household is one of the social centers of the city. Mr. Taylor has long been conspicuous in Ma- sonry, having risen to the thirty-second degree in that ancient order, and is also connected wnth the Knights of Pythias and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In politics he has been a life-long Republican. HARVEY RAINEY. For sixty-three years Harvey Rainey traveled life's journey, and each year of that period was marked with good deeds and a record of an hon- orable career, and in the evening of life he received the veneration and re- spect which should ever be accorded those who live worthily, faithfully per- forming life's duties, and following their honest convictions of right and wrong. Harvey Rainey was a well known and respected representative of the agricultural class in Hancock county, residing for the greater part of the time in Big Lick township. He was born in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, August 13, 1834. At the age of fifteen years he left home and learned the 48 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY carpenter's trade under John Dickson, of Lawrence comity, Pennsylvania, re- maining with him six years. He then went to Wisconsin and Minnesota and worked at the carpenter's trade in both states for four years, when he came to Hancock county and worked at his trade here for about six years. In 1862 he located in Big Lick township, purchasing a farm of eighty acres. As he prospered later in life he made an addition to this original purchase of forty acres, located in Washington township, and again added a tract of one hundred acres to his real estate holdings, this time in Cass township. In early life Mr. Rainey learned the carpenter's trade, wdiich he followed in connection wnth farming in Hancock county, his system being to let his land out on the shares, while he engaged actively as a contracting carpenter, turn- ing the result of his labors into more real estate. He gradually ceased his connection with the carpenter's trade, and in 1865 abandoned it entirely, after which he followed farming exclusively. Mr. Rainey combined many noble traits of character. He was a quiet, peaceful man, inoffensive as a child, a first-class farmer and a loyal citizen. He was a member in good standing in the Methodist Episcopal church, and voted with the Republican party. His marriage was celebrated with Miss Sarah A. Taylor, April 5, i860. Miss Taylor was a daughter of William and Jane Taylor, and to the marriage were born five children, namely : Amanda J. ; Charles W. ; Mary A. ; George B., deceased; and Alvin D. The death of the father of the family occurred December 23, 1897. Mrs. Sarah A. Rainey was born in Washington township, September 14, 1 84 1, and has resided in sight of her home all of her lifetime. Ller parents, William and Jane Taylor, came to this township in 1838, being natives of Washington county, Pennsylvania. They were among the worthy pioneers of Hancock county, whose descendants fill the various w^alks of life acceptably. Both died at the age of seventy-two. Robert, the grandfather, born in County Down, L'eland, who was of the Protestant faith and a successful farmer, died at the age of eighty years. Martha, the grandmother of Mrs. Rainey, died when about seventy years old. Grandfather and Grandmother Bell were of Welsh descent and both died of old age. HON. HENRY BISHOP. Hon. Henry Bishop, deceased, was prominently identified with public affairs in early days and was a recognized leader in local politics. A native of Ohio, he was born in Franklin county, November 23, 1820, and in early manhood joined his brother, John D., in Hancock county. ohtv^Jk^^. Id^Zf^ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 49 printer's trade in the office of the Courier at Findlay, he later purchased that paper and engaged in its pubhcation from the 24th of January, 1839, until the 1st of July, 1845, but it did not prove a very profitable investment. He was a forcible though rather an illogical writer. Prior to disposing of the paper Mr. Bishop settled on a farm in Eagle township and devoted the remainder of his life to agricultural pursuits. In early life he engaged in teaching school for a few terms. On the 5th of November, 1840, he was united in marriage to Miss Eve Smith, who was also born in Franklin county. May 21, 1821, a daughter of William Smith, and they became the parents of six sons, namely : George S., born July i, 1842, died in Seneca county, Ohio, September 12, 1896; Will- iam is now living near Mt. Blanchard; John S. is mentioned below; Isaac lives on a part of the old homestead ; Smith resides in Seneca county, two and a half miles northeast of Tiffin; and Henry Dixon is now serving as justice of the peace in Eagle township, Hancock county. The late John D. Bishop, our subject's brother, made his home in this county for many years. A sister, Polly, married Isaac Smitii, a brother of our subject's wife, and they were the parents of Henry Smith, who is still living in Eagle township. During his residence in Hancock county Mr. Bishop took quite an active and influential part in public affairs, and was elected to the state legislature at the same time Reuben Wood was made governor. Being somewhat ec- centric he attended the sessions of that august body clad in a hunting shirt and leggins, but he was nevertheless a valued member of the house and was un- wavering in his support of those measures which he believed would advance the general welfare. He died within sight of his home, June 18, 1855, being drowned in Eagle creek during high Avater while attempting to loosen drift- wood. He got a cramp while sv/imming and went down. He left a widow and six sons, the oldest of whom was only thirteen years of age and the youngest one year old. Mrs. Bishop carefully reared her children, and as soon as they were old enough to be of any assistance to her they began to aid in the opera- tion of the home farm.. In 1871 she was again married, her second union being with Conrad Line, a farmer, who died in 1876. Two years after his death she returned to the old Bishop homestead, keeping her own part of the house and living independently until her death, which occurred October 24, 1896. She retained her faculties up to the last, being quite well preserved for one of her years. She was a faithful and consistent member of the old school Baptist church, was a strict Sabbatarian, and an active church worker. The sick and needy in her neighborhood always found in her a friend, and she was highly respected and esteemed by all who knew her. In 1863 she erected 50 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY a brick house upon her place, the brick being made upon the farm, but it was destroyed by fire in 1883. In addition to the old homestead, comprising two hundred and forty acres, she owned another farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Seneca county and in the management of the estate displayed excel- lent business and executive ability. John S. Bishop, one of the leading agriculturalists and representative citizens of Eagle township, was born on the site of his present home, Decem- ber 13, 1847, ^I'ld his whole life has been spent upon that farm. He remained with his mother until her second marriage, when in partnership with his brother Isaac he bought the interests of the other heirs in the property, becoming owner of one hundred and twenty acres. Nineteen years ago he erected his present residence, which is located on the banks of Eagle creek five and a half miles south of Findlay. He is a progressive and practical farm- er who thoroughly understands the vocation which he follows and is meeting with well deserved success in his operations. Besides his part of the old home- stead he owns another farm in Jackson township and has city property in Findlay. On the 4th of April, 1872, was celebrated the marriage of John S. Bishop and Miss Angeline A. Woodruff, a daughter of Elijah and Sarah (Walters) Woodruff, our subject's nearest neighbors. She was born on an adjoining farm, August 14, 1850, and was there reared, she and her husband being school- mates. Unto them were born three children : Charley Cloyce, who died at the age of two years, one month and fifteen days; Sadie Blanche, now the wife of Henry Hartman, of Jackson township, by whom she has two children, John Durell and Clarence Harold; and Carrie Audra, v,ho was educated in the Find- lay high school and is still with her parents. Both daughters have studied music and the younger is quite an accomplished pianist and also a vocalist of more than ordinary ability. In the family of ]\Ir. and Mrs. Bishop is a little boy, Earl Bishop Newman, now nine years of age, who has made his home with them since the death of his mother during his infancy. In his political views Mr. Bishop is a stanch Democrat, and though he takes an active interest in public affairs he has never been an aspirant for politi- cal honors, preferring to devote his undivided attention to his business inter- ests. His estimable wife is a member of the Pleasant Grove United Brethren church, but he still adheres to his mother's teachings and in religious faith is a Baptist, although he is not connected with any church organization. That his life has been an upright and honorable one is shown by the fact that those who have known him from boyhood are numbered among his warmest friends. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 5i HARVEY C. MILEY. The gentleman above mentioned, at present one of the popular busi- ness men at Findlay, has had a varied experience as school teacher, real estate dealer and newspaper publisher, with a little office-holding on the side. Such occupations are necessarily educational if not especially profitable, and the training added to the information acquired is apt to prove useful in later life. At any rate Mr. Miley does not regret the time spent in "teaching the young idea how to shoot" nor his experiences as a "moulder of thought" while presiding over the sanctums of country newspapers. All this is behind him now, however, and he is intent only upon making a lasting success of his present business, which is that of real estate, insurance and loans, and those who know him best are of the opinion that he is apt to succeed in whatever he undertakes. Harvey C. Miley was born near Wauseon, Ohio, in 1855, grew up on a farm and went through the usual experiences as to training and education that fall to the lot of boys in the country. This routine continued until he had reached the nineteenth year of his age, when he made his first venture in life as a teacher of a Fulton county school. He kept up this occupation in his native county about six years and then went to Kalkaska, Michigan, where for a year he was engaged in the real estate business, this he abandoned temporarily to accept the principalship of the school at Williamsburg, which position he held a year, and then took charge of the schools at Fife Lake, where he also spent a year. Leaving the school room permanently at the end of his term at Fife Lake, he opened a real estate and insurance office at that point and conducted the same for the following two years. His next move was to Boyne City, Michigan, where he continued the real estate busi- ness two years and then purchased the Boyne Citizen, a weekly independent newspaper, which he managed a year and a half. Disposing of this plant, Mr. Miley made another investment in the newspaper field by purchasing the Enterprise, a weekly publication at East Jordan, Michigan, but this he re- tained only six months and ended his career as an editor by a sale of the plant. In 1887 he came to Findlay, opened a real estate, insurance and loan office and since then has been well to the front in that line, to which he has devoted all his time and energy with satisfactory results. In 1880 Mr. Miley was united in marriage with Alary E. Miller, of Fulton county, Ohio, and they have two children: Earl L., and Vera E. He is a Republican in politics, but aside from holding the city clerkship while a resident at Boyne City, Michigan, in 1884-5, he has occupied no official po- 52 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY sition. His religious affiliations are with the Church of Christ, and his fra- ternal connections with the Knights of Pythias and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. JAMES DENNISON. James Dennison, a native of the state of Ohio, and a veteran of the Civil war. is one of the early settlers of Hancock county, having lived in the county lor over sixty years. Mr. Dennison was born in Plymouth, Ohio, in 1837, and lived there until he was four years of age, when he moved, with his par- ents to a farm in Union township, Hancock county, where he lived until he was ten years old. The family then moved to Findlay, Ohio, and ever since that time, Mr. Dennison has made his home there; at first, with his parents, and later, with his wife and children. His father was Elihu Dennison, Jr., who was born in New York state in 1799, came to Ohio in 1821, and to Hancock county, Ohio, in 1841, finally settling in Findlay in 1847. He opened the first meat market ever in Findlay, and successfully carried it on until his death in 1858. James Dennison was married in the year i860 to Mary Louthan, who died in 1 86 1. In July, 1863, feeling that his country needed his services, Mr. Dennison enlisted in the Union army at Findlay, Ohio, in Company L, First Regiment Ohio Heavy Artillery, as fifth sergeant, and a year later, was pro- moted to first sergeant, and served as such until mustered out at Knoxville, Tennessee, in August, 1865, after the great struggle for the preservation of the Union was ended. Although he served for over two years, Mr. Dennison was in no regular engagements, but was in several skirmishes with guerrillas in eastern Tennessee. After being mustered out when the war was ended, Mr. Dennison returned to Findlay, Ohio, and, choosing the trade which his father had followed all his life, he went into the butchering business, and still continues in it. Mr. Dennison married again, in 1868, his present wife being Elizabeth (Spaith) Dennison, and they have eleven children, all living, five boys and six girls. Mrs. Dennison was born in Germany, emigrated to the United States at three years of age, and with her parents settled in Findlay a half cen- tury ago. James Dennison's grandfather, Elihu Dennison, Sr., was born in New York state and died there before his son Elihu, Jr., James's father, came to Ohio. He was a farmer. Mr. Dennison is honored and respected in the community in which he lives. ^Z^U^dU:/ ^£.tyi^^ 'i^>-Z^C^ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 53 He is an earnest Republican, sincere in his love of country and home, and as ready to work for their interests and welfare now, as he was when he entered the army in '63 ; but he merits the rest which should come with advancing years, and can leave the work for his boys. He belongs to Stoker Post, No. 54, G. A. R. ROBERT B. RUSSELL. Old men for wisdom, young men for action. We here present the name of one of the young and prosperous farmers who is aiding in maintaining the reputation held by the agricultural class of Hancock county. He resides in Big Lick township, where he owns a farm of eighty acres of valuable farm- ing land, and upon which he has two producing oil wells. Mr. Robert B. Russell claims nativity in the township in which he re- sides, where he was born May 13, 1865. He is the son of William Russell and Eliza Taylor. His life, which has been an uneventful one, has been passed in Hancock county. His education was received in the common schools of his own district. He was born and bred a farmer, and adopted that occupa- tion as his life work. The vigorous manner in which he has conducted his farm has made him pre-eminently successful, and he bids fair to become one of the leading agriculturists of northern Ohio. The event of his life which he considers of most importance, occurred the day following Christ- mas of 1886, when he was joined in marriage to Miss Flora A. Stahl. Miss Flora was the daughter of j. F. and Mary Stahl, and is a lady of many ac- complishments and of a refined and gentle nature. The happy union has been blessed with three beautiful children: Franklin L., November i, 1887; Etta J., December 22, 1889; and William C, March 6, 1894. The family of which Mrs. Russell is a dutiful daughter is an old Buckeye family. The family of which Robert B. Russell is an honored representative, have been for long years residents of the state of Ohio. William Russell, his father, was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, April 14, 1826. Eliza Taylor, his mother, was a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, where she was born November 28, 1826. William Russell came to this county in 1840, when but a boy of fourteen years. When he grew to maturity he purchased ninety- four acres of land, to which he soon added enough to make three hundred and eighty-six acres. It was in two bodies, eighty acres being located in Put- nam county, Ohio. William Russell was an active, energetic man in business, one of the practical kind of farmers, who looked closely after his own inter- ests. He was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and the 54 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY party of Lincoln suited him politically until the breaking out of the Civil war, at which time and for a period thereafter he gave his support to the Democracy. Later in life his convictions concerning the prohibition question were such that he turned towards that party and acted with it until his death. For some time he was a member of the Grange and was earnest in his efforts for its advancement. He held many of the offices of trust in his township, and for a number of years administered the duties of trustee. His marriage to Eliza Taylor occurred June i, 1850, and there were nine children born to him, eight of that number now living: George, Martha J., John W., William T., Sara C, Alfred L., Robert B. and C. W. Mr. Russell is at present a resident of Findlay, having accumulated sufficient competence to live a retired life. His wife died some years ago. Her father, William Taylor, was a pioneer resi- dent of Hancock county, where he married Cassandra Bell. The original entry of his land was made in 1835, shortly after they came to Hancock county. He was a native of Ireland. Their family consisted of eight children, three of whom still survive. They were highly respected in the community for their worth as good citizens. WILLIAM FRANK SNIDER. The Sniders constitute one of the oldest families in Hancock county, nor is its length of residence by any means its only recommendation. They have borne their full share of the burdens of development, have "held up their corner" at every trying conjuncture and have made a creditable showing" in the business, social and political life of the county. In fact the oldest inhabitant cannot remember a time when the Sniders, individually and col- lectively, were not conspicuous figures in social circles. It was in 1835 that John Snider removed from York county, Pennsylvania, and purchased from Henry Litzenberger fifty-six acres of land lying in what is now Amanda township. John was industrious and was soon able to add twenty more acres to his original purchase, which, by a similar increase in J 860, eventually amounted to ninety-six acres, and this he cleared, fenced and generally im- proved until it was converted into a fertile and beautiful farm. All accounts agree in representing John Snider as a man of large heart, upright character and a model citizen in every respect. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and quite influential in religious circles, holding the posi- tion of trustee and class leader. Shortly after his arrival in Hancock county he was married to Eliza Treece, a native of Pickaway, and with her he settled down to housekeeping on his newly purchased farm. They had ten children, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 55 of whom eight are hving and six of them are residents of Hancock county. The father ended his active and useful hfe in 1888, having long survived his wife, who passed away in 1862. William F. Snider, one of the surviving children of the pioneer couple just described, ^^•as born in 1849, on the farm he now owns in Amanda town- ship, Hancock county, Ohio. His education as well as his training was re- ceived within the confines of his native township, and during his whole career be has known no other regular pursuit than that of farming. In 1880 Mr. Snider joined with his brother Isaac in purchasing sixty-six acres of land, but eight years later disposed of his share to the fraternal partner and used the capital to buy the place on which he now resides. It consists of sixty- six acres of well improved land, on which Mr. Snider built in 1898 a handsome and commodious residence, which, with the addition of other modern improve- ments, makes this one of the coziest country homes in the county. Mr. Snider has served his township as trustee and was summoned as a member of the first jury that sat in the new court house at Findlay, whose term lasted forty-two days. In 1872 Mr. Snider was united in marriage to Elizabeth, daughter of Josiah and Margaret Morehart, and the fruit of this union was an only son, born in 1878 and named Truman. The parents are devout mem- bers of the United Brethren church, of which Mr. Snider has been trustee for twenty-five years. WILLIAM F. HOSLER. This gentleman is the present efficient and popular cashier of the City Banking Company of Findlay, Ohio. He was born on a farm in Washington township, Hancock county, Ohio, on February i, 1862. He passed the period of youth to the age of thirteen on the farm, receiving the ordinary education given in the country school. At that age he came to Findlay, Ohio, with his parents, where he had the advantages of better schools, and which he im- proved. Leaving school in 1878 he entered -the office of the county treasurer as assistant and remained there until September, 1880, when he entered the employ of the Farmers' Bank as teller. In this position he served two years, and with such efficiency as to merit promotion to the assistant cashiership. He acted in this position until January i, 1886, when the bank was made a national organization and our subject was made assistant cashier of this new organiza- tion. He served in this position as such until April i, 1887, when he resigned and accepted the position of cashier of the City Bank of Findlay. He served in this relation until December i, 1897, when the bank was reorganized and 56 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY took its present name, the City Banking Company of Findlay, and our subject was made cashier of the new organization, and has continued to hold that position until the present time. Mr. Hosier began his married life in Findlay, Ohio, on October 7, 1885, when he was joined in marriage to Helen M., daughter of M. D. Shafer. Mr. Shafer died in June, 1899, in Findlay, at sixty years of age. He was born in Hancock county, was admitted to the Hancock county bar at the age of twenty-one, and for nearly forty years was a lawyer in this city. The mother of Mrs. Hosier was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, in 1842, and now resides in the city of Findlay. To the mar- riage of Mr. and Mrs. Hosier has been born one daughter, Mary L. Mr. Hosier is a popular citizen of Findlay, in which city he has a host of friends. Socially he affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and that other excellent order the B. P. O. E. Passing for a few moments now to the consideration of the family history of our subject, his father, Peter Hosier, was born in Pennsylvania in 1821, and came to Ohio in his boyhood with his father, Christopher Hosier, who located in Stark county, Ohio. They later removed to Hancock county, the year being about 1842. Prior to his removal to this county Peter Hosier married in Stark county, Ohio, Susana Sherman, to whom were born a family of twelve children. Peter Hosier was a contracting carpenter in his earlier life and later a farmer. He was a man of good character, of large influence in the county and in 1875 was elected treasurer of Hancock county on the Democratic ticket. In this ofifice he served two terms. He was president of the Farmers' Bank and later of the Farmers' National Bank, and in 1887 was made president of the City Bank, which position he held at the time of his death in 1897. In politics Mr. Hosier is a Democrat. He is a young man of excellent prospects, who will delight a large circle of friends by his continued succes" among them. EDGAR A. HAWKINS. The visitor to Findlay who registers at the Hotel Benton is sure of first- class entertainment, but he will enjoy additional pleasure if he cultivates the acquaintance of the gentlemanly manager wdio, though of quiet manners and unobtrusive demeanor, has seen much of the world and has some interesting stories to tell growing out of his personal experience. Mr. Hawkins served all through the Civil war in one of the fighting regiments, and many were the battles, skirmishes and engagements in which he took part during the long and bloody struggle between the north and the south. In civil life Mr. Flawkins CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 57 has made a record as a telegraph operator, which in point of time has probably not been surpassed by any other manipulator of the keys in this country. Dur- ing those busy thirty years he gained and long retained the reputation of being one of the most rapid and accurate of all the operators in the service of the Western Union, and during this time he held positions of great responsibility at important railroad centers. The third stage in Mr. Hawkins's career has been as a hotel man, in which role he has been familiarly known for the last twelve years in connection with a number of prominent houses in various cities of Ohio and Indiana. The foregoing sum- mary will be ample justification for the re- mark that Edgar A. Hawkins is an inter- esting man to know, and for the purpose of better introducing him to the traveling pub- lic and the readers of this volume this brief biographical sketch of his life and career has been arranged. The family of this name originated in New York state, and from there Lafayette and Elizabeth (Smith) Hawkins removed in early life to Michigan, wdiere they lo- cated in the county of Monroe. Subse- quently they went to Lucas county, Ohio,, where Mr. Hawkins was engaged for many years in the sawmill business at Maumee. His wife died in 1844, and his own death occurred four years later, both finding their final resting place in the cemetery at Petersburg, Michigan. At this town also their son, Edgar A. Hawkins, was born May 26, 1843, but he received his education chiefly in Ohio, and has been identified with this state during the larger part of his life. After attending school at Gallon and Marion for some years he was gradu- ated in the high school of the last mentioned city in 1858 and immediately entered into the occupation w^hich he has chosen as his life Avork. As early as sixteen years of age he became proficient as a telegraph operator, and in J 860 was given charge of an office of the Bee Line Railway Company at La- Rue, Ohio. In April of the following year he w^as busy with his keys W'hen his quick ear caught a message going over the wires which w-as the most mo- mentous ever transmitted since Morse invented this wonderful means of com- The news of great moment which arrested the at- 58 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL LIISTORY tention of the young operator at LaRue and about the same time was sending a thrill throughout the length and breadth of this great nation was to the effect that the rebels congregated at Charleston har- bor, under command of one P. T. Beauregard, had had the audacity to fire upon the flag of the United States as it floated over the battlements of Fort Sumter. That meant Civil war, and this awful fact was re- alized by e\'ery man and \\'oman in the Union as soon as the news of the transaction at Charleston was floated over the wires. The young teleg- rapher at LaRue was not one to stand back when his country needed his services, and on the 12th of July, 1861, we find him enlisting at Marion as a member of the Fifth Regiment, Ohio Cavalry, in which he served during the nine following months and then obtained a transfer to Company G, Fifteenth Regiment Ohio Infantry. He remained with the latter command until June 8, 1865, his total service lacking one month of four years, and those who are famil- iar with the record of the old Fifteenth need not be told that those who staid with it had all the hard marching and fighting that could be desired by the most ambitious campaigner. This remark will be verified by an enumeration of the principal battles and engagements in wliich Mr. Ha^v■kins took part with his regiment during the four years that elapsed after he left his little office at LaRue. This list includes Winchester, Fairfax Court House, Cheat River, Maryland Heights, Bolivar Heights, Martinsburg, all in Virginia; Bowling Green and Cumberland Gap, Kentucky ; Stone River, Tullahoma, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Chickamauga, Tennessee; Ringgold, Peach Tree Creek, Dug Gap, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta and Resaca, Georgia. Mr. Hawkins received a gun shot wound in the left leg at the last mentioned bat- tle, but was ready for duty again after the expiration of three weeks in hos- pital. Then commenced that epoch-making military movement known in history as the march to the sea, during which Mr. Hawkins took part with his command in the fights at Savannah, Fort Fisher and Goldsborough, after which the conquering and united armies of the north proceeded on and made their triumphant entry into the national capital. The grand review, so often described and so well rememberd by every participant, closed the Civil war Avith a spectacular exhibition of patriotic pride and justifiable jubilation which made a fitting finale to the greatest tragedy of history. \Yhile his regiment was located at Savannah, Georgia, Mr. Hawkins was given a commission Avhich promoted him to the rank of second lieutenant of his company, an honor well deserved as a result of his long and loyal service to the Union cause. After the war Mr. Hawkins resumed his calling as a telegTaph operator, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 59 and continued it for many years, dvn'ing which time he was stationed at vari- C'tis points throughout the west. For eighteen years he was traffic chief at In- dianapoHs, and in 1887 was sent by the Western Union to Wichita, Kansas, and remained there during the period of the famous "boom" at that place. At length, after terms of service which in all amounted to thirty years, Mr. Haw- kins was compelled to drop his keys on account of what is called telegrapher's paralysis and seek other lines of employment. Entermg the Hotel Cambridge at Lima, Ohio, he remained in the service of that popular hostelry for three years, and went from there to Frankton, Indiana, where he became an employe of the Altoona Hotel. He was afterward with the Kerr House at Marion, Ohio, the Grand Hotel at Indianapolis and the Morscher House at Tiffin, until finally he took charge as manager of the Benton at Findlay and has since re- tained that position. In 1867 Mr. Hawkins was married to Miss Katie Rhodes, w-ho died a year later, and in 1872 he was united with his second wafe, in the person 01 Miss Ella Wood, who died July 23, 1889, after becoming the mother of two children, Harry W. and Edna N. The political affiliations of Mr. Hawkins have always been Republican, and by virtue of his military service he is a member of Mart Armstrong Post, No. 202, Grand Army of the Republic, at Lima. The thousands who have come in contact with Mr. Hawkins in a business way. as telegrapher operator or hotel manager, have always found him a courteous and obliging gentleman, and this reputation he has fully maintained since taking charge of the Benton. ROBERT L. LEONARD. Robert L. Leonard, a prominent and well known farmer of Big Lick township, owming and operating one hundred acres of well cultivated soil, was born in the township in which he resides, August 4, 1854. Here he was reared in the old homestead, which continued to be the scene of his boyhood labors and pleasures until his maturity, and during the meantime he became familiar with the curriculum of studies covered by his home school. He remained on his father's farm for several years after his majority, his first real estate pur- chase being in 1875 and consisting of ten acres. This w^as soon increased by seventeen acres donated to him by his father. These small holdings he con- tinued to improve, and in due time sold at a good figure, w^th the proceeds of which he purchased the first sixty acres of his present farm. He cultivated this until 1901, wdien he added the remaining forty acres. On this farm he has erected suitable and commodious buildings of modern construction, which 6o CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY add much to the pleasing prospect. The marriage of our suhject occurred in this county in 1875, he being joined to Sarah A., the daughter of John and Polly A. Kinsel. To this happy union were born three childreen : John A., a telegraph operator in Findlay, Ohio; Fred S. and Estella G. Fred S., the youngest son, has taken up agriculture as his vocation, and is now working the home form. The mother of these children was born in Big Lick township, being a member of one of the noted pioneer families of the early day. They are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which body he is a class leader and also a trustee. The religious life of Mr. Leonard has al- ways been exceedingly active. There has ne\'er l^een a time when he has n(jt been connected with the public life of his church in some particular. He has served long years as superintendent of the Sunday-school, and is at the pres- ent time advancing his interests in the important place of chorister. He is a man who carries out well the doctrines he believes in his every day life without the sound of trumpet or the display of banner. Fraternally he is a member of the order of Ben Hur. Samuel B. Leonard, the father of our subject, was born in Pennsyl- vania, March 27, 181 5. His grandfather was Robert Leonard, Sr., and his grandmother, Frances Bayless, both of whom were also natives of Washing- ton county, Pennsylvania. At the close of the war of 181 2 they removed to Columbiana county, Ohio, where they resided until 1837. At that date they came to Hancock county, where they purchased a half section of land in Big Lick township. This he divided between his two sons, Samuel B. and Silas. His family consisted of six children, four sons and two daugh- teers. He later made provisions for his sons William K. and Abner. The daughters were Elizabeth and Mary A. The parents were members of the Presbyterian church, and were the means in their day of the establishment of what is now known as the Enon Valley Presbyterian church. He was ex- ceedingly strict with his children and looked well to their moral develop- ment. He reared them in accordance with the divine injunction "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." He died in 1867, mourned by a devoted family and a large circle of friends. The wife had died some years previously, about 1854. Samuel B. Leonard was reared on the home farm, received his early education in Columbiana county, and removed with his wife to Hancock county in 1836, his parents coming here a year later. He continued his resi- dence on the same farm which he received from his father up to 1901. He was united in marriage to Miss Isabelle Curry in February, 1836. To this union there were born three children, Elizabeth F,, John C. and Robert L. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 6i John C, who was a member of Company A, Twenty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was captured at the battle of Chickamauga and spent a period at Libby prison, from which he was removed to Danville and finally to that dreadful den at Andersonville, where he was starved to death. The date is not known. Elizabeth is the wife of C. Garber, elsewhere sketched in this volume. Samuel B. Leonard has been connected w^ith the Methodist Episcopal church for over sixty years. In that time he has been very active in the service of the Master, having served a continuous period of over fifty years as class leader. His wife is a native of Columbiana county, Ohio, born November 29, 181 5. It will be of interest to mention in connection with this family sketch that the first husband of Mrs. Elizabeth Garber, Absalom Kleckner, was a member of Company A, Twenty-first Regiment, Ohio Vol- unteer Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Stone River. He was sent home and buried with military honors. It is hardly necessary to add that Robert L. Leonard and his family have the entire confidence of the community in which they reside, in which they are useful and loyal citizens. JOHN W. S. RIEGLE. The above named gentleman has succeeded well in the popular pro- fession adopted in youth, having served two terms as surveyor of Hancock county, and now 'being the city engineer of Findlay. His thorough educa- tion at the beginning, especially in mathematics, supplemented by subse- quent practical experience, has so qualified Mr. Riegle as to give him stand- ing as an expert in his calling, and one of the best civil engineers of his age in the state. He has given entire satisfaction by his work, both in public and private capacities, and being yet in the prime of life a successful and even brilliant future would seem to be before him. John W. S. Riegle, son of Elias and Catherine Riegle, was born at Ar- lington, Hancock county, Ohio, July 29, 1866, and received his training as well as his education in Madison township. Mr. Riegle, however, was de- sirous of something more than could be acquired in the country schools, so after leaving the latter he entered the Normal University at Ada, where he' took a thorough course and was graduated with the class of 1887. Still un- satisfied, Mr. Riegle subsequently took a post-graduate course in mathe- matics at Findlay College, after which he taught school several years in Han- cock county. His first venture in the line of his profession was as civil en- gfineer in the employment of the Ohio Central Railroad Company, with which 62 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY he continued two years and did such satisfactory work as to receive com- mendation from his superiors. This performance led to promotion, as in 1890 he was nominated and later elected to the office of surveyor of Hancock county. He discharged the duties of this position so thoroughly and satis- factorily that by general consent he was given the renomination of his party and had little difficulty in securing a reelection in 1893. After serving two terms in this office, amounting in all to a period of six years, Mr. Riegle was appointed city engineer of Findlay in 1896 and has since discharged the duties of that place with entire acceptability. In 1894 Mr. Riegle was married at Marysville, Ohio, to Miss Lorinda A., daughter of John and Susan Smalley, and their only son is named John William McKinley Riegle. After stating this fact it is hardly necessary to add that the father's political predilections are decidedly Republican, and he is usually at the front in campaign times among the most zealous workers for his party. His only fraternal connection is with the Masonic order. ISAAC INSLEY. The above named gentleman, wdiose postoffice address is Macomb, Ohio, is one of the thriving farmers of Hancock county, owning one hundred and ihirty-eight acres of well cultivated land in Portage township devoted to gen- eral farming. It is only necessary to look over this farm to see that the owner understands his business and deserves to rank with those whose en- terprise and progressive spirit have given Ohio such high rank among the agricultural states. His father, Zacharias Insley, a native of Ashland county, Ohio, wedded Esther Sowards of Virginia, and after marriage resided in his native county for some years, removing in 1870 to Hancock county. He pur- chased one hundred and forty acres of land in section 21 of Portage town- ship, which at the time w-as in a fair state of cultivation. Being an indus- trious and practical farmer he prospered measurably and in the course of years made his farm one of the most desirable of its size in his neighbor- hood. He was a moral and upright man, a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal church and so bore himself as to earn general esteem. He died in 1892 and his wife two years later, having become the parents of twelve children, of whom eight grew to maturity and six are still living. Among the latter is Isaac Insley, wdiose birth occurred in Seneca county, Ohio, April 29, 1837, ^"tl there he grew to manhood. In 1862 he enlisted in Com- pany D, One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served gallantly and loyally until the close of the Civil war. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 63 Among the important battles in which Mr. Insley participated were those at Winchester, Cedar Creek, Lynchburg, James River, Petersburg and Appo- mattox Court House, not to mention the innumerable skirmishes wHich fell to the lot of the command to which he belonged. l"he fact that he was detailed as a sharpshooter is evidence of Mr. Insley's high standing as a soldier and the estimate put upon his prudence and bravery by his commanding officers. More than once a commission was offered to him, but this Mr. Insley declined, be- ing satisfied to do his duty as a soldier in the ranks. After a most creditable military career, during uhich he made a faultless record, this brave young- soldier was honorably discharged from the service in 1865. Isaac Insley was thirty-three years of age when his parents located in Hancock county. Eight years previous to this he had purchased about sixty acres of land in Portage township, to which he subsequently added until his entire holdings amounted to one hundred and thirty-eight acres. This land land he has cultivated most industriously and intelligently since taking posses- sion and his affairs have been generally prosperous. In September, 1870, Mr. Insley married Elizabeth A. Smith, who was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, November 10, 1848. Her parents were John W. and Catherine Smith, the former born May 15, 181 5, and the latter in Virginia, October 25, 1804. In 1 85 1 they removed to Hancock county and some years later located on a farm of eighty acres which Mr. Smith had purchased in Pleasant township. On this home place they both ended their days after useful lives, during which they played their parts well and earned general esteem. The union of Isaac and Elizabeth A. Insley proved both happy and fruitful, their children num- bering nine, of whom seven are living. These, with the dates of their re- spective births, are thus recorded in the family Bible: J. W., in 1871 ; Al- bert M., in 1873; Cora B., in 1875; Rosetta M., in 1878; Harley L., in 1882; (jeorge R., in 1887; and Lester R., in 1895. In addition to her husband's property, Mrs. Insley owns thirty-six acres in her own right. Besides her virtues as a housewife and mother, she is a lady of excellent judgment and good business qualities. Including both parents and children, the Insleys constitute a worthy and deserving family. GEORGE B. RLAOIELL. A native of the county of Hancock, Ohio, and a descendant from one of the pioneer settlers of the state is George B. Rummell, who was born at Find- lay, Ohio, in 1868, and was there reared and educated, and has lived there all his life, with the exception of about three years, 1893. 1894 and 1895. which 64 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY he spent at Ottawa, Ohio. After leaving school in Findlay, Ohio, Mr. Rum- mell entered the Ohio Veterinary College at Cincinnati, Ohio, and gradu- ated from there in 1893. After leaving the college he decided to locate at Ottawa, and resided there for three years, but learning that there was an opening for a livery stable at Findlay, he returned to his native towMi in Jan- uary, 1896, and opened up in the livery business, which he now carries on, and for which he is peculiarly fitted, being a great lover of good horses, and thoroughly understanding their control and management and never so happy as when, holding the lines over one of his high steppers, he takes a friend for a spin along the drive. Mr. Rummell is a member of the County Agri- cultural Board of Hancock county, Ohio, where his knowledge of a good horse is well known and highly appreciated. Socially he belongs to the Odd Fellows, and in politics is an active Republican and interested in the welfare of his party. ]\Ir. Rummell's father, David Rummell, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, in 1828, and after a useful and industrious life spent at his chosen work, he died in December, 1896. He was a furniture dealer, and was also ihe father of W. R. Rummell, whose record appears elsewhere in this volume. George B. Rummell was married in Findlay, Ohio, in 1888, to Etta, daughter of C. B. Struve, of Toledo, Ohio, and they are the parents of two children, as follows: Earl D., born in 1890, and Harry B., born in 1897. Mr. Rummell is progressive and energetic, happy in his home and prosper- ous in his business, a worthy citizen of Findlay, Ohio, and known and re- spected throughout Hancock county. HENRY BYAL. To have attained to the extreme fulness of 3'ears and to have one's view- broadened to a comprehension of all that has been accomplished within the flight of manv days, is of itself a sufficient cause for a consideration of such a life, but in the case at hand the tribute is all the more merited from the fact that it concerns a career of usefulness, of exalted honor, of charity, and one never darkened by wrong or injustice. It must ever be regarded as a mat- ter of regret that when an aged man of historical importance has been gathered to his father's later generations have not been given a more intimate knowl- edge of his personality and his actions ; that the lips have been silenced which might have told of incidents that had marked bearing on the thought and action of scenes of the past; and that there is denied a familiarity with the ambitions and struggles of his vouth and the. more crucial trials of his later ^U,;::^^^ ^^J4^ /3^^ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 65 years. It is thus gratifying to enter a tribute to this venerable and honored citizen of Hancock county and to note the sahent points in his long and useful life, whose declining days are crowned with well earned prosperity. Grandfather William Byal was a native of Maryland and died in 1840 when at the age of sixty-seven years; his son, John Byal, was also born in that state in 1791 and died in 1853. These are the forebears of Henry Byal, and it is evident that the family were established in this country during the colonial epoch. The birth of Henry Byal occurred in Stark county, Ohio, ]\'Iarch 23, 1817, thus being a representative of one of the pioneer families of the Buckeye state. He remained in his native county, at an early day began to contribute his share to the work of the farm, and attended the country school as oppor- tunity offered, although his educational training was very meagre after he was fifteen years old. In March, 1832, his father brought him to Hancock county, locating m Findlay township about three miles west of the city of the same name; he erected a saw mill there and two }'ears later built a grist mill. There young Byal lived and labored for about se\-en years ; he then secured employ- ment in connection with the construction of the Wabash canal and during the ensuing winter worked on the St. Mary's reservoir in Mercer county. Until he was twenty-five years old he was engaged in various occupations. At that age he was married and after that he was employed on a farm in this county for four years. He was continually forging ahead in the world and his next venture was in the merchandising business in Ottawa, Putnam county, where he remained for eighteen months and also served as postmaster. He next engaged in business at Pendleton, Putnam county, where he continued for three years, and in 1853 came to Findlay. From this time up to the pres- ent he has been actively concerned in farming, has accumulated much valuable real estate in the county and has now retired from active affairs and enjoys the repose and freedom from care which are the rewards of toil. Mr. Byal was elected to the office of justice of the peace in 1854; he wa"s the candidate of the Democratic party and his personal popularity is shown in the fact that he overcame the usual Republican majority of about six hun- dred. He held this office for nine years and was one of the excellent public officials of the county during that period. For many years Mr. Byal has been a devoted member of the Presbyterian church, and has always been generous in aiding its work. Mr. Byal's first marriage occurred in March, 1842, to Dorothy Comer, who was born in Fairfield count}^, Ohio. Her parents were Isaac and Hannah (Gulp) Gomer. Her father was born in the Shenandoah valley in Virginia in 1793. and died September 3, 1852, on the farm three miles west of Findlay, while her mother was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, 66 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY as far back as 1803, and died on the old Comer farm in 1830. Isaac Comer married for his second wife Hannah Burton, with whom he came to Hancock county from Lancaster, Fairfield county, in 1832. Four children were born to Mrs. Dorothy (Comer) Byal, but she died in i860, and all of her children have also passed away. As a memorial to his family Mr. Byal bequeathed the munificent sum of twenty thousand dollars, with which the Byal ]\Iemorial Chapel was completed in 1901, a beautiful tribute to those whom he loved so well. Tn 1 86 1 Mr. Byal took as his second wife Mary Lamb, who was his faithful companion for thirty years, and passed away in 1900, leaving no chil- dren. On February 7, 1901, Mr. Byal became the husband of Lydia J. Eaton, who is his devoted partner for the remainder of life's journey. She has been engaged for forty years at Findlay in the mercantile and millinery trade. JOHN B. HEIMHOFER. The above named gentleman, during his life of less than forty years, lias achieved a notable success in various lines of business, including those of oil producing, farming, banking and mining. He comes from an old Swiss family, both his grandfather and parents being natives of the famous Al- pine republic. The latter, whose names were John M. and Agatha (Miller) Heimhofer, married in Switzerland and had three children : John B. ; Fred H. and Ida. John B. Heimhofer, the eldest son, was born in Switzerland in 1863 and when still quite young was brought to America by his parents, who located in what was then Luzerne, now Lackawanna county, Pennsylvania. The father became interested in the oil business, then a leading industry in the Keystone state, and one in which his son was destined later to achieve success. The latter attended a select school at Archibald and by the time he was seventeen years old had acquired a fair education. About that time he accompanied his parents to McKean county, and the family found a location at the little oil town of Red Rock, where our subject remained and worked about two years in the butchering business. He soon abandoned this, how- ever, to engage in teaming in the oil field and soon realizing the possibilities for profitable investment in this line he lost no time in seeking connection therewith. In partnership with his brother Fred and E. V. Wyssbrod, Mr. Heimhofer purchased a lease in McKean county, and the firm entered vig- orously into the business of oil producing. On the original lease, and others subsequently obtained, they owned in all about eleven wells. Eventually, the partners disposed of all their holdings in Pennsylvania and transferred their scene of operations to Ohio. In November, 1886, they opened a CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 67 hardware store in Findlay under the firm name of Wyssbrod & Co., which continued business about three years, meantime resuming their original oc- cupation of oil producers. After the dissolution of the mercantile partner- ship, Mr. Heimhofer continued in the production of oil on his own account, and in 1899 bought a farm which he has since operated. Together with his brother Fred and E. V. Wyssbrod, he is also interested in zinc mines at Jop- lin, Missouri, and mineral lands in Arkansas. When the Commercial Bank and Savings Company was organized at Findlay in 1901, Mr. Fleimhofer was elected vice president, a position which he still retains. He is also a director in the Toledo Times, a daily morning paper, published in the famous lake port at the mouth of the Maumee. In October, 1898, was solemnized the marriage of John B. Heimhofer and Miss Rosetta, daughter of R. W. Boyd, all of Findlay, Ohio. Two chil- dren have been born of this union, John Russell and Bessie M., of whom the former died in infancy. Mr. Heimhofer has served one term in the city council of Findlay as a representative of the Republican party, and his fra- ternal connections are confined to membership in the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks. His standing in the business world is amply de- monstrated by the important positions to which he has been chosen and so- cially himself and family have the entree to the best society of Findlay. JOHN L. KISSEBERTH. Among the younger generation of farmers who have been operating during the last two decades in Hancock county, the above mentioned has taken rank as one of the most progressive and deserving. He owns a hand- V.ome farm in Blanchard township, which he has managed and cultivated in such a way as to show that he is a complete master of his business and is not unworthy of comparison with the wideawake farmers for wdiich Hancock county is noted. He is the son of Gabriel and Elizabeth Kisseberth, who were at one time residents of Hancock county, where the former owned and operated fifty acres of farming land. Later he removed to Putnam county and carried on a mercantile business at Gilboa, but at present is residing at Fostoria, where he leads a retired life. His first wife, Elizabeth, died Au- gust 2, 1 86 1, and subsequently he w^as again married to the lady who now shares his home in retirement. John L. Kisseberth, son of the first marriage, was born in Gilboa, in Putnam county. May 10, 1859, and received his education in the schools of his native place and Hancock county. After he grew^ up he entered his 68 CENTENNIAL. BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY father's store, where in the capacity of clerk he assisted for several years in conducting the business. When he reached the age of twenty-one, however, he decided to abandon the mercantile for agricultural life, a step which was preceded by the selection of a partner to share his joys and sorrows. August I, 1880, he was united in marriage with Miss America B., daughter of B. B. and Elizabeth Powell, substantial farmers of Hancock county, where the family had long been established. Shortly after his marriage, Mr. Kisse- berth purchased from his father-in-law the seventy-nine acres of land which constitute his present homestead in Blanchard township, and to the manage- ment of which he has since devoted all his time. He has made many im- provements, chief among which was the erection of buildings suitable for his business, and the place is now attractive in appearance, everything indi- cating good management and orderly arrangement. Mr. and Mrs. Kisseberth have had four children: Jessie V., Charles F., Edwin L. (deceased) and Lewis C. Jessie V., the eldest daughter, is now^ the wife of Aaron Slupe, a farmer of Pleasant township. Mr. and Mrs. Kisseberth are meuibers of the Methodist Episcopal church and take an ac- tive interest in all matters concerning the work of that extensive denomina- tion. As a farmer, Mr. Kisseberth is up-to-date in all his operations, prac- tical in his methods and believes in keeping up with all modern improvements. He devotes himself to general agriculture, cultivating all the standard crops and raising the usual variety of stock found on Ohio farms. He does nOt branch out into experiments or "fads" but adheres to the safe system which experience show^s is productive of the best results. MnXARD C. COWLEY. For twelve years the gentleman whose name appears as the subject of this sketch has been the agent at Findlay for the United States Express Com- pany. This is a position which brings its occupant into close and frequent contact with the public, and his personality, as well as his business qualifica- tions, are subject to close scrutiny and criticism. Few positions require more e\-enness of temper, self-possession and urbanity in the discharge of its duties, and only those men well equipped with the equalities mentioned will meet the requirements satisfactorily. Mr. Cowley, however, by his long tenure has evidently "filled the bill," and the reasons therefor are well understood by the people of Findlay whose affairs take them to the express office. Mr. Cowley understands how to dispatch business expeditiously as well as courteously, and by his general bearing has obtained the respect as well as the friendship CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 69 of the city's entire population. He comes of excellent stock and traces his line- age through an ancestry that was always loyal and patriotic during the "days that tried men's souls." Jonathan Cowley, his grandfather, was born in Ire- land in 1752 and thirteen years later came to America with his father, St. Leger Cowley, who located in Scoharie, Delaware county. New York. About eleven years after the arrival of these Scotcli-Irish emigrants in the then col- onies, the great American Revolution began in the war for independence and the Cowleys, true to the instincts of their race, espoused the cause of liberty. St. Leger Cowley was appointed adjutant of the Fifth New York Regiment of Continental troops and his son Jonathan joined the same command as a private. Both fought gallantly through ail the seven years of that terrible confhct, and participated in the many dangers, privations and trials which fell to the soldiers who were making the fight for freedom. After reading the foregoing record of honorable service at the period when the great republic had its birth, none will deny that our subject has a clear title to membership in the patriotic order of the Sons of the American Revolution. He does not, however, rest his claim for consideration upon an- cestry, but what he has been able to do himself and he has certainly proved by his conduct that he is not an unworthy son of worthy sires. Millard C. Cowley was born at Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania, in 1851, but was taken later by his parents to Addison, New York, where lie was reared and educated. This New York town continued to be his home until he had reached the age of twenty-six and his mature years were spent in work upon the farm until 1874. In that year he was offered and accepted a position as clerk in the ofi^ice of the Erie Railroad Company at Addison. He remained in this employment for six years and during that time received the training and obtained the ex- perience which fitted him for the duties which he has since so well performed in his chosen vocation. In 1880 Mr. Cowley went to Allentown as agent for the United States Express Company but only remained there six months, being transferred to Elmira in the same state to become joint agent for the United States and Adams Express Companies at the union station. He held this position until 1886, when he was sent to Olean, New York, to take charge of the business at that point of the United States Express Company. After an experience of three years in this location, Mr. Cowley was transferred by his employes to Ypsilanti, Michigan, and remained their agent there until 1890, when he came to Findlay as agent of the United States Express Com- pany and has ever since continued to represent that corporation at this point. The best evidence of a man's efficiency is long continued employment by the same people, especially when the employers are of the exacting- kind found at 70 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY the head of all great business corporations, whose immense interests and count- less ramifications can only be satisfactorily attended to by trained and expert talent. Such a man has evidently been found in the person of Mr. Cowley and not only by continuous retention but in many other ways he has received evidence of the esteem and approval of his superiors. October i, 1902, Mr. Cowley was promoted to the position of route agent for the company in the second division, comprising the states of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois, with headquarters at Findlay. While residing in Addison, New York, in 1877, Mr. Cowdey was united in marriage with Miss Nellie M. Mullen, a worthy young lady of that city, and their union has been blessed by the birth of one daughter, Florence M. The family are members of the Presbyterian church and enjoy cordial rela- tions wdth the best society of Findlay. DAVID SHERICK. David Sherick, retired farmer, has spent almost his entire life in agri- cultural pursuits, and only put away the plow- and laid down the hoe within the last two or three years, wdien, feeling old age creeping on him, he decided to move into town, and enjoy some of the comforts for which he had labored so long and industriously. It is the men who, like David Sherick, have v.orked early and late, year in and year out, tilling the soil and feeding the cattle, wdio have given Ohio the proud name which she bears of being such a great agricultural state and haA^e enabled her to rank so high in this respect. David Sherick was born on a farm in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1831, where he lived until he was twenty-tw^o years of age. His childish mem- ories take him back to the days of log school houses, and wide open stretches of country, — country which looked just as fertile in those days, but which as yet had not been under cultivation, for settlers were few and far between in those times, and Ohio was one of the new states which had been carved out of the Northwest territory some years before. Mr. Sherick lived the life of the average farmer's boy, in the winter time attending school and looking after the cattle, and in the summer, plowing and harvesting the grain. When he w^as twenty-two he left the home farm and started out in life for himself, going to Liberty township, Hancock county, where he bought a farm and built him a home, and a little later, brought a wife, and there they toiled and saved, taking life a little easier as the years went by, and the children grew up and shared their burdens: and finally, in 1899, they moved into Findlay to spend the remainder of their days. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 71 Mr. Sherick was married December 28, 1854, in Liberty township, Han- cock county, Ohio, to Catherine, daughter of George Heck, and they have had nine children, of whom seven are now hving, as foHows : Peter; Bar- bara, wife of T. C. Boyd; Martha, wife of R. M. Poe; Irene, wife of N. L. Acocks; Emma, wife of I. L. McGee; John H., and Maud. Mr. Sherick is a member of the Church of God, and in his pohtics has been a hfe-long Re- pubhcan. Our subject's father was Peter Sherick, born in Fayette count, Penn- sylvania, December 5, 1798, and died June 14, 1886. He, too, was a "tiller of the soil," and our subject, David was his only son. Our subject's grand- father was Christian Sherick, wdio was born in Pennsylvania and died there. The Sherick family is of German descent. Mr. Sherick has lived a useful and industrious life, has managed his business affairs with intelligence and is now one of the prosperous farmers of the community, taking his well earned rest and enjoying the society of his children and friends. HENRY STOUGH. Henry Stough, a prosperous farmer and dairyman, residing in Cass township, Hancock county, Ohio, owns here a valuable farm of one hundred and thirty-nine acres and carries on extensive farming operations in con- junction with a very profitable dairy business. The birth of Henry Stough was on April 12, 1844, in .\shland county, Ohio, and he is a son of George and Catherine Stough, who came to Han- cock county, Ohio, in 1853, when Henry was nine years of age. George Stough was born on the Monongahela river, in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, on March 27, 1815, and he was a son of Moses and Mary (Riddle) Stough, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former being a son of George Stough, of German descent. Moses Stough removed from Pennsylvania to Ashland county, Ohio, in 181 8, when his son George was three years old. By trade he was a cooper and this trade he followed during the years of his active life, and died in Allen township, this county, at the age of eighty-three years. As mentioned George Stough came to Hancock county in 1853, and here became a practical and successful farmer. He was a man of exemplary life and character and was much respected and beloved in his locality, uni- versal regret being felt when his death occurred in June, 1898. His mar- riage was to Catherine Gierhart, and they had a family of ten children, the survivors being : Eliza, Daniel, Henry and Christian. 72 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Henry Stough, our subject, attended school in his early years, as op- portunity offered. He has always been more interested in agricultural pur- suits than in anything else and has succeeded most admirably in his labors. In 1867 he purchased his present farm and has since then been engaged in its development. December 14, 1865, he was married to Susannah, daughter of Josiah and Mary Shafer, who was born in Stark county, Ohio, in 1846, and was an infant in her mother's arms when she entered Hancock county. She had three brothers in the Civil war, Hiram, Mordecai and Samuel, the two first named belonging to the Twenty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and the last named to a Kansas regiment. Each served his country long and well and were honorably discharged. The children born to our subject and wife were but two in number, Hen- rietta and William. The latter died in boyhood, his death being indeed a sad blow to his parents, as he promised to grow into a most estimable man. Hen- rietta married G. E. Watchtel, and they have two children, — Merle and Cor- inne. Mrs. Stough died August 3, 1902. Mr. Stough is one of the much respected citizens of his township and is known for his excellent farming and fine methods of dairying, over a large part of this section. He keeps twenty-five cows for milk, of a breed noted for its richness of cream and milk, and his output finds a very ready sale. In politics Mr. Stough is a Democrat. ABRAHAM BROWN. This honored and prominent representative of the farming and stock- raising interests of Hancock county is one of the successful men in that line of business. His pleasant and commodious home is situated in Washington township, where he conducts a farm of one hundred and forty acres, where he is possessed of all that a prosperous farmer needs to satisfy every wish. He is the son of Martin and Catlierine (Leady) Brown, the father having located in Washington township in about 1835, on his farm of about one hundred and sixty acres. Both Martin Bro\vn and his wife were natives of the Key- stone state, where they married, and soon removed to Knox county, Ohio, locating in Hancock comity, Ohio, in the year above stated. He was a hard working and industrious man, clearing all his land, as did many other pio- neers in that early day, and combining good sound business judg- ment with fine physical health and a will to labor, he became a very successful representative of the farming interests. He was an honest and up- ABRAHAM BROWH. :ARS. ABRAHAM BROWK. JOHN BROWN. CHARLES BROWN. MRS. CHARLES BROWN. CHARLES VOITLE, ROBERT VOITLE. MRS. CHARLES YOITLE. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 71 right man in all of his dealings with his neighbors, was a member of the Ger- man Baptist church, and in politics favored the policies of the Republican party. The family that was born to him consisted of ten children, nine of whom are living at this writing and three of this number reside in Hancock county, as follows : Mrs. Elizabeth Meyers, Mrs. Sarah Jacobs, and Abra- ham Brown, the immediate subject of this sketch, Mr. Brown passed his early boyhood in the exacting labor of farm life in that early day, and received his primary education in the district school of his native township. As a lad he performed the duties required of a boy of his size on his father's farm, and developed that sturdiness of character which generally attaches to the ordinary country youth. When that dreadful calam- ity which cast a dark cloud over the face of our country, occurred, the firing on Fort Sumter^ Abraham Brown was not old enough to do duty in the field, but his young mind was in close sympathy with the cause of Old Glory. As the months sped on and the cloud darkened, Mr, Brown became matured by sheer patriotism and in September, 1862, willingly gave himself a sacrifice to his country, serving the remaining three years of the war. He enlisted as a private in Company A, Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and which regiment became a part of the Army of the Cumberland. He followed the flag through twenty-three general engagements, besides participating in a large number of lesser battles and skirmishes. Following is a brief mention of tlie principal actions in which he was engaged : Stone River, Chickamauga (where he lost the second finger of his left hand), Resaca, Bald Knob, Kene- saw Mountain and Atlanta. He participated in that thrilling and victorious march of the man who denominated war as "hell," and returning north on the victorious march of that chieftain, he was mustered out at Louisville and re- turned to his home with the consciousness of having performed his whole duty to his beloved country. During the services he was promoted from the private ranks for meritorious services on the field to duty sergeant. He received an honorable discharge and was paid off at Columbus, Ohio, in July, 1865. Mr. Brown took up the thread of life just where it had been broken when he went to the army. Returning to his school and to his books, he fitted himself for a future life of usefulness Upon leaving school the first business in which he became interested was in the line of dry goods at West Independence. It was here that Mr. Brown chose as a companion and helpmate on life's journey Miss Rebecca A. Newhouse, the marriage occurring in the year 1868. Three children came to brighten their home: John C, born in 1869; Abbie A, 1871 ; and Charles M., in 1879. This latter boy inherited the patriotism of his father and offered himself to his country in its late unpleasantness' with Spain. Fie 74 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY enlisted for two years in Company H, Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was a faithful soldier and was honorably discharged at Macon, Georgia. The mother of this family, Miss Rebecca Brown, was born in Washington town- ship, Hancock county, in 1851. She has proved to her husband a faithful companion and helpmate in life's journey, and her sound advice and assistance were important factors in his prosperity. Mr. Brown takes an active part in politics, and while he is a stanch Re- publican, he will not tolerate what he thinks is an act of duplicity on the part of his colleagues. About 1875, when his own party leaders displeased him, he formed a new party in his own township, known as the Farmers' Alliance. This was subsequently merged into the People's Party, a convention of this party having been held under the leadership of Mr. Brown in 1896, in Arcadia. Owing to his masterful direction, this movement was successful until 1896, Avhen it was absorbed by the Democratic party, at which time and date our subject returned to his old love, the Republican party, and of which he is now a stanch supporter. Mr. Brown is a man much above the average intelligence, and a promoter and supporter of many progressive and commendable enterprises. He has paid a marked tribute to the rural mail free delivery in the erection of two beautiful and conspicuous pillars, one on either side of his gateway. On each of these pillars is painted a figure, one representing "Uncle Sam," and the other "Abe" Brown. Mr. Brown enjoys the full confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens, and well deserves representation in this volume. WILLIAM MONTGOMERY. The ancestry of the family of this name, which for more than half a century has been identified with the agricultural development of Orange and Van Buren townships, is gi\'en in the sketch of John Montgomery, which ap- pears on another page of this volume. It is there told how they descended from an Irish emigrant who fought in the Revolutionary war and left de- scendants in western Pennsylvania, who later settled in eastern Ohio. Will- iam Montgomery, above mentioned, is a brother of John and was the eighth of the twelve children born to William and Sarah (Fonts) Montgomery after their settlement in Columbiana county in the early part of the last century. His birth occurred on his father's pioneer farm in the hills of eastern Ohio, April 17, 1833, and he remained in that section until he had reached his ma- jority. As his brothers had migrated to Hancock some years before, he naturally followed in their wake, hoping for better opportunities than were CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 75 afforded in his native locality. In 1854 he arrived in Hancock county, and for a short time worked on his brother Albert's farm in Orange township, and continued to work as a farm laborer for different parties during the next two years. A family by the name of Brannan had come from Trumbull county, Ohio, and taken up land in Orange township, and among their chil- dren was a daughter named Elizabeth. She was a child at the time of her arrival, and was reared and educated in her new home in Hancock county. In 1855 William Montgomery and Elizabeth Brannan were united in mar- riage, and lived together as man and wife for nearly forty years in utmost affection and harmony. For a while after marriage the young couple lived in Orange township, but in i860 Mr. Montgomery bought land in section 36, Van Buren township, to which they soon removed and commenced the diffi- cult task of clearing. It was situated in the woods, was wholly unimproved and to any one not possessed of the pioneer spirit would have presented any- thing but a pleasing prospect. Mr. Montgomery, however, soon had a log house thrown up and a stable built of the same rude materials, and securing a few needed animals he set manfully to work to carve for himself a home out of this wilderness. The way was long and the road was hard, but he finally arrived, as men of the right kind of "grit" in those days generally did. Any one who visits section 36 in VanBuren township may see at a glance the magical changes that have been effected by Mr. Montgomery's industry, de- termination and dogged perseverance. The log cabin has long since given place to a comfortable brick residence; the former wildwood has been trans- formed into smiling meadows or bounteous grain fields ; what was once marsh or swamp, under the modern system of tiling and ditching, has been converted into dry land suitable for cultivation. On this farm Mr. Montgomery has been living for forty-seven years, and though he has experienced all the ups and downs incident to agricultural pursuits he has done well on the whole and has a comfortable competence to smooth the decline of life. His good wife, who was a member of the Disciples church and always an exemplary Christian, closed her earthly career on August i, 1894. Of their seven chil- dren two died in infancy, but the other five grew to maturity and are now doing well in their different spheres of life. Dr. Wesley Montgomery, the eldest son, is practicing medicine with success at Ada, in Hardin county, Ohio; Clara, the eldest daughter, married James E. Pore and is living with her husband on Logan avenue in Findlay; John, the second son and third child, pastor of the First Presbyterian church of Findlay; W. L., the fourth, resides on the old home farm ; and Frank, the youngest, a resident of Ada, is mail clerk on the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad. Mr. Mont- 70 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY gomery is respected by all, not only as one of the county's pioneer farmers^ but because in all the relations of life, both as a neighbor and citizen, he has done his full duty in assisting to build up the community. Mr. Montgomery was a Democrat until 1896, when he voted the Republican ticket. SAMUEL H. ELSEA. One of the well known and respected farmers of Jackson township, Sam- uel Henry Elsea, is a representative of an honored pioneer family of Hancock county that was established here when conditions were very different from those now existing. The green woods stood as they came from the hand of na- ture and few roads penetrated into the forest. The homes of the settlers were widely scattered and the tents of the red 'men were frequently seen, while bears, wolves and other wild animals haunted the forest. Deer were frequently shot by the hunter and lesser wild game was often upon the table of the pion- eers. Farm implements were very crude compared to those of the present day and the most far-sighted could hardly ha^^e imagined the changes which would occur and make Hancock county a thickly settled region, rich in fine farms and thriving towns. The Elsea family bore their part in the work of improve- ment and development here and like the others of the family the subject of this review has always been known as a worthy and progressive citizen, as he has carried on his work along agricultural lines. Samuel Henry Elsea was born April 18, 1838, on the old family home- stead in Eagle township, being the third in order of birth among the children that came to that household. His father, Moses Elsea, was born April 24, 181 2, in Virginia, a son of William and Mary Elsea, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Maryland. William Elsea followed teaming in his native state and afterward removed to Pickaway county, Ohio, where his death occurred. In his family were ten sons and two daughters. Among the number was George, who lived for a short time in Hancock county, but after- ward located in Putnam county; William, who resided for a few years in Eagle township and then went to Putnam county ; and James, who lived and died in Eagle township, and his son Jacob is still living there. After the death of the father Moses Elsea became responsible for the fam- ily, the other sons being much younger. He brought his mother, his younger brothers and his sisters to this county, and the mother spent her remaining days in Eagle township, reaching an advanced age. Moses Elsea was married in Pickaway county, January 14, 1833, to Mary Ann Oman, who was born in that county, June 27, 1815, a daughter of Moses and Elizabeth Oman, who ^'^?-inter months he devoted his attention to cutting the timber off the land and converting it into staves. His first team was a yoke of oxen and with teams he performed his farm work for a year after his marriage. When he brought his bride to her new home he had only five acres of his land cleared and the only improvement in the way of buildings was a log house, but he was able to make a living off his land, supplementing his income by the sale of the timber on his land and by working his father's lands. During the eight years he resided upon that farm he cleared twenty-five acres and placed it under cultivation. As it was flat country in the Black Swamp, he had to pay a heavy ditch tax, amounting to over four hundred dollars. Gas and oil were finally discovered in the vicinity of his farm and as property rose 224 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY in value he sold out for six thousand dollars and bought his present farm in Jackson township, Hancock county, which is pleasantly located four and a half miles southeast of Findlay. His first purchase consisted of one hun- dred and one acres, for which he paid seventy dollars per acre, and he has added to this tract until he now has one hundred and thirty-one acres, on which he has made a number of useful and valuable improvements, including the erection of a barn and the remodeling of his residence. He has also laid considerable tiling and now has one of the best farms in Jackson town- ship, whereon he is successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising, mak- ing a specialty of Shropshire sheep. Since attaining his majority he has always affiliated with the Republican party, and has been a delegate to its conventions, but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. He is one of the representative men of his community and is held in high regard by all who know him. MARTIN L. WISELEY. Martin L. Wiseley, who is a representative of the People's Ice and Coal Company, at Findlay, belongs to that class of wide-awake, enterprising busi- ness men who ha\T led to the rapid development of Ohio and of all sections of the country. He is yet a young man, but has already attained a success that many an older man might well envy. He was born upon a farm in Marion township, Hancock county, Ohio, on the 24th of December, 1871. The Wiseley family is of Scotch descent and was founded in America at an early day. Allen Wiseley, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Fairfield county, Ohio. \Villiam P. Wiseley, the father of our subject, was born in Hancock county, Ohio, and here died in 1875. He was a farmer and stock buyer, carrying on business on an extensive scale and his active opera- tions enabled him to provide well for his family. He left two sons, Martin L., and William P. Martin L. Wiseley, whose name introduces this record, spent the first four years of his life upon the old farmstead in Marion township and was then left an orphan. After his parents' death he was taken to Leslie, Michi- gan, wliere he was reared by his grandparents until he had attained the age of sixteen years, during which time he attended school and acquired a good practical education to fit him for life's duties. After that time he and his brother Will P. returned to the old home farm in Hancock county, Ohio, and the subject of this review devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits until 1901. As the 3^ears passed his farm work brought to him good returns. His MR. AHD MRvS. MARTIN L. WISELEY. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 225 fields were always under a high state of cultivation and his energy and enter- prise were manifest in the neat and comfortal)le appearance of his place. On his removal to Findlay in the year 1901, he joined his brother in the ice and coal business and they are now dealing in these two commodities which are so essential to the comfort and welfare of man. They have secured a liberal patronage, which is constantly increasing as their honorable business methods and reliabilit}^ are recognized. Martin L. Wiseley was married in Findlay in the year 1897 to Miss Clara Adams, a daughter of Philip Adams, and they now have two children : Charles M., and Bernice M. In his political views Mr. Wiseley is a Repub- lican, and for four years, from 1897, he served as trustee of his native town- ship. Much of his life has been passed in Hancock county and he is widely known among its citizens as a young man of excellent business ability, hon- orable and straightforward in all his dealings and one who well merits the success which has crowned his efforts. DAVID T. DAVIS. David T. Davis, who since June, 1899, has been state inspector of high explosives, is successfully engaged in the oil producing business, at Findlay, Ohio, and is one of the substantial and representative citizens of that place. The birth of Mr. Davis occurred in 1852, on a farm in Marion town- ship, Hancock county, Ohio, and he is a son of William and Margaret (Lafferty) Davis, the former of whom was born in 1810, in Cumberland, Maryland, and died in 1863. He was a very prominent citizen and was notable in being the only Republican who was elected commissioner of Han- cock county in many years. For fourteen years he served as justice of the peace, and was esteemed and valued for his many admirable qualities of mind and heart. In 1831 he married Margaret Lafferty, and eleven chil- dren were born to them, nine of whom still survive. The father of this family served in the Mexican war as a captain of a company, and his sons displayed a loyal devotion when the country again called for assistance. Of these, William and Isaac O. served during short terms in the Civil war. John W. enlisted in the Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was severely wounded in the hip at Chickamauga and at Stone River was captured and held as a prisoner for five months, enduring at this time the horrors of Ander- sonville and Libby. He now resides at Findlay, Ohio. David T. Davis was reared in Hancock county, Ohio, and there acquired his education, and followed agricultural pursuits until he was twenty-two 226 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY years old. Then lie went to Findlay and became one of the organizers of the wholesale and retail grocery firm of Davis, Detweiler & Company, which business was successfully conducted in this city for a period of eight years. After selling his interest, our subject was engaged in various lines of activity until 1887, when he embarked in the real estate business, in which he is still engaged. In 1888 Mr. Davis became interested in the oil producing business and has been very successful in this line. His reliability as a business man resulted in his appointment in June, 1899, by Governor Bushnell, as state inspector of high explosives, and his careful attention to the duties of this office has been of the greatest value and a protection to lives and property. In 1877 Ml"- Davis was married, at Clyde, Ohio, to Miss Eva K. Barney, who is a daughter of W. Z. Barney, and the three children born to this union are: Donald W., Leila M. and Catherine E. In fraternal association our subject belongs to the order of Knights of Pythias, No. 400, taking an active interest in its work. He is well known in this city and is highly regarded as a just business man and public-spirited citizen. MILTON A. PILCHER. Milton A. Pilcher is of English descent. His parents, William and Mary A. (Wingate) Pilcher, are still living. Both are natives of England and both emigrated to America in 1852, William remaining for about one year in the city of New^ York before trying his fortune in Hancock county. He worked assiduously, acquiring considerable city property, and in due time entered into matrimonial relations with the bride of his choice. He was married at Findlay to Mary A. Wingate, a lady of English nativity, and the family remained in Hancock county until 1875. Here six of his nine chil- dren were born, of whom eight are still living. Three children were born in Putnam county, whither the family removed in 1875, and where the parents still live. Milton A. Pilcher was born in Marion township, this county, October 10, 1859, was educated at Findlay and engaged in various employments, finally selecting the occupation of farming. November 3, 1887, he married Lavina J., daughter of Thomas D. and Mary A. Callison, who was born m Blanchard township, October 11, 1869. Her parents had three children, of whom she alone survives. The father, Thomas D. Callison, was born in Indiana December 3, 1832, and died in 1888; the mother, a native of Penn- sylvania, was born May 16, 1838, and died May 6, 1901, on the farm that Mr, Pilcher bought in September of the same year. Mr. and Mrs. Pilcher CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 227 are the parents of three bright children: Waher H., born July 31, 1888; William T., born March 15, 1891 ; and Floyd V., born September 16, 1900. Fraternally Mr. Pilcher is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Though still a comparatively young man, he has established himself firmly and has a bright promise for the future among the successful agriculturists of Han- cock county. His one hundred acres in Liberty township attest his ability to cope with the varying situations that present themselves to farmers, and indicate the presence of an industrious and progressive proprietor. In politics Mr. Pilcher is a Democrat. JACOB BOHN. Among the young, energetic and successful farmers of Hancock county is the gentleman above named, who operates a farm of one hundred acres in Washington township. The success with which he has been attended so far in life is an earnest of what may be expected in the future of this promising agriculturist. The methods of which he makes use in the culture of his well tilled fields, are those which, backed by sound business judgment in the turning of his crops into currency, are bound to win in the end. Jacob Bohn was born in the county of Seneca, Ohio, in 1865, and there passed the entire period of his youth, removing to Hancock county with ' his parents in 1884. He received in the ordinary country school an education that is entirely sufficient for his needs in the prosescution of business. When he came to manhood he chose for himself the free and independent life of the farmer, in wdiich calling he can study the great book of nature and see the hand of Deity in every blade and shrub. Like one of old, he thinks God's thoughts after him. He is a consistent and active member and worker in the German Reformed church, in which organi- zation he is serving at the present time as an elder. He w^as also for a consid- erable period superintendent of the Sunday-school, and it is remembered that the school under his management increased in number and in the influence exerted on the youth of the community. In the year 1888 occurred that event in the life of our subject which he legards possibly as the most important of his life, when he was joined in marriage to Miss Anna, daughter of John and Elizabeth Romig. To this felicitous union were bom four interesting children, Etho H., Clarence J., Mary E. and Carl E. The mother of this family is a lady of many graces of character, and is a native of the Buckeye state, having been born in Seneca county in 1866. Mr. Bohn has never interested himself very particularly 228 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY in political life, but exercises the right of suffrage regularly at each elec- tion, supporting the Democratic ticket. He is the son of Jacob and Kath- erine (Stuckey) Bohn, and as may be suspected from the name, these par- ents were of German origin, the father having been born in the fatherland in 1835 and the mother in 1830. The father emigrated to this country when a young man of twenty-one, his wife, whom he married in this country, making the voyage across the sea in 1855. He located in Tiffin, Seneca county, Ohio, near which village he bought a farm of eighty acres, where he lived for some fourteen years. In 1884 he removed to Hancock county, where he purchased the farm now owned by his widow, which contains one hundred acres. Jacob Bohn, Sr., besides being a prominent and suc- cessful agriculturist, was a skilled stone mason, as many of the residences of Hancock county give ample evidence. Coupled with the German penchant for hard physical labor, a superior business judgment made him quite suc- cessful, and he left at his death a very comfortable competence to his widow and children. He commanded the confidence of the public in a high degree, was a consistent member of the German Reformed church and was hon- ored in that organization with many of its important trusts. His marriage to Katherine Stuckey took place in 1858, in Tiffin, Ohio, and there were six children born to them, two only of whom are now living : Laura, wife of Alvin Romig, who lives in Seneca county, and Jacob, who forms the immedi- ate subject of this review. After a useful and blameless life the father died in 1885, at the age of fifty-two years, but his widow survives. At the age of thirty-seven it would seem that Mr. Bohn is destined, if one may judge by his past experience, to become one of the most influ- ential citizens of his county. He and his wife are most respected residents of their immediate community, and are held in the very highest esteem by the people of Hancock county. ROBERT B. MOTHERWELL. When the above named was suddenly called to his last account, in the summer of 1902, Findlay lost perhaps her most popular and certainly one of her most enterprising citizens. Mr. Motherwell had been identified with the growth and development of the town for fifteen years, coming in the midst of the famous boom, and during his residence acquired a strong hold upon the esteem and even affections of the community. Besides being an energetic man of business he possessed a suavity of manner, cordiality of demeanor and geniality of address that drew to him hosts of friends and admirers and CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 229 gave him easy access to the hearts of all. In fact, no other man ever came to Findlay and in so short a time made such a complete conquest of the good will of her people, regardless of clan or class, and his sudden taking off was a cause of such sincere mourning as seldom follows any private citizen to his final resting place. This strong character was of Scottish origin and a son of Alexander and Jane Motherwell, a worthy and industrious couple, who spent their whole lives in the famous little country of the north. Robert B. Motherwell was born near Glasgow, November 5, 1845, and remained in the land of his nativity until eighteen years old. Having learned the trade of heavy blacksmithing he determined to seek his fortune in the new world, and in 1863 found himself on a boat bound for the northeast coast of the United States. The young Scotchman landed at Portland, Maine, and not long afterward obtained employment in the Casco Bay Forge Works, then engaged on contracts for the government. This lasted until 1866, when Mr. Motherwell removed to Pittsburg, where he secured work in the rolling mill of Reese, Graft & Bayers, with whom he remained two years. In 1868 he went to Lancaster, Ohio, and in partnership with his brothers, James and William, established what later became well known as the Motherwell Shovel & Spade Works. In 1881 Mr. Motherwell and his brother James founded at Logan the iron and steel works known by their name. It was in 1887 that Mr. Motherwell came to Findlay, at the time it was inveloped in the great boom of that period, due to the discovery of gas and oil, and he plunged into its activities with the energy that always charac- terized his efforts. He immediately became a factor in affairs by purchasing the bottling and ice establishment of E. Bacher, which he conducted jointly for a while and then dropped the ice department, confining himself exclusively to bottling. His business venture proved successful, and it was not long until his manners made him so popular that he was in request as a candidate for various places of responsibility. He was a member of the water works board many years and also served a term or two on the board of election. In politics he was a Democrat of the Jeffersonian school, and so highly esteemed was he by his associates that any honor the party had to confer was at his service. But, though strenuous in the advocacy of his principles, he did. not seem to care much for office, preferring to devote his time to business. Mr. Motherwell was quite prominent in fraternal circles, being especially conspicuous in the Order of Elks. He was a charter member of both the local and grand lodges of that popular fraternity and had passed through all the chairs, including the office of exalted ruler. He was also connected with the Masons and the Pathfinders, and at one time was the supreme officer 230 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY of the Findlay Court of Ben Hur. January i8, 1870, Mr. Motherwell was married, at Lancaster, Ohio, to Louise Rich, by whom he had seven children : Harriet M., Alice M., Jeannette F., Lola M., Grace S., Mary L. and Robert R. In the summer of 1897 Mr. Motherwell suffered a paralytic stroke, which proved to be serious in its results and few thought he could recover, but his strong constitution pulled him through and it was hoped he had before him many years of usefulness. Death, however, came very suddenly at an early hour on the morning of Friday, July 12, 1902, as the result of an ailment, the exact nature of which the attending physician was unable to diagnose. The announcement of this sad and unexpected event caused a great shock in Find- lay and sincere mourning among all its inhabitants. The Findlay Daily Re- publican, published on the day of his death, paid the following warm tribute to the memory of the distinguished dead : "The demise of Mr. Motherwell ends the career of one of Findlay's highest prized citizens. It would be a difficult matter to find a man possessing equal popularity. It has been said that he had not an enemy in the world, this desirable state being acquired by his numerous excellent traits of character. Wherever known he was recognized as a man possessing courtesy, affability, good nature and other desirable qualities to a remarkable degree. Mr. Motherwell's memory will be deeply cherished as a man among men." RUFUS W. BENNETT. The above named is -one of the most successful and progressive agricul- turists of Jackson township, within whose borders he has made his home throughout life, his birth occurring there October 28, 1852. His father, Rufus Hiram Bennett, was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, December 22, 1 80 1, and was the youngest of seven brothers, whose parents were Rufus and Martha (Bennett) Bennett. The grandfather of our subject was with Washington at the time of Braddock's defeat and hung to General Braddock's horse's tail in order to escape, killing two Indians who followed. On arriving at man's estate Rufus H. Bennett was married February 15, 1832, at his birthplace, to Miss Henrietta Leader, who was also born there July 25, 1806, a daughter of Christian and Mary Leader. By this union were born the following children : Euphemia, who became the wife of James T. Hoy, a farmer of Amanda township, this county; Sanford L., who died October 17, 1855, at the age of twenty-one years and twenty-one days; William H. Harrison, who enlisted September i, 1861, in Company F, Fifty- seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantr3% for service in the Civil war and died at the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 231 hospital in Paducah, Kentucky, March 23, 1862, unmarried, at the age of twen- ty-five years and eight months; Martha, widow of Peter Treece and a resi- dent of Mount Blanchard; Rawson Corwin, a resident of Jackson township; Lydia, wife of Adam Haley, of Findlay; Emily, wife of George W. Foreman, of Portland, Indiana; Mary Ellen, wife of S. M. Miller, of Findlay; and Rufus William. Rufus H. Bennett, the father of our subject, came to Hancock county, Ohio, in the spring of 1835 ^^'^^ selected his land. He had been keeping a hotel in Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, and after disposing of his business there his partner absconded with the results of the sale, so that Mr. Bennett was able to bring all his worldly possessions to Ohio in a one-horse wagon, driving an Indian pony thirty years old. He started west without any special destina- tion, making his way up the Upper Sandusky to Fort Findlay. For some distance he followed a blazed trail through the woods, and cut his own road. In the midst of the forest he settled upon land which he secured, and for one month lived in his covered wagon while he cleared an acre of ground and sowed it to buckwheat. He then erected his cabin, which was his home for twelve years, and was then replaced by a more modern and substantial residence on the road. It was built in 1858 and is still standing, being owned by the heirs of Moses Elsea. It was one of the first frame houses in Jack- son township, the lumber being cut in Findlay. Mr. Bennett's original farm is now owned by others. He placed his land under high cultivation and kept adding to it from time to time until he had four hundred acres, but before his death he gave eighty acres to a daughter. His last years were passed upon a farm adjoining the old homestead, which was known as the Leader farm, having been settled by his wife's people. It is still in possession of the fam- ily. After coming to Ohio Mr. Bennett engaged in farming and became widely known as a breeder and raiser of fine horses, his stock being considered the choicest of the entire county. At one time he was engaged in buying horses and took quite a number from this state back to Pennsylvania to sell. After a useful and well spent life he died, March 25, 1868, honored and respected by all who knew him, and his estimable wife passed away in April, 1873- Rufus W. Bennett, youngest of the children of this pioneer couple, passed his boyhood and youth under the parental roof and remained with his father until the latter's death, being the only son left at home. He still owns one hundred and twenty acres of the farm, the balance of the estate being cither sold or divided, while this is his share of the property. He has bought more land and now owns three hundred and sixty acres, divided into three 232 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY farms, one of which is operated by his son and another by his brother. His home place is the old Jacob Twining homestead, consisting of one hundred and twenty acres, which is well improved and under excellent cultivation. Mr. Bennett has cleared about thirty acres and laid considerable tiling, and is now successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising, feeding cat- tle, hogs and sheep of a high grade. He paid sixty-two and a half dollars per acre for his land and it is now quite valuable property. On the 14th of March, 1878, Mr. Bennett was united in marriage to Miss Mary C. Miller, a daughter of William B. and Jane (Martin) Miller, of Marion township, where her birth occurred. She completed her educa- tion in the schools of Findlay, and at the age of seventeen began teaching, fol- lowing that profession quite successfully in Marion, Jackson and Allen town- ships, this county, up to the time of her marriage, when twenty-four years of age. Her parents were early settlers of Marion township, where they located in 1847, and where her father entered one hundred and sixty acres of land. He is still living, at the age of seventy-seven years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bennett were born eight children who are still living, while one son, Rawson, died in infancy. The surviving members of the family are Lloyd DeWitt, who married Zetta Thompson and operates the old homestead; Noble Garfield, a successful teacher of Hancock county ; Edna, who attended both the Blanchard high school and Findlay College, and is a teacher of Van Wert county; Hazel, Mark, Miller, Julia and Ella, all at home. In his political views Mr. Bennett is a stanch Republican and has been a delegate to the conventions of his party, but has never cared for the honors or emoluments of public office. He and his family are active and consistent members of the Salem United Brethren church, in which he is at preserit serving as trustee and class leader, and he has been a delegate to the general conferences of his church. Upright and honorable in all things, he com- mands the confidence and respect of those with whom he comes in contact either in business or social life, and is held in high regard by all who know him. CHRISTIAN OVERHOLT. It is a pleasing task to touch upon the salient points in the records of a family which has had very much to do with placing Hancock among the very first counties of the state in point of agricultural supremacy. The immediate members of the family of which we shall speak are Sherman and Charles Overholt, giving especial attention also to Christian Overholt, their deceased J^cM'u^Xyhi^n^^/tA^^'^^l^ ^)i /rcJ/tionj (^4/f/r//^iSi^ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 233 father. Christian Overholt was a well known citizen of Cass township, who, from common work hand about the farm, had climbed to the top round of the ladder among his fellow citizens and this was done by his own industry and business sagacity. He was born a poor boy in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, March 4, 1827, was early imbued with the idea of the value of money and established a habit of saving which soon placed him in a position to begin the active career for which he is remembered. He purchased a farm and began the battle of life for himself, choosing as a helpmate Catherine Leighty, to whom he was married at the age of twenty-five. The three chil- dren by this union, all natives of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, were: Lizzie, born March 4, 1854; Alsinus, born in 1857; and Ella, born in 1859. The family removed to Hancock county in i860, where Mr. Overholt pur- chased a farm of two hundred and forty acres, upon which there were few improvements besides the large brick residence. During his lifetime he took pride in improving this farm, and before he died it became one of the nicest properties of the kind in Hancock county. The family which he brought to Hancock county, mentioned above, was increased here by the birth of Charles in i860; Clarence (deceased) in 1862; Frank (deceased) in 1864; Sherman, November i, 1867; Edgar, in February, 1870; and Bertha (deceased), born in 1872 and died in 1888. As remarked before, Christian Overholt was a hard working man, honest and upright in all his dealings with his fellow- men. He frequently responded to the desire of his fellow citi- zens and administered the different township offices. He was an accept- able member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which organization he was a most liberal supporter, and voted the Republican ticket. His wife passed away in October, 1894, and after surviving her four years, he rejoined her "on the other side," January 9, 1898. In his death Hancock county lost a worthy citizen. Charles Overholt, second son of Christian, passed his boyhood days on the farm where he has since resided. He is a respected citizen, and for the past six years has been the efficient trustee of the township. He is also prom- inently identified with the school interests of his district, being now a mem- ber of the school board, and having served for a number of years in that body. He takes a great interest in everything that advances the interest of his immediate community. Fraternally, he affiliates with that popular or- ganization, the Knights of Pythias. Ever since the discovery of oil he has been an interested party and is at the present time one of the extensive oil producers of Hancock county, operating nine wells. In 1886 Mr. Overholt was married to Miss Clara, daughter of J- B. and Lizzie Linhart, whose 15 234 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY family will be found mentioned elsewhere in this volume. This lady pre- sented Mr. Overholt with five children: Gail, Virgil, Dean, Zoie and Charles C. Sherman, another worthy son of Christian Overholt, resides with his brother on the old homestead, where he was born, reared and educated. No- vember 25, 1896, he led to the marriage altar Miss Nettie Berger, a native of Mahoning county, Ohio, and a daughter of Jacob and Laura (Reed) Ber- ger. Mr. and Mrs. Sherman Overholt have three children : Edna M., born December 3, 1897; Carl S., born September 12, 1900; and Mildred, born March 30, 1902. It is not a light thing to be the son of a w^orthy father. There is a re- sponsibility connected with sustaining the reputation of a family already es- tablished by previous members that should sober and broaden the character of the later representatives of the name. So it has been in the present case. The brothers herein mentioned have taken up life's duties and are following closely in the footsteps of their revered father. Their word is as good as their bond, and in all of their dealings they are straightforward and honorable, commanding the respect of all with whom they are associated. JOSEPHUS C. VAN EMAN. This name has been an honored one in Hancock county for seven decades. The deceased subject of this sketch was the son of one of the old pioneers of Hancock county, Rev. George Van Eman, who, for a long period of years, was a minister in the Presbyterian church and did much pioneer work in the ministry in organizing churches in new places when this county was in its early growth. The result of his preaching can be seen today in the churches of Findlay, Van Buren and other places in and outside the county. His work was done mostly, if not altogether, in the saddle. He was a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, born April 23, 1786. He grew to maturity in that county, and there married, September 3, 1810, Maria Cooper, a native also of the Keystone state, born March 14, 1791. They removed to Blanchard township, in Hancock county, in 1835. They were the parents of six children: Alexander, born August 7, 1812; John S., March 2, 1816; Katherine; September 19, 1818; J. C, June 4, 1821; Rebecca J., Sep- tember 25, 1823; Sara L., October 20, 1827. All of these are now deceased except the last named. The Rev. George Van Eman was twice married, his second wife being Mrs. Sara S. Flanagan, who was born June 5, 1790, and died June 14, 1871. His first wife died June 26, 1839. After a long and CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 235 useful life in the service of his Master, Rev. George Van Eman passed to his reward, the date being March 12, 1877. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch was born in Green county, Pennsylvania, on the date given above. He was fourteen years of age when he came with his father. Rev. George Van Eman, to this county. Here he was reared and educated. He took advantage of his educational privileges to fit himself for the profession of teaching, which he followed in this county for a number of years. In 1852 he became infected with the gold fever, and made the trip to California, in which state he remained for six years. He returned, however, and in i860 purchased eighty acres of land in Cass town- ship, being almost in its primitive state. To this he subsequently added fifty acres, finishing the number with twenty acres more, making in all one hundred and fifty acres. On this farm there are now thirty producing oil wells. Mr. Van Eman was twice married. His first venture was with Margaret Carmel in 1858, by which union there was no issue. This lady died June 30, 1861, and on April 3, 1862, he married Mary E. Hollingshead, who bore him three children: George F., born August 30, 1863; John L., December 31, 1865, and William E., March 26, 1871. During the entire period of his adult life Josephus Van Eman was a prominent and respected resident of Cass township, and proved himself in all respects worthy of the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens. He was engaged as clerk for his brother in Findlay for a period, and subsequently was a clerk in the auditor's office. He served in his own township as clerk for a period of nine years. He was a devout communicant of the Presbyterian church of Van Buren, in which he served as elder. He voted w^ith the Republican party. He was a thrifty, practical man, whose friends were counted by the score. By his death, which occurred March 17, 1891, at the age of sixty-nine years, the community suf- fered a severe loss. George F. Van Eman, his eldest son, married Elizabeth Smith, December 4, 1886, and has one child, Charles R. John L. married Martha E. Linhart, whose family is elsewhere mentioned in this volume, and William E. married Ella Gibson, a native of Columbiana county. WILLIAM C. ALFORD. Among the stream of emigrants contributed to Ohio during her forma- tive period by the famous Empire state of the Union, none did more in pro- portion to their means in aiding development and progress than the family which bears the name given at the head of this sketch. Zina and Aurilla (Orton) Alford were originally from York, New Jersey, and Massachu- 236 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY setts, respectively, but subsequently lived for twenty years in Steuben county. New York. In 1848 they removed to Hancock county, Ohio, where Mr. Alford became the owner of sixty-five acres of land, to the cultivation of which he devoted the later years of his life. At an earlier period he had learned the tanner's and shoemaker's trades, which constituted his principal occu- pation for a number of years. Zina Alford was always looked upon as an honest, industrious man, who wronged nobody, attended strictly to his own business and enjoyed general neighborhood esteem. His death occurred in 1882 and it was a general remark by those who attended the obsequies that the community had lost a good citizen. William C. Alford, son of the above mentioned and the subject of this biography, was born in Steuben county, New York, August 18, 1815, and grew up during the residence of his parents in that eastern community. He picked up such learning as could be obtained 'oy irregular attendance at. the district schools, but as soon as he arrived at manhood the parental roof was abandoned for a contest with the world on his own account. His first location was in Pennsylvania where he remained one year and then concluded to try his fortunes across the Ohio border. Two years were spent in Franklin county, followed by a residence of eight years in Marion county, and the year 1848 found him in Hancock county, Ohio, which was destined to be his permanent abode and the theater of all his future life's activities. He made a purchase of eighty acres of land in Big Lick township, and the cultivation of this property has ever since absorbed the chief part of his time and energies. At the time he took possession his land was in its virgin condition, not only unimproved, but wild and woody as only Ohio land could be before the white man's ax and saw had made their appearance. But all things yield to labor and persistent determination, and as the years went by another and another of Mr. Alford's acres emerged from their primeval condition until he had a farm that any agriculturist might well be proud of. The beautiful pastures and well tilled fields were ornamented by all the buildings necessary for comfort and utility, to say nothing of a neat residence for the home of the family. Mr. Alford was never much of a politician, nor did he care for office as such, but at the solici- tation of his neighbors he consented at different times to serve as township clerk, supervisor and school director. Before coming to Hancock county, Mr. Alford became acquainted with Miss Rosetta Palmer, whose birth oc- curred in New York in 1826, and to this lady he was married in 1845. This union, which continued in mutual affection and esteem until Mrs. Alford's lamented death in 1892, was productive of eleven children, of whom the following named seven are living: Sarah C, Byron C, Frederick O., CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 237 Aurilla J., E. F., C. A. and Electa. C. A. Alford, the last mentioned son in this list, graduated at Oijerlin College, and is now an attorney in Duluth, ranking well at the bar and giving promise of future distinction. Mr. Alford, besides the general popularity secured to him by his genial and afifable man- ners, enjoys the reputation of being one of the most skillful hunters in the state. From early years he was always fond of outdoor sports, especially those connected with gunning, and this taste has not diminished with the passage of time. For forty years he has not failed to take an annual hunt in the nothern part of Michigan, and many are the stories he is able to tell of his adventures in the north woods after big game of all kinds. He has been especially successful in bringing down the fine deer which roam over the forests of the upper peninsula, and one of these noble animals shot by Mr. Alford weighed two hundred and twenty-five pounds. This was an unusually magnificent specimen, but only one of the many obtained by Mr. Alford dur- ing his frequent forays into the forest. He loves all kinds of hunting and fishing, and ranks as an expert in many lines, being well known far and near by the sportsmen who frequent the woods in season. While on one of his hunting trips this modern Nimrod met with an adventure which came near proving his last. While crossing a ravine on an elevated log he lost his balance, and fell through, his feet catching and holding him suspended in mid air. For a while death by hanging, with the usual process reversed, seemed imminent, but Mr. Alford managed to untangle himself from this scrape, as he had from many another during his adventurous career. R. J. KIBLER. Although a young man and only a member of the Findlay bar about ten years, the gentleman whose life is herein outlined has made a creditable record both as a practitioner and man of affairs. He has been sufficiently successful in practice to steadily increase his patronage and has risen to prom- inence in politics on the Democratic side, which he espoused at an early age and has always supported zealously. His father, Jacob Kibler, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1831, and has devoted practically all his life to ag- ricultural pursuits. He removed to Hancock county in later years and located on a farm in Eagle township, which afterward continued his place of resi- dence. On this Eagle township homestead R. J. Kibler was born January 20, 1868, and there he was reared while being educated in the country schools. In 1884 he began teaching school in Hancock county, and continued this occu- 238 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY pation during the five succeeding winters, while in summer he took advant- age of the vacation season to pursue his own studies. In 1888 he secured a position as instructor in the high school at Ada, Ohio, and discharged the duties of this place until 1890, when he began devoting his time to the study of the law. In December, 1891, he was licensed to practice by the supreme court at Columbus, and shortly thereafter took up his residence at Findlay, since which time he has been one of the busy attorneys at the bar of that city. As previously stated, Mr. Kibler is Democratic in his politics and has always shown a warm interest in its campaigns for supremacy. As one of the recognized leaders of his locality he was appointed state supervisor of elections, and is at present holding that position. In 1896 Mr. Kibler was married to Miss Carrie, daughter of Captain William B. Richards, the cere- mony being performed at the residence of the bride's parents at Bluffton, Ohio. Mr. Kibler's only fraternal connections are with the Knights of Pythias, of which popular order he has long been an enthusiastic member. HENRY SNYDER. Henry Snyder, who throughout his active business life has been promi- nently identified with the farming and stock raising interests of Hancock county, was born on the 12th of August, 1837, in Marion township, his par- ents being Henry and Magdaline (Sands) Snyder. His father was born in Basil, Switzerland, in 1790, and was reared and educated in his native land, always speaking the German language, although he understood English in later life. It was in 1832 that he crossed the Atlantic to the new world and took up his residence in Fairfield county, Ohio, but the following year settled in Hancock county, entering land in Marion township four miles east of Findlay. He built thereon a cabin and took up his abode there when there was but one family between his home and the river on the east. His place was on the Marion (now the Mount Blanchard) road, but when he located there the road had not been laid out and the early settlers followed the ridges in making a journey. Being in limited circumstances ]\Ir. Snyder had just enough money to enter his land, but was able to make a living off his own farm from the first and at once turned his attention to the clearing and im- provement of his land. In those early days there was much sickness, the chills being prevalent among the pioneers, and our subject recalls one time when his sister and a neighbor girl were the only ones in the neighborhood not suffering with that disease. His father cleared one-half of his hundred- acre farm and continued to make his home thereon until called to his final CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 239 rest in 1864, at the age of seventy-four years. He supported the Demo- cratic party until i860, when he became a RepubUcan. Though reared in the German Reformed church he joined the Christian church and adhered to that faith throughout hfe, attending meetings held in the homes of the pioneers and in school houses, as the church in Amanda township, known as Amanda Chapel, was not erected until after his death, but the old Christian society there has since been disbanded. His wife, who was born in Fairfield county in 1806, of Holland parentage, survived him about twenty years, passing away in 1883 on the old homestead. They were the parents of six chil- dren, namely : Mary Magdaline, now the widow of Henry Herring and a resident of Wyandot county, Ohio; Henry, whose name introduces this sketch; Elizabeth, who is now keeping house for our subject; Susan, who died about four years ago at the age of fifty- four years ; Anna, who lives on the old homestead; and Daniel, wo now^ owns the farm on which his entire life has been passed. With the exception of our subject and his eldest sister the chil- dren all remained unmarried. Henry Snyder passed the days of his boyhood and youth upon the old home farm, remaining there until his father's death. At the age of twenty- two years he taught two terms of school in this county, and later taught in Livingston county, Illinois, in 1861-2. He then returned home and taught two more terms in this county. Being of a studious nature, he devoted much of his leisure time to general literature and passed an examination in algebra and history, although these were not among the required studies, in order to obtain a teacher's certificate in Ohio. The year of his father's death he bought a tract of land in Findlay township on Eagle creek, this county, but in the summer of 1867 returned to Illinois and was engaged in farming in Shelby county, that state, for a time. Subsequently he assisted his brother in con- ducting the home farm and in the meantime made some improvements upon his own land in this county. His brother being young, Henry Snyder remained at home until his marriage, which was celebrated on the 25th of February, 1869, Miss Ma- tilda Shank, a daughter of Henry Shank of Eagle township, becoming his wife. She was then twenty-seven years of age and had previously been en- gaged in teaching school in Eagle township. Mr. Snyder had already secured his present tract of land, but as there were no buildings upon the place, he rented a farm in Marion township after his marriage and there he and his wife began their domestic life, though he devoted one-half of his time to the improvement of his own farm. After a happy married life of five years the wife died on the loth of October, 1874, leaving two children : Willoughby Al- 240 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY bert, who is now a horse trainer and track driver of BowHng Green, Wood county, Ohio ; and Henry Jason, who has taught four terms of school in Han- cock county and is now a student at the Tri-State College at Angola, Indiana. He married Florence Enfield, of Big Lick township, this county, and their son, Henry Ebert, is now living with his grandfather. Since the death of his wife Mr. Snyder's sister Elizabeth has continued to act as his housekeeper and has been a mother to his children, and she certainly deserves great credit for what she has done in their behalf. In addition to the operation of his own farm Mr. Snyder had charge of his father's old homestead for three years, conducting the business for his brother, who was then in poor health, and for five years he also cultivated a farm in Marion township. He has eighty acres on Lj^e creek, one-half of which he has cleared and has tiled the principal part of it, much of it being under water at one time. He has erected a good house and barn and made many other improvements \\hich add greatly to the value and attractive ap- pearance of the place, so that it now compares favorably with the best farms of the township. In connection with the tilling of the soil he is engaged in the raising sheep and hogs, keeping about five hundred sheep, one hundred of which he usually fattens for market each year. His hogs are of the Poland China breed and have won many prizes at the fairs where they have been exhibited. Since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, Mr. Snyder has endorsed the principles of the RepulDlican party and at national elections always supports that ticket, but at local elections where no issue is involved he often votes for the men of the opposing party if he thinks them better qualified for the offices. In 1890 he was elected justice of the peace in a Democratic township, a fact which indicates his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens, and he creditably filled that office for one term. A. B. LATSHAW. A. B. Latshaw, who is a retired oil producer and an extensive farmer and stockraiser of Hancock county, operates a farm of about two hundred acres in Liberty township. His birth took place on March 23, 1852, in Ve- nango county, Pennsylvania, Mr. Latshaw belonging by birth to a state which has contributed largely to the wealth and stability of Ohio. In early manhood our subject learned the carpenter's trade and later became a resident of Mclvean county, Pennsylvania, where he was engaged ^ H '^ 6^/la^-4- d^'CiJ^-^'*^ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 241 in the building of pump stations and oil derricks. His skill as a mechanic made his services valuable as foreman of the workmen engaged in that lo- cality, and he remained there for eight years. In 1885 he came to Hancock county, Ohio, and for some time followed the same business, but later became an oil producer himself. After looking closely into the merits of various portions of the oil producing lands, he invested in Virginia in a large tract which had numerous w^ells m operation upon it. Mr. Latshaw thus dis- played business acumen and was very successful, and still further proved his good judgment by selling out his oil interests at the right time, and in 1893 put his money into his fine farm. In 1894 he began the erection of his fine house, completing the same in 1895, w^ith all modern improvements, owning now one of the handsomest homes in this locality. In 1873 Mr. Latshaw was united in marriage with Miss Mary J., the daughter of Adam and Margaret Swartzlander, who was born on February 3, 1855, in Pennsylvania. Her father was a veteran in the Civil war and met an honored death on the battlefield of Gettysburg. A daughter and a son were born to Mr. and Mrs. Latshaw, namely : Florence L., who is Mrs. Freeh and has one child, Harrold A., and Adam R., who married Miss Belle Thompson, and has a daughter, Dorathea M. Our subject is one of the progressive citizens of Liberty township, and his fellow-citizens' confidence has been shown in his selection to positions of responsibility. For two years he has been the efficient township assessor. Fraternally he is a member of the order of Maccabees. Mr. Latshaw is a self-made man, beginning at the bottom of the ladder and climbing to his present independent position through his own efforts. He is recognized as a man of sound judgment in business matters and as a useful member of society. He is well and favorably known in agricultural affairs and is prominent in any measures looking to the advancement of the farmer's interests. In politics Mr. Latshaw is a Republican and takes an active interest in the political affairs of his county and state. Mrs. Latshaw is a member of the Church of God. WILLIAM J. CREIGHTON. The above named gentleman has long been a familiar feature in the public life of Findlay, owing to his continuous connection for years with its finan- cial institutions and previous incumbency of the county treasurer's office. During his tenure of the various responsible positions entrusted to his care, I\Ir. Creisrhton has so discharged their duties and so demeaned himself in 242 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY his intercourse with the people as to be regarded as one of the most substan- tial and reliable of the city's business men. His life story is briefly told and is but the repetition of many similar ones in its main outlines, that of a farmer's boy trained to hard work and the wholesome discipline of the coun- try, afterward utilizing his sturdy virtues to acquire position in the higher walks. Such men are always interesting, as their experiences form a distinct phase of American national life, and it is from such sources that the best blood of the country is recruited. William J. Creighton was born in Cass township, Hancock county, Ohio, May 29, 1847, '^i^d had the usual experience that befalls farm boys. As soon as old enough, of course, he was sent to the neighborhood school, and was expected to "do chores" in the evenings after school hours. When he got to be a boy, he must help with the farm work during vacations, and make himself generally useful in the assistance of his parents. Nor did Mr. Creigh- ton depart from the other immemorial custom of all ambitious rural lads of teaching a term or two as a preparatory course before entering the great world. Accordingly we find Mr. Creighton a pedagogue at the age of seven- teen and pursuing this avocation off and on for the next eleven years. At the end of that time he received an offer to enter the office of the treasurer of Hancock county as first deputy and gladly accepted, well knowing that such positions generally lead to better. He remained in the treasurer's office four years, during which time he completely mastered all of its details, and then returned to the farm awhile. But he was not allowed to rusticate long, being called from his retreat by receiving the nomination as candidate of his party for the office of county treasurer. After a spirited campaign, in which he proved himself to be a "good mixer," Mr. Creighton was elected and served his term of two years so satisfactorily that he had little difificulty in obtaining another. Accordingly he was re-elected treasurer of Hancock county and finished his second term without mishap or adverse comment. This was Mr. Creighton's last experience of official life, but since retiring from office he has held other positions of responsibility, with different finan- cial institutions. In 1887 he was offered and accepted the position of assistant cashier in the office of the American National Bank at Findlay, and remained about twelve years with that corporation. January i, 1901, he was appointed secretary and treasurer of the Commercial Bank and Savings Company, which position he has since retained and filled with his usual skill and ability. Mr. Creighton's only fraternal connections are with the Odd Fellows, and he has served that order as representative to the Grand Encampment on two occa- sions. Mr. Creighton is a Democrat in politics. He was married September CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 243 18, 1873, to Miss Martha Ebersole, a native of Hancock county and a daugh- ter of Henry and Margaret Ebersole, Hancock county pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Creighton have two children : David Maurice, proprietor of the Findlay book bindery, and Jessie Mabel, who graduated from Oberlin College in 1901. DANIEL N. SCHUBERT. The influx of German blood into this great republic was of large pro- portions during the first half of this century. The care which the German government has taken in ameliorating the conditions of its working class, has of late years resulted in checking somewhat this flow of emigration. The Buckeye state was a haven for a large number of this excellent foreign ele- ment, and Hancock county is fortunate in having within its bounds many of those who came to the state. They were honest, worthy citizens, exceedingly industrious, and their descendants have inherited their best qualities. Mr. Daniel N. Schubert is the grandson of John Casper and Christena Schubert, who came from the fatherland in 1832. After a very short resi- dence in Crawford county, Ohio, they settled in Seneca county, where John C. entered eighty acres of land, and which was increased at various times by another one hundred. John C. Schubert is remembered as being an upright man, being a tailor by trade and a good provider; a man who was alive to the best interests of his adopted country. Religiously he and his wife were worthy members of the Lutheran church. His family numbered the follow- ing children : Leander, Asmuth, August, Malina, Matilda, Lucinda, Harman and Sarah. Of this number Leander was the father of our subject. He was born in Saxony, Germany, in 1823, and accompanied his parents to America when they crossed the sea. He continued to live at home until he was twenty- seven years of age, having in his early youth learned the carpenter's trade. He was a first-class mechanic, as many of the beautiful homes in Hancock can testify. He was not only a good carpenter, but his farming was of a high order. He was a very careful and methodical man, watching the little things in life, and this habit resulted in the accumulation of a very nice prop- erty before his death. He owned four hundred and forty acres of the good land. His career was uneventful, save that he did his duties as a citizen, and reared his family to respect the institutions of his adopted country. He distributed his land to his children, who are now making the very best use of it. His marriage occurred in 1850, his wife's name being Susannah Grove. Their family consisted of John, born June 11, 1852; Harriet, November 244 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 14, 1854; Alvin, February 5, 1857; Irene, October 15, 1858; Manassah D., April 21, i860; Levi C, October 22, 1861 ; Albert G., April 29, 1864; Daniel N., July 18, 1865. The mother of the family was a native of Highland county, Ohio, where she was born October 17, 1830. Leander and his entire family were workers in the Dunkard church, he having served for a period of forty years as a deacon of that organization. On the i8th of October, 1900, this good man passed to his reward, mourned by his devoted children and a large circle of acquaintances. His wife continues the journey alone. Mr. Daniel N. Schubert passed his boyhood days quietly in his parents' home, and in the township school acquired his elementary education. He has always confined himself to the life of a farmer. He is now in possession of the old homestead, upon which he lives with his family. His wife was Miss Ermina, the daughter of S. B. and Diana Thomas. Her marriage to Mr. Schubert took place on the 5th of May, 1889. She has presented her husband with Carl C. and Milton V., two strong, manly sons. Her birth occurred in Big Lick township January 10, 1868. In his day Daniel Schubert is following closely in the steps of his revered father, and is highly esteemed in the community. He and his family continue their interest in the Dunkard organization, and in local life of the community he has served with credit in the office of township trustee. He is a good, substantial citizen, one who is respected and honored by all who are fortunate in having his acquaintance. HENRY O. PURKEY. This worthy member of the fraternity of farmers in Hancock county is a resident of Cass township. His father, Jacob, was one of the noble band of pioneers of this county, removing here in 1832 from Pennsylvania, of which state he was a native. He married Agnes Manifold, also a native of Pennsylvania, who became the mother of his ten children, of whom four survive: John, a resident of Bloomdale; Henry O., the subject of this sketch; J. R., also of Bloomdale, and J. A. Jacob Purkey owned two hundred and forty acres of land, which he earned by honest toil. He began life a poor man, but by close application to business and dealing squarely with all men, he soon won the confidence of his fellow citizens^, as well as their good will, and accumulated a very fair competence before his death. He was a zealous member of the JMethodist Episcopal church, being prominently identified with its active life as a class leader. Politically he favored the Republican party, and was ever ready to do whatever was in his power to advance its noble prin- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL LIISTORY 245 ciples. He passed an existence of a number of years in this county, during which he was held in high esteem, and was mourned by a large circle of friends on his death, March 18, 1866. His wife, Agnes M., outlived him fourteen years. Henry O. Purkey, second in age of his father's surviving sons, was born in Wood county, Ohio, May 18, 1845, passed his boyhood in the quiet life of the country and received a fairly good education in the district school. Arriving at maturity he chose the vocation which Washington said was one of the noblest that man could engage in, and in this pursuit he has proved eminently successful. His first holding of real estate was purchased in the spring of 1858, consisting of fifty acres, which he held for a considerable period, improved and sold at a good profit. In 1881 he purchased the eighty acres where he now lives, which ^^•as increased by forty-seven received by inheritance. In the conduct of this farm he is exceedingly practical, using the latter day methods with success. Mr. Purkey chose as a life companion Miss Martha J. McKey, the marriage occurring October 18, 1867. The lady whom he thus honored was the daughter of Robert and Eliza McKee, and she became the mother of Eliza, born June 8, 1868; John T., May, 1870; Will- iam E., July, 1873; Ada S., July, 1876, now deceased; Robert E., October, 1878; and Orlo H., July, 1884. Of this family Eliza married Charles Doering ; John T. was married to Emma Markwood ; and William E. wedded Eva Stecker. Mrs. Martha J. Purkey is a native of i\llegheny county, Pennsyl- vania, where she was born December 31, 1844, and came with her parents to this county in 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Purkey are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of Bloomdale, of which organization he has been a mem- ber for forty-six years and is now serving as trustee. In politics Mr. Purkey is a Republican, although in local affairs he supports the man rather than the pary. Mr. Purkey is a genial, whole-souled gentleman, universally es- teemed among a very large circle of acquaintances. DR. WILLIAAI R. MOFFETT. This an age of progress, and America is the exponent of the spirit of the age. Perhaps no greater advancement has been made along professional lines than in dentistry. New methods have been introduced, and the pro- fession has largely attained perfection. Fully in touch with the advance- ment which has been made. Dr. William R. Moffett stands as a leading rep- resentative of the dental fraternity in Hancock county, residing and doing business in Arcadia, the town of his birth. Dr. T^Ioffett here first saw the 246 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY light on January 3, 1871. He is the son of WilHam and Sarah (Chambers) Moffett, both of whom are natives of the Emerald Isle. The father was born in County Down, July i, 1837. The parents were married in their native isle and emigrated to this country in 1866, remaining a short time in Phila- delphia, after which they removed to Arcadia, where Mr. Moffett engaged in the mercantile business for a short period. He then entered the drug busi- ness, which he successfully carried on for a period of twenty years. He was a man of superior intelligence and education, and made a marked impression on those with whom he came in touch. He was a ready writer of both prose and poetry, and an interesting and fluent speaker. He served Arcadia in the capacity of postmaster for a number of years, and served the township in holding with credit some of its offices. In religious faith he was a strict Presbyterian, in which organization he was an elder. His death occurred July 2, 1899, an event which spread gloom over the entire community, for it w^as the loss of a good citizen. The wife still survives, and is carrying on the drug business left by her husband. Their family consists of five children, namely: George H., William R., David E., Mary and Margaret B. The mother of Dr. Mofifett was a sister of Dr. John Chambers, deceased, a -noted clergyman of Indianapolis, Indiana. He was also a professor in the Indiana Medical College and a surgeon of note. The Chambers family were of Scotch-English descent. Dr. Moffett passed the days of his boyhood and youth in the village of his birth, where he received an excellent education, graduating with honor from the high school. In 1893 he was given a license as a practicing dentist, and immediately opened an office at Ottawa, Ohio, where his work proved so satisfactory that his patronage became very extensive. He remained at Ottawa until 1900, at which time he returned to his native place, where he is now practicing. Dr. Moffett uses the very latest methods of dentistry in his office, and his work is done to the entire satisfaction of his numerous and still growing patronage. In connection with his dental practice Dr. Moffett also dips somewhat into agriculture, having purchased a farm of seventy acres near Arcadia. In 1891 Dr. Moffett was united in marriage to Miss Nora Moffitt. Miss Moffitt was the daughter of John J. and Edith Moffitt, and was born in Blanchard township, February 17, 1873. To this felicitous marriage there have been born two lovely daughters, Jessie Aldine, born January 27, 1893, and Edith Pauline, born June 2, 1895. Dr. and Mrs. Moffett are popular members of society in Hancock county, where their circle of friends is extensive, and the regard in which they are held is uniform. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 247 WILLIAM B. MILLER. Industry is a leading; characteristic of the German people, and this fact probably accounts in a measure at least for the unrelenting- activity that has marked the life of William B. Miller and those who went before him. Hard work and rigid economy made of the father a comparatively wealthy man, and despite the heavy expense of raising a large family, Martin Miller was able to give his son William eighty acres as a start in business. Christopher Miller came to this country from Germany in 1805, settling in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Martin, the son, who was but eight years old when he landed, remained there until 1816, when at the age of nineteen he moved to Fairfield county, this state. Here his son William was born, February 11, 1825, and here the family resided until the death of the parents, Martin dying in 1877, and his wife, who was Catherine Baker, in 1884. She was a native of Sunberry, Pennsylvania, and was seven years younger than her husband, having been born in 1804. They were members of the Reformed church and Mr. Miller was a Republican in politics. They had seventeen children; thirteen grew to maturity, seven are still living, and of this number two reside in this county. At the age of twenty-two, in 1847, William Miller removed to Han- cock county, and three years later added by purchase one hundred acres to the eighty he had received as a gift from his father. Some of this land was not in the best state of cultivation and Mr. Miller set about at once to im- prove it. He subsequently sold twenty acres to a neighbor. On March 24, 1845, he was united in marriage to Miss Jane, daughter of William and Susan S. Martin. She bore him thirteen children, of whom eight are living. She was a native of Ohio, born in Fairfield county June 18, 1823, and is now deceased. For his second wife he married Mrs. Helen E. Flack. Mr. Miller lives very near the southeastern limits of Findlay, on one hun- dred and sixty acres of valuable farming land, and is very intimately associ- ated with the political and religious life of the town. He is one of the strong men in the Republican party, has held the office of township treasurer and. has also been one of the trustees of Marion township. He was justice of the peace for some time and in 1879 was nominated by his party as member of the state legislature. It was in the same year that Governor Foster was defeated by a vote of three hundred and ninety-seven, and Mr. Miller was beaten by a majority of two hundred and ninety-five votes. A comparison of these numbers will indicate the degree of Mr. Miller's popularity. As 248 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY superintendent of the Sunday-school and class leader of the United Brethren church, Mr. Miller has put a personality into his work, the influence of which is very wide-reaching in its effects. Mr. Miller and his family belong to this church and in Findlay he is counted as one of this county's most popular, pro- gressive and representative men. PETER SOLT. The world instinctively pays deference to the man whose success has been worthily achieved, who has risen above his early surroundings, overcom- ing the obstacles in his path and reaching an enviable position in business circles. This is a progressive age and he who does not advance is soon left far behind. Mr. Solt, by the improvement of opportunities by which all are surrounded, has steadily and honorably worked his ^^'ay upward and has attained a fair degree of prosperity. This well known stock dealer of Eagle township was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, on the 13th of November, 1830, a son of Conrad and Saloma Solt, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania and of German ancestry. The father was between sixteen and eighteen years of age when he came to this state and the mother was quite young at the time of her removal. Besides his home farm of one hundred and seventy acres of land in Fair- field county, Conrad Solt owned three hundred and twenty acres of land in Hancock county, which he entered from the government and an entire section near Bluffton in Wells county, Indiana, which he also entered. As his chil- dren started out in life for themselves he gave to each one hundred and sixty acres of this wild land and he lived to see it all distributed among thm, dying at the ripe old age of eighty-seven years, honored and respected by all who knew him. One son, Cornelius, settled on land in Eagle township, in Han- cock county, which was given him by his father and here developed a farm. During the Civil war he enlisted in the Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry and died in the service when about forty-five years of age. Some of his family still live in this county and his grandson, Sanderson Pifer, now oc- cupies the old homestead. Moses Solt, another son of Conrad, also came to Hancock county and settled on the old John Powell farm in Eagle township, but later removed to a farm near Findlay, Ohio, and from there went to Tennessee. Subsequently he made his home in various states but finally lo- cated permanently in Missouri, where he now resides. Melancthon Solt, another son, is now a grain and stock dealer living in Washington county, Kansas, where he is cjuite extensively engaged in the feeding of stock. The CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 249 father was also interested in the raising of horses, cattle and hogs, and was accounted one of the best and most reliable business men of his community. Until about nineteen years of age Peter Solt remained under the parental roof, but three years previous to this he began buying and selling stock, and then entered the employ of a drover, driving stock over the mountains to New York City, making two trips, first with two hundred and fifty hogs and two hundred and one head of cattle. On attaining his majority he embarked in the same business on his own account and during the years that have since passed he has given the greater part of his time and attention to that enterprise, having many partners, the old firm of P. Solt & Company being- one of the best known in the state. While visiting Hancock county soon after his marriage Mr. Solt pur- chased forty acres of land in what is now Eagle township. He had made a bid of seven hundred and fifty dollars for this tract, although he did not really want it, but his offer was accepted. It had been his intention to buy land near Elmira, but on reaching home his father advised him to take the land in Han- cock county, and he located thereon August 31, 1853. There was a small cabin on the place but little of the land had been cleared. His capital was exhausted on paying for his property, but he at once set to work to clear the land, de- voting his attention to that labor at night, while by day he continued to en- gage in the stock business. In less than a year, however, he had lost all he had with the exception of a carload of hogs by endorsing another man's note for thirteen hundred dollars, even selling his seed wheat and winter meat to pay his debts. It was also his intention to sell his land, but a neigh- bor, iVmos Swayer, who had induced him to buy the land, let him have the money needed, in fact all that he wanted to borrow, without security. On the completion of the Lake Shore Railroad he began shipping stock over that line and within a year was able to meet all his obligations. He was feeding about two hundred sheep, which were purchased by a couple of stock buyers, a Mr. Grant from New York, and Mr. Fisher from Erie, Pennsylvania, who paid him a good price and also advanced him one thousand dollars with which to buy more. Within a week or two he also made five hundred dollars by buying stock for those gentlemen. He continued in their employ for about a year, during which time he was able to pay off his debts and gain an- other start in life. For fifteen years thereafter he gave special attention to the sheep business, shipping his stock to New York City and Buffalo, the latter city proving the best market. He did not place his business in the hands of commission merchants but conducted his own sales and his opera- tions extended throughout this state, Indiana and Illinois, where he bought 16 2 50 ■ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPEIICAL HISTORY cattle and hogs on quite an extensive scale. In 1882 he did a business of hand- ling nineteen hundred and fifty hogs and seven hundred and fifty head of cattle, for which he contracted one year ahead. At times he has contracted for hogs before they were born, paying five cents per pound and selling the same for nine and a half cents in Buffalo over a year after the contracts were made. Mr. Solt, with his partner, does an annual business of thirty-five thou- sand to fifty thousand dollars. For twenty years he has engaged in the feed- ing of sheep and has also fed hogs largely during the summer months. Al- most a half century has passed since he became interested in the stock busi- ness and during that time there has been hardly a year in which he did not buy and sell stock in connection with farming. He owns a nice place of eighty acres, on which he has erected a good house and barn, and made many other useful and valuable improvements. On the 15th of May, 1853, in Fairfield county, Ohio, Mr. Solt was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta Cloud, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Mordecai and Ellen (Jones) Cloud, both of whom spent their last years with our subject and died at his home. Unto Mr. and Mrs, Solt were born the following children : Mary Elizabeth, now the wife of F. B. McClelland of Eagle township; David B., and Clifford W., also residents of Eagle town- ship; Ellen Saloma, wife of S. H. Hoy, of Eagle township; Dora E., wife of Dr. E. B. Harrington, of Findlay, Ohio; Sanderson H., who is unmarried and now operates the home farm ; and Fanny Grant, wife of Bruce Keller, of Eagle township. Each one of the children has had a farm given him and to-day all are well-to-do, the sons being first-class business men like their father, who stands as the banker of the family and has worked hard to give his children a good start in life. Throughout his business career Mr. Solt has met with many reverses, losing in one day sixteen hundred dollars and at another time thirty-two hundred dollars, owing to a decline in the market. He has also lost much by going security for others, but has never allowed himself to become discour- aged or disheartened. With indefatigable energy he has Avorked his way up- ward, overcoming all the obstacles and difficulties in his path until he is to-day one of the well-to-do and substantial citizens of his community, -is well as one of its most honored and highly respected citizens. In his political views he is a Republican, but has never hesitated to vote for a Dem- ocrat when he thought the candidate of that party was more fitted for the position than his own. He has been quite a political worker but has never cared for official honors. At one time he was elected sheriff, having been nominated against his desire. In all the relations of life he has been found CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 251 true to every trust reposed in him, and he has the respect and confidence of all who know him. It is said, and without any qualification, that tlie word of Peter Solt has always been and is as good as his bond. NAPOLEON B. PRESLER. The above named is the only one of a large family of children who re- sides in Hancock county, though he has brothers and sisters in other parts of the country. His father was William M. Presler, a Pennsylvanian, who emigrated to Ohio as early as 1835 and located on one hundred and twenty acres of land in Seneca county. Before leaving his native state he had mar- ried a widow named Elmina (Boden) Crabill, with whom he resided in Sen- eca county until 1876, and then removed to Kansas. There he purchased one hundred and seventy acres of land and busied himself in its cultivation until the spring of 1897, when he lost his wife by death and has since lived alone on his farm. When he married Mrs. Crabill she had five children by her first husband, and subsequently became the mother of six additional. Napoleon B. Presler, one of the sons of his father's second marriage, was born in Big Spring township, Seneca county, Ohio, February 9, 1857, and remained there until he reached his majority. August 18, 1878, he was married, in his native county, to Miss Phebe Ellen Hile, whose parents had settled in Seneca county shortly before his own father's arrival from the east. Adam Hile, father of Mrs. Presler, was born in Germany, in 1804, emigrated to Pennsylvania in early life, married a native of that state and removed to Ohio in 1834. He spent the remainder of his days in Seneca county, his death occurring there in 1885, followed by that of his wife in November of the subsequent year. The Hiles were members of the Lutheran church and had a family of nine children, of whom six are now living, includ- ing Mrs. Presler. After his marriage Mr. Presler remained in Seneca county about four years, and in 1882 removed to Putnam county, where he purchased forty acres of land and spent the three following years in its cultivation. In 1885 he came to Hancock county and bought seventy-nine acres of land in Portage township, upon which he settled, and was engaged in farming for the four following years. In 1889 he made his final move to the farm of one hundred and five acres in Amanda township which constitutes his present homestead. This land is fertile, and under Mr. Presler's good management has been made productive and profitable. He raises all the cereal crops adapted to the climate, and the usual amount and variety of stock customary in that locality. Mr. Presler has greatly improved his place since taking possession, 252 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY cind among the substantial additions made by him was a fine barn erected in 1892. As a citizen and neighbor Mr. Presler stands well, and has several times been called upon to fill township offices. His political affiliations are with the Republican party, of which he has been a stanch supporter from earliest manhood. Mr. and Mrs. Presler have six children : Schuyler C, Orpha K., Olivia O., Florence B., Edna G. and James L. JEROME M. MARTIN. Among the busiest, most energetic and enterprising men of McComb is the subject of this review, the senior member of the hardware firm of Martin & Weinland. He was born at Commercial Point, Pickaway county, Ohio, in 1854, and when only a year and a half old was deprived by death of his mother, and at the age of six years was left an orphan by his father's death. Mr. Martin remained in the place of his nativity until twenty-one years of age and during that time acquired a good common-school education, well fitting him for the practical and responsible duties of life. In the winter months he attended school and in the summer seasons worked on a farm, thus providing for his own support from an early age. In the year 1875, with the capital which he had acquired through his own exertions, he embarked in the grocery business at Napoleon, Ohio, but after a year spent at that place he sold his store and removed to Decatur, Illinois, where he opened a res- taurant. He conducted the new enterprise for a year and then returned to Napoleon, w'here he followed the trade of carpentering, which he learned there, also executing contracts for work of that nature. He remained in Na- poleon until 1888, when he came to McComb and established his hardware store, having one of the largest and best stocked stores in this line of com- mercial activity in northern Ohio. The firm carries an extensive stock in or- der to meet the constantly growing demands of its trade, and the business is continually increasing, both in volume and importance. In 1877, in Napoleon, Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Clara J. Weaver, and they now have a pleasant home and many friends in Mc- Comb. Mr. Martin is a Democrat in his political views and has taken an active part in political affairs, serving as a member of the city council of Napoleon. He was also chief of the fire department, acting in that capacity for a number of years in a most capable manner. For six years, from 1893 until 1899, he served as treasurer of McComb, and from the latter date until the present time he has been the treasurer of Pleasant township, Hancock CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 25-3 county. In 1888 he was a member of the city council here, and is an officer whose poHtical record is above reproach, for he is true to every trust reposed in him and is loyal and patriotic in the discharge of his duties. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is an ex- emplary representative of the organization. His attention, however, is closely given to his business interests, which are now of an extensive character, and in the control of which he is meeting with very desirable success. M. M. MOYER. Edwin R. Moyer. the son of poor Pennsylvania parents, was inured to hardships in youth, and as he grew up learned the trade of shoemaking, which he pursued some years as a means of livelihood. After his marriage to Lucinda Grinawalt he obtained possession of a small piece of land, whose cultivation, in connection with his work on the bench, enabled him with diffi- culty to support his growing family. Thinking to better his fortunes by a movement to the west, he came about 1866 to Hancock county, where he bought eighty acres of land in Union township. This place, however, being found unsuitable on account of size and other reasons, he disposed of it to buy a tract double its size, on which he established his family as comfort- ably as possible. From that time on he abandoned his shoemaker's tools, and by devoting his whole attention to the farm obtained a success beyond his most Sanguine expectations. In fact the quondam shoemaker proved "to be an excellent agriculturist and soon became noted for the abundance as well as quality of his crops, while his stock was among the finest and fattest in the land. As Edwin's circumstances improved his family kept pace with the increased income, and in time Mr. and Mrs. Moyer found their household en- livened by the presence of twelve lusty children. The boys as they grew up all proved to be sober and industrious, and were of great assistance to their father in carrying on his farming operations. In time they all married and without exception have done well, being found in honorable positions in the various walks of life and respected as useful citizens. The father, after doing his full duty during a long and blameless life, passed away in 1888, and four years later his good wife, Lucinda, was laid by his side in the family burying ground. M. M. Moyer, one of the sons of this worthy couple, was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, in July, 1862, and hence was only about four years old when his parents settled in Hancock county. He had no aspirations aside from farming, and having learned the details of this business under his fa- 2 54 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY ther's tutelage adopted it as his regular calling as soon as he approached manhood. When his mother died, in 1890, he bought the interest of the other heirs in half of the homestead, and now owns eighty acres of his father's original purchase. This tract he has been cultivating for twelve years with such skill and industry as to be ranked as one of the most promising of the younger generation of farmers, while his genial character and kind disposition have gained him the good will of all his neighbors. He attends closely to business, manages his farm with judgment and his operations have yielded him a steady and increasing income. In the same year that he effected the purchase of his place he led to the altar Miss Alice, the accomplished daugh- ter of Dr. F. C. Steingraver, and this union, which proved in every way happy and congenial, resulted in the birth of three bright children, whose names are Frederick E., Helen M. and Myron D. Mr. and Mrs. Moyer are members of the Methodist Protestant church, in which he holds the posi- tion of trustee and steward. The success of Mr. Moyer, taken in connection with the standing obtained by his numerous brothers and sisters, shows that the emigration of the Pennsylvania shoemaker made a valuable addition to the stanch citizenship of Hancock county. LEVI BRIGHT. In the great and prosperous agricultural district of Hancock county, Ohio, one of the well known farmers is Levi Bright, wdio owns and resides on one hundred and two acres in Amanda township and also has three hundred and thirteen in Big Lick township. The Bright family has been intimately associated with the development and progress of this county for many years, and both the grandfather, Major, and the father, Ninirod Bright, were old settlers of the county. Further information concerning the family will be found in the history of Major Bright, on another page of this book. Levi had his birth on his fathers farm in Big Lick township. May 22, T844. He was reared in the atmosphere of farm life, was early inured to its labors, and after enjoying the advantages of the common schools of his neighborhood he entered upon agricultural pursuits as his life work. But while still a boy he was called away from the peaceful existence of the farm to the stirring scenes of the Civil war. In 1862 he was enrolled as a mem- ber of Company H, Fifty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the battles of Arkansas Post, Allen's Hill and the siege of Vicksburg. Disease incapacitated him for further service and he was honorably dis- charged in 1863. After his return from the war he began as a farmer on CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 255 his own account and about 1870 made his first purchase of real estate, amount- ing to forty acres, to which he has added by purchase and by his father's gifts until he now owns his present acreage. It is needless to say ihat he has been very successful in all that he has undertaken and is now rated as one of the foremost farmers of the county. He removed to Amanda township in 1895 and is how trustee of the township. With his brother, John, he developed the first oil well in the township, in 1901, and at the present time they own and operate thirteen wells. Mr. Bright is a member of the United Brethren church and serves as one of its trustees. His political beliefs are those of the Republican party. On March 27, 1867, Mr. Bright married Miss Mary F. Dotts, the daughter of Andrew and Matilda Dotts, who was bom in Hancock county in February, 1845, ^^^d passed away on Christmas day of 1889. Of this mar- riage there were born eight children, of whom four are living: Anna B., Cora D., Etha L. and Bertha M. April 20, 1890, Mr. Bright was married to Mrs. Frances M., the widow of Newton Roberts, a native of Pennsylvania, born March 19, 1861. Mrs. Bright is a daughter of Abraham and Adaline Williams, who were born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, who came to Hancock county from West Virginia twenty-six years ago, and now reside in Big Lick township. Mr. and Mrs. Bright have four children, Sylvia M., Hazel A., Thornton I. and Weldon L. Mr. Bright and his family enjoy the high regard of a large number of friends and acquaintances and are good and worthy citizens of the county. WILLIAM F. BRICKMAN. A representative of the legal fraternity in Hancock county, William F, Brickman is engaged in the practice of law in McComb and has gained a good clientage, which has connected him with much important litigation and legal business. He is one of the native sons of this county, his birth having occurred in Washington township, upon his father's farm, in 1866. He is a son of William Brickman, who was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, in the year 1825, and spent the days of his boyhood and youth in that coun- try, but in 1854 he sailed for the new world, for the tales he had heard concerning business opportunities in this country attracted him to American shores. He made his way across the country to Hancock county, Ohio, and throughout his life carried on farming. His death occurred in 1883, seven children surviving him: Lewis; Samuel; Sarah, the wife of Charles F. Greiner; William F., whose name introduces this record; Minnie, the wife of 256 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Diverney Calhoun; Anna C, the wife of John W. Preble; and Etta C, who completes this family, of whom our subject is the fourth. During the very early boyhood of William F. Brickman his parents re- moved to Portage township, Hancock county, Ohio, where he was reared and educated, attending the country schools through the winter months, while in the summer seasons he carried on agricultural pursuits, assisting his fa- ther in the work of field and meadow. He was thus engaged until twenty years of age, when he left the parental roof and made his way to Angola, In- diana, becoming a student in the Tri-State Normal College, of which he is a graduate, having completed the course with the class of 1890. He then entered the law office of Judge W. L. Penfield, of Auburn, Indiana, under whose direction he studied for a year, and then went to the state of Washing- ton, locating in Pullman, where he engaged in teaching school for about a year, although he remained there for twenty months. Later Mr. Brickman became a student in the law department of the State University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated in 1893, and then he entered upon the practice of his profession in McComb, where a liberal patronage has been won, his clientage coming from a good class of people. He is deeply interested in his profession, thoroughly prepares his cases before entering the courtroom and before judge or jury is a strong advocate. In 1900, in Hancock county, Mr. Brickman was united in marriage to Miss Vina S., daughter of Oliver P. Shaw, and the hospitality of the best homes of this locality is extended to them. In his political views Mr. Brick- man is a Democrat, and socially he belongs to the Knights of Pythias frater- nity, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and to the Ben Hur Tribe. He belongs to the Lutheran church and thus gives due attention to the social and moral phases of life as well as to his professional duties and interests. PETER H. POWELL. Peter H. Powell has for many years been identified with agricultural pursuits in Eagle township, Hancock county, and his farm, being in the oil belt of this state, now has upon it a number of producing oil wells, whereby his income is materially increased each year. He was born July 17, 1838, on the farm which is yet his home, his parents being Philip and Elizabeth (Fell- ers) Powell, the former a native of Miftiin county, Pennsylvania, the latter of Fairfield county, Ohio. The Powell family is of Welsh origin as far back as the ancestry can be traced and for two centuries has been represented in MR. AND MRvS. PETER H. POWELL. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 257 America, five brothers of the name liaving come to this country at one time about two hundred years ago. They became scattered, however, and no authentic record of their descendants is obtainable. The one who located in Pennsylvania was William Powell, who operated a ferry on one of the prin- cipal rivers of the Keystone state. John Philip Powell, the first to settle in Ohio, was a pioneer of Fairfield county. He entered several hundred acres of land from the government and divided it among his children. Peter Powell, the grandfather of our subject, entered one hundred acres for each of his children and settled the following sons in Hancock county: Peter, John, Henry, Samuel, Philip and Jacob, although Peter died in Fairfield county. Two other sons, George and Dan- iel, were settled elsewhere, the former in Wood county, Ohio, the latter in Carey, this state. Samuel and Henry were the pioneers here, coming in 1830 or 1 83 1. Their father, Peter, spent his last years here, passing away when eighty-five years of age. He was a man of decided views, fearless in defense of his honest convictions and was respected by all who knew him. All of his sons have now passed away, the last being Jacob, who departed this life in Findlay, at the age of eighty-five. In 1834 Philip Powell, the father of our subject, came to Hancock county and settled in the midst of the green woods, where he began to make a farm, carrying on the work of its improvement until his death, which oc- curred in 1866. The mother of our subject had died about 1841, when only twenty-five years of age. They were the parents of three children : Joshua, of Liberty township; Peter, of this review; and Simon W., who left the old farm in 1859 and is now a civil and mining engineer of San Francisco. About 1842 the father had married again, Susanna Tussing, also of Fairfield county, becoming his wife. They had one child that died in infancy and the mother's death occurred in 1857. In 1850 Mr. Powell had built the house and in 1854 the barn and had made other substantial improvements on the property. He was a shoemaker, having picked up the trade in his youth. His father agreed to buy the leather if Philip would make him a pair of boots, which he did, and thus the father got a better fit than his sons, who had hired their boots made. In the winter months, in his own home, Philip Powell followed shoemaking and throughout the remainder of the year car- ried on farm work. He was a man of strict religious views and life and was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Association. In his family was much sickness, his second wife having been an invalid for seven years, while he was in poor health for about the same length of time. He broke up house- keeping and this necessitated his sons starting out in life for themselves. 2 58 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Peter Powell was then nineteen years of age. He worked for his brother Joshua until he was married, March 24, 1861, to Elizabeth C. Cogley. After his father's death in 1866, he purchased the interest of the other heirs in the property and returned to the old home place in August, 1867. Here he has remained continuously since and has carried on general farming and stock- raising, both branches of his business being so well conducted that they bring to him success. He also has thirteen oil wells sunk upon his farm and of these twelve are in operation and have produced a fair income. He has also become interested in property in Findlay in recent years. In 1892 Mr, Powell was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died July 2, of that year, after a happy married life of thirty years. They were the parents of six children : Jacob Sylvester, of Eagle township, mar- ried Alice J. Decker; Alice A. is the wife of Oliver Yates, of Eagle township; Simon Joshua married Lizzie Billman and is living in Seneca county; Emma V. is the wife of J. W. Foreman, of Eagle township; Elmina is the wife of William Yates, of Liberty township; Clemmons L. is at home. On the 27th of December, 1894, Mr. Powell wedded Mrs. Jennie Deeds, the widow of Levi Deeds, and a daughter of James and Henrietta (Leeder) Beard, of Marion township, Hancock county, where she was born. By her first mar- riage she had one daughter. Ivy Deeds, now fourteen years of age. With the exception of very brief intervals Mr. Powell has filled the office of justice of the peace since 1872 and his decisions are strictly fair and impartial, and during nine years of this time he was also township treas- urer. For two terms he has been trustee and has been a member of the school board. He belongs to the Evangelical Association, and is a class leader and trustee in the church, and in every office in which he has been called to serve he has been found true and faithful to the trust reposed in him and to the obligations devolving upon him. In politics he is a Democrat. In 1872 he became a member of the Hancock Lodge, No. 73, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. WILLIAM C. DOTY. The family to which Mr. Doty belongs has been identified with Han- cock county affairs for over half a century, and none stand higher as citi- zens and business men. His father has lived on the same farm for sixty years, and has been a witness to the principal growth and development of Hancock county, most of which has occurred since the Civil war. John Doty was born in New Jersey, in October, 181 6, and came west in early CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 259 manhood, settling first in Fairfield county, Ohio. In 1843 1^^ removed to Hancock county, where he met and a year or two later married Margaret Walters, who was born in Kentucky, November 22, 1823. Immediately after marriage he took his bride to the farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he had bought in Jackson township, and there he has lived through all the eventful years that have since passed by. He has, of course, greatly improved his farm lands since the first crude days and besides many other additions both for beauty and comfort he put up a handsome brick residence in 1867. He has been quite active and influential in connection with township affairs, having held the office of trustee two terms, land appraiser one term and served sixteen years as township treasurer. The family are connected with the United Brethren church, of which Mr, Doty is now trustee and in the past has been class leader and steward. His eight children are Margaret J. ; William C. ; Ehjah; Henry, a presiding elder in the United Brethren church; Edward; John L. ; H. Walter, an attorney at Findlay; and Flora E. William C. Doty, second in the above enumerated list, was born on his father's farm in Jackson township, Hancock county, Ohio, December 10, 1846, and grew to maturity on the old homestead. In August, 1876, he made his first business investment by purchasing sixty-two acres of land in Amanda township, but after working this four years he sold it and invested the proceeds in the farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Jackson town- ship which constitutes his present home place. During the twenty-two years of his occupancy Mr. Doty has greatly improved his estate in every way, especially by the erection of suitable outbuildings for storage of grain and housing of stock. He devotes his land to raising standard crops and keeps a sufficient amount of stock to consume the surplus, his operations being carried on by modern methods and that intelligent economy that insures the best results. On the 15th of October, 1871, Mr. Doty was married to Anna, daugh- ter of J. L. and Meletha (Clayton) Shields. Mrs. Doty's father was born in Virginia, and her mother in Maryland, near Sharpsburg. They became the parents of five children, Mrs. Doty being the youngest of the family. They moved from Fairfield county, Ohio, to Hancock in 1854, and located in Jackson township, where they both died, the father in his eighty-first year and the mother when seventy-five years of age. They belonged to the Meth- odist Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs. Doty are parents of ten children, but of these the only ones living are: Fred S., John H., Edith, Harry and Edson. The family are members of the United Brethren church, in which Mr. Doty holds the position of steward, and they enjoy general esteem in the 26o CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY social circles of their neighborhood. In 1898 Mr. Doty built his present modern residence, a house of ten rooms and up-to-date in every respect. It cost about two thousand dollars and is a credit to the community in which he lives. He has also a fine barn, eighty-four by thirty-eight, with wing sixty- four by twenty. In fact Mr. Doty's farm is one of the model ones of the township. He has been a life-long Democrat, but would not accept any office, though tendered them many times. JOHN E. FINSEL. Not in the desultory manner that renders effort without result, but with steady persistence has John E. Finsel carried on his work, and to-day he is numbered among the substantial farmers of Washington township, in Hancock county. Here he resides on a well tilled and superbly conducted farm. Every fence and every building on the farm is indicative of the intelli- gent methods which he pursues and the persistence and industry with which he carries them through. Mr, Finsel was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, April 14, 1859. He is the son of John and Kunigunda (Walters) Finsel. These parents were both natives of Bavaria, Germany, where the former was born April 27, 1823, and the latter April 3, 1827. In separate famihes they emigrated to America in 1848 and were soon married, their voyage across the ocean occurring in the same vessel. After their marriage they located in Fremont, Sandusky county, where John applied himself to his trade, that of shoemaker. At this business he continued to 1871, at which time he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He owned forty acres of land, to which lie soon added forty more, and by his industry became independent. In i860 he re- moved to Seneca county, where he died August 19, 1902. He favored the policies of the Democratic party, and in religious matters was a communicant of the Roman Catholic church. Their family consisted of two children, our subject, and a daughter Kate, now the wife of William West. John E. Finsel passed his life on the home farm in Seneca county with- out any event of special importance to break the monotony, attending the school of his home district in the winter, and passing the summer in the hard work of a pioneer farm. His advanced education was received at the Val- paraiso Normal School, in which institution he fitted himself for teaching. This, however, he found not to his taste and soon abandoned it for agricultural pursuits, in which occupation he has been more than ordinarily successful. In fact he has the reputation of being one of the finest farmers of his town- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 261 ship. In 1 88 1 Mr. Finsel married Miss Mary C, daughter of John and EHzabeth Nause, to whom were born Bertha E., Wilham J., Ralph A., Albert C, Clara H., Ellen E., Colletta C, Coral J. and Cleo B. The wife was born in Sandusky county, March 20, 1859. Mr. Finsel bought his present farm in 1890. He and his family are devout communicants of the Catholic church, and he has received recognition at the hands of his fellow citizens by election lo the office of township trustee, serving also as clerk of the school board for a number of years. He favors in political matters the policies as set forth in the Democratic platform. He is an honest and upright citizen and as such de- serves the commendation which he receives from a large circle of friends and acquaintances. MARION A. COBB. Marion township has no more highly respected or worthy citizen than this well known farmer, who has spent his entire life in Hancock county. He resides on a farm of one hundred and fourteen acres, which he has culti- vated for a number of years. He was born in Cass township on the nth of July, 1845, the son of Alonzo H. and Jerusha (Palmer) Cobb. Here he was 1 eared, later removing to Marion township where he received the education that is commonly given in the country schools. Upon reaching his maturity he chose farming for an occupation, and has since been engaged in its activi- ties. He bought his farm in 1876, and has continued to reside there since that time. He has made great improvements on the original place, and is now possessed of very modern property. The farm was formerly the property of William Davis, who was the brother of Mrs. Cobb. Mr. Cobb was joined in marriage on April 18, 1872, to Miss Sarah, daughter of William A. and Margaret Davis. Three children have come to bless their home. Viola M., Mamie E. and Harry A. Mrs. Cobb was born in Marion township on the 6th of March, 1845, and her family is further mentioned in another part of this volume. The parents of Mr. Cobb were natives of Vermont, where the father was born on December 4, 1809, and his mother, July 3, 1812. They removed to Hancock county, Ohio, about the year 1841, locating in Cass township on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Here the father died early in life, the date being- August 13, 1847. During his short existence he was a man of in- fluence in his township, and is remembered as having served a number of years as justice of the peace, which office he administered with great acumen. He in religious faith was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His fam- 262 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY ily numbered three children, Charles, deceased, born July 26, 1834; Ann Jenette, deceased, born December 11, 1843; ^.nd Marion A., subject of this bketch. Mrs. Cobb the mother of the family died July 29, 1891. The grand- father of our subject, James Cobb, came to Ohio and settled at the same time with his son, Alonzo H., on one hundred and sixty acres in Cass township. He continued to reside there until his death in 1847. He is remembered as a man of most powerful physique, weighing some 270 pounds. His height was six feet and seven inches. Mr. and Mrs. Cobb are passing the declining years of their lives among friends who delight to honor them. GEORGE H. PHELPS. An interesting because original character is the senior member of Phelps & David, one of the leading law firms in practice at the Findlay bar. Whether right or wrong there is never anything commonplace about Mr. Phelps, who seems to have an instinctive abhorrence of what Goldsmith called "that ras- cally virtue prudence," in his discussion of men and things. Not only has he opinions to express, but these are usually delivered with an emphasis and trenchancy which are sure to attract attention if they do not cause conviction. This temperamental characteristic accompanies his intercourse in all the rela- tions of life, with the result that Mr. Phelps is appreciated both as an entertain- ing and instructive companion, especially by those who abhor the overstocked "world of commonplace." Doubtless Mr. Phelps inherits his quality of deci- siveness from his lamented father who, by all accounts from those who knew him best, was a very remarkable man in more ways than one. Augustus H. Phelps was a native of New York, who spent most of his life on a farm which he employed some one to manage for him. He never failed to attract attention at first sight, his drawing qualities being both mental and physical. His physical appearance was indeed so striking as to extract admiration from any beholder and recall to the reader of Shakespeare Hamlet's famous description of his father in the scene with his queen mother. The perfect form, open and manly features, bright eyes and other personal adornments were backed by y mind of the greatest brilliancy and strength. Widely read in the best litera- ture of all peoples, a profound student of deep questions, and gifted with a conversational ability that was phenomenal an its range and lorcefulness, the elder Phelps was a companion whose talk entranced every listener. In his re- ligious views he was a freethinker and deeply versed in the works of all the great infidel writers from Voltaire to Ingersoll, but he denied being an atheist. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 263 always saying in this connection that he could not realize an effect without a cause. Broad in all his views, he had a contempt for all that was little and nar- row, especially for cant and superstition in all its forms. He was fitted, had the opportunity offered, to become a leader among men and grapple success- fully with most difficult problems. But alas! "Full many a gem of purest ray serene. The dark unfathomed caves o£ ocean bear. Full many a flower is born to blush unseen And waste its sweetness on the desert air." Augustus H. Phelps died in 1897, in his eighty-first year,. George H. Phelps, son of the remarkable man sketched in the foregoing paragraph, was born at Hinsdale, New York, September 24, 1854, and re- mained on his father's farm until nineteen years old. Meantime he had at- tended school at intervals and formed a resolution to make a lawyer of him- self. With this end in view he borrowed some law books from the late Alex- ander Storrs, father of the famous Chicago advocate, Emory Storrs, and with these he secluded himself to pore over the mysteries of Blackstone, the deep logic of Greenleaf, and the quaint conceptions of Coke upon Littleton. A law student without a teacher is apt to become discouraged, and young Phelps was wise when in the spring of 1874 he sought aid in the office of Champlain, Arm- strong & Russell at Cuba, New York. He remained there one year as a clerk and had a similar position for another year in the office of Loveridge & Swift,, of the same town. In the spring of 1876 he entered the office of Enos C. Brooks at Olean, New York, as a clerk, remained there until April of the following year, when he was admitted to the bar at Rochester and returned to Olean to locate. He was engaged in the practice of his profession at that place for ten years and made his first appearance at Findlay in April, 1888. Shortly there- after he formed a partnership with Judge M. C. Whiteley, which continued only eighteen months, and after that time Mr. Phelps practiced alone until Oc- tober, 1899. He then entered into a partnership with W. L. David, Jr., which under the firm name of Phelps & David, continues at the present time. Mr. Phelps has never taken any part or interest in politics, office-seeking or office-holding, for the reason, as he expresses it, that the lawyer in his pro- fession and practice is sufficiently parasitical in a struggling society, and that in taking on politics he was adding insult to injury. He did, however, hold the office of notary public by appointment from the governor, until the Su- preme court of Ohio, on the relation of the attorney general, and on au- 264 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY thority of the state constitution, ousted a Miss Adams from the office on the ground that ladies were inehgible, when he resigned his commission in a let- ter to the governor, in which he stated as his reason for resigning, that when it had come about that a bright woman could not adorn the office of notary public without having the constitution raised on her by a man, he regarded the office as a disgrace, rather than an honor. Mr. Phelps was married in ] 882 to Miss Dell Canfield and to that union was born one living daughter — Nina A. Mrs. Phelps died in 1891 and in 1892 Mr. Phelps married his pres- ent wife, who was Ada C. Wicker, also of Olean, New York. In politics, he is at this date known as the ''Greenback party of Ohio." ALEXANDER MIELER. The subject of this sketch, whose name is given above, has achieved dis- tinction in two departments of industry, those of mechanic and farmer, and in both lines he has long occupied a well recognized position in the front rank. He worked in Hancock county thirty-two years at the carpenter's trade and gained the reputation of being the foremost builder in the county, remarkable for the neatness as well as the skill displayed in all his work. As a farmer, too, he ranked well up to the front in that long line of enter- prising agriculturists whose energy and resourcefulness have made the Buck- eye state so famous for its crops and stock. Though his family connections have long been identified with other parts of Ohio, Mr. Miller is their only representative in Hancock county, of which he has been a resident for forty- five years. His father, Isaac Miller, was born in Virginia in 18 14, but came to Ohio in early manhood and spent the most of his subsequent life in the county of Licking as a farmer. He was a successful business man and accumulated considerable means during his career. A member of the United Brethren church, he lived an upright moral life, and was esteemed both as a good hus- bandman and good citizen. After locating in Ohio he married Sarah Knep- per, a native of Fairfield county, where she was born in 18 18, and this union resulted in the birth of eleven children, of whom nine grew to maturity and seven are still living. Alexander Miller, one of the latter, was born on his father's farm in Licking county, Ohio, May 10, 1838, and remained there until the nineteenth year of his age. In March, 1857, he came to Hancock county, located in Blanchard township and followed the carpenter's trade, in which he soon acquired unusual proficiency. As his skill in this branch of (2Ali/£^ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 265 mechanics became known, he had no difficulty in obtaining work, and this he turned off so satisfactorily that for thirty-two years he was kept busy in his chosen calling. In 1859 Mr. Miller purchased from Fountain N. Clymer eighty acres of land in Blanchard township, which was at the time wholly unimproved but w^hich, with forty more acres added in 1871, has been brought to a high state of cultivation. After securing his first real estate, Mr. Miller divided his time between farming and carpentering, and attended to each with such assiduity as to obtain the best results. In fact, the Miller farm and the Miller houses vied wii:h each other in neatness of appearance and efficiency of workmanship, no job being turned out by this master me- chanic which was not able to withstand the most rigid criticism. In 1887 he sustained a severe loss by the destruction of his barn and contents by fire, but this calamity was soon repaired by his energy and undaunted determina- tion. In place of the original buildings, newer and far finer ones were erected on the old sites, and now it is admitted that none superior are to be found in the township. All the surroundings are neat and attractive and the tasteful workmanship wnth all the modern improvements gives evidence of a master mind and hand behind the designs and construction. September 16, i860, Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Miss Me- lissa Wise, born in Blanchard township in 1843 ^^^ whose family is deserv- ing of more than a passing mention. Her grandfather, George Adam Wise, was a native of France and served as a soldier under Napoleon Bonaparte. He crossed the ocean in 1842, accompanied by his wife Barbara and settled in Hancock county, where both ended their days, he in 1846 and she in 1854. Among their six children was John Wise, father of Mrs. Miller, who ac- companied his parents from Wheeling, West Virginia, where he was born, and became a school teacher after settling in Ohio. He also learned car- pentering and W'Orked at that trade in conjunction with farming, between the two making a very comfortable living. Three of his four children are living, including Mrs. Miller, who is the only one of them residing in Hancock county. The latter's mother died March 4, 1886, and her father passed aw^ay August 6, 1 90 1, both much esteemed by those w^ho had known them best. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Miller have had eight children, of whom Mary E., born in 1861, Martha J., born in 1863, and William H., born 1864, are de- ceased. Those living are Carrie W., born in 1866; Rose B., born in 1868; Grove E., born in 1873; Vernon E., born in 1880, and Merritt C., born in 1883. Mr. Miller has never been an office seeker, but at the request of his neighbors served three years as assessor and one year as real estate appraiser of the township, being elected by the Republican party, to which he has always 266 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY belonged. Both himself and family are members of the United Brethren church and in all the relations of life, as neighbors, friends and citizens, per- form their duties as good Christians. LUKE H. BROADWATER. In Luke H. Broadwater, the efficient manager of the Findlay Glycerine Company, the city of Findlay has an estimable and useful citizen. His birth was on a farm, in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, in 1870, where he remained until he was sixteen years of age, in attendance upon the public schools and assisting in the work of the farm. Subsequently he enjoyed excellent educa- tional advantages at Berlin, Pennsylvania, at New Centerville, and later at the Normal Institute, at Marshalltown, Iowa. Prior to locating in Iowa our subject taught school in his native state, and also followed that profession for three terms in Iowa. In 1891 he came to Findlay, Ohio, and for one year read law in the office of a local attorney, and then entered into the employ of the Bradford Glycerine Company, as bookkeeper, remaining with the concern from August, 1892, until April i, 1897. The business then changed hands and Mr. Broadwater remained with the new firm for a few months, and then, with others, organized the Findlay Glycerine Company, entering the business as manager, and of which he is now president and general manager. This company supplies nitro-glycerine and shoots wells, their trade being a large one through the oil districts. Mr. Broadwater is also interested in two factories in Kentucky, one at Burnside and the other at Barbourville. These are the same kind as the Findlay com- pany. In 1895 Mr. Broadwater was first married, to Miss Amelia Ziegler, who died November 19, 1900. October 17, 1901, our subject was again mar- ried, Miss Catherine Wasson, of Findlay, Ohio, becoming his wife. In political sentiment Mr. Broadwater is a Democrat, but takes no active interest in politics, being a thoroughly practical business man, and closely identified with the interests of his company. His fraternal associa- tion is with the Elks, in which order he is very popular. MARY A. WOLFE. We are now privileged to touch upon the life history of one of Han- cock county's most estimable families, the immediate representative of which is the above lady, who is the widow of the late Levi Wolfe, of Marion town- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 267 ship. She was born at Hagerstown, Washington county, Maryland, Septem- ber 22, 1833, ^^^'^ ^^ the daughter of Wilham and Margaret Davis, of the same state. Her parents left that portion of the country in the fall of 1833, and during the overland journey to Ohio they lost a son as the result of an attack of sickness. This misfortune caused them to remain for the winter at the place where it occurred, so that it was in the spring of 1834 before they finally reached Marion towaiship, of this county. Here the father entered a claim of forty acres, which he subsequently sold but soon bought another forty, which was increased at various times until his holdings amounted to six hundred acres of the most valuable land in the county. William Davis was a man of in- fluence and character in his township, where for a number of years he held the office of justice of the peace, and was also county commissioner for a long period. He was kind to the poor, hospitable to all, and a man whose friends were myriad. He was a worthy member of the Baptist church, and proved his usefulness in that denomination by an active and consistent re- ligious life. He was joined in marriage to Margaret Lafferty in 1830, and to this union there were born eleven children, nine of whom are now living. Mrs. Margaret Davis died in October of 1882, her husband having passed away a number of years before, in 1863. His death was caused by anxiety for a favorite son John, who was a soldier in the active service during the Civil war. He had been wounded at the battle of Picket Mills, where his father in i;earching for him contracted a cold, and which caused his death in the year above stated. He was a man of sterling qualities of character, and was missed by his host of friends. His life was one of usefulness, and he assisted in the events which helped to inaugurate the period of prosperity which his descendants now enjoy. The son John recovered from the wound, and return- ing to the army was unfortunate enough to be captured at the battle of Stone River. He was kept a prisoner in the lines of the enemy for a considerable period, but was finally exchanged and returned honie. Mary A. Wolfe w'as joined in marriage to Levi Wolfe on the 14th of August, 1851. The marriage resulted in the birth of four children : Margaret J., Lydia A., Fannie D., and John W., the last two deceased. Levi Wolf, the father of the family, was was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, on the 20th of August, 1825. He there received an excellent common school education which fitted him for his life of usefulness. In 1843 he, together with his parents. Rev. David and Lydia Wolfe, removed to Hancok county. They first located upon eighty acres in Marion township, to which they added afterwards fifty more. Their family numbered eleven children, but two of whom are now living, viz : John and Christian Wolfe. Rev. David Wolfe was a minister in the Evangelical 268 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY church, and during his active career did much to build up that organization in that part of the state. By trade Levi Wolfe was a blacksmith in his younger life, but when the Civil war broke out he offered himself a willing sacrifice on the altar of his country, by enlisting in 1862 in Company E, Fifty-seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. In the bloody battle of Shiloh, while trying to bind up a comrade's wound, he was taken prisoner and confined for a period at Macon, Georgia. He was finally exchanged, but was in such an emaciated condition as to cause his death before he reached home. He died in the city of Cincinnati on July 30, 1862. During his life he held some of the responsible township offices, was a man of influence in his neighborhood and a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Previous to his army life he made provision for his family by laying the foundation for their present home. His kindness of heart and noble traits of character erected in the memories of the members of his family a lasting monument. ALDEN H. COBB. Alden H. Cobb was born in Cass township, Hancock county, Ohio, in 1847, o^ the farm where he now resides, which has never been out of the fam- ily since it was purchased by his grandfather, Foster Cobb. The latter was a native of Vermont, as was also his wife, Elizabeth, who died in 181 1, hav- ing been born in 1782. In 1835 Foster Cobb with his four children moved upon the farm in Cass township, Hancock county, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, and with the assistance of his son Foster, did much of the clearing and im- provement. He died on August 3, 1840. His second wife, Lydia, died in 1835. His children were as follows: Alonzo, Chester, John, Foster, Jane, David, Nathan, Nancy and Elmira. Foster Cobb, fourth" in the above list of children, was born on June 15, 181 7, in Vermont, and walked closely in the footsteps of his honored father, proving himself a most worthy citizen. He was a justice of the peace for many years, a trustee and held most of the local offices, filling each to the complete satisfaction of every one, being held in high esteem. He married Mary Davis, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio. Of their four children, our subject is the only survivor. His father's death occurred in 1883, the mother of our subject having passed away in 1851. Alden H. Cobb was educated in the district schools of the time and place, but in great measure he fitted himself for the life of usefulness he has led. Mr. Cobb is a practical farmer and no one better understands the qualities of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 269 soil and the advantages of different methods of agricukure than he. He is also a successful stockraiser, giving close attention to that part of his busi- ness also. April 29, 1875, he was married to Catherine, daughter of Jacob Stecker, who was born in Cass township, August 13, 1856. One son, Charles Curtis, was born to this union. Jacob Stecker was born in 1824, in Germany and emigrated to America in 1840, being at that time about sixteen years of age. He attained a position of influence in Hancock county, where he established his home, and for many years was a justice of the peace in Cass township. He was a worthy member of the Methodist church. Mr. Stecker died on October 12, 1901. He first married Rosanna C. Klink, a native of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, who died leaving four children, Mrs. Cobb being the eldest. His second wife was Mariah Jameson, who died February 22, 1899, without issue. Mr. Cobb is one of the intelligent and progressive farmers of Cass town- ship and his fine farm shows the cultivation which it receives. He is a leading member of the Lutheran church and has held the office of deacon in this re- ligious body, in public matters Mr. Cobb has always taken a deep interest and he has served the township at times as trustee and as clerk. lie is a man of enlarged ideas, possesses most excellent judgment and stands high among his neighbors on account of his many estimable traits of .character. CHARLES R. WATSON. The attractions of the life of a farmer are many; he is free and inde- pendent, monarch of all he surveys, so to speak, and he is the owner of the most stable and satisfying property in the world, little subject to the fluctua- tions of the market; while the sowing of the grain and the patient toil and waiting for the harvest add a touch of color to the occupation and afford something of the fever of the speculators on the stock market, uncertain what time may bring forth. And in the modern conditions of agriculture with all the late improvements there is a vast field for the progressive man who de- sires to make the most out of his land. One of the young and promising farmers of Union township, Hancock county, whose future outlook is clear and bright is Charles R. Watson. This hardy tiller of the soil is the son of William and Susan (Pieck) Watson, of Liberty township, who are well and favorably known citizens of the county. Charles made his advent into the world in Liberty township in 1867, and with the usual lot of a farmer boy he spent his youthful days in learning: the duties of the farm, in attending the countrv school in the 270 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY winter season, and enjoying, as only a farmer boy can enjoy, the sports and recreations of the country. He was an unusually bright and studious lad in school and he has found in after life abundant opportunity to apply the les- ions which he learned in the familiar old school. He early made farming the choice of vocations and has since devoted his best efforts to the work. He came into the possession of his present farm in 1899; it consists of two hundred and four acres of fertile and highly cultivated soil, which he de- votes to the raising of general farm produce and stock. Mr. Watson also has an interest in his father's farm in Liberty township. This farm is a val- uable one from the fact that there are twenty-eight producing oil wells in operation, and thus he has a share in the production of one of the most im- portant of the world's commodities, one, by the way, which has been avail- able for commercial purposes only a little more than forty years. In 1900 Mr. Watson celebrated his marriage to Miss Myrtie Oman the daughter of Jacob and Nellie Oman, of Eagle township, Hancock coun- ty; she was born in this township on December 20, 1876, and her parents are also natives of the same place and are members of nn old pioneer family. Mr. and Mrs. Watson are numbered among the county's highly respected citizens and enjoy a well deserved prosperity. He is a Democrat in political view^s, well known throughout the county. He engaged in the oil business in 1902 on the home farm in Liberty township. HENRY REITER. As one passes through an agricultural community and notes the general condition of the farms to the right and left and learns the general charac- teristics of the owners, he is soon impressed with the marked excellence of the places which are owned by German-Americans ; the large barns and other farm buildings, the well arranged grounds and well tilled fields, and the air of neatness and thrift pervading the whole place show the farmer of Teu- tonic origin to deserve rank among the peers of agriculturists and most substantial citizens. Henry Reiter, who is an enterprising farmer and resident of Union township, Hancock county, has the honor to be classed among these citi- zens of the fatherland. His parents, Sebastian and Charlotte Reiter, were both native Germans, who emigrated to this country in 1835 and settled in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, where they remained for two years. In 1838 they removed to Hancock county, Ohio, making their home in Union township, and about 1842 they purchased a small farm of forty acres, just CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 271 enough to give him a fair start, — and that was all he needed, — for at this time he was a very poor man. A few years later he sold the place at an ad- vance and in 1855 bought another and larger farm of eighty acres, now the property of his son and daughter, Sebastian and Lydia. Mr. Reiter was a good business man for one wdiose education had been necessarily limited and by his hard work and good management he accumulated enough prop- erty at his death to give each of his seven living children eight hundred dollars. He died in September, 1878, aged sixty-nine years, having been born in 1S09, while his wife, who was born in 181 6, passed away Decem- ber 28, 1898. They had eleven children, of whom six are now alive. The birth of Mr. Reiter occurred in Baden, Germany, before his parents left their native land. Being brought to this country at an early age he has been under American institutions and influences and is therefore a thor- ough American in everything except his birth. He has been a successful farmer and has owned and resided on his present farm since 1872. In 1 87 1 Mr. Reiter became the husband of Miss Eliza Brown, and to this happy union have been born three children, Franklin, on August 27, 1872; Arthur, on March 26, 1874; and Mable, August 5, 1878. His first \\\it died in 1880 and for his second wife Mr. Reiter married Miss Leah Steiner in 1882, to which union no children have been born. Mr. and Mrs. Reiter are devout members of the Disciples church and enjoy the confidence and esteem of their many friends. SEBASTIAN J. REITER. Sebastian J. Reiter is a member of that class of farmers who are so much needed in every farming section and are necessarily prosperous because of their methods and excellent habits of doing things; he is a man of intelli- gence in regard to farming methods and believes in conducting matters on a thoroughly systematic basis, which is just as necessary in farming as in any other line of business. He is the son of German parents, Sebastian and Charlotte B. (Bookmiller) Reiter, wdio in 1835 came to America with a family of five children and located in Mercer county, Pennsylvania. They were in very poor circumstances when they arrived, being in debt to the amount of twenty-one dollars. In 1838 they moved farther west to Han- cock county and in the course of a few years bought a little farm of forty acres in Union township, where by his industry and capable management he obtained a vantage ground in the business world. He afterward sold this place and in 1855 bought the eighty acres of land which is now the 272 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY property of our subject and his sister. Although an ilhterate man through force of circumstances, Mr. Reiter possessed the requisite quahty for suc- cess in this land of opportunity and at his death was able to give each of his seven living children eight hundred dollars, over and above the farm on which he resided and which was later bought by its present owners ; eleven children were born to them in all. In religious belief they originally belonged to the Evangelical church, later joined the Christian Union, in which faith they passed away, he in September, 1878, aged sixty-nine years and nine months, and his wife in December 28, 1898, aged eighty-two years. Sebastian J. Reiter is a native of Union township, Hancock county, being born January 10, 1852. and in his native place he was reared and edu- cated ; so well did he improve his opportunities in school that he was him- self able to instruct others and for six terms taught in the state of Illinois, He then traveled around extensi^'ely, getting as far west as Nebraska, and in 1882 he returned to his native county, where he has lived ever since. He and his sister Lydia live on their eighty acre farm, which he manages and is meeting with gratifying success. He still enjoys the blessings of single life and is devoted to his business. He has taken much interest in public affairs and has served his township in the capacity of trustee, assessor and supervisor. Like the other members of his family, he is a communi- cant of the Christian Union church. VALENTINE POWELL. No name is better or more favorably known in the agricultural circles of Hancock county than that borne by the subject of this sketch. He belongs to a numerous family connection, long established ni this part of Ohio, and identified permanently with its growth and development. The particular branch to which our subject belongs originated in the Keystone state, where his ancestors figured in the agricultural and industrial movements for many generations in the past. They sent forth offshoots toward the west during the pioneer period and had representatives at various points while the wilder- ness was being reclaimed. In 1834 Samuel and Sarah Powell, shortly after their marriage and while still enjoying the enthusiasm of youth, left Fair- field for Hancock county, Ohio, where they formed a permanent location in Liberty township. They reared a family of thirteen children, who, as they grew up, ramified throughout their native and neighboring counties and with their descendants furnished representatives to most of the various vocations ^ (P^cr-Ott ^V->^ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 273 in life. As previously stated, the Powells, both of the older and younger generations, are most fa\ora1)ly known as citizens of probity and usefulness. Valentine Powell, son of Samuel and Sarah, was born on his father's large farm in Liberty township, Plancock county, Ohio, August 19, 1847, and was reared as well as educated in the neighborhood of the ancestral home. In 1864, when sixteen years of age, he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for four months and saw some active service in Virginia. In his earlier years he was engaged in the lumbering business, but later took up farming and has since adhered to agricultural pursuits. In 1878 he made his first purchase of land, consisting of eighty acres, in Blanchard township, which he has greatly improved and modernized. This tract constitutes Mr. Powell's present home, wdiose commodiousness and surrounding comforts afford ample proof of good husbandry. In 1871 he was happily married to Miss Sophronia, daughter of John and Mary Schoonover, well-to-do people of Lib- erty township, who was born January 11, 1852. This union resulted in the birth of eight children, of whom the seven now living are: Earl R., Carrie, Everett, Bertha, Olive, Carl and Orville. Mr. and Mrs. Powell are members of the United Brethren church. In politics Mr. Powell's affiliations have always been with the Republican party, but his interest is confined to voting, as he has never been either a seeker or holder of office. His whole attention has been concentrated upon his business, and that his efforts have been re- warded is seen by a glance at his well tilled and neatly arranged estate. He is a practical as well as progressive farmer and keeps abreast of zAX improvements relating to agriculture, employing the best implements and using only up-to- date methods. LEVI MILLER. Sixty years a resident of Orange township, Hancock county, there are not many who can boast to have lived here for a longer period. And when Levi Miller first arrived at the age when his boyish eyes would roam around him and take note of the strange scenes that greeted him on every side, he became acquainted with an entirely different environment than that which now lies before him as he goes down the other side of the slope of life. The log house which figured as the birth place and home of boyhood for many who have wrought and are now passing away is one of the curiosities and re- minders to the American of to-day of the transformations and progress of time; and as young Levi stood in the doorw^ay of his log home, he 274 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY probably never dreamed, notwithstanding all the air castles which youth can construct of flimsy nothing, of the changes which would make this inland state almost the center of the great world of commerce and industry which was moving westward. His father, William Miller, who was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, came to Hancock county about 1840 and located in Orange township, on the farm which is now owned by Edward Battles. His occupation throughout his life was that of farming, but he died at the comparatively early age of forty years. He had married a native daughter of Vermont, Roxanna Patch, who lived to be seventy-eight years old and became the mother of five sons and four daughters. The third child and second son of these was Levi, and his birth was announced in that little house of hewn logs in Orange township on June 20, 1842. Until he was twenty years of age his life was not unusual, but \Vas sufficiently varied by his work on the farm and by his attendance in the winter at the old school house. But the Civil war came on and afforded all the interest that may have been lacking from his earlier career. He enlisted in 1862 in Company D, Ninety-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and carried a musket in the ranks for twenty-seven months, at the close of which period he received his discharge on account of disability. He participated in the battle of Chickamauga and other engagements, but escaped without a wound; but he was taken sick and compelled to lie in the hospitals at Louisville, Kentucky, and Nashville, Tennessee, never recovering sufficiently to do active service. Returning from the war, Mr. Miller at first worked out by the month on the farms of the neighborhood, but he was married a few years later and then decided to take up a permanent location. He is not ashamed to recall that he and his wafe made their first home in a rather rude log house on the farm which he still owns. But time and his diligence soon rewarded him, and he has put up a good home, barns and all necessary farm buildings and devoted his eighty acres of land to general farming and stock raising. His farm is not only productive in the ordinary products of the soil but has five oil wells which furnish fuel for all time. The first marriage of Mr. Miller, which we have mentioned, was in 1870, to Mary Miller, who was born in Ohio and came to Hancock county when a child. This lady passed away after she had been his faithful companion for a number of years and had become the mother of three children. One of these died in infancy, while Newton was killed by the cars at Findlay ; the remain- ing son, John, is a resident of Bluffton, Ohio. Mr. Miller married his present wife in 1893; her name was Jane Reddick, the widow of Lemuel Reddick. Mr. Miller has not neglected the other phases of life's interests, and is a mem- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 275 ber of the Grand Army post at Bluffton and remains a firm adherent of the RepubHcan party. His long residence in the county has identified him with many of the pubhc matters, and he is one of the well known citizens who help and are helped by the common welfare of the community. GEORGE W. WATKINS. Thomas Watkins, a native of Wayne county, Ohio, was the first mem- ber of this well known family to take up his residence in Hancock county. About 1825, when the country was still in that raw and unsettled state which precedes the full bloom of civilization, he located in what is now Union township. His wife, whose Christian name was Susan, bore him twelve children, and of this number ten grew to maturity. An example of his kindness in providing for his children has come down, that to each of these children as they successively reached maturity, he gave eighty acres of land, a good team and a plough, with which outfit they were well pre- pared to fight the battles of life. And not only did Thomas Watkins bear the reputation of being kind to his own family, but he was known every- where as an upright and self-sacrificing man, devoted to the best interests of his community and his fellow citizens. He was a farmer of the old pio- neer stripe, making the ver}^ best of all circumstances and never complain- ing at adverse fate. The period of his life extended over seventy-two years, from 1786 to August 19, 1858, and his wife, Susannah, was born in 1792, and died March 17, 1872, aged eighty years. Only one of their large family is now living. Isaac Watkins was one of the sons of the above parents and was born in Union township, Hancock county, in 1826. Being reared and educated on his father's farm and inheriting his father's generous equipment, he naturally took to farming on his eighty acres situated north of Mount Cory. In 1864 he felt it his duty to go to the defense of the Union and as a member of Company H, One Hundred and Ninety-second Ohio Volunteers, he was with General Sheridan on his famous raid through the Shenandoah valley, at the close of the war receiving his honorable discharge. He was married in 1845 to Esther Corwin, who became the mother of his nine children, seven of whom are living and two are residents of Hancock county. Later in life IMr. Watkins removed to the state of Michigan, where in 1893 he died at the age of sixty-seven years, but his widow is still living in that state. G. W. Watkins is the son of the last named parents, and his birth oc- curred in Union township in 1853, there being reared and educated. He 276 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY has always followed agricultural pursuits and has met with marked success, such as one would expect from a man of his native energy and ability. His first farm consisted of one hundred acres and in 1894 he sold it and bought his present place of one hundred and sixty acres, which he devotes to gen- eral farming and stock raising. In 1877 Mr. Watkins was married to Miss Lydia A. Shoemaker, the daughter of Jacob and Judith Shoemaker, who was born on the farm upon which she now resides in 1859. Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Watkins, the five now living are Forest W., Charles M., Etta J., Jessie A. and Everett. While Mr. Watkins takes a true American's interest in political affairs in general he has never aspired to office. He is devoted to his family and the practical business of his beautiful farm, which is located to the south of the peaceful village of Mount Cory. GEORGE McARTHUR. The subject of this sketch is one of the contributors of Scotland to this country, and those acquainted with him agree that "old Scotia" has sent out no worthier or more industrious son. All of his adult life has been spent in America and most of it at Eindlay, where as a manufacturer of boilers he has done his full share toward the growth and prosperity of the city's industries. The British Isles are famous for their mechanics, whose rigid technical training and reliability in execution make them desirable acquisi- tions in every workshop in the world, and Mr. McArthur has shown him- self to be a worthy representative of this guild. George McArthur was born at Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1863, and thir- teen years later was brought across the ocean by his parents, who located in Canada. In 1881, when he had reached his eighteenth year, young McAr- thur went alone to Detroit, where he remained for fifteen years in the em- ploy of John McGregor in the manufacture of boilers, and then came to Findlay, where he has since been engaged in the boiler business. His fa- ther, Alexander McArthur, who was also born in Scotland, finally joined the son at Findlay and is now a resident of that city. Mr. McAr- thur has prospered in his business, in the management of which he has exhibited energy, skill and good judgment, and the products of his estab- lishment find no difficulty in obtaining purchasers. He has the Scottish fondness for fraternal fellowship and gratifies this social inclination by mem- bership in several of the important fraternities. Included in these is Masonry, in which ancient order he has reached the thirty-second degree, and he is CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 277 also a member of the Odd Fellows, the Encampment, Knights of Pythias and Elks. In addition to this he is district deputy of the Knights of the Golden Eagle and altogether devotes considerable time to duties devolved upon him by connection with these various orders. Though in politics in sympathy with the Republican party, he neither seeks nor cares for ofhce and contents himself with a silent vote on what he considers the right side. In 1885 Mr. Mc Arthur was married at Detroit, Michigan, to Mary Mur- phy, by whom he has two children, George and James. The family moves in an excellent social circle and the members are welcome guests in the most substantial households of the city. WILLIAM A. WILLIAMSON. The noble art of husbandry has ever been the conservator of our na- tional progress and prosperity, and among those prominently concerned as its votaries in this section is the subject of this review. He was born in Orange township, Hancock county, Ohio, on the 19th of February, 1854, his parents being William and Jane (McCroskey) Williamson, the former born in Greene county, Ohio, in 1810, and the latter in Vriginia, in 181 3. Their marriage is believed to have been celebrated in Virginia, from which commonwealth they removed to Greene county, Ohio, and some years later took up their abode in Tuscarawas county, this state. In 1851 they cast in their lot with the early settlers of Hancock county, and in the following year Mr. Williamson purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Orange township, to w^hich he subsequently added an additional tract of eighty acres. At the time of the purchase this land was in its primitive condition, but during the lifetime of Mr. Williamson it was cleared and improved and be- came one of the valuable homesteads of the locality. This worthy pioneer was a valued and consistent member of the United Presbyterian church, and in his political views was a stanch supporter of Republican principles. Ever loyal and patriotic, he gave three of his six sons to the cause of the Union during the dark days of the rebellion, one, Granville L., having died from the effects of wounds received in the battle of Chattanooga, while Madison H. died of disease contracted in the army. Joseph H., who was taken prisoner previous to the capture of the city of Richmond, is now a resident of Orange township, Hancock county. Of the ten children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Williamson only five are now living. The mother was called to her final rest on the nth of September, 1877, and on the 24th of May, 1894, her husband joined her in the spirit world. 278 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY William A. Williamson, the immediate subject of this sketch, remained in the township of his nativity until reaching mature years, and to its public school system he is indebted for the educational privileges which he was permitted to enjoy in his youth. Removing to Union township, he there con- ducted a farm belonging to his father, and in 1876 purchased forty acres of his present place, to which he has added from time to time until his landed possessions now consist of one hundred and sixty acres, eighty acres of which are located in Union township, while the remainder lies in Orange township. In addition to his general farming Mr. Williamson is also engaged in stock raising, shipping about one carload a year. The sheep which he raises are of a superior grade, as are also his horses and hogs, and in both branches of his business he is meeting with a high and well merited degree of success. Aside from his extensive private affairs he has also found time to devote to the public welfare, having for a number of years served as the assessor of his township, was also president of the board of education for several years, and in all the movements and measures intended to advance the inter- ests of his fellow men he has been an active and efficient worker. On the 14th of October, 18S0, Mr. Williamson was united in marriage to Miss Anna J. Hamilton, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in i860, and is a daughter of James and Sarah Hamilton. This union has beai blessed with two children, — James M. and Ruah E. Both Mr. and Mrs. Williamson are members of the United Presbyterian church, in which the former has long served as a deacon and elder, also a Sunday-school superin- tendent and has held other minor offices. He has given his aid in many generous ways to the perpetuation of those forces which conserve the best interests of the community, and the course that he has followed in political, business, social and home circles commends him to the high esteem of all. He was a member of the board of agriculture four years, president of the same for two years and vice president one year. WILLIAM G. WAGGONER. William G. Waggoner, one of the loremost and most successful farm- ers of Marion township, Hancock county, Ohio, resides on a farm of eighty acres, which he devotes to general farming, and on which are a number of valuable gas and oil wells. Mr. Waggoner was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, March 4, 1840, and removed with his parents to this county when ten years of age. He has lived on his present farm since the year 1875. For a number of years he was engaged in the grocery business in Marion CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 279 township, but finally abandoned it for the present occupation. In public life he has done his duty to his fellow citizens, having served them in the offices of township trustee, supervisor and school director. He is ever ready to take part in anything that will inure to the benefit of society in his county and state. He was united in marriage to Miss Rachel, the daughter of Will- iam and Margaret Davis on the 7th day of October, 1866. The children born to this union are: Edward L., Charles D., and Mary M. The eldest son, Edward L. married Laura Wisely, and now resides in Findlay; Mary is the wife of John Welsch, and resides in Findlay. Mrs. Waggoner was born in Marion township in 1843, and for the further consideration of her family the reader is referred to a sketch of Mary A. Wolfe. William G. Waggoner is a son of Edward and Eliza (Allen) Waggoner. His father was born in Jefferson county in 181 1, his mother in the same county in 1812. They were married on the 13th day of April, 1837, and their family num- bered seven children, five of whom are now living. William G. is the only one residing in Ohio, the others being residents of Michigan. In 1850 Edward Waggoner purchased eighty acres of land in Cass township, Hancock county, upon which he continued to reside until his re- moval to Michigan in 1875. In that state the father died in 1886 and his wife Eliza in 1884. 'I'he paternal grandmother of Mr. Waggoner was Mary Jackson, who was born in 1775, and died in 1840. She was related to Presi- dent Andrew Jackson. Her husband, William Waggoner, was born July I, 1776, and died in 1854. His maternal grandparents were x\aron and Mary Allen, who died in 1850 and 1843 respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Waggoner enjoy the esteem and confidence of a very large circle of the best citizens of Hancock county, whom they delight to receive and entertain in their pleasant rural home. In politics he is an earn- est Republican and cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. NELSON COLEMAN. When Thomas Coleman arrived in Hancock county in 1840, the aspect of affairs was by no means so inviting as it is at the present day. There were no large towns, no manufacturing industries except of the rude pioneer kind, and farming had yet to assume that scientific and progressive form which now distinguishes the fertile fields of the Buckeye state. The famous and historic campaign of "log cabin and hard cider," coonskins and primi- tive emblems was then in full blast, which was to land "Tippecanoe and Tyler, too," in the seats of power at Washington. But young Coleman, 280 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY newly arrived from his native state of Delaware, was thinking more of find- ing some way of making a living than he was of politics, though no doubt he was affected by the prevailing enthusiasm and perhaps lent a hand in landing General Harrison in the presidential chair. However this may be, it is recorded that he located near what is now Benton Ridge, purchased forty acres of virgin soil and. set to work manfully to cut and grub a home out of this primeval wilderness. That he succeeded is proved by the fact that before his death he not only made a productive farm out of the first purchase, but added to it about four hundred acres more, which was also brought to a high state of cultivation. In fact, Thomas Coleman was one of those stirring and industrious men who are up early and late, improve every moment of their time and are not satisfied until the best results obtain- able from busy minds and hands are visible before their eyes. He came to the country a single man, but found an excellent wife in the person of Susan Baldwin, a daughter of one of his neighbors and a native of Hancock county. This union proved happy and fruitful and eight of their nine children are still living, all residents of Hancock county, as follows : Nelson, Theodore, Oliver, Herbert, Viola, Jennie, Belle and Charles. Efiie, the fifth born, is deceased, and the father passed av/ay April 21, 1901, after a residence of nearly sixty-one years in Hancock county. Nelson Coleman, the eldest of the children, was born in Hancock coun- ty, April I, 1853, and was reared on his father's farm in Blanchard township. He was trained to farm work, while attending the common schools in sea- son, and has neveV followed any occupation except that connected with ag- riculture. In 1883 he bought fifty-six acres of land in his native township, only ten of w^hich were cleared, and it is only necessary to look at it now to realize that Mr. Coleman has fully improved his time as a practical farmer. It is in the best state of cultivation, well fenced, well cleared and well tilled, wath fine modern improvements and buildings up-to-date in all their con- veniences. He inherited his father's thrift, economy and industrious traits, and these are reinforced by observing and taking advantage of the latest discoveries in agriculture. All his life Mr. Coleman has been also engaged in the stock business in connection with general farming. In poli- tics he is a Republican and one of the leading men of Blanchard township. In 1879, Mr. Coleman married Miss Caroline Hopkins, one of the neighborhood girls, and a daughter of M. E. and Maria M. Hopkins, estima- ble people of Blanchard township. The four children resulting from this union were Harry E., Hall, Alma and Gale, the two first mentioned being called from life at an early age. The family are connected with the United CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 281 Brethren church, in which ]\Ir. Coleman holds the position of trustee, and they enjoy the good will which is due to chose who spend blameless hves in an honorable calling. JOHN F. HIRSCHBERGER. Having been connected with the shoe business at Findlay for sixteen years, part of the time as salesman for others and latterly on his own ac- count, the subject of this sketch is now one of the best known men of the city in that line of trade. He is also regarded as one of the best informed of the merchants engaged in furnishing footwear to the public, besides en- joying the reputation which his urbane manners and accommodating dispo- sition have secured for him during his long years of contact with the people of Findlay and the territory tributary thereto. He has met with success in his ventures and those who know him most intimately will be ready to admit that this success is well deserved. As the name would indicate, he is of German origin, his father, Anthony Hirschberger, having been born in the empire of the Hohenzollerns in 1835. He came to America in his youth, first locating in New York state and later finding his way to the pretty town of Clyde, in Ohio. Throughout the period of his active life he was en- gaged in the business of shoe merchant and followed this occupation in Ohio until the time of his death in 1883. He was married in Rochester, New York, to Miss Kate Nape, by whom he had four children, the two sur- vivors being Mary, wife of Alfred Passey, of Clyde, and John F. Hirsch- berger. The latter, to whom this memoir is especially devoted, was born in Rochester, New York, in 1861, and was deprived of his mother by death four years later. He was eleven years old when his father located in Clyde, Ohio, and he remained there until 1886. He attended the schools of that place but the most valuable part of his education was obtained by his service in various capacities in the shoe store of his father, and under the latter's experienced tutelage. He commenced this apprenticeship at the age of seventeen and continued it until his father's death five years later. From 1883 until 1886, Mr. Hirschberger was employed in other stores, one year as manager of the B. M. Lyons grocery and two years in the same kind of position at the clothing and furnishing establishment of E. D. Harkness. In 1866 he returned to ^'his old love" by being installed at Findlay as man- ager in the shoe store of George F. Tanner and retained this responsibility until January, 1893. In that year Mr. Hirschberger purchased the entire stock and good will of tlie business he had been supervising and has since 282 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY been the sole proprietor. His previous experience, besides an inherited adaptabihty for this branch of trade, has enabled Mr. Hirschberger to in- crease the original business and carry it on to the entire success of a large line of patrons. He enjoys general esteem in the business world and is re- garded as a merchant of integrity as well as a citizen of good repute. In October, 1893, "^"^'^s solemnized the wedding of John F. Hirschberger and Miss Ella E., daughter of Thomas H. McCune, all of Findlay, where the ceremony was performed amid the congratulations of many friends. Mr. Hirschberger is a member of the two popular fraternities of the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America, and is an esteemed addition to each of these orders. His political affihations are with the Democratic party and socially he and his wife enjoy the best that Findlay can afford. T. C. BOYD. T. C. Boyd comes from good old Dutch stock. The parents are both natives of Pennsylvania and the family has devoted itself for years to farm- ing. The father, R. W. Boyd, was born July 22, 1822; the mother, Almira Ewing, in June, 1834. They were married about 1852. In 1856 they moved from Ashland county, this state, and for five years lived upon various rented farms in Liberty township, this county. In 1861 they took hold of the eighty acres now the property of their son T. C. Boyd. The Half-Way House between Findlay and Macomb stood directly north across the road. Mr. Boyil kept his eye on that place and in 1868 he bought the establishment and the surrounding eighty acres. He not only wanted to use the land, but he wanted to put an end to the liquor business there. He tore down the hotel and later, in 1887, erected a fine, brick residence in its stead. Mr. Boyd has served his township in the office of trustee and as justice of the peace and has always been prominent in township affairs. Politically he sides with Republicans, and religiously he is a Presbyterian. At present writing (1902) he and his wife are living a quiet, retired life in Findlay. Of their nine children, four only reached maturity and are living to-day. They are : T. C, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Mary Reed; Mrs. Etta Heimhoffer, and Mrs. Jennie Mitchel. T. C. Boyd was born in Ashland county, this state, November 5, 1855; but has lived in this county since he was six months old. He has taken kind- ly to the occupation of his forefathers and followed agriculture with con- siderable success. On his and the adjoining eighty acres of his father there are now forty oil wells, yielding a fine income. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 283 On November 5, 1879, he married Miss Barbara, daughter of David and Catherine Sherrick, a young woman born in Liberty township in 1861. They have three children: Joseph M., born in 1880; Lois M., born in 1882, and Virgil, born in 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd belong to the Presbyterian church and he is a prominent member of the Knights of Pythias. In political belief and interest Mr. Boyd is an earnest supporter of the principles of the Republican party. ALBERT J. TH0AL4S. Li various lines of employment the subject of this biography has been well known in Hancock county, since his business career began twenty-five years ago. He has been a school teacher, carpenter, salesman of threshing- mashines, agricultural implement dealer, tile manufacturer and finally a pro- ducer of oil, in which last capacity he has operated largely and successfully for some years past. During this period of multiplied employments, Mr. Thomas has gained a well recognized standing in the industrial world as one of the county's enterprising citizens. He inherits Welsh blood, strength- ened by Irish admixture, a combination that usually results in vigorous and energetic progeny who are able to make their way in the world wherever their lot is cast. Originating in Wales, the family emigrated to the north of Ireland and located in county Down. There James Thomas was born in 1792, married Mary A. Campbell in 1814, and with her emigrated two years later to America. After spending a few years at Carlisle, Pennsyl- vania, he settled in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1822, remained there until 1835, and then located permanently in Biglick township, Hancock county, where he died in 1879. His eleven children all grew to maturity, and six of these are still living as follows : Samuel B. ; Robert ; Ann, wife of Henry Shroy ; Joseph; Nathaniel and Martha. Robert Thomas, second of the surviving children, was born in Wayne count, Ohio, January i, 1827, came with his parents to Hancock county at the age of eight years, and since reaching ma- turity has been engaged in farming. In 1849 he married Dilly A., daughter of Solomon Little, had seven children, and the five of these who still survive are thus named: Albert J. and Alvin S. (twins), Alice R., Elsworth C. and Edgar P. Nathan H., the oldest, died April 9, 1899, and Libbie M. died September i, 1887. The mother died December 23, 1898, but the father is still living, having sold his farm and moved to Findlay in April. 1902. xMbert J. Thomas, eldest of the survivors and one of the twin brothers above mentioned, was born on the farm in Biglick township, Hancock coun- 2 84 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY ty, Ohio, January 14, 1856. During his boyhood he received the ordinary farm training and education, but later had the benefit of a six months' course at the Normal school in Findlay. When eighteen years old he began to learn the carpenter's trade, which furnished him employment during three summers, and upon reaching his majority he engaged in school teaching in his native township. During the seven succeeding years, he continued his pedagogic labors in winter, and spent the summers and falls in selling thresh- ing machines, or such other work as could be obtained. In the spring of 1880, in partnership with M. C, Sheraden, he built the first tile factory es- tablished in Biglick township, which was carried on by the firm for eleven years. At the end of that period Mr. Thomas embarked in the agricultural implement business at Findlay, in connection with I. C. Porter, and he con- tinued in this line for two years. In 1893 he engaged as traveling salesman lor the Flint & Walling Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of mills, pumps and kindred articles at Kendall ville, Indiana. In 1894, however, Mr. Thomas returned to Findlay and renewed the work of drilling water wells, which he caiTied on extensively throughout Hancock county. In the spring of 1896 he went into the oil business, leasing lands and drilling wells, and this has been his occupation up to the present time. The first twelve wells he drilled proved to be what is known to the craft as "dry-holes," but he '^struck oil"' in his thirteenth venture. In fact he has been one of the most successful of the many oil producers in the Findlay field and is able to show good results from his years of arduous labor. Mr. Thomas has never mar- ried but belongs to the class who rejoice in "single blessedness" and freedom from matrimonial restraint. He is, however, a man of regular habits and upright life, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church in good standing, and active in connection with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In politics he is a Republican. SHELDON WOODRUFF. Sheldon Woodruff resides in Eagle township, Hancock county, upon the farm on which he was born, July 10, 1842, his parents being Elijah and Sarah (Walters) Woodruff. The father w^as a native of Ohio, born in Pickaway county, July 28, 1806, and the mother's birth occurred in Jeffer- son county, Kentucky, December 17, 18 19. She was brought to Hancock county by her parents about 1827. All the grandparents of our subject died in comparatively early life with the exception of the maternal grandmother, who reached an advanced age and passed away during the boyhood of Shel- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 285 don Woodruff. Her only living child is Margaret Doty, the wife of John Doty, Sr., of Jackson township. The parents of our subject were married in Eagle township, October 16, 1836. He had two brothers, Adam and William, who also settled in Hancock county and both died here, the latter many years ago. There were also two sisters who became residents of the county — Polly Ann, the wife of Peter George, and Hannah, who married Bonaparte Martz. Both of them were well advanced in years when called to their final rest. Elijah Woodruff had about thirty acres of land at the time of his mar- riage and in the cabin home on that farm his two eldest children were born. He later built the home in which Sheldon W'oodruff is now living and in it the other children first opened their eyes to the light of day. He also erected a large farmhouse in the same year, but it was afterward destroyed by fire. The father entered his first land from the government and our sub- ject now has in his possession three old parchment deeds, according him the ownership of property. The first is for one hundred and sixty acres of state land, which had been granted to the state to aid in building canals, and the deed was signed by Governor .\llen Trimble, in October, 1829. Another deed for forty acres was signed May 6, 1835, '^^'^^ bears the signature of President Andrew Jackson. A third for forty acres, dated April 18, 1837, was signed by Martin Van Buren. Taking up his abode in a little log cabin built in the primitive manner of pioneer times Elijah Woodruff began the development of his farm and placed about sixty acres of his land under cultivation. He died May 20, 1865, and his wife passed away Alarch 30, 1886, at the age of sixty-six years, three months and three days. After the death of her first husband she married John Bickelhaupt, with whom she lived about two years and then returned to the old homestead, where her remaining days were passed. She was very devoted to her family and was an earnest Christian woman, who became one of the charter members of the United Brethren church at Pleasant Grove. ^Ir. ^^^oodruft' was a Democrat in his political affiliations but was never an office seeker. In their family were three children who died in childhood, while five reached years of ma- turity and are still living. These are: Benjamin, who owns a part of the old homestead; Samantha S., the wife of R. M. Henderson, of Dunkirk, Ohio; Angeline, the wife of John S. Bishop ; and \\'illiam. who also owns a part of the old homestead. The other member of the family is Sheldon \\'oodruff of this review. He was reared upon the old farm and has spent his entire life here. The three brothers purchased the interest of the other heirs in the property and 286 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY all lived together during the mother's lifetime, but after her death the prop- erty was divided, each taking a share of the farm. Mr. Woodruff has always carried on agricultural pursuits, and his land returns a good tribute for the care and labor he bestows upon it. On the 1 8th of February, 1864, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Woodmff and Miss Missouri Alspach, a daughter of George W. and Eliza- beth (Zoll) Alspach, of Eagle township. Mrs. Woodruff" was born in this township, January 17, 1846, and by her marriage has become the mother of four children. Ella is the wife of E. J. Pepple, of Jackson township. Harry, also of Eagle township, married Matilda Hartman, and has two children, Lola and Orval. Floyd, who operates his uncle Benjamin's farm, married Jennie Hoy, and they have one child, Farrell. Ollie, who cultivates his father's home farm, wedded Lillie Decker. Mr. Woodruff is a Democrat and has some times served as a delegate to the conventions of his party, but has never had any aspirations for office, though he was trustee for six years. He attends and supports the Pleasant Grove United Brethren church, and devotes his life to the farm, whereupon he has spent his entire days, so that the place is endeared to him through the associations of his boyhood and manhood. JOHN W. GRIMM. Though practicing at the Findlay bar only about twelve years, the sub- ject of this sketch has not only done well but may be said to have achieved a notable success, considering the competition he has had to meet. Besides the business transacted in the ordinary channels he has held the posititon of deputy probate judge for seven years, and is at present referee in bank- ruptcy for the northern district of Ohio. Besides his industry and energy as a practitioner and the conscientious discharge of such judicial positions as he has held, Mr. Grimm has the recommendation of geniality in tempera- ment and courtesy of address which brings its possessor in easy touch with the multitude and gains friends from widely diverse elements. These quali- fies make him one of the most popular, as he certainly is one of the most pro- giessive, members of the local bar. The Grimm family seem to have been long settled in Pennsylvania and well represented in the industries as well as the professions. John Grimm, grandfather of the Findlay attorney, was born in Beaver county, Pennsyl- vania, in 1814, spent his life as a farmer and grist-miller, and died in his native state in 1886. His son, Joseph Grimm, became in after life a noted CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 287 minister of the Church of God, and owing to his evangeHcal peregrinations was known over a wide scope of country in different states. He was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, in 1837, was ordained at an early age and spent his whole life in the cause of religion, not ceasing to labor "in the vineyard" until death claimed him in October, 1900, while a resident of Allegheny county, of his native state. This reverend gentleman owmed and for many years successfully operated a farm in Moon township, Beaver county, Penn- sylvania. He married early and became the father of eight children, the second of whom was John W. Grimm, whose birth occurred at Freedom, Pennsylvania, July 31, i860. The children of itinerant preachers are apt to see considerable of the world, as their fathers travel from place to place and stay nowhere for any great length -of time. By this process of moving around continuously, young Grimm's rearing and education were not lack- ing in such variety as could be given by frequent change of place, but for this very reason doubtless possessed additional elements of advantage. The boy grew up to manhood mostly in western Pennsylvania, and among the more important schools attended were Mt. Pleasant Institute and the State Normal at Edinboro, both in Pennsylvania. He taught school for a number of terms in the public schools of Beaver county, Pennsylvania. After Mr. Grimm came to Findlay in 1886 he entered the college of that place and put in two years of hard study by way of a finishing course. Upon leaving this institution in 1888 he immediately entered upon the study of law under Theo- dore Totten, and made such headway as to be admitted to the bar in 1890. He opened an office in Findlay without delay, but was hardly well started in general business when, in 1891, he was appointed deputy probate judge, the duties of which position occupied the principal part of his time until 1895. At the present time he is one of the referees in bankruptcy for the northern district of Ohio, with headquarters at Findlay. Soon after coming to Ohio, Mr. Grimm purchased a farm in Hardin county, and has been much inter- ested in Ohio farming ever since. In 1889 Mr. Grimm was married, at Findlay, to Miss Alice, daughter of William B. Miller, and they have five children: Bernice, DeWitt Miller, Helen, John and Flora. W. B. Miller, the father of Mrs. Grimm, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, and is one of the pioneers of Hancock county, hav- ing now reached the age of seventy-eight years. He is a farmer and stock raiser by occupation, and is one of the leading Republicans of the county. Mr. Grimm is also one of the leading Republicans of Hancock county and also of northwestern Ohio. He has for many years attended nearly all of the conventions of his party, both state and local, and has been a member of 288 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY the central and executive committees for many years. In his fraternal rela- tions he is a member of the Masonic order, Findlay Lodge, No. 227; of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 400 ; and of the Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica, Bishop Camp No. 4678, of Findlay. He and his family are leading mem- bers of the First Presbyterian church of this city. DANIEL WALTER. The subject of this slucy. daughter of C. G. .and Elizabeth Moore, a native of Mercer county, where she w^as born in 1868. The children resulting- from this union, six in number, are as follows: Carl A., ]\Ierrill L., Merritt L., Ura D. and two deceased. Owing to their long connection with the development of the county, their success as agri- culturists and their general merits as citizens, the Dukes, both of the older and younger generation, enjoy a standing second to no other family and they occupy positions of influence in their respective communities. MORRISON FIOSLER. That Hancock county can support so many retired farmers who are amply provided for old age, and who can spend their later lives in ease, speaks well for the kinds of farms to be found in it, and still better for the class of men who have brought this condition about. IMr. Hosier learned farming in the most practical way, having been reared on a farm. His education was gotten in the country schools, and 364 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY ihough he now lives in Findlay, keeps up his interests in the country, and attends to his business affairs which are necessarily large. His success as a stock-raiser in connection with farming is unquestioned and he is looked on as an authority in all matters pertaining to agriculture. Our subject was born in Fostoria, Ohio, in 1847, though at the early age of two he came with his parents to Hancock county, where they settled on a farm in Washington township. Mr. Hosier was married on February 27, 1868, in Washington township to Sarah E. Linhart, daughter of Philip Linhart, and by this union there were two children : Cora May died in 1892, at the age of twenty-eight ; she was the wife of William Henderson, and left two children: John Morrison and Frances Ruth. The other daughter is Eliza A., wife of Charles Henderson, and their two children are Goldie M. and Howard Wilson. Mr. Hosier gives his support to the Democratic party, and fraternizes with the Benevolent and- Protective Order of Elks of Findlay. BENJAMIN J. WISE. The above named is' a worthy member of the agricultural class in Han- cock county, residing in Marion township, on a farm of fifty acres. He is exceedingly well known throughout all this section of the country, from the fact that he was not only prominently identified with the agricultural element of this section, but for years previous had been connected with the ministry. He was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, February 19, 1835, the son of Benjamin and Lydia Wise, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. He in early life received all the advantages of the com.mon and select schools of his section, and so thoroughly fitted himself for the teacher's profssion that he followed that vocation most successfully for a number of years. He was thirty-five years a minister of the Gospel in the E'nited Brethren church, twelve of this number having been passed in the work exclusively, the balance of the period in the local ranks, though he has ofticiated frequently in the pulpit. Later in life Mr. Wise came under the influence of the teachers of the faith popularly known as the Christian Catholic church, Chicago, Illinois, to which organization he now devotes his religious activities. In July, 1870, he was joined in marriage to Miss Anna, daughter of Nicodemus B. and Margaret (Buckingham) Ingham, the former an agri- culturist, who was born in Ohio and died at the age of sixty-four years. He was the son of Necodenius Ingham, the oldest heir of a wealthy estate in England, where he was born. Seven children were the result of this union. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 365 namely: Ah'in S., who married Ida V. Swank, and now resides in Carey, Wyandot county, Ohio; Elam, who married Emma L. Folk, and is hving in ]\farion township; Homer; Orpha, who married Charles A. Byal, and resides in Eagle towmship, this county; Virgil, who married Grace Aliller and resides in Carey, Ohio; Blanche and Clarence. The mother of this family was born in Putnam county. Ohio, on the 6th of September, 1847. This estimable lady had a fair training for school teaching, and in the ranks of the noble calling she served with much satisfaction to her patrons, and with great honor to herself, for a considerable period of years. The parents of Benjamin J. Wise removed from the Keystone state in 1842, and located in Marion township on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Mr. Wise was a practical and most successful farmer, and during his lifetime was a man of great influence in the community. He. in his earlier days, carried on a mer- cantile business, and finally abandoned it for the more free and less lucrative business of farming. He held some of the important offices in the township during his lifetime, having been assessor for a period of years. His family consisted of eleven children, eight of whom are now living: Fannie; Lovina; Benjamin J.; Isabelle, deceased; Israel, deceased; Mary; Sarah; Jane, de- ceased; Lydia ; Franklin and Dixon. After a long life of usefulness in the com- munity, the parents of this family died, the wife in March, 1885, and the father in 1890. Our subject's paternal grandfather was a fine cabinet-maker and farmer. He was a very exact man, always looking after the details of life, a Presbyterian and very devout. Our subject's grandfather on his mother's side, whose name w^as Corad Opp, was a successful farmer and a man of considerable influence in his day, being a zealous Presbyterian. NELSON POE. Nelson Poe, a retired farmer residing in Findlay, Ohio, is a representa- tive of one of the oldest families of which Ohio can boast; for from the time when the country had only a few scattered settlements, and most of these without government authority, when the vast stretches of fertile prairie and woodland lay untouched except by the futile and improvident scratch- ings of the Indian in his shiftless effort to produce his winter's grain, from that early period has the Peo family been represented among the hardy Ohio pioneers. Grandfather John Poe was a native of old Virginia and came, along with the thousands making for the great west, to Ohio about the year 1798, and there he lived to the advanced age of ninety-six years. He had taken part in 366 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY the Revolutionary war, serving in the cavalry forces and had his horse shot which fell upon him and he was taken prisoner by the British. The horse, in falling, caught him on one of the legs and bound him. After being shot, the animal ran one Inindred yards before falling. His son, Jacob Poe, was also born in Virginia, in 1782, and when about sixteen years of age came with his father to Ross county, Ohio, and in 1822 removed to Han- cock county, where his long life as a tiller of the soil came to an end m 1856. Eighty years ago, on September 4, 1822, on Paint creek, Ross county, near Chillicothe, Ohio, was born Nelson Poe ; and in December of the same year he came with his parents to Hancock county, where the latter located on the farm in Liberty township, which now belongs to our subject. Here he lived until 1857, when he rented a farm in Findlay township, three miles north of Findlay, where he lived until i860; he then purchased and moved to a farm in Liberty township; in 1864 the old home place passed into his hands and he made that his home until November 15, 1888, when he retired and has since resided in Findlay. Mr. Poe was married in .Vugust, 1846, in Hancock county, to Alary, the step-daughter of John Lytle, and three children have been born to them. Philip Melancthon Poe was born March 5, 1847, and died February 13, 1865; on October 16, 1864, he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-ninth Regi- ment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was with Sherman on his famous march to the sea, and died at Savannah of disease contracted in the service. Martin Luther Poe was born July 29, 1850, and died July 2t^, 1889. The third child, Annetta, is the wife of P. W. Ewing, of Findlay. Mr. Poe is a mem- ber of the Methodist church, and his political tendencies are toward the Pro- hibition party. WILLLAM W. ERNEST. Of the farmers of Washington township whose association with the public life of the community is such as to deserve recognition in this volume we find the above named gentleman. He resides on and operates a farm of one hundred and seventy acres. He is a native of the Keystone state, hav- ing been born in Perry county, September 27, 1846. His father's name was Frederick Ernest and his mother was Mary A. Hall, both of them having been natives of the same state and county. Frederick Ernest was a stone and brick mason, at which trade he labored for a number of years before abandoning it for agricultural pursuits. He with his family removed to Hancock county in 1849, where he located on forty acres of land, subsequently CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 367 adding thirty. The most of this land was in its primitive wild state, and the first years were years of toil devoted to clearing, in which the subject of this sketch did his part. The father was a good, industrious man, who made many friends by his upright dealings. It is noted that he had been a soldier of the war of 1812. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and by that congregation was very greatly esteemed. The family consisted of thirteen children, six of whom are now living: Samuel J., George K., William W., Mary E., F. J., and Isaac M. Frederick Ernest died in the year 1874, and his wife, Mary A., died in April, 1902. William W. Ernest has passed a lifetime in agricultural pursuits. He received the rather limited education of the pioneer days in Hancock county, but it was enough, together with that which he has added by observation and experience, to equip him for the duties of life. He purchased his first farm in 1880, and later added one hundred acres, all of which he devotes to general farming. He was united in marriage to Miss Emma, daughter of Jonathan and Margaret Adams, in 1874. To this happy union w^ere born two children : Rella M. and W. J. Mrs. Emma Ernest was born near Fos- toria, Hancock county, December 10, 1846. Mr. Ernest and his wife are con- sistent members of the United Brethren church, in which organization he is a trustee. He is an industrious and honored citizen, and is prominently identified with the active life of the community in which he resides, and in which he and Mrs. Ernest are highly esteemed citizens. In 1902 Mr. Ernest added to his one hundred and seventy acres twelve acres more, making in all a farm of one hundred and eighty-tw^o acres, which is devoted to general farming and stock-raising. DON C. HUGHES, M. D. We have here one of the younger members of the medical fraternity of Hancock county, Ohio, a gentleman who is a product of the city of Find- lay, having been born there February 17, 1870, and where he was reared and received his primary education. He graduated from the High school in Findlay in 1888, and immediately entered upon the study of civil engineer- ing, which he intended to adopt as a life profession. After eighteen months of the study he was forced to abandon that idea owing to an accident which incapacitated him from pursuing such an active life. He thereupon entered the office of Dr. F. W. Firmin in Findlay, and began the study of medicine. The school which he selected to complete his education was the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, Maryland, where, after due time, he 368 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY graduated in 1893. He then repaired to the city of Chicago, where he hung out his shingle and practiced for some eighteen months, when he located in his own city. This was in September, 1895, and he has continued to prac- tice here since that date. Dr. Hughes is keenly alive to the interests of his profession, keeping in touch with the medical thought of his section of the state. He is a member of the American Medical Association, of the Ohio State Medical Society, of the Northwestern Ohio Medical Society, and for the past five years has been secretary of the Hancock County Medical So- ciety. He is a young man of great promise in his chosen profession, and has already succeeded in building up a very creditable practice. The Doctor is a prominent and active Republican, the policies of which party he delights in furthering at every opportunity. Fraternally he affiliates with the popu- ular insurance organization known as the Modern Woodmen of America. Dr. Hughes was united in marriage December 31, 1898, to Mamie, the daugh- ter of John W. Dempsey, of New Albany, Pennsylvania. ■ The chief points in the family history of Dr. Hughes may be summed up as follows. The first member of the family of which any authentic in- formation can be given was of his great-grandfather, William Hughes, who Avas a native of Pennsylvania, and at the time of the struggle for independ- ence took a prominent part in the cause of freedom. The next in line was our subject's grandfather, who was also a native of Pennsylvania and lived and died there. The father of Dr. Hughes was Leonidas H. Hughes, born in Pennsylvania in 1845. He married Eva Swapp and to them was born one child, Don C. He removed to Hancock county in 1858, and is now deputy internal revenue collector for the eighth district. At the time when his country needed his services, Mr. Hughes gladly went to the front, serving the entire period of the war as a private soldier in Company E, Fifty-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. While meeting a charge of the enemy at Chickamauga, he received a wound in the right knee, which incapacitated him for some time from participating in the service. Dr. Don C. Hughes is a figure in the medical and social life of his com- munity. He merits and receives the good wishes of a very large circle of friends. GABRIEL M. DREISBACH. This name suggests Germany and inquiry proves that the surmise is correct, as the family originated in that country, though the descendants have long been residents of the United States. The original emigrants and founders of the family in America were Martin and Eva HofTman Dreisbach, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 369 who came across the ocean in 1746 and found a location in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Their son Martin, who was Ijorn in Berks county, Penn- sylvania, in 1764, and died in 1831, married Selina F. Bucks, a native of Sussex county, New Jersey, who died in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1849. John Dreisbach, son of the last mentioned couple, was born in Buffalo Valley. Pennsylvania, June 5, 1789, entered the ministry of the Evangelical church at an early age and was one of the first ministers of that denomination in the United States. In 181 1 he married Catherine Eyer, who died in 1815, leav- ing two children, Salome and Elizabeth. Tn 1817 he married Fannie Eyer, sister of his first wife, and the children by this union were: Abraham E., Isaac E., Catherine, Sophia, Jacob B., Leah E., Martin E., Susannah E., John E., Fannie and Martha E. The father died August 20, 1877. Abra- ham E. Dreisbach, eldest son of the above mentioned children, was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, February 21, 181 8, and in 1840 was married to Mary A. Miesse of Fairfield county, Ohio. lie was ordained to the min- istry of the Evangelical church and devoted to the service of this denomina- tion the best part of his active life. The children of the marriage above recorded, ten in number, thus appear in the family register: Caroline M., John M.. Susan M., David M., Gabriel M., C. M., Abraham M., Mary A.. Benjamin M. and Daniel (twins). The last named is dead and of the other brothers, John M. and Abraham M. are ministers of the gospel. The mother of these children died February 9, 1857, and her husband's second wife was Elizabeth Strome, by whom there was no issue. Rev. Abraham E. Dreisbach, who did much good for the cause of religion and morality and remained in harness as long as strengdi lasted, ended his earthly career August 28. 1876. Gabriel M. Dreisbach, fifth of his children in order of birth, was born in Pickaway county. Ohio. March 30, 1848. He was taken in early life to Seneca county, where he Avas reared, educated and remained until he reached his majority. In the spring of 1869 he came to Hancock county and some time later made his first purchase of land, consisting* of fifty acres in Union township. This tract was increased by various purchases from time to time, but finally Mr. Dreisbach disposed of his entire holdings in L'nion and in 1892 bought the farm of ninety-five acres in Blanchard township, which constitutes his present homestead. Oct. 26, 1869, he married Miss Mary A. Whisler, a native of Putnam county, Ohio, where she was born July 2, 1853. The five children resulting from this union are: H. D., born in 1871; Blanch L., born in 1873; Irvin W., born in 1875; Floretta, in 1878; and Edith A., in 1882. The family belongs to the Evangelical church, 370 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY of ancestors, a number of whom, as previously shown, were ministers of this denomination. Mr. Dreisbach was recently elected treasurer of this township and at present is serving his second year in that office. In politics he is a Republican. H. D. Dreisbach, the oldest child, married Verna Whitmore of Fremont, Ohio. Blanch I. is now Airs. Rev. Green, and has three children, viz : Ethel, Oral and Mary C. Irvin W. married Ethel McLish and has one child, Francis Fern. Edith A. married Rev. O. J. Baker, of Delmore, Ohio. JOHN VAN SICKLE. In these times and in this country, where birth and social position have an inconsiderable influence on one's success in life, the man whom history most Ijonors is he who has started in life with little capital and has made his way to the top in spite of obstacles. John \\an Sickle of Pleasant township is a good example of this character of a man. The parents of this man were John and Elizabeth (Felters) Van Sickle. The former was a native of Pennsylvania, born in i8]2, and his ancestry is traceable to good Holland stock ; the latter was a native of Stark county, Ohio. They located in Blanch- ard township of this county in 1837, at first buying forty acres of land and later eighty acres more. In 1855 they sold this and removed to Pleasant township in 1856, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres, but little of this was improved and he spent a good many years in bringing it under cultivation. Afterwards he sold this farm and l^ought one of eighty acres near McComb, upon which he lived until his death in 1885, in the month of !\Iarch. He was married three times, his first wife being Angeiine Hous- worth. who bore no children. His second wife was Elizabeth Felters, who was the mother of Thomas, deceased; David; Fsaac ; John, our subject; George, who died in the army ; Elizabeth ; Nancy ; Samantha and Servatus, By his third wife, Jane Brooks, he had Steven, William and Martha. His second wife, the mother of our subject, died on December 8. 1861. He was a strong, rugged man, of large build, above the average in intelligence, an inveterate hunter, and always provided well for his large family. He was the first man in his county to own and operate a threshing machine. He was a strong adherent of the principles of the Repuljlican party and a worthy citi- zen of his county. John Van Sickle. Jr., was born in Blanchard township, Hancock county, Ohio, in 1841, attended the district schools and completed his education in Findlay. After his school days were over he taught for several terms, but CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 37 ^ finding a life of confinement too great a strain he turned his attention to agriculture. He and his three brothers served in the Civil war; David was in the Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry; George enlisted in the same regiment after its reorganization ; Isaac was in the One Hundred and Thirty- second Ohio; and John served in Company L, First Heavy Artillery, Ohio Volunteers from August 8, 1864, to the end of the war. On his return from the army John bought his present farm. On March 16, 1868, he was united in marriage to Laura D. Davis, daughter of Alfred Davis, and born January 5, 1843; two children were born: Irvin L., in 1871, and Ivy Dell, in 1879. who became the wife of B. B. Brumby. Mr. Van Sickle is a self-made man wlio began life with his hands and an earnest purpose as his capital, and by thrift and industry has accumu- lated considerable property. In 1879 he Imilt a commodious and comforta- ble brick house; besides his general farming he devotes some time to fruit growing. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Post No. 155; he and his wife are consistent meml:)ers of the Methodist church; and in all affairs concerning business or society in general he makes the influence of his upright character felt. A. J. OVERHOLT. This native of the Keystone state, who is by descent a German, lives in Washington township, where he resides on a farm of seventy-two acres devoted to general farming. H^s birth occurred in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, on January 24, 1848. His paternal sire was Abraham Over- holt, his mother's maiden name having been Barbara Sherick. The father was born in February, 1811, and the mother in tlie year 181 3. Mr. Overholt was ten years of age when his parents, in 1858, removed from Pennsylvania to Hancock county, Ohio. Here his father bought three hundred and twen- ty-five acres of virgin forest land, which was cleared during the lifetime of Abraham Overholt. This gentleman was a good and thrifty farmer, and was one of the heaviest payers of tax on real estate in his day in the county. Po- litically he affiliated with the Republican party, and religiously he was what was known as a Mennonite, iDut. not having a church organization nearby, he later joined the United Brethren churcli. liis death occurred January 23, 1896, the wife having preceded him, dying December 5, 1891. The children, besides the subject of this sketch, were Anna, Christian M., Eliza- beth, Jacob, deceased, Joseph, Abraliam, Sara. Maria, Barbara and Mar- tin B. 372 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY A. ]. Overholt was reared in Washington township, and early became familiar with the labors of the field and meadow, and assisted in the work of the home farm. His elementary edncation was acquired in the district school, which was later supplemented by further literary work in the schools of the city of Fostoria. His instincts and training fitted him peculiarly for the life of an agriculturist, and he chose that pursuit, in which he has been eminently successful. The first farm he owned w^as purchased in January, 1880, and lies partly in Wood county. He lives, however, in Hancock county, wdiere he caused to be built the handsome brick structure in which he now resides, the other improvements being in consonance. The marriage of Mr. Overholt occurred January 14, 1869, the lady being Elmira, the daughter of Isaac and Susan Marietta. Two children have been born to this union : Earl L., May 2, 1870, and Mabel M. The son, after pursuing a four years' classi- cal course at Fostoria Academy, became a student of the Cincinnati Medical Academy, and after graduating at this institution enrolled at the Rush Medi- cal College in Chicago, Illinois, where he spent two years and obtained his de- gree. He is now a successful physician in his home town of Fostoria, where he enjoys a large and lucrative practice. The daughter Mabel is also a grad- uate of Fostoria high school, in which institution she is now a successful and popular instructor. Mr. Overholt has always taken an exceedingly active part in the public life of his county. He gives his every eft'ort to the advancement of the interests of the Republican party, by whose suft'rages he is at the pres- ent time serving as county commissioner, to which office he was elected in 1902. He has also served in the more minor but not less responsible ofiice of trustee of his township. He and his family are consistent members of the United Brethren church, in which organization he has been for years a trus- tee. They are honored for their many good qualities of heart and mind, and well deserv^e representation in a history devoted to the rapresentative fam- ilies of Hancock county. FREDERICK A. HOLLIGER. Many Swiss compatriots have found a home in America, where they have succeeded in building up fortunes and in winning the respect of their fellow citizens. The subject of this sketch, however, was but five years old when he came to America, but he looks on it as his mother country and has served it faithfully in war as well as in peace. Mr. Holliger's father, Nicholas Holliger, was born in Switzerland in 1 82 1, and came to America in 1850, locating in Uhrichsville, Ohio. It was there that Mr. Holliger lived and was educated, his parents afterwards moving CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 3/3 to a farm. He enlisted in September, 1863, in Company 1, One Hundred and Twelfth Regiment, Ohio V^olunteer Cavalry, as a private, and served until the close of the war, when he was mustered out at Nashville, Tennes- see, in November, 1865. He was in the following battles: Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, Cynthiana, Kentucky, the first fight at Salt vi lie, V'irginia, where he was badly wounded in the right thigh and captured. He was also in many minor engagements. He was sent to the Emory Henry hospital, fifteen miles from Saltville, Virginia, and there held three weeks. He was then sent to Richmond, V^irginia, and paroled and exchanged at City Point. From there he was taken to the hospital at Annapolis, Maryland, where he remained until December, 1864, and was gi\'en a furlough of thirty days home. At the ex- piration of his furlough he reported at Camp Chase, Ohio, and rejoined his regiment at Richmond, Kentucky, his wound still being a running sore. In spite of this he went with General Stoneman in co-operation with Sherman on his march to the sea, and was in the fight at Salisbury, North Carolina, where they released about three thousand Federal prisoners and came so near to capturing Jefferson Davis. /\fter being mustered out of service at Nashville, Mr. Holliger returned to Ohio, going to Columbus, where he received his discharge and returned to his home in Tuscarawas county. He remained there for some time, farming a little, and working in a grist mill and in the coal mines. In 1879 he went to Troy, Ohio, for a year and later to Piqua, Ohio, continuing in the sewing machine business in which he had engaged in Troy. In 1887 he left the sew- ing machine business to start into the grocery business, which later he merged into a confectionery jobbing business. In 1887 he sold out and came to Findlay, and went into the wholesale confectionery and cigar business, which he now continues, the members of the firm being F. A., H. L., C. C. Holliger and C. F. Eckhardt. Mr. Holliger was first married in 1869 to Maiy A. Lehn, who died in 1880, leaving three children as follows: Harry L. ; Charles C. and Mary Maud, wife of C. F. Eckhardt. Mr. Holliger married again in 1882, his second wife being Mary A. McWilliams; there have been no children by this union. A brother of Mr. Holliger also served as a private the Civil war, enlisting in Company B, Fifty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He w^as captured at Somerset, Kentucky, but was not held long, being soon paroled. The subject of this sketch belongs to the Knights of Pythias, Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows, and Stoker Post, No. 54, Grand Army of the Republic. 374 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY EPHRALM TROUT. For many years this gentleman, now deceased, was one of the leading citizens of Allen township, Hancock county. He was the son of John and Eleanor Trout, who, with their family removed from Perry county to the village of Van Buren, Hancock county, in 1828. The father entered one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government, part of which original purchase is now owned by Allen Dorsey, of Van Buren. This land was soon brought under a good state of cultivation. Mr. John Trout is remembered as having been one of the principal movers in the matter of laying out the town of Van Buren. He was a thorough business man as well as a good practical farmer. His death occurred early in life. His family consisted of Ephraim, George, Philip, John E., Eliza, Ella and Cornelius. Ephraim Trout was born in Perry county, Ohio, November 24, 181 7. He was, therefore, only eleven years old when his parents came to Hancock county, Ohio. Having been reared on a farm and educated in the common schools of the township, he naturally took to agricultural pursuits and fol- lowed in the footprints of his father. He passed his life as a resident of Allen township, was prominent in public affairs, ranked among the best farm- ers, and served in many of the local offices. His farm consisted of a quarter section, upon which he lived until his death, which occurred October 18, 1900. He twice entered the state of matrimony. His first wife was Sarah E. Shafer, whom he married April 25, 1839, and who died in October, 1871, leaving seven children: John, Mary E., Amanda, Hiram (deceased), Caro- line (deceased), Philip and Sarah E. April 6, 1873, Mr. Trout married Miss Isabelle J., daughter of Daniel and Mai->' (Hymer) Warner, whose children Vvcre. Eliza M., born February 20, 1874; William D., September 4, 1875; Mollie F., April 9, 1879 (deceased) ; Edward G., December 7, 1880; and Ros- coe L., September 9, 1889. Of these children, Eliza married W. Mickey, \vhom she bore two daughters. ]Martha B., and Florence E. William D. married Clara B. McCullough, and they have two children, Roy E. and Clyde E. Mrs. Isabelle Trout was born in .\llen township, November 17, 1842, and is the owner of real estate in her own right, upon wdiich are three pro- during oil wells. Her father, Daniel Warner, was born in Dutchess county, New York state, in 1799, and her mother in Philadelphia in 1801, coming to Ohio in 181 5. They were among the very earliest pioneers in the county of Wayne, Daniel being the first white boy in what is now Wooster, Ohio, and his brother Alanson the first white child born in the same place. The Warners removed to this county about 1830, where they located in what is CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 375 now Portage township. >\lr. Warner is remembered as being- a man of great activity, buying and selHng ibft'erent parcels of real estate, which he improved while he held them. He died in 1880, in Portage township, and his wife in August, 1865. Only two of their eight children are living: Daniel Warner and J\Irs. Isabelle Trout. The latter is a member of the United Brethren church, and the family is esteemed for having been honorably and prom- inently associated with the building up of the institutions of Hancock county. JOHN A. SUTTOX. This is an honored name in the business circles of Hancock county, Ohio, its possessor being at the present time auditor of the county. He is one of the products of this utilitarian age when every man may be the architect of his own fortune. If ]\lr. Sutton ever reaches the highest office in the gift of the American people, he may attribute it to the fact that he was shrewd enough in his early life to add Lincoln's accomplishment to his repertoire, (hat of a railsplitter, and later that other almost necessary qualification, an experience as a printer in a country newspaper office. Mr. Sutton has always been exceedingly active in the political circles of his county and state. He is a Republican of the stahvart kind, and has always held himself ready for service in any position that would advance the interests of the grand old party. Born in 1856, on the 28th day of November, on a farm in Alorgan county, Ohio, he there passed the period of his early boyhood, and in the year 1864 removed with his parents to Trenton, Missouri. Plere he passed two years of his life, and then, his mother ha\-ing- died in the meantime, he returned with his father to the old home in ^lorgan county. On the farm he remained until 1873, when he came to Deshler, Ohio, where he re- mained for a year, engaging in the arduous labor of getting out railroad ties, logs and stave blocks. Back ag-ain to Morgan county and Noble county he went, where he continued in the laborious labor of farm life up to the year 1878, when in the fall he came to Hancock county, locating on a farm in Blanchard township. He passed but a year on this farm when, in 1879, he came to Findlay, where he entered the office of the "Jeffersonian" as print- •"r's devil, from which position he has worked up through the grades until he is at the present time associate editor of that paper. His labors with this paper have not been continuous, he having passed a period in North Balti- more, Wood county, Ohio, where he founded, in 1884, the N'orth Baltimore "Beacon." a Republican weekly, which he continued to run with great suc- cess for a period of two years. During his residence in W^ood county he was 376 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY elected clerk of Henry township, which was the beginning of his public career. He served until 1886, wdien he resigned the office, sold out his paper and returned to Findlay to accept the position of associate editor of the "Jeffer- sonian." This position he still holds. In this city he has been quite active in the public life of the community from 1893 to 1897, being a member of the library board, \\hich he resigned to become a member of the city election board. In this position he served one year. Prior to leaving Findlay to engage in the newspaper business he had served a period as supervisor of elections of Hancock county, having been appointed by the secretary of state in I goo. This office he resigned to accept the nomination on the Republican ticket for county auditor of Hancock county, to which office he was elected after a very stirring campaign. For a period of twenty years Mr. Sutton has been continuously connected with the local machinery of the Re- publican party, serving on the central and executive committees most of that time.. His previous experience was an earnest of what might be expected in his conduct of the auditor's office. Fraternally he affiliates with the Ma- sonic fraternity, and favors the form of worship of the Methodist Episco- pal church. His domestic life began in Findlay in 1884, when he was mar- ried to Mary M. Mungen, who presides over his home w-ith dignified grace. He is the father of two interesting daughters, Mary Lucille and Dorothy Anna. L. S. WOODS, M. D. This gentleman, who is the oldest resident physician of Rawson, is a native of the county and the state, also descended from Ohioans born and bred on the side of both father and mother. Such a pedigree w^ould seem to entitle Dr. Woods to be designated as a "genuine Buckeye," a heritage to \\hich it is generally regarded as a high honor to be born. But the Doctor is not one of those who would rest his claims for distinction on the fact that he "was born in Ohio," preferring to show merit of a different kind, and be- fore this biography is concluded the reader will find reason for believing that the subject thereof needs no factitious aid in advertising his standing as a pro- fessional man. As stated, both his parents were natives of Ohio, the father, James Woods, hailing from Columbiana and his mother, Hannah Hatcher, claiming origin in Stark county. They were children of pioneer settlers, the first born November 16, ]8io, and the latter July 5, 181 5, and were conse- quently familiar with the scenes characteristic of Ohio in its formative period as a state. James Woods and Hannah Hatcher became acquainted early in CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 177 their lives, were married April ii, 1833, and a few years later decided tO' locate permanently in Hancock county. They arrived September 20, 1837, and first settled in Delaware township, but three years afterward bought forty acres of improved land in Madison township, on which they constructed their home and ever after resided there. John Woods was one of the first trustees of the new township of Madison, which was formed out of a part of Delaware, and he became a man of influence in that locality. His original investment in land was subsequently increased by the purchase of sixty additional acres, and the tract was converted into a comfortable and productive homestead. Mr. Woods is now ninety-two years old, and a fine sample of the sturdy race whose energy and industry placed Ohio in the front rank of the great com- monwealths of the central valley. Mrs. Hannah Woods, the beloved mother of an affectionate family, passed away in peace with all the world on the 23d of March, 1894. Of the eight children of this worthy couple the five now living are: Enos H., Samantha A., Dr. Thomas E., Nathan B., route agent on the Northern Pacific Railroad for the last twenty years, and the Doctor, whose life work is now to be unfolded in outline. L. S. Woods, youngest of his father's children, was born on the old family homestead in Madison township, Hancock county, Ohio, November 3, 1853. After finishing the usual course in the common schools he entered the office of his elder brother, Dr. Thomas E. Woods, at Rawson, for the purpose of studying medicine, and remained three years under that efficient preceptorship. The ground Avork being thus laid, he next attended the Col- lege of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, and obtained his medical de- gree from that famous institution on March 17, 1887. Without much delay he opened an office at Rawson, and has since practiced continuously at that place, being now the oldest resident physician of the village. He belongs to what is called the allopathic or regular school of physicians, and is regarded as one of the most skillful as well as best informed of the county's medical practitioners. He is a member of the Northwestern Ohio and the Hancock County Medical Societies, and takes an active interest in their meetings and discussions. January i, 1884, Dr. Woods was united in marriage with Miss Inez A., daughter of George J. and Caroline Kelly. The father of Mrs. Woods, wdio is one of the oldest citizens of Rawson and furnished most of the land for the town site when the place was laid out, is noticed at some length in an- other part of this volume. Dr. and Mrs. Woods have three children : Leo Mozelle, born April 15, 1888; Scott K. and Hannah K., twins, born Septem- ber 24, 1894. Dr. Woods is quite prominent in Masonic circles, being wor- shipful master of Lodge No. 418, and a member of the chapter and command- 378 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY ery at Findlay. He has also been long connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fello'vvs. of which fraternity he is past grand. In politics. Dr. Woods is an uncompromising Republican as his father has always been since the for- mation of that party. His home was a station for the "Underground Rail- road" before the war. It is hardly necessary to add that the families of Woods and Kelly, being among the oldest, are also among the most respected in their localities and form part of the best social circles. SYLVANUS \\. TROUT. The annals of Hancock county, to be complete, must have written into them the deeds of heroism accomplished by her soldier element, and it is with pleasure that notice is taken of one of that honorable class of citizens, who is at the present time a well-to-do farmer of Allen township, where he is engaged extensively in stock raising on a well tilled farm of one hundred and twenty acres. He was not of military age at the time v^hen the war cloud gathered over our nation, but just as soon as he could prevail upon the mustering officer to accept him, he entered the army and gallantly did his part to maintain unbroken the constitution written in the blood of our fathers. In 1863 he became a private in Company I, of the Twenty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He participated with this regiment in a number of well contested battles in the middle west, such as Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, the Atlanta campaign, Franklin, Nashville. He was present at fourteen of the principal battles of the war, and in a number of smaller skrimishes. He bravely did his duty during these years of service, and on July 29. 1865, re- ceived an honorable discharge. Sylvanus W. Trout was born on the farm on which he now resides on the 7th of February, 1845. He was the son of George W. and Delilah (Heller) Trout. He received his early training and education in his nati\e township, and has always followed agricultural pursuits. He is a practical farmer and enjoys the full confidence of his fellow citizens. His married life began in 1869, when he led to the altar Miss Clarissa, daughter of An- thony and Lucy Huntington, to whom one son, Milton F., was born in 1870. This boy's mother died in 1872, and after a western trip to California, which lasted nearly two years, Mr. Trout returned home, and in 1876 was mar- ried to Rachel S., daughter of Abraham and Susan Kempher. The follow- ing children have been born to this marriage, namely: Carrie K. ; Charles E. ; Merrill W. ; Fannie B. ; Susan A., deceased; Nellie J.; and Floyd, also deceased. The mother of these children is a native of Portage township. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 379 where she was born in 1849, and where her parents removed from West- moreland county, Pennsylvania, some eleven years previous. George W. Trout, father of our subject, removed to this county with his father, John Trout, in 1829, when but a lad. John Trout entered a farm now owned by Allen Dorsey in Van Buren, then containing one hundred and sixty acres of timber land in its natural state. In conjunction with his farm- ing, John Trout kept a hotel in Van Buren, known as the Trout House, he exploiting that fact by the rather unique sign of a trout. These two enter- prises he carried on up to his death. He was a gallant defender- of the Union against British aggression in 181 2, a good citizen generally and reared a family of five children. When George W. Trout came of age he entered from the government eighty acres of land, but afterward exchanged his in- terest in the homestead for eighty acres which his brother James owned, and joined him on the west. This property is now owned by our subject. George W. Trout was a practical farmer, a good neighbor, a loyal citizen, and a loving husband and father. He made the best possible use of his time, valuing it as so much capital. He was a member of the United Brethren church, in political affiliations a Republican and fraternized with the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows. His death, which was mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances, occurred in October, 1882, the mother of his children surviving him some thirteen years. They reared a family of seven children, six of whom grew to maturity, and five of whom are now living. Sylvanus W. Trout has passed his entire life in Hancock county, and his many accjuaintances know him to be a man of sterling worth, reliable in business, and trustworthy in all life's relations. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; Stoker Post, No. 54, Grand Army of the Republic, and the United Brethren church. Mrs. Trout is a member of the Christian church. MILTON E. TROUT. This gentleman is a young and enterprising farmer residing in Allen township, on a farm of seventy-two acres of well tilled land. He was born in July, 1870, and is the son of Sylvanus W. and Lucy (Huntington) Trout. Milton Trout is a worthy representative of a worthy family, and is dis- tinguished himself, as time passes, in agricultural pursuits. His entire life, with the exception of two years, has been passed on the farm he now occu- pies and owns. He is in the oil belt of Hancock county, and has a producing well on his farm. He married Irma. daughter of Almond E., and Theresa 38o CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY S. (Woodward) Hadsall, a native of Lima, Ohio, where she was born Feb- ruary 6, 1875. They have four children: Samuel A., born January 6, 1896; Inez L., July 3, 1897; Theresa M., January 31, 1899; ^^^d Edna L., March 20, 1 901. Mrs. Trout's father was a native of Hancock county and her mother of Erie county, Ohio. By his first marriage Mr. Hadsall had seven children and five by the last. GEORGE W. SNYDER. Among the representative citizens of Jackson township none are more deserving of mention in this volume than George W. Snyder, who for many years has been connected with the agricultural interests of Hancock county. Although he has met with reverses in life he has steadily overcome all the obstacles in the path to success, and is now one of the well-to-do and substan- tial citizens of his community. A native of Hancock county, Mr. Snyder was born in Findlay township, April 20, 1854, his parents being Samuel and Catherine (Spangler) Snyder, who were natives of Perry and Fairfield counties, respectively, and were married in the latter county. A year later, in 1833, the father came to Han- cock county, at which time there were only thirteen buildings in the city of Findlay. He entered a. tract of land in Findlay township, two and a half miles northeast of the city, on the Lake Erie & Western Railroad. It was covered with a heavy growth of timber and there were but few settlers in that locality at that time. Mr. Snyder worked at his trade of cabinet making most of the time, devoting his evenings and what other rime he could spare to the improvement and cultivation of his land until he had a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Upon that place he con- tinued to make his home until called to his final rest on the 4th of October, T884, at the age of seventy-two years, and his wife died May 6, 1888, at the age of seventy-three. Politically he was first a Whig and later a Repub- lican, and was always very outspoken and decided in his views on any ques- tion. He was very active in religious work, being one of the original mem- bers of the English Lutheran church of Findlay and assisted in building the first church of that denomination at that place, in which he served in an offi- cial capacity throughout life. He lived peaceably with all men, never being engaged in a lawsuit, and was noted for his generosity, giving liberally to all enterprises calculated to improve the moral, social or material welfare of his community. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY l^i In the family of this worthy man were ten children, of whom one died in infancy, those reaching maturity being Solomon, a resident of Big Lick township; Emanuel, of iVrcadia; William, a ranchman of Kansas; George W., of this review; Rebecca, wife of Henry Ebersole, of Washington township, this county; Emma, wife of William P. Small, of Eindlay, all of whom are still living, while Isabella, the eldest of the family, married J. G. Orth, of Arcadia, and died at the age of sixty-two years; Louisa married Michael Snyder and died in Arcadia some years ago; and Mary wedded Samuel Sny- der, of Putnam county, Ohio, and died when a young woman. George W. Snyder, of this review, is the youngest of the family, and remained at home until twenty-five years of age, having charge of the farm during the last years of his residence there. In 1879 he bought the place and continued its operation until 1888, when he rented it and removed to Findlay, where he engaged in the livery business for four years with satis- factory results. Prior to this time, however, he had lost all of his property by going security for twenty-seven thousand dollars, he and his brothers, Emanuel and Solomon having endorsed the notes of their brother William lor that amount. To meet his obligations our subject gave up the old home farm and in fact all that he possessed with exception of a few tools and some stock valued at between two and three hundred dollars. During the following three years he was engaged in farming on rented land, and at the end of that time removed to his present farm, his father-in-law having given Mrs. Snyder eighty acres. She also purchased another eighty-acre tract, so that they now own a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he has placed under excellent cultivation. It is known as the Henry Bowers farm and here Mr. Snyder has made his home since 1897, d'-^ring which time he has kept paying off old obligations to the amount of twenty-five hundred dollars. In some instances the notes had run for eleven years. In 1886, during the boom in Findlay, Mr. Snyder was offered four liundred dollars per acre for his old Snyder farm but did not make up his mind to sell until thirty days later. When ready to accept the offer his brother Solomon ad- vised him to wait, believing the land w^ould bring six hundred dollars per acre, but the offer was never repeated. There had been previously sold some adjoining land for three hundred dollars per acre, which shortly af- terward brought eight hundred dollars, and this led him to believe that which he possessed was worth more than four hundred dollars per acre. In 1888, on his removal to Findlay, he leased his fami for twelve hundred dollars cash, receiving his pay in twenty dollar gold pieces. A gas well was sunk upon the place, but it did not prove a valuable one. At that time the streets 5«2 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY of Findlay were crowded with an excited lot of people who expected soon to realize vast fortunes from their gas wells. On the loth of December, 1878, Mr. Snyder was united in marriage to Miss Alice S. Wyer, then twenty-three years of age, the daughter of Henry Wyer. She was born in Fairfield county but when a young girl came with her parents to Hancock county and was educated in the high school of Find- lay. By her marriage she has become the mother of two sons : William B., born June 30, 1882; and Cloyd C, born August 22, 1884. Both are at home with their parents. The family hold a high place in the esteem of the community in wdiich they live, and as a genial, courteous gentleman Mr. Snyder has made a host of friends throughout the county. JOHN F. STALL. The Stall family were of German extraction, the American branch or- iginating from settlers in Pennsylvania. From Franklin county, in that state, during the earlier half of the nineteenth century, George and Mary Stall came to Carroll county, Ohio, where they resided until 1853. In that year they removed to Hancock county and located on eighty acres of land which had been but little improved and contained no better building than a log house. The newcomers remained on this farm until 1892, when it was sold and a residence purchased in Findlay, which was the home of Mr. imd Mrs. Stall until their deaths, which occurred September 24, and Jan- uary 2, 1895, I'espectively. George Stall was a man of influence in his town- ship, where he held the offices of treasurer and clerk. While liolding the oftlce cf township treasurer he was robbed of one thousand two hundred dollars of the public money, which he made good by selling some property w'hich he owned in the town of Arcadia. This robbery occurred in 1868, but Mr. Stall's prompt restitution of the funds by sacrificing his individual means, not only satisfied the people, but raised him higher in their esti- mation. During the Mexican war he held a commission as colonel given under Governor David Todd, of the state of Ohio, and fought under General Scott with such gallantry as to obtain recognition as a brave and loyal soldier. By his marriage, which occurred December 31, 1835, l"*^ became the father of seven children, of w'hom five are still living and four of these are residents of Hancock county. His son, John F. Stall, who is the subject of this sketch, was born in Carroll county, Ohio, January 12, 1837, and received his education at the schools in Findlay after his parents removed to Hancock county. In 1855 he w^ent to Illinois, where he was employed six CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 383 years as bookkeeper for the Rock Island Railroad Company. Wliile on a visit to his old home in Hancock county he met Miss Nancy, the popular daughter of Wilson and Mary Roller, and the result was a mutual attachment on the part of the young people. Their marriage was consummated April JO, 1862, and proved both happy and fruitful, the children resulting there- from being Wilton, born October 6, 1864; Flora A., born January 19, 1868; Edwni, December 14, 1870; James A.. April 21, 1873; George W., December 29, 1875; Thomas ]., September 29, 1878; and William H., bom June 28, 1884. The mother of these children is a native of Hancock county, having been born in Big Lick township, September 23, 1840, and her family is one of high respectability and influence, while she herself is a lady of many virtues and most excellent judgment. In his earlier years, Mr. Stall joined the forces engaged in teaching "the young idea how to shoot" and was an efficient member of the educational guild for nine years. He has always stood well in his community, is regarded as a man of good business judgment and was called on at different times to take charge of township offices, holding the clerkship for six years and the position of assessor for one term. In 1871 he took possession of his present farm of eighty acres in Big Lick township and has since operated it with such skill and industry as to make it one of the best tilled tracts of its size in that part of the county. Mr. Stall and his family are members of the Presbyterian church, of which he holds the position of trustee, and the performance of all his duties, both as man and citizen, has been done with such conscientiousness as to gain him general esteem. George, the father of our subject, was a twenty-four degree Mason and belonged to Findlay Blue Lodge, No. 227. WILLIAM GREEN. William Green, who has passed the seventieth milestone on the journey of life, is an honored and respected resident of Hancock county, Ohio. A native of the Keystone state, he w^as there born in the year 1829, and is a son of Will- iam and Susan (Hummond) Green, both also natives of Pennsylvania. In 1840 they left their home in that commonwealth and came to Hancock coun- ty, locating on one hundred and sixty acres of virgin forest land in Union township. During his lifetime the father cleared and improved his land, mak- ing it one of the most productive farms of his community. His life's labors were ended in death in 1862, and a short time afterward his widow joined him in the spirit world. William Green, of this review, was one of eleven children, five of whom 384 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY are still living, but he is now the only representative of the family in Hancock ■county. He was but eleven years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to this locality, and throughout his entire business career he has devoted his energies to the tilling of the soil. In 1855 he purchased his present homestead, which at that time was in its primitive condition, but as the years have passed by he has cleared and improved the land, has erected commodious and substantial buildings, and the farm is now one of the val- uable ones of Union township. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his w^orth and ability, have frequently called him to positions of honor and trust, and he has efficiently served his township as its trustee, supervisor and as a school director. Mr. Green was first married in 1855, when Miss Rachel Winniger be- came his wife. This union resulted in the birth of six children, namely : Calvin W., who is engaged in teaching school; C. L., a successful agricultur- ist, who died December 10, 1902; W. J., a minister of the Methodist Episco- pal church; Morris; Mary and Rachel. The mother of this family was called to her final rest in 1866, and for his second wife Mr. Green chose Catherine Linehart, their marriage having been celebrated in 1868. One son, Austin L., was born of this marriage. This union was also separated by the hand of death, for in 1871 the wife and mother was called to her home beyond, and in the following year, 1872, Mr. Green wedded her sister, Annie M. Linehart. They became the parents of four children, — Loa I., Irvin O., Pearl M. and Pari M. For the third time Mr. Green was called upon to mourn the loss of a beloved companion, for on the 21st of April, 1895, the wife passed into eternal rest. Mr. Green is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has held office. He is widely and favorably known in the county in which he has so long made his home and his friends are almost as many as his acquaintances. ANDREW J. PLOTTS. A highly respected retired farmer of Hancock county, Ohio, is Andrew T. Plotts, who now is a resident of Findlay. His birth occurred in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1821, and he is a son of Gershum and Mary (Plotoner) Plotts, who were both natives of Pennsylvania. Gershum Plotts was a brickmaker by trade and followed this occupation in Fairfield county, combining it with farming. When he located in Han- cock county, he settled on a farm of eighty acres, in Amanda township, but some years later, disposed of this property and bought a farm in Michigan, '/cy^i CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 385 upon which he hved until his deatli, whicli occurred in 1877. He was an industrious man, and one who was honest and upright in his deahngs with others. His poHtical views made him a Democrat. In rehgious behef, both he and wife were consistent members of the United Brethren church. His first wife, who was the mother of our subject, died prior to his removal from Fairfield county, and he then married Mrs. Mary Donaldson. By his two marriages Mr. Plotts had a family of seven sons, by his first union, and two by his second, and seven of these children still survive. Andrew J. Plotts was fifteen years of age when his father located in Hancock county. He was the third son and upon him fell much of the hard work of the farm, but it gave him a practical knowledge which he has put to excellent use throughout life. His education was obtained in the short win- ter terms of school in both Fairfield and Hancock counties. In 1873 he pur- chased ninety acres of land in Henry county, Ohio, and moved upon that farm about 1879, ^-^nd resided there for fourteen years. In 1896 he returned to Hancock county, and in 1901 he sold his Henry county farm, retiring to his pleasant home in Findlay. The first marriage of Mr. Plotts was in 1842, to Miss Elizabeth Dipert, and to this union there were born eleven children, eight of whom still survive, namely: Mary A. Bowman; Lydia Kistler; Ella L. Altman; Christina Alt- man; Elizabeth Martin; Sarah J. Woulgmuth; Ira and John W. Plotts. The death of the mother of these children took place in 1875. The second marriage of Mr. Plotts was in 1897, to Mrs. Nellie T. Martin. By a life of exemplary living, our subject has preserved both his physical vigor and his mental faculties in a very remarkable way, cind enjoys life, very free from the cares which frequently attend advancing years. He is held in very high es- teem in Findlay and has a wide circle of friends. LEWIS H. HOSTLER. This gentleman is among the leading merchants of the village of Arcadia, Hancock county. He is one of the younger members of the business circle of his town, but his previous career has been such as to augur well for his future. He believes heartily in the principles of "living and letting live." His upright dealing with his customers is rapidly pushing him to the front as one of the leading merchants of the community. Mr. Hostler was born in Washington township. A preliminary training in the country school was supplemented by a thorough course in the Arcadia high school, wdiich training has fitted him well for a life of usefulness in business. He 386 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY operates and owns a first class general store, in which may be found the best of everything in its line. His marriage occurred in 1885,. to Miss Mary, the daughter of J. J. Boyle, her mother's maiden name having been Mahala Mc- Cray. To this union a family of four children have been born : Mertie M., Arthur J., Wilbur R., and Corine. The mother of this family is a lady of many graces of character, and is a true helpmate and advisor to her husband. She was born in West Virginia, March 6, 1869. Mr. Hostler takes an active interest in the social life of his community, being a member of several of its leading organizations, of which might be particularly mentioned the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows. Passing to the consideration of the family history of Mr. Hostler we note that he is the son of Jeremiah and Mary (Linhart) Hostler. His father was born in Stark county, Ohio, May 6, 1843. His mother was a native of the Keystone state, where she was born in Pittsburg, in 1846. Their mar- riage was celebrated in 1867, and the result of the union was the birth of Francis A., Lewis H., Nettie B., Frederick, and Bertha. Jeremiah Hostler and his wife removed to Hancock county in an early day. where he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and during his lifetime continued to engage in agricultural pursuits. He was a practical business man, and an excellent farmer. In connection with the operation of his farm he was en- gaged extensively in the buying and selling of stock, of which he was an ex- tensive shipper to the eastern markets. He made a host of friends by his conscientious conduct in business, and the geniality of his temperament was such as to keep the friendship which he had gained. He was an attentive listener of the gospel as it was expounded from the Lutheran pulpit. Fra- ternally he is affiliated with the I. O. O. F. His death occurred in 1887, liis widow continuing to reside on the home farm near the town of Arcadia. Jeremiah was a son of Peter and Susana (Sherman) Hostler, the former having been born in York county, Pennsylvania, May 14, 1821, and the latter in Maryland, in 1825. They removed to Stark county, Ohio, in 1842, where they reared a family of twelve children, four of whom are now liv- ing, namely : Morris, David, William and Sara. Peter Hostler by trade was a contractor and builder, and a thorough-going business man. He stood well in the esteem of the public, enjoying their entire confidence and respect. He was intimately connected with the development and growth of Hancock county in its early history, having removed here with his family as one of the pioneers. As stated before, he was an excellent business man, and had a mind which was well fitted for the promotion of enterprises and the organ- ization of new schemes. He was instrumental in 1874 in the organization CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 387 of the Farmers' Bank of Findlay, of which he was president from that date until 1887. He then retired from the presidency of the Farmers' Bank and in the following May organized, together with a number of other business men of Findlay, the City Bank. Of this he was also president. He was an earnest and active worker in the ranks of the Democratic party, and received recognition at its hands by election as treasurer of the county, an office wdiich he filled to the entire satisfaction of his constituents for a period of four years. His death, which took place in February, 1894, was sincerely lamented by his friends and mourned by his relatives, both of whom are numerous. It is proper to state of the son, Lew'is H. Hostler, that he is a w^orthy representative of a worthy father, in wdiose footsteps he is consistently fol- lowing. He endeavors to give his support to every movement that is cal- culated to prove of public good, and is widely acknowledged as a worthy citi- zen. All who know him esteem him highly for his sterling worth, and his circle of friends in the community is extensive. B. F. WINELAND. B. F. Wineland, who is ex-county commissioner and a resident of Cass township, is one of the well known and popular men of Hancock county. His birth was in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, October 23, 1839, and he is a son of Joseph and Frances (Greenawalt) Wineland, the former of Avhom was born m 1801, also in Westmoreland county. In 1824 Joseph Wineland married Frances Greenaw'alt, the daughter of a neighboring farmer, and in 1844 they moved to Hancock county, Ohio, and located on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Cass township, adding other tracts until he owned three hundred and sixty acres in various parts of the township. Mr. Wineland became one of the leading men of Cass township, serving for many years as a justice of the peace and filling many local offices. His party at one time nominated him for county com- missioner. Flis interest in public matters w'as that of a single-minded citi- zen, his hopes always being for the final triumph of those principles which he deemed right. Mr. Wineland w-as a Democrat in the early days, and later w^as one of the first movers in what was known as the Know Nothing- party, finally becoming one of tlie organizers of the Republican party in Han- cock county. He was a large-hearted, hospitable and generous man, and w^as ever ready to contribute to the advancement of his locality. Joseph Wineland passed out of life in August, 1861, before he saw^ the consumma- tion of his hopes for his country. In October of the same year his faithful 38S CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY wife also passed away, and both of them sleep in honored graves in the beau- tiful cemetery near Van Buren, Ohio. Our subject was reared on his father's farm and his education was o]:itained in the public schools. He cast his first presidential vote for Abra- ham Lincoln in i860. The outbreak of the Civil war aroused his loyalty, and ever since he has been an earnest worker in the Republican party. On October 14, 1862, he put aside the duties which had thus far hindered him, and as a private enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Eighteenth Regi- ment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which immediately joined others at Fal- mouth, Kentucky, and from then until the close of the war our subject par- ticipated in every battle where his regiment was engaged, with the exception of Resaca, at which time he was serving on detached duty. A long line of notable battles was this, including Mossy Creek, Kennesaw Mountain, At- lanta, the Atlanta campaign, Franklin and Nashville. At one time Mr. Wineland was under fire for one hundred and twenty days. After the battle of Nashville he was transferred to General Sherman's command in North Carolina, and assisted in the capture of Fort Anderson. In 1864 our subject's gallantry brought him into notice, and he was made orderly-sergeant, and continued to efficiently fill this position until he was mustered out in July, 1865. With his comrades he then returned home, where each one endeavored to pick up their old occupations. Many of these lost opportunities could not be found, but others, like our subject, found warm hearts awaiting their return, and in their added affection and admiration found solace for many of the terrible hardships they had passed through, Mr. Wineland purchased his present farm in Cass township and for some years engaged both m farming and lumbering, but has discontinued the latter branch. On July 3, 1862, shortly before his enlistment, ]\Ir. \\'ineland was mar- ried to Miss Caroline Nelson, who was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, on February 17, 1844, ^iid is a daughter of Jonathan and Mary (Pettigrew) Nelson. By this union there were three children : Franklin L., born March 31, 1863; Mary S., now Mrs. William Davis, born August 31, 1867; and Merle B., born December 15, 1884. Franklin L. Wineland is one of the most talented and skilled musicians in western Ohio. His genius was early recognized, and after enjoying great advantages in instruction in America, he completed his studies under some of the best masters of the art at Berlin, Germany. Mr. Wineland has been a prominent man in his immediate locality, and has been honored by the treasurership of the township for a period of four- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 389 teen consecutive years, and \vas elected county commissioner, serving most efficiently from September 16, 1895, to September 14, 1901. He is an hon- ored member of the United Veterans' Association. Mr, Wineland belongs to a patriotic family. Two of his brothers were also soldiers in the Civil war, and they bravely met a soldier's death. The honorable record which our subject can show is not only a matter of just pride to himself, but reflects honor upon his children and upon a country which, in need, can find such valiant sons. JOHN A. THOMAS. One of the prominent G. A. R. men and worthy citizens of the city of Findlay is the above named gentleman, who lives in a comfortable residence at 1 115 East Sandusky street. He is a native of Findlay township, where he was born May 13, 1846. and is a son of James B. and Eliza J. (Abrams) Thomas. The father was a native of Caroline county, Maryland, where he was born July 4, 1804. The mother was a native of Fairfield county, Ohio. James Thomas was one of the first settlers in Hancock comity. His father moved to Pickaway county, Ohio, when James was about six years of age. James remained here up to 1829, when he removed to Hancock county, where he filed upon ninety-eight acres of virgin forest land. He put up the usual log cabin and remained a year, when he returned to his home in Pickaway county, and there married our subject's mother, this being in 1832. They returned immediately to Hancock county, and passed the re- mainder of their lives engaged in agricultural pursuits. To them were born ten children, eight of whom are now living. James Thomas left the reputation of being a man of large heart whose sympathies were soon touched by the woes and Avants of others. He was very charitable and of a gen- erous cast of character. During his lifetime he held some of the township offices, and at his death distributed his property to his family. The mother of this family died in 1863, on the ist of April, while the father lived until November of 1877. Mr. John A. Thomas, whose name initiates this paragraph, was there- fore reared and educated in Findlay township. He was but a lad when the Civil war came on. h\\\ he watched v/ith interest the progress of events which precipitated the country into that sanguinary conflict, and when the storm broke he was found among the boys in blue who went forth to battle for the Union. He enrolled as a private soldier in Company G, Twenty- flrst Ohio Volunteer Infantry, on the 5th of December, 1863. In this or- 390 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY ganization he participated in some of the bloody Ijattles of the war, some of which were as follows : Tunnel Hill, Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Altoona, Kennesaw Mountain, Vining Station, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Jones- boro, Savannah and Benlonville. He was fortunate in passing through this experience without harm, and received his discharge July 25, 1865. Returning from the war, his thirst for knowledge was such that although advanced in age for a school boy, lie entered the Findlay high school and passed some time in the pursuit of kno^vledge. After leaving school he went west to the state of Missouri, where he became apprenticed to the carpenter's trade, and after spending three years in the west he returned to his native county, where for the next two years he was engaged at his trade. In 1871, having the previous year, on January 27, married Lydia A. Kiehl, second daughter of Eli and Maria (Uber) Kiehl, he removed with his family to Kansas, wdiere he remained for a period of four years. There he followed his trade. The charms of his native county were too great, however, and he again returned and h.as suice been a resident within her borders. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have reared a family of six children : Etta, Almeda, Albert R., Bessie P., Mary G. and John A., Jr. The mother of this fam- ily was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, on the 20th of October, 1849, ^"d ^s of German descent. Mr. Thomas has figured prominently in his township, and is a man of forceful character. He is at the present time holding the office of assessor. In the G. A. R. organization he has taken an active interest and has been honored with the office of commander of Stoker Post of Findlay. As a contracting carpenter Mr. Thomas enjoys the entire confidence of his wide field of patrons, and the large number of fine residences which he has built in the city of Findlay and adjacent terri- tory, is a lasting monument of his skill and ingenuity. He and his family are held in high repute in their native city, and deserve and receive the best wishes of a large circle of acquaintances. WILLIAM J. CUSAC. The Cusac family has been intimately connected with the development of Hancock county since pioneer days. Its members have been active not only in v/resting from nature lands of the primeval forest, in maintaining a glorious fight for the Union during secession times, but also in serving through quiet seasons the needs of a community progressive in agriculture, mining and education. From the day that Daniel Cusac, a quiet, unassuming m?n, bought CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 391 froni the government a tract ni land in Liberty township, the family has Ijeen continuously engaged in converting- the forest into arable land. They have not been content to till the improved soil, but from time to time they have given up the old for new and uncleared tracts, though the first land purchased from the government has always remained in the family, and is now the propertv of William Cusac. John Cusac, son of Daniel and father of William J. Cusac, was born in Ohio. May 20, 1820, and soon after came to Hancock county with his father. He married a native of Pennsylvania. Miss Nancy Bell, who was born in 1823. They had six children: The four still living are: J. S., Abbie, Emeline and William J. Cusac. John Cusac bought his first farni of forty acres at the time of his mar- riage. This he cleared and shortly after sold, buying in turn three other farms, which he improved and subsequently sold. He now lives in Portage township on a fine farm, which is the fifth piece of land that he has brought under cultivation. His life has been decidedly active, useful and progress- ive. When improved methods of farming began to be put into practice and the benefits of unified action and mutual helpfulness presented themselves to the farming community, he was among the first to call into existence the idea of an organization which speedily materialized in the form of the Han- cock County Agricultural Association. For many years he acted as its presi- dent, dictating its affairs with remarkable wisdom. William J. Cusac was born in Liberty township November 9, 1841, wliere he received his early training and education. He turned his atten- ton to farming ^^•ith the view of making it his life work, and. with the excep- tion of three years spent in the military service of his country, agriculture has been his uninterrupted pursuit. In 1862 he enlisted in Company G of the Eighty-seventh Ohio Infantry. He was taken prisoner, sent home on parole and in the following year exchanged. Thereupon, in 1863, he entered the Army of the Cumberland, as a member of Battery L, First Ohio Artillery, serving as sergeant and being actively engaged in Tennessee. In 1865 he was hon- orably discharged, and retiu-ning to civil life once more took up the quiet duties of the farm. The same year he married Miss Naoma, daughter of the pioneer, Joseph Mdrrill. She was born in Liberty township in 1845. Seven children were born to them: Charles, Frank, Efiie, Hattie, Joseph, Florence and Bertha. Of these all except the second son, Frank, are still living. In 1872 he made his first investment of sixty-six acres. ' By hard work he increased his holdings from time to time, until in 1889 he owned one hundred and twenty-six acres, the size of his estate todav. This land is 392 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY valuable not only for agricultural purposes, but for its twelve oil-producing wells, which yield a considerable output annually. Besides being the president of the Hancock County Agricultural Asso- ciation, an honor which has descended to him from his father, Mr. Cusac has identified himself actively with the G. A. R. He has been a director of the county infirmary for seven years, and a member of the school board for twelve years. Like his father and Daniel Cusac, the grandsire, he has made for himself many friends, who will always find him at the head of all enter- prises that speak of healthy progress. He is a Republican in politics. JOHN SCHOONOVER. John Schoonover is one of the prominent farmers of Hancock county, who is the fortunate possessor of a large, well improved farm located in Lib- erty township, in the oil belt, and receives the revenues of several producing wells. The birth of John Schoonover occurred in Franklin county, Ohio, March 8, 1827, and he was the third in a family of six children born to his parents, Abraham and Margaret (Baker) Schoonover, the former of whom was born in Virginia, in September, 1794, and the latter in Maryland, in May, 1803. They were of Dutch ancestry. In 1831 Abraham removed to Ohio and lo- cated on a farm north of Findlay, where he died in 1864, but his widow sur- vived until March 21, 1876. Both were worthy people and although they never accumulated large means, they taught their children industrious habits and set them examples of moral lives. Although our subject was not surrounded by plenty in his youth and was forced to work for liis possessions, he has never regretted this necessity, but can now point to his three great farms and thus show what can be ac- complished by frugal and persevering industry. Mr. Schoonover owns two hundred and eighty acres of as fine land as there is in Hancock county and is justly regarded as one of her most substantial citizens. \n 1 85 1 he was united in marriage with Mary Comer, and to this union were born nine children, six of these still surviving, namely: Suffronia, born in 1852; Samilda, l)orn in 1854; Amos P., born in 1862; William L., born in 1865 ; Harvey, born in 1870; and Clara, born in 1874. Mr. Schoonover has been honored with many testimonials of the general esteem in which he is held. For twenty-eight years he was township treas- urer, was supervisor and school director. Both he and wife are leading mem- \ ^ ^,^:rcr^riu^ny~tJj_. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 393 bers of the United Brethren church and he is a hberal supporter of the same. Few men in his community stand in higher pubhc esteem. Mrs. Mary C. Schoonover was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1831, and is a daughter of Isaac and Hannah (pjurton) Cdmer, who were married October 25, 1830. Isaac Comer was born in Virginia, January 2, 1793, and ched September 3, 1852. FTis first wife, Hannah Culp, was born in Ohio, September 9, 1803. His second wife, Hannah Burton, was born February 6, 1802. Isaac Comer was one of the early settlers of Hancock county, coming hither in 1832 when wild beasts and savages still roamed the forests. Fie first settled on the farm which is at present the property of Jacob Wagoner. At the time of his death he owned two hundred and forty acres. Mr. Comer was the true pioneer, openhearted, frank and hospitable; he was not only re- spected but was much beloved. His home was the home of the Baptist minis- ter ; his was the hand that opened to the call of distress. He filled many of the township offices and was an important factor in the de\'elopment of this section. His children numbered eleven, five of whom are living. Mrs. Schoonover is the sixth in order of birth. In politics Air. Schoonover is a Republican. JOSEPH BENSON CLAYTON. Joseph Benson Clayton, who is one of the highly respected substantial and leading men of Van Buren, Ohio, is a worthy representative of an old colonial family, many of its members having been prominent in various walks of life. Henry Clayton, the grandfather of Joseph B. Clayton, was a captain in the Revolutionary war, who was captured by the Hessians, and his ^vidow drew through life a pension from the government. The family was of English origin and probably first located in Virginia. Joseph B. Clayton was born in Washington county, Maryland, in 1833, and is a son of Joseph and Louisa (Shawman) Clayton, the former of whom was born in Virginia, and the latter in Kentucky. Joseph Clayton was a civil engineer by profession, an experienced teacher, noted as a mathema- tician, and also succeeded as a merchant. He was a member of the Metho- dist church. His family consisted of nine children, eight of whom still sur- vive, but Joseph B. is the only one residing in Hancock county. He was reared and educated in Fairfield county, Ohio, learned the trade of a plasterer and for thirty-five years has been one of the most reliable workmen in his line in Hancock county, whither he removed in 1858. On account of his 394 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY complete knowledge of his business, his care and exactness, he has always found his services in demand. Prior to coming to Hancock county he served as captain of militia. ]\Ir. Clayton has been a provident man, and has ac- cumulated much property, o\vning one hundred acres in Van Buren town- ship, Hancock county. January 2, i860, Mr. Clayton was jomed in marriage with Miss Caro- line Meyers, who was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, in 1839, and to this union were born four children : Willis M., who for some time was president of the State Normal School at Ashland, Oregon, but now in California ; lx)ttie; Louise; and Georgiana, deceased. Mr. Clayton is a valued member of the order of Odd Fellows, a man of whom his associates speak with respect, and justly regarded as a representa- tive citizen. He is a Democrat in national affairs, though locally he sup- ports the men whom in liis judgment are best. WILLIAM I. KIEFER. One of the most straightforward, energetic and successful business men of Findlay is William I. Iviefer. In industrial circles he is an important factor, and liis popularity is well deserved, for in him are embraced the characteristics of an unbending integrity, unabating energy and industry that has never flagged. He is a public spirited and thoroughly interested in what- ever tends to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of Find- lay, and for many years he has been numbered among its most \'alued and honored citizens. A native son of the Buckeye state, Mr. Kiefer was born in Wayne coun- ty, Ohio, on the 14th of July, 1857, which county his father, John Michael Kiefer, also claimed as his nativity, his birth there occurring in 1832. Throughout his entire business career the latter devoted his energies to the tilling of the soil, and he lived and died in Wayne county, being summoned into eternal rest in 18S0. The Kiefer family trace their lineage to the father- land, the paternal grandfather of our subject having been a native of Ger- many. William I., of this review, remained in the place of his nativity until fourteen years of age, during which time he attended its district schools, and at that age he entered the high school at Smithville, Ohio, in which he continued his studies for three years. On leaving the school room as a pupil he again entered it as an instructor, being at that time seventeen years of age, and the profession of teaching school continued to claim his efforts for six years, his labors being confined to the county of Wayne. On the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 395 expiration of that period he purchased an interest in a mercantile estabhsh- ment at Smithville, Ohio, where he remained for three years, while for the following five years he was engaged in merchandising in Sterling, this state. In the year 1885 he came to Findlay and entered the insurance and loan business, to which vocation he has since directed his efforts, and in his chosen endeavor he is meeting with a high and well merited degree of success. His reputation in all trade transactions has ever been above question, and to an unusual degree he enjoys the confidence and regard of those with ^\•hom he has been brought in contact through business dealings. The marriage of Mr. Kiefer was celebrated in Findlay, in 1882, when Miss Gertrude Beardsley became his wife. In his fraternal relations our sub- ject is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and his political support is given to the principles of the Republican party. Mr. Kiefer keeps well informed on the issues of the day, both political and otherwise, and at all times has manifested a commendable interest in everything pertaining to the welfare and advancement of the city of his choice. He is a man of genial tempera- ment and genuine worth, and is popular and respected in all circles. JESSE L. DOZER. The career of the soldier is always interesting, and in all local history the soldiers must have an honored place. There are yet living in Wash- ington township, Hancock county, Ohio, several ex-soldiers of the Civil war who are regarded with peculiar respect, but none of these is held in higher esteem than the subject of this notice. Mr. Dozer, at the breaking- out of the Civil war, laid aside all personal interests to aid in defense of the old flag and what it represents. He enlisted in Company A, of the Twenty- sixth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which became a part of the Fifteenth army corps of the arm}^ of the l"ennessee. He participated in all of the principal battles in which this army was engaged, following old glory while the bullets fell fast and thick above him, but luckily passing through the entire experience without being harmed. He was in the noted iTiarch to the sea with "Uncle Billy Sherman," and returned with his army through the Carolinas. He was honorably discharged on the 28th of July, 1865. He returned home to enjoy the blessings of an unsundered union, in the preservation of which he bore an honorable part. Jesse L. Dozer is at the present time proprietor and operator of the J. L. Dozer quarry in \A'ashington townshii>, which covers four acres and 396 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY contains a stone deposit two hundred and seventy feet deep. It is one of the largest quarries in northern Ohio, and yields an excellent product, which is used largely in the construction of buildings throughout the northern part of the state. The product from the quarries is peculiarly valuable in macadamizing and concrete work, and for the latter use cannot be surpassed. Mr. Dozer was born in Muskingum county, Ohio. His parents, George and Elizabeth (Lefler) Dozer, were natives of Pennsylvania, and were among the earliest pioneers in Muskingum county, Ohio. The father was a man of influence and prominence in his day, for a long period of years serving in the ofhce of justice of the peace, and also as trustee of his town- ship in the above mentioned county. He was a Jeffersonian Democrat in political belief, originally a member of the Lutheran church, and died April 5, 185 1, his wife surviving him until December 28, 1870. Their household at one time contained thirteen children, of which number, despite its sup- posedly unlucky character, but one has been claimed by death, and that fatality occurred in February. 1901. Jesse L. Dozer was educated in the schools of Zanesville, Ohio, and, as previously stated, no event of importance occurred to mar the monotonous character of his life until he entered the army. Upon his return from the war he devoted himself to learning the carpenter's trade, and subsequently drifted into the lumber business, in which he continued up to 1885. He then for a number of years caried on a well- drilling business, in whicli he became widely known, having the record of drilling two hundred and ninety-eight water wells in and around Fostoria. He had removed to Hancock county in 1883, in which time he has been a loyal citizen of the county. He is a worthy member of Norris Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and a communicant of the JVIethodist Episcopal church, whose interests he is always active in advancing. The marriage of Mr. Dozer was celebrated in Wayne township, Muskingum county, No- vember 3, 1869. Mary E. McGinness, whom he wedded, was the daughter of Samuel and Sophia (i\Iorris) McGinness, and her children were five in number: Leonard A.; Clyde, deceased; Laura M.; Harold E. ; Russell E. Mrs. Dozer was born September 8, 1S51. Her father, Samuel McGinness, was born near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her mother, Sophia Morris, was the daughter of Thomas and Mary Morris, and was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania. December 15, 1823. She died August 18, 1902, having become the mother of seven children, two daughters and five sons, all living but the oldest son. Mrs. Dozer is the second child and eldest daughter. She was reared, educated and married in her native county. Her father was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, August 25, 1821, and CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 397 by occupation was a farmer, and li\-ed on the same farm seventy-two years. This farm \\as entered by liis father, Johnston McGinness, who moved from Berks county, Pennsylvania, to Ohio in an early day. They were of Scotch Irish descent, and members of the Society of Friends or Quakers. Mr. Dozer is highly respected by his friends and is popular among his business associates. JOHN HECK. There is no class of people in the United States to-day which so well represents the independence and prosperity of our people as the retired farmers. After many years of strong and earnest endeavor and hard labor, 'n\ simple communion with nature, wrestling an existence from the soil, the farmer who sees his efforts crowned with success, and his occupation, once so humble, become one of the most dignified, its time-worn methods improved and extended, has many things to enjoy, and is entitled to high rank among his fellow citizens. Mr. John Heck came of a line of farmers and was born on a farm -in York county, Pennsylvania, October ii, 1836, though he passed his early childhood in Milltown, Cumberland county, in the same state. When he was eight years of age his parents removed to I^iberty township, Plancock county, Ohio, where he was reared and received his education. In May, 1865, he moved into the city of Findlay, where he lived until 1867, when he moved to a farm in Findlay townshi[), where he was engaged in farming until 1874, Avhen he returned to Findlay, where he opened a hardware store, in partner- ship with other members of his family. He continued in the hardware busi- ness for eighteen months, when the farm again claimed him. He remained on his farm until 1887, at which time he retired and moved back to Findlay, where he has lived e\er since, except one year spent at Carey, Wyandotte county. ]\Ir. Heck's grandfather was John Heck, who was born and died in Pennsylvania. The first John Heck was a farmer all his life. His father was George Heck, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1810, and died in Han- cock county in 1894; he also ^vas a farmer. Mr. Heck was married in Hancock county, December 18, 1856, to Lydia Sherick. Mrs. Heck was born in Wayne county, Ohio, February 5, 1840, a daughter of Peter and Barbara (Funk) Sherick. Her parents both died in Liberty township, Hancock county, the father in 1886, and the mother in 1891. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Heck have four children, of whom one is dead. Those living are Bar- bara Etta, wife of S. C. Shoup, whose children are Blanche and Ada M.; 39'^ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY David, who married Ida Small, and whose children are Carl, John, Ira, Ralph, Saxon and Gladys; and William E., who married Nora Wagner, and has three children, Howard, George and Clyde. Mr. Heck has one great- grandson, Maynard Cramm. JNIr. Heck has always been a progressive citizen, and has been identified with the important movements of his chosen place of residence. In 1887, when gas was discovered on his farm, he had the first well sunk in that vicinit}^ which started the boom. He is a prominent member and a trustee of the Church of God. His generosity and benevolence are well known, as was evidenced by his gilt of eleven hundred dollars to Findlay College. In politics he has been a life long Republican. CHRISTOPHER GARBER. France, though not so famous as some other countries in the matter of colonization, has contributed some valuable emigration to the new world, included in which is the family to which this biography is devoted. Peter Garber, who was born in France in 181 1, learned the blacksmith's trade and supported himself by this occupation as long as he remained in his native land. In early manhood he married a young French girl, named Barbara Saltzmann, and in 185 1 the young cou[)le concluded that they could better their fortunes in the rising republic across the sea. Accordingly, they came over in that year, made tiieir way to Plancock county, Ohio, and found a location in Big I.ick township. Peter Garber was a poor man when he arrived, with no other reliance for success than his brain and muscle, backed by a willingness to work and good sense to guide his operations. He secured possession of one hundred acres of land, which he cultivated in summer, while his l:)lacksmith shop was kept busy dvu-ing the winter season. By this continued occupation, kept up with unceasing industry and judicious man- agement, our worthy French emigrant succeeded in accumulating a hand- some property, which supported the family in comfort during the lifetime of the parents, and eventually made a valuable legacy for the children. Peter and Barbara Garber lived to a venerable age and 'passed peaceably away Avithin a few years of each other, the former's death occurring January 25, 1892, and that of the latter December 15, 1894. Their three children, Peter, Ellen and Christopiier, were all born in the old country before the emigration to America. Christopher Garber, the immediate subject of this sketch, was born at his father's humble home in France February 2, 1847, and hence was but four }ears of age when the long voyage was undertaken CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 399 across the Atlantic. He received all his education "in Big Lick township, attending the public schools and assisting liis father in his various occupa- tions. Being brought up to habits of industry and economy and taught the practical details of agriculture, he possessed the needed equipment for the success he achieved in after life. It was in 1872 that he made the first busi- ness venture on his own account by the purchase of forty acres of land, which he cultivated assiduously and, as prosperity came, increased at different times until his entire estate amounted to one hundred and thirty acres. When it is said that all this land, besides some city property in Findlav, was ac- cumulated by Mr. Garber within ten years, it is not necessary to furnish further proof either of his untiring industry or his good management. He has devoted himself exclusively to agricultural pursuits and ranks amon-- the most progressi^-e and enterprising of Hancock's farmers. That he Js popular in his adopted country and that he stands well as a business man, is fully attested by his election as county commissioner in 1891. The manner in ^vhich he discharged the duties of this important position during his term left no cause for regret on the part of his friends for the confidence they had reposed in him. Besides the commissionership Mr. Garber has also filled the offices of justice of the peace and trustee of his township in a manner entirely satisfactory to those most concerned. Both in public and private life Mr. Garber is always found safe and reliable and an advocate of all those things which, in the language of Ivlatthew Arnold, "make for righteous- ness." Besides his general farnnng, which he carries on extensively, he deals in stock on a large scale and is one of the large shippers of the county. December 5, 1872. Mr. Garber was married to Miss Elizabeth F.. daughter of Samuel and Isabelle (Curry) Leonard, and this union has proved in every way a congenial and happy one. Their only child is a son, Leroy E., whose birth occurred November 21, 1876, and whose character and career has been such as to justify the affection bestowed upon him by his fond parents. He is engaged in the wool and seed business at Findlav with his father, and has already established a reputation in business circles which gives promise of great future success. Leroy E. Garber was married some years ago to Miss Ora Enfield, memloer of an old and respected familv. and their household has been brightened by the birth of two children: John W., born March 7, 1899; and Frances, born April i. 1901. Mrs. Garber w^as a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for forty years, but for the last few years has been a member of the United Brethren church. I\Ir. Gar- ber, although not a member of any church, lends his influence towards morality and all that is good. 400 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY A word or two concerning the venerable parents of Mrs. Garber will prove of interest. Samuel Leonard was born in Pennsylvania, but his wife, Isabelle Curry, was a native of Ohio, where the former became a successful former. Both are living-, and celebrated their eighty-seventh birthdays in 1902, his occurring in March and hers in November of that year. John Curry, father of Isabelle Leonard, was born in Ireland and came to the United States when fifteen years old. He was a weaver by trade, and also farmed, was a life-long member of tlie Presbyterian church, and died at a good old age. respected by all who knew him. Robert Leonard, father of Samuel, was born in Pennsylvania, of old Holland Dutch stock, but re- moved to Hancock county about 1838, where he followed farming. He was a ruler in the Presbyterian church for half a century, and died at the age of seventy-six years. SAMUEL SWAB. Among the prominent and substantial citizens of Cass township, Han- cock county, Ohio, must be mentioned Samuel Swab, whose great estate of three hundred and fifty-eight acres is not only well situated for farming and stock-raising purposes, but it is also valuable on account of containing twenty- four oil producing wells. The birthplace and home of our subject until he was nine years of age, was in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where he was born on August 5, 1845, ^^^ is a son of George and Mary (Rodabaugh) Swab. His educa- tion was acquired in the schools of Cass township and his subsequent life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits. George Swab, the father of our subject, was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in 1813, where his wife was born in 1826. She died in the winter of 1848, their family consisting of four children, namely: Mary, deceased; Barbara E., deceased; David and Samuel. Li his young manhood George Swab worked at various occupations, principally teaming, but later learned the distilling business which he followed for sixteen years. He thus accumulated means with which to move to Hancock county, Ohio, and purchase a farm of eighty acres, twenty of which had been cleared. He was born of most worthy parents, George and Barbara (Coder) Swab, and as they were in limited circumstances, he assisted in their care. His residence now is on his fine farm in Cass township, still in the enjoyment of health despite his advanced years, and he has always been respected in his com- munity. \(LL^:zyt.^j^Z.^i:i/>^ ^^o^x^^\yx^^^f^^^tA --vas enrolled as member of Company 4o8 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY H of the Fifty-seventh Ohio V^ohinteer Infantry Reg-iment, but supphed a substitute. In marrying Hannah A. George on February 17, 1853, Mr. Beard ahied himself with one of the oldest famihes of Hancock county. She was born jMarch 11, 1832, as the daughter of I'eter and Mary Ann George. The father, long and widely known as the "Land Hunter," was a native of Penn- sylvania, born there on October 13, 1799. Fie had moved to Pickaway county, this state, and as early as 1823 visited this county, though it was not until 1826 that he settled here permanentl}-. He entered land in Lib- erty and Amanda townships, and at the time of his death owned three hun- dred and seven acres in tlje heart of Amanda township. He acted as guide to tliose who had come west for new lands, and helped them decide on loca- tions and settlements. He was known to be strictly honorable and upright in liis dealings with all, and has been w^ell termed one of nature's noble- men. He raised a family of nine children; tw-o of these lost their lives in the cause of national union and all but a few have passed away. The Beard and George families are probably the oldest and best known in Hancock county. ABRAHAM W. SCOTHORN. Abraham W. Scothorn is extensively engaged in agricultural pursuits. Success in any calling is an indication of close application, industry and faithfulness, qualities wdiich are numbered among the leading characteristics of our subject, and the greatest reward of the successful man is his con- sciousness of having acted w^ell his part. This Mr. Scothorn has done, and to-day he stands among the highly respected citizens of his community. He was born in Reid township, Seneca county, Ohio, October 4, 1834. His father, Samuel Scothorn, was a native of the old Dominion state, but at the early age of twelve years he came with his parents to Ohio, locating in Frank- lin county, on the present site of Columbus, and his father in an early day planted corn on a part of the land on which that city now stands. At the age of eighteen years the son Samuel left the old home farm and learned the tan- ner's trade, following the same in Seneca county until reaching' his twenty- first year. Removing thence to a farm in the woods, he there established a tannery and conducted the same for mau}^ years, druing which time he did much work for the Indians. AMiile residing on that place Mr. Scot- horn kept a record of the game killed in the vicinity, and wathin a period of five years it amounted to two hundred and' fifty deer and five hundred wild d/La^j qMm yi n^JfLj CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 409 turkeys. The mother of our subject, who bore the maiden name of Mary- Smith, was a native of Frankhn county, Ohio, and her death occurred when her son Abraham was but four years of age. She became the mother of six children. After her death the father was twice married, becoming the father of two children by this second marriage, while his third union was blessed with three children. Abraham W. Scothorn, the sixth child in order of birth of his father's first marriage, was reared and educated ni the county of his nativity, and after reaching his twenty-first year he left the old home place and came to Hancock county, his first work here being in the Bishop sawmill, south of Findlay, Avhere he was employed for about four years. During- the succeed- ing six years he conducted a farm belonging to Mr. Bishop, and in 1870 came to his present farm in Orange township, on which he has erected commodi- ous and substantial buildings, built fences and placed his fields under an ex- cellent state of cultivation, thus making- his place one of the valuable home- steads of the township. On his farm of eighty acres are located eight oil wells, and he has also given a farm to each of his sons. In his political affilia- tions Mr. Scothorn is a stalwart supporter of Democratic principles, and for five years was the efficient clerk of Orange township, while for three years was its trustee and was elected to the position of treasurer, but did not qual- ify. In 1890 he was elected to the office of land appraiser, and in all his public duties he has been true to the trusts reposed in him. The marriage of Mr. Scothorn was celebrated on the 14th of October, i860, when Eliza A. Walters became his wife. She is a native daughter of Hancock county, her birth having occurred in Eagle township, and by her marriage she has become the mother of three children, namely : Florence R., wife of George Rote, of Van Wert county, Ohio; Walter W., who mar- ried Flora Porchort and resides in Michigan; and Herman H., who married Ella Henry, and they make their home in Eagle township, Hancock county. Mr. and Mrs. Scothorn also have five grandchildren — Floyd Rote, Burr, Lower, William A. Scothorn and one not named. This worthy couple enjoy the friendship of many with whom they have come in contact, for their many sterling characteristics have ever commanded the respect and regard of those with whom they have been associated. They have labored together earnestly, the work of the one supplementing and rounding out the work of the other, and their attractive home is a fitting monument to their labors. Mrs. Scothorn's father, Lower M. Walters, was born in Virginia and came to Eagle township, Hancock county, about 1834. His wife, Ruth Sharp, was born in Franklin county, Ohio. The father lived to be about seventy-nine years old and the 4IO CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY mother eighty-two. They were the parents of five children, three daughters and two sons, of whom th.e only two now living are Dr. Walters, of Ada. and Mrs. Scothorn, who was the youngest of the family. SOLOMON SNIDER. Prominently known as one of the representatives of a pioneer family of Hancock county, is Solomon Snider, who also deserves mention in this vol- ume by reason of his own excellent qualities as a loyal citizen. He is a farmer of prominence and influence in Big Lick tow'nship, where he resides on an excellent farm of one hundred and eighty-three acres, and upon which there is in active operation eight producing oil wells. A number of others are in course of drilling. Mr. Solomon Snider first opened his eyes to the light in the village of Findlay, March 8, 1839. His father was Samuel Snider, the maiden name of his mother having been Katherine Spangler. He grew to manhood in Findlay township, where he was given the advantage of a good common- school education. Like his ancestors before him he chose for his vocation in life the free and independent existence of a farmer, in which pursuit he has been very generally successful. March 27, 1858, dates an epoch in the life of Mr. Snider, he having on that day been joined in marriage to Miss Ruth, daughter of Daniel and Jane Davis. For a period of three years they resided in Findlay township, and in 1861 removed to their present location in Big Lick town- ship. Here he was engaged on. his farm at the inception of the Civil war. and although with a growing family dependent upon him, he put aside all considerations of a personal character, for he felt that his duty was to his country. He enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private soldier, and went to the front. The strange climate into which Mr. Snider was required to march under an August sun, proved too much for his rather precarious constitution and he succumbed to a sunstroke which incapacitated him for further usefulness. After four months of distressing sickness he was discharged on account of disability, the whole episode being one which Mr. Snider regrets to the present day. He, however, has always taken a great interest in the military life of the country, and is at present an honored and worthy member of Stoker Post of the G. A. R. The children that were born to Mr. and Mrs. Snider were Louis A., Oc- tober 24, i860; Eva L., April 20, 1864; Samuel E.. September 20, 1865; Edgar M.. June 4, 1872: Olive E.. June 28, 1878. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 411 Mrs. Snider is a member of one of the pioneer families of Hancock county, where she was born August 5, 1838. Her father, Daniel Davis, was a native of the state of Maryland, born in 181 1. He was a mechanic by edu- cation, training and nature, being a man of very fine inventive faculty. He removed to this county in 1834, where he married in September of 1836. The family that he reared consisted of ten children, six of whom are now living : Ruth, Rachel, Henry, Mary, Jane and John. Mr. Davis died in the year 1849, at a comparatively early age, while his wife continued to survive him until 1884, she dying at the advanced age of seventy-two. Returning again to the history of the Snider family we note that Sam- uel Snider, the father of our subject, was born in 181 2 in Perry county, Ohio. His wife, Katherine Spangler, was a native of Fairfield county, Ohio, born in 181 3. They married in Fairfield county, and subsequently removed tq Hancock where they located in Findlay township. Here Samuel entered one hundred and sixty acres of government land, all of which was in its native condition, and which he cleared. He endured the same hardships and sur- mounted the multiplied difficulties of which that early time was fraught. He was a good practical farmer in his day. In religious temperament he was extremely pious, being a member of the Lutheran church. He voted with the Republican party. He was a man of genial personality, made many friends, and by his consistent and upright dealings with them, was enabled to keep their friendship. He was sociable and hospitable in the extreme. He con- tinued to reside on the original farm to the time of his death, which occurred in 1884, his wife surviving him three years. The family consisted of nine chil- dren; Isabelle, deceased; Louise, deceased; Solomon; Mary, deceased; Will- iam, George, Immanuel, Rebecca and Emma. Mr. Snider is a public spirited and progressive citizen of Flancock county, and as such is honored and highly respected by a host of friends. While the family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church, our subject does not belong but believes in a future and his actions in this life are of a charitable and hon- est kind, he giving in charity to all who apply. He has always been a strong Republican. WILLL\M P. BLACK. It is but a natural step from the oil fields of Pennsylvania io those of her sister state. Ohio, and among the great number of oil producers of Find- lay who have originally engaged in, the same occupation in their native state Mr. William P. Black is one of the foremost. 412 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Mr. Black is of Irish descent, his grandfather having been born on the Emerald Isle, but came to America early in the eighteenth century to better his fortunes. He died in America, and has bq^ueathed to it something more than a name — his own sturdy independence and industry. His son^ Patrick Black, the father of him whose name introduces our review, was born in Pennsylvania, in v^'h^ch state he died in 1892, at the age of eighty- three years. He was a blacksmith, and quite successfully combined his trade with farmmg. Williaui P. Black was born in Freeport, Pennsylvania, in 1 86 1, and soon afterward his parents moved to a farm in Armstrong county, where he lived until he was eighteen. As was the case with so many young' men Ijefore him, the oil fields were a very strong attraction, and he began his work in that line in Bradford, his first work being that of dressing tools for drillers. He very early began to drill wells on his own account, and after five years went to Marietta, Ohio, and followed his work in the fields around that city for two years. The Fnidlay oil fields having shown great promise, he diecided to try his luck in them, and the fact that he has since remained indicates that he made a wise chr)ice. He thoroughly under- stands the business of drdling, and is constantly engaged in drilling for others and in producing on his own account. Mr. Black was united in marriage, in Findlay, to Ora Williams, daugh- ter of Levi and Amanda (Dempster) Williams. Mrs. Black's parents were both born in Ohio, her father's occupation being that of hotel-keeping and farming. He died in 1896, and she in 1900, their entire lives having been passed in this state. Mrs. Black's maternal grandmother was Violet Demp- ster. j\Ir. Black is an adherent of the Democratic party, though not actively engaged in politics. JACOB FRUTH. We name here one of the young and vigorous representatives of the agricultural class of Hancock county, who is making for himself a reputation as a scientific farmer. He resides in Washington township, where he operates a farm of seventy-five acres. His birth occurred in Seneca county, Ohio, May 29, 1874, the name of his father being John F. Fruth, and his mother's maiden name, Marie Peter. The former was born in Germany, May 21, 1853, while the latter is a native of Seneca county, Ohio. In 1854, John F. Fruth came to this country with his parents, who located in the city of Cleve- land, Ohio, and remained there about three years. In 1858 he located with his parents in Seneca countv, Ohio, where he was reared and educated, and CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 4^3 where he continues to reside. He and his son purchased one hundred acres in Washington township, Hancock county, which they now own, John F. Fruth, the father is a worthy and practical farmer, a member of the United Brethren church, and a citizen of whom the county may well be proud. His family include three children, namely : Jacob ; Willie C. ; and Kate A. Jacob Fruth, who is the immediate subject of this paragraph, was reared for the most part in Seneca county, in the schools of which he received his elementary education, it being of a character to fit him for the duties of life. March 29, 1900, occurred his marriage, the lady being the accomplished daughter of Gottlieb and Lydia Mertz, her name being the same as that of her mother. The union has been blessed with a bright little boy, Ross R., who was born March 23, 1901. Mrs. Furth was born at Fostoria, Ohio, Sep- tember 12, 1880. Her people are of German descent. Both husband and wife are acceptable members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which they are active workers. They combine many fine social qualities and are highly es- teemed by all. DR. PERRY O. GUISE. Dr. Perry O. Guise is the son of one of the old settlers of Hancock county, his father, Jessy Guise, having settled in Findlay in the year 1834, coming overland in a one-horse wagon with his sister from Adams county, Pennsyl- vania, where he was born in the year 18 18. He was a contractor, and in the building of a city in what was then an undeveloped country, he found plenty of occupation, and passed a useful and industrious life, gaining financial success, and the honor and esteem of the entire community. He died at Find- lay in 1885. Jessy Guise's father was born in Pennsylvania in the eighteenth century, and died there in the nineteenth century. Dr. Perry O. Guise was born in Findlay, Ohio, in 185 1, and after finish- ing his education in the schools of that place entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Baltimore, Maryland, where he graduated in 1882, and im- mediately thereafter returned to Findlay, where he entered in the practice of his profession, and still continues. Dr. Guise w^as married Septeml^er 5, 1883, to Caroline H. Hay, daughter of Dr. Carmel Hay, who was a success- ful practitioner in Charlestown, Indiana, and lived about three-fourths of a century, respected and honored by all who knew him. His wife was a native of Virginia. Dr. and Mrs. Guise have two children, as follows : Helen L., born July 22, 1884; Cedric H., born July 25, 1890. He has an ideal home, and a large circle of friends, and is a leader in professional, po- 414 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY liticaland church circles. He belongs to the Northwestern ]Meclical Society, is a member of the Presbyterian church, and an active and zealous Republican, working for the best interests of his party. The people of Findlay have shown their confidence in him by electing him to various offices. He has been township clerk and township treasurer of Findlay township, holding each office for two terms, and filling them acceptably and successfully. He is loyal to his city and county, and is recognized as one of the promin- ent and influential citizens of Findlay, devoted to his work, helping suft'ering humanity, and eminent in his profession. MRS. SARAH A. STROTHER. Only those lives are worthy of record that have been potential factors in the public progress in promoting the general welfare or advancing the edu- cational or moral interests of the community. Among the honored citizens of Hancock county none are more deserving of mention in this volume than the lady whose name introduces this sketch, for much of her life has been de- voted to the uplifting of her fellow men. Mrs. Strother was born at Gerrardstown, Berkeley county, in what is now West Virginia, May 26, 1819, and is a daughter of Joshua and Eleanor (Chenow^eth) Baldwin, who were also natives of that county. Her paternal grandparents, William and Jane (Hedges) Baldwin, were both natives of England and were the parents of the following children, namely : Jonah, Joseph, Joshua, Jane, Rebecca and Mary. William Baldwin was twice mar- ried, his first wife being Mary Woods, of England, by whom he had five children : John, William, Benjamin, Mary and Rebecca. Mrs. Strother's maternal grandfather, Absalom Chenoweth, was born in Wales of Welsh parentage. In the county of his nativity Joshua Baldwin was reared and in early life learned the tanner's trade. When a young man of about twenty-eight years he came to Ohio and entered a section of land on Buck creek, in Champaign county. He then returned to West Virginia and married Eleanor Cheno- weth, whom he brought as a bride to Ohio. To the improvement and culti- vation of his land he devoted his earnings. He was for a short time in the war of 181 2, at the time of Hull's surrender, afterward returning to West Virginia, having exchanged his place in Ohio for one that his brother Joseph owned in the former state, where he continued to make his home until 1828, when he again came to Ohio and this time located at Zanesville, Muskingum county, for the purpose of educating his children. In CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 415 October, 1836, he removed by teams to Hancock county and took up his resi- dence in Findlay, when the city contained but a few inhabitants, among them being Wilson Vance, a brother of Governor Vance. Here Mr. Baldwin en- gaged in the drug business with his son, Dr. \V. H. Baldwin, for a short time and then lived retired until called to his rest at the age of seventy-six years. He was a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal church and much of his life was devoted to the work of the ministry. Upright and honorable in all the relations of life, he commanded the respect and confidence of those with whom he came in contact and left behind him an honorable record, well worthy of perpetuation. In his family were the following children : Will- iam H. ; Amy Jane, wife of Charles W. O'Neal, a prominent attorney; Ab- salom C. ; Sarah A ; Eleanor, wife of A. H. Hyatt, a leading merchant of Findlay; Malinda, who first married Joseph Vance, a nephew of Governor Joseph Vance, and for her second husband married Henry Porch, who was one of the first to utilize natural gas in the county ; and Henry and Eliza, who both died in childhood. All of the family are now deceased with the excep- tion of Mrs. Strother. She was educated in the schools of Zanesville and was about seventeen years of age when she accompanied her parents on their re- moval to Findlay. Here she was first married in 1837 to Arnold F. Merriam, a cousin of Stephen A. Douglas. He was educated at Brandon, Vermont, and became one of the prominent attorneys of Findlay in early days. By this union there were born three children: Sarah Jane, wife of John Schell; Emily C., widow of John C. Kemble; and William D., who died at the age of nine years. About seven years after the death of her first husband ]\Irs. Strother married Judge R. L. Strother, who was born in Hardy county, W^est Vir- ginia, and came to Hancock county about 1828, being one of the promi- nent early settlers of this locality. At one time he owned some of the land on which the city of Findlay now stands and he bore a very active and influ- ential part in public affairs, serving as district judge for some years. He died in 1874 and in his death the community realized that it had lost one of its most valued citizens. By her second marriage Mrs. Strother has three daughters, Mrs. Sidney Shuck, Mrs. Eva A. Strickler and Eleanor Cheneweth, who died at three years of age. In 1 83 1 Mrs. Strother joined the First Methodist Episcopal church of Zanesville, and has since taken a very active part in the work of that de- nomination, serving as president of the Home Missionary Society. Tem- perance Avork, however, has also claimed much of her attention and she be- came a charter member of the first Good Templar organization founded in 41 6 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Findlay, and also a charter member of the Daughters of Temperance. She took the pledge when only eighteen years of age and has never broken it. To-day she is president of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, No. I. She led out a band of crusaders in Findlay and assisted in the organiza- tion of the State Union at Spring-field and organized the societies in Han- cock county under the name of the Temperance Alliance. She has attended most of the state conventions of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union during the existence of that great organization, and in 1902 was the oldest member to make a report at the convention in Toledo. She has filled all the offices in the society and is called the mother of the movement in Findlay. The state organization sent her as a delegate to the World's Union in London, England. She is well known all over the country as one of its most active and earnest temperance workers and a woman whose life has been devoted to those enterprises calculated to promote the moral and social welfare of the community. During the entire Civil w^ar, with the exception of three months, she was president of the Soldiers' Aid Society and she is now a member of the Woman's Relief Corps at Findlay, of which she was the first chaplain. Her life has been a most exemplary one and she has ever supported those move- ments calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while her own high moral worth is deserving of the highest commendation. ISAAC THOMPSON. Many years have passed since this gentleman came to Hancock county, and he is therefore numbered among her honored pioneers as well as leading- citizens. He has been actively and prominently identified with the upbuild- ing and progress of Orange township, and his name is inseparably connected with many events and enterprises which have contributed to the development of his community. A native son of the Buckeye state, his birth occurred in Marlborough township. Stark county, Ohio, on the 25th of February, 182S. His. father, David Thompson, was a native of Loudoun county, Virginia, and when about ten years of age he accompanied his parents on their removal to Columbiana county, Ohio, the family locating near Fairfield, where he was taught the work of the farm in all its departments. The latter's father, Isaac Thompson, was also a native of the Old Dominion state, but in an early day he located in Columbiana conuty, and he lived to the extreme old age of one hundred and six years. He was of Quaker origin. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Eliza McCoy, and her birth occurred near New Lisbon, Columbiana county, Ohio, where she was CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 417 reared to mature years. ]n the county of her nativity she gave her hand in marriage to David Thompson, and this young couple immediately removed to Stark county, this state, taking up their abode on a farm in the dense woods. The husband immediately entered eighty acres of land, which in time he cleared and improved, but nine years later he sold that place and came to Hancock county, where he located in section 20, Orange township, being the second person to secure land in this locality. Again he was obliged to un- dertake the arduous task of clearing and developing land, but as the years went by he succeeded in placing his fields in an excellent state of cultivation, and on this valuable homestead he spent the remainder of his life, entering mto eternal rest in 1854, at the age of fifty-six years. Both he and his wife w^ere members of the Disciples church, and the latter was called to her final rest when she had reached the fifty-sixth milestone on the journey of life, in 1861. Unto this worthy pioneer couple were born ten children, three daugh- ters and seven sons, and all grew to years of maturity, but only two of the number are now living-, the brother being S. P. Thompson, who is serving as circuit judge of Jasper and Newton counties, Indiana. Isaac Thompson, the other surviving member of this once large family, was the second child and eldest son in order of birth. He was but five years of age ^^•hen he was brought by his parents to Hancock county. The school which he attended was a primitive log structure, and he had reached his fif- teenth year ere he was privileged to enjoy the advantages to be secured even in this rude structure, while his school life covered a period of only fifteen months. However, he has greatly added to this meager training by keeping himself in constant touch with the movements of the outside world and by reading and observation, and is now a well informed man. Early in life he as- sisted his father in clearing and improving the homestead farm, and in addi- tion to this work and improving a farm for himself, later he also taught school during the winter months for about six years. After his marriage he located on the farm which still continues to ])e his liome. and all the accessories and improvements on this novv \alua1)le estate stand as monuments to his thrift and business ability. At one time he was the owner of two hundred and eighty acres, but as his children have started in life for themselves he has given to them portions of his land until he has now only one hundred and twen- ty acres. Eight oil wells have been drilled on his farm, seven of which have been good producers and they now yield about forty-eight barrels a month. For a period of six years Mr. Thompson served as a justice of the peace, for thirteen years was township clerk, was township treasurer for about four- teen years, for a similar period ser\-ed as supervisor, was also a ditch super- 41 8 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY visor, and for the past eighteen years has been a notary pubhc. He has also settled about fifty estates, and has acted as guardian for live persons. His life has been a busy and useful one. and in the discharge of both his public and private duties he has won the respect and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact. The marriage of Mr. Thompson ^vas celebrated on the 24th of October, 1849, wdien Miss Louisa McKinley became his wife. She is a relative of ovu" martyred president, William McKinley. and is of Irish descent, her grandparents having emigrated from the Green Isle of Erin to the United States. Her death occurred on the 31st of December, 1888, after becoming the mother of six children, concerning whom the following domestic record is furnished : Leticia E. married Bateman Zoll and is now deceased ; Mary J. is the wife of Jesse T. Crawford, and they have one son, Ray D. ; David F. married Clara E. Buckley and they have two children living, Bertha and Jesse; Jay Allen married Mary Ellen Hall, and they have two children liv- ing, Lulu May and Cecil D. ; Willie H. is single; Chester E. married Mary Maude George and they have one son, Otho G. Mr. Thompson's religious afiiliations are with the Christian church, of which he has long been a valued member. Lniformly respected and ven- erated amid a large circle of friends, he is now spending the evening of life quietly at his pleasant home in Orange township. W. M. METZLER, M. D. One of the eminent followers of yEsculapius, the ancient, and an orna- ment to that time-honored and most beneficent profession which can occupy the field of human endeavor, is Dr. W. M. Metzler, a young but very suc- cessful practitioner of Vanlue, Hancock county, Ohio. His father, Henry H., was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, and he married Caroline A. Reed, who was born in Hancock county, and belonged to a family long identified with the history of the county. The Metzlers came into this county in 1850 and located in Liberty tow^nship. Henry H. was clerk of the township and also its treasurer. For several years he w-as in the grocery business at Find- lay and was a clerk for Lemuel McMannis for three years ; he was in business for himself for eleven years and bore an excellent reputation in all the lines of his endeavor. At the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted, in 1861, be- coming a member of Company F, Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry; he was taken prisoner at the battle of Chickamauga and was exchanged in 1864. He died April 30, 1892, and his wife passed away August 13, 1899. They CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 419 were the parents of seven children, all of whom are living and filling honor- able places in the various walks of life. The subject of this biography had his birth in Liberty township, Han- cock county, September 21, 1866, and he was reared and educated there, graduating in the Findlay high school. He was then employed for some time in the railway mail service, but having determined to take up the profession of medicine he entered the Starling Medical College and received his degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1895. The following year he began the practice of his calling in Vanlue and has since gained a very profitable patronage; his methods of practice being based upon the "Regular" school of medicine. In the line of his profession he is a member of the Hancock county Medical So- ciety, and fraternally belongs to the Knights of Pythias. In the month of February, 1902, Dr. Metzler was married to Miss Lola Cross, who was born in Amanda township in 1877, the daughter of Henry and Octavia Cross. Henry Cross, now deceased, was one of the well known and respected men of Amanda township, whose well tilled farm of sixty acres is situated a short distance west of Vanlue. There his birth occurred on the 4th of February, 1841 ; his parents were Charles and Esther (Smaltz) Cross, the former a native of Maryland and the latter born in Fairfield county, Ohio ; the family came to this county in 1839 and settled on the property which now belongs to Mrs. Octavia Cross. Henry Cross was a faithful member of the United Brethren church and in its belief he died, April 23, 1888. His mar- riage to Octavia, the daughter of William and Octavia Brown, occurred May II, 1865 ; she was a native of Big Lick township, her natal day being February 19, 1842. Of this marriage there were eight children and five of them are yet living: Effie R., Lola A., Bertha I., Forest G., and Morris E. CHARLES J. KRAUSS. This prominent representative of the agricultural interests of Hancock county resides just outside the city limits of the city of Findlay, on the Blanchard road, in Marion township, on a farm containing one hundred and ninety-five acres of valuable land, and upon which is situated one flowing gas well, which he sunk himself, and which furnishes gas for his own consump- tion. Mr. Krauss was born in Baden, Germany, on the 5th of May, 1827. His parents were George A. and Mary E. (Keller) Krauss, the former a manufacturer of soap and candles at Baden, and still living. The subject of this sketch upon attaining his majority emigrated to this country and located in Buffalo, New York, the year being 1848, where he remained but a few 420 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY months, and during which time he was employed in a tannery. The same year he removed to Putnam county, Ohio, where he gave his attention to learning the wagon-maker's trade. In 1852, however, he lesolved to join the ranks of the farming class, and purchasing a farm of fifty-four acres, he began its cultivation. In 1858 he removed to his present location, where he purchased one hundred and eighteen acres of land, and afterwards added seventy-seven more. Besides this extensive farm he invested in an- other parcel of land, for which he paid $2,600, and in five years it had in- creased in value so as to bring the sum of $14,400. The success of Mr. Krauss is largely due to the fact that he is a man of good judgment and shrewd foresight. In 1851 he married Nancy Krebs, and to this lady were born two children, Mary E. and William T. Both the children and their mother are now deceased, the mother dying in 1854. In 1856, for his sec- ond wife, Mr. Krauss chose Mrs. Glauner, a widow whose rjame before her first marriage was Annie Snyder. This marriage resulted in four children, the mother of whom died in 1881. She was a woman of most estimable dis- position and many noble traits of character. William J., one of the sons, married Miss Libbie Aultman, of Marion township, and now resides in the county, engaged in farming. Mr. Krauss takes great pride in his surround- ings. In 1889 he built upon his farm the present beautiful and commodious house, furnishing it with all the modern conveniences. He has been hon- ored with the various township oflices in the gift of his people. Fraternally he is a worthy member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which organization he is a charter member of Golden Rule Encampment. Mr. Ivrauss has retired from the cares and worries of an active business life, and is enjoying the comforts which should come as the cap sheaf of a life of worthy industry. JOHN M. BARR. As a citizen and substantial business man of Findlay no one stands liigher in the community than Mr. Barr, president of the Citizens' Gas Light & Coke Company. He has been closely identified with the business interests of the city and has been an important factor in the advancement of its ma- terial and industrial progress, giving liberally of his time, means and thought to insure the prosperity of the place, and being also a worthy representative of one of the pioneer families of Hancock county, of which he is a native son. Mr. Barr was born in Findlay, on the 27th of June, 1849, the son of James H. and Mary (Shaw) Barr, the former of whom was born in Fairfield CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 421 county, Ohio, becoming one of the early settlers of Hancock county, where he was honored for his sterling character and his marked ability. He located in Findlay and had the distinction of being the first judge of probate elected in the county, serving three terms in this office and also having been incumb- ent of the position of county auditor in the early days. He was a man of profound judgment and inflexible integrity, was a prominent and influential citizen and impressed himself strongly on the community where he passed so many years of his life, being summoned into eternal rest on the ist of Sep- tember, 1862, at the age of fifty years. His wife, who was likewise born in Fairfield county, passed away July 20, 1882, at the age of fifty-seven years. Judge Barr was a son of John Barr, who was born in Pennsylvania, whence he removed to Fairfield county, Ohio, in the early pioneer epoch, and there passed the residue of his life. John M. Barr, the immediate subject of this sketch, was reared and educated in his native city, and w^hen seventeen years of "ge, in 1866, he went to New York city and took a position as a house salesman in a whole- sale hat establishment, being thus employed for a decade. In 1876 he re- turned to Findlay, where he was engaged in various business enterprises until 1881, when he became associated with his father-in-law, Hiram J. Starr, in the grain and live stock business, in Wyandot county, thus continuing operations for about five years and maintaining his home in Carey. In 1887 he returned to Findlay and became associated with others, under the firm name of Waltz, Barr & Company, in the leasing of the Lake Erie & Western elevators. The partnership \vas dissolved at the exiration of three years and Mr. Barr there- after retained the elevators and carried on an individual grain business until the plant was destroyed by fire. Fie then accepted the position of manager of the Findlay Electric Light Company, retaining this incumbency for two years and resigning the same to enter upon his able administration as post- master of Findlay, during Cleveland's second term. He did much to improve the service and facilities of the local postoffice business and his regime con- tinued for four and one-half years. He then associated himself with W. N. Coons, now of Cleveland, in purchasing from the city the local gas plant, and he was made president of the company. He has since been incumbent of this executive oflice and his wase business policy has done much to further the success of the enterprise. Fie has ever shown a lively interest in all that concerns the general welfare and the legitimate advancement of the com- munity, and his aid and influence have been invariably given to worthy en- terprises for the pnljlic good. Mr. Barr is a stalwart Democrat in his political 422 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY pruclixities, and he has served as a member of the city council and also of the library board. On the 30th of August, 1877, at Carey, Ohio, was solemnized the mar- riage of Mr. Barr to Miss Laura P. Starr, the daughter of Hiram J. Starr. The family is prominent m the social life of the city, and the attractive home, at 200 West Front street, is a center of refined hospitality. WILLIAM M. NEWHOUSE. Well known in Hancock county, William M. Xewhouse is a worthy representative of the farming interests and a man whose connection with the progress and development of Hancock county has been disinterested and honorable in the extreme. At this period of writing he is prosperous farmer, residing in Washington township, owning and operating a valuable farm of one hundred and thirty-seven acres. The birth of Mr. Newhouse occurred in Carroll county, Ohio, April 14, 1849. His father was James Newhouse; his mother was Susana S. May. He grew to manhood in his na- tive county, engaged in the occupations and pleasures that come to the average country boy, receiving an indifferent education in the common schools of that time. Upon arriving at maturity he adopted farming as his life work, which he has continued to follow to tlie present time. With the exception of five years he has always worked on the same farm, that which his father owned before him. He is reputed to be one of the very best farmers in Washington township, taking the greatest pride in adopting new methods in the culture of his lands, and keeping the improvements on his farm in the best of order. Mr. Newhouse was the prime mover in the organization of what is known as the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Hancock county, of which or- ganization he was president for a period of six years. December 19, 1876, he was united in marriage to Mary, daughter of Henry and Katherine Brown, and born in Washington township, January 7, 1851. She is the mother of an interesting family, as follows: Jennie M., born August 30, 1877; Ada D., bom March 8, 1880; Clara M., born March 30, 1884; and Riley E., De- cember 5, 1885. Mrs. Newhouse is a member of one of the pioneer families of the county, and one which has been vei-y prominently connected with its development. William M. Newhouse's father is a native of Carroll county, Ohio, born October 31, 1822. His wife, Susana May, claims nativity in the Keystone state, where she was born July 18, 1823. They came to Hancock county in the fall of 1850, and located in Washington township, where they bought eighty acres which had been somewhat improved. To this tract they CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 423 soon added another of fort)^ acres, the whole of which James continued to farm during his hfetime. He was a man thoroughly versed in the science of farming in his day, a fact which accounts for the proficiency of his son in the same line. In 1872 James Newdiouse caused to he built a commodious brick house on the farm, which is one of the most beautiful and practical mod- ern residences in the county. Politically he voted with the Republican party. He reared a family of five children, two of whom are now living ; the other member of the family beside our subject being a brother, Thomas New- house, elsewdiere mentioned in this volume. Mr. Newdiouse has by untiring industry and sound judgment won a merited success in all his undertakings, and is in all respects worthy the high regard in which he is held by his fellow men. He has made many improve- ments on . his place in the last four or five years, and now has one of the model farms of the county. REV. A. C. SIDDALL. One of the most highly regarded citizens of Van Buren, Ohio, is Rev. A. C. Siddall, who not only has gained the confidence of his own religious body, but has won a position of esteem in this community, wdiere his schol- arly attainments are only equalled by his usefulness as a Christian minister. The birth of Mr. Siddall w^as on July 3, 1868, in Amanda township, Hancock county, Ohio, and he is a son of John C. and Phidenia (Litzen- berger) Siddall, the former of whom was born on November 3, 1844, in Co- lumbiana county, Ohio, and the latter in 1846, in Hancock county, Ohio. John C. Siddall is a successful and practical farmer, who owns an estate of one hundred and sixty-seven acres of vauable land in Amanda township. His parents were Joshua and Mary A. Siddall, who, in 1848, moved from Colum- biana county to Hancock county. The family has long been prominent in the United Brethren church. Rev. Mr. Siddall was reared and educated in the common schools of his native township, and after finishing the common school course, spent four years in teaching in Hancock county and then entered Heidelberg University, graduating with honor in 1897. In 1890 he entered the Sandusky conference and ministry of the United Brethren church, and was assigned to the charge 'dX. Nevada, Ohio, where he remained for one year, serving for the same length of time the church at Kansas, Ohio, and this was followed by a service of three years at Bloomville, Ohio. From Bloomville he went to Bascom, Ohio, and three years later was transferred to Van Buren, where he is most 424 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY acceptably serving his third year. This church was organized in 1866, and was built in 1868. Under his charge it has been strengthened until its mem- bership reaches almost two hundred, with a flourishing Sunday-school of two liundred and sixty-four members. This is one of the encouraging charges in the conference and the church property here is valued at six thousand dollars. Rev. Mr. Siddall occupies the position of statistical secretary of the San- dusky conference. In 1890 Rev. Mr. Siddall was united in marriage with Miss Rose L. Shuck, who is a daughter of Benjamin and Sarah Shuck and who was born on March 10, 1870, in Amanda township. To this union there were four children: Judson C, born May 18, 1892; Ruth M., born August 21, 1893; Esther C, born June 16, 1895; and Alcenas C, born June 4, 1897. As a pulpit orator, Rev. Mr. Siddall is a speaker of great power, and an expounder of clearness. His church in him has a preacher of great value, one who does not confine his Christian labors to his own denomination, but extends his influence through the community. His pleasant personality wins many to his cause, while his exemplary life sets an example which works for the good of others. ABNER L. DAVIS. Abner L. Davis was born on a farm four miles east of Findlay, August 20, 1849. His remote ancestors emigrated from Wales to Virginia in the year 1640. His immediate ancestor, William Davis, moved from Cumber- land, Maryland, to Hancock county, Ohio, in the spring of 1834. C. W. BROOKS. This well known farmer and honored citizen of Pleasant township has for many years been prominently identified with the agricultural interests of Hancock county, and his many years of earnest toil have been rewarded by a desirable competence. He is a native son of the Buckeye state, his birth having occurred in Jefferson county, on the 3d of March, 1838, and he is a son of Elisha and Margaret (Woods) Brooks, the former a native of Vir- ginia and the latter of Ohio. The father, who was of English descent, fol- lowed the trade of shoemaking in early life, but after coming to Hancock county in 1845, ^^^ purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land, oii which he farmed during the remainder of his life, passing to his final rest in T855. The mother was of Irish ancestry. In their family were eleven chil- dren, nine of whom grew to years of maturity. II If hj^£t:.^^ray^<^^ ^oA^^Q/jJ^yi^^^^ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 425^ C. W. Brooks, the youngest in order of Ijirth of the eleven chilchTn, was reared to mature years on the parental farm, and in the common schools of the neighborhood he received his early ednCcHtional training. Choosing as a life work the occupation to which lie had been reared, he early engaged in agricultural pursuits and is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of fertile and \vell improved land. In 1862 Mr. Brooks answered the call for soldiers to aid in crushing out the rebellion in the south, becoming a member of Company G, Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, of wdiich he was elected captain, but by a general order the regiment was disbanded and the men assigned to other regiments. He served his full term of three years, and at the battle of Stone river he received a bullet wound directly over the heart, his life being saved only by a bag of salt wdiich he was carrying in a side pocket, wdiich so reduced the force of the ball that it shattered only one rib.. After his return from hostilities Mr. Brooks again took up the quiet pursuits of the farm, and has since given his attention to the tilling of the soil, his efforts in that direction being attended with a high and w'ell merited de- gree of success. In the year 1861 Mr. Brooks was united in marriage to Sarah A., daugh- ter of Cyrus and Betsey Hart, and a descendant of English and Irish ancestry. Unto this union were born the following children: EllsW'Orth, who married Rena Mackey; Norton, who married Ida Robinson; Mack W., who married Elizabeth Helfrich; Matilda, deceased; Eli, who married Clara Conine; Jennie, the wife of F. Heifer; and Lizzie, the wife of John Sheeter. The wife and mother was called into eternal rest in 1880, and on the 27th of June, 1888, Mr. Brooks married Elizabeth J. King, who was born in Portage towmship, Hancock county, in i8z}.4, a daughter of William and Elizabeth King. The father w?as a man of great business ability, and w^as a large stock dealer and land owner, owning and operating two hundred acres of fine land. He be- came a resident of Hancock county as early as 1842, and was long one of its valued and influential citizens. He was many times the choice of his fellow townsmen for positions of honor and trust, and among the many public ofBces wdiich he was called upon to fill was that of justice of the peace. His death occurded on the 6th of July, 1898, but his widow is still living. By his second marriage Mr. Brooks has become the father of one son, Wilbur K., w^ho was born May 24, 1889. In political matters our subject gives support to the Republican party, and he, too, has been called upon to ser\-e in various public capacities, having for four years been the efficient trustee of Pleasant towmship, held the office of treasurer for a similar period. On account of two townships being thrown out he was de- 426 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY feated for county commissioner in 1880 but was elected to that office in 188S by a large majority, having been nominated in the convention on the tirst ballot. In 1900 j\Ir. Brooks was appointed superintendent of the Hancock County Infirmary and has made the most able superintendent the poor farm has ever had. Mrs. Brooks, the matron of the infirmary, is a woman thor- oughly litted in every wzy for the position she occupies. She was a leading and popular teacher in this county for t\\enty-five years prior to her mar- riage. The cause of education has also found in Mr. Brooks a warm friend, and for eight years he served as a meml^er of the school board. In 1883 he was elected vice president of the Hancock County Agricultural Association, thus serving until 1885, when he was elected general manager. In his fra- ternal relations he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; was the first chancellor commander of McComb Lodge, No. 179, K. of P., of which he was also deputy grand chancellor ; and was formerly a member of John Howard Post, No. 154, G. A. R., in which he served as quartermas- ter and commander, but is now member of Stoker Post, of Findlay. Mr. Brooks is an honored and highly esteemed member of his community, and in the county which has so long been his home he has a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. WILLIAM STEPHENSON. William Stephenson, deceased, was for many years an honored and highly esteemed citizen of Hancock county, his time and energies being princi- pally devoted to agricultural pursuits. A native of Ohio, he was born in Knox county, August 7, 1823, his parents being John and Anna (Lee) Stephenson. The father was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, but as early as 1814 came to Ohio and settled in Knox county, where he was PAimbered among the pioneers and prominent farmers. His wife was a na- tive of Ireland but was only three years of age when brought by her parents to the new world. She died at the age of sixty-three years and he was sev- enty-four years of age at the time of his death. In their family were ten children, of whom nine reached maturity. In this family William Stephenson was eighth in order of birth. He was reared and educated in the county of his nativity, attending the common schools near his boyhood home, and aiding in the labors of the farm when not in school. He remained with his parents until his marriage, which important event of his life was celebrated October 18, 1849, Miss Mary Anderson be- coming his wife. Six children blessed this union, namely : Viola, now the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 427 wife of Frank Bigelow ; Laura, wife of S. B. Sneath, of Tiffin, Ohio; Marian; Anderson L., a resident of Findlay; Adda May, who died at the age of fifteen years; and WilHam E., a resident of Findlay. Mrs. Stephenson was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, Oc- tober 14, 1824, and comes of good old Revolutionary stock. Her ancestors were of Scotch-Irish origin and were prominent early settlers of the Key- stone state. The first of the family to come to America was James Anderson, who was born in Ireland. His son, Patrick Anderson, whose birth occurred in Chester county, Pennsylvania, July 24, 17 19, served with distinction as a colonel in Washington's army during the war for independence, and was later one of the organizers of the Order of Cincinnati. His son, James Anderson, also fought for the freedom of the colonies in the Revolutionary war. The latter was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, and afterward became a resident of Washington county, that state. This worthy old soldier was the grandfather of Mrs. Stephenson. Her father, William Anderson, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, April 3, 1797, and was there reared r.nd married, the lady of his choice being Elizabeth McKibben, a native of the same county and, a daughter of Richard and Sarah (Robinson) McKibben. Her parents were also Pennsylvanians by birth. On coming to Ohio in 1828, William Anderson located on a farm in Licking county, where he made his home until called to his final rest on the 5th of October, 1839, when forty- two years of age. Although he followed farming throughout the greater part of his life, he was also a civil engineer and held the office of county surveyor for some years. He took a very active and prominent part in public affairs and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. Nine of his ten children reached years of maturity, Mrs. Stephenson being the third child and second daughter. For three years after his marriage Mr. Stephenson continued to reside in Knox county, but in 1853 came to Hancock county and for five years made his home in Blanchard township, at the end of which time he removed to the place wdiere his widow is now living, at 2610 North Main street, Findlay. Throughout his active business life he successfully engaged in farming and stock dealing and became the owner of two fine farms, one of one hundred and sixty acres and the other of eighty acres, both in the oil belt. In 1888 he erected the commodious and pleasant residence now oc- cupied by Mrs. Stephenson, and there he spent his last days surrounded by all the comforts which make life worth the living. He died Sep- tember 18, 1897, honored and respected by all who knew him on account of his sterling worth and many excellencies of character. He was an 428 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY active and consistent member of the Presbyterian church, and in pohtics identified with the Democracy. His course in Hfe was ever such as to com- mend him to the confidence and high regard of all with whom he came in contact and he left many friends to mourn his loss besides his immediate family. JASPER T. RICKETTS. This is one of those quiet, unassuming men who make no loud pretentions but who if their past lives be inquired into will be found to have done their duty at ever}^ conjuncture to themselves, their neighbors and their country. Such an inquiry would disclose that during the dark days of the Civil war INIr. Ricketts was well to the front and fighting among the bravest of the brave for the preservation of the Union. Further inquiry would prove that after his return from the army he was just as faithful in peace as he liad been in war, making a good church member, a good public official, a good neighbor and a good farmer. It is men of this type, pursuing "The even tenor of their way" without ostentation, but always on hand at the right time and counting one in e\'ery emergency, that make every community and furnish that indispensable element known as the "honest yeomanry of the land." -Mr. Ricketts comes of pioneer ancestry, and his family has been identified with Hancock county liistory for more than seventy years. Rezin Ricketts, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in the early part of the nineteenth century, was married in Hancock county, to Mercy Hess, of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, and located in 1832 on eighty acres of wild land in what is now known as Marion township. As these were rough times the new arrivals shared with others all the privations incident to the pe- riod. There was much hard work, but also little play, a general deprivation of what are called the "comforts of civilization," but for these the pioneers man- aged to find substitutes and altogether their lot was not wholly one of hard- ship. Rezin Ricketts did his full share toward developing the new country and became prominent in local affairs, serving as township treasurer several terms and as justice of the peace for twenty-one years. He also acquired a reason- able measure of material prosperity and owned one hundred and sixty acres of land at the time of his death, in 1886. By his wife, Mercy (Hess) Ricketts, who died in 1872, he had three children: Jasper T., Mary and Martha. As will be observed Jasper T. Ricketts is the eldest of the family, and his birth occurred in Marion township, Hancock county, Ohio, Alay i, 1839. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY He followed the usual routine of farmer boys by attending school in winter and working on the farm "betw^een times," and was so engaged at the time the sullen mutterings on the political horizon foreboded the coming of the Nvar storm. When it broke in all its fury Jasper T. Ricketts was not one of those to shrink back, but took his full shar^e of responsibility by enlisting in Company H, Fifty-seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served bravely until the close of hostilities. Mr. Ricketts's regiment was assigned to the army of the Tennessee, and he took part with it in all of its battles and skirmishes while present for duty. He w^as wounded at the battle of Corinth and in the fight at Kennesaw Mountain was struck in the right hip, but in the whole w^as fortunate in his escapes, considering the many and great dangers he had to face. When honorably discharged, August 14, 1865, he held the rank of orderly sergeant of his company, and was considered one of the dutiful and reliable soldiers of the command. It was during a leave of absence from the front, on March 3, 1864, that Mr. Ricketts was married to Barbara A., daughter of Jacob and Judy Bly, and bom in Marion tow'nship in 1842. The children of this union were eight in number, of whom six are living and two are dead, to-wit : William T., de- ceased; Harvey J. ; Lewis R. ; John B. ; Logan; Alta M., deceased; Sarah M. ; and Bertha. Mr. Ricketts is a member of the United Brethren church, has served his tow^nship as treasurer and trustee and belongs to Stoker Post, Grand Army of the Republic. Lie has owned and lived upon his present farm of one hundred and thirty-seven acres in Amanda township since 1873, has made a number of needed improvements and is generally regarded as a practical, painstaking and progressive farmer. ADAM W^OLF. The Teutonic race has been an important element in framing our nation- al commonwealth; its qualities and characteristics have been infused with, those of other races in the development of a strictly American type and the United States "willingly acknowledges its indebtedness to the German people for certain admirable qualities which are found among the representatives of the fatherland and their descendants. The above worthy representative of the Teutonic race is a wealthy and practical farmer of Washington township, where he resides on a beautiful two hundred acre tract, which is well tilled and well kept. As stated he is a native of Germany, where he w-as born April 17, 1836. When he arrived at maturity he left home, and in 1858 arrived in America, coming immediately 430 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY to Seneca county, Ohio. Here he remained until 1865, when he removed to Wood county, where he was one of the leading agriculturists for a period of three years, cultivating an eighty acre tract. In 1868 he sold this farm and coming to Hancock county located on his present place. It is noted that this property was once owned by Abraham Deel, whose large log house remains to-day as a trophy of the early pioneer life in Hancock county. Mr, Wolf has since coming into possession of the property added many modern improve- ments, having built his present large and commodious residence in 1872. In the year 1865 he was joined in marriage to Mary Dippelhoper, a lady also of German descent and lineage, she having been born in Germany in 1844. To this marriage there have been born a family of eight children, five of whom are living: John, born in 1867; Jessie, 1871 ; Lottie, 1873; Emma, 1878; Andrew, 1881. Information concerning the family history of the Wolfs is rather scant. It is known that they were prominent members of society in the German empire for a long period of years. Adam Wolf's father was Peter W^olf, his mother's maiden name having been Maria Gilbrick. Both of his parents lived out their lives in Germany, where the father died in 1884 and the mother in 1863. In the respect that is accorded the men who have fought their way to success through unfavorable environments, we find an unconscious recogniton of the intrinsic worth of a character which cannot only endure so rough a test, but can also gain new strength through the discipline. It can be said of Adam Wolf that he is a self-made man in all which that hackneyed phrase means. He has always been an exceedingly hard worker, and the effort which he has put forth, coupled with a good head for business, has made him one of the leading men of his section. S. N. E. PRIDDY. Though a resident of Findlay only twelve years the above named gentleman is a native of Ohio, and has spent all his life within the confines of this state. He is a busy man and a useful one, as the various enterprises which have occupied his attention were such as benefit the community while bringing profit to the proprietor. Furnishing railroad supplies, milling and mining have been Mr. Priddy's pursuits, and in these during an active career he has met with the success that usually rewards constant labor and persistent perseverance. He comes of an old family long settled in Greenbrier county, Virginia, whence have gone forth so many pioneers for the new territories of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 43 » the west as they were opened up for settlement. John Priddy was an import- ant man in that part of the Old Dominion during; the last half of the eigh- teenth century. He was born in Greenbrier county in 1754, and in early man- hood displayed his patriotism by enlisting in the Revolutionary army, in which he rose to the rank of quartermaster. After the establishment of inde- pendence he joined the tide of western emigration and established himself in Fayette county, Ohio, as early as 1808. His son, William Priddy, was born in Greenbrier county, Virginia, in 1798, and also became a pioneer in Ohio, first of Fayette and later of Van Wert county, where he died in 1852. Among his children was Thomas D. Priddy, whose birth occurred in Fayette county, Ohio, August 15, 1820, and who came to Van Wert county with his father in 1835. He farmed there many years and lived to an advanced age, his death occurring in 1897. S. N. E. Priddy, son of the last mentioned, was born in Van Wert county, Ohio, February 21, 1844, and remained at home until he had reached the twenty-seventh year of his age. As he grew up he assisted his father in work on the farm and meantime obtained the usual school education. This was interrupted by the outbreak of the Civil war, in which Mr. Priddy went as a boy and made an excellent record as a loyal and patriotic soldier. He enlisted at Mansfield, September 11, 1861, as a private in Company H, Fif- teenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and remained with his command until February, 1862, when he was discharged for disability. In Novem- ber, 1863, he re-enlisted in the same company and regiment and remained until the command was mustered out in the fall of 1865. Mr. Priddy saw much hard service in the shape of marching, skirmishing and fighting, through all of which he acquitted himself so well as to obtain the entire ap- proval of his commanding officers. He took part in the severe and protracted campaigns from Dalton to Atlanta in the spring and summer of 1864 and fought" with his command in many of the engagements that occurred during that memorable march. After Atlanta surrendered Mr. Priddy was with the forces detached to look after the hot-headed Hood on his wild ex- pedition into Tennessee, and fought with his regiment in the bloody battles at Franklin, Jonesboro and Nashville, which last battle practically destroyed Hood's army. In 1871 Mr. Priddy left his father's farm and embarked in business for himself as a purchaser of ties for the Pittsburg. Ft. Wayne & Chicago Railroad Company. After spending two years in this employment he bought a saw mill in Van Wert county and the management of this in con- nection with a grist mill and planing mill, furnished him occupation for the next thirteen years. In 1882 he disposed of the saw mill but operated the ■432 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY others four years longer and then sold them also with a view to engaging in different employment. In 1887 he embarked in the oil producing business in Allen county, Ohio, and has continued in this aiterprise with headquarters at Findlay since his removal there in 1890. He is also interested in zinc and lead mining at Joplin, Missouri, and has met with a fair measure of success in his various enterprises. During his residence in Middlepoint, Ohio, Mr. Priddy served five years as mayor of that city and was also a member of the city council and school board. During the erection of the normal school building at that place, Mr. Priddy was president of the board of trustees, having that work in charge. In December, 1872, he was married, at Middlepoint, to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Rachel (Coslett) Price, and has three sons and one daughter: John E., attorney at law; Edgar, an oil producer; Edith J., at home; and Vernon, at Amherst College. The family are members of the Methodist church and in politics ^Ir. Priddy's affiliations are with the Republican party. CHARLES H. THOMAS. Since an early epoch in the dcN-elopment of the northern part of Ohio, the family of Charles PI. Thomas (now deceased) has been numbered among its citizens. To know the early life of this family, we have but to picture the conditions common in Hancock county six or seven decades ago. Much of the land was wild, awaiting the awakening energy of civilization to trans- form it into richly cultivated fields. Schools Avere primitive and the curri- culum limited. The now thriving towns and cities were merely hamlets, or had not been founded, and the settlers were deprived of many of the com- forts of the older east. But they were people of resolute spirit and with de- termined purpose, well htted to the work of making homes in the wilder- ness. In this work the Thomas family bore its part. This family was one of the first to settle in Marion township, in this county, where they located on a tract of land received from the government. Charles Thomas was the first of the name of whom we have any knowledge. He cleared his farm, which he had received from the government, and at his decease passed it down to his son George. The latter, who married Katherine Paden, was a thrifty and practical farmer, who placed many a solid improvement on the old place. At his death he left the farm to his son Charles H. Thomas, the subject of this review, who was born on the 26th of August, 1853. Pie, like his ancestors, followed agricultural pursuits and was much esteemed by his fellow citizens. After he became of age he was elected trustee, treasurer and school director > St CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 433 in Marion township, all of which offices he administered with credit to him- self and to the satisfaction of his constituents. He was a faithful and loyal member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which for many years he was superintendent of the Sunday-school and a leader of the musical dq^artment. In November, 1874, he was joined in marriage to Harriet A., the daughter of David and Amanda Walter. The union was blessed with six children; George W., who married Gladys P. Moore, and to whom were born three boys, Charles K., Delbert L., and Glen; the second child, Tishie M., married Calvin L. Moore, an electrician, and she was the mother of one daughter, Lora B. ; the third child, David L., married Edith Nusser. The three younger sons were Benj. H., Charles G. and Edward R. After a rather short but eminently useful life Charles H. Thomas died March 29, 1892. His widow, Mrs. Harriet A. Thomas, was born in Hancock county in 1852. She is a lady of much refinement of character and many noble qualities, and is the center of a large circle of friends in her community. The farm upon whicli she resides contains ninety-six acres, is well tilled and everything about the premises shows the guiding hand of an experienced representative of the farming class. The fifth generation of the Thomas family are now residents on this farm, first settled by Charles Thomas, early in the century. J. E. HUDSON. As a man travels on in the journey of life and passes the prime of man- hood his strength and energy are somewhat lessened by age, which is an indication that it is intended that his last years shall be at least to some extent a period of rest. Not all past the meridian of life are permitted to put aside business cares, for through the lack of business ability or mismanagement they have not acquired capital sufficient to supply their needs in their de- clining years. Mr. J. E. Hudson is enjoying a well earned rest. Long connected with the agricultural interests of Hancock county, his careful man- angement and a husbanding of his resources have brought his a very desirable competence which now supplies him with all the necessities and many of the luxuries that go to make life worth the living. Mr. Hudson is now living in the city of Findlay, having retired from his farm in Cass township, where he was born August 8, 1841. His father was Moses Hudson, a native of old Virginia. His mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Winkler, she being a native of the Buckeye state, Wayne county, Moses Hudson came to maturity in Virginia, and from thence re- niovcd to W^ivne countv, Ohio, where lie remained but a short time, coming 434 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY on to Hancock county, where he settled in Cass township. Here he pur- chased eighty acres of timber land, the date being 1837. The carving out of a home in this wald and primitive, section of the county at that time occu- pied liim tlie rest of his life. He was a hard-working, honest, industrious man. ^vho was always proud to remark that he w'as never in need of the law, having never sued or been sued before the court. He always settled his differences with is neighbors by the principle which has gained such a hold on the economic w^orld of to-day. that of arbitration. H the difficulty could not be settled in this manner he would rather seem to be imposed upon and accept the result rather than carry it into the courts. He was a highly respected member of society and a de\'out adherent of the Alethodist Episco- pal church. Of his eight children three of the five survivors are residents of Hancock county, Fannie. J. E. and A\'illiam, v\hile Lawrence and Lucinda reside outside its boundaries. The father of this family, after a long and useful life, passed to his rest February 13, 1887. He had lived a widower for two decades, his wdfe Lydia having died at a rather early age in 1847. J. E. Hudson passed his youth and boyhood on the old homestead, which was the scene of his boyhood labors and pleasures, and during wdiich time he acquired his elementary education in the common schools. The fact that he has passed his entire existence in Cass township makes him a figure of respect among his fellow citizens. Flis character is beyond reproach, and in the space of thirty-eight years he has succeeded, by honest dealing and indus- trious thrift, in accumulating' a very nice competence. He owns at the pres- ent time one of the finest estates in Cass township. It contains one hundred and sixty acres, and besides being unsurpassed as farming land, is situated in the oil belt of Hancok county. The farm has on it several producing gas and oil wells. Mr. Hudson retired from his farn*! in January, 1902. and removed to Findlay, where he expects to pass the remainder of his days. Mr. Hudson is proud to recognize the term self-made man. He secured his property by hard knocks. Fie literally dug out the one hundred and sixty acres which he now owns. In 1864 occurred the marriage of Mr. Fludson, the ceremony umting him to Miss Mary, daughter of \A''illiam and Jane Taylor, and to whom one son was born. William T. Mrs. Hudson was born in Washington towaiship in 1843. When William T. arrived at ma- turity he married an accomplished young lady. Miss j\Iinnie Rex. Mr. and ^Irs. Hudson are consistent members and earnest workers in the Metliodist Episcopal church, in which organization ]Mr. Hudson has Ijeen frequently honored with offices nF trust. William T. also is an earnest worker in the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 435 church, being at the present time a class leader. Politically the Hudsons have always been Democrats of the Jacksonian stripe. Mentioning briefly tlie main points in the history of Mrs. Hudson's family : William Taylor was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, as was also his wife, Jane Bell. They removed to Hancock county about 1836, though Mr. Taylor had come to the county in 1832, and located in Washington township on a farm of eighty acres in its original state. Mr. Taylor was a hard-working, conscientious man, farming his holdings in a progressive and up-to-date manner. His land he received from the gov- ernment by the payment of the usual $1.25 per acre. During his lifetime he added by purchase to this original quarter section, and at the time of his death his estate consisted of two hundred acres. He was prominently con- nected with the public life of the county and was honored by his fellow citi- zens by being elected to the office of county commissioner. In this office he served for a period of six years with great satisfaction to his constituents. He was also connected with the minor offices in the township at various periods. The family which he reared consisted of eight children, seven of whom are now living, and six being residents of the county. He \\':as a stanch Democrat in politics, and delighted to further the interests of that party in every way. He was one of those choice spirits who carried his re- ligion about with him, and to whom the Methodist church in Hancock coun- ty owes a very great deal for its early engrafting upon the residents of the county. Mr. Taylor died March 2, 1886. his wife outliving him by eight years. They were both lamented by a host of friends by whom they were highly esteemed. SAMUEL HADDOX. Mordecai Haddox was one of the many aspiring young men who left the Old Dominion in the early part of the nineteenth century to seek their fortunes in the "boundless west." He was born of poor parents August 10, 1805, left his native Virginia when scarcely past boyhood, and bravely faced the problem of carving out a home for himself among strangers in a strange land. Shortly after his arrival he became acquainted with Mar- garet Lanters, a native of Franklin county, Ohio, and to this lady he was married January i, 1829. Two years later the newly wedded couple found their way to Blanchard township, Hancock county, where, in the tech- nical language of the day, they "entered one hundred and sixty acres of uncultivated land." The prospects for settlers in 1831 were not so pleas- 436 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY ing as they have since become as the result of growth and cultivation, but the raw material was there and only awaited the necessary labor for develop- ment. IMordecai Haddox and his wife were courageous and hopeful, not afraid of work and equal to the hard tasks they had set before themselves. By dint of ceaseless toil, good management, saA'ing habits, and the natural increase in values due to the state's rapid growth, the family in course of time succeeded in adding two hundred and forty more acres to their original investment. Mordecai became successful as an agriculturist, being es- pecially efficient as a stockraiser, and eventually obtained a standing as one of the reliable and trustworthy men of his community. Though a Whig in conviction, he was not much addicted to politics and never sought office, but occasionally, at the solicitation of his friends, he consented to hold sonje of the. minor township positions. He lost his wife by death January 20, 1855, and after surviving her twenty-three years closed his own earthly career on the 30th of January, 1878. The family register contains the fol- lowing record of the names and dates of birth of his children : John, born January 28, 1830; Hannah, born December 26, 1831 ; Jacob, now deceased, born July 30, 1834.; Samuel, subject of this sketch, more fully noticed be- low; Margaret, now dead, was born April 9, 1840; and an unnamed infant wlio died in 1846. Samuel Haddox, fourth of the above enumerated children, was born on his father's farm in Hancock county, Ohio, May 30, 1837, ^"^^ ^^^^ spent his whole life in the neighborhood of his nativity. His time and attention have been devoted to agriculture, with which pursuit he became familiar in boyhood and has prosecuted with success in maturer years. The one hun- dred and sixty acres originally entered by his father is now divided between John and Samuel, the only two of the children at present living in Hancock county. The eighty acres falling to the share of our subject have been cul- tivated with skill and much improved in every respect, constituting one of the best tracts of the size in Blanchard township. His political affiliations are with the Republican party, though he usually confines himself to voting and avoids office-seeking, the only official positions held by him being those of supervisor and school director. He is regarded as a man of excellent judgment, who attends strictly to his own business and discharges consci- entiously all the duties of good citizenship. February 6, 1861, Mr. Haddox was united in marriage with Elizabeth Hoskinsons, who was born in Licking county, Ohio, February 13, 1841. The names of the children resulting from this union are thus recorded : William D., now deceased, born December 27, 1861 ; Laura M., born Septem- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 437 bei- 8, 1864; Nina F., born December 23, 1866; Ostrilla G., born April 29, 1869; Levi M., born December 8, 1871; Charles K., now dead, born March 30, 1874; Hannah M., born November 5, 1876; Arthey A., born February 23, 1879; Leneus L., born December 17, 1882; and Emma L., born March 24, 1884. Mr. Haddox is a trustee of the United Brethren church, of which he and his wife have long been consistent members, and active in connection with the various educational and philanthropic work of .the denomination. T. B. KELLEY. The above named is a practical farmer of Blanchard township, who owns and operates a farm of eighty acres of valuable and productive land, which he cultivates by modern and up-to-date methods. He is a member of a family long resident in Ohio, whose representatives have been identi- fied with the agricultural development of their respective localities in such a manner as to take rank among the model farmers. The first of the name in this state were Ezekiel and Rachel Kelley, who came from their native state of Pennsylvania and located in the neighborhood of Fostoria, on a large tract of land purchased from the government. This couple had six children, five of whom are still living, and among this number is C. S. Kel- ley, who, at the time of his parents* arrival, was still a youth, his birth ha^-- ing occurred in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1825. After reaching manhood he purchased a farm of eighty acres four miles west of Fostoria, to which he subsequently added one hundred and thirty-five more, besides one hundred and sixty acres owned by him in Michigan at one time. This statement would indicate of itself that he has been quite successful in business, but in other ways also he impressed himself upon his community. He has ser\'ed as justice of the peace for twenty-six years, was county commissioner two terms and held numerous other offices of minor importance. He first mar- ried Mary Jane Hagerman. by whom he had one child, and by a second marriage, with Mary Bryan, his family was increased by the births of eight children, of whom the six now living are: Cornelia, J. B., M. D., C. C, W. M. and Mamie. Mr. Kelley died September 6, 1902, at Fostoria. J. B. Kelley, the second of his living children, was born in Washington township. Hancock county, Ohio, on the 15th of February, 1854. He grew up in his native place, attended the district schools and in early life became an agent of the Standard Oil Company, in whose employment he served seven years, and during that time traveled extensively in almost every state of the Union. After resigning this position he was employed two vears as 438. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY collector for F. F. Collier, and in 1S87 I'eturned to his native county, of which he has since remained a continuous resident. His first investment in real estate was the purchase of seventy acres of farming land near Arcadia, and on this place he resided for twelve years. At the end of that period he dis- ■ posed of his holdings, and in 1900 bought the farm in Blanchard township which constitutes his present homestead. April 11, 1888, he was united in marriage with Miss Jennie, daughter of Jacob C. and Magdaline Smith, of Crawford county, Ohio, and from this union there are two children : Blanch, born March 11, 1889; and Karl, born November 28, 1891. Like his father before him, Mr. Kelley is a member of the Democratic party and very earnest in the advocacy of its principles. He is a member of the school board and uses his influence to advance the cause of education, as well as every other measure which his judgment tells him will be for the best inter- ests of the people. JOSEPH T. BARTOOX. Having been a resident of Hancock county for more than half a century and during that time prominent both in business and as a holder of county offices, the gentleman above named is perhaps known more generally than any other citizen. And no one who once sees him is apt to forget him. as he has a remarkable physical development, being six feet six inches in height and large in proportion. A sheriff of these dimensions, armed with the legal power to arrest, is calculated to strike terror in the average criminal, and when Mr. Bartoon was in office he allowed ''no foolishness" around his place of business. He preserved law and order, and finished his two terms with the reputation of being one of the best officials the county ever had. The family is of German origin and was founded in this country l:)y John Bartoon, who was born about 1755, emigrated to the United States in early life and died in i860 at Lancaster, Ohio. His son, Jonathan .Bartoon, was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, in 1805, came to Ohio in youth and died in 1893 at Benton Ridge, when eighty-seven years old. Joseph T. Bartoon, son of the last mentioned, was born on his father's farm near Lancaster, Ohio, April i, 1846, and was brought by his parents to Hancock county in September of the following year. He grew up on his father's farm in Union township and remained on the home place for forty- three years, engaged in agricultural purusits. In 1890 he was elected sheriff of Hancock county and served with so much satisfaction that his constituents gave him a re-election in 1892, and in all he filled the office four years. In CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 439 1895 he was appointed inhnnary director of the county and has since dis- charged the duties of that position, so satisfactorily as to be retained con- tinuously in the office. In 1873 Mr. Bartoon was married at Gilboa, Ohio, to Sarah McDowell, but has no children. He is a member of the Elks and Eagle Post, No. 109, at Benton Ridge, of the Grand Army of the Republic. His right to the membership is based upon his service as a Union soldier of the One Hundred and Ninety-second Ohio Regiment, in which he enlisted at Fndlay in January, 1865, as a member of Company H, and was discharged the following September. In 1894 he engaged in the livery business at Findlay, which he continued until June, 1902. REV. ARTHUR M. GROWDEN, Ph. B. At the southwest corner of Main and Eilmore streets is located the Church of Christ, one of the attractive ecclesiastical edifices of the city of Findlay, and one wdiose work is being zealously and successfully carried forward under the effective care and supervision of its able and devoted pas- tor, whose name initiates this article. Mr. Growden is a man of line intel- lectuality, is devoted to the duties of his high calling and has consecrated his life and powers to the cause of the Divine Master and to the uplifting of his fellow men. Through his earnest efiforts the church in Findlay has made notable progress in both spiritual and temporal strength, and his ministra- tion has endeared him to the members of his flock, while his gracious person- ality has gained to him the esteem of all with ^vhom he conies in contact. He is a forcible and convincing speaker, definite and inflexible in his faith and unremitting in his attention to the pastoral duties lying outside of the regular services of the church. It is but fitting that he be accorded recognition in this publication, so that a permanent tribute to his work and his effective labors, may remain through the years to come, when he is called to "rest from his labors." Arthur M. Growden is a native of New Zealand, having been born in the beautiful city of Dunedin, the capital of the province of Otago, and the metropolis of the island, in 1861, being the son of Henry Growden, who was born in Cornwall. England, in 1825. his wife being also a native of the same county. He was an architect by profession, and in 1859 emigrated to Aus- tralia, where he did an important ^^•ork in the line of his vocation, having been the architect of many fine public buildings in the city of Melbourne, and also in New Zealand, and having been one of the most distinguished repre- sentatives of his profession in that section of the world. He was promi- 440 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY nently identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having been influential in the fraternity in both Australia and New Zealand. He died in Dunedin in 1895, in the fullness of years and honors. Our subject was reared to the age of twenty years in his native city, and there received his preliminary educational discipline. At the age noted he came to the United States and entered the College of the Bible, at Lexing- ton, Kentucky, where he completed the full biblical course in 1883, and was then ordained to the ministry of the Church of Christ. In 1899. he received the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy from Fenton College, at Fenton, Mich- igan. Mr. Growden assumed pastoral charge of the church in Findlay, and here his labors have been attended with unqualified success. He is well known and highly honored in corniection with his church work and in the best social life of the community. An earnest worker in the cause of tem- perance, he naturally gives his political support to the Prohibition party, and fraternally he is a popular member of the Knights of Pythias. At McMinnville, Tennessee, in the }'ear 1886, was solemnized the mar- riage of Mr. Growden to Miss Ella E. Walling, daughter of Jesse Walling, formerly mayor of that city. HILTON A. VICKERS, M. D. A man who has Avorked his way to an en\'iable position in his profession and has won the confidence and respect of a large part of the population of Findlay is Dr. Hilton A. Vickers. His father was also a physician, and it was from him the son inherited the ambition wdiicli he afterward found the means to gratify. The father, W. H. Vickers, was a physician in Coshocton county, Ohio, for about forty years, and his death occurred in 1870, in Old P'ainfield, Ohio, at the age of fifty-nine years. Two brothers of our subject, Victor and Lorenzo, served their country faithfully through the Civil war. Dr. Hilton A. Vickers was born in Old Plainiield, Ohio, June 18, 1857, at which place he lived until he was eighteen years old. A desire to go west led liim to venture alone to Henry county, Indiana, where he worked on a farm for about seven months, and then attended school at Dover Flill, In- diana, at the same time working for a farmer in order to defray his expenses. He then taught for two terms, and next, after four years, ha\-ing resolved to enter his father's profession, returned to his native state and studied medi- cine in the office of Dr. A. E. Walker, completing his course at the Columbus Medical College, at which seat of learning he was graduated in 1884. He first located in Evansburg, Ohio, where he built up a practice and lived for J-lUU^tzyr:^ )n.JO. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 441 eic^iit years. He then pnicticec! his profession in Deshler, tliis state, for two years, and in 1893 removed to Findhiy, where he has ever since continned in the active practice of medicine. Dr. Vickers was married at Old Plain(ie](h Ohio, liis birthplace, in 1881, to Miss Sallie A. Smith, and they ha\-e had eight children, seven of whom are living, as follows: Archie V., Raymond F., Goldie, Ella, Bertha, Earl and Grace. The Doctor is a chapter Mason, of which fraternal organiza- tion he is a very popnlar member. Politically he affiliates with the Republi- can party, in the principles and doctrines of wdiich he is entirely sympathetic. He keeps up his professional interests outside of this city as a member of the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association, and is also an active member of the Hancock Medical Society, in Findlay Dr. Vickers has a very success- ful practice, ^^•hich is becoming more extensive and more satisfactory each year. HENRY SHEETS. Alathias Sheets, who founded the family of that name in America, was a blacksmith by trade in his native country of Germany, and was brought to this country in 1776 with the German allies of the British army. Just after the battle at Monmouth, New Jersey, Mathias and a companion deserted and started off in search of the American army. On their way they saw a squad of British cavalry in pursuit and to escape them hid in some hay that was contained in an old building near by. When the troopers, wdio had not seen the runaways, came near the place of their concealment, they thrust their sabers into the hay through the cracks between the logs, but fortunately did not reach far enough to touch the trembling fugitives. When the latter heard the squad ride aw^ay they lost no time in leaving their place of refuge, and eventually arrived within the lines of the Revolutionary forces. After the war Mathias Sheets settled m southeastern Pennsylvania, wdiere he reared a family in wdiich was in- cluded a son named Jacob. The latter married Christina, daughter of Nich- olas Boher, wdio served as a private on the American side in the w^ar for in- dependence. Jacob and Christina (Boher) Sheets became the parents of nine children, three sons and six daughters, two of the former and four of the latter still living. The second son, Joseph, was a member of Company I, Tw^enty-fourth Regiment, Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with which he served creditably throughout the Civil w-ar. He was with General Banks during ■ his expedition up the Red river, and was on board a steamboat wdth his regi- 442 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY ment \\hen the part of tlie army to v.hich he belonged passed the fortifica- tions at Vicksburg under the cover of a dark night. History relates how the forts opened a furious cannonade on the daring fleet as it passed, and one cannon-ball passed through the boat containing the regiment to which Joseph Sheets belonged. Later this regiment was sent around by water to Wash- nigton and from there to Shenandoah Valley, where in the battle with Early's army, October 19, 1864, Joseph was captin-ed and sent with others to the prison at Richmond. After being exchanged in January, 1865, he was sent to Maryland and later to Benton Barracks, St. Louis, where he died and was buried. Henry Slieets, the eldest of the children of Jacob and Christina, and the subject of tltis sketch, was born m Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, July 26, 1824, and when only nine months old was taken by his parents to Center county, in the same state. They lived on a rented farm and there Henry spent most of his boyhood, attending district school during the three months' term in winter and helping on the farm at other times. In 1842, at the age of seventeen, Henry gained permission of his parents to go to Hancock county, Ohio, where he worked by the month on a farm owned by his uncle near the location of the present village of Arcadia, and in the winter taught the district school of that neighborhood. After spending eighteen months in Ohio Henry Sheets returned to Pennsyh'ania, where he remained until 1847, ^'^'^^ tl''^" came back to Hancock county, which has e\er since been the place of his residence. For about nineteen years his two-fold occupa- tion was carpentering in the building season and teaching school during the inclement weather of winter. In 1859 he engaged in farming and the next year was elected to the office of auditor of Hancock county, in which posi- tion he served two terms of two years each. hi March, 1861, Mr. Sheets located with his family at Findlay, where he spent five years and returned to the farm near Arcadia, which has been his home from that time to this. After serving two years as examiner of county schools Mr. Sheets was ap- pointed, in 1870, to fill out the unexpired term of the county treasurer, who had left the county. In 1876 he was elected to the lower house of the Ohio Legislature to fill the unexpired term of Hon. A. LL Phillips, who died after serving half his term, and in 1877 he was re-elected to a full term of two years. December 18, 1851, was solemnized the marriage of Henry Sheets and Miss Martha, daughter of James Campbell, a prominent farmer of Han- cock county, residing in Cass township. Of the eight children born of this union two died within less than three weeks after birth and Mathew, one CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 443 of the sons, died of typhoid fever at the age of twenty-eight years. The five survivors consist of three sons and two daughters, of whom Rufus, the eldest son, is Hving in JMarshaU county, Iowa, where he owns a flouring mill on the Iowa river. James IL, the second son, is a carpenter by trade and follows that occupation for a living. Homer, the youngest son, at- tends to the farming on the old homestead and, like his brother, James, is unmarried. Ellen, the eldest daughter, is unmarried and remains at the family homestead. Elizabeth, the youngest daughter, married Albert Kopf, with whom she resides at Eort Wayne, Indiana, where her husband holds the position of blacksmith for the New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad Company, doing all needed repairing in his line for the road from Stony Island, near Chicago, to Bellevue, Ohio. Considering the fact that he had only four dollars when he arrived in Hancock county, the subject of our sketch may truly be said to have achieved a creditable success in life, but he is a modest man, and does not brag either of what he has or what he has done. At the present time his farm consists of one hundred and fifty acres, after Mr. Sheets gave the right of way to two railroads and to the electric road from Fostoria to Findlay. Since 1849 Mr. Sheets and his wife have been members of the Evangelical Lutheran church in Arcadia, to which three other members of the family also belong. In politics Mr. Sheets is now and always has been a member of the Democratic party, but he has never be- longed to any of the secret societies. He has aimed always to do his duty as best he could, Ijoth in public and private life, — to be just toward his fellow- man and to fulfill all the requirements of good citizenship. ISAAC W. COOPER. Isaac W. Cooper, retired farmer, and one of the solid and prosperot-s men of the community, is not only a native of the state of Ohio, but also of Hancock county, where he was born in Portage township in the year 1842, and he is a typical American farmer of the broad-minded, liberal and suc- cessful class. Mr. Cooper is of English descent. His grandfather (also Isaac W. Cooper) was born in England, but came to this country and settled in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where his son, Amos Cooper, was born in 1808. Later, in the year 181 2, the grandfather, Isaac W. Cooper, moved with his family out into the great new state of Ohio, which a few years before had been a part of the Western Reserve country, and located in Perry county. When the war of j8i2- broke out he sided with the country of his adoption, and was a soldier in that war, fighting against the English 444 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY and for the United States. Amos Cooper, father of Isaac W. Cooper, came with his parents in 1812, from Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, to Per- ry county, Ohio. Later, in the year 1832, he moved to Hancock county, C)liio, where he afterwards resided and Vvhere he died in 1879. Pie was a farmer all his life, and was an honored and esteemed citizen. Isaac W. Cooper was reared on the farm in Hancock county where his father lived for years, but in 1879 he moved to Allen township, where he resided until 1900. wlien he moved to Findlay to take life a little easier and enjoy some of the comforts of life for which he had worked and planned for so many years. In the year 1864, when more volunteers were called for, he entered the Union army and served four months in Company G, One Hundred and Thirty-third Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private. He was in the fighting between Richmond and Petersburg during the Virginia cam- paign, and under fire for almost c month. After being mustered out at Columbus he returned home to Portage township, Hancock county, Ohio. Mr. Cooper belongs to Stoker Post No. 54, G. A. R. Mr. Cooper has been township assessor, having held that office for two terms in Allen township, and two terms in Portage township, and was trus- tee of Allen township for one term. Mr. Cooper is a Democrat. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and belongs to the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Cooper was married January 29, 1865, in Allen township, Hancock county, Ohio, to Amanda, daughter of Ephraim Trout, and they have two daughters living, as follows: Sarah E. and Phoebe C, wife of the Reverend Earl Kempher. Their eldest child and son, William Grant Cooper, died in April, 1900, in the \ery prime of his life, loved and honored by all who knew him. William Grant Cooper was born May 19, 1866, and was the pride and hope of his father's heart. He was reared on his father's farm in Allen town- ship, attending the country schools, and at the age of sixteen conimenced teaching school and taught for seven terms, and then, in 1886, he entered Findlay College and graduated in 1891. William Grant Cooper was not content to be a farmer; he felt that he was fitted for a professional life, and his great desire was to be a doctor — one of the noblest callings, and where he could do good to his fellow men and ease the suft'erings of humanity. After graduating from Findlay College he was made superintendent of the schools of Van Buren, Flancock county, and held that position for one year. Then he entered the Baltimore Medical College, at Baltimore, Maryland, and graduated with lionor in 1894.. He located first at Bowling Green, Ohio, but about three months later was appointed by the late President Mc- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 445 Kinle)', then governor of Ohio, who recognized his sterhng worth and char- . acter, on the medical staff of the State Hospital at Toledo, Ohio, which posi- tion he held until March, 1900, when he resigned, intending to go to Findlay, Ohio, where his parents were to locate. One month later, in April, 1900, he died of typhoid fever. His was a sliort life, not quite half of the three score years and ten allotted to mankind, but in that time he had risen in his profession and was honored and beloved by his fellow citizens. He belonged to the United Brethren church, and had been superintendent of the United Brethren Sunday-school at Van Buren, Ohio. William Grant Cooper re- ceived from Findlay College the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy, and Bach- elor of Philosophy. He was a Knight of Pythias, and they had charge of his obsequies and passed resolutions on his death. ANDREW SAGER. Among the prominent dairymen and farmers of Liberty township, Han- cock county, Ohio, whose fine, well cultivated farm of two hundred and thirty-six acres is one of the most valuable in this locality, is Andrew Sager, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, on February 4, 1830. He is a son of Shem and Mary B. Sager. the former born in Virginia and the latter in Germany. They removed to Fairfield county in the days of its early set- tlement, and were prominent and worthy people. Andrew Sager was reared and educated in his native county. In 1854 he moved to Hancock county, locating upon his present farm, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres in section 35, in what was then Findlay town- ship, later purchasing the additional acres to complete the present two hun- dred. In 1862, when his country asked her sons to come to her defense, our subject was one who loyally responded, enlisting on August 23, in Com- pany G, One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and gal- lantly serving until the close of the Civil war, being honorably discharged on July 5, 1865. He was connected with the Fourth brigade and second divis- ion, and participated in the battles of Mossy Creek, Columbia, Franklin, Nashville, and belonged to the part of the army that pursued General Hood in the Georgia campaign. Upon his return from his honorable service in the army Mr. Sager re- sumed his agricultural pursuits and gradually enlarged his business, adding buildings and conveniences imtil he was able to engage extensively in a dairy business. This he has managed with success, keeping a fine strain of cows and selling his products with very satisfactory results. He is a systematic 44^ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY farmer, and much of his prosperity is due to his close and careful attention to every part of his large domain. November 15, 1855, Mr. Sager was married to Miss Susannah Powell, who was born in Liberty township November 2, 1834, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah Powell, and xVIr. and Mrs. Sager have four children : Raymond S., Laura A., Ilvie L and Mellie M. Mr. Sager is a public spirited citizen, who lives up to the demands of the day, and takes an interest in all enterprises which he thinks will be of ad- vantage to the farmer. He is a leading member of the United Evangelical church of Findlay. He is highly esteemed in Liberty township as a man of integrity and excellent business ability. In politics he is a Republican. MARTIN P. McGEE. The above named is forty-two years old, and nearly two-thirds of that time has been spent around oil and gas ^v-ells, in which business he has be- come an expert. Mr. McGee is entitled to the distinction of having worked upon the first producing gas well in the Findlay field, which started the great boom of 1884 and attracted so much attention all over the country. He is one of the seven living children of Michael McGee, who was born in county Wicklow, Ireland, in 1837, came to the United States when sixteen years old and located in Allegany county, New York, where he remained a number of years, but is now a resident of Indiana. Martin P. McGee \vas born in AHegany county. New York, March 22, i860, and when six years old was taken by his parents to Warren county, Pennsylvania. Martin grew up and received his early education in that locality, and in the sixteenth year of his age went with the family to McKean county, Pennsylvania, where he obtained work around the oil wells, which kept him employed until 1882, when he returned to Allegany county, New- York, where oil had been discovered during his absence. He secured work in this business and remanied there until the spring of 1884, when he went to Erie, Penns3'lvania. Remaining here but a sliy urynj/ru CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 449 well known ])hysician of this city, Dr. F. W. Firmin, was associated with Iiim as partner. After his retirement from medical practice our subject gave his attention to his private business matters, which were many and impor- tant. His first wife having died in 1891, Dr. Firmin was again married in 1894, his second union being with Miss Mary B. Humphrey, a native of Findlay and a daughter of Jarvis Flumphrey. Her father was born in Sims- bury, Connecticut, in 1809, and was a son of Dudley Humphrey, also a native of that place and of English descent. In 1851 Jarvis Humphrey became a resident of Flancock county, Ohio, and after spending about six months in Findlay he located on a farm and throughout his active business life was engaged in agricultural pursuits, but his last days were spent in retirement in the city, where he died at the ripe old age of eighty-four years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Julia Barber and was also born in Simsbury, Connecticut, died at the age of seventy-seven years. In the family of this worthy couple were six children, namely: Chauncey D., a fruit farmer of Hancock county; Marian, wife of George E. Cook, of Torrington, Connecti- cut; Ellen A., wife of B. O. Robinson, of Putnam county, Ohio; Justine, wife of John H. King, of Findlay; Jarvis S., a resident of Indianapolis, In- diana; and Mary B., now Mrs. Firmin. All of the children were born in Connecticut with exception of the last named. The father was an active and consistent member of the Congregational church and was a stanch Republi- can in politics. Mrs. Firmin received a good education in the schools of Findlay and for ten years successfully engaged in teaching, three years of this time being employed in the village school of Arcadia, and the remainder in other schools of Hancock county. As an earnest Christian, Dr. Firmin took quite a prominent part in re- ligious work, was one of the organizers of the First Congregational church of Findlay and contributed liberally to its support, although he did not be- come a member of the same until 1871, from which time he was one of its most active and faithful adherents. He w^as exceedingly generous and ben- evolent and was one of the first three men to each donate one hundred dol- lars to assist in organizing the Young Men's Christian Association here. Later when it w^as in need of funds to keep up current expenses, he made a donation of five hundred dollars, payable in sums of one hundred dollars a year. He also made a large donation of property to Oberlin College and his private beneficences were many. As a man Dr. Firmin was widely known and highly respected and from a local paper printed at the time of his death we quote the following as a 450 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY just tribute to his memoiy : "lie was a man of marked mental and physical ability and energ}% and maintained his clearness of mind and largely his vigor of body to the very last, giving personal attention and supervision to all his affairs. During his career as a physician, when roads were poor, as well as the people of this county, he was known as the physician who never refused a call, no matter how dark or stormy the night, or how muddy the road. Throughout life he carried the same energy into all his affairs. Al- though he never sought or allowed offices to be thrust upon him, he was ever interested and active in all public affairs, and earnest in the best inter- ests of the community in wiiich he lived. In early life and until the can- didacy of Fremont, he was in politics a Democrat, but became a Republican with the organization of that party and so remained until the time of his death." He enjoyed that popidarity which comes to those generous spirits who have a hearty shake of the hand for all those with whom they come in contact from day to day, and who seem to throw around them in conse- quence so much of the sunshine of life. GEORGE W. PHIFER. A very successful farmer and stockraiser of Hancock county is George W. Phifer, who operates a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres in Liberty township, particularly well adapted to the breeding of Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs, in which business ]Mr. Phifer, by his unusual success, has gained quite a reputation. The birth of George W. Phifer occurred December 28, 1844, and he is a son of Emanuel and P^mily (Bowling) Phifer, the former of whom is a son of Jacob and Mary (Ellinger) Phifer, who came to Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1806, from Pennsylvania. Jacob Phifer was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, while his wife was born in F>edford county, Pennsylvania. By trade he was a tanner, and he followed this business in Pittsburg, and after locating in Lithopolis, Fairfield county, Ohio, he acquired considerable prop- erty. His family numbered five children, one of whom, Catherine, lived to the unusual age of ninety-eight years, eig'ht months and eight days. Emanuel Phifer Avas born in Fairfield county, Ohio, on March 14, 180S, and learned the tanning business with his father, following the same until 1834, when he located in Flan cock count}' and entered a farm of eighty acres. His long residence in the same locality has made him one of the pioneers, who is most highly esteemed. He is a leading member of the Baptist church. In political matters he votes as his judgment indicates. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 451 In 1830 he married Emil}^ Bowiing, who died in 1875. The children born to them were eight in number, five still surviving, namely : Sarah E. and Annie, who reside at home with their father, who is in his ninety-seventh year; Emeline; John S., who lives retired in Kentucky; George W. ; and Edwin, who is a civil engineer located in Richland county, Ohio. George W. Phifer was reared and educated in Findlay township, and adopted farming as his vocation. In 1872 he purchased one hundred acres of good land, removing to it in 1875, and in 1880 he began to raise Shorthorn cattle and a high grade of hogs, his success being encouraging' from the very beginning. In 1866 Mr. Phifer was united in marriage with Miss Almenia Insley, who is a daughter of T. F. and Emelia Insley, who w^ere old settlers in Mt. Pleasant township, but who finally moved out of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Phifer are both valued members of the Methodist church at Findlay, and are much esteemed by a large circle of friends. PHILEMON B. MORRISON. The narrative of a life which has been filled with useful deeds and w'ith duties well performed cannot lack interest, even to the casual reader or the stranger. Such a career has been that of Philemon B. Morrison, who has been an honored resident of Findlay throughout his entire life. His great- grandfather was William Morrison, and his grandfather, Alexander Mor- rison, was a native of the Keystone state, but subsequently came to Ohio, and here he devoted his energies to the tilling of the soil until his life labors were ended by death. John H. Morrison, our subject's father, was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, in 1802, and in 1836 became a resident of the Buckeye state, casting in his lot w4th the citizens of Inndlay. He became a worthy representative of the legal profession, and his name was a familiar one in political and professional circles throughout this portion of the state. The remainder of his days \\'ere passed in this city, where he closed his eyes in death in 1854. Philemon B. Morrison is indebted to the public school system of this city for the educational privileges whicli he \\as permitted to enjoy in his youth. In 1864 he embarked in the mercantile field, entering the stove and tinware business in this city, which vocation he continued to follow until 1878. For the three succeeding years his attention was devoted to the retail furniture business, and on the expiration of that period he entered the foundry and machine business, to which he devoted his efi'orts for the following six 452 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY years. In 1898 he entered the \'Ocation which has since claimed his time and attention, and in which he has met with a high degree of success, being now engaged in the sale of feed and builders' supplies, llie business is now one of the most profitable industries in the city of Findlay, and is a monument to the thrift and enterprise of the ow^ner, whose persistent purpose and dili- gence ha\e enabled hini to gain a prominent position among the substantial business men of the city. In Beaver county, Pennsylvania, in 1868, occurred the marriage of Mr. Morrison and Miss Rebecca C. Reed. Hie lady is a daughter of Samuel Reed, and by her marriage with Mr. Morrison she has become the mother of five children, three sons and two daughters. The Republican party re- ceives Mr. Morrison's active support and co-operation, and on its ticket he has been elected to many positions of honor and trust. In 1876 he became a member of the city council of Findlay, to which position he was re-elected two years later, serving in all for four years. In 1888 he was elected one of the water-works trustees, and while a member of the board the present water-works system was built, at a cost of three hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Mr. Morrison is also a director in the City Banking Company, and in all movements for the development and upbuilding of his town and county has been an active and tireless worker. A. W. STEVENSON. Few men have had more opportunity to thoroughly learn practical farming in all its branches than the wortliy citizen above named, and who at present is one of the representative agriculturists of Blanchard township. Like Jacob of old, whose story is so beautifully told in the book of Genesis, Mr. Stevenson had to work twice seven years for others before he was able to enter into his own as a proprietor of stock and land and all the other be- longings of a farm. While, like Jacob, the prize offered him as a reward for faithful service was not a beautiful Rachel, it proved valuable on account of the experience which was to be the basis of success in future ventures on his o\vn account. Mr. Stevenson is descended from pioneers who came into Ohio shortly after its organization as a state and through direct or col- lateral branches furnished representatives in the agriculture of various coun- ties. Originally the family was of Irish and German extraction, but the founders of the Ohio branch were George and Eliza Stevenson, who located in Champaign county during the first quarter of the nineteenth century. Among their children was Isaac Stevenson, wdiose birth occurred in Fairfield CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 453 county, Ohio, in 1819, while his wife Ehza was born in Licking county in 1830. They resided a while in Frankhn and moved thence to Spaulding county, where Isaac died November 11, 1888, and his wife on the 12th of April, 1872. A. W. Stevenson, son of the foregoing couple, was born in 1854, dur- ing the residence of his parents in Franklin county, Ohio, and went with them on their subsequent removal to Paulding county. In that locality he was reared and educated, and there he resided until the twenty-second year of his age. In 1876 he left the parental roof to face an arduous strug- gle for existence, as his only capital was a disposition and capacity for hard work. Going over to Hancock county, he secured employment as a farm hand with Charles Reese, of Blanchard township, and put in two years of faithful service on that place. At the end of that time he engaged with Jasper Dukes in the same line of work, followed by eight years of agricul- tural labor of various kinds on the farm of John J. Moffitt. In 1888 Mr. Stevenson concluded to make a change both in locality and labor, and going- over to Michigan, he embarked in the lumber business, which he followed with varying fortunes for seven years and then abandoned it to return to his original pursuit as a tiller of the soil. After sojourning a short time in Allen county, Ohio, with no definite results, he repaired again to Hancock county, where he found a safe and permanent anchorage on the farm in Blanchard township which constitutes his present homestead. He cultivates three hundred and thirty-two acres of land, which is valuable both on ac- count of its productive qualities and its high state of improvement, and it is devoted to general farming, including the cereal crops suitable to that local- iy and stock raising for domestic uses. As previously stated, Mr. Steven- son is a successful farmer, practical and progressive in his methods, pains- taking in his plans and cautious in his contracts. He enjoys general es- teem as a neighbor, is regarded as a man of reliability and integrity, and ful- fills every requirement involved in the duties of good citizenship. November 2y, 1895, Mr. Stevenson was happily married to Miss Katie M. McClure, a native of Gilboa, Putnam county, Ohio, where her birth oc- curred March 25, 1874. She was a daughter of Thomas and Alice Mc- Clure, her mother being a daughter of John J. Moffit, one of the original settlers of Hancock county. The latter's grandparents, Hugh and Hannah Moffit, were natives, respecti^ely, of Ireland and Wales, who emigrated to America in the latter part of the eighteenth centiu'y and located in Xew York. Their son Joshua was born in Chatham county. Xew York, in De- cember, 1774. and his wife Sarah was born in the same county June 6, 1783. 454 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY The last mentioned couple removed to Ross county, Ohio, early in the nine- teenth century, and there on January ii, 1819, was born their son, John J. Moffit, who subsequently became an early settler of Hancock county. The latter's daughter, Alice, was born October 13, 1852, married Thomas Mc- Clure May 8, 1873, and l\'lrs. Katie M. Stevenson was their only child. Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Stevenson have had five children : Wilmer M., Alice B., Edith, Thelma and one who died in infancy. LEVI B. NEWCOMER. Every man to his trade. The city bred man says "The best farm ui Chistendom could not tempt me to be a farmer. The fact is that it ap- proaches the occupation of a gambler. He sows his seed in the spring to see it promise abundant yield only to watch its destruction by the ruthless storm. On the other hand he enters June with a despairing cry of 'no crop,' and passes out of July vv-ith the exultant whoop of '80 bushels, if an ear.' " Then the city man goes down town and bu}'s a block of stock upon which he has not the slightest idea whether he will make or lose. Such is life, and, as said before, every man to his trade. The gentleman's name which initiates this paragraph is a man who has "stuck to his trade," that of farming. He has lived to see his efforts in that line crowned with success. He lives on a farm in Big Lick township, which he devotes to general farming. He was born in Stark county, Ohio, July 14, 1843, ^^^d is the son of Adam and Margaret (Bender) Newcomer. His parents were both natives of Columbiana county, Ohio, and came to Hancock county in 1852, after their marriage, where they settled in Big Lick township. They purchased' a quarter section of land, partially improved. Subsecjuently they prospered and added eighty acres to this original farm. In connec- tion w4th his agricultural interests Adam Newcomer operated quite ex- tensively in lumber, having a saw mill in those early days. He was a good farmer, a loyal citizen and a man of usefulness in his community. His re- ligious preferences induced him to join the Dunkards, in which body he was highly respected for his integrity and soundness of faith. He was the fa- ther of sixteen children, four of the eight now living residing in Hancock county. This family of children were reared in the fear and admonition of the Lord, and became useful members of latter day society. The father died January 21, 1897, his wife having preceded him by eleven years. Levi B. Newcomer was but a lad eight years old wdien he removed to Hancock county. He continued to reside with his parents until fully grown, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 45 5 becoming familiar with tlie fields and meadows and assisting in the work of the home farm as he grew up. Dtiring this time he received a limited educa- tion in the country schools, and upon arriving at maturity was given eighty acres of timber land by his father, upon which he took up his residence. After clearing twenty-hve acres of this property he sold it and bought another eighty in a higher state of cultivation. He continued to im])rove this land, and in 1868 bought the farm which he now operates. Here he has erected first-class buildings of modern construction, and of commodious size. His dwelling house is a substantial brick structtire of thirteen rooms, including halls, Mr. Newcomer also has a holding of real estate in the city of Find- lay. In 1S63 he wooed and \von the heart and hand of Miss Mollie Thomas, who has presented him with eight children; Maggie, Henry. Clint. Fran- cis Diana, Jess, Louis and Sadie. Mrs. Newcomer died in February, 1901, and on the 9th of March. 1902, Mr. Newcomer was united in wedlock to Mary Keller. Mr. and Mrs. Newcomer are worthy members of the Dunk- ard chtu'ch, in Avhich he has J3een a deacon for thirty-five )'ears. During his residence in Hancock county he has ever held himself ready to engage in the activities of his district. Fie has served on the school board for ten years and filled other township offices acceptably. He has the reputation of being one of the best farmers in the county, and has the confidence and es- teem of his neighbors. EDGAR WILCOX. As far back as history records, the real strength of the nations of the past has depended not on the armed might of the warrior class nor on the subtlety and dominion of the rulers, but on those who have, figuratively speaking, been at the bottom of the great pyramid of civilization, those who have tilled the soil, sown the grain and reaped the harvests, by their com- munion with the forces of nature imbibing a power irresistible when used in the mighty conflicts for the betterment of the social and moral condition^ of mankind. And today the index of the true character and strength of our country is to be found not from inspection of the cities, the gathering places for the rich and the raljble, but in the vast stretches covered by the prosper- ous and highly cultivated farms, where men grow up to develop the best and highest traits of character. And in that excellent agricultural region of Hancock county, Ohio, one of the successful and highly regarded farmers IS Edgar Wilcox, a brief review of whose life deserves a place in this history. His parents were jNFartin and Charlotte Wilcox, the former a nati\-e of 456 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY New York state and the latter of Virginia. At an early day they came to Ohio and took up their residence in Delaware county, where they became prominent citizens; he held the office of justice of the peace in his township. Martin Wilcox's death occurred in A]3ril, 1886, and his wife passed away in June, 1872; they had eight children, of whom seven are now living. Their son, Edgar, was born in Orange township, Delaware county, January 3, 1852, and is the only one of the family living in Hancock county. He was reared and educated in his native county and when yet a boy decided to follow agricultural pursuits, in which he has made an excellent success, now operating- two hundred and forty acres of good land in Amanda town- ship and conducting it in such a way as to l3ring good returns. He took up his residence in this county in 1879. On the 23d of January of the same year he was united in marriage to Miss Emma L., the daughter of Major and Sarah S. Bright; she was born January 23, i860, and was accordingly just nineteen years of age when she became a wife. Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox have three children, Elorence ]\I., Ijorn December 5, 1879; Edwin S., born June 4, 1883; and Delcie B., born June 23, 1888. Florence is now the wife of Clarence Cross. JMr. Wilcox is a member of the board of education, and he and his wife are communicants of the United Brethren church. He has held various offices in church and Sunday school, and in politics is an ardent Republican. MATHEW :\r. ALEXANDER. The above named, one of the prominent and well known farmers of Hancock county for many years, is the son of Peter Alexander, an early pio- neer of Hancock county. He came to this county in 1848 and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he proceeded to clear, and upon which he placed many hue improvements, making it one of the best farms in the county. He was a prominent and practical farmer, a Democrat in politics and held nearly all of the township offices during some period in his life. He was born in Belmont county, Ohio, October 15, 1818. His father Peter Alexander, was a native of IMaryland, where he was born October 15, in the year of the Declaration of Independence. January 17, 1805, he married Jane ]\Iitchell. born Septemlier 3, 17S6, and to them were born twelve children : Jennie, James. John, Nancy, Peter, Robert, IMathew, George, Isabel, Margaret. Betsey, and ]\Iary. ■Margaret Alexander is the only surviving member of this large family. Peter Alexander, the senior, was a blacksmitli by trade, and his son Peter also learned the same trade. 0^^i,,^hjz^uj^ (^:>^ ^^>/^^^^2^?^.iik^^ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 457 but after his remoxal to this count}' he conlinccl his time entirely to agricul- tural pursuits. October 28, 1841, he was married to Nancy Hoffman, in Belmont county, Ohio, where she was born October 5, 1818, and by this union there were the foUowang- named children : Clark, deceased, born May 7, 1843; JaiiCj May 30, 1845; ^"d Mathew M., September 25, 1847. Peter Alexander, Jr., died on the 19th of July, 1891, but his widow survives. Jane, the only daughter, married Jacob Franks, of Findlay, where she now^ resides. Mathew M. Alexander, the only surviving son, was reared in Hancock coun- ty and received an excellent education in the common schools. He has al- ways followed agricultural pursuits, and is one of the practical kind of farm- ers that always make that business a success. July 4, 1870, he married Cla- rissa E. Trout, who died in 1872, after giving birth to a daughter, Laura M., wdio is also deceased. Mathew Alexander has held various local offices, having for a long time- been supervisor of the township. He now resides in Liberty township on a tract of two hundred and forty acres of land, on which there are many oil wells. In 1889 he w^as unfortunate enough to meet with an accident that deprived him of the use of a limb, wdiich so incapacitated him for general farming as to make his retirement desirable. He, how-ever, made hay while the sun shone and in the evening of life finds himself in independent circum- stances. PHILIP WILBUR EWING. The gentleman above mentioned, who is at present clerk of Hancock county, is a sample of the class of men who come up from the country to infuse new blood into their city brethren. This process is a common one in the United States, where it is remarked that the leaders in nearly all the great municipal enterprises, as well as the captains of industry, w^ere originally farm boys born and bred in the free air and trained to work on "father's plantation." But for this fresh blood to recruit from constantly, sociologists fear that the city population would becrnne anaemic and gradually deteri- orate. Llowever this may be, it is always a pleasure to record the success of such country boys as Mr. Ewing, who came up from the farm to take the lead of their fellows in the cities and show remarkable adaptability for the duties of public life. The family came originally from Germany and ser- tled in Pennsylvania, the first of the name to come to Ohio being Jacob Ew- ing, grandfather of Hancock county's clerk, who died in Liberty towaiship, at the age of sixty-eight. His son, Cornelius Ewing, was born in Ashland, 458 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY county, Ohio, April i6, 1824, and came to Hancock county in 1850. So far as can be ascertained the Ewings for generations back have been farmers, and Cornehus is no exception to the rule, as he is now and always has been a tiller of the soil. He married Elizabeth, daughter of T. F. Inzley. Philip Wilbur Ewing, son of Cornelius, was born on his father's farm in Pleasant township, Hancock county, Ohio, December 29, 1863, and re- mained at home until his sixteenth year. His training and educaton were precisely similar to those receix'cd by thousands of other country boys, con- sisting chiefly in school attendance during the winter months, "doing chores" after hours and work on the farm in summer. Yet this is precisely the train- ing alluded to above, which has proved valuable for so many men who have risen to the highest rank in all the walks of life. Another almost inevitable step, as it seems, in cases of this kind, is that the first business venture in life must be as a teacher, that apparently being a prerequisite to other pur- suits. At any rate. Mr. Ewing followed this example by turning pedagogue when sixteen years old, his first school being taught in Liberty township in 1879. After devoting two terms to this occupation Mr. Juving naturally turned his face toward the city, that mccca of all am- bitious farm boys. Coming up to Findlay in 1881, he secured a clerkship in a dry-goods store and retained it about three years, when he decided to go into Ijusiness for himself. Accordingly he opened with a stock of dry- goods and devoted the next se\ en years to "working up a trade," in which he was measurably successful, but in 1891 decided on a change of plan. Dis- posing of his dry-goods holdings, he renewed his investment in a line of fiu'- niture and carpets for the retail trade, and since that time has continued to conduct this business at Findlay with success. Meantime Mr. Ewing had been getting in touch vrith politics, and soon showed his capacity both as a worker and leader. Tn 1897 his first honor came in the shape of an election to the city council from the Fourth ward of Findlay on the Democratic ticket, the notable feature l>eing that he triumphed in a ward usually Republican by about one hundred and forty A'otes. He re- ceived sixty-six majority, served in the council with satisfaction to his sup- porters until April, 1899, and accumulated a stock of popularity to draw on for higher and more valuable honors. As a general thing it is what the poli- .ticians call "hard sledding" for Democrats in Plancock county as the Repub- licans usually roll up majorities somewhere around four hundred. So when in 1899 Mr. Ewing was given the nomination as candidate for county clerk by his party, the impression prevailed that he was leading a " forlorn hope,' *but when the votes were counted November 8, it was found that he had been CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 459 elected by a majority of seven hundred and sixty votes. This striking \ic- tory, in which a Repubhcan margin of nearly four hundred was nearly doubled ihe other way, was something akin to a revolution which greatly astonished the political wiseacres, but it was also a signal manifestation both of ^Ir. Ewing's hold on the people and his ability as a leader. In November, 1902, Mr. Ewing wes re-elected clerk of the courts by a majority of 2,093, while the county gave 239 majority for Laylin (Republican) for secretary of state. October 8, 1885, Mr. Ewing was married to Miss Nettie, daughter of Nelson Poe of Liberty township, and has two children : Alary E., born April 21, 1887, and Edgar P., born September 22, 1892. Mr. Ewing's father is at the present time the oldest resident of Hancock county. Air. Ewing is a member of the Presbyterian church, of which he has served as trustee for seven years, and his fraternal connections are wdth the Elks, Knights of Pythias, and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. HENRY M. HAUSE. One of the most prominent and respected citizens of Hancock county is H. M. Hause, a man whose history furnishes a splendid example of what may be accomplished through determined purpose, laudable ambition and Avell directed efforts. A native son of the Keystone state, his birth occurred in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, on the' twenty-fifth of July, 1853, his par- ents being Lewis and Jane (Reichard) Hause, also natives of that common- wealth. The father was an excellent mechanic, and as a means of livelihood followed the wagon maker's trade. Both he and his wife were summond into eternal rest early in life, passing away in their native state, and at their death they left a family of two children, a daughter and a son. Henry M. Hause received but limited educational advantages during his youth, but being ambitious to acquire knowledge he labored industriously with that end in view and when twenty-five years of age was able to enter the University of Ada. in Ohio, in which he was a student for some time, and after wdiich he was given a teacher's certificate, and for eighteen years there- after he was one of the most efficient school teachers of Hancock county. His career as an instructor ably demonstrated his ability to impart to others the knowledge he had received, and in 1889 he was made a county school examiner, being the incumbent therein for the succeeding three years. For a period of eight years he served as the township clerk of Union township, and has also filled the positions of mayor, clerk and councilman of Mt. Cory, ever, discharging his public duties with the same honesty and straightforwardness 46o CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY that have characterized his private hfe. For ten years Mr. Hause made his home in Mt. Cory, but in 1899 purchased his present farm of eighty acres, where he is eng-aged in general farming. This homestead was originally entered by Abraham C. Van Courtright, and is a valuable and productive tract. The marriage of Mr. Hause was celebrated in 1889, when Miss Lottie, a daughter of Isaac A. and Mary Ann Baldwin, became his wife. She is a native daughter of the Buckeye state, her birth having occurred in Blanchard township, Hancock county, in 1866. Four children have come to brighten and bless this home, namely : Ralph, Mirth, Grace M. and Clarence M. Both Air. and Mrs. Hause are members of the Methodist Protestant church, in which the former has served as a steward for many years. The Hause home is a happy and attractive one, where warm-h.earted hospitality is always to be found by their numerous friends. In politics Mr. Hause is a Democrat. WILLIAM P. GRAY. William P. Gray is a child of Marion township. He was born there September 16, 1853, and has lived on his present farm ever since 1856. Flis education was dependent upon the instruction of the district school and upon his early home training. He is connected with the Moorehcad family through his mother, Eliza E. (Moorehead) Gray, who was born in Harrison county, this state. May 8, J 82 5. His father was Samuel R. Gray, a native of the same county, born December 4, 181 6. His parents were married in their native county in Feb- ruary, 1846, and one year latter undertook a week's journey, moving all their household effects to this county, where Samuel had bought eighty acres of slightly improved land. For seven years they worked upon this land, joining their labors to secure a comfortable li^'ing. Then, when he had the chance, Samuel seized upon the opportunity and closed for two hundred acres with small improvements. AA'ith industry and forethought he developed this tract into highly cultivated property and in 1876 sold forty acres, but one hundred and twenty acres remain in the possession of his son William. Samuel R. Gray was a man of decided business ability. He was the first' to use tile in a system of drainage; and all his methods were advanced and progressive. In politics he was in the front ranks of the Republicans. He held the office of assessor for the township and, in the early history of the county, would probably have been a prominent off cial had not his party been in the minoritv. He was nominated for countv commissioner but defeated CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 4^1 by a Democratic majority. '\\i\ Gray was a meml)er of the Presbyterian church. He died October 24, 1881, but his wife still survives. They had five children,, namely : Flora G. ; Mary B. ; William P. ; Sallie H. and Phoebe J. Mary and Sallie are prominent in educational work, the former having taught for a number of years and the latter recaitly completed her twenty-fifth year of sacrificing labor in the school room. September 30, 1880, William J. Gray was united in marriage to Hettie M. Price. She was born August 9, 1857, in this state, her parents being John G. and Elizabeth Price. Mr. and Mrs. Gray are the parents of four children: Laura E., born March 12, 1882: Mattie B., born September 19, 1883; Samuel P., November 24, 1885, and Frank S., who was born Sep- tember 27, 1898. The family are regular attendants at the First Presby- terian church of Findlay, in which both parents hold membership. FRANK C. RAY. Frank C. Ray, city clerk and one of the younger business men of Find- lay, by his alertness and energy is winning his way in the world, and has many friends both in public and social life. He comes of good stock, his ancestry for several generations having been natives of Ohio. His grand- father, Allen Ray, was born in Columbiana county in 181 7. At that time the settlements were few and far between, the country w^as only beginning to be laid out in farms, wild animals were plentiful and the skins valuable. Allen Ray was a trader in furs, an active pioneer, and did his part in help- mg to develop the country. Later, he moved still farther west and settled in Hancock county, where he died in 1849. Albert W. Ray, son of Allen, was born at Findlay in the same year that witnessed the death of his father, and his whole life was spent in his native town, W'ith the exception of the time when he w^ore the "blue" and fought for the preservation of his country. He was a carriage maker by trade, and was in that business in Findlay from 1874 to 1896. In 1896 he was elected city clerk and served as such until his death in the year 1900. He was mar- ried in 1873 to Amanda, daughter of Daniel Cline, and they were the par- ents of five children, of whom four are still living as follows : Louisa K., wife of Chas. A. Keller, Frank C. (the subject of this sketch), Bess L., and Marie. Though a mere lad only fifteen years of age, he enlisted in 1864 as a private in the One Hundred and Sixty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war, when the troops were mustered out. He was the youngest soldier in the regiment. He participated in bat- 462 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY tie's at Harper's Ferry and at Millersburg. His brother, Thomas J. Ray, now hving at Houston, Texas, served throughout the war as a member of the Forty-ninth Regiment, Ohio Vokmteer Infantry, which was commanded by Colonel William Gibson. Frank C. Ray was born in Findlay, Ohio, in 1876, and was there reared and educated, attending first the public schools, graduating from the high school in 1893, and later, Findlay College, from which he graduated in 1896. The next two years Mr. Ray employed in learning and working at the car- riage painting trade, after which time he entered the service of the Eastern Ohio Gas Company at Canton, Ohio, as a clerk. He remained with that corporation about a year and then returned to Findlay, where he secured employment with the Bradford Oil Company, and so continued until April, 1900, when he was elected city clerk by the city council, the position his father had held before his death. Mr. Ray was married at P'indlay, Ohio, in June, 1900, to Dorothy Bickham, daughter of Major Y. Bickham, and they have one little daughter, Elizabeth A. In his political views, Mr. Ray is a stanch Republican and an earnest worker for the interests of his party. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Elks and the First Methodist church of Findlay. Mr. Ray is a wide-awake, progressive young man, interested in his work, his home, his fraternal societies and well deserving of the success so far achieved in life. WILLIAM KUHLMAN. The above named gentleman, who is a worthy representative of the German-American citizenship of Hancock county, resides on a well cultivated farm of two hundred and forty acres in Allen township, and is extensively engaged in the raising of stock. Mr. Kuhlman was born in Hanover, Ger- many, December 28, 1844, remained in the fatherland until twenty- four years of age, gave cheerful and loyal ol^edience to the emperor and laid the foun- dation of a practical education and training which ha\'e served him well in his adopted country. Believing that there were grent opportunities in the new world for the advancement of young men, he left the home of his youth and crossed the ocean to the great republic of which he had read with such in- terest in his boyhood days. He came to Hancock county and first located in Portage township, but in 1881 bought his present farm, the first install- ment of which was an eighty-acre tract. As he prospered, he added one hundred and sixty acres to this original purchase, and is now possessed of one of the best farms in Hancock county, which he is rapidly improving. In CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 463 '896 he erected new buildings, besides remodeled the old ones, and the farm is presenting- a very attractive appearance under his guiding hand. Mr. Kuhlman had not been long in this country until he felt the advisability of establishing himself in a home of his own. His marriage was celebrated June 16, 1873, when he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine, the daugh- ter of Aaron and Margaret Smith. To this union there have been born the following named children: George E., 1874; Aaron F., 1876; Clara M., deceased, 1878; Susan M., 1881 ; Charles W., 1883; James A., 1885; Nellie A., 1888; Edmund C, 1891 ; Lizzie O., 1893; Neil L., 1896; John K., 1900, deceased. Mrs. Kuhlman is a native of Marion township, where she was born October 14, 1856. Her parents came to this county from Germany in 1850. ]Mr. Kuhlman is a gentleman of excellent standing in his immediate neighborhood. He is a member of the German Lutheran church, but in the absence of his own organization, he and his family are faithful attendants of the Presbyterian church. He has held several of the township offices, and in every way has proved himself a loyal and worthy citizen of his adopted country. JOHN H. MELLOTT. The above named gentleman, who resides in Allen township on a well cultivated farm of fifty acres, is the son of Elijah and Jane (Kline) Mellott. The Mellotts came from Bedford county, Pennsylvania, where the father w^as born in 1820, and the Klines are natives of the same county. Our subject's parents were reared in the state and county above mentioned and were there married in 1842. After spending four years in Ashland county they came in 1855 to Hancock county and located in Allen township, where they bought cight}^ acres of land and later added enough to make a handsome farm of one hundred and seventeen acres. Elijah Mellott is held in high esteem in the sec- tion where he resides, has filled several of the offices of the township and is respected by all. His wife died in 1891, after becoming the mother of eight children, of whom four are living. Elijah is the son of Obadiah and Kather- ine (Sipes) Mellott, both of whom were natives of Bedford county, Penn- sylvania. On the paternal side the Mellotts are of English origin, while on the maternal side they are of German stock. Obadiah died in 1862 and his wife in 1859. John H. Mellott, one of his father's four surviving children, was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, March 27, 1843, ^"<^1 ^^'^^ twelve years of age wdien his parents came to this state in 1855. He grew up amidst rural 464 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY scenes, and in the invigorating life of the farm developed that sturdiness of character which has always characterized him. Upon arriving at maturity, he bought his present farm, which he has continued to cultivate with suc- cess and has at different times added substantial improvements, his modern and commodious house having been erected in 1889. The biography of Mr. Mellott characterizes him as "a clean-cut practical man of the soil," and such he has proved himself to be in the various branches of agriculture. In 1869 he was united in marriage to Miss Rachel A. Crowel, a native of Stark county, Ohio, and born February 14, 1843. Mr. and Mrs. John H. Mellott merit and receive the homage of a large circle of friends. He is a good citizen, a model farmer and such a man as benefits any community by association with it, and bravely accepts and faith- fully fulfills the duties of life. WILSON C. STOKER. The above named is one of the children of Jacob and j\Iary R. (Pence) Stoker, whose family history is fully given in the sketch of their son Darius and need not be repeated at length. As therein stated three of the brothers served in the Union army and two of them, as the lamented Lincoln said at Gettysburg, "paid the last full measure of devotion that the nation might live." Stoker Post, Grand Army of the Republic at Findlay, is named in honor of the brothers who were killed on the field of battle at Stone river, and this is only one evidence of the high regard in which the Stoker family is and has long been held by the people of Hancock county. Since their fa- ther's arrival in 1845, there has been no time when the Stokers were not con- spicuously identified with the county's farming interests and they have grown in wealth and influence, as well as numbers, from year to year during the last two generations. Wilson C. Stoker, youngest of the children by his father's second mar- riage, was born in Hancock county, October t8, 1845, and as he grew up he received a common school education while learning farm work between terms. When he reached manhood he became a farmer on his own account and has achieved unusual success in this occupation. He is practical in his methods, progressive in business and thorough-going in everything relating to agri- cultural pursuits. As a result he at present owns two valuable farms in the county, consisting of three hundred and twelve acres, and on his land are found twenty-three producing oil wells. Pie ranks among the leading farm- ers of the county and is a representative citizen in every sense of that term. Q^,^^,^.^?^^ #//' Jl^ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 465 ]\Ir. Stoker was fortunate in the selection of a wife, to whose wise counsel and good management he owes much of his success. His marriage occurred December 30, 1869, the bride being Miss Katie, daughter of Jacob and Mary Grubbs, who was born near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 1846. This union, which proved happy and congenial in every way, resulted in the birth of three children: Laura M., David D., and Elmer O. David D. Stoker, the only one of the children now living, was born February 14, 1874, and was given a good education by his parents and teachers as he grew to manhood. April 25. 1901, he was united in marriage with Miss Ella M., daughter of Nelson and Hannah Altman, who are residents of Elancock county and the former one of the leading farmers of Marion township. Mr. Wilson C. Stoker's political affiliations are with the Republican party and he and wife are members of the U^nited Brethren church. The family are among the best people of the county socially and no man enjoys higher reputation in the business world than Wilson C. Stoker. JAMES DECKER. There is no section of the great state of Ohio that is more noted for its fine farms than Hancock county, and there is no section of Hancock county that is under a better state of cultivation than Allen township. In this town- ship lives the above worthy representative of a worthy family who have for many years been -residents of the county, and have been honorably and intimately connected with its growth and progress. James Decker is the direct descendant of Mahlon and Minerva (Dull) Decker, the former born in New Jersey and the latter a native of Pennsylvania. They married in Pennsylvania, soon after came to Crawford county, Ohio, and after a short residence there removed to Hancock county in 1845. They purchased eighty acres of timber land in section 24 of Allen township, upon which they erected a comfortable log house that continued to be their home for twenty-five years. Here they engaged in the active work of subduing the wilds of nature, and it is remembered of the mother that, together with many other accomplish- ments that were necessary in that early day, she was an expert weaver, not only making all the clothing for the family, but doing a large amount of work for her neighbors. Mahlon Decker 'was a practical man, and succeeded by thrift and honest toil in accumulating three hundred acres of valuable land. He was stanch in his support of Republican principles, a consistent member of the Baptist church and sincerely mourned at his death, which occurred July 18, 1874. His widow still survives at the advanced age of 466 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY eighty-four years, in g-ood general health of mind and body. They reared a family of eleven children, seven of whom are living and six residents of Hancock county. James Decker, one of the surviving sons, was born in Crawford county, Ohio, January i6, 1837. He was a lad of but eight years wdien he came with his parents to Hancock county, where he was reared and received wdiat little education w^as obtainable in the schools at that early day. His first purchase of real estate was in i860, consisting of a tract of forty-six acres, to which he added at various times. In August, 1862, he responded to the call of President Lincoln for troops to save "Old Glory" from being trailed in the dust and became a private soldier of Company G, One Hnndred and Eighteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He participated in a score of battles in the middle west. Mossy Creek and Resaca possibly being the most noted. At the latter battle he was so unfortunate as to receive a w^ound, after the healing of which he was honorably discharged in 1865. He has no regrets that he offered his life to save the constitution of the grandest country in the world. In January, 1861, he celebrated his marriage with Mary, daughter of John and Sarah Barnd, who were early settlers of Han- cock county. Mrs. Mary Decker was born in Allen township in 1838, and of her eight children the following named are living: Edward, C. A., L. B., M. C, G. H. and Sidney O. The beautiful modern brick residence of I\Ir. Decker, where he and his family delight to entertain their numerous friends, was built in 1879. ^Ir. Decker is a popular gentleman in the com- munity, having held a number of the township offices. He is a consistent member of the old school Baptist church, of which he has been clerk for a number of years. In connection with his active work on the farm he looks after the product of twenty oil wells, seven of which he drilled. Mr. Decker was treasurer of the Hancock Gas & Oil Company, the first to open up the North Findlay pool. In 1889 they drilled the first well and this became the most pr()ducti\e locality in the county. He has one hundred and forty acres of land, on which there are twenty-five producing oil wells at tliis writing. Mr. Decker is a member of Stoker Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Findlay, and one of the l:)est known as well as most highly esteemed man in the county. HENRY FRANKS. Henr}^ Franks is a worthy representative of the agricultural interests of Hancock county, where his father was at one time an extensive owner of real estate, ha\ing been in possessic^n of two thoiisand acres. Mr. Franks CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 467 ]i^;es in Allen township, uhere he cultivates a farm of one hundred and ninety acres, the methods which he uses producing one of the finest farm properties in the county. His father, John I'ranks, was one of Hancock county's early pioneers and a man of wonderful resources. He was enterprising-,' honest, industrious and possessed of large and liberal views concerning life.^ He had a passion for the accumulation of real estate, selecting his locations with great business sagacity and foresight. This land was afterward disposed of by sale and by division among his chddren, who have since made good use of their mheritance. Mr. Franks was married twice, his first wife being Sarah Musgrove, who bore him eight children and died in June, 1843. His second wife was Betsie Fast, who presented him with five children, and seven of the two sets are now living. John Franks was a member of the United Brethren church, and supported the principles of government formulated by that great disciple of Democracy, Thomas Jefi:erson. He died August g, 1880,'' and his last wife passed away June 30, 1902. Henry Franks, a son by the first marriage, was born in Cass township, December 8, 1842, and six months later lost his mother by death. He was reared and schooled m Cass township, passed his life in agricultural pursuits, and has resided on the present, farm for the past thirty-two years. In August 1868, he was united in marriage to Mahala Allard, and their union has been blessed with ten children, eight of whom are living: John W.. Catherine B.. Andrew J., Charles H., Ella, Mary, David W. and Eliza. The mother of these children is a native of Ohio, and her birth occurred in 1848. Mr. Franks is a quiet, unostentatious, but loyal citizen, seeking no honors himself, but taking delight in placing in office the best man regardless of party aftilia- tion. He, however, inclines to Democratic principles. He is an industrious and honest citizen, and in Hancock county is universally recognized and honored for his many good traits of character. J. A. NUSSER. Wherever the stranger goes in Hancock county he finds a very large sprinkling of gray heads among the farming element, but there are a num- ber of young and enterprising men who have resisted the wiles of city life and are following nobly in the footsteps of their fathers. It is a mistaken idea that farming has become a lost art. There is just as much material prosperity to be had in the country as there is in the city. The only point necessary to remember is that the farmer of to-day must keep in mind the lact that he is living in a progressive age, that he cannot scratch the ground 468 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY with a forked 3tick and plant his corn by hand, as was the custom in the early- day. The use of modern machinery and the adoption of intensive methods of farming, coupled, of course, always, with hard work, will win in this day just as readily as the old methods won in their day, all of which is being- realized by this enterprising and up-to-date young farmer whose worthy name heads this paragraph. Mr. Nusser was born in Findlay, Ohio, November 14, 1872, and was reared in Allen township, where he closely applied himself to his studies during his minority and laid the foundation of his education. His book learning has been the lesser part, for he is a man of observant mind and intelligent comprehension, and has thus added a later equipment that makes him a very useful and worthy citi- zen. From his boyhood he was inclined to the free and independent life of the farmer, and when he arrived at the years of maturity he entered upon agricultural pursuits. He bought his present home in 1899. It consists of eighty acres, which he is gradually bringing into a high state of cultivation, rapidly adding new buildings and improvements of the kind suitable to a modern Ohio farm. Of him his biographer states : "Mr. Nusser is a young man who will not be satisfied to sit on the bottom round of the ladder. His motto is, 'Plenty of room at the top.' " Mr. Nusser is a son of J. J. and Mary Nusser, his father having been a native of Findlay, and his mother of Allen township. She died in 1880, having been the mother of seven children: Lucretia; Ouinn; J. A., our subject; Caroline, deceased; Frederick; Mammie; and Edna. Mr. Nusser had barely reached his majority when, on November 12, 1893, lie led to the altar Miss Blanche, the accomplished daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Swab. Mrs. Nusser was born November 25, 1873. (See sketch of family on another page). Mr. and Mrs. Nusser have had two children, one who died in infancy, and Dorothy E., born July 9, 1900. They are popular members of society in their immediate neighborhood, where the genial, pleasant manner of Mr. Nusser has made him popular among a host of friends. JOHN H. GRUBB. John H. Grubb, brother of Cyrus and youngest son of Jacob Grubb, now holds a two-third interest in the fine tract of farming land once owned by his father, and which save the first six years of his life has always been his home. Air. Grubb was born February 17, 1857, on what is now the D. L. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 469 Norris farm in Marion township, this county. Jn 1863 his parents moved to Liberty township where John recei\-ed a common school education, and where in due time he added his efforts to those of his father in wresting from nature a free and safe means of hvehhood. In selecting a helpmate for life, he chose one of nature's daughters, a young woman who knew what life on a farn-i meant and who has fulfilled her highest mission by making for him a happy home. On November 8, 1884, Mr. Grubb married Miss Sallie Cusac, who was born as the daughter of James M. and Rachel Cusac, on a farm in Liberty township on Blanchard river, September 15, 1858. Their union was blessed by two children: Gail G., born in August, 1893, and Mack, born December 25, 1896. The family are members of the Presbyterian church, enjoying the esteem of a large circle of friends. Through untiring industry Mr. Grubb has become a prosperous and independent business man. Upon the land operated by him there are twenty- five producing oil wells. Other details concerning the family record will be found in the biogra- phies of Cyrus Grubb and James M. Cusac. WILLLAM THOMAS. William Thomas is a well known and respected citizen of Findlay, the son of one of the first settlers of the county. His father was Charles Thomas, a native of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, who removed to Tyler county, Virginia, where he married Mary Ripley; she became the mother of fourteen children, ten of whom grew^ to maturity and two of this number are now living, Narcissa W. and William. Charles Thomas lived the uneventful but eminently useful life of the practical farmer. Tke farm which he tilled is still ni the Thomas family, and has been continously since its first possession by them in 1831. Charles Thomas endured all the hard- ships incident to pioneer life, receiving many friendly visits from his red brother, the Indian, and it might be added many hostile visits from his more vicious brother, the wolf. When he first came to Hancock county, the town of Findlay consisted of but sixteen houses. They were principally of the block house variety, so built for the purpose of defense from the unfriendlv tribes of red men ^^•hich then surrounded the town. \\1lliam Thomas was born in Tyler county, Virginia, on April 2, 1827, and until middle life always follow^ed the pursuit of farming. His labors were attended with such success that in 1879 he was able to retire from active 470 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY labor, and purchasing a home in FincUa}' he removed to the city where he no\\- resides. During his active hfe on the farm he was honored wdth most a]l of the township offices by his fellow^ citizens which he administered in a worthy manner. In rehgious faith he is a beHever in the tenets held by the Methodist Episcopal denomination, in wdiich organization he has labored during all of lus lifetime, holding many offices of trust. He has held the office of steward for the past twenty years. Mr. Thomas began his domestic life on the thirty- iirst of October, 1850. when he married Miss Sidney, the daughter of John and Margaret Paden. The marriage proved a most felicitous one, and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have passed a long life of connubial happiness. To this union w-ere born five children : Mary M., Margaret J., Kate, Lezettie and Fannie, the latter being deceased. The mother was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, on December 2, 1833. Her father, John Paden, was born in Ireland and his wife in Ohio. Mr. Thomas, as must be supposed, is one of the well known men of the county, having passed almost the entire period of his life in this part of the state. He is a w^orthy rq^reseutative, though now retired, of that calling which Washington said is the most useful and honorable to which man devotes his energies. DAVID THOMAS. The family of which the above named gentleman is an honored repre- sentative, is one of the pioneer families of Hancock county. Henry Thomas and his half-brother, James, were the first of the name to settle in the county, the date of their arrival being as early as 1834. They were natives of Ire- land, where Henry was born November 21. 1781, and emigrated to this coun- try in 1816. September 17, 181 1, he was united in marriage to Jane Strana- han, and their first three children, A\^illiam, John and Mary J., were born before they left their native country. Henry and Sarah were natives of Pennsylvania, wdiile Samuel L., the youngest, was born in Wayne county, Ohio. Henry Thomas died October 14, 1865, and his wife in 1852. Henrv entered from the government one hundred and sixty acres of land, which was at that time in its primitive wildness, and which he cleared during his life- time. He w-as a man of moderate education, but of fine judgment and keen foresight. In his native land he had learned the weaver's trade, but after he came to America abandoned it for agricultural pursuits. In religious faith he w^as a Presbyterian, and gave his support to the policies of the Whig party. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 471 His son Henry, father o\ David Thomas, was born in Cumberland countv, Pennsylvania, NoNember 8, 181 9, and was but fifteen years of age when he came to Hancock county Nvith his parents. He passed an entire lifetime in agricultural pursuits, and in this vocation he was very successful. He pur- chased eighty acres of land from his father, on which he continued to reside until his death, which occurred October 4, 1891. In 1843, lie married Eliza- beth Shoemaker, who was born in Wyandot county, Ohio, on the fourth of February. 1826, and the results of this marriage were the following named children: Sarah J.. l)orn in 1844; Alary A.. 1846: John, 1847: Margaret, J850; Andrew. 1853; David, September 12, 1855; Ellen, 1857; Henry, j86o: Ira, 1863. The . father of this family was a man whose reputation stood high for probity ^^•ith his neighbors and whose character was abo^^e reproach. He was bold and positive in his assertions, and lived up to his convictions of right and duty. He. as his father before him, was a con- sistent and earnest member of the Presbyterian church, in which organiza- tion he was for many years a deacon. Politically he gave allegiance to the Republican party during nearly all his life, though toward the close he was more particularly interested in the matter of temperance, on which question he felt the Republican party did not give entire satisfaction. After a long and useful life, and mourned by a host of friends, he died October 4. 1891. His wife survived him about six years and died April i, 1897. David Tliomas. son of Henry and Elizabeth, was born on his father's fram in Hancock county, Ohio, and reared to manhood in his native town- ship of Big Lick. He received a good elementary education and in early life followed portable w^ood-sawing and threshing, but his employment later, for several years, consisted in the pressing and shipping of hay. He owned one hundred and se\-enty acres of land. ninety-scN-en of which he sold in 1902. and is now on account of failing health not actively engaged in the rougher work of farming. The marriage of Mr. Thomas ^vas celebrated Novei^iber 6. 1879. the lady of his choice being Miss Ella, daughter of \\'illiam K. and Alartha J. Leonard. Mrs. Thomas is a native of the county, having been born at Findlay. December 22. 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are adherents of the Presbyterian faith, in which organization Mr. Idiomas is an actiA-e worker, being at the i)resent time an elder, 'j^hey have no children. The family of which Mrs. Thomas is a member deser\-es more than a passing notice. Her father, William K. Leonard, was born in Columbiana county in 1821, and spent the early part of his adult life as a school teacher, making a fine reputation as a member of that profession. He followed that occui)ation until 1863. when he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. 472 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY He also was an active worker in the Presbyterian church, and for many years was an elder. Indeed, in early life he had very serious intentions of being ordained to the ministry, and only the consideration of poor health changed his determination. His marriage to Martha J. Moorhead occurred Decem- ber 15, 1853, and their children were: Edgar H., Francis E., Melissa, Samuel M., deceased, John M., Mary A., deceased, Margaret M., deceased and Robert W. It is worthy of note that John M. Leonard, the third son, spent five years as a missionary of the Presbyterian church in Japan, but his health failing he was obliged to return to his native country, where he is now actively engaged in the ministry in the state of Kansas. The father of this family died October 22, 1890. Robert Leonard, grandfather of ]Mrs. Thomas, removed from Columbiana county, Ohio, to Hancock county in 1837. Pie married Frances Bayless and the children born to them were: Elizabeth, Samuel, Silas, William K., Abner and Mary A. Robert Leonard died May 4, 1867, his wife having preceded him some fourteen years. Thus ends the record of two of Hancock county's most estimable families, the rep- resentative of which at the present day are held in the highest esteem by all. D ARILS R. STOKER. The Stokers, now one of the strong and prosperous family connections of Hancock county, have been identified with the county's affairs for more than half a century. The paternal ancestors were of German origin, and the first of the name who appeared in America was John Stoker, who event- ually found his way to tlie west. His son, Jacob Stoker, was born in Perry county, Ohio, June 29, t8o6, but in early life located in Fairfield county, A\'here he remained a nufiiber of years. In 1845 '^""^ came to Hancock county and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, to wdiich he subsequently added eighty acres, and all of this he cleared and improved by his own labor. He was a fine specimen of the sturdy pioneer, of evenly balanced character, industrious habits and not to be discouraged by any kind of hardships. Event- ually he succeeded in converting his originally wild land into a good estate, which increased in value as the years went by and made a comfortable in- heritance for his descendants. By a marriage in 1828, with Elizabeth Hart- sock, he had a daughter named Athelinda. The first wife dying, he was mar- ried March 4, 1830, to Mary R. Pence, Avho was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, January 4, 1812. The children by this second union were: David P., born January 4, 183 [; Tunis A., September 4. 1832; Dicy R., February 21, 1834; Darius R., December 27, 1836; Cyrus H., born July 19, 1839; JH^, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 473 Mary J., November 22, 1841; and Wilson C. Jacol3 Stoker died February 28, 1866, and his wife on July 14, 1889. Three of their sons entered the Union service during the Civil war and made highly honorable military rec- ords, two of them sealing their devotion with their lives. Darius and David enlisted September 19, j86r, in Company F, Twenty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and their brother Cyrus joined the same command a year later. They took part with their regiment in the bloody battle of Stone River, near iVlurfreesboro. Tennessee, in the early days of 1863, and fared badly as a result of the desperate nghting. Cyrus was killed on the battle- field and David was so badly wounded that he lingered but a short time after the battle. Darius also received a wound, but recovered, and at the end of two years' service was honorably discharged. After returning" from the army Darius R. Stoker engaged in farm work, and pursued it with such success as to eventually gain standing as one of the leading farmers of his county. At the present time he owns one hundred and forty-three acres of good land in Liberty township, which is well im- proved as to buildings, fences and other adjuncts of an up-to-date farm, and this estate is managed and cultivated by Mr. Stoker according to the best modern methods of scientific agriculture. October 13, 1863, Mr. Stoker was married to Miss Mary M. Strother, who comes of a noted old Virginia family that is deserving of more than a passing notice. John and Anna Strother, who came from Virginia to Licking county, Ohio, in 18 18, had a family of seven children. One son, Isaac J. Strother, \vho came to Ohio at the same time, engaged in farming and achie^•ed success in that line. By his first marriage, with Hannah Beardsley. he had one daughter named Eliza Ann. In March, 1838, his second marriage took place, with Elizabeth Hall, by whom he had six children: Mary M. (now Mrs. D. R. Stoker), .A.mos B., Caroline V.', Absalom H., Lucy D. and Emily T. Mrs. Stokers mother died in August, 1866, and her father in 1868. The union of Darius R. and Mary M. (Strother) Stoker resulted in the birth of four children. Clemma A., the eldest of these, was married in 1892 to Frank P. DeBrandt, and has three children. Viola M., second child of Mr. and Mrs. Stoker, became the wife of Aeneas Collingwood in 1892. Luella D., the third of the family in order of birth, was married in 1894 to Nelson C. Altman, and has four children. Arthur H., youngest child and only son of Mr. and Mrs. Stoker, was married in 1900 to Frankie D. Ullom. The family attend religious services at the LTnited Brethren church, of which Mr. Stoker is a trustee, and for ten years was superintendent of the Sunday- school, in which he took much interest. It should be added as a matter of 30 474 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY ■ pathetic interest and showing the reg-ard in \vhich this family is held that Stoker Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Findlay, is named in honor of the brother killed at the battle of Stone River. GEORGE S. PENDLETON. George S. Pendleton has inherited to some extent the roving nature of his paternal grandfather, James, who for several years in early life followed navigation on the Great Lakes. George has devoted his life mainly to farm- ing, an occupation in itself very quiet, yet he has not been content to remain fixed to one place. He has made several changes in location; seven of his younger years were spent in the wilds of California and Nevada, where he gave himself up to extensive stock-raising. Li Putnam county, this state, he has spent twenty-nine years, and while there acquired a title to one hundred and twenty-four acres of good farming land. Pie also held the office of township trustee during his residence there. George S. Pendleton was born in Findlay, January i, 1845. In 1868 he married Mary Anderson, who died in 1901. The couple had three chil- dren: Harriet, born in August, 1869; Lucinda, born in 1871 ; and Louisa, born in 1873. Mr. Pendleton received his education and early training in Findlay. His father was Joel Pendleton, a man of exceeding popularity a«id superior school advantages. His life has been one of varied experi- ences and his genial nature, robust physique and hardy outdoor habits in- sured for him a ripe old age. He was born in the state of Maine, January 26, 1812; and died Mary 12, 1894. He belonged to a family of twelve chil- dren, of whom one only survives. His parents were James ani Elizabeth Pendleton who were born in 1783 and in 1784 respectively. During the lat- ter part of their lives they resided in Licking county, Ohio. Joel was but eight years old when he first came to this state. He re- ceived a very good education, studied civil engineering and later took up the business of surveying in connection with farming. In 1835 ^^^ removed to this county, entered eighty acres of government land in Blanchard town- ship, w^orked and kept possession of it for almost eighteen years. In 1853 he came to what was then Findlay township, purchased several acres of land and increased his estate from time to time until he owned seventy acres. Here his widow Amy still lives. She was a native of Vermont, born there May 8, 181 5. She was married to Mr. Pendleton on November 22, 1832. Eight of eleven children are living. They are: Anna, born in 1835 ; Lucinda, born in 1842; George S., born January i, 1845; Joel W., born in 1848; CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 475 Mary E., born in the year 185 1 ; Harriet A., born in 1853; Louise, born in 1856, and Charles F., born in 1859. Joel Pendleton belonged to the United Brethren church and in politics was a Democrat. He always had the best interests of his country at heart and was extremely popular with the younger element of the community, for he taught school for several years after his removal to Hancock county. As an indication of his popularity and the confidence placed in him by the \ot- ers of the county may be mentioned the fact that for over forty years he held the ofhce of county surveyor, JOHN C. KAGEY. After a long life of usefulness and work in which he has established and successfully conducted several different mercantile enterprises, Mr. John C. Kagey is able to spend the remainder of his years in comfort, free from the care and work of his earlier life. He was born on a farm in Richland (now Ashland) county in this state in 1831, in which county he lived and received his education until 1862, in which year he went to Ashland, Ohio, where he started in the grocery business. In 1865 he disposed of this business and became a lumber merchant, which he carried on until 1894, at which time he moved to Findlay. After settling in Findlay he again opened a grocery store, which he conducted for a number of years, though he is now retired. Mr. Kagy married Elizabeth Kohler, and their union has been blessed with four children, who are: Cora, wife of William Beach; William M.; TuUy J., Frederick G. j\Ir. Kagey is an adherent of the Democratic party, and he is also one of the strong body of Masons of Findlay. He does not afliliate with any church. B. F. BIBLER. B. F. Bibler, a farmer and proprietor of the Jackson township poultry yards, is one of those prosperous and able men who began at the bottom of the ladder and by energy, business push and integrity have worked their way up until they now occupy a respected place in the business world. The parents of this gentleman were Samuel and Elizabeth (Empfield) Bib- ler, the former born in Fairfield county, Ohio, and the latter a native of Pennsylvania. The birth of B. F. Bibler occurred in Fairfield county on the loth of October, 1855, and there, after the manner of all boys in the rural 4/6 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY regions, he received his early training in the schools and on the farm. He pursued farming as his chosen vocation and remained at home until 1875, when he rented a farm and carried on his business until 1897. In that year he bought his present farm of eighty acres, which he cultivated for two years and then started his poultry business. In this most pleasant of occupations he IS meeting with eminent success; his pure strains of White Plymouth Rock and Buff Plymouth Rock chickens not only being his own pride but accounted by other good judges the best in the country. His yards and pens are well kept and arranged, and the general surroundings are such as to in- dicate a man of thrift and industry, while his birds show care and painstak- ing in their breeding. He is modem and progressive in many ways, depart- ing from the well worn paths of his forefathers and marking out a course of his own. He has natural gas wells on his farm, from which he gets fuel for his stoves, and heats his poultry pens with the same fuel. Mr. Bibler was happily married on November 17, 1S80, to Selina Swab, a daughter of Solomon and Catherine Swab, who was born March 6, 1868. They are the parents of two sons: Benjamin C, born in 1883; and Charles E., born in 1893. Mr. Bibler is a member of the Jackson Grange, and his life has been such as to command the esteem and regard of the whole com- munity. As he is now in his prime it would be safe to predict for him still greater success as .the result of his future endeavors. FREDERICK J. KARG. Among the successful and respected business men of Findlay, Ohio, is Frederick J. Karg, a member of the firm of Karg Brothers, meat dealers, who carry on a business which was established in this city by his father in 1852. The birth of Mr. Karg was in Findlay, Ohio, in 1854, and he is a son of Carl August Emanuel Karg, who was born in Germany, in 1829. At the time of the latter's emigration to America, he was twenty years of age. He settled for two years in New York city and then removed to Findlay, Ohio, where he opened a meat business in 1852. With energy and industry this business was made to prosper, and as his sons grew up, Mr. Karg admitted some of them to the business, and in 1887 he felt that he could retire from activity, knowing that it -^vas in excellent hands. He is a staunch Republican and lie has served in the city council. A family of five sons and two daughters was born to Mr. and Mrs. Karg, as follows: Elizabeth, the wife of J. D. Klentsche; Frederick J., of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY a77 this sketch; August C. ; Charles A.; Minnie, the wife of Wihiam Huh; Al- bert E. and William. Frederick J. Karg obtained a good common school education in Find- lay, and at the age of sixteen entered his father's meat market where he learned the trade. In 1887, with two of his brothers, the present well-known firm of Karg Brothers was formed, which supplies a large part of the city with its choicest meat. In 1877 our subject was married to Miss Eliza Mills, who is a daughter of James Mills, and they have one daughter, Eva. In politics Mr. Karg, like his father, is a Republican. He belongs to the order of the Knights of Pythias, No. 400, while the religious connection of the family is with the Lutheran church. He is well and favorably known in Findlay, and is considered an honest and enterprising business man and an excellent citizen. FREDRICK SUTTER. During his residence there of twenty-two years, the above named gentle- man has been about the busiest man in the village of Vanlue. He has looked after tliree hundred acres of land, manufactured tile and brick and ran a mill, which "made things hum" by the noisy revolutions which turned off lumber by the thousands of feet a day. Mr. Sutter, however, is not doing all these things at present, having reached that condition of financial inde- pendence which makes over exertion unnecessary, still he is a controlling figure in Amanda township and consulted as one of its best informed as well as most enterprising citizens. A word or two about his life and character and those from whom he is descended will not therefore be inappropriate in a volume devoted to the representative men of Hancock county. The family is of Swiss origin and founded in this country by Fredrick and Fannie Sutter. This couple was married in Switzerland in the early thirties, but after striving for a decade or two in their native land decided that emigration to far distant America held out a promise of improvement in their fortunes. It was in 1852 that this resolution was carried into effect and the newly arrived immigrants, after the usual trials and tribulations of poor travelers, found themselves settled at Sandusky City, Ohio. As Fred- rick was an industrious and hardworking man, all went well and he was ac- cumulating some means until an unfortunate accident disabled him for work and eventuated in his death in 1854. By two marriages there were five chil- dren, three by the first and two by the second, all of whom are living. Fredrick Sutter, Jr., one of the children by his father's first marriage, 478 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY was born in Switzerland in 1835 and consequently was about eighteen years old \vhen his parents emigrated to this country. He remained at Sandusky City until his father's death wdien he entered the employment of a railroad company whose lines extended through that part of Ohio. He remained at work with this company about ten years, afterward worked 3 while as a mill hand and later removed to Hancock county, where he purchased an eighty acre farm in Amanda township. This tract, only half of which was cleared, w^as held two years by Mr. Sutter for speculative purposes and then disposed of at a profit. In 1865 Mr. Sutter bought another tract of eighty acres, fifty of which were cleared, and made other deals as buyer and seller until the outcome was his present holding of three hundred acres in Amanda and Lib- erty townships. In 1880 he removed to Vanlue and three years later pur- chased his present home and mill property at the same time starting a tile and brick manufactory. He continued the last mentioned feature for six years, but finding it unprofitable, abandoned the manufacture of tile and brick and confined himself to making lumber. In addition to his other machinery, he put in a planer and has thus considerably extended his busi- ness by converting his ray material into finished product. In 1 861 he was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Shoup, but the only child of this union died in infancy and the mother passed away in 1875. In 1877, Mr. Sutter married Mrs. Cornelia Leader, who was born m Youngstown, Ohio, in 1836, and by her he has an only son named Charles. Though not a member of any church, Mr. Sutter believes that the carrying out of the golden rule embodies " all the law and the prophets."' His fraternal connec- tions are confined to membership in the Independent Order of Odd Felows. In conclusion it is but just to remark that Fredrick Sutter is a self-made man in the best sense of that word. Beginning life without means and little edu- cation, he now contemplates retiring from active business with a comfortable competence. Still more important as testimony of his qualities is the fact that his neighbors have implicit confidence both in his integrity and judgment and often consult him concerning difficulties of a private as well as public nature. NORMAN L. MACLACHLAN, M. D. It is not unusual in this work-a-day world to see young men having their own way to make, doing various odd jobs to earn a penny for the purpose of completing their education, and all honor should be paid them. That which is not worth great sacrifice would be a poor position indeed. These are the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 479 sentiments of the gentleman here named, and he comes honestly by them, for his own experience was in consonance with them. The family of which Dr. Maclachlan is a member came from Scotland, the first member of which he has any authentic information being- his grandfather, Donald Maclach- lan, who was born in Argyleshire. in 1760, and died there in 1850. He mar- ried Agnes McFarlan and reared a family, of which our subject's father, Alexander ]\Iaclachlan, was the eighth child. He was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, on the nineth of June, 1809, and in 1840 came to Canada, where he settled in Middlesex county, province of Ontario. The Maclachlans have always been agricultural people, and Alexander w^as engaged in the occupa- tion of farming for a number of years in Canada, where he reared a family of ten children, all of whom are living except the youngest, who died in child- hood. Later he moved into Michigan, where he died in 1879. He had mar- ried Mary, the daughter of John Black, also a native of Scotland and a ganger by profession. His father, John Black, was born in Scotland, and lived out his days in that country. The gentleman whose name forms the immediate subject of this sketch and who is a physician of excellent standing in the medical circles of Findlay, Ohio, was born in Middlesex county, Ontario, November 26, 1854. From that section of the country he removed with his parents in May, 1861, to Argyle, Sanilac county, Michigan, where he passed the entire period of his youth and young manhood to the age of twenty. There he received such educational advantages as were to be had in the schools of a new country at that period, in the meantime doing an immense amount of physical labor, for his parents were not of the wealtliy class. The youth was imbued with the idea that he v, ould get an education at whatever cost, and at the age of fourteen began working in the lumber can.ips in the winter and attending school during the summers. Any one ^vho has any knowledge of the exceed- ingly severe physical labor exacted of employes in the lumber camps- will have some idea of the sacrifice and immense pains young jMaclachlan put forth in order to receive his education. Often it was necessary to stand in icy water, waist deep, in order to perform his part of the work in getting timber down the Cass river. He, however, persevered and is now able to look back to that time Avith a certain degree of satisfaction. Deciding upon the medical profession as his life work, he entered the office of Dr. William H. Greene, at Cass City, Michigan, where he read medicine under his direction for a period of one year. Having then saved sufficient money to enable him to attend college, he went to Ann Arbor, where he entered the medical department of the University of Michigan, succeeding in keeping himself steadily in the 48o CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY course until liis graduation on the 27th of March, 1878. Returning to the locahty where he was best known at Cass City, Michigan, he began practice at that i)oint. and for eleven years was so engaged, during which time it was necessary to make long drives over inferior roads and in all kinds of weather. Leaving that section in February, 1889 he came to Findlay, where he has since been engaged in practice. Dr. Maclachlan takes a very active interest in the public life of the communities in which he happens to reside, having served as mayor of Cass City, Michigan, during the years 1883 and 1884, and from 1892 until 1898 was a member of the common council of Findlay, while for two years of that period he was president of that body. He was appointed a member of the board of United States pension examining surgeons by Pres- ident McKinley in October, 1897, and upon the organization of this board the doctor was elected its secretary, which position he is now filling. He is also the local surgeon for the Cin.cinnati, Hamilton & Dayton railroad and the Findlay, Fort Wayne & Western companies, and the surgeon for the Findlay city hospital. Dr. Maclachlan was married on the 27th of November, 1878, in Blen- heim, Ontario, to Emma, the daughter of John Jackson, now deceased, and to this imion one child was born, Ethel May. In matters pretaining to medical science the doctor is awake to the interests of his profession, and be- longs to the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association, to the Ohio State Me- dical Society and to the Hancock county Medical Society, in the latter of which he was president and is now vice-president. In matters fraternal he is a member of the Masonic Order and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having filled all the chairs in the latter organization. In political life Dr. Maclachlan is a stanch Republican and delights in the active work of his party, and whatever he is able to do in advancing the principles of that party in the minds of the people is done with alacrity and in the most cheerful spirit. Findlay is fortunate in possessing among her citizens a physician of the standing of Dr. Maclachlan, who is always awake to her interests. JOSEPH P. BAKER, M. D. Though a resident of Findlay only twelve years the subject of this sketch has already established himself so firmly in his profession as to make the future seem assured. His rise has been rapid, but only a natural result that follows careful preliminary preparation, backed by continuous study and a close attention to business. There is no mystery about it, however, it simply being another case of American vim and energy, supported by an honorable CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 481 ambition directed by educated inteUigence. These are factors which usually secure. success, even under the most adverse circumstances, and their display has certainly brought Dr. Baker to the front rank among the practitioners of northwestern Ohio, while also giving him a leading place in other hnes allied to his professional work. If these compliments should seem strained to any one. this impression wall be dispelled by a reading of the biographical details which follow and which amply justify the eulogistic tone of the opening sentences. Joshua C. Baker, a native of Columbiana county, Ohio, has spent his life mostly in the combined occupations of farming and teaching. In 1863 he married Clarissa A. Moorhead, by wdiom he had six children, and one of these became the popular physician at Findlay with whom this biography is concerned. Joseph P. Baker was born at Fostoria, Ohio, June 9, 1864, and w^as an infant wdien his parents removed to Hancock county, where they have since resided. During his boyhood he attended school in the neigh- borhood of his father's farm in Portag'e and later at Findlay, and this educa- tional process continued until he had reached the sixteenth year of his age. He then made his first business venture as a teacher in the schools of ^Vood county, Ohio, in which occupation he continued for seven consecutive years. At the end of this time he came to Findlay and began the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. Anson Hurd, one of the oldest physicians in point of practice in Hancock county. In 1888 he entered Starling Medical College, at Columbus, Ohio, and applied himself diligently to the course of study there until his graduation in the class of 1890. Dr. Baker was quite popular at Starling, both with the faculty and the students, and at the close of the term was honored by being made president of the graduating class. Immediately after leaving college he located at Findlay and entered actively upon the practice of his profession. In 1894 he attended the New York Polyclinic, and three years later took a post-graduate course in New York with a view to keeping himself abreast of all the new discoveries in every branch of medical science. His professional ability, aided by his gentlemanly bear- ing and genial address, soon fixed Dr. Baker hrmly as one of the features in the social and business growth of Findlay. His popularity has been proved in many ways, as will be shown by an enumeration of the honors and promo- tions conferred upon him at different times. Shortly after locating at Find- lay Dr. Baker was admitted as a member of the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association, and served as secretary of that body from 1895 until 1902. At the annual meeting of the association in the year last mentioned Dr. Baker was unanimously elected president, an honor w^hich is a sure index of the es- 4«2 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY teem in which he is held in this section of the state. Speaking' of this elec- tion, the Findlay Courier, published in his home town, thus commented: "Dr. Baker has always been a \ery successful hgure in his profession, and the fact that so young a man as he has been elected to the presidency of the association stands as C[uite a compliment." Dr. Baker is also a member of the Hancock County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society, the American ]\Iedical Association and the Order of Railway Surgeons. From 1890 until 1893 he served on the pension board of Hancock county, and is at present the local surgeon of the Lake Erie and Western Railroad Company at Findlay. In addition to this he has served six years as local physician of the Orphans' Home at Findlay, and holds the chair of obstetrics in the Find- lay City Hospital. He is also the leading examining surgeon at Findlay for a number of life and accident insurance companies. On the social and fraternal side of life \\e find Dr. Baker filling a role m keeping with his professional prominence'. His classmates at the old alma mater have never forgotten the student days, and in 1901 he was elected president of the Alumni Association, in addition to an appointment as one of the censors of the college. In 1891 Dr. Baker was created a Master Mason m Findlay Lodge, No. 2.27; is a member of Findlay Chapter, No. 58, Council No. 50, Findlay Commandery No. 49 ; was made a Scottish Rite Mason in 1898, at Cleveland, Ohio, and is a member of Zenobia Temple at Toledo. He is also a member of Findlay Lodge, No. 88, Knights of Pythias, Findlay Lodge, No. 75, of the Elks, and Hancock Lodge, No. yz^ of ^l^e Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His political affiliations are with the Republican party, though he has not been an aspirant for oflicial honors, aside from such as are appropriate to his profession. May 25, 1892, he w^as happily married to Miss Harriet, daughter of ]\Ir. and Mrs. Henry Schwartz, and with h.is \\ife enjoys a cordial welcome ,in the l)est society at Findlay. OTTA B. MARVIN. Though a young man and only in business about eleven years, the subject of this sketch has gained the title of the " popular jeweler " of Findlay. This complimentary designation he has earned and deserved, as well on account of his skill in the cunning workmanship required in his trade as by strict atten- tion to business and courtesy to customers. The family is of Pennsylvania origin, Ancie E. Marvin having been born in that state in 1836 and sought a home in Ohio where he lived until the time of his death. At the opening of the Civil war he enlisted as a private in the Fifty-seventh Regiment, Ohio CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL LIISTORY 483 Volunteer Infantry, with which he served loyahy for two years. He married Margaret T. Hollawell, by whom he had six children, and of these the five survivors are thus named: Amanda J,, wife of J. N. Feller; Charles \V. ; Leonard A.; Otta B. and Frank J. The mother of this family died in 1895 and the father, after surviving; her a few years, passed away in 1899. Otta B. Marvin, the fourth child in order of birth, was born on a farm in Marion township, Hancock county, Ohio, in 1868. He was brought to Findlay in infancy and there grew up while receiving his education in the city schools. Being naturally ambitious, and having no rich relatives to help hi nil, vounof Marvin began to look around at an early age for a means to insure a liveli- hood and lay a basis for future fortune. His inclinations were along the line of mechanics and his preference for the jeweler's trade. Accordingly, when only seventeen years old he took the necessary steps .to qualify himself for the calling decided upon as his life work. Having learned the details and niceties of the jeweler's art, he opened a store at Findlay in 1891 and no working day since has found him absent from his post. In 1889 Mr. Marvin led to the altar Miss Genevieve, the popular daugh- ter of Henry C. Latham, the ceremony being performed at the parental resi- dence in Findlay. Their household has been brightened by the births of three children: Helen E., Ancie L. and Margaret T. In politics Mr. Alar- vin affiliates with the Republican party, and gratifies his desire for fraternal fellowship by membership in the order of Elks. WILLARD GEORGE. It is the record of such men as Willard George that awakens the most interest, for in this country where no man is born to public honors or to pub- lic office, but where the road to these is that of usefulness and fidelity, warm commendation and interest is always elicited through the history of a self- made man who wins success and also gains the recognition of the public by reason of his fidelity to duty. Willard George is of this class. He is now one of the most trusted eniplo3'es in the Ohio Rolling Mill, of Findlayt and ;s also a leader in Repul^lican circles. He was born in Portage, Wood county, Ohio, in 1874, a son of Edwin George, who is now a coal merchant on the north side of this city, but for a number of years he was proprietor of a grocery store in the eastern part of Findlay. In 1875 he removed to Hancock county, settling on a farm near Mount Cory, and when our subject was four years of age the father removed with his family to Kansas and 484 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY afterward to Missouri. in 1889 he returned to this county and has since h^tw a resident of Findlay, being a recognized factor in commercial circles. Willard George was less than a year old when his parents first came to Findlay, and was a boy of four years when they removed to the west. When a youth of fifteen, after the return of the family to Hancock county, he entered the employ of the Findlay Rolling Mill Company as weigh boy, one of the most humble positions in the shops; but his close application, his ready mastery of the work entrusted to him and his fidelity constantly won him promo- tion. He worked in the forenoon, and in the afternoon, instead of spending his time idly, he attended the Findlay C(jllege, where he completed a busi- ness course. He then turned his entire attention to" the mastery of his trade, and to-day he is recognized as one of the best workmen in the highest class of skilled labor in the iron trade, that of puddler, or converting the material from pig" to wrought iron. His connection with the present firm covers three years, during which time he has enjoyed in a full measure the con- fidence of his employers and the respect of his associates. In fact, one o^. liis fellow^ workmen said : "Xot a man ever worked with him that was not his friend." It is this man who has gained prominence in Republican circles, becom- mg one of the leaders in the party, and in the year 1902 he became his party's candidate for the office of mayor. He is a practical and progressive busi- ness man and in any position to which he might be called he would be found reliable, capable and trustworthy. M.r. George enlisted for service in the Spanish-American war in May, 1898, becoming a member of Company D, Second Regiment of the United States Engineers, in the capacity of a private. He served for one year, spending five months of that time in Cul^a. He has always been active in the work for the betterment of his fellow men, and no one has been more potent in the councils of the Pride of Findlay Lodge, No. 62. of the Amalga- mated Association of Iron, Steel & Tin Workers, than he. Every office in the gift of the lodge has been his and he represented his lodge at the na- tional convention in Milwaukee in 1901. On the 1st of Januai*y, 1902, Mr. George was united in marriage in Findlay, Ohio, to Ida G. Hoover, daughter of David Hoover, of Putnam street. They are well known young people of this city and have a large circle of friends here. Mr. George is truly a self-made man, for starting out in life empty-handed in a humble business capacity, he has steadily W'Orked his way upward until he is now a leading representative of the in- dustrial interests of this city. He keeps well informed on the issues and CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 4^5 questions of the day, and his labors in behalf of the Republican party have been effective and far reaching. He well deserves the honor which came to him in his nomination and it is a well known fact that in office Air. George Avould ever be found capable, just and faithful. HIRAM D. KRABILL. A family ^vhich has been intimately connected with the marvelous prog- ress and development of Hancock county, and whose associations with it have always been of an honorable and upright character, is that represented by the gentleman whose name precedes this paragraph. His grandfather, David Krabill, was a native of Stark county, Ohio, having first seen the light in that county November 3, 1806. He was the son of David and Mary Krabill. When he came to maturity he married Jemima Boden, the marriage occurring April 12, 1832. Jemima Boden Avas a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in that state, in Cumberland county, December 22, 1812. They reared a family of children consisting of Augustus, deceased, born February i, 1833; Jacob, September 4, 1834; Davis, July 7, 1836; Sara, January 29, 1839; Ann E., November 20, 1842; John W., November 29, 1846; Samuel D., August 23, 1849; Harriet, June 24, 1852; Hiram B., October 21, 1854; Irene J., June 21, 1858. David Krabill was a practical farmer, pursuing agriculture with eminent success, and lived to the advanced age of eighty years. He was an earnest sup- porter of the principles of religion as set forth by the Dunkard organiza- tion. His son Augustus was born in Seneca county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood and married Elizabeth Davis in 1855. The union was pro- ductive of four children, two of whom are living: Hiram D., whose name heads this sketch, and Freeman Krabill, residing at present in Gratiot coun- ty, Michigan. The father owned and operated a farm of three hundred and twenty acres, which he had acquired by hard personal labor. He was a pop- ular man in his day, w^as a scientific and practical agriculturist and a most loyal citizen. He served frequently in the minor offices of the community, for a number of terms having been justice of the peace, the duties of which office he discharged with credit to himself and to his constituents. He also was a member of the Dunkard church, and was highly respected for his upright and worthy character. After passing a useful life in the county of his adoption, and mourned by family and friends alike, he died in 1894. The wife survives him, being still hale and hearty at the age of eighty-seven vears. 486 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Hiram D. Krabill was born in Big Lick township October 5, i860, where he was given the advantages of an excellent district school, and later took a course in the public schools of Findlay, finally finishing at Ashland College. For eight successive years after his graduation at Ashland Col- lege he acted as instructor in the schools of his native county. This, how- ever, was not so much to his taste as the rural life of a farmer. He there- fore ceased teaching, purchased a farm and has since been engaged in agri- cultural pursuits. Mr. Krabill is a popular young man, and very active in supporting the principles of the Republican party. He was such an earnest and successful worker in the ranks of that organization that he was selected in 1900 to make the race for sheriff of the county on the Republican ticket. Hancock county is noted for its close contests, and never was there a more spirited one than occurred in that year. Owing to complications which Mr. Krabill and his associates could not forsee, he suffered defeat, but by only thirty-four votes. For the past twelve years he has been an efficient and active member of the school board of his township, the high character of the schools showing the quality of his efforts in that field. The farm upon which he now resides was purchased in 1881 by his father, and at the latter's death he inherited the property. His domestic life began in 1883, when he chose as a companion and helpmate on life's journey Miss Sara Hill. Of their four children only two are living : Aria P. and Lizzie R. Mrs. Krabill, who was a lady of refined and gentle character, died in 1892, and as a mother for his orphaned children Mr. Krabill chose Miss Rose L. Shap- stein, the marriage occurring in 1894. The second wife is a native of Mich- igan, where she was born April 10, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Krabill are both consistent and earnest workers in what is known as the Progressive Dunkard church. They are respected residents of their community, and are esteemed for their many good qualities of heart and mind. HUGH J. KEEXAN. Hugh J. Keenan, wdio Avas for many years a resident of Findlay, Ohio, where he was extensively engaged in the oil business, was born in St. Cath- erine, Canada, in the year 1864, his father, who for eighteen years was a locomotive engineer, having been temporarily engaged there at that time. The latter died in Meadville, Pennsylvania, in 1884, and the mother's death occurred at Corry, that state, in 1872. From his native place the son Hugh removed with his parents to Corry, Pennsylvania, where he remained until his seventh vear, while for the following- twentv vears he w^as a resident CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 487 of Meadville, that state, receiving his education in the latter city. After his marriage Mr. Keenan went with his bride to the oil fields near Brad- ford, Pennsylvania, in McKean county, entering the employ of the United Pipe Line, but after a residence there of one year he removed to Findlay, Ohio, still retaining his connection with the same company, for whom he acted as ganger until September, 1899. After spending about fifteen years in various capacities in the oil fields Mr. Keenan decided to engage in the business on his own account, and from 1899 until his removal to his present location was very successful in his ventures. In November, 1902, he re- moved to Crawford county, Pennsylvania, his post office address being Con- neaut Lake, where he is now extensively engaged in the stock business. On the 1 2th of September, 1902, he purchased of Mrs. Adam Fullhart the cele- brated Galbeton, with a record of 2:1154, and he is also the owner of Mov- ing Star, with a trial record of 2 :i8 at four years old. In Crawford county, Pennsylvania, on the 5th of August, 1884, Mr. Keenan was united in marriage to Minerva Ettie Keen, a daughter of John P. Keen, also a native of the Keystone state. Two children have been born unto this union, — Floy M. and Katherine A. In his fraternal relations Mr. Keenan is a member of Findlay Commandery, No. 49, and politically is allied with the Democracy. He is well and favorably known in the localities in which he has made his home as an enterprising and successful business man, and has won the respect and confidence of his townsmen and co- workers. willia:^! alspach. William Alspach is one of the leading mercliants and public spirited busi- ness men of Vanlue, and is proud to be the descendant of one of Hancock county's oldest pioneers. His grandfather Adam was a brave soldier in the war of 1812; his wife was Barbara Wyant, and they were both natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Hancock county in 1829 and there entered one hundred and sixty acres of government land in Amanda township, where they took up their residence in the following year. He was a hard working man and did much to prepare the way for those to follow in the path of the first pioneers. He was born in 1788 and died in 1856, his wife surviving him ten years. Their family consisted of nine children, three of them yet living. Daniel, one of their sons, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 181 1. and came with his father to Hancock county in 1830. He followed the life of a farmer and made marked success in this calling. In 1836 he married 488 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Catherine A. Vanlue, who was born in Northumberland county, Pennsyl- vania, in 1818, and came to this county in 1833. Daniel Alspach died April I, 1891, but his wife is still living, enjoying the love and esteem of all around her. They became the parents of ten children, and six are yet living : Bar- bara, Elizabeth, Alice, S. V., James P. and William; they hold various posi- tions in society and are counted among the best citizens of the county. William Alspach was born in Amanda township April 13, 1840, and his early life was spent in the healthy environments of the farm. He had arrived at man's estate when the Civil w^ar broke out, and he entered the service as a member of Company E, One Hundred and Ninety-seventh Regi- ment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry; he enlisted for three years, but at the close of the war was discharged. On his return from the army he entered the mercantile business and has continued this with gratifying success up to the present time. He conhnes his stock to groceries and keeps only those of the highest quality and fresh from the market; by his thorough business methods he has gained and kept a large and satisfied patronage. Mr. Alspach has also been prominent in the public afi:airs of his town. During President Cleveland's administration he held the office of postmas- ter, and he was also mayor of Vanlue for two years; he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Eellows and is past noble grand and past chief patriarch. On November 24, 1859, he was married to a daughter of George and Mary ]\I. Cross, Miss Elizabeth J., who was born in Hancock county on February 24, 1841, and died February 21, 1877. Four of their five children are now living: P. D. L., James A., W. P. and Lucy J. WILLIAAI C. NEIBLING. This urbane and highly esteemed representative of the medical fraternity of Hancock county is a native of the city of Findlay, where he was born yVpril II, 185 1. He passed the period of adolescence in this city, receiv- ing an excellent foundation for the further literary course which he added to his equipment before he began the study of medicine. He took up the study of medicine in Plndlay with Dr. J. C. Tritch, and after a year or two reading in his office, matriculated with the Pulte Medical College at Cincin- nati, Ohio. Here he continued his studies continuously until 1889, when he received the diploma of that institution. He returned immediately to his home town and took up active practice, in which he has been engaged since. Dr. Neibling is a deep student in the medical profession. He takes a keen interest in everything that pertains to it, and is never satisfied to allow him- rv\A, >'^UjlvVvvvw^ c^^^tf^ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 489 self to become rusty. He has taken several post-graduate courses in the Xew York Polyclinic School, and has also attended post-graduate schools at the C:hicago Homeopathic College. He takes an active interest in the different medical organizations in his section of the state, the Ohio Medical Society, the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association, and the Orificial Society of Sur- geons. He is an active member of the Knights of Pythias organization, is a member of the Elks fraternity, and by virtue of his father's military record,, a member of the Loyal Legion. Dr. Xeibling never married. Looking somewhat into the earlier history of the Neibling family, Dr. Neibling was a son of James M. Neibling, a gentleman who was a native of Fairfield, Ohio, where he was born in 1827. In young manhood he re- moved to Hancock county, where he engaged in merchandising for several years in Findlay. He was a gentleman who took an active part in the public life of the community, and displaying qualities that made him peculiarly fit for the office of sheriff, he was in 1856 elected to that office and in 1858 received re-election. When the dark days of the rebellion broke over the country, he was one of the very first to offer his services, in 1861 being made lieutenant colonel of the Thirty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantr}-, in which posi- tion he served until 1863, when in January of that year he was promoted for meritorious conduct on the field to a full colonelcy. He served until January of 1865, when, having lost his right arm at the battle of Resaca, he resigned and returned home, having made a splendid record as a most gallant defender of the Union, and having been breveted brigadipr general. After the war he was a merchant in Findlay until the time of his death, which occurred in 1869. Li 1866 he received the appointment of postmaster of Fmdlay from the hands of President Johnson, and it was while filling this office that his death occurred. Previous to his record as a soldier in the Civil war, Colonel Neibling had been connected with the military affairs, of his country, having served during the whole period of the Mexican war, serving as a private soldier. Dr. Neibling's grandfather was Christian Neibling, who was a gallant soldier in the war of 181 2. The Neiblings are of German descent, the great-great-grandfather of our subject, the first American ancestor, emigrating to America from Saxony. CHARLES MALLEN. In a notable speech made at New Orleans in 1846 in aid of the sufferers, by the Irish famine of that period. Sergeant S. Prentiss, the celebrated :\Iississippi orator, thus opened his address: "Far awav to the eastward 31 490 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY lies an island famous in story and in song; she has contributed to the world more than her due share of wit and eloquence, and her sons have fought suc- cessfully on all fields save their own." One naturally recalls this glorious tribute to a remarkable race when dealing- with any of its members in a biographical way, and it is not too much to say that the Emerald Isle has sent no worthier sons to America than the Mallen family. Like most other emigrants that crossed over from that unhappy land, they came with little means and were compelled to face the labor problem in its se\erest forms to obtain a means of livelihood. James Mallen was born in Dublin in 1837, embarked for America in 1866 and after his arrival located in New York state, where he secured employment. He is still residing at James- town, New York. He was married at Dublin, Ireland, in 1866 to Mary Daily, by whom he had six children. Charles Mallen, one of the children, was born at DeBruce, New York, April 4, 1873, and remained there during the early years of his childhood, but later accompanied his parents to Jamestown, New York. As he grew up he became familiar with the insurance business, for which he exhibited an early aptitude, and when he came to Findlay in 1895 ^^^ '^^'^s made agent of the Prudential Insurance Company at that point, which position he has continued to hold up to the present time. Mr. Mallen possesses the sua\e and easy ad- dress peculiar to his race, and during- his career at Findlay has done well, both for himself and his company. In 1899 Mr. Mallen was united in marriage with Miss Katherine Dun- ford, a most estimable young lady of Findlay, whose untimely death threw a gloom over more than one household where her name was cherished. Mrs. Mallen's death occurred on the 6th of August, 1900, leaving an infant son who was christened Charles J. Mr. Mallen, like his ancestors for genera- tions back, is a devout member of the Roman Catholic church, and h(jlds fra- ternal connections with the Knights of Columbus. W. A. WISE. When, about the middle of the last century, it was found that crude petroleum could be refined so as to make a most valuable product for com- mercial purposes and completely do away with the old tallow candles for lighting, there was a rush for the oil fields of western Pennsylvania, and in a few years the oil produced from that region made a large percentage of the total exports of the United States. This industry has not been con- fined in recent years to this one favored spot of the Union, but has spread and CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 49 » has become one of the sources of weahh in various parts of the country. When the oil business was at its height in Pennsylvania, about the year 1874. there was born in the vicinity of the oil belt, in AIcKean county, a young man who was to make good use of the knowledge gained from observation and experience in the business, when he took up his home in the neighboring state of Ohio. This was W. A. Wise, whose boyhood was spent in the busy scenes about the Allegheny river, where he became familiar with the production of oil from the time it was taken in the crude state from the wells until the refined product was barreled and shipped to the marts of trade. His father, John B. Wise, assisted him and encouraged him in this branch of business until his death, four years after which sad event, and when he was seven- teen years old. he came with his mother, in 1891, to Hancock county, where he set to work to develop the oil fields of this region. Bv close sa^'ing he soon had money enough to drill for himself. He has done a great deal to make the business here profitable and is now considered indispensable to its success. On the fifty-five acres of land which he owns in Liberty town- ship he has fifteen producing oil wells, which return a handsome revenue every month. In addition to this he farms his land, and his place is one of the models of the county. In 1894 Mr. Wise married the only daughter of one of the old and re- spected citizens of this county. Miss Nella, the daughter of W. C. and Susan Watson. She was born March 12, 1876, on the farm in Liberty township adjoining the one which she inherited from her father and now lives on with her husband. The first child to come into their happy home was born in 1894 and was given the name ot Ruth by her grandfather; in 1899 a son was born, who now bears the name of his mother's father. William C. Watson. CHARLES A. BOND. One of the enterprising- and successful young business men of Findlay, Ohio, is Charles A. Bond, the popular manager of the National Clothing an.d Shoe House, of this city. Mr. Bond is a son of Findlay, born here in 1873, and was reared and educated in his native city. The successful career of Mr. Bond shows what may be accomplished by the application of energy and in.dustry, combined with honesty and a pleasant and courteous demeanor. In 1887 he entered the clothing store of Samuel Lippman in the humble position of cash boy, and his close applica- tion and faithful service were rewarded seven years later by an excellent position as salesman. When the business changed hands in 1894 he went as 492 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY a clerk, with Mr. Lippmaii's successor, A. Weiss, and soon was made head salesman in this large establishment. When another change came in the business, and the National company w^as formed, Mr. Bond still w-as con- tinued in his position, and in 1900 he was made general manager. His long connection with the business renders him almost invaluable, but he has made his own career by his individual efforts. In October, 1899, our subject was married to Miss Blanche Hull, who is a daughter of J. G. Hull, of Findlay, and one son, Girard D., was born to this union. In politics Mr. Bond adheres to the principles of the Repub- lican party, while in fraternal life he is a member of the Elks, the Knights of Pythias and Uniform Rank, and. the Knights of Khorassan. DAVID BECK. Andrew and Catherine Beck were natives of the state of Pennsylvania over a century ago and after growing up to maturity there removed, in the earlv history of the future state of Ohio, to what is now Fairfield county, and irom there came, in 1838, to Hancock county, wdiere Andrew entered eighty acres of land and during the remainder of his life cleared and im- proved the larger part of this. Pie v/as not only one of the earliest pioneers of Hancock county, Ijut also of Fairfield county. He had served in the war of 1812. After coming to Hancock county he lost his wife and he then broke up his home and for the rest of his life lived with his daughter, Mrs. Bachar, of Wyandot. There were seven children in his family, but they have all now passed away. Of this number there was a son, also called Andrew, who was born in Fairfield county, October 20, 1807; in 1834 ;ie came with his family to Han- cock county and in Amanda township took up one hundred and sixty acres of land, which in the course of hard, earnest labor he brought under a fine state of cultivation. He w^as a man of much strength of character, large hearted and hospitable in the extreme. Pie w^as a Democrat and a mem- ber of the Lutheran chinxh. His wife was Lydia Fenstmacher, wdio w^as born in Fairfield county in 1814; she died in 1868, and he passed away in 1882. Seven of the ten children born to them are now living, and two, Mrs. R. Alspach and David, are in this county. David Beck, the life of whom it is the purpose of this sketch to briefly outline, claims Amanda township as the place of his birth, his natal day be- ing April 10, 1845. After he had passed his boyhood days on his fa- ther's farm and. like the other boys of his neighborhood, had attended the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 493 district school, he chose as his permanent occupation the independent hfe of a farmer, and in connection with this he engaj^ed in threshing for fifteen years. He embarked on his own agricultural course in 1869 and began to accumulate real estate until he now owns a fine farm of one hundred and tliirteen acres, which he devotes to general farming and stock raising. In 1901, having gained a considerable competence through his careful and well directed labor he retired from his farm and now resides in Vanlue. Mr. Beck was twice married. His first wife was Mrs. Mary B. Akam, and their marriage took place in 1869 ; she bore one son, Lawrence A., and her death occurred in 1890. For his second wife he took on September 3, 1891, Mrs. Cynthia McClelland; to them were born Clyde, May 21,. 1892, For six years Mr. Beck has held the position of trustee of Amanda township. In fraternal relations he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd F"el- lows, in which he is past grand. CLAYTON W. FORD. Clayton W. Ford is one of the leading dairy farmers in Marion town- ship, Hancock county, and owns one hundred and twenty acres of fertile and valuable land there, a part of which is situated within the city limits. The birth of Mr. Ford took place in Liberty township, Hancock county, on June 15, 1852, and he is a son of Jesse and Mary (Powell) Ford, the. former of whom was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, December 2, 1822, and the latter in Hancock county September 16, 1831. Jesse Ford was a man of education, for a considerable time taught school and through life was re- garded by his neighbors as possessed of excellent judgment as well as a farmer of more than usual ability. He began life on a farm of eighty acres, and at the time of his death, August 16, 1888, he owned three hundred acres. His fellow citizens regarded him with so much confidence that he was elected to a number of the local offices within their gift, and for a long lime he was one of the township supervisors and school directors. His widow still survives. Clayton W. Ford began life for himself in the possession of an excellent education, having taken a full course in the Findlay high school, with the intention of following a teacher's profession, which plan he put into opera- tion, and for five years was one of the popular and successful educators of this county. In 1876 he began his acquirement of land, purchasing at that time a tract of ten acres, as a nucleus. To this he gradually added as fortune favored him, until he is now the owner of one hyndred and twenty acres of 494 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY the finest dairy land in the county. His stock has been well selected both for productiveness and quality of milk and cream, and thus he is enabled to secure very satisfying prices for his output. Mr. Ford keeps fifty head of cattle through the whole year, his dairy stock numbering forty head. Mr. Ford has put his knowledge of the dairy business, in its relation to the care and protection of his stock, to a very practical use, by an invention which should be in the hands of every dairy farmer and cattle raiser. This is a very ingenious arrangement which its inventor has named the Anti- Cattle fighter, and which consists of a kind of cap worn on the head of the animal, and which is so controlled by a halter as to make fighting among ani- mals an impossibility. It is an invention remarkable for its practicability, its durability and its cheapness. Mr. Ford secured a patent in the United States January 28, 1902, and in Canada February 4, of the same year. Since oc- cupying his present quarters our subject has been continually engaged in im- proving every part of his domain, and, as we have noted, owais one of the most complete dair)' farms and dairy outfits in Hancock county. September i, 1886, Mr. Ford was united in marriage with Miss Harriet C. Hagerman, who was born in Montour county, Pennsylvania, January 12, 1853, a daughter of Mahlon and Catherine Hagerman. No children have been born to this marriage. Mr. Ford aijoys the reputation of being one of the most reliable as well as substantial citizens of his township. With credit he has served as school director, and takes a deep interest in all meas- .in-es which promise to be of benefit to his locality. In dairy matters he is justly considered an excellent authority. WILLIAM HARROP. A man who early sought his fortunes in America and who has believed in his adopted country ever since landing in it is Mr. William Harrop, a prominent oil producer in Findlay. Mr. Flarrop w'as born in Birmingham, England, in 1837, and came to America in 1855. He went directly to New- ark, New Jersey, where he resided for two years. The metropolis of the United States attracted him, and during the time he lived in New York he was the foreman for F. Stephens on Pearl street, a well known dealer in mili- tary equipment. An Englishman takes naturally to the implements of war, which probably led to his choice of an occupation. His adaptability in this class of work led to his employment in the United States ordnance depart- ment at Watervliet arsenal, where he remained nearly four years. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 495 The oil excitement in the Pennsylvania oil fields attracted him to that part of the country, to which he went in 1865, where he learned practically the entire business of oil producing. He was afterward identified in com- mercial enterprises, among which was a wholesale and retail crockery busi- ness in Jamestown, New York, in which he was interested for some eight years. In 1886 he moved to Findlay, Ohio, where he has lived ever since, again going into the oil producing business, and in which he is widely known. In 1 87 1 Mr. Harrop was united in marriage to Sarah J. Fellers, and •^here have been four children to bless this union, as follows: Clara L., wife of J. A. Skillen; Mabel, wife of C. A. Earl; Arthur H. and Alice. Mr. Harrop is a member of the Masonis order of Troy, New York, and he and his family are connected with the Presbyterian church of Findlay. In po- litical faith Mr. Harrop is Republican, giving his hearty support to the meas- ures of that party. CLINTON S. CORTHELL. ■ This gentleman, at present one of the prosperous and prominent capi- talist of Findlay, illustrates by his experience the ups and downs of the oil industry, — its fascinating promises of fortune, as well as its equally abundant opportunities for failure. He has had his full measure of failures and suc- cesses, disappointments and "lucky strikes," coming out of it all at last on the top wave and achieving a standing among the successful business men of his adopted state. At the present time he holds high official positions in connec- tion with various manufacturing plants, in which also he is a principal owner, and enjoys high consideration in the financial circles of Findlay. Clin- ton S. Corthell was born on a farm in Cattaraugus county. New York, in 1844, received his education in the schools at Franklin ville and retained his home there until 1872. In 1864 he concluded to "try his luck" in the Penn- sylvania oil fields, where he started at the bottom, but in three years man- aged to make some six or eight thousand dollars. With this capital he re- turned to the county of his nativity and engaged in farming four or five years. His next venture was the purchase of a stage line between Franklinville and Arcadia, New York, which he operated six years, and made some money out of the business. The old fascination and success, however, drew him back to the eastern Pennsylvania oil fields, where, to use Mr. Corthell's own ex- pressive language, he eventually "went broke." After a struggle with var}'- ing fortunes in this field for fifteen years and in the end seeing his previous accumulations vanish, he determined to transfer his scene of operations to 496 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Ohio. Locating" at Findlay, fortune again smiled upon him, and at the end of a \tr\ acti\e business career he has an abundance of this world's g-oods to attest to his good management and financial ability. His first in- vesthient ^.\as in the livery business, which he conducted with profit for seven years. As side lines he bought farms in partnership with C. L. Cas- terline, and was in the glycerine business until 1898. In 1886 the Genesee Oil Company was organized and Mr. Corthell was elected its president and general manager, a position which he has since continuously held. The Bradford Oil Company, consisting of Clinton S. Corthell and C. L. Caster- line, was organized in 1898 as successor of the Bradford Glycerine Com- pany, and of this Mr. Corthell is half owner and general manager. In 1887, while living in Pennsylvania, Mr. Corthell was wedded to Miss Alary Boyington, by whom he has one daughter, named Celia J. For eight years he has been a member of the city council of Findlay. elected on the Democratic ticket, and he has been influential in shaping the legislation and finances of the city. He is a popular and prominent member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, being a charter member of that organization at Findlay. Mr. Corthell may be described as a strong man, both physically and mentally, an incessant worker and resourceful man- ager, whose most noticeable peculiarity is the possession of what in common parlance is called ''good common sense." ANDERSON C. HECK. Many of the foremost people of Findlay have been 1)()rn, have lived and received their education in the town, electing to make it their permanent abid- ing place, thereby showing their faith in its future, and having their inter- ests centered in its interests. Of such is Anderson C. Heck, who was born in Findlay on October 11, 1854. Fie has lived in Findlay all his life, with the exception of tlie years from 1893 to 1901, during which time he was engaged in the glass business in Delaware county, Indiana. Mr. Heck's father was George Heck. \\ho moved from Pennsylvania some years previous to his birth, With his father he started a hardware store in Findlay in 1873, and continued in the business for eight years. After leaving the hardware business he became a lumber merchant until, 1887. In 1888. realizing- the opportunities for the glass business, he organized the Model Flint Glass Company, of \A'hich he was made president, and in which capacity he ser\-ed until 1901, exercising an active supervision over its affairs. This company was absorbed by the National Glass Company of Pittsburg, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 497 Pennsylvania, in which corporation Mr. Heck now holds stock. In 1901, he went into the fonndry in j^indiay, which is known as the Heck & Marvin Company. He was married in 1879 in Findlay to Jennie E. Livingston; they have one daughter, Bird M. Mrs. Heck, who died June 24, 1901, w-as a daughter of Pierce Li\'ingston, a native of Scotland, and her mother, Nancy (Schren- cost) Livingston, now- resides at Carey, Ohio. His record in public positions of trust has been long- and useful. In politics he is a firm Republican, and served the city of Findlay as councilman from the second ward for one year, overcoming a Democratic majority of ninety. While living in Delaware county, Lidiana, he served for four years as a school trustee. He was one of the incorporators of Findlay College, and held the office of secretary of the board of trustees for two years when he resigned. He donated liberally to- ward the erection of the college, as did his father and his brother John Heck. He is a Royal Arch Mason, an Odd Fellow and a member of the B. P. O. Elks, in all of wdiich organizations he is a highly respected and worthy member. LOUIS KARG. The subject of this sketch has long been knowm in Findlay, in three dif- ferent capacities ; first as a butcher, next as as an ice and coal dealer, and later as a producer of oil. He is a typical German, with all the peculiarities of his race, prominent among which are industr}^ economy and a rare talent for getting on in the world. They easily adapt themselves to surroundings and conditions, have the faculty of making friends and are almost invariably ex- cellent citizens. Louis Karg w^as the first of the name to locate at Findlay. His birth oc- curred in Germany in 1827, and after marrying there he came to America. Having lost his first wife by death he again married, in Chicago, and by this union there w^ere three children: Louis; Lena, wife of Jacob Baker; and Charles E. Louis Karg engaged in the butcher's business at Findlay, and car- ried it on for many years and his second wife died in that city in 1877. Their eldest son, Louis Karg, was born at Findlay, November 15, i860, and w^as reared as well as educated in his native city. In boyhood he was taken into his father's shop, taught the business and worked at it for twenty years. In 1890, however, he abandoned butchering to embark in the ice and coal trade, which occupied his time for nine years, wdien he made another change to the business of producing oil. This has constituted his employment for 49« CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY the last four years and he has obtained a fair measure of success from his ventures. Mr. Karg is unmarried. His rehgious affiliations are with the German Lutheran church, and in politics he is an adherent of Democracy. His only fraternal connections are with the Knights of Pythias, his mem- bership being with lodge No. 400 of that order. 'Mr. Karg is esteemed by his intimates and respected by his acquaintances, being one of those men who make many friends and few enemies. N ELS EN R. SWARTZ. Though descended from a line of farmers the subject of this review has chosen to secure a living from the soil in a different w^ay, that of oil-pro- ducing. His grandfather was George Swartz, a Pennsylvanian, though he later migrated to Ohio, in which state he died in 1871, havmg been all his life a farmer. The son of George Swartz, Solomon Swartz, the father of Nelsen R. Swartz, is now a retired farmer of Hancock county. He was born in Fairfield county, this state in 1836, and has lived in Hancock county since 1859; he married Sarah A. Radebaugh, and they had six children, of whom four survive, as follows : Charles S. ; Morris W. ; Nelsen R. and Merle E. Nelsen R. Swartz was born on a farm in Liberty township, Hancock county, in December, 1873, wdiere he lived during his earlier years, attending the country schools and working on the farm. At the age of seventeen, however, he was attracted to the oil fields, and started to work as a pumper. He made unusual progress in the methods of the business, skipping the usual course of dressing tools and attending the drill, and commenced contracting and producing on his own account at a very early age. He is now engaged in oil producing, having located in Findlay in 1899. Mr. Swartz was married in 1899, in Detroit, Michigan, to Minnie M. Marstellar, daughter of James Marstellar, of that city, and they have one son, Herbert M. Mr. Swartz is a thorough-going Republican, and is num- bered among the ranks of the Odd Fellows of Findlay. GEORGE A. DEHILMAN. As a fruit state, Ohio has long been among the foremost of the L-nion, her natural advantages and climate tending to produce some of the finest fruit in the world. Among those who have taken advantage of this fact and succeeded in making it an exclusive industrv is George A. Deihlman, of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 499 Findlay. Mr. Deihlman was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, in 1832, and came to America in 1853. His father, Adam Deihlman, hved and died in the fatherland. The first work our subject engaged in after arriving in America was in a bone-dust factory near New York city. It was there he doubtless learned some of the secrets of cultivating the soil of America. He then moved to Stark county, Ohio, where he went into the pottery business at Limonville, and in that business he continued about eighteen years. In 1 87 1 he moved to Findlay, working some six years in a pottery factory, and later for several years as road contractor. Believing there was a future in the fruit raising business he went into that on an extensive scale, in which he has continued and prospered. He served his adopted country in the war of the Rebellion as faithfully as any of her sons, and though his war record was not as long as many others it was no less praiseworthy. He served in Company F, One Hundred and Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private from January, 1864, until the close of the war, his company having- principally been engaged in skirm- ishes along the border. He keeps up his interest in war times as a member of Stoker Post, No. 54, G. A. R., in which he now holds the honorable po- sition of treasurer. In politics Mr. Deihlman is a stanch Republican. In 1854 the subject of this sketch was united in marriage to Elizabeth Hoffman, and of their eleven children eight are still living. Mr. Deihlman's religious connection is with the Evangelical church. CHARLES W. MASCHO. A man who has worked his w^ay to the top in the oil business is Mr. Charles W. Mascho, who is the manager of the National Supply Company. Mr. Mascho was born in Tioga county, Pennsylvania, in a small village called Brookfield, in which place he lived and attended school to the age of twelve years, when his parents moved to McKean county, in the same state, which is situated in the oil belt. They remained in that locality about five years, and removed to Allegany county, New York, in which place they lived four years. Mr. Mascho finished his education at Bolivar, in the state of New York, and with his father returned to the oil region of Pennsylvania, and went to work in the oil business. Our subject continued at this work for eighteen months, at the end of which period he removed to Findlay, in the year 1886. He went to work in the Carrothers Rolling Mill, working on the rolls, and held that position a year, at the end of which time he accepted a clerkship with the firm of J. B. McElvaine & Company for six months. He 500 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY became a prospector for oil on his own account in a short time, and before long went to w^ork as a clerk for the Buckeye Supply Company, which later became the National Supply Company. His business ability has been of such a character that he has advanced steadily, and is now the district man- ager of that concern. Mr. Mascho was married, in 1899, in Findlay, to Matilda, a daughter of Joseph Martin. He is identified with the Knights of Pythias, and is thor- oughly independent in politics. Mr. Mascho's father was John J. Mascho, who was born in Tioga county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1838, and died in 1899. He was a farmer during his early years and w^as engaged in the oil business during the lat- ter part of his life, in which occupation he was engaged at the time of his death. He left five children surviving. ANDREW B^H. The gentleman of whom we are now permitted to write was county treasurer of Hancock county at the time of his death, which occurred Septem- ber 14, 1901. He w^as born in Fairfield county, Ohio, April 2, 1834, and was a son of Henry Bish, and a grandson of Henry Bish, Sr. The latter was born in Virginia in 1795, but late in life removed to San- dusky count}', Ohio, where his death occurred in 1875. Andrew Bish, of this review, was reared and educated in the place of his nativity, and after arriving at the age of maturity came with his parents to Sandusky county, Ohio, where the father purchased a farm. The son continued to reside at home for the following five years, and in 1858 came to Marion township, Hancock county, where he was a prominent member of the agricultural class until 1895. In that year he rented his farm and moved into the city of Findlay, where he continued to reside until his death. During the period of the Civil war he served with what is known as the Hundred Day Men, and in 1898, on the Republican ticket, he was elected treasurer of Hancock county, being re-elected to the position in 1900, and was the in- cumbent at the time of his death. In 1857 ^'^^- ^ish was united in marriage to Minerva, daughter of George and Catherine Gear, and to this union were born the following children: William S.. who is mentioned below; Mary C, the wife of Benjamin F. Burns, of Findlay, Ohio; Martha, who died in infancy; and Charles. William S. Bish, the eldest son of Andrew and Minerva Bish. was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, November 26, 1857, and came with his parents CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 501 to Hancock county in 1858. He was reared on the home farm in Alarion township, receiving an excellent education in the schools of the district, and this was supplemented by further study in the Findlay city schools. Closing his school life in 1877, he returned to the home farm, and there remained for the following two years engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1879 he en- tered upon a course in a business college at Grand Rapids, Michigan, fol- lowing which he passed six months in a grocery store in Findlay. He then became bookkeeper at the First National Bank of Findlay, where he remained until the latter part of 1883, and then bought an interest in a grocery store m this city. Selling his interest therein a year later, he went to Garden City, Kansas, where for the following four years he was engaged in the banking business, but finding there was no state like the old Buckeye he returned to Findlay and for a period w^as engaged in oil operations. In September, 1898, he entered the treasurer's office as his father's deputy, and after the latter's death was appointed by the county commissioners of Hancock county to fill out the unexpired term. On the 5th of November, 1901, he was elected to that office for a term of two years, and is now acceptably discharging the duties of that important position. On the i6th of January, 3884, at Findlay, Mr. Bish was united in marriage to Alice Anderson, the daughter of William and Harriet (Alban) Anderson. They have had the following named chil- dren: Helen M., bom May 5, 1885, and died July 28, 1886; Howard A., born November 9, 1886; Marian, born October 18, 1892, and died July 11, 1894; and Alma, born August 6, 1897. Fraternally Mr. Bish is a worthy member of Hancock Lodge, No. y^,, of the Independent Order 01 Odd Fel- lows. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and in politics is a stanch supporter of the principles laid down in the Republican platform. MARION BELL. Perhaps the best judge of horses in Findlay to-day is Mr. Marion Bell, who has made a study of horses all his life. His earliest life was connected with horses, having been born and brought up on a farm, and in every call- mg in which he has engaged ever since, it has been one in which he has em- ployed horses. Mr. Bell is of pioneer Ohio stock, his grandfather, Jack Bell, having l)een a native of Fairfield county, Ohio. His father, Alfred Bell, was also born in Fairfield county, but came to Hancock county in early manhood. He was a farmer all his life, arid died in Wyandot county in 1891. Fie was mar- ried in 1847 to Emmeline Click, daughter of David Click, of Hancock 502 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY county, and they had nine children, of whom six now survive, as follows : Russell B. ; Joseph T. ; Emma, widow of Soloman Zimmerman; Marion; David; and Charles. The mother of this family died in 1883. The life of Marion Bell has mostl}^ been passed near his native place, He was born November 23, 1856, and lived on his father's fanii until he was fifteen years of age, attending the country schools. He decided to start out for himself, and for eight years worked on the farm of ]\1. J. George; this was followed by a year's work for George June, at Fremont. Ohio, who was a horse trader. Mr. Bell then contracted to carry the mail from Find- jay to Mt. Blanchard, and from Mt. Blanchard to Forest for a year. At the end of that time he bought a half interest in a steam thresher, which he ran for three years. His acquaintance throughout the country being consid- able, he began the business of buying and tradmg horses, in which occupation he has ever since been engaged. Mr. Bell w^as married in 1883, at Mt. Blanchard, to Carrie H., daugh- ler of M. J. George, and they had one child, Eva L. The wife died in 1889. and Mr. Bell was again married, on May 21, 1891, to Sarah E., daughter of Grundy Ake, and they have one son, Frank Rice Bell. Mr. Bell belongs to no church and to no secret order. In politics he is a Republican in good standing. WILUAM .\. DEMLAXD. One of the popular young business men of the city of Findlay is Mr. Demland, who is incumbent of the office of secretary of the Findlay Water Works Company and also of the Hancock County Agricultural So- ciety, in each of which capacities he is rendering most effiective service. He has applied his energies and abilities to the best possible advantages and has ever retained the confidenc and good ^vill of those with whom he has been thrown in contact. Mr. Demland was born on a farm in Henry county Ohio, on the 3d of May, 1866, and there he grew up under the invigorating influences of the agricultural life, attending the district schools and assisting in the work of the farm. At the age noted, in 1882, he made a trip to Colorado and the Dakotas, returning within the same year and locating in Fostoria, Seneca county, where he remained about one year and then removed to Defiance, where he was employed in a clerical capacity in a dry goods establishment for two years. In 1885 ]\Ir. Demland came to Findlay and became a clerk in the dry goods establishment of A. A. Dillinger, in whose employ he con- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 503 tinned until 1899. when he secured his present important preferment as sec- retary of the Finchay Water Works Company. Two years previously Mr. Demland had been chosen secretary of the Hancock County Agricultural Society, and he has been indefatigable in promoting the interests of this or- ganization, through which is given a proper representation of the agricultural, stock growing and other industrial interests of the county, the annual exhi- bitions proving of much value and interest. In politics our subject gives his allegiance to the Democratic party, his religious faith is that of the Church of Christ, and fraternally he is a popular member of the Benevolent Protec- tive Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias. In 1890 was solemnized the marriage of J\lr. Demland to Miss Myrtle Dillinger, daughter of Archibald A. Dillinger, the well known merchant of Findlay, and pre\iously mentioned in this sketch. THOMAS J. STACKHOUSE. Ranking among the old settlers of Hancock county, Ohio, w-here he has lived for more than fifty years, and a native of the state of Ohio, is that worthy citizen of Findlay, Thomas J. Stackhouse. His father, Joshua Stack- house, one of the pioneer settlers of Ohio, was born in Pennsylvania in 1802, but moved to Ohio, and died there in 1847. Thomas J. Stackhouse was born in Hanover, Ohio, February 13, 1835, where he lived until five years of age, when his parents moved to Seneca county, and located on a farm. Here he lived the happy, healthy and active life of a farmer's boy, helping with the farm w^ork in the summer, and in the winter attending the public school and doing chores. His father died when he was twelve years old. In 1851, when about seventeen years of age, he came to Findlay, and being ambitious and anxious to start in business for himself, he learned the baker's trade and carried on a bakery for several years. Then, his trade increasing and busi- ness prospering, he started a restaurant, and after six years in that line, hav- ing gained experience and i)atronage, he opened a hotel in Findlay, in which business he continued up to the year 1895. ^"^^ ^1''^" went into the feed and provision Inisiness, which he continued for some time and in 1902 again en- gaged in the hotel business. Mr. Stackhouse has been twice married: First, in 1864, in Findlay, to Fannie Hime, who died in 1894, after thirty years' of married life, leaving five children, as follows: Cora E., wife of J. W. Carney; Thomas B. ; James J. ; Rolla R. ; and Rosa, wife of John Negrotto. November 7, 1897, ^^i'- 504 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Stackhoiise was again married, to Elfie P. Lape, and they have tv/o children, Ruth and Esther. Air. Stackhoiise is one of that noble army — the veterans of the Civil war — which daily diminishes, until in a few years there will be none left to answer the roll call. He enlisted in the Union army in May, 1864, at Find- lay, Ohio, as a private in Company I, One Hundred and Sixty-first Regi- ment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until September 13, 1864, being mustered out at Columbus, Ohio. He was under lire in fights at Martins- burg, West Virginia, and Maryland Heights. Mr. Stackhouse also had three brothers in the army, one of whom died lighting for his country. David, now deceased, was a member of the Fifty-tifth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Madison belonged to the Twenty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry and Eighty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry; and Harison, who was in the Twenty-first Regiment, Ohio A^olunteer Infantry, was killed at Chickamauga. Mr. Stackhouse is a member of the Baptist church, a Knight of Pythias, and in politics a Republican. He is an honored and respected citizen in the community and has many friends. LOUIS W. EOFF. The progress of a city is largely due to its financial institutions, inas- much as it is upon these that the industries and business establishments de- pend for capital to meet their obligations, and it is safe to say that a good town always has good banks. Those therefore who have charge of the banks,, are necessarily in position to exercise much infiuence for good or ill, and it IS of vital importance that they should be men of the highest character and ability. Aside from their immediate duties, their advice and assistance in conducting the government and giving the impetus to new enterprises are invaluable, and for this reason the banking stafi^s are found filling all kinds of positions of trust and responsibility. Findlay has always been fortunate in its financiers and few cities of its size are better known for the probity as well as general ability of tliose wlio have had the direction of its large affairs, in this corps of civic servants, who have been conspicuous at every stage of its growth, no man of his age lias achiexed more for his community or de- served more for himself than the gentleman whose life work forms the basis for this brief biography. Fie has been connected with banks from early boy- hood, and in reward for those qualities which are so highly appreciated in these institutions, he has risen with rapidity through various grades to his. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 505 present position of responsibility as cashier of one of the most important financial concerns of the city. The Eoff family is of Holland origin, and the first emigrants of the name came to America as far back as 1638. In after years, descendants of these first arrivals found lodgment in various colonies of the east, including New Jersey, where Cornelius Eoff was born during the latter half of the eigh- teenth century. When the troubles preceding the American Revolution be- came acute they touched a sympathetic chord in this descendant of a people who had always been noted for their friendliness to freedom and hatred of "oppression in all its forms. A'oung Eoff was fired with enthusiasm to do something for the cause of the struggling colonies, and this desire was grati- fied by his becoming a drum-major in General Washington's body-guard,, with which company he served through the subsequent stirring scenes. Cor- nelius was the great-grandfather of Louis W. Eoff, the Findlay banker, and it is needless to add that the latter is justly proud of having such an ancestor. Eli Eoff, grandson of the Revolutionary patriot, was born in New York, in 1824, and married Mary White, whose birth occurred in the same state in 1833. Some years afterward they removed to Ohio, locating at Elmore, where Mr. Eoff rose to a position of influence and for thirty years held the position of village postmaster. His wife died there in 1886, and some years later he removed to Toledo, Ohio, of which city he has since been a resident. Louis W. Eoff, son of this worthy couple, was born at Elmore, Ohio, January i, 1865, and remained at the home of his parents until fifteen years of age. After the usual preliminary attendance in the common schools of his native place, he entered Oberlin College and spent one year in that excel- lent institution, during which period he improved his opportunities to the utmost. Returning home he spent a short time teaching school, but this was soon abandoned for more congenial occupation. His ambition, which early .took shape, was to pursue a business career and soon an opportunity offered which promised an outlet along the lines of his desire. Being offered a posi- tion as bookkeeper in the bank at Elmore, lie gladly accepted and for a year and a half discharged the duties of this place so well that the ground work was laid and an opening made for better things. December 18, 1883, ]\Ir. Eoff accepted a position as teller in the First National Bank of Findlay, which he held four years, and this proved the beginning of his long and intimate connection with the financial affairs of the city, which has continued until the present time. Li 1887 he assisted in organizing the American National Bank of Findlay, and in June of the same year was appointed assistant cashier of that institution. In 1889, after a service of two years, he was made cash- 5o6 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY ier of this popular bank, and from that time up to the present has discharged the duties of this responsible position with marked ability and constantly growing appreciation. Under his able management the American National Bank has had a steady growth and now ranks as one of the leading financial institutions of northwestern Ohio. In line with his business interests Mr. Eoff is a member of the executive council of the Ohio Bankers' Association, and he is also president of the Findlay board of trade. But it is not simply as a banker that Mr. Eoff's services have proven valuable to the citizens of Findlay. Desiring to avail themselves of his financial skill and sound busi- ness judgment, they elected him a member of the city council, and retained him in that office from 1894 until 1900. During these six years of public service, ]\Ir. Eoff fully proved his capability for administrative duties and ability to deal in a broad way with large affairs. He devoted much atten- tion to the important business coming before the council, especially all mat- ters relating to the city's fiscal system, and largely through his instrumen- tality about two-thirds of the standing debt, amounting to six hundred thou- sand dollars, was paid off". During his last term in council, Mr. Eoff served as president of the body, and when he left office it was with the good will and sincere esteem of every citizen of Findlay. In 1889, Mr. Eoff" was united in marriage with Miss Lillie Bee, daugh- ter of Judge F. and Pamy Burket, and has an only child named Will Burket Eoff". His political affiliations have always been with the Republican party, to whose principles he lends ardent support and intelligent advocacy. ]\Ir. Eoff's fraternal connections are with Findlay Lodge, No. 75, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, in addition to which he holds membership in the Twentieth Century Club, a literary organization composed of some of the leading business and professional men of Findlay. MORGAN C. SHAFER. Among the younger members of the bar of Hancock county is numbered the subject of this re^aew, who has been successfully engaged in the prac- tice of his profession in his native city of Findlay since 1893. He is a rep- sentative of one of the pioneer families of the state, and in his chosen pro- fession is enjoying a prestige which was held by his honored father in the same field of endeavor, so that there is particular congruity in entering this brief record of his genealogical and personal history. Mr. Shafer was born in Findlay, on the 4th of December, 1866, and is descended from a good old German family. His paternal great-grand- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 507 father, Michael Shafer, in compaii}-- with a brother, came from the father- land to the United States, landing at New York city late in the eighteenth century, and there the brothers separated, Michael going to Washington county, Pennsylvania, from which time on the brothers never knew of each other's existence. Later in the eighteenth century Michael Shafer was mar- ried in Washington county, Pennsylvania, to a girl whose first name was Elizabeth, and among their children was Michael Shafer, the grandfather of our subject, w4io was born in the Keystone state, and was thirteen years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Knox county, Ohio. In Mount Vernon, this state, he learned the blacksmith's trade. When twenty-two years of age he married Miss Nancy Ireland, and in 1835 they moved to Hancock county, Ohio, where they became owners of real estate near Mt. Blanchard. Until he was twenty-one years of age Michael Shafer could only speak the German tongue, but his wife taught him the English language, and being a great reader he soon became a well informed man. This worthy couple were the parents of twelve children, eight sons and four daughters. Mr. Shafer was called from the scenes of this earth in August, 1852, when he was fifty-seven years of age. Morgan D. Shafer, the father of our subject, was born in Alt. Blan- chard, Hancock county, Ohio, in 1838, and his education was received prin- cipally in the city of Delaware, this state, where he prosecuted his studies for a time in Ohio Wesleyan University, having defrayed his expenses by teach- ing school for several years. He was admitted to the bar in i860, but soon afterward laid aside the work of his profession to go forth as a soldier dur- ing the Civil w^ar,' enlisting at the first call for troops, in 1 861, as a member of the Twenty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he was first lieutenant of Company E. After a service of three months he returned home and did not again enlist, having been a strong Democrat and having had certain conscientious prejudices against the w^ar policy of the govern- ment He opened a law office in Findlay, and here continued in the active practice of his profession until his death, which occurred in 1899. He was a man of fine intellectuality and attained high reputation in his chosen pro- fession, being concerned in much of the important litigation brought before the courts of this section of the state and commanding the unequivocal esteem of his professional confrerers and the community in general. Morgan C. Shafer, the immediate subject of this review, w^as reared in the place of his nativity, securing his preliminary education in the public schools and being graduated in the high school as a member of the class of 1885. He thereafter put his scholastic acquirements to practical test by 5o8 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL LIISTORY teaching- school in his native county, and finally continued his studies for a year in Findlay College, after which, in 1887, he matriculated in the law de- partment of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he was gradu- ated as a member of the class of 1890. He then returned to his home in Findlay, where he continued his technical reading in the law office of his father, whom he assisted in his professional work until 1893, when he secured admission to the bar of Ohio and has since been engaged in active practice here, being recognized as a thoroughly well informed and discriminating advocate and safely conservative counsel and gaining precedence through his careful and devoted attention to the work of his profession. He is a Democrat in his political proclivities and gives a stanch support to the cause. Fraternally he is identified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Mr. Shafer was married in 1893, at Findlay, to Miss Florence Ham- lin, daughter of John M. Hamlin, and they take a prominent place in the social activities of the city, their home being one in which the refined ameni- ties are ever in evidence. DANIEL L. SMITH. There could be no more gratifying thing to the citizens of Hancock county than to see many of its fanners spend their later days in ease, freed from the cares and responsibilities of farm life, yet able to enjoy its pleasant side. Mr. Daniel L. Smith is one of the many who have been fortunate in this respect, and as such deserves honorable mention in this volume. He was born on a farm in Amanda township, in this county, in 1845, and has lived on Hancock county farms all his life, with the exception of eleven years, from 1874 to 1885, when he lived on a farm in Henry county, this state. Though he has resided in Findlay since 1890, he still retains an active interest in agricultural pursuits, keeping in touch with his former life. Mr. Smith's grandfather, Stephen Smith, the first of his family to move to Ohio, was born in New York, came to Hancock county at an early day and died in Wood county. His son, David K. Smith, father of Daniel L., was born in Hancock county in 1825, and he has also been a farmer all his life. He was one of the many loyal sons of Ohio who fought in the war of the Rebellion, having enlisted in the fall of 1864 as a private in Com- pany G, Forty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served until the close of the war. He was in many important figlits. David K. Smith married Elizabeth Zinn in 1844, and of their seven children six are still living: Daniel L. ; Charity, wife of Jacob Thompson; America, wife of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 509 Asa Morris; William; Catherine, wife of Peter Domer; and Charlotte, wife of Joseph Schwab. The first Mrs. Smith died in 1887, and our subject's father is still living in Hancock county, married to his third wife. He is numbered among the members of the United Brethren church. Daniel Smith was first married in 1864 to Eliza Ewing, who died in 1873, leaving two children: Kelley L., wife of Lincoln Sheppard; and Jesse E. ]\Ir. Smith was again married in 1875 to Amanda Kwis, and they have six children, all living, who are: Nellie E., wife of Charles Opp; Bertha, wife of Lemuel Huston; Maud, wife of Fred Johnson; John A. Logan ; Harry D. ; and Vita Z. Mr. Smith has always been a Republican, and that he is counted one of the worthy members of that party is shown by the fact that he served as postmaster under President Llayes at McClure, in Henry county; he also served as trustee of Damascus township, in the same county. Like his father, he is associated with the United Brethren church. GEORGE GOEPPELE. George Goeppele is a hale and hearty old citizen of Hancock comity, Ohio, who has been connected with its business interests for fifty years, and in this time has fought the faithful fight which has brought honor and suc- cess to his old age. He is proud to claim the empire of Germany for his birth-place, where he came into the light of the world in the old state of Wurtemberg on the 4th day of December, 1825; his father and mother were George and Christina Goeppele, and they passed all their lives in their native land. The younger George had the fortune to spend the years before his maturity in Germany and he was there given the excellent training for which the schools of that country are famous. When deciding upon a pursuit in life he chose the trade of baker. The baker boys of Germany have been famous in song and history for centuries, and our subject became one of the jolly apprentices of that calling; so well did he apply himself that he be- came thoroughly conversant with all its details and he left his countn- an adept in the important art of cookery. With hopes and fears, but with a manly and independent spirit which augured well for this young Teuton, Mr. Goeppele crossed the ocean and arrived in America in the month of September, 1851. For a short time he was located in Philadelphia, but after moving about for a year or two he finally came to Hancock county in 1853. Having decided upon Findlay as a suitable place to engage in his trade, he applied himself to it diligently and was soon able to satisfy the taste of the most fastidious epicure and con- 5IO CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY vince him that the art of fancy baking had found a new master. He worked for various firms in the town and for fifty years the products of his ovens were articles of necessity in every household, no one ever being able to find fault Avith his methods or with the man. He is one of those genial, whole- souled, courteous old gentlemen whom people would patronize for his own personality, if he were not the best baker the town could boast of. But Mr. Goeppele has not merely been a master of his trade, but he has shown himself possessed of excellent business sagacity as well, and has de- voted his earnings to good investments in real estate. He' purchased his first property in Findlay in 1858 and he erected a house on his lot; he also built and owned other houses in the city, which bring him good returns for his money. In i86g he bought a farm of eighteen acres; in 1896 he bought a farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres, consisting of two separate farms, located in Union township, and he also owns a place of one hundred and twenty-six acres in Cass township. This latter farm proved to be pro- ductive in oil, and he developed the wells and received such incomes from them that he was able to buy other properties. With the wise foresight of a man of the world he has divided all his property among his children, so that litigation and the breaking of wills can play no part in his posthumous affairs. Mr. Goeppele was married a few years after coming to this country, in 1854, the; lady of his choice being Miss Minnie Gotdman, who became the mother of four children, the three following still living: Charles, born in 1857; Henry, born in 1859; and Ida, born in 1861. The mother of these chil- dren died in October, 1861, and in the following year Mr. Goeppele mar- ried Elizabeth Broggee; there were born: Emma, in 1865; Katherine, in 1868; Joseph, in 1875; and Omar, in 1880. Mrs. Elizabeth Goeppele died October 29, 1885. These children are now in various walks in life and are among the representative citizens of the county. While Mr. Goeppele never forgets the land of his birth and loves it with the ardor of all true sons of the fatherland, he has become thoroughly imbued with the American spirit, and his adopted country can surely point to no one born within her borders who is a more worthy and public spirited citizen than is George Goeppele. LOUIS A. WOLFF. Louis A. Wolff, though not a native born American, is one of the representative business men of Findlay, and a loyal citizen of the state of Ohio, having emigrated to this country and settled within her borders be- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 511 fore attaining- his majorit}^ He is a native of Germany, and was born in Bavaria in the year 1852. He left the fatherland in 1870, for America, com- ing direct to London, Ohio, and has ever since made his home within the state of Ohio. From 1870 to 1882 he was clerking- in London, Ohio, and then, having been frugal and industrious, he had saved sufficient money to -start in business for himself, and opened a clothing house there, which he success- fully conducted until the year 1891. In 1891 he closed out his business in London, and came to Findlay, and a year later opened a grocery store which he still continues to manage, and in which business he has l)een highly succesful. Mr. Wolff was married at Belief ontaine, Ohio, in 1881, to Leonora Morgenroth, and they have one daughter, Sarah Wolff. Mr. Wolff is a stanch Republican in politics, and belongs to the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows. BAKER DAILEY. A stranger dri\qng through the beautiful county of Hancock cannot help being impressed with the healthfulness of the section, for he will meet with more gray heads to the square mile than in any other section of the state. They are hale and hearty people, some of whom have passed from seven to nine decades in agricultural pursuits in the county. We here present for the consideration of our readers one of this class of citizens, who is a well known farmer of Cass township, and a man of fine repute in the neighborhood. He is a direct descendant of D. J. and Mary Elizabeth (Hale) Dailey. The former of whom was born in Steubenville, Ohio, in 181 1, and came with his parents and other members of the family to Hancock county, and located near the center of Washington township in 1825. The latter was a native of Vir- ginia was born in 181 5, near Wheeling; she came to this county with her brother Baker, and located in the center of Washington township, where Baker Hale entered one hundred and sixty acres of uncultivated land from the gov- ernment about 1830. Later in life D. J. Dailey and Mary E. Hale were united in marriage, and made a purchase of their own of eighty acres, which was in time brought under subjection. Mr. Dailey was a hard working man, as in- deed all pioneers were in that age, and he labored hard to clear his farm, and to rear his family of ten children, four of whom survive, Baker, Samuel, Alonzo and Margaret. The father and mother were members of the Metho- dist Episcopal church, and the former affiliated with the Whigs, politically, and in his time was a man of influence in his communitv, some of the offices 512 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY of which he administered. He died February 23, i8go, and his wife June 8, 1883. Baker Dailey was born in Washington township, November 24, 1839. Here he was reared amidst pioneer scenes, and under the sturdy and severe disciphne of the farm developed that strong manhood which has been so characteristic of him during his Hfe. He received excellent educational ad- vantages, securing his scholastic discipline in the common schools, and com- pleting his literary education in the schools of Fostoria and Findlay, where he fitted himself for the profession of teacher, entering the field in his nineteenth year. For a period of fifteen years thereafter he was a successful and pop- ular teacher of the district schools in Hancock county. He kept his connec- tion, however, with the agricultural interests by working on a farm in the summer, and he finally abandoned the schoolroom and gave his entire atten- tion to the farm. His first purchase of real estate was made in 1868, when he made a modest beginning with eight acres. He now owns a farm which is valuable not only as farming land, but because of its situation in the oil belt of Hancock county. This farm was purchased in 1878. Mr. Dailey, while not a politician in any sense of the world, has always manifested a disposition to do his share of the work necessary to carry on a rural community, and' has been trusted with some of the offices of the town- ship. He was married on the 6th of November, 1862, to Mahala Fisher, the daughter of Samuel and Margaret Fisher, members of the Presbyterian church. Her birth occurred in Carroll county, Ohio, January 9, 1840, and she has borne her husband the following children: E. T., born October 10, 1863; E. A., August 16, 1865; Wilbert B., July 16, 1867; S. C, May 12, 1869; J. H., June 24, 1871 ; Maggie F., March 13, 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Baker Dailey are both members of the Methodist church and are held in liigh esteem in their immediate community, and their good offices and acts of friendship are returned in kind by the host of friends who love to do them honor. JACOB E. POWELL, M. D. Dr. J. E. Powell was born in Eagle township, Hancock county, Ohio, April 15, 1 86 1. Being a farmer's son and one of the eldest of a family of thirteen children and with no other means of assistance at command than the earnings of his own labor, he enjoys the distinction of rising from the humble position of a farm laborer to be a member of the prominent profession of physicians and surgeons, enjoying the confidence and patronage of the. com- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 513 munity to the fullest extent. His early and primary education was received in the common district school, and this was sufficient to prepare him to en- gage in teaching, thirteen successive terms having been taught in surrounding districts, while his leisure hours and vacations were spent in preparing for the contemplated course in medicine. Dr. Powell is a charter member of Find- lay College, and continued in the first class that was ever instructed in that in- stitution until his final preparation for medical instruction, wdien he went to Baltimore, Maryland, and entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, graduating therein in March, 1890. In June of the same year he located in Findlay, where he has continued the practice of his profession until the pre- sent time. In political and social affairs, on account of the duties incident to a busy man in his profession, Dr. Powell has been compelled to remain in- different, yet he was elected coroner of Hancock county in 1892, and held that office for Uxo years. He was a mamber of the Ohio State Medical So- ciety, the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association and the Hancock Medical Society, but in the year 1900 he severed his connection with these honorable bodies for the purpose of commercial privileges which were barred by medical ethics. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is active in the work of this body. Dr. Powell was married November 6, 1887, to Eva J., daughter of Jacob Oman, of Bluffton, Indiana, and their home has been blessed with one daughter, Hazel Marie Powell, born Januan.- 30, 1892, and who has added greatly to their cheerful and happy home. The ancestors and name of the Powell family originated in Scotland, but the present generation is descended from the mingling of Scotch and Ger- man people, who formed the early settlers of Pennsylvania, and it was there that Daniel L. Powell, the father of Dr. Powell, was bom in 1829. With his parents and three brothers he came to Hancock county in 1836 and entered government land in Eagle township, where he still resides, and he is doubtless the only citizen in the township or perhaps in the county who resides on the same farm which he received from the government, and upon which he has lived for more than half a century and watched the formation of a beautiful country from a wilderness. The perseverance and constant diligence in one who rears himself from the hardships of pioneer life to professional standing equal to that of Dr. Powell is worthy of the reward of a happy home with a bright and cheerful wife and daughter, as he enjoys, and this home, with its companions, is his greatest pride and delight. But next in life is a principle which he maintains, that he must add to the profession to which he belongs something which is new and of value to the coming generation or his life will have been wasted or of no value to the world. 514 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY PHILIP B. OLIVER. Pliilip B. Oliver, who now fills the office of city bill-poster in Findlay, Ohio, is a well known citizen and an honored survivor of the Civil war. He was born in South Whitley, Indiana, in 1847, and is a son of James B. Oliver. James B. Oliver was born in Dayton, Ohio, where his father, Philip Oliver, was an old citizen, and was reared in a frugal home. During his youth he was ambitious to obtain an education, and at one time chopped cord wood in order to obtain money with which to enter Wittenberg College, although he received but twenty-five cents a cord. Until he entered the army in 1862, for service in the Civil war, he engaged in farming. Mr. Oliver became a member of Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-third Regi- ment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was detailed as wagon boss, serving thus for two years and four months. At the same time his son Charles E. enlisted in the same company, as a private. At Llatcher's Run he lost his right leg. He recovered from the injury, however, and at the time of his death, in j\Iay, 1901, was auditor of Potter county, South Dakota. During the army service of James B. Oliver, he was taken sick, in 1863, and was sent to the hospital at Frederick, Maryland. His wife left her home duties, at Upper Sandusky, Ohio, and hastened to him, where, on account of the scarcity of nurses, she was impressed and kept for six months. Although the government failed to recompense her, there is no doubt that many a poor sick soldier blessed her for her womanly ministrations. While our subject was still quite small, his parents moved to Liberty, Indiana, and eight years later to Dayton, Ohio, and the year following to Upper Sandusky. There he was given school advantages and there, on May 2, 1864, he enlisted in the army, in Company A, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered in as a musician. His entrance into the regiment, however, was on account of a feeling of patriotism, and two weeks later he threw his fife into the Monoc- acy river. The adjutant of his regiment soon demanded an explanation, and he told him that he had enlisted to fight, and wanted a gun. From that time until his capture by the enemy he did his share of fighting. On August 13, 1864, he was made a prisoner, at Barry ville, Virginia, by General Mosby, and was marched to Culpeper Court House and thence sent by train to Lynchburg and two weeks later to Belle Isle. Six weeks later he was sent to Salisbury, North Carolina, and on April 10, 1865, was sent to a point near Wilmington and given his liberty. Finally our subject made his way to Annapolis, Maryland, and thence to Columbus, Ohio, where he was CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 515 discharged on April 20, 1865. During his captivity his weight had changed from about one hundred and thirty-two pounds to sixty-three pounds, which is commentary enough upon the treatment he received. Our subject returned to Upper Sandusky, Ohio, and began the car- penter trade two years later, at Dayton, and four years later went back to Upper Sandusky. There he followed fanning until 1883 and then moved to Findlay where he engaged for a time in the sale of bicycles. Two years after he became the manager of the Davis opera house, in conjunction with Dr. J. H. Boyer, but two years after embarked in his present line. He is a man of energy and good business ability, is well known and popular and has made a success of his present enterprise. In 1876 our subject was married at Tiffin, Ohio, to Miss Dora A. Stim- mel, and the one daughter born to this union bears the name of Nellie. In politics Mr. Oliver has been a life-long supporter of the Republican party. He is a valued comrade of Stoker Post, No. 54, Grand Army of the Re- public, and also belongs to the local lodge of Elks. GEORGE W. WHITMAN. A well known and much respected business citizen of Findlay, Ohio, is George W. Whitman, whose great-grandfather was of English birth, but emigrated to America in colenial days and settled in Vermont. There his grandfather, Daniel Whitman, was born and took part as a soldier in the war of 1 812. The birth of George W. Whitman occurred on a farm, near Titusville, Pennsylvania, in 1852, and he is a son of Selden and Lavina (Sterling) Whitman, the former of whom w^as born in 1821, in Vermont, and was taken by his parents to Pennsylvania when he was a boy. He has followed farming all his life, and now resides in Forest county, Pennsylvania, a respected member of his community. His venerable wife also survives. They were the parents of fourteen children, six sons and three daughters still surviving. When George Whitman had completed his education in the country schools in his vicinity and had attained the age of seventeen years, he left home and went to seek work in the Pennsylvania oil fields, commencing as a tool dresser, then working as a driller. He remained there until 1881, having commenced producing in 1878. In 1881 Mr. Whitman went to the oil fields of Allegany county, New York. He had gained a wide prac- tical experience and was immediately engaged as a producer, and later was made superintendent of the I. E. Ackerly Oil Company. In 1888 he came 5i6 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY to Fiiidlay, and has been a producer ever since. In 1894 he enlarged his niterests by becoming a wholesale coal dealer, and in 1901 he added a re- tail branch. Mr. Whitman is a man of business acumen and activity. He possesses the safe judgment which insures success. In 1878, in Bradford, Pennsylvania, Mr. Whitman was united in mar- riage with Miss Lena Martin, who was born in Corning, New York, and the following interesting family has been born to this union : Fred D., Eva L., Lily M., Harry F., Frances L., andGoldie I. In the political arena our subject is a stanch supporter of Republican principles. He is active in several of the leading fraternal organizations, belonging to the Knights Templar, the Masons, the Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World. For some years he has been one of the leading members of the Methodist church, and in every way is an estimable citizen. The family is highly re- garded and prominent in the city's social life. AUGUSTUS M. SMITH. Among the marble and granite workers and dealers in Findlay, Ohio, Augustus M. Smith takes a leading position, on account of the taste he dis- plays in designing and the perfection of the work he executes. The birth of Mr. Smith took place in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1S54. and he is the son of John and Sarah J. (Hopkins) Smith, the former of A\hom was born in 1832, in Pennsylvania, and died in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1855. By trade he was a tailor. He left two children, our subject, and his sister Fannie, who married Frank R. Price, and died in 1895, leaving three children, namely : Marian, Charles and Arthur, in their home in Cleve- land. Mrs. Smith married Alfred H. Slack and they have one son, Fred H., and reside in Findlay. Augustus M. Smith was but a babe when his parents moved to Dayton, Ohio, where he remained until he was about seven years old. Then with his Vvadowed mother he went to Indianapolis, Indiana, and lived there until 1869, when they removed to Cleveland, Ohio. In the former city he had com- menced to learn the stone cutter's trade and completed his apprenticeship in Cleveland, becoming so competent a workman that when he came to Findlay in 1875, ^^^ was placed in charge of the large marble shop of Louthan & Son, remaining with that firm from July i, 1875, until January i, 1881. At this date he began business on his own account and has prospered exceeding. In 1873, in Monroe, Michigan, our subject was married to Miss Letty ]\L Davis, and two children were born to this union, the one survivor being CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 517 Frank E. Mr. Smith was married a second time in 1890, in Wapakoneta, Ohio, to Miss JuHa A. ^Myer, and the two children born to this union are Harry A. and Chester P. In fraternal life, Mr. Smith belongs to the Odd Fellows, the Elks and the Knights of Pythias. He is a very highly esteemed citizen of Findlay. ALBERT C. MATTHIAS, M. D. One of the best known citizens of Hancock county is Dr. Albert C. Matthias, of McComb, who has attained distinction in professional circles, and is a prominent representative of several fraternal organizations. Force- ful individuality and keen insight, combined with practical common sense, are the strong traits in his character which have served to win for him a high place in various circles. He was born in Stark county, Ohio, in 1844, on a farm that was entered from the government by his grandfather, Daniel Matthias, in 1806. The latter, born in Pennsylvania about 1762, w^as a son of Daniel Matthias, Sr., a native of Alsace-Lorraine. He became the founder of the family in Ohio and was closely identified with the pioneer development of this part of the state, his death occurring about 1853. Jacob Matthias, the father of our subject, was born in Cumberland coun- ty, l^ennsylvania, in 1803, and was brought by his parents to Ohio in 1806, becoming a resident of Hancock county in 1849. After residing for a long period in this county he removed to Cambria, A'lichigan, in 1866, and there his death occurred in 1881. He had followed agricultural pursuits through- out his entire life. He had seven children, as follows : Jesse A., wdio died in 1888, at the age of sixty-four years, was a private of Company D, Ninety- fourth Illinois Infantry, serving from 1861 until 1864, most of the time w-ith the heavy artillery forces; Henry H. served for one hundred days as a pri- vate of Company G, One Hundred and Fiftieth Ohio Infantry; Julia is the wife of B. F. Showlty, of Pioneer, Ohio; Susan is the wife of J. H. Hicker- son, of McComb; Lydia A. is the widow of George D. Wickman, of Han- cock county, Ohio; the Doctor is the next younger; Jacob Frank resides in Fairbury, Nebraska, The mother of these children, who bore the maiden name of Mary Stambaugh, died in 1878, at the age of sixty-five years. When about five years of age the Doctor was brought by his parents to Hancock county and was reared to the age of fifteen in Blanchard township, attending the country schools and thereby laying the foundation for his more advanced education. At the asfe of fifteen he came to McComb and entered 5i8 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY the general store of B. F. .Sholty, as salesman, clerking for him for two years, but the Civil war came on and he put aside all business and personal considera- tions in order to aid his country, enlisting in Company K, Sixty-fifth Ohio Infantry, as a private. He served until February, 1865, when he was hon- orably discharged on account of disability occasioned by wounds, holding, ar the time, the rank of corporal. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Perryville, Stone River, Tullahoma, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, Rocky Face Ridge and Resaca. At the last named he was shot in the right elbow, which ended his servifce. He was commended for gallantry in that engagement by Colonel David E. Moore, commanding the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Ohio, and our subject would have been promoted had he been able to remain in the service. After being wounded he was sent to Chattanooga, where he lay in the hospital for ten weeks and was then sent to Nashville, Tennessee. Five or six weeks later he was trans- ferred to the hospital in Jeffersonville, Indiana, where he remained until October, 1864, and was then sent to Cleveland, Ohio. While there during the winter of 1864-5, Dr. ]\,Iatthias attended medical lectures at Cleveland Medical College, and in February, 1865, he received his discharge by Dr. George M. Sternberg, now surgeon general of the United States army. Dr. Charles C. Byrne, who performed the operation upon our subject at Chattanooga, is now the first assistant surgeon general of the United States army. Dr. Matthias was graduated in medicine at the Western Reserve Uni- versity in the year 1869 and at once located in Gilboa, this state, where he remained in successful practice until 1897 when he came to McComb, Han- cock county, where he has already gained recognition as a practitioner whose skill is above the average and whose ability is constantly augmented by read- ing and investigation. Membership in leading medical societies, wherein there is an interchange of thought and experience, has also led to the advance- ment of Dr. Matthias in his chosen calling. He belongs to the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association and the Ohio State Medical society, and for three years, while residing in Gilboa, he was the president of the Putnam County Medical Society. Doctor Matthias was married in 1861, in Leipsic, Ohio, to Eleanor Harris, and they have six children, four of whom are now living: Elva C, Everett H., Mary M. and Edward S. The daughter is the wife of Dr. M. A. Darbyshire, of McComb. Edward, who is now a practicing attorney in Van Wert county, Ohio, was captain of Company D. Second Regiment, Ohio In- fantry, in the Spanish-American war, serving for ten months. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 519 In political circles Dr. Matthias is quite prominent. He served for twenty-four years as councilman in Gilboa and is now a member of the city council of McComb. For two years and seven months he was mayor of Gilboa and for six years was president of the board of education there. In 1899 he was elected justice of the peace by both parties, as the Democrats would place no nominee in the field against him. For eight years he was a member of the United States pension examining board at Ottawa, Ohio, and for three years was its president. The Doctor belongs to John Howard Post, No. 154, Grand Army of the Republic, in which he has held all of the higher offices and is now serving his sixteenth term as commander of his post. From 1884 until 1885 he was medical director of the department of Ohio. He belongs to the lodge, chapter and council in Masonry, is also a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity and for three years was captain of the uniform rank at Leipsic. He has passed all the chairs in the Odd Fellows fraternity, in both the lodge and the encampment. Few men are more prominent or more widely known in the enterprising city of McComb than Dr. Matthias. He has been an important factor in professional and social circles and his popularity is well deserved, as in him are embraced the characteristics of unbending integrity, unabating energy and industry that never flags. He is public-spirited and thoroughly interested in whatever tends to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of his town and :\IcComb numbers him among her valued citizens. GEORGE W. HALL. George \\'. Hall, one of Findlay's leading inerchants. and a successful business man, was born on his father's farm in Amanda tounship, Hancock county, Ohio, in the year 1854, and was one of a large family of children. Mr. Hall lived on the home farm until he was fifteen years of age. attending the neighborhood schools. He then went to Lawrence, Kansas, and clerked in a shoe store for three years, learning the business. Returning to Findlay, Ohio, and not feeling that he was competent to entirely manage a business for himself yet, he entered a shoe store there and clerked for five years longer, thus fitting himself more fully, and at the same time saving m'oney with i view to owning his own business in future. At the end of the five years, having been frugal and industrious, and having laid by sufficient means for a start in life, he went into the shoe business with his brother, W. S. Hall, which firm continued for three years under the name of Hall Brothers. In 520 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 1894 Mr. Hall bought out his brother's interest, and since that time has manag-ed and owned the business himself. jNIr. Hall was married in 1878, in Findlay, Ohio, to Lottie, daughter of j\[. B. Patterson, and they have one son, George E. Hall. He is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church, belongs to the Knights of Pythias, and is a Republican in politics. Mr. Hall is of Irish descent, his father, Richard .Hall, being born in Ire- land and coming to America in his boyhood located in Hancock county, Ohio. He married Eliza Maley, who still survives, and they had ten chil- dren, of whom five are now living. Mr. Hall is prospering in his business, his patronage is increasing, and his genial, kindly manner, and native Irish wit, have gamed him many friends in the community. HARLAN F. BUF>LKET. The law is a profession whose requirements are constantly increasing. In the early history of this country the attorney and also the jurist was as primitive in his mental makeup as was the country in its material develop- ment, many stories being told of the crude methods of justice in those times and of the curious characters wdio enjoyed the sounding title of judge or squire. But the profession is itself more strict as to the admission of new ]iiembers to the ranks and we now find some of our most learned men among the lawyers of the land. Harlan F". Burket is one of the leading attorneys of the county of Hancock, Ohio, and has not only found a foremost place among the members of his professit^n but has shown much interest in other affairs and is possessed of a fine, all-around character. Mr. Burket is the son of Hon. Jacob F. Burket and was born in Findlay, Hancock county, May 15, i860. After completing the common school course he went to Oberlin College, where he was graduated in the class of 1882. Mr. Burket has always been studiously inclined, and since leaving college has kept up his interest in geology and archeology; on account of his work in these lines he has been twice honored with degrees from his alma mater, in 1890 the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy having been conferred upon him, and in 1891 the degree of Master of Arts. After the completion of his col- lege course he began the study of law in the office of his father at Findlay and on October 6, 1887, he was admitted to the bar of the state. He at once entered into partnership with his father under the name of Burket & Bur- ket, and the firm was continued until the election of his father to the supreme CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 521 bench of the state in 1893, since v.hich time he has practiced alone. ]\Ir. Burket has met \\ith marked success as a lawyer. He has been able to see into the merits of a case almost intuitively and has formed his arguments in such a logical succession and presented them with such earnest and force- ful eloquence that he has seldom failed tO' convince the court of the merits of his side. His great kno\\ ledge of legal precedent and his recognized power as an advocate have given IrJm a well deser\-ed j^lace among the legal fraternity of the county. Mr. Burket has been one of the leading Republicans for a number of years and was an active party worker until the election of his father to the supreme bench, but since then he has been closely confined to the practice of his profession. He is one of the many who believe that a healthy interest in political affairs is the duty of every citizen and since 1877 he has been present at the conventions of his party and has been recognized as an able and effec- tive speaker. In 1890 he was elected prosecuting attorney of the county and gave a very capable administration for three years, but refused another nomination because of the pressure of business at his father's leaving the firm. He has been director of the iVmerican National Bank at Findlay for the past ten years and since 1895 has been its vice president. Mr. Burket is also con- nected with various fraternal organizations, the Odd Fellows, the Elks, the Knights of Pythias, and the Masonic order, in which he has passed the chival- ric degrees and is now a Knight Templar. Mr. Burket was married in Find- lay, January 16, 1895, to Augusta Dukes, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; she is a daughter of Cyrus Dukes, deceased, a member of one of the oldest and most influential families in Hancock county. They are now the parents of one son, Jacob F., Jr., who was born January 28, 1897. ROBERT H. FITZGERALD. One of the manufacturing industries which has greatly increased the wealth of the state of Ohio is the rectifying of coal oil or petroleum. When, within the last decade, oil was struck, and a new oil field found in Ohio, it brought into the state oil men, or producers, from the older oil regions of Pennsylvania. Robert H. Fitzgerald, of Findlay, Ohio, is an oil producer who was reared in the oil regions and grew up in the business. He was born at Rouseville, Venango county, Pennsylvania, in 1869, from which place he moved when in infancy to various other points in the oil regions of Penn- sylvania, where his father lived, and was engaged in the oil business; and Robert Fitzgerald, himself, went into the oil business when only eighteen 522 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY years of age. He settled in Findlay, Ohio, in the year 1890, and has Hved there ever since, engaged in producing oil. Mr. Fitzgerald was married January 18, 1899, in Findlay, Ohio, to Margaret T., daughter of William F. Kearns, and they ha\'e one son, Robert Francis Fitzgerald, born December 20, 1899. Robert Fitzgerald, father of our subject, born in Rochester, New York, in 1842, was one of the original oil men in Pennsylvania, and is still engaged in that business. He was married in 1863 to Agnes Dowrey and they had five children, all living. Our subject's grandfather, Robert Fitzgerald, was born in county Clare, Ireland, in 181 6, emigrated to America in 1831, and located at first in Canada, where he was employed as foreman in the con- struction of the old Erie Canal. Later, he went to New York and engaged in farming, in which occupation he spent the remainder of his days. He died at Ellicottville, New York, in 1880. Robert H. Fitzgerald holds to the faith of his ancestors, and belongs to the Roman Catholic church. Fraternally he is connected with the Elks, Knights of Columbus and Maccabees. Though still a young man, Mr. Fitz- gerald has won the respect of his fellow citizens, and is known through- out Hancock county as one who thoroughly understands his work, which has developed a very profitable industry for the people of Findlay and Han- cock county generally. ALFRED H. BALSLEY. To the deep student of the many forces which move and propagate our national, political, social and moral life it must appear that the modern news- paper is one of the most considerable factors, acting upon the masses, as the great Napoleon well recognized, with more power than an army; and it must, therefore, bring to the editor, whether in the local or larger fields of journalism, a feeling of pride as well as responsibility when he considers the instrument of molding public opinion which has been placed in his hands. And one of the enterprising and progressive journals of the twentieth cen- tury civilization in Hancock county, Ohio, is the "Jeffersonian" of Findlay, owned and edited by the subject of this sketch. Alfred H. Balsley comes of a good old family, his maternal grandfather Miller having been one of the patriots of the war of the Revolution, and his father, Michael Balsley, who was a native of the state of Pennsylvania, was a soldier in the war of 181 2. The birthplace of our subject was in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and the date the isth of December, 1828. There CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 523 he lived up to his twenty-fourth year, taking advantage of such educational opportunities as he could obtain. He early decided to learn the printer's trade and in 1841 entered the office of the "Daily Chronicle," where he remained two years, mastering the details of that craft. For two years thereafter he was engaged in learning the nailer's trade and from 1847 to 185 1 was em- ployed in the nail works at Pittsburg. In the latter year he entered the office of the "Pittsburg Dispatch" and worked there as a compositor until 1853, when a strike occurred and Mr. Balsley came to Painesville, Ohio. He bought the "Grand River Record," a weekly Democratic organ, but at the end of six months sold it, and went with it to St. Clairsville, Belmont county, Ohio, and continued in the capacity of manager for tw^o years. In the fall of 1855 he became the owner of the "Plymouth Advertiser" at Plymouth, Ohio, a former proprietor of which paper had been the well known David R. Locke, more familiarly known as "Petroleum V. Nasby." Mr. Balsley remained in control of the "Advertiser" for thirteen years, and then selling out bought the "Fremont Journal," a weekly, and carried it on for seven years. Mr. Balsley has been the owner of the "Jeffersonian" since 1876. It was at first a weekly, but in November, 1880, he established a daily and conducted the two papers wnth gratifying success until January 7, 1902, when he soUl out and retired. The "Jeffersonian," under his management, was an advo- cate of Republican principles, but was always ready to take a determined stand on the side of good government, regardless of partisan influences. From 1 86 1 to 1869 Mr. Balsley was postmaster of the town of Plym- outh, and since taking up his residence in Findlay has served in the city council se^•eral times. Fraternally he is a member of the ancient order of jMasons and for many years has been a member of the I. O. O. F. WILLIAM H. McELWAINE. The bar of Findlay has always ranked well in the state, and some of its members have reached exalted positions both in the judiciary and the field of politics. The present chief justice of the Ohio supreme court is a Find- lay lawyer, and both of the great parties have for years been in the habit of seeking for bright lights among the practitioners of this progressive city. It takes ability and energy to succeed in competition with such men. as there is no profession to which the doctrine of the survival of the fittest may be so appropriately applied as to that of the la^v. Therefore even to hold one's own among such a brilliant coterie of legal geniuses is no mean per- formance, while to be al)le. to advance well toward the front is an achieve- 524 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY rnent of which one may well feel proud, and this praise seems justly due to Mr. McElwaine after fifteen years' practice at the Findlay bar. flis family is of Scottish origin, the American branch being founded by Richard McElwaine, who came from Scotland when a young man and settled in Pennsylvania in the early part of the nineteenth century. His son, James McElwaine, was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1819, and at the age of fifteen years accompanied his parents on their re- moval to Mercer county. His first business venture after growing up was as a merchant at Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania, where he remained many years and eventually met his death in 18S8. In 1834 he married Penelope J. Long, and became the father of nine children, of whom six are now living, and among them the subject of this sketch. William H. McElwaine was born in M^ercer county, Pennsylvania, April 22, 1859, but in early infancy was taken by his parents to the village of Sandy ]^ake, where he continued to reside until reaching his majority. Mean- time he had attended the common schools, improved his opportunities by diligence and after a course at Washington and Jefferson College was grad- uated by that institution in 1885. Liimediately after leaving college he began the study of law in the office of John Smith at Mercer, Pennsylvania, and was admitted to the bar in the fall of 1887. In the spring of the fol- lowing year he located at Findlay and entered actively upon the practice of his profession, which he has continued up to the present time with in- creasing success, and is now regarded as one of the best lawyers in Han- cock county. In 1887 Mr. McElwaine was married at Oil City, Pennsyl- vania, to Miss Nellie Nelson, who died in Findlay on the 8th of January, .1892, leaving two daughters, Jean M. and Mary M. Mr. McElwaine's re- ligious affiliations are with the Presbyterians, and he is regular in his at- tendance at the church of that denomination. In politics his predilections have always been Republican, and he lends to the principles of that great party his most zealous support and intelligent advocacy. SIMON WOLF. Simon Wolf, a well-known and respected farmer of Hancock county, Ohio, residing upon his farm in Marion township, is a practical agriculturist, having devoted the most part of his life to the tilling of the soil. The birth of Mr. Wolf was in 1834, in Stark county, Ohio, and he is a son of Solomon and Elizabeth (Hopple) Wolf, who removed to Findlay, Ohio, when their son was about sixteen years of age. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 525 Simon attended school both in Stark and in Hancock countic. Ohio and -has always been identified with farming interests since completing- his education. His productive farm is located in Marion township. He is a leading member of the Methodist church in Findlay, has acceptably held the position of school director and served his township as supervisor. In 1855 Mr. Wolf was married to Miss Elizabeth Folk, who died Oc- tober 21, 1885. The second marriage of Mr. Wolf was to Mrs. Maria Lanning September 7, 1890. The eight children born to his first marriage are: Irwm, John, Nelson, Sophronia, Sarah, Lemuel, Sqlomon and Clif- ford. The family is much esteemed in the community and they have a wide circle of friends. ELIJAH T. DUNN. ^ In reviewing the prominent members of the Hancock bar the name of Elijah T. Dunn takes precedence of many of his professional brethren, and we are pleased to present to his numerous friends and acquaintances a sketch of his useful life. Tlie ancestry of the Dunn familv is traced back to about 1720, when George Dunn, with two brothers, all Protestants, came from near Londonderry, in the north of Ireland, to Long Island. One brother subsequently settled in New Jersey, while George took up his abode in Mary- land, and from these brothers the Dunns of Hamilton county, Ohio, Indiana and a part of those in Kentucky, Virginia and Pennsylvania derive their descent. George Dunn was a Baptist minister, and he carried "the glad tidings of great joy" west of the Alleghenv mountains into what in'' his honor, was called Dunn's Gap. The date of his birth, death and marriage and the name of his wife are unknown. His son, also named George, be- came a farmer near Harper's Ferry, in Maryland or Virginia. By his wife. Susanna, he had four sons and two daughters, namely: John, who died in Washington county, Maryland, about 1831 ; George; Jacib. who died in Knox county, Ohio, about 1S62; Peter, who died in Kentucky a few years before the war of the rebellion; Catherine, who married James Schneblv, and with him settled near Xenia, Ohio; and Mary (or Polly), who mar- ried a Mr. Elam and settled in western Ohio. The father of this family departed this life on the 22d of February, 1817, while his wife was called to her final rest on the 27th of April, i8ti. George Dunn, the second son of the second George Dunn and the third bearing the name, was born in Washington county, Maryland, January 8, T779. and his death occurred in Wood county, Ohio, on the '13th of De- 526 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY cember, 1865. He was married near the close of the eighteenth century to Sarah Mills, who w^as born in 1776, and died in 1845. Their children, all born in Maryland, were as follows : Robert, who was born September 8, 1798, and died on the 21st of August, 1872, married Mary Forsyth; John, who was born December i, 1799, and died March 9, 1851, married Elizabeth D. Boolman; Susanna died on the 7th of August, 1802, in infancy; Jacob, who was born July 8. 1S03, and died in 1879, married Sally Boolman; George, who was born P'ebruary 20, 1805, and died in 1881. married Rachel Mills; James, born February 20, 1807, and died March 16, 1867, married Margaret Coplin ; Moses, who was born January 20, 1809, and died August 22, 1829, never married; Williani, who was born January 29, 181 1, died be- fore marriage on the ist of February, 1859; Maria, who was born December 16, 1812, alone survives, and is the widow of Jonathan Dean; Elizabeth, born June 19, 181 4, died January 31, 181 7; and Peter, who was born May 4, 1 81 6, and died August 19, 1855, never married. John Dunn, the second son of the third George Dunn, married Eliza- beth Dorothea Boolman, who was born in Washington county, Maryland, January i, 1803. Her father, Nicholas Boolman, was born about 1774, and his father came from Germany to Maryland about 1765. Nicholas Bool- man married Magdalene Troxel, who was born about the same time as her husband, and but little is known of her family history. The children of Nicholas and Magdalene Boolman were as follows : Catharine, who was born about 1796, married Hiram Lynch: Samuel, who was born in 1798, and died in 1864, was twice married, the wives being sisters, and the last wife bore the name of Sarah A. ; Jacob, who was born in 1800, and died before marriage, in 1817; Elizabeth D., born January i, 1803, married John Dunn, and died in March, 1883: Sally, born in 1S04, and died in 1856, married Jacob Dunn, a brother of John Dunn; and Nancy, who was born about i8of), died in 1822. John Dunn, with his wife and their three eldest children and his father, George Dunn, removed from Maryland to Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1826. From there they removed to Greene county, this state, thence to Knox county, Ohio, and in 1844 came to Wood county, where he died as above stated. The children of John and Elizabeth D. Dunn are as follows : Ann, born December 5, 1820, married Adam Cosner on the 15th of April, 1841 ; Jacob (B.), born September 30, 1823, married Angeline Gulp Septem- ber 23, 1847; Joseph, born January i, 1826, married Mary Niebel April 12, 1883; George, born October 3, 1827. died August 29. 1855, unmarried; Maria, born September 22, 1829, married Wilson Stretcher July 20, 1865; Aaron, born December lO. 1831, died October 20. 1846, unmarried; Sam- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 527 uel, born May 4, 1834, married Margaret Bishop March 3, 1859; Phebe, born May 7, 1836, married Joseph Hoot July 7, 1861 ; Nathaniel, born Sep- tember 5, 1838, died October 14, 1846; Elijah (T.), born June 20, 1840, married Martha I. Strother January 12, 1865; Maiy Magdalene, born June 5, 1842, died October 17, 1846; John (R.), born March 24, 1844, died August II, 1865, unmarried; and Thomas Corwin, born November 3. 1847, ^^'^^ married on the 9th of March, 1871, to Emma T. Lewis. The above names, not including the initials in brackets, are those by which the children were christened, the initials "B., T. and R." being afterward chosen by Jacob. Elijah and John partly to aid in distinguishing from others having similar first initials and partly to preserve traces of the old family names of Bool- man, Troxel and Rench, though in what way they are related to the latter family does not appear in the records. The mother was also related to the Hagers. from one of whom Hagerstown. jNIaryland, was named. A family of the name of Chambers, of Chambersburg. was also in some way con- nected with the ancestry. Elijah T. Dunn, a son of John and Elizabeth D. Dunn, accompanied his parents on their remo^'al to Wood county, Ohio, in 1844. a location be- ing made in what w-as then known as the "Black Swamp," where, around a hickory bark fire and W'ith three terms in a winter school, his early education w^as completed. At the age of thirteen he entered the office of the Herald of Freedom, at Wilmington, and became an expert printer. Subsequently he taught several terms of school in Clark and Hancock counties, pursuing in the meantime the study of law. On the outbreak of the rebellion he united with the Union party while yet a minor, and did service for a short time as a member of the Twenty-first Regiment. Ohio Volunteers. Becoming vinable to perform duty as a soldier, however, he continued for a time in a clerkship in the quartermaster's department at NasIuHle, Tennessee, and thence, returning to Findlay, he completed his law course, being admitted to the bar on the 2d of August, 1862. He was at that time twenty-two years of age, and he immediately located for practice at Findlay. where he has ever since been identified with the legal i)rofession. Besides conducting a large law practice Mr. Dunn owns and controls a good farm and de\-otes considerable attention to fine cattle. He is a stockholder and director in the Farmers National Bank, a director and secretary of the Findlay Gas Light Company and of the Findlay Oil and Gas Company, and is president of the Wood and Hancock Oil and Gas Company. Much of his attention is devoted to financial matters, but at the same time he favors public 528 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY improvement and on all questions involving public enterprises he takes a leading and aggressive part. On the 1 2th of January, 1865, Mr. Dunn was married to Martha I., a daughter of Anthony Strother, of Findlay, and they have had three sons : Bernard L.. John A. and James C. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dunn are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and the former is also affiliated with Stoker Post, G. A. R., and Hancock Lodge, I. O. O. F. He votes with the Republican party, and, although not a politician, he has held the offices of justice of the peace and collector of internal revenue. He is a member of one of the oldest and most highly respected families of the Buckeye state, and as far back as they are known it may be said that they have been honest, industrious and intelligent, and never was one convicted of crime. They have never become distinguished, but along the vale of life have kept the even tenor of their way. ANDREW WISEMAN. The Wiseman family was one of the first in Hancock county, and is iden- tified with its religious growth, and social development. We find Isaac Wise- man, the great-grandfather of Andrew, subsequent to the Revolutionary war, in Virginia, to which state he removed from Berks county, Pennsylvania. The descendants of this same Isaac Wiseman number over one thousand souls. One of his sons, the Rev. John Wiseman, a prominent Methodist preach- er, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in 1762. He was a brave fol- lower of Washington in his struggle for freedom, in whose ser\^ices he re- mained for six years, experiencing with other patriots the severe and rigid winter spent at Valley Forge. Rev. John Wiseman was united in marriage to Sara Green, by whom he had ten children, The family removed from Vir- ginia to Perry county, Ohio, in 1822. John was ordained by Bishop Asbury, who also furnished him with a special license to marry. He was a good preacher, a faithful follower of the Master, and consistent in his every day life. He died in Perry county in 1833. ^'^^^ ^^ife Sara having outlived him some nine years, and dying at the extreme old age of ninety-four. Of this family was James G., the father of x^ndrew and Joseph Wise- man. James G. was born in Virginia, August 14, 1793, and when he came to maturity he married Elizabeth Summers, the marriage taking place in 1814. Mrs. Wiseman was -^a native of the old Dominion state, where she had been born November 17, 1795. Their children's names were John, Andrew, James G., Samuel, George W., Joseph J., Margaret A., Simon 9^ ^^ ^- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 529 O., Eliza, Sara, Rebecca, Emily E., Alary A. James G., the father of this family, served in the war of 1812. He was a blacksmith by trade and was a good mechanic in his day, whose services were in great demand in the early pioneer period, when mechanics were scarce. He removed from Perry to Hancock county in June, 1831, and located in Washington township, where he entered two hundred and forty acres of government land, upon which he erected in 1843 ^ substantial brick residence. ]^^or long years it was one of the best residence properties in the county. During his life time he and his sons cleared the farm. James G. Wiseman was a man of considerable influence in his day, a good and loyal citizen, and was honored by being entrusted with some of the township offices. He was an honest man, a member of the Alethodist Episcopal church, in which body he was highly respected. He died in 1872 at the advanced age of eighty years. His wife, Elizabeth S., died six years later. Of their thirteen children, only three are now living: Andrew, Joseph and Angeline. Five of the sons served their country in the Civil war, and four of them died from the effects of the rigorous service. Besides those five brothers, the husbands of two of the daughters and one nephew served gallantly in the ranks. Surely the patriotic blood of John Wiseman of Rev- olutionary fame must have coursed through the veins of his descendants. The names of the five brothers who offered themselves as a sacrifice on the altar of their country were: James, Samuel, George, Andrew and Simon. Samuel and Simon lost their lives in battle at Shiloh. Andrew Wiseman, one of the surviving members of this family, whose name heads this biography, was born in Madison county, Ohio, September 28, 1 81 7. He was thirteen years of age when he came to Hancock county, and his early life was spent in the severe labor of clearing a pioneer farm. As stated previously, his inherent patriotism was signally exemplified at the outbreak of the Civil war when he enlisted as a member of the Twenty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. This company joined the fortunes of the army of the Cumberland, where it served for three years, participating in nearly all of the most prominent battles. At the battle of Nashville, Andrew was dis- abled, and incapacitated for active duty for quite a period. He was subse- quently promoted to the rank of corporal and frequently acted in the higher position of sergeant. He was honorably discharged at Huntsville, Alabama, in 1862. On return to civil life he took up his former vocation, that of a farmer, which he has continued to the present time. In 1846 Mr. Wiseman was united in wedlock to Miss Louise Smith, who died without issue in 1862. In 1866 he again married, this time choosing as companion Ellen Lindsey. To this union one daughter, Minnie Newhouse, now a resident of Fostoria, 530 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY was born. The mother, who (hed Deceml^er 20, igoo, is remembered as a wo- man of gentle disposition and was mourned by a very large number of friends and acquaintances. Air. ^^'iseman owned one hundred and sixty acres of land in Hancock county and the same number in Iowa, and has held the offices of assessor, constable and census enumerator. He is a member of the Method- ist Episcopal church. He is a worthy member of the F. and A. M., and is a charter member of the blue lodge of Fostoria. He is at the present time past master of that organization. He is also a member of the chapter and com- mandery of Findlay. Among other organizations in which Air. Wiseman de- lights to work, is the G. A. R., he beonging to the post at Fostoria. In his early pioneer life Mr. Wiseman was an experienced hunter, a fact evidenced by the trophies of the chase which decorate his walls. He boasts of a record of having killed in his life-time over three hundred deer. JOSEPH W^ISEAIAN. Joseph Wiseman, a younger brother of the aljove, is a resident of Wash- ington township, owning and operating one of the best farms in Hancock county, and which contains one hundred and ninety acres. He was born in Perry county, Ohio, November i, 1825, and was six years of age when he first came to the county. His entire training and education was in Washington township, and upon attaining his majority he settled there, and has since been successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. His first purchase of land was made in 1848, the tract containing fifty acres. This he subsequently disposed of, and bought a farm near Fostoria, where he engaged in ''trucking" for a few years. In 1874 he purchased his present farm, which he has improved ex- tensively. The marriage of Air. Joseph Wiseman occurred in Richland coun- ty, Ohio, in 1854. His wife's maiden name was Ann Leedy. Nine children were born by her as follows : John, Jennie, Oran, Nettie, William and Delia. The names of those deceased are Sophronia, Charles and Elmer. The mother of this family was a native of Richland county, Ohio, where she was born in .1829. On the side of the Wisemans, the family is of English extraction, the maternal branch of the family being of German descent. The name of Wiseman is one whose long association with the affairs of Hancock county has made it familiar with every citizen in the county, and no suspicion or taint of anything dishonorable has ever attached to it. The pres- ent generation are keeping- up the excellent reputation handed down to them by the pioneer members of the family, and are looked upon as the most worthy representatives of the farming industry in Hancock county. MRS. JOSEPH WISEMAN. JOSEPH WISEMAN. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 53 1 ALLISON H. NICHOLS. The photogTaph g-allery is an indispensaljle adjunct of every live town, and no village can be considered np-to-date which cannot boast a place of this kind. The " picture gallery " is a favorite place of resort for all classes, and the personage who performs the wonderful work of transferring the " huuian form divine " to cardboard is always an important and usually a very popular character in the community. Findlay is fortunate in this re- spect, as in the person of Mr. Nichols it possesses not only a genial gentleman and intelligent companion but an artist of acknowledged skill in the profes- sion of photography. The family is of Vermont origin, and Walter Nichols, the grandfather of our subject, was born in that state in 1782, follow-ed the occupation of farming during all the years of his active life, and enjoyed re- markable longevity, as his death did not occur until 1878. His son, Hiram B. Nichols, was born in Niagara county. New York, in 1824, and ten years later came with his father to Eaton county, Michigan, wdiere he grew^ to man- hood. In his early life he w-as engaged in agricultural pursuits, but in later years became a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, and devoted all his energies to making proselytes in the cause of Christianity. He was a w^orthy man in every respect, highly esteemed both in religious and other circles, and when he passed away in 1878 was sincerely mourned by the num- erous body of friends who had learned to esteem his many admirable qualities. He w-as married in 1847, and the only child by this union w'as Allison H. Nichols, whose birth occurred on a farm in Eaton county, Michigan, Jan- uary 24, 1849. He had the misfortune of losing his mother Avhen only nine years old, that estimable lady's death having occurred in 1858, and during his boyhood he worked on the farm in season wdiile attending the district schools during the winter time. This routine continued until he reached the twenty-second year of his age, when he began to think of plans for the future. Following the bent of his inclinations, he entered a photographer's office at Charlotte, Michigan, and remained there until he had mastered the details of this interesting vocation. Feeling that he was duly equipped for the prose- cution of this artistic profession on his ow-n account Mr. Nichols chose the thriving city of Findlay as a desirable location and consequently took up his permanent abode there August 8, 1876. He has done w^ell and has succeeded in building up a good business, while at the same time winning hosts of friends by his urbanity and accommodating disposition. In September, 1876, Mr. Nichols led to the altar as his chosen bride Miss Clara C, daughter of Augustus Sheffield, of Findlay, and their union, wdiich 532 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY lias been in every way congenial, resulted in the birth of two children : Ly- man S. and Carrie ]\I. The standing of Mr. Nichols in his adopted com- munity is evidenced by the fact of his election to the city council in 1886 and his satisfactory service for one term, besides his membership of the school board, in which position he rendered efficient service in the cause of education. Mr. Nichols is connected witli the First Methodist Episcopal church, and gratifies his inclination for fraternal fellowship by membership in the Inde- pendent order of Odd Fellows. CHARLES RUSSELL TAYLOR. The subject of this sketch is another of those men, many of whom are mentioned in this volume, who became identified with the oil industry in youth, made their success in that line and remained more or less in con- nection therewith all their lives. Mr. Taylor has been what is called an "oil man" for nearly thirty years, and there are few things connected with the business which he does not understand from practical experience. Though a native of Ohio, he has only been a resident of l^indlay about twelve years, but during that time has done his full share toward the moral and industrial growth of the city. Charles Russell Taylor was born in Claridon, Ohio, January 17, 1854, and remained at the place of his nativity until he had reached the twenty- first year of his age. His thoughts for some time had been turned toward the great oil fields of Pennsylvania, where so many had made fortunes and which had become the breeding'-ground for speculative ventures of all kinds. Without much capital, but a natural capacity for business, Mr. Taylor en- tered with enthusiasm into the work as soon as he arrived at Petrolia, Penn- sylvania, and his career "in oil" thus commenced in 1876 lasted until 1891, during which time he greatly improved his financial fortunes. With this additional capital, secured and fortified with the large experience acquired in the oil regions, Mr. Taylor came to Findlay in the year last mentioned and resumed his occupation in the same line of business at that point. In November, 1875, Mr. Taylor was married at his birthplace to Miss Mary E., daughter of Henry Smith, by which union he has an only son, Arthur E., a youth of unusually bright promise. His birth occurred at Petrolia, Pennsylvania, October 21, 1877, and after coming to Findlay he was graduated in the high school of that city. Shortly thereafter he entered Hiram College in Portage county, Ohio, where he proved a diligent student and received his Ph. B. degree in the class of 1901. Lie is now in his second CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 533 year at the University of Chicago, taking a post-graduate course in geology. The family of Mr. Taylor are communicants of the Church of Christ and he himself has been active in religious work as a member of the Young Men's Christian Association at Findlay, of which he was elcted president in 1901. JACOB INGOLD. The noble land of freedom and of scenery, Switzerland, has produced many enterprising and capable citizens of this country, and the agricultural interests are especially indebted to this class of foreigners. Andrew and Annie Ingold, the parents of our subject, came from that country to Amer- ica in 1853 and settled in Hancock county. Big Lick township, where they remained for four years; they then resided in Findlay for one year and in the spring of i860 took up their residence in Pleasant township, buying a farm of forty acres. Mr. Ingold was a miller by trade and followed this calling for several years. He was an industrious man and honest to a fault, living in the high esteem of all his neighbors. He belonged to the German Reformed church and later joined the Church of God. His death took place March 30, 1893, but his wife still survives, making her home in ]\IcComb. There were three children, Anna, Elizabeth and Jacob. Jacob, the only son of the above parents, was born in Switzerland in the year 1852, and passed his boyhood and received his education in Pleasant township. His whole life has been devoted to farming. In 1880 he made his first purchase of land, buying out his sister's interest in the home farm, to which he has subsequently added by purchase eighty acres, making a nice farm of one hundred and twenty acres. On this land there were only a few acres of improved soil, and he went to work with that indomitable will of his and in a few years made his farm blossom like a rose. He is a mod- ern and progressive agriculturist, believes in making use of all the late aids to farming in the way of improved machinery, and his farm is one of the models in the vicinity. It has large and commodious buildings and every- thing needed for the care and cultivation of crops. . In 1876 Mr. Ingold was united in marriage to Laura A., daughter of Samuel and Sarah Ramsey. Six children have been born of this union, of whom four survive : Melvin J. ; Daniel C. ; Myrtle E. ; and Charles F. His iirst wife died on April 14, 1887, and March 17, 1889, he was married to Mrs. Mary Brooks. The four children born of this union are: Aaron E., Rachel A., Homer H. and Floyd B. 534 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY PROF. M. R. HAMMOND. We are, in reality, separated by only a very short time from the days of the log school house, with its slab seats, with its rude and inefficient methods of instruction and the teachers wdio followed the profession only as a stepping- stone to something better, but so extensive and far reaching have been the changes in the educational world in the last half century that we seem to have overleaped centuries of our former short strides, and the schools of our fathers seem a reminder of an age long past and antiquated. Who, then are responsible for these developments if not the progressive, energetic, large-souled and broad-minded teachers themselves? The glori- ous encomiums spoken of the "little red school house on the hill" have often neglected him who was the soul and moving spirit of that wonderful edifice, the patient, toiling and small paid teacher. It is the object of this brief sketch to outline the life history of one of the foremost educators in Han- cock county, Ohio, Professor M. R. Hammond, the superintendent of public instruction of Vanlue. Grandfather Thomas G. Hammond was one of the first settlers in Dela- ware township, Hancock county, having come there in 1835; he was the owner of about two sections of land which he had entered from the govern- ment. His son, who was known as Squire Hammond, was born in Dela- ware township in 1842 and there spent his life as a tiller of the soil. He married Miss Emeline Ballard, who was born in the same township in 1844, and they became the parents of the subject of this sketch. M. R. Hammond was born in Delaware township, Hancock county, Ohio, January 11, 1864, in the little town of Mount Blanchard; there he was reared and received the advantages of the schools of his native town ; he completed his education in Ada University, in which institution he is now a senior. On arriving at manhood he took up his life work, and for seven- teen years has followed his profession, confining his work to the southern part of his native county. One of the highest compliments that can be paid to his ability is that he taught for four years in his own town, where he com- manded the utmost respect of those with whom he had grown up. In 1897 he accepted his present position as the principal of the Vanlue high school, where he is giving entire satisfaction to the patrons of the town, Mr. Ham- mond has under his supervision and care nearly two hundred pupils, with a corps of four teachers; the beautiful building, arranged and equipped ac- cording to the most approved ideas of modern educational architecture, was erected in 1892 and is a model for a rural school. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 535 In 1886 Mr. Hammond became the husband of Miss Nora E. Smith, the daughter of Jerome and Margaret Smith, of Mount Blanchard ; two chil- dren have been born, Clarence S. and Carrie E. In religion the family have always been devout Methodists. Mr. Hammond was reared in the belief of Democratic principles, but so many of the indq^endent thinking men of the present day, has departed from the ancestral way and is now an ardent Republican. GEORGE W. OMAN. George W. Oman, a retired farmer of Jackson township, who now re- sides at his pleasant home in Findlay, Ohio, still owns a valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres which is located in the oil belt of Hancock county, and has five producing wells upon it. The paternal grandparents of Mr. Oman were John and Faithful (El- liott) Oman, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania, but in their early married life removed to Pickaway county, Ohio, in 1842, locating in Eagle township, Hancock county. Here Grandfather Oman purchased a farm of eighty acres of new land and with great industry cleared it for cultivation. That John Oman was a man of high character may be known from the fact that his neighbors were wont to call him Honest John, on account of his integrity and truthfulness. His family numbered five children, and three of these still survive, namely : Josiah, Ephraim and Plannah, the two older brothers residing in Hancock county. Josiah Oman, the eldest of the family, was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, in 1 83 1 and came to Hancock county with his father. He is now an esteemed resident of Amanda township, owning there one of the finest farms, consisting of one hundred and seventy acres. Mr. Oman has been prominent in township affairs, holding all of the offices with credit, and has l?een a sensible, practical and successful man. He married Susan Hartman, of Fairfield county, in 1847, who died in 1895. They had a family of seven children, four of whom are still living, namely : Joi»i. Grant, Millie, Alaiw, Andrew, Franklin and George W. George W. Oman was born in Eagle township, Hancock county, in Oc- tober, 1858, was reared on the farm and was educated in the district schools. His early interests centered in agricultural affairs and he has devoted his life to the same. In 1887 he made his first purchase of land, buying eighty acres in Amanda township, which he immediately set about improving. In 1890 he was able to dispose of this property at an advanced rate, and in 536 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 1 89 1 he bought one hundred and sixty acres in Jackson township, which he still owns. In 1898 he retired from active labor and now enjoys the com- forts of his city home in Findlay, having purchased this property in 1897. February 15, 1887, Mr. Oman was united in marriage with Miss Viola Van Sant, who was born in Hancock county in 1861, and who is a daughter of William H. and Harriet E. (Mains) Van Sant, both of these families be- ing among the old settlers of the county. To our subject and wife were born two children, Howard' and Homer. ISAAC WALDO MARVIN. The subject of this sketch, now a retired business man, is a native of Hancock county, and has spent all his life within its limits. Most of his labors have been expended in agricultural pursuits, varied by the manage- ment of a planing mill, but of late years Mr. Marvin has taken life more leisurely, his occupation consisting in looking after his property. The Marvin family originated in England, but by emigration became identified at an early period with Pennsylvania, where the descendants lived for several genera- tions. Rev. Serah Marvin, son of the founder, spent his active life in the Keystone state and there reared a family. William Marvin, one of his children, was born in Pennsylvania in 1797, came to Hancock county in 1828 and died at Findlay in 1880. He was a distiller by occupation, and before the war kept the old Marvin Inn, three miles east of Findlay, which for years was a famous hostelry in northwestern Ohio. His son, Stephen Marvin, was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, in 1820, and came to Ohio with his parents in boyhood. He was married in 1841 to Mary Kelley, who died in 1893. He became a millwright and followed that trade for many years, his death occurring at Findlay in 1893. Isaac Waldo Marvin, son of the last mentioned, was born at Findlay, Ohio, November 17, 1855, and as he grew up was educated in the usual way in the county schools. At the age of twenty-one he took possession of a farm in Hancock county belonging to his father, and spent nine years in its cultiva- tion and management. Returning to Findlay at the expiration of this time, he later joined his brother Cloyd in the ownership and management of a plan- ing mill, which occupied his attention for the five following years. He then retired from active business and is now spending his time looking after farm- ing at Findlay. In 1881 Mr. Marvin married Lucy Bish, who died in 1886, leaving a daughter named Frances. In 1890 he took a second wife, m the person of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 537 ]\f iss Ada Anthony, by whom he has four children : Bernice, Stephen, Mary and Ada Gertrude. Mr. Marvin's rehgious affihations are with the Lutheran church and in pohtics he is a Repubhcan. HARVEY G. CLARK. The gentleman abo\-e mentioned is a natixe of Findlay, has spent all of his life in and around that city, and has done his share in developing its in- dustries and aiding in its growth. Commencing hard work at a very early age, he rose step by step until he became a producer of oil and prospered rea- sonably in that business. Though of Pennsylvania origin, the family had representatives among the early pioneers of Ohio, and several generations have grown up on the soil of the Buckeye state. Daniel VV. Clark, grand- father of our subject, was born in Hancock county, during the first decade of the nineteenth century, passed his life in its borders, and died there in 1866 when about fifty-eight years of age. His son, Harvey G. Clark, was born in Hancock county in 1838, became a soldier of the Civil war and sacrificed his life in the cause of his country. He was among the first volunteers in 1861, enlisting as a private in Company G, Ninety-Eighth Regiment of Ohio Infan- try, and died in 1863, while in the service. He married Mary Todd, by whom he had two children, the eldest being John E., at present a resident of Colum- bus, Ohio, and the other, Harx^ey G. of Findlay, who is the subject of this sketch. Harvey G. Clark, his father's namesake and youngest child, was born at Findlay, Ohio, in 1863, the same year that his father's death occurred, while serving in the Union army. Harvey had but few educational advan- tages, such as he obtained being before he reached the age of fourteen, when he was compelled to quit school for work on the farm. He w^as thus em- ployed for two years, then drove a team in the country for three years, and in 1886 made his entry into the oil business. His first job in that line was as a pumper, which was followed by tool-dressing, and eventually Mr. Clark be-r gan contracting on his own account. From that time on he has continued steadily in this employment, and is so engaged at the present time. He has done much work for various firms and individuals, besides drilling several gas well for the city of Findlay. He has exhibited skill in his calling, has managed his business affairs w-ith good judgment and now belongs to the class which in the common parlance is styled "well fixed." He is regarded in the community as a man who does his work well and discharges his duty towards those who entrust him with responsibility. 34 538 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY In 1887 Mr. Clark united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth, daughter of William Baldwin, and this union has resulted in the birth of five children : Frederick, Edith, Ethel, Edward and Charles. Mr. Clark is not connected with any religious organization, but is a member of the order of Maccabees. During his adult life he has been connected with the Republican party, but confines himself to voting, as he is not a seeker for office. GEORGE W. DE VORE. The subject of this sketch, whose name is above presented, now a pros- perous farmer of Blanchard township, can look back over a long life, whose early beginnings gave little promise of future success. In fact his lot was that one which of all that befall human beings is perhaps the most to be dreaded — the being left and orphan of tender years to be thrust out upon the cold charities of the world, among strangers, with the consequent neglect and ill treatment which is almost sure to follow. Yet from such a fate Mr. De Vore struggled manfully up to a position of standing in his community, pos- sessed of a comfortable competence and, what is still better, tlie good will and esteem of all his neighbors. It is pleasant to talk or write about such men and no doubt a brief summary of his career will be pursued with interest. In the early half of the nineteenth century there lived in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, a French family by the name of De Vore, who had arrived with the first settlers of that section. Among their children, bom after the location in Tuscarawas, was a son called William, who after reaching maturity was married to Fannie Alford, a native of the adjoining county of Carroll. This couple lived but a few years after their marraige, and at their death left four helpless children, the youngest of which was only six months old. Of these three are now living and one of them is the subject of this sketch. One brother, supposed to be still living, has not been seen or heard from since the separation in childhood. George W. De Vore was born in Carroll county, July 4, 1840, and at the time his parents died was but seven years of age. He met the usual fate of orphans by being cast among strangers to be reared and his education was so badly neglected that he was compelled later in life to educate himself by reading with the assistance of his wife. After a life of bitter struggle and privations he at length found himself at the age of nineteen confronted with the problem of obtaining a means of livelihood. In 1859 he arrived in Hancock county, not only without money, but with a debt of eight dollars hanging over him, which to this inexperienced wan- ^ 10, 1901, is the only one living, the deceased being Beatrice, Dwight L. and Dewey D. As members of families which have been intimately and honorably as- sociated with the advancement and development of Hancock county, Mr. and Airs. Shennan are entitled to and with pleasure accorded to place in this ^•olume of biography. TOBIA G. BARNHILL, M. D. During his professional career at Findlay Dr. Barnhill has met with gratifying success and won the good will and patronage of many of the lead- ing citizens and families of the place. He is a great student and nedeavors to keep abreast of the times in everything relating to discoveries in medical science. Though progressive in his ideas and favoring modern methods he does not dispense with the true and tried systems which have stood the test of years. Dr. Barnhill was born in Wayne county, Ohio, May 5, 1851, but when two years of age was brought by his parents to Hancock county, where he has ever since made his home. His elementary education was received in the public schools of Findlay, and after completing his term therein he took up the profession of teaching, which he followed in Hancock county from 1869 until 1 87 1. Desiring to enter upon the practice of medicine, he aban- doned the work of the schoolroom in order that he might give his entire at- tention to the study of the healing art, and in 1873 he graduated at the Cleve- land Homeopathic Hospital College. March 4, 1873. he embarked in the 550 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY practice of medicine at Findlay, where his skill and ability soon became recognized and he now enjoys a large and lucrative practice. In 1895 he established the Barnhill Sanitarium, which is now as thoroughly equipped as any institution of its kind in the world. For the past eighteen years Dr. Barnhill has thoroughly studied the various uses of electricity, and the elec- trical appliances in his large sanitarium are now complete in all respects. The institution also contains two large parlors, where patients can visit their friends, is steam heated and electric lighted, and has all the modern con- \eniences for the comfort of the patients. Devotional e:jvercises are held in the sanitarium parlors every morning at eight o'clock, to which friends of the institution are invited. Dr. Barnhill is a member of the Ohio State Homeopathic Medical So- ciety, the Northwestern Homeopathical Medical Association and the Ameri- can Institute of Homeopathy. He has twice served as president of the state society and has also held the position of censor therein. For three terms he has served as coroner of Flancock county, and for eleven years he held the position of county physician. He is also a member of the Odd Fellows fra- ternity and the Tribe of Ben Hur. The Doctor's long professional career has been attended with marked success. His promptness, his sympathetic nature and his generosity are well known factors in his make-up, and those who have known him longest esteem him most highly. CYRUS L. CASTERLINE. As a member of the Bradford Oil Company of Findlay, Cyrus L. Cas- terline has been connected with the development of what has become one of the leading industries and a great source of wealth to this part of the state. His position in business circles is a creditable one. A native of the Empire state, he was born in Angelica, in 1851, and was there reared and educated, attending the public schools and acquiring thereby knowledge that well fitted him for the responsible duties of his subsequent career. At the age of twenty-five he left his native town and in 1876 went to the oil fields in the vicinity of Bradford, Pennsylvania, where he remained until he came to Findlay, since which time he has made his home in this place. He is inter- ested in the development of the oil belt here and is an active working mem- ber of the Bradford Oil Company, which owns some good producing and valuable wells. In 1900 Mr. Casterline was appointed by Charles E. Watson, mayor of Findlay, a member of the city board of improvements and is now serving CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 55 1 in that capacity. He takes deep interest in the progress and welfare of the city and is using his official position to further every measure which he be- lieves will contribute to the general good. In his political views he is a Re- publican, always voting for the candidate of the party and never faltering in his allegiance to the party principles. Fraternally he is associated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and with the Knights of Pythias fraternity. He is a progressive, wide awake, enterprising business man, a valued addition to the community, and in Findlay he has gained many friends who recognize his business and social worth. HENRY F. WINDERS. In the business circles of Findlay Henry F. Winders has become an important factor. Reliability in all trade transactions, loyalty to all the duties of citizenship, fidelity in the discharge of every trust reposed in him have been his chief characteristics, and through the passing years they have gained for him the unqualified confidence and respect of his fellow towns- men. He is also public-spirited and thoroughly interested in whatever tends to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of Findlay, and for many years he has been numbered among its honored citizens. The birth of Mr. Winders occurred in Fairfield county, Ohio, on the 2d of May, 1831, and he is a son of John and Elizabeth (Paden) Winders. The former was born in Shenandoah county, Virginia, where he was a mem- ber of an old and prominent family. The mother was a daughter of John and Sidney Paden, who were natives of Ireland, but came to this country in 181 5 and settled in Fairfield county, Ohio. When but a lad Henry F. \\'in- ders was apprenticed to his uncle, T. B. C. Paden, who conducted a mer- cantile store in New Salem, Ohio, and when twenty-one years of age he em- barked in the dry goods business on his own account in that city, which occu- pation he continued until 1859 and then took up agricultural pursuits. In 1 861 he came to Findlay and for the succeeding four years sold goods for Patterson & Taylor, after which he again embarked in business for himself. His efforts in the mercantile world have been crowned with success, and he is now recognized as one of the leading business men of Findlay. June 22, 1854, in Fairfield county, Ohio, occurred the marriage of Mr. Winders and Miss Araminta S., daughter of Judge Wiseman, of Perry coun- ty, Ohio, and unto this union have been born two children, a daughter and a son, the former, Susie, being the wife of Thomas Frazer, a druggist of Find- lay. The son, John, who is associated with his father in business, married 552 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Miss Ella Crooks, of Massillon, this state, and they have one ton, Henry. Mr. Winders has held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church since his fifteenth year, has long served as one of its officials, and for over twenty- three years has been Sunday-school superintendent. For a period of over thirty years he has also been a member of the old and honored order of Masons. Though he has always avoided public office, he has served with credit in the city council and as a member of the school board of Findlay. In addition to his extensive mercantile connections he has also been iden- tified with many of the industries of this city and has contributed toward the development of many of its important manufacturing and other inter- ests. His political sympathies are with the Republican party. PARLEE MITCHELL. Hancock county oil fields have attracted a great many men from other occupations and other parts of the state. This has been the means of building up Findlay as much as the farms for which the surrounding country is also famous. Mr. Mitchell is of Ohio pioneer stock, his grandfather George INIitchell having been born in Beln]ont county in 1801 ; he was a farmer all his life, and died at the ripe age of ninety-one years. His father is Jacob Mitchell, a farmer of Hancock county, who was born in 1839. Ii^ 1862, Jacob Mitchell enlisted in Company F, Twenty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a pri- vate, and served three years. He is now one of the county infirmary directors. Parlee Mitchell was born on a farm in Portage towiiship, this county, Febru- ary 10, 1872, in which township he lived and received his education until he was twenty-four years of age, when he moved to Findley, and went im- mediately into the oil fields. He began where so many who have succeeded have begun, as a punjper, and rose through all the grades of the industry, until he became a producer on his own account. He purchased the old livery stable on the corner of Main and Larkins streets, together with its contents, then the largest livery on this side of the bridge. Mr. Mitchell put new stock into his stable, so that now it is first-class in every respect. Mr. Mitchell was married in 1899 to Jennie, daughter of R. W. Boyd. The Democratic party claims his allegiance, and he has served his city as a representative of that party, holding the office of city councilman. That he is popular is evidenced by the fact that he was elected from the first ward by a majority of eighty-three, which ward is a Republican stronghold, having had as high as one hundred and t\\'enty-three majority. Mr. Mitchell was first elected in 1901, and is still serving. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 5 53 HENRY WILTS BROWN. The family of this name, so long conspicuous at Findlay, originated in New York, but has been identified with Ohio for over half a century. Oliver Brown, one of the ancestors, took part in the Revolutionary war as a soldier in one of the New York regiments, and it was his son and name- sake who became the grandfather of the subject of this sketch. He lived and ended his days in New York, and reared a family which included a son named Henry. The latter was born in Albion, New York, in 1825, and came to Findlay, Ohio, in 1848. Two years after arriving he was admitted to the bar at Findlay, and practiced law there until his death in 1893. He was an able criminal lawyer and rose to prominence in the profession, besides be- coming a leader in politics. He was elected to the offices of auditor and prosecuting attorney of Hancock county, and at one time represented it as a member of the state legislature. His son, Henry Wilts Brown, was born at Findlay, Ohio, February 14, 1863, and remained at home attend- ing school until the age of seventeen. In 1880 he went to the west and spent several years traveling through Colorado, New Mexico and other sections, during which time he acquired a knowledge of the "art preservative," more vulgarly known as the printer's trade. While on his western tour Mr. Brown got hold of a paper at Meade, Kansas, which he conducted from 1884 until 1889, and then concluded to abandon the west for more inviting fields. In 1890 he returned to Findlay and started the Union, a weekly Democratic paper, whose publication and management have since occupied his time and attention. He is both editor and proprietor of the paper and makes it a strong and conservative exponent of Democratic principles, also paying con- siderable attention to the industrial interests and whatever adds to the life and development of the community. RALPH D. COLE. This gentleman, at present a practicing attorney at Findlay, is one of the most prominent men of his age in the county. Though less than thirty, he has held the position of clerk of the courts and represented Hancock county in the legislature, the latter honor being achieved in the twenty-sixth year of his age. The family originated in Delaware, but sent representa- tives among the first pioneers of Ohio and thus became identified with the state at a very early period. Harry Cole, grandfather of Ralph D., came from Delaware early . in the nineteenth century and settled in Ashland 554 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY county. There, in 1821, his son, John W. Cole, was born and there he grew up and cukivated a farm until about i860, when he came to Hancock county. Ralph D. Cole, son of the last mentioned, was born on his father's farm in Big Lick township, Hancock county, Ohio, November 30, 1873. He was reared on the farm, attended the country schools and later entered Findlay College, where he was graduated in the class of 1896. After leaving college he taught in the Hancock county schools for two years, meantime studying law in his leisure moments, and in September, 1897, he received the appointment as clerk of the courts of Hancock county. He held this l^iosition until July, 1899, and in September following was nominated on the Republican ticket as a candidate for representative in the legislature from Hancock county. At the ensuing election in November he was successful at the polls, and served out his term satisfactorily. In December, 1900, Mr. Cole was admitted to the bar, and has since been engaged in the practice of his profession at Findlay. :, '. / ELI W. PEPPLE. The above named representative agriculturist resides in Cass township on a well cultivated farm which lies in the oil belt of Hancock county, and therefore adds that element of material worth to its general value. He is the son of John and Mary (Groner) Pepple, natives of Pennsylvania, who settled in Hancock county in 1847, after previously residing for some time in Columbiana county. The father of Mrs. Pepple had entered two hundred acres of unimproved land, and of this he gave his daughter sixty-six and two- thirds acres. Afterward John Pepple bought the same amount of land ad- joining that of his wife on the east, which was also a part of her father's entry. Improvements were made on these farms, and in 1865 John Pepple bought forty acres additional, on which there were also some improvements. These forty acres lie along the public highway, north of Mrs. Pepple's land, and to this place the family moved in the spring of 1865, where Mr. and Mrs. Pepple continued to reside until their deaths. John Pepple was a prac- tical and industrious farmer. He had considerable influence in the town- ship among his fellow citizens, who by a popular vote elected him to the office of township trustee. He also served fourteen terms as township treas- urer and a number of years as school director. He was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he served as a class leader and steward. He stood well in the church, in society and in the political field, always true to his faith and to his convictions. He had eight children, seven CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 555 of whom grew to maturity, and six of the number still survive. He was born March 18, 1819, and died March 1, 1897. His wife was born May 17, 1825, and died May 7, 1891, Eli W. Pepple was born in Morrow, formerly Delaware county, Ohio, April 26, 1847. He was an infant when brought to this county by his par- ents. He passed the days of his boyhood and youth in the pleasures and pastimes peculiar to his day, doing his share of the farm labor, and there laying the foundation of that excellent health which has attended him through life. Besides the ordinary branches taught in the district school, he further added to his literary education by a course in the Findlay high school, where he fitted himself for teaching. Mr. Pepple followed this pro- fession with much success for fifteen years, teaching in the winter and help- ing to conduct the farm in the summer. In 1872 he concluded that ''the best part of valor is discretion," so to speak, and he surrendered to the graces of Miss Sarah A. Draper, the marriage occurring December 17, 1872. Mrs. Pepple was a daughter of W. L. and Louisa (Supply) Draper, and she died January 28. 1888, after becoming the mother of three children: Mary L. ; Carl, deceased; and Dodie W. December 25, 1889, Mr. Pepple was mar- ried to ]\Iiss Sarah J., daughter of Robert and Eliza A. McKee. Mrs. Pep- ple's family are natives of the Keystone state, she having been born in Alle- gheny county in October, 1842. She is an accomplished lady who in former years was a successful and popular school teacher in Hancock county, and has a half interest in a nice farm property of eighty acres in her own right in the northeastern part of Cass township. Mr. Pepple moved to his pres- ent farm in 1879, where he has since resided. He is as popular with the people as was his father before him, and is fully as stanch in upholding Re- publican principles. He has held the office of township clerk for a con- tinuous period of twenty years, and was re-elected in 1902 for two years more, besides holding the office of supervisor and school director. He and his good wife are honored members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are leaders of thought and movement in their part of Hancock county. SORELY LARKINS. Sorely Larkins, a resident farmer of Allen township, owning and op- erating a farm of eighty acres of valuable land, was born in Findlay in 1861. He is the son of John and Elizabeth (Meyers) Larkins, the former a na- tive of Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and the latter of Switzerland. John Larkins came to this county in 1843, located in Findlay and pursued his trade 5 56 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL LIISTORY as a stone cutter in partnership with his brother Samuel, under the firm name of Larkins Brothers. John was a veteran of the Civil war and proved himself equal to the emergency as a member of Company I, One Hundred and Ninety-second Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, being honorably discharged at the close of hostilities. He served as trustee of Findlay town- ship and was a member of the Knights of Honor. In 1894 he purchased forty acres of the farm upon which Sorely, his son, now lives, and to which the latter added forty more acres. His family numbered five children, of whom Sorely is the only survivor. John Larkins died October 26, 1900, and his wife's death occurred October 18, 1886. Our subject was reared and educated in Findlay, and in early life be- gan the career of a farmer, which vocation he has followed with success up to the present time. August 21, 1884, he was united in marriage to Miss Ella, daughter of Ganett and Mary Harkness, who was born in Allen town- ship, Hancock county, Ohio, October 13, i860. No children have been born to this union. In 1894 Mr. and Mrs. Larkins removed to their present home, where he enjoys the full confidence of his fellow citizens. He is a young man full of promise, and his future looks remarkably bright. JACOB BOWERS. A prominent family which has had connection with Hancock county for seven decades is represented by the above named gentleman, who resides in Big Lick township on a farm of seventy-seven acres. His parents removed to Ohio from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, of which they were both natives. His father's name was Samuel Bowers, his mother's maiden name being Mary Rangier. Their respective families had removed to Ohio and located in Stark county, where they were married and in 1836 settled in Hancock county on one hundred and twenty acres of land which Jacob Bowers, the father, had previously entered. This original farm was improved, and in i860 the farm which is now the property of his son Jacob was purchased. Samuel Bowers was one of those easy-going men of large heart, whose word could be relied upon at all times. He and his wife were consistent mem- bers of the Dunkard church to the time of their deaths, that of the father occurring in 1895 and of the mother two years later. They reared a family of eleven children, eight of whom are now living. Jacob Bowers, the immediate subject of this sketch, was born in Big Lick township, Hancock county, Ohio, in 1841. He passed through the uneventful experience of a country boy, while laying the foundation of a. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 5 57 character which has been revered among his associates for its many excehen- cies during his hfetime. He chose agricuUure as his occupation, and has been engaged in it during the whole of his adult life, owning his present farm since 1876. Mr. Bowers has been twace married. His first marriage w^as to Miss Sara Shubert and occurred in 1S66. She was born in Seneca county, Ohio, and died in 1884, after becoming the mother of three children : Augusta M.; J. W., deceased; and Alma S. The following year Mr. Bowers married Tvliss Lydia Stecker, a union which was followed by no issue. Mr. and Mrs. Bowers are consistent members of the United Brethren church. John W. Bowers, the second child by the first marriage, was a young man of great promise, having been educated for the life of a teacher, and at the time of his death was regarded as a very successful member of that profession in Hancock county. He w'as exceedingly active in the work of the church, of which he was a most worthy member, and his death cast a gloom over a large circle of friends and acquaintances in Hancock county. Mr. Bowers has a large circle of friends, having many qualities which commend him to the good will and high regard of those wdth whom he is associated. For more than seventy years his family has been identified with Hancock county, and its members have ever been active in supporting measures wdiich prom- ised to contribute to the substantial upbuilding and material development of the county or state. E. W. HALE. The descendants of pioneers in Ohio are among the leading citizens of to-day in every walk of life, and this is especially true of the sons of farm- ers, themselves pioneers in all but actual proprietorship of the land, who helped to clear primitive farms and put them under cultivation, and who, coming to the state in boyhood, or even younger, have witnessed the whole process of development from the day of small but significant things to the fruition of efforts wdiich characterizes the state as one of the foremost in the Union at this time. Such a citizen is Mr. E. W. Hale, some account of whose interesting antecedents and worthy achie\'ements will now be at- tempted. The grandfather of our subject was Randal Hale, one of the pioneers of Hancock county. He was a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and there he married Ann Taylor, also a native of that city, and a full cousin to Presi- dent Zachary Taylor. The Taylors were wealthy planters of Maryland and owned a number of slaves, some of which were inherited by our sub- 5 5^ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY ject's grandmother, who, when she reached her majority, gave them their freedom, an event which in that day created very great interest and brought down upon her the criticism of the slave-holding element. Randal Hale and his wife were married in Baltimore, and removed to Jefferson county, Ohio, about 17Q6, where they reared a family of eight children, all of whom grew to maturity. In that county Randal Hale owned one hundred and sixty acres of land, but, foreseeing the need of provision for his large family while there was plenty of new land in the state, he in 1832 removed to Seneca county, locating for a short time in what is now Fostoria. He remained there, however, but a short period, when he removed to Hancock county, where he entered eight quarter sections of land, one for each of his children, and of these four were in Washington township and two across the line in Wood county. Randal Hale was a blacksmith by trade, and an excellent mechanic in his day. He was a man of temperate habits, and opposed to the use of intoxicating drink. He was a kind husband, a loyal citizen and loving father. During his life he was a meniber with his wife of the Meth- odist Episcopal ciiurch, and they were instrumental in that early day in graft- ing Methodism well into the institutions and society of the county. In politi- cal affiliations he was a supporter of the Whig party. His death occurred in 1849, that of the wife five years later. The sons succeeded the father and became useful citizens of Hancock county. One of these sons was Isaac T., father of the gentleman whose name heads this paragraph, who was born in Jefferson county. Ohio, in 1820. He followed agricultural pursuits and was counted a man well versed in the farming industry. He was a man of truth and uprightness, and left his impress on the social life of the com- munity for good. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He married Miss Alpha, daughter of Elijah McRill, in 1841, and to them were born a family of eight children, four of whom still survive: E. W., R. B., M. E. and Eliza. The mother of the family died May 27, 1884, and Isaac T. departed this life June 10, 1901. E. W. Hale was born in Washington township, on the farm which he now operates, the date being April 8, 1853. He was reared and educated in his native township, receiving an excellent elementary education. After he left school he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and with the exception of seven years spent in the manufacture of tile he has confined himself to farming. He is now operating the old homestead of one hundred and fifty-live acres of choice land. Upon this farm his father caused to be built a large and commodious brick house in 1875. I1ie other buildings were erected by him also, all of them constituting very handsome improvements. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 559 The marriage of Mr. E; W. Hale occurred in 1882, the lady being Miss Laura Boyles, a native of West Virginia. Two children were bom, Allie and J- Hale. Mr. and Mrs. Hale are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are held in the highest esteem by the citizens of the county among whom they reside. Russell B. Hale, a deceased son of Isaac T. Hale, had a notable war rec- ord. On the breaking out of the Civil war he enlisted in Company H, Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Army of the Potomac. He was chosen color bearer on account of his great height, six feet six inches. In this position he gallantly bore Old Glory until his health broke down in 1862, and he was sent to the hospital for treatment. Here he was very im- properly cared for, and was in danger of losing his life, when he was finally discharged and returned home, where he was nursed back to health by his family. He re-enlisted in the Eighty-sixtli Ohio Volunteer Infantry in 1863, in which command he served eleven months, when he was honorably discharg'ed. Again taking up the cause of the old ilag, he re-enlisted, this time in his old regiment, in which organization he served until the close of the war, again b.eing honoral^ly discharged. His decease occurred in 1868. A. H. CLYMER, Sr. A. H. Clymer, Sr., is a representative of honored pioneers of this great commonwealth, and he has won for himself a prominent place among the leading horticulturists of Hancock county. He is a native son of E^nion township, this county, where his birth occurred on the ist of January, 1866. His paternal grandparents, h'rancis and Susan Clymer, removed from Fair- field county, Ohio, to Union township in 1834, where the father entered from the government one hundred and sixty acres of timber land, and this he cleared and improved and subsequently added to until his landed possess- ions were quite extensive. He afterward, however, divided his property among his children. C. F. Clymer, a son of this worthy old pioneer couple, and the father of our subject, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, and he, too, followed the tilling of the soil as a life occupation. By his marriage to Mary M. Sigefuss, a native of Franklin county, Ohio, he became the father of five children, three of whom are now living, but our subject is the only representative of the family in Hancock county. C. F. Clymer was called to his final rest in 1878, but he is still survived by his widow. A. H. Clymer, Sr., of this review, was reared in the township of his nativity, and in its public schools received his early mental training, there 56o CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPEIICAL HISTORY fitting himself for his future Hfe of usefuhiess. He remained on the old parental homestead until he \Aas married, and in the following year, 1886, purchased of the remaining heirs the home farm, where he is now extensively engaged in horticultural pursuits. His farm consists of fifty acres, on which he has planted one thousand six hundred peach trees, which have been se- lected with great care from the best stock and consist of different varieties. He also cultivates one hundred plum trees, the fruit being of rare beauty and Mavor, he has one hundred cnerry trees, while his fifty pear trees, of the finest and choicest varieties, are in bearing from the early summer until late in the autumn. All his fruit finds a ready sale and commands the high- est market price. In addition to the larger fruits Mr. Clymer also raises all kinds of berries, with the exception of strawberries, the soil of this locality not being adapted to the production of that commodity. ]n 1885 ]Mr. Clymer was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Reese, who \^•as born in Liberty township, Hancock county, Ohio, on the 5th of April, 1867, and she is a daughter of Jacob and Rebecca Reese. Three children haAC come to brighten and bless this home: Mamie, wdio was born January 9, 1888; Bernice, born March 30, 1890; and Lester, born April 25, 1895. Both Mr. and Mrs. Clymer are members of the Evangeli- cal church of Benton Ridge, and they are also connected with the Daughters of America. Mr. Clymer affiliates with the Junior Order of United Amer- ican Mechanics. Honor and integrity are synonymous with his name, and he enjoys the respect, confidence and high regard of the community. JOHN H. CROSS. John H. Cross is one of the prominent retired farmers of Hancock coun- ty, and after a life of active industry he has earned a competence which en- ables him to rest and enjoy the comforts of the world unalloyed by the dis- turbing cares of business. His parents were George and Mary M. (Smaltz) Cross, the former born in Maryland and the latter a native of Fairfield county, Ohio. They came to Hancock county in 1839 and located on Lime- stone Ridge, where they entered eighty acres of government land and bought two other eighties at second hand. George Cross was a practical farmer and a man of influence and ability; he served as trustee of the township for several years. His death occurred in October, 1865, but his wife survived until August. 1898. They had a family of seven children, of whom four are now living. John H. was born in Fairfield county on the 17th of December, 1832, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 561 and was, therefore, but seven years of age when he was brought by his par- ents to this county. He received his education in the common schools and remained at home until his majority, learning all that goes to make up the pursuit of a farmer. He confined himself to this calling until his retirement a few years ago, and he now resides in Vanlue, in which town he has served in the responsible position of mayor for two years. He has also been coun- cilman and was constable of the township for twelve years. He is a mem- ber of the United Brethren church, and has been one of its trustees for twenty-one years. He has always given the strength of his influence to the side of right and progress and is to-day one of the worthy citizens of his community. In 1853 Mr. Cross became the husband of Miss Catherine Shoop, and four children were born to them, two of whom are living, Thomas M. and Clement L. Cross. Catherine Cross died in 1894. In November, 1899, Mr. Cross was again married, to Miss Lucinda M. Piper, who was born in Canada June 19, 1859, the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth J. Piper. Thomas Piper was a man of large business abilities and was a resident of Hamilton, Canada, for fifty years; he was the owner of several vessels which plied between the port of Ontario and ports of the United States. He was also a large property owner in the States and in Canada, and owned and lived on a large fruit plantation in Knoxville, Virginia, for a few years. The Pipers are one of the first families of Canada and Rev. F. C. Piper, the broth'^"- of Mrs. Cross, is the Episcopal minister at Hamilton. H. D. SWANK. It is well that not all the old settlers have been called to their final re- ward, if for no other reason than tiiat we may understand the true caliber of those hardy veterans of toil who made the middle west the center of the commercial empire of the world. They are a truly remarkable class of men, inured to hardship and experienced in a mode of life which will never have its like in this country again, for while the twentieth century will be brilliant with all the glory of modern invention and wonderful scientific achievement and progress, the nineteenth was the real age of development of the material resources of the country, and prepared for that which was to come. Foj- over seventy years H. D. Swank has been a living witness of this advance, and he is certainly worthy of some recognition in the his- torical annals of the men of Hancock county, Ohio. Grandfather Swank, who founded the familv in America, was born in 562 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY German}-, so that on one side of the house there is good German blood. His son was Christian Swank, and was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, where he was reared and learned the trade of blacksmith. When he was in young manhood he came to Richland county, Ohio, and was the village blacksmith of the community for some years, l)ut he later came to Knox county and entered some land in Pike township; he cleared and improved this land and at the same time attended to the needs of his neighbors by set- ting up a shop on his land, in wdiich he shod horses and did all the black- smithing for the country. He lived on this place until his death, the span of his life having covered the long period from 1791 to 1869; during this time he had been a firm adherent of the Democratic party. His wife, who was of Irish descent, was Susanna Downing, who was born in 1800 and died in 1856. They had three daugliters and two sons: Eliza is deceased; George and Henry D. are the sons ; Mary is deceased ; while the remaining daughter is Susanna. Henry was born on his father's place in Pike township, Knox county, on April 9, 1827, and remained in this county until he had reached years of manhood. He has a vivid recollection of the old log schoolhouse in wdiich his early education was obtained, tlie days of schooling being frequently punctured by the hard labor of the farm. On becoming of age he found for himself a wife and on January 13, 1849, he took up his residence in Orange township, Hancock county. The place was in the midst of the woods, and the first house which he built for the shelter of his family was made of round, unhewn logs, not a place for the physical comfort he would have desired, but it was the scene of some of the happiest hours of his life. He lived in this for some years and devoted himself to clearing the farm and raising general farm products. He still owns the farm of one hundred and eight acres, and has so improved it that one would hardly recog- nize it as the former place. As one of the old settlers Mr. Swank has borne his part in the affairs of the township, having served as one of the trustees. He has always voted for the candidates of the Republican party, and he and his wife have been members of the Disciples church, in which he was deacon. Mr. Swank and Miss Nancy Dilts were married May 11, 1848. She was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, December 11, 1823, and her father, William, was a native of the same state; he was a farmer and in 1826 came to Knox county. Ohio, but he later removed to Iowa, where he died in his eighty-second year. Her mother, INIargaret Killerman. was a native of Pennsylvania and died in Richland county, Ohio, in 1844. Nancy was the second of twelve children, ten of whom grew to maturitv, and she was CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 563 reared in Richland county. The seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. vSwank all came to the light of day in the log house in Orange township and most of them have some recollection of that first scene of life. Only four of these children are now living: William, a farmer of Knox county; Christian R., of Hancock county; Casper E., living in Kansas; and Hamil- ton R., who lives at home. Of the deceased, Susan was married and left two sons, William and Charlie. Three children survived the daughter Nancy Jane, — Bert, Vim and Floyd. Albert is the name of the deceased son. PHILIP FLAMION. This gentleman is one of the popular farmers of Marion township, who by thrift and industry has established himself in a comfortable home and now ranks among the enterprising citizens of his community. His parents, John and Martha Flamion, were natives of Belgium, where they spent their entire lives in the enjoyment of general respect among their neighbors. Philip Flamion was born on the homestead in Belgium, August 2, 1848, and was trained in the economical farm methods of that country, remaining there until about twenty-five years of age. In 1873 he emigrated to Amer- ica, made his way to Ohio and located in Clinton county. After spending two years in Clinton and Henry counties he changed his locality to Han- cock county in 1875. After his arrival he followed various callings for five or six years, turning his hand to whatever he found to do and not fearing hard work if it gave promise of future advancement. By saving his earn- ings and avoiding all extravagant expenditures, Mr. Flamion was able by 1 88 1 to purchase the sixty-eight acres of land which has since constituted his home. When the discovery of oil \vas made in Hancock county Mr. Flamion was fortunate enough to be found in the belt, and in time six pro- ducing oil wells were developed on his farm. These add materially to his rev- enue, and with what he obtains by judicious husbanding make him a very comfortable income and place him among the happy class of independent farmers. During his occupancy his farm has been greatly improved as the result of much hard work, and considerable money expended upon it by its enterprising owner. Notable among the improvements are some fine build- ings erected by Mr. Flamion, which are of modern style, commodious and altogether a credit not only to the owner but to the neighborhood. In 1873, shortly before his departure for the new world, Mr. Flamion was married in Paris, France, to Miss Mary Perry, a native and worthy daughter of the famous French capital. This union, which has proved con- 564 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY genial in all respects and brought much happiness to both participants, has been fruitful as well as blissful; Mr. and Mrs. Flamion have had eleven children, two of whom were taken away by death, those living being named as follows : Nicholas, August, Louisa, Charles, Oliver, Emily, Joseph, William and Martha. All of the family are devoted members of the Roman Catholic church, and the Flamion family comes near to being an ideal one, so great is the mutual affection for each other displayed by every member of the household. WILLIAM SHARNINGHAUSE. Those persons w^ho are always complaining of lack of opportunity, talk- ing of ''hard times," insisting that tliey have had "no chance" and declaring their inability to "get along" on the ordinary wages paid to ordinary men, may learn a valuable lesson by reading the following brief biographical sketch. About the middle of the last century there lived in Hanover, Ger- many, a worthy couple named Henry and Mary Sharninghause. They were extremely poor, but being industrious and honest the}- were respected by those who knew^ them best. After lives of weary struggle against the hard conditions then prevailing in the old world, these honest people ended their days in their native Alsace with little more of this world's goods than they possessed in the beginning. Unto this couple was born on December 12, 1849, ^ child whom they christened William. As they had nothing to give him but their blessing, and as circumstances at home were very straitened, this little boy was com- pelled to earn his living at the tender age of seven. He was set to herd- ing cows by a gentleman in the neighborhood, who was kind enough to give him employment; the latter was glad enough to obtain the pittance which this work brought to himself and his poor old parents. Little William con- tracted, or "bound himself," for five years, the remuneration beginning with nine dollars for the first twelve months, twelve for the second, fifteen for the third, forty for the fourth and fifty for the fifth and last. Added up, William found his pay amounted to one hundred and twenty-six dollars, which, though it may seem small to many, looked like a princely fortune to this friendless German boy. Right here is where the lesson we spoke of comes in most forcibly. Every dollar of this money w^as put to the best possible use by William, in purchasing passage to America. He landed in 1869, when about twenty years c^lcl, but before he could secure work his little store had dwindled to six dollars. In the same vear, however, he man- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 565 aged to reach Hancock county, Ohio, took up his abode in Allen township and went to work at whatever he could get to do. This he continued four and a half years, and one year before the expiration of that time he had saved five hundred dollars. That means much in the hands of a thrifty and economical German, and William Sharninghause knew what to do with his hard-earned gains. During the seven years which followed his period of "working out" he rented farms, worked hard, saved in every possible way and in 1881 was able to purchase seventy acres of land for himself. By 1896 he succeeded in adding enough more to make his present holdings of one hundred and fifty acres. Those who now visit Mr. Sharninghause's hospitable home will find that he has erected a fine and substantial barn," be- sides remodeling the house and putting on other finishing touches, which make his place decidedly cosy and attractive and one of the most comfortable residences in Portage township. Such is the story of a truly self-made man who shows us how much can come from little and how nerve and pluck will overcome the direst poverty and the most adverse circumstances. Like all wise men, Mr. Sharninghause decided at an early age to select a partner to share his joys as well as his sor- rows, and to assist and comfort him in the struggles of life. His choice fell upon Miss Dora Kuhlman, to whom he was wedded in 1872, and who made him the happy father of four bright and promising children, named respect- ively, James M., George F., Henry W. and Ora. Parents and children are members of the G'erman Lutheran church, in which Mr. §harninghause has held the offices of deacon and trustee for twelve years. But though atten- tive to his church duties and a respecter of religion, Mr. Sharninghause con- siders that the whole duty of man is summed up in the simple creed "Do unto others as you would wish others to do unto you," and it is his aim to carry this out in his every day life, well assured that the observance of this golden rule includes all the moral code. After saying this much, it is hardly necessary to add that with his thrift, his honest methods and his genial dis- position William Sharninghause deserves and enjoys general respect among his neighbors and acquaintances. And this good will and esteem his worthy wife and amiable children also enjoy with their estimable father. ROBERT A. COOPER. Among those fortunate persons who "struck oil" as the result of the dis- coveries in the Findlay section of Ohio, none were more deserving of their good luck than the gentleman \\hose name heads this sketch. He is a native 565 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY of Hancock county, being descended from early settlers, and the family has always stood well in the community. Robert A. Cooper was born January 6, 1853, on the farm in Portage township where he now resides, his parents being Amos and Elizabeth A. (Poe) Cooper. He was brought up and edu- cated in his native township and has always followed farming as a means of livelihood from the time he was able to work. It was July 22, 1884, that Mr. Cooper first made an investment in land, his purchase consisting of forty acres situated in Portage township, which was later increased by an inheritance of forty acres more. The acquisition of these eighty acres of land proved timely and profitable, as the discovery of oil in Hancock county resulted in the development of ten wells on Mr. Cooper's place, which are now in operation and yielding a good revenue. On October 22, 1874, Mr. Cooper was married to Miss Mary J., daugh- ter of Andrew and Elizabeth Knoka, a native of Allen township, where she was born August 9, 1854. Edwin H. Cooper, the eldest of the two sons resulting from this union, was born January 12, 1878, graduated at the An- gola (Indiana) Normal School and is now attending the Homeopathic Medi- cal College of Chicago. Clarence M. Cooper, the youngest son, was born December 13, 1881, and is at present a student at the Angola Normal. Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Cooper are vvorthy members of the Blanchard Presby- terian church and much esteemed by the wide circle of acquaintances who have known them for years and found them true to all duties and require- ments of good citizenship. Mr. Cooper is not an aspirant for office, wastes no time on the intrigues of politics, but attends strictly to his business and aims to vote intelligently for what he regards as the best interests of county, state and nation. In the .sketch of Isaac W. Cooper, on another page of this volume, will be found additional and interesting particulars of the fam- ily history. PHILIP WEIROUGH. It is a common remark throughout the United States that no country of the world has contributed to the great republic a more desirable class of emigrants than Germany. Wherever one goes, he will assuredly hear it said: "These Germans make mighty fine citizens." They are always law- abiding, well educated, genial in disposition, quick to "catch on" and trained in those habits of economy and thrift which are so valuable in early life. They seem to succeed at everything they undertake, whether it be running a butcher shop, a bakery, a store, a candy stand or a farm. The central west- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 567 ern states have been especially fortunate in obtaining this fine stream of emi- gration, and no other state received a finer selection than Ohio. Of the many thousands of Germans who have settled in the great and prosperous Buckeye state during the last half century were Nicholas and Mary Weirough. They came over in 1859 and located at Findlay, where the husband first obtained employment as engineer for the Adams foundry. Mr. Weirough, however, had aspirations to become a farmer and in 1870 bought eighty acres of unimproved land in Portage township. To this he removed Avith his family, and the next few years were devoted to the hard work in- cident to clearing land and getting it into shape to compete with modern methods of agriculture. In due time, the rough place was cleared and culti- vated, fenced and smoothed and improved until the original owner would not have recognized it. All the necessary buildings, combining both utility and ornament, and all those little adjuncts of shrubbery, nice walks and green sward, which go so far to beautify a country seat, were in due time added by the tasteful occupants. The worthy owners still enjoy life at the home their industry made, the father being ninety-one and the mother sixty-five years of age, and both much loved and respected by hosts of friends and acquaintances. Of their nine children, seven are living and all these are residents of Hancock county. Among the number is Philip Weirough, who was born in Findlay, Ohio, June 23, 1861. He was reared and educated partly in Findlay and part- in Portage township, to which his parents removed in his youth. After reaching maturity Mr. Weirough worked in the oil fields for a number of years, but eventually abandoned this occupation in order to take up farming. In 1899 he purchased eighty acres of fertile land in Portage township, to which he removed a year ago and which he is now engaged in cultivating. As he has inherited from his father those good qualities for which he was noted and is a man of intelligence and progressive ideas, there can be little doubt that Mr. Weirough will in time rank with the best of Hancock's agri- culturists. In 1884 occurred the happy nuptials of Philip Weirough and Miss Rachel, daughter of Jacob and Mary A. Rinehold, the bride being a native of Seneca county, Ohio, where she was born April 22, 1866. As the result of their union, Mr. and Mrs. Weirough have three bright and interesting chil- dren : John A., born June 8, 1885; Maud M., born September 15, 1886; and Clarence J., whose birth occurred September 16, 1888. No people in the county are more esteemed or have more friends than the Weirough fam- 568 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY RADO KEMPHER. The subject of this sketch, whose name is given above, is one of many worthy rqDresentatives of a family of Dutch origin which settled in Hancock county many years ago and became a part of its stanchest citizenship. The original emigrants located in Pennsylvania, where they reared a family of four sons and four daughters, all of whom at a later day located in Hancock county. They arrived in 1837, and each of the sons purchased a half section of land, which they retained and cultivated during the remainder of their lives. The Kemphers proved to be a valuable acquisition to what w-as then a sparsely settled section of Ohio, as they were model farmers, people of upright lives, law-abiding and loyal as citizens. As they increased and multi- plied by marriage, the family connection grew to be one of influence, and none of the early settlers commanded more esteem than this contribution from the land of steady habits beside the German Ocean. ^Vbraham Kempher, one of the four sons abo\^e alluded to, was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, in 1805 and grew to manhood in the place of his nativity. In 1834, three years before his emigration to Ohio, he was married to Susan Buzzard, also born in Northampton county, in 1816, and this union proved both fruitful and congenial. The names of their children in order of birth are thus recorded in the family Bible : Ann L., born April 8, 1836; Jacob, born December 8, 1837; Rebecca, deceased, born November 9, 1840; Mary, born February 16, 1842; John, born April 13, 1844; Frances L., born July 3, 1846; Rachel S., born June 9, 1849; Eli, born August 8, 1852; and Rado, born May 4, 1855. Abraham Kempher, the father of this family, was a quiet, peaceable man, who pursued the even tenor of his way throughout an unadventurous life and gained the good will of all with whom he came in contact. His farming operations were carried on with the thrift and industry charac- teristic of Hollanders, and his farm became one of the neatest and best cultivated in his township. The one hundred and sixty acres of land formerly owned by him were greatly increased in value by the discovery of oil, and at the present time contain ten productive wells. The old pioneer, however, did not live long enough to get the benefit of this, as he passed peace- fully away from earth's struggles on the first day of April, 1877. He had survived his good wife many years, her death having occurred in i860. The whole family, including parents as well as children, were lifelong members of the Disciples church at McComb. Rado Kempher, whose birth occurred in Hancock county, Ohio, in 1855, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 569 was the yoiing-est of the children, and as he grew up chsplayed all the sturdy qualities of his ancestry. Like all of these, he adhered to the soil as an occu- pation and means of livelihood and is at present one of the best known farmers m Portage township. He has proved a worthy descendant of worthy sires, and ranks among- the best of his neig-hborhood as an agriculturist and citizen.' All of the Kemphers who came to Hancock county in 1837 have passed awav, inculding- his grandfather and father, as well as his uncles and aunts, but the rising generation contains many worthy representatives to perpetuate the honored name, and among these none is more deserving of notice than Rado Kempher. He is a man in whom all his neighbors have confidence, and as a farmer he occupies front rank among the many skillful agriculturists of the county. Air. Kempher is unmarried, and like others of his name, almost without exception, is allied in politics with the Republican party. JOSEPH J. HERMAN. Besides industry and good judgment there are many other qualities which add to the success of the business man, especially the merchant, and among these are a genial and cordial manner and that courtesy which never fails to win and retain customers. One of these popular and prosperous merchants, located in the thriving town of Vanlue, Hancock county, Ohio, IS Joseph J. Herman, who is the proprietor of a general store there.' In the year 1899 he purchased this store from George Alspach and opened it with a fine display of goods in the same year. From the start he had a large pat- ronage, and his numerous customers are increasing daily. His business is centrally located, his building is of commodious and convenient proportions and his stock is of the finest quality and always fresh from the manufacturers. ^ Mr. Herman is the son of Joseph and Catherine (Leitzel) Herman, natives of Pennsylvania, and in Union county of that state he was ushered into the world on the 13th of November, 1871 ; in the county of his nativity he was reared and in the district schools he receiA-ed the elementary educa- tion which was to fit him for the duties of after life. He has 'been an extensive farmer and in connection ^^•ith this occupation has dealt in hay, which latter branch he still carries on in conjunction with his mercantile interests. Mr. Herman is not only a first-class business man Ijut also stands high in social circles and has performed his part of the duties devolving upon American citizenship; he has held the office of councilman of his town with much credit, is a worthy member of the Knights of Pythias and belongs to 570 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY the United Brethren church, of which he is the efficient Sunday-school super- nitendent and one of the board of trustees. In the fall of 1897 Mr. Herman became the husband of Miss Laura E. Shuck, the accomplished daughter of Aaron and Matilda (Bright) Shuck; she was born on her father's farm in Big Lick township, July 19, 1874. Of this union one son was born, Au- gust 14, 1 90 1, whom they have named Russell. ISAAC L. SHULL. The family of this name became established in Hancock county as early as 1833, in which year Solomon Shull took possession of two hundred and forty acres of land in Amanda township, part of which tract is now included in Wyandot county. This original settler left three sons, Isaac, Benjamin and Joseph, who inherited all the property at the time of his death and divided it into three equal parts. Benjamin, the second of these sons, was born in Franklin county, Ohio, September 15, 181 5, and in early manhood was married to Christina Kitsmiller, a native of Fairfield county and about two years his junior. In 1846 they removed to Hancock county and settled on the inherited land above mentioned, which was their home during all the subsequent years of their lives. When Benjamin took possession of his third of the estate, amounting to eighty acres, it was practically in its raw state, as scarcely a beginning of improvements had been made. His first act was to build a log cabin in which to house his wife and little ones until something better could be substituted, and in this rude structure they lived until 1859. During his occupancy this farm was so greatly improved that its lirst owner would not have known it, and by clearing, fencing, rotation of crops, thorough cultivation and addition of all necessary outbuildings it v/as converted into a productive and valuable estate. Benjamin Shull be- came a noted character in the neighborhood on account of his cleverness with the ax, that indispensable weapon of the Ohio pioneer. Whenever there was to be a house-raising Ben was sure to be one of the invited guests and usually was awarded the honor of "holding up the corner." He had great skill in erecting those rude log structures which housed the first comers, as well as their descendants for one or two generations, and in his own affairs was a man of untiring industry. His marriage, which occurred in 1840, was productive of six children : John H., Mary A., William C, Har- mon T., Sylvanus and Isaac L. The parents, who were life-long members of the United Brethren church, have both passed away, the death of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 57 1 Mrs. Christina Shull having occurred ]\Iarch 23, 1892, and that of the hus- band September 15, 1902. Isaac L. Shull, young-est of the children, was born on his father's farm in Hancock county, Ohio, January 24, 1855, and grew to manhood in his native township. His education was obtained partly in the district schools and partly in the high schools at Vanlue and Findlay. With the exception of six years in the latter place his whole life has been spent in Amanda town- ship in the prosecution of agricultural pursuits, to which he had been trained from boyhood. For twenty-four years he and his brother Sylvanus operated a threshing machine in partnership, and this firm became known far and wide for the amount as well as excellence of the work they did for grain growers over a wide area of Ohio territory. In 1893 Mr. Shull took possession of his possession of his present homestead, consisting of one hundred and forty- six acres, of which fifty-six acres lie in Wyandot county. He devotes this place to general farming and stock-raising, and is regarded ni the neighbor- hood as one of the most progressive and successful of the township's farmers, while also being considered an authority on various agricultural subjects. On November 23, 1876, Mr. Shull was married to Eleanor, daughter of John and Nancy A. Crawford, from which union have resulted two chil- dren: Truman W., born November 27, 1881, and Anna M., born ^larch 28, 1883. The family are members of the United Brethren church, of which Mr. Shull has been a class leader and steward, and he was for some time JOHN Z. SAMPSON. This gentleman, one of the prosperous farmers of Amanda township, is descended on the side of both mother and father from early settlers of Hancock county. The family originated from Eli and Ann Sampson, who emigrated from Maryland in the early part of the nineteenth century and took part in developing Hancock county. Among their children was a son named David, wdio was born in Jackson township and became a prosperous farmer, accumulated considerable wealth and rose to a position of prominence in his community. He was influentially connected with township affairs and served both as superintendent and trustee. David Sampson married Melinda Hoy, a member of the old pioneer family of that name, and of their ten chil- dren seven are living. The father lost his life in 1899, as the result of being struck by a falling tree, but his widow still survives in a good old age. John Z. Sampson, son of the last mentioned couple, was born in Amanda 572 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY township, March 30, 1864, and has spent all his life in the locality of his nativity. He attended the township schools and finished his education at Mount Blanchard. After leaving school he "buckled down" to hard work and has ever since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He has pros- pered, and at present owns a neat place of seventy-five acres in Amanda township, which is devoted to general farming and stock-raising. He is of industrious habits, a good manager and altogether one of the representa- tive men of the generation of farmers who have come up in Hancock county since the Civil war. On September 4, 1894, Mr. Sampson was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Dragoo, of Indiana, but has no children. They are members of the Methodist Protestant church and are good citizens of the community in every sense of the word. D. W. FITCH. The purpose of this brief sketch will be to give the life history of one of Hancock county's live and progressive agriculturists, who has also made a success in other lines of business. The parents of the subject of this sketch were William and Martha Fitch, both natives of Pennsylvania, the father from Beaver county of that state. In 1837 they came to Ohio and located on one hundred and sixty acres of land in Wyandot county, which they entered from the government. William Fitch was a good farmer, a worthy citizen and a true Christian in every sense of the word, for many years being prominently connected with the Presbyterian church and for several years serving as elder. His wife was a godly woman, wdiose kind and beneficent training is still remembered by her loving children. The husl^and passed away in 1857, and the wife in 1890. Their son, D. W. Fitch, was born in Wyandot county, Ohio, on the 4th day of May, 1845; the old homestead was the scene of his boyish pleas- r.res and sorrows, and in the familiar schoolhouse he learned the lessons and received the discipline in common with the other boys of the neighborhood. His principal vocation in life has been farming, but he has also tried other pursuits; for five years he conducted a grocery store in Hardin county, Ohio, to which county he removed in 1883; in 1890 he went to Findlay, Hancock county, and became the agent of a publishing house. He finally turned his attention to farming and at first rented land, moving about from place to place, as is the custom, in this and Wood counties; in 1894 he sus- tained a great loss, when his house and all its contents were destroyed by the flames. In 1900 he purchased his present farm of one hundred and twelve CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 573 iicres of valuable land and is now devoting it to general farming, in which he has been very successful. In 1867 Mr. Fitch was married to Sarah Andrews, who was born in London, England, and came to America when she was seven years of age. They have four children : Florence, Ivy, Frank and Hazel. :Mr. Fitch has filled wath credit several township offices, and has a good record m every de- partment of life. DAVID U. CHAMBERS. The family of Chambers, though identified with Ohio from an early period, is of Virginia origin. Elias Chambers, founder of the name in the Buckeye state, married Catherine Stockman, of Pennsylvania, and settled in Crawford county, Ohio, as far back as 1825, entered one hundred and twenty acres of timbered land and made the first use of his trees to build a cabin. This pioneer couple had seven children: Susan, the first born, afterward Mrs. Steen, was an infant at the time of the settlement; William, deceased; Catherine, who married J. Steen ; Peter, deceased ; David ; Daniel ; and Aaron. David Chambers, fifth of these children, was born in Crawford county, Ohio, December 24, 1833, and grew to manhood at the place of his nativity. Shortly after reaching his majority he came to Hancock county, where he \vorked by the day for various persons and eventually was em- ployed to do farm work for his uncle, William Chambers, on the place which he now owns. He has made it one of the desirable farms of Big Lick town- ship, the land being highly improved and cuhivated by up-to-date methods. He has gained standing, not only as a good farmer, but as a model citizen, and has filled acceptably the office of constable, trustee and other township offices. April 26, 1859, David Chambers was married to Sarah A., daugh- ter of Samuel and Eliza (Smith) Sargent, natives of Hampshire county, West Virginia, who came to Ohio in 1825. The children of this union are Nora C, David V., Greely, Delia, Clinton, Cora and Wesley. David U. Chambers, second of the above enumerated children, was born on his father's farm in Big Lick township, Hancock county, Ohio, Septem- ber 4, 1866, and grew to maturity in the usual manner of l)oys of his class. He attended the neighborhood schools in term time and nt other periods assisted with the farm work, learning those details of the business which were to be useful to him in after life. In 1890 he became the owner of eighty acres of valuable land in Big Lick towaiship, which he has since cultivated and made his place of residence. He devotes his place to general farming and stock- 574. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY raising, not attempting any fancy farming, and is regarded as one of the most promising of the younger generation of agriculturists in his part of the county. He is industrious and ambitious, as all the surroundings will show, his farm being kept in good order, and equipped with all the modern conveniences. Mr. Chambers has neither sought nor cared for office in a general way, but at the urgency of his neighbors accepted the position of township trustee, and served efficiently for three years. In the fall of 1889 Mr. Chambers was united in marriage with Miss Isadore, daughter of John and Sarah Bright, the bride being a native of Big Lick township and born there December 7, 1867. The five children resulting from this union are: Lillian M., born November 7, 1890; Edna C, born November 15, 1891 ; Garnet R., born May iy, 1894; Audrey C, born March 22, 1898; and Mabel D., born July 31, 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Chambers are both consistent members of the Evangelical church, in which the former holds the position of trustee. SAMUEL B. THOMAS. This gentleman deserves to be ranked among the early pioneers, as he is a native of Ohio and has lived in the state for eighty years. He is a son of James and Mary A. (Campbell) Thomas, both natives of Lxland, where the former was born in 1784 and the latter in 1786. They emigrated to America in 1818, first locating at Norfolk, Virginia, where they made a short stay and then moved to Pennsylvania, from which place they subsequaitly migrated to Wayne county, Ohio. In 1835 they came to Hancock county, where Mr. Thomas purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, upon which he erected a log hut, eighteen by twenty feet, and there resided for several years. By much hard work these worthy immigrants succeeded in impro\ing this land until it became a ^'aluable farm. Mr. Thomas was a hard working man, possessed that geniality for which his countrymen are so well noted, and l)y his upright life gained a multitude of friends. Both him- self and wife were members of th Presbyterian church, and they followed out the precepts of their religion in their daily intercourse with their fellow men. Mr. Thomas died in Hancock county, August 10, 1870, and his wife passed away January 6, 1868. Of their family of twelve children five are still living, including Samuel B. Thomas, the subject of this sketch, who was born in Wayne county, Ohio, July 9. 1822. At the age of twelve years he moved with his parents to Han- cock county, where he was brought up to do all kinds of farm work and re- mained at home until 1847. ^^ that year he was married to Miss Elizabeth CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 575 Struble, by whom he had three children: Mary A., Bradford and Ahiia, the latter deceased. In 1845 Mr. Thomas purchased the farm on which he now resides, consisting of eighty acres, which he lias brought to a high state of cul- tivation and devotes to general farming. He has greatly improved the place in every respect, especially by the erection of substantial buildings, con- structed on the most modern plan and especially adapted to the duties for which they are designed. Everybody speaks of Samuel B. Thomas as a suc- cessful citizen who can be relied upon to meet evei-y contract, wliether it be in writing or not, and he conscientiously performs every duty to his fellow man both in public and in private life. CHARLES S. JOHNSTON. This gentleman is conspicuous in Marion township as the owner of a valuable dairy farm cansisting of one hundred and twenty acres, which is devoted to general faiTning and stock-raising. He keeps thirty cows of a superior Jersey breed, mostly registered, besides a lot of young stock. He deals extensively in cream and sells twenty gallons of this product per day. His parents were David and Elizabeth (Griggs) Johnston, the former born in Fairfield county, Ohio, January 19, 1819, and the latter in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, August 14, 1823. They were married in Fairfield county, and in 1853 removed to Hancock county, where they located on the farm now owned by their son, H. H. Johnston, who also conducts an exten- sive dairy. The eighty acres originally purchased contained but few im- provements, but in the course of years this land was cleared and made valuable. Commodious buildings were erected and other changes made, Avhich have brought the farm up to the highest standard characteristic of that section of Ohio. Mr. Johnston, both in his private and business life, enjoys the reputation of being a good, honest and trustworthy man, who not only preaches but practices the golden rule. He was a consistent member of the United Brethren church, in which he held the position of class-leader and also other offices of importance. His house had the reputation of being the "preachers' home," owing to the fact that Mr. Johnston so often and so hospitably entertained the gentlemen of the cloth. This worthy man died in 1883, but his widow still survives and is enjoying the evening of life surrounded by hosts of friaids and children, who regard her with the utmost affection. The latter, four in number, are named as follows : Sam- uel, born in October, 1844; Mary A., born July 15. 1846. and is now de- ceased; Charles S.. born May 30, 1848; and H. H. The great-great-grand- 576 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY mother of Mrs. Elizabeth Johnston was a Miss Huffman, of royal blood and an English princess, who during the uprising in Ireland fell in love with an Irish nobleman, but he being outside the royal family his wife was disin- herited and afterward fled with her husband to America, where their de- scendants became valiant soldiers in defense of American independence dur- ing the Revolutionary struggle. Charles S. Johnston, the third of the children in order of birth and the subject of this sketch, grew up on the farm and became thoroughly familiar with all the details connected with agricultural pursuits. He has held a position of prominence and influence both in business and political circles, serving as justice of the peace and a member of the county executive Re- publican committee for a number of years. He is rather fond of politics and always takes an active interest in the political contests, both local and general. On October 20, 1870, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth, a daugh- ter of Josiah and Elizabeth (Miller) Connor, and the result of this union, which has been an ideally happy one, has been the birth of eight children: Winifred M., the eldest of these, is now a practicing physician in Findlay; Effie and Jennie are dead; Edward and Fred are twins; D. M. ; William M.: and Frank, deceased. Mr. Johnst(jn juuxhased the farm wliich he is now conducting in 1887, and has greatly improved it by the erection of the commodious residence and other valuable buildings especially adapted to the dairy Inisiness. In addition to being regarded as an up-to-date farmer and successful stock-raiser Mr. Johnston ranks as one of the most popular citizens of his township. CHARLES BEAMER. A mention of the prominent farmers of Washington township would hardly be complete without noting the name of this representative of the agricultural interests, who owns and operates a farm of one hundred and ninety acres. The family of which he is an honored representative is of Pennsylvania Dutch descent. He is the son of George and Elizabeth (Study) Beamer. George Beamer was born in the state of Maryland in 1791, and Elizabeth Study was born in Pennsylvania in 1809. They married in Penn- sylvania, where they lived for a number of years, and in 1848 located in Hancock county. Ohio. Mr. George Beamer had been a soldier in the war of 1812, and in compensation he received, besides his regular pay, a grant of land from the government. He located on a farm of eighty acres of virgin soil, upon which he built the usual log cabin, and endured all the hardships CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY $77 which were the lot of the hardy band of pioneers of that early day. George Beamer, like most of his neighbors, was a poor man, but he was not to be kept poor, for he was hard working, honest and trustworthy, qualities which coupled wilh a keen business judgment and foresight, made him successful in the securing of a competence. He was not a man who sought office, but de- lighted in the support of tlie principles of the Democratic party. His family consisted of twelve children, all of whom grew to maturity but two, and seven of tliis number survive at the present writing, whose names are as fol- lows : Eve, Mary A., Barbara, George, ^Villiam, Charles and Addison. The father of this family died in 1868, his wife having lived a period of six years longer. Charles Beamer was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, July 10, 1838, and as he was ten years old when his parents came to Hancock county, most of his education was received in Big Lick township. He has fitted himself by years of toil and varied experience for his vocation in life, that of a farmer, and has proved himself pre-eminently successful. When he became of age he went out in the world with a full determination to reach the climax before the evening of life overtook him. The evidences of forethought, energy and push are seen in his well kept farm, and in his handsome and convenient buildings. As lie remarked to the writer himself "the whole state of Ohio was bequeathed to me at my majority that I might make a living in it." In 1862 when his country needed men true and loyal to defend the integrity of the Union and prevent its disruption, he patriotically responded to his country's call. As a member of Company G, One Hundred and Eight- eenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, he battled for three years for the supremacy of "old glory." During that time he participated in the following battles : Mossy Creek, Nashville, Buzzards Roost, Franklin, Fort Fisher, and many minor engagements and skirmishes. During all that period he was faithful to his trust and was honorably discharged at Cleveland, Ohio, in 1865, with a knowledge that he had done his duty to the country he so much loved. For four years following the war he resided at home, but in 1869 he purchased his father's property in Big Lick township, buying out the heirs. This property he has so remodeled and improved as to make it appear almost as another place. The property, it might be noted here, was formerly the home of Michael Roller. Mr. Beamer is popular in the ])olitical arena, having served honorably and successfully as a trustee of his township, has been a member of the school board for long years, and is ever ready to take part in any enterprise that looks to the improvement of the citizens of his community. He was mar- 578 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY ried in Xovember of t866, to Miss Liicinda, the daughter of Moses and Mary McAiielly. His children are as follows : Perry, Lewis, Corlin, Irene and Mary E. Mrs. Beamer is a native of the township in which she resides, having been there born in 1841. Islv. and Mrs. Beamer stand high in the community where they have so long made their home, and no citizens of Big Lick township are more highly honored or respected. ISAAC TEATSORTH. Isaac Teatsorth is the descendant of James and Margaret Thompson Teatsorth, who were natives of Pennsylvania, the former having been born September 4, 1802, the latter November 6, 1804. They married Sep- tember 14, 1826, and removed in early life to Harrison county, Ohio, where they remained a number of years, and where some of their children were born. In 1833 they removed to Findlay, Ohio, where they located, and James being an experienced miller, erected and operated a mill for the manufacture of various kinds of bread stuffs. In this business he prospered, his mill hav- ing been located where now stands the building in which the people belonging to the Church of God vvorship. In 1849, when the California fever was at its height, he made the journey to that country, where in a few years he amassed wealth enough to answer as a competence for the remainder of his days. He returned to Findlay and purchased a substantial home, where he lived out the remainder of his days, dying November 3, 1880. His wife lived until 1886, when on the 27th of September, she also died. In politics James Teat- sorth was a Democrat, and while he made no pretensions as a professor of religion, he was an upright man in his private life. His family numbered nine children, four of whom are living: Ganett, who was born in 1828; Isaac, the subject of this sketch, who was born on May i. 1830; Abraham, born in 1832; and the youngest son, James, born in 1846. Isaac, whose name heads this biography, is one of the well known and substantial men of his township, where for twenty-five years he has success- fully carried on milling". He was born in Harrison county, Ohio, and re- moved with his father to Findlay when only three years of age. He does not remember when he did not know something about a grist mill, being so intimately connected with his father from a very early period in his boyhood, and the latter, indeed, left him to attend to the running of the establishment much of the time. His education was received at Findlay in the common schools. He was married to Miss Mary A., daughter of Henry and Maria Folk, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 579 on May 30, 1856. To the union were born Elida, April 3, 1857; Charles, deceased, born August 30, 1858; Emma E., August 21, i860; Sophia \V., deceased, born November 9, 1862, Henry L., deceased, born July 4, 1865; George W., August 27, 1873; Clyde R., deceased, born February 19, 1875. Our subject removed from Findlay in 1874, and located in Hardin county, Ohio, where for the next two years he engaged in milling. On June 25, 1876, he purchased his present home and mill property. He man- ufactures all kinds of flour and feed, the mill having a capacity of one hun- dred barrels per day. In 1901" the city of Findlay purchased his dam privileges, since which time he has retired from active business. Mr. Teat- sorth has four oil wells on his place, and his own home is lighted and warmed from his own wells. Mrs. Teatsorth is a lady of many gentle traits of character, and was born in Perry county, Ohio, April 3, 1833. ^^^ father, Henry Folk, died July 28, 1878, having lived to the advanced age of seventy- five years. Her mother, Maria Folk, died June 17, 1842, at a very early age. Her grandfather. Nicholas Folk, was one of the early settlers of his section of the state, having entered, his one hundred and sixty acres in 1831. ISAAC M. GREENE. Isaac M. Greene is the son of a veteran in more ways than one. His father was one of the first settlers of Hancock county and one of those who sacrificed time, prospects and life for their country upon the field of battle. On the maternal side Isaac is descended from the Hollenbacks of Fairfield county, where both his parents were born. John Greene, the father, was a farmer and sawyer who spent the best years of his manhood in leveling the forest and making the wilderness a fit place for civilization. When the struggle between the north and the south was on, he entered the One Hun- dred and Eighteenth Ohio Regiment of Volunteer Infantry for three years of active service. He lost his right arm in battle, and though small attention was paid to it at the time, he never fully recovered from the shock and in 1877 died from the effects of his wound. His wife Catherine is still alive. Seven of his nine children are living, four in Hancock county. Isaac M. Greene has always lived in this county. He was born August 10, 1852, and got his education at home and in the district school. He very early went to farming, and has always been a hard worker and an honest man. He is thoroughly progressive and is now busily engaged in improving a new farm of eighty acres bought in 1902. On February 18, 1875, he was united in marriage to Miss Percy Handshy, a daughter of 58o CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Sebastian and Sarah Handshy, early settlers of this county. She was one of nine children, of whom five are living. Mrs. Greene was born in this county in 1850. She has made for her husband a very happy home. Once has a shadow come into their wedded life. On February 19, 1900, the angel of death hovered near and bore away the nineteen year old son Ira. Two sons only remain to them; they are: Hiram L., born February 5, 1876; and Marion O., born May 29, 1883. Ira A. was born on January 26, 1881, Mr. Greene belongs to the "Christian Union." GEORGE M. GOODMAN. This gentleman is one of the younger agriculturists of Hancock county, but has by his superior ability in the farming line and by consistent aufl earnest effort established for himself a reputation in that class not surpassed by many of the older farmers of tlie county. He resides in Marion township, and conducts an estate of six hundred acres of very valuable farming land. He was born in the township and on the present farm on the 24th of Novem- ber, 1872. He is a man of superior education and intelligence, having had the advantages of both the lower and the higher grades of the Findlay public schools, and to this was added a course in the best business college in this section. He selected the vocation of a farmer from choice rather than from necessity. He is a young man of very great promise, and a bright future greets his progressive steps. In matters of religious faith Mr. Goodman is an acti\-e supporter of the Methodist church, and is found ready at all times to give his support and influence to any enterprise that promises to advance the educational and re- ligious life of the community. To preside o\'er his home he selected Miss Bertha Hayes, the date of the marriage being October 19, 1900. She is a young lady of many graces of character, accomplished in manner, and of the very best breeding. She is the daughter of John C. and Calixta Hayes, and was born and reared in Hancock county. Mr. Goodman is the son of Lawrence and Barbara (Mack) Goodman. The Goodmans are of German descent, the father having been a native of the fatlierland, while the mother was born in Fairfield county, Ohio. Lawrence Goodman was a child of eight years when he crossed the ocean with his par- ents. They located in Marion township, where his father Joseph purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land and engaged in agricultural pursuits during the remainder of his life. The Goodmans have always been sup- porters of the Lutheran church. The father of our subject was reared with CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 581 such advantages of education as could be procured in that early day. He was a first class business man and a practical and successful farmer. When he arrived at maturity, he purchased a farm of eighty acres in Alarion town- ship, and at intervals added to this original farm, until he became the owner of nine hundred acres. This was accomplished by hard personal labor on the farm rather than by any of the arts known to business. He combined with a cool head and fine judgment as to the future development of the country a splendid physical constitution. In connection with the accumulation of real estate in the country he early saw the advantage of investing in city real estate, and thus accumulated considerable property in Findlay. He died at the comparatively early age of fifty-six years in May, 1901. He had married twice, two children having come to him during his first marriage, and four by his second. The mother of our subject was his first wife. A. H. SMITH Well known in Hancock county, Mr. Smith is a worthy representative of its farming interests, and is a man whose sterling traits of character ha^'e made him popular with his business or social connections. He resides in Cass township on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which he devotes to general produce. He was born in Big Lick township October i, 1852, and is the son of George W. and Mary (Hoyt) Smith, both of whom are natives of New York state. His father is of Scotch parentage. This couple came to Hancock county, in 1844, and located in Big Lick township, purchas- ing a farm of two hundred acres, most of which was in its primitive wild state. During his residence in the county George W. Smith made a reputa- tion for honest dealing, and filled in his time several of the township offices with credit. He was a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he was an active worker, having been for many years a member of the governing board of that organization. Politically he favored the policies of the Republican party. His birth occurred in 1821, and he died in Hancock county in 1893; his wife, Mary, was born in 1819 and survived him, dying at the age of seventy-five. Their family numbered: ]\Iary A., Aurilla, Amelia, A. H., M. C., Elmer J., Arabelle. and Myrtie. A. H. Smith, who forms the subject of this review, received his early training and education in the township schools of Big Lick township, and with the exception of eight years spent in Findlay in handling agricultural implements his life has been devoted entirely to agricultural pursuits. He purchased his present farm in 1886, on which he has since resided. He 582 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY farms largely on the intensive plan, using a rotation of crops to enrich his fields, and is a lover of good stock, of which he has a large number on his farm. On December i, 1873, he was united in marriage to Maggie A., daughter of Eli and Susanna Nead, and born on the farm where she now re- sides. To this union there was no issue. The circle of friends of which Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the center is extensive, and the regard in which they are held in their community is uniform. GEORGE W. ELSEA. One of the leading farmers and influential citizens of Marion township, Hancock county, for a long period of years, was this gentleman, George W. Elsea, now deceased. He resided on a farm in Marion township containing one hundred and twenty-five acres of valuable land, and during his life time devoted his entire attention to its cultivation. The date of his birth was May 17, 1842, the place being Eagle township in this county. Here he was reared and educated, and here he also began active life as a farmer. His parents were Moses and Mary A. Elsea, both of whom were natives of Pick- away county, Ohio, and subsequently removed to Hancock county. They in their time were among the substantial and practical people of the country, and reared a family of useful and respected children, who continue to honor the name. When George W. came to maturity he adopted the calling of his people before him, and removed to the farm on which his widow now resides, in ]868. During the time of his residence there, he made vast improvements, erecting many modern buildings, and in other respects improved the farm, making it one of the most desirable rural homes in the county. He was a most practical farmer, and in his public relations was a loyal citizen and in his private relations a true and loving husband and father. He was greatly devoted to the church, having very early in life connected himself with the Methodist Episcopal denomination. During his life it was his delight to devote his talents to the cause of the Master in his lay position. He served for a long period of years. as Sunday-school superintendent, and for much of his life was the main stay of the local church. In 1863 he married Miss Mary A., the daughter of Jacob and Susannah Altman. This lady was born on the 5th of October, 1842, and belonged to one of the old and most respected families of Hancock county, whose history will be read elsewhere in this volume. She bore our subject five children, as follows: William S., born December 13, 1868, married Carry Essex, and to CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 583 this union have been born, Clarence, Edith, Phihp and Leonard; Lemuel G., April 2, 1871, married Jennie Shuck, and they have one child, Eva; Mary N., May 27, 1874; Amanda J., April 12, 1878, married Mr. R. B. Hempy; and Lawrence A., August 6, 1880. Mrs. Elsea resides upon the old home farm, and continues to merit the love and esteem of her children and neighbors. JOHN W. ZELLER. Twenty-five years continuous service as superintendent of schools of the city of Findlay is evidence quite sufficient to mark Professor Zeller as a prom- inent figure in the educational interests of the great state of Ohio. During all of that period he has been prominently connected with every movement that had for its object the forwarding of educational interests, not only in his own state, but in the country at large. He is now and has been, for years in close touch with the master minds in the educational fields of our country, and is a man who has done a very large amount of personal work in securing the excellent and unsurpassed school system with which the citizens of Find- lay are favored. We do not desire to present the life history of Professor Zeller here as presenting any points which are particularly remarkable. It, however, will not be without its value, as it may teach some youth the fact that only per- sistent effort is necessary to advance himself in the educational field. Pro- fessor Zeller was born in Union township, Hancock county, January 22, 1849. The period of boyhood was passed on the farm, on wdiich he engaged in its activities, there building the physical frame and laying the foundation of that health which has ahvays attended him subsequently. He attended the country school of his district during the winter time until he was seven- teen years of age. At that period he felt qualified to enter the active duties of the school room as a teacher, and for the next six years he was found in the school room in the winter and during the summer in the activities of the farm, and in further enriching his mind for the profession of teaching. He later entered the Ohio State Normal University, at Ada, and in 1874 com- pleted the course, being a member of the first graduating class of that insti- tution. His first work in the profession after graduation was undertaken in Grant, Logan county, Ohio, where he organized the public schools of the village and was superintendent for two years. Not satisfied with his equip- ment, Professor Zeller, entered Mount Union College, where he com- pleted the philosophical course, and was given the degree of Ph. B. In 584 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY passing it is worthy of note to remark here that this college in 1885 conferred on him the degree of Ph. M. ; in 1891 he began a political science course at Ann Arbor for the degree of Ph. D., but not being able to complete that course since their rules required a year's residence at the school, Professor Zeller finished the conrse at Findlay College, and received from this institu- tion in 1892 the degree of Ph. D. After receiving his degree from Mount Union College in 1876, Professor Zeller prosecuted his studies still further at the Ohio Xormal University, where he took up the study of languages, also acting as a tutor in the university. It was in the summer of 1877 that the first election of Professor Zeller as superintendent of the public schools of Findlay occurred. He entered upon the work with enthusiasm, and it was but a very brief period until the public schools of Findlay began to be noted o\'er the state as being peculiarly excel- lent, and this reputation has since clung to the school. When Professor Zeller took charge of the Findlay schools, the population of Findlay was only a little over four thousand inhabitants, and there was a corps of sixteen teachers, with fifteen schools, all contained in three buildings. To-day there are eighty-two teachers connected with the schools, fourteen buildings and seventy-four rooms exclusive of the magnificent high school building, which has a faculty of eight teachers. All of these buildings are of the most substantial nature, being built of brick, and furnished with every kind of apparatus that is neces- sary for the conduct of a modern up-to-date school. The value of the three buildings when Professor Zeller took charge was but $45,000. The figures which cover the valuation to-day are $300,000. All this advance has been made under the efficient administration of Professor Zeller. During these years the city has grown from a village of four thousand inhabitants to a city of twenty thousand, and the number of school children has increased from eight hundred to about four thousand. The one thing, however, which among others is probably the greatest monument to the labor and zeal of Pro- fessor Zeller is the superb high school building finished in 1901, at a cost of about $65,000. This building is one of the best in the United States, being equipped with every convenience and necessity from a sanitary standpoint, and stands as a monument to the public spirit of the citizens of Findlay. It contains besides all the modern conveniences for the health and comfort of the three hundred and fifty high school pupils a handsome auditorium with a seating capacity of one thousand, which is not only used by the pupils for assembly purposes, but brings an annual income of $600 a year as a place for the holding of public entertainments. This money is set aside for replenish- ing the high school library and for the decoration of the rooms. The heating CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 585 and the ventilation plant is of the most perfect construction, maintaining the temperature of the rooms and halls automatically. In political belief Professor Zeller adheres to the party of Lincoln and Garfield, and has never been backward about taking part in its public work. He has acted as a delegate from Hancock county to three of the state conven- tions, and was at the last election the nominee on the Republican ticket as a member of the state school commission. As stated in the first part of this review. Professor Zeller is exceedingly active in matters pertaining to his profession. He is ever alert to the organization of associations for the im- provement of teachers. He was instrumental in the organization years ago of the Ohio Teachers' Association, of which organization he has several times served on the executive committee, and has twice been elected president. For the past ten years he has been a member of the legislative committee of the Ohio State Teachers Association, and has also served on the executive com- mittee of this association, and has been president of the section devoted to superintendency. In institute work Professor Zeller is well known all over the state, having conducted institutes in thirty-four different counties. In 1881 he was granted a state life certificate to teach in the schools of Ohio. The fact that our subject began his school work in the country schools of the county and at the early age of seventeen, and then advanced step by step from the rural schools to the village and town schools, rising to the superintendency in the schools of one of the best cities in the state, puts him in touch with every phase of the school system of the Buckeye state. This knowledge he has gained by continuous experience of thirty years, which experience makes him familiar vv-ith the needs and wants of our public schools. Not only in the school room and school matters does Professor Zeller interest himself, but in any line which is meant for the advancement of the interests of young people. He has for long years been prominently identified w^ith the Young Men's Christian Association movement and is at the present time a member of the board of directors for the city of Findlay. He is an active worker of the Methodist Episcopal church, being at the present time a member of the board of stewards, upon which board he has served for twenty years. He was one of the organizers of the branch of the Methodist denom- ination on the north side of the city known as the Howard Methodist church, and for years was a member of the board of trustees. He was also active in the erection of what is known as the Heck Methodist church in Findlay. In connection with his duties as superintendent of schools. Professor Zeller has interested himself in the public institutions of the city, giving aid and comfort to every enterprise that meant the advancement of Findlay. He w^as a mem- 586 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY ber of the Fincllay Natural Gas Company, the pioneer company of the north- ern Ohio oil fields, which drilled the first well for gas not only in Ohio but in the whole northwest. This well was drilled in 1886 at Findlay, and the de- velopment which has followed that first enterprise is well known to all. The family life of Professor Zeller has been a happy one; he was joined in marriage in 1874, in Warren county, Ohio, to Julia, daughter of Thomas M. Abell. GEORGE S. STOUGH. Among the young and enterprising agriculturists of Hancock county we take pleasure in presenting this name, a gentleman who, in the brief time he has been engaged in that line, has given evidence of superior ability, Mr. George S. Stough resides at the present time in Allen township, where he -Qwns eighty acres of valuable land, which he devotes to general produce. He was born in Cass township in 1867, and is the son of Christian and Maria (Eckert) Stough. He received the ordinaiy education given by the district school, and that other education which is only acquired by hard knocks in the service of Dame Nature on the farm. The thoroughness of this latter training is responsible for the success he is making. The event which rounded out the life of Mr. Stough to its fulness occurred March 8, 1888. On that day he was joined in marriage to Miss Annie, daughter of John W. and Adaline Hudson, of Allen township. The birth of seven children followed this marriage : Chlove ; Collin F. ; Gail ; Glen ; Bessie, deceased ; Gladys, deceased; and Ralph. Mrs. Stough was born in Allen township in 1869. Christian Stough, the father of our immediate subject, was born in Ash- land county, Ohio, in 1846, and was a lad of seven years when he, with his parents, George and Ann Stough, removed from Ashland county to Han- cock, where they bought a quarter section of land in Allen township. This land was entirely primitive except a small tract of six acres, and the family thus had the hard labor of clearing the farm for cultivation. Young farmers, like our immediate subject, can hardly appreciate the labor by which they have come into their inheritance. Mr. George Stough was an excellent citizen, a member of the Evangelical church, and a man in wdiom his neigh- bors placed implicit confidence. He reared a family of ten children, four of whom are living: Daniel, Louise, Henry and Christian. The father died on June 13, 1898, his wife having preceded him five years before. Chris- tian, the son of George, and the father of our subject, is at the present time CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 587 one of the substantial farmers in Allen township. His farm contains one hundred and sixty acres, and there is one gas well which produces gas for several homes. His family numbered three sons: George S., Charles J., and Guy. There is no family in Hancock county that stands higher socially or in a business connection than that of the Stoughs. They are honest, up- right in their dealings, and are held in high repute by their fellow citizens. JAMES L. PATTERSON. The Daily Courier is now one of the institutions of Findlay and a quantity to be reckoned with in the world of politics, business, industrial and social advancement. Its growth in a few years has been phenomenal, as from a feeble and insignificant sheet it has been advanced to a position of in- fluence, due to a large circulation and able management. The gentleman whose name is above given and who has been the chief agent in effecting this, received before entering the newspaper field precisely the training which seems to best fit a man for editorial work. In the first place he received a good general education; secondly he had large experience as a teacher and superintendent of schools, but better than all a thorough course in law at a first-class institution. With this equipment, aided of course by the practical knowledge acquired by actual contact with the world, Mr. Patterson took hold of the newspaper business and showed himself from the first to be well qualified for this exacting vocation. James L. Patterson, now editor and principal owner of the Daily and \Veekly Courier, was born on a farm in Noble county, Ohio, October 23, 1855. He had unusually good educational opportunities, included in which was attendance in the National Normal School at Lebanon, where he w.as graduated in the class of 1878, and a subsequent course at the Ohio Univers- ity, in Athens. In 1892 he entered as a student in the famous law school at Ann Arbor, Michigan, and was given his degree of Bachelor of Laws with the class that graduated in 1892. At the age of nineteen Mr. Patterson began teaching school in Noble county, Ohio, and continued in this occupation for three years. LTis next move was to Stockport, Ohio, where he was made superintendent of schools and retained this position two years. From there he went to McConnelsville, county seat of Morgan county, where he again joined the educational corps as principal of the high school, followed later by election as superintendent. He remained in this responsible position during the seven subsequent years, and then began the study of law, which termin- ated with his graduation at Ann Arbor. He was admitted to the bar in 1891, 588 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY previous to his graduation, but shortly after the latter event he made a move which diverted him from the field of law to that of journalism. Mr. Patter- son's first venture in that direction was the purchase of the Akron (Ohio) Times, which he effected shortly after leaving Ann Arbor. It was a Demo- cratic weekly paper, which, after retaining about one year, he disposed of to seek a better opening. Going to Portsmouth, Ohio, he bought the controll- ing interest in the Times, a weekly Democratic paper published at that place, and in the spring of 1894 added a daily edition, which he con- tinued to manage during the following four years. In 1898 he sold this plant and came to Findlay, where soon afterward he organized the Courier Com- pany, which purchased the material and name of a weekly and daily that had been running for some time, but does not seem to have prospered. This paper at the time of the purchase of the plant had about one hundred and fifty subscribers to the daily edition, which has been increased by the new manage- ment to a handsome list of about two thousand five hundred. Mr. Patterson, who owns the principal interest, was made manager and editor by the new- company, and it is chiefly to his skill and energy that the flattering success of the enterprise has been brought about. In 1888 Mr. Patterson was united in marriage with Miss Nettie B., daughter of George Benjaling, of McConnelsville. Aside from business cares he finds some time for fraternal association and holds memibership in the Masonic Order and the Knights of Pvthias. ABRAHAM ROETHER. One of the able and successful agriculturists of Pleasant township, who resides on his own farm and tills it to the best interests of himself and the soil, is Abraham Roether. Mr. Roetber was born in Berks county, Pennsyl- vania, on October 15, 1822. and is the son of William and Elizabeth Roether, who were both natives of Pennsylvania and there lived and died, numbered among the highly respected citizens. When Abraham was but six years of age, his parents removed to Lancaster county of the same state, and there the son grew to manhood, educated in the public schools of the neighborhood. At the age of nineteen our subject came to Wayne county, Ohio, and after making several removals in that state finally settled in Richland county, where his marriage to Mary Steck occurred on March 13, 185 1 ; she was a native of Switzerland and was born on March 7, 1828. To Mr. and Mrs. Roether were born eleven children, eight of whom grew to maturity, and six CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 589 of the number are still living: William H. ; Milinda A.; Rebecca J.; Mary E. ; Samuel W. ; and Reuben, who is postmaster at McComb. For nineteen years of his life Mr. Roether was a shoemaker, having learned the trade when a boy. In 1858 the family removed to Hancock county, where they located on the present farm in Pleasant township, of which at that time only a few acres were cleared. He first built a log house and in the course of time was enabled to build his present convenient resi- dence. His farm is now in a fine state of cultivation and yields good returns, a sure proof of Mr. Roether's progressive methods. The family are members of the Evangelical Association, in which Mr. Roether is class-leader and steward. Politically he is a Republican and has always cast his vote in the best interests of his county and state. Now in his old age he has reason to be proud of his long and useful career and he well deserves the esteem of all his acquaintances. GEORGE McLELLAN REYNOLDS. The man who works his way to the top in any business is always the man who is best posted and who knows when things are wrong just where to place his finger and what to advise. Certain kinds of work attract certain men, and if the opportunity does not present itself, the man seeks the op- portunity. Mr. George M. Reynolds has all his business life been connected with oil wells, and probably knows more about them than any one connected with him in his work. He was born on a farm in Erie county, Pennsylvania, in ] 863, where he lived and was educated until he was seventeen years of age. He then went to the Bradford, Pennsylvania, oil fields and started in the oil business, his first position being as a pumper; he then rose to be a driller, and soon began contracting to put down wells on his own account in other fields in his native state. He continued to work in the Pennsylvania fields up to 1888, when he went to the gas fields near Brandenburg, Kentucky, where he was engaged in sinking gas wells for four years. In 1892 he came to Findley, Ohio, and has been contracting for oil well drilling ever since, having been connected with some of the largest oil enterprises in that vicinity, his judgment being considered sound, owing to his wide experience. Besides his work as contractor he is also a producer on his own account in the Findlay re;:,non. Mr. Reynold's father was George Reynolds, who was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, in 1812, and died in 1886. He was a farmer and owned 590 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY and worked a large stone quarry. He married Arminta Wooley, of which union there were born eleven children, of whom six are now living. Two of Mr. Reynold's brothers served in the Civil war: Benjamin F., who was a private in a Pennsylvania regiment of infantry, and who served four years; he died in 1901. The other brother was Clark, who was also a private in a Pennsylvania regiment, and was killed in his first battle, at Fredericksburg. Mr. Reynold's grandfather was Anson Reynolds, a native of Pennsylvania. He was a farmer, and the Reynolds family is of old English stock. In 1889 Mr. Reynolds married Rose E. Dooley, and they have two chil- dren, William D. and Alton McLellan. ]\Ir. Reynolds is a Republican in political faith; he is a chapter Mason and belongs to the order of the Mac- cabees ; he has never affiliated with any religious body. WILLIAM BRENNER. The name of William Brenner at the present time is synonymous in the city of Findlay, Ohio, with sound financial standing and executive ability, and in a consideration of his career we find that he has a most admirable rec- ord and is certainly deserving of the success he has won. He is Russian born, and his ancestry have been prominent in social and industrial circles in that country for many generations. His father, Alexander Brenner, was a wholesale dealer in linen, flax and grain in the state of Kovina, Russia Po- land; he had fifty thousand acres of land and employed one hundred and fifty men to cultivate it. He lived to be nearly one hundred years old, and was prominent in many ways, having the distinction of being a friend of Czar Nicholas I of Russia. His wife was Freda Brenner, the daughter of a distinguished rabbi in Poland, who had been a member of the priesthood for forty-eight years. William Brenner was born of such worthy parents in the state of Ko- vina, Russia, on February 11, 1863. He had the advantages of education which European countries usually afiford young men of means, and after an extended course in which he studied Hebrew, German, Russian, Polish and Latin, he was graduated in 1882. Shortly after his graduation his father died, and his first experience in a business capacity was as secretary for the mayor of a city of forty thousand inhabitants. At an early age he became confirmed in his dislike for cards and drinking, and the character thus early strengthened has been his mainstay throughout life. A few years later he determined to leave the country to avoid the rigorous CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 59i military seivjce which is the bane of the youth of continental countries, and in 1888 he arrived in Castle Garden, New York, having seventeen cents in his pocket. He made his way to Michigan, and for one year was engaged in the scrap iron business. His arrival in Findlay was in 1889, and he made the beginning of his ultimate success by carrying on the scrap iron trade on a small scale, but he was one of the workers who have no conception of fail- ure or cessation of toil, and by 1893 he had earned by his industry and care- ful business methods fifteen thousand dollars. In 1900 he felt able to enlarge his enterprise and found a rolling mill. He formed a corporation and be- came its president and general manager, and he is practically owner of the concern. Four hundred men are employed in this large enterprise, and al- though at the time of this writing the mill is not in operation, owing to same labor difficulties, in a short time work will be resumed. With such an excellent record to his credit in the business world, it is pleasant to mention that Mr. Brenner w^as happily married in Toledo, Ohio, to Miss Sarah Sugarman, a daughter of a prominent clothing merchant of that city, and they now have three bright children in their home. Rose, Dora and Alice. Mr. Brenner is a stanch Republican, and about twelve years ago became a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; he is also a Maccabee. He has had a varied experience with bankers and busi- ness men, and he is known and esteemed as one of the most progressive and honorable citizens of Findlay. HERBERT V. BEARDSLEY, M. D. The true measure of success is determined by what one has accomplished, and, as taken in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is not with- out honor save in his ow^n country, there is particular interest attaching to the career of the subject of this review, since he is a native son of the place in which he has passed his active life, and so directed his ability and efiforts as to gain recognition as one of the representative citizens in Findlay. He is actively connected with a profession wdiich has close bearing upon the welfare of the community, and which is one of the most important callings to which man can devote his energies— the alleviation of human suffering, and in the line of his profession he has won notable and enviable distinction. The Doctor was born in Findlay in the year 1859, being a son of the late Daniel Baily Beardsley, who was born in Licking county, Ohio, May 12, 1832, and died in Findlay, Ohio, September 29, 1894. He was a son of Barney and 592 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Anna Beardsley, and was one of the oldest residents of Hancock county, hav- ing moved here with his parents in 1834, where he made his home until his death. In his early youth he lived on a farm and worked as a millwright with his father. Always a great student and reader, he obtained the best common school education possible in those early days, and for a number of years taught in this city, but finally began the study of law under the direction of Walker & West, of Bellefontaine, Oh.io, being admitted to the bar in 1856. For twenty-five years he served as a justice of the peace of Findlay, and also held a number of other offices. During the war of the Rebellion he was a deputy revenue collector, and was a man in whom the whole community had the most implicit confidence, being known throughout the county as " Honest IDan Beardsley." On the 22d of May, 1856, Mr. Beardsley was married to Jane Hoisington Summers, of Wayne county, Ohio, and they had one son, Dr. H. V. Beardsley, and four daughters, three of whom are living: Mrs. G. W. Ross; Mrs. W. I. Keefir and Mrs. S. T. Tyler. Mr. Beardsley wrote and had published a history of Hancock county, which contained many valu- able statistics, and more than two thousand volumes were sold to the old resi- dents of this locality. He was a member of many fraternal orders and was a Master Mason, having always taken great pride in attending the meetings of that order. Dr. Beardsley, of this review, was reared in the city of Findlay, and after attending the common schools until he had acquired his elementary education he entered Oberlin College, which he attended until the junior year. He also pursued a course in Cornell College, at Ithaca, New York, and then, determin- ing to make the practice of medicine his life work, was graduated in medicine in 1883, in the Cleveland Homeopathic College. He located for the practice of his profession in Ada, Ohio, where he remained for sixteen months, and then came to Findlay, where he opened an office and has since remained, de- voting his energies to the constantly increasing demands of his profession, his partonage steadily growing in volume and importance. In 1886 Dr. Beardsley was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Farrell, a daughter of John Farrell, and she died in 1896, leaving four children, as follows: John D., Frances E., Ruth A. and Geraldine. In 1898 the Doc- tor was again married, his second union being with Laura B., daughter of William M. Morehead. They have two children, Edith N. and Girard G. Dr. Beatdslev is a ])rominent and popular member of various fraternal orders. He belongs to the Kniglits of Pythias lodge; the Ancient Order of United Workmen, in which he was grand medical examiner of Ohio; the Tribe of Ben Hur. of which he is now past supreme chief; the Protective Home Circle; CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 593 the Knights of the Maccabees; the Woodmen of the World; the American Legion of Honor; and the Home Guards of America. In city affairs he is also prominent, and takes a deep and helpful interest in many measures for its good. For five years he was clerk of the city school board of Findlay, during which time school buildings were erected at a cost of three hundred thousand dollars. He is now the president of the city election board, serv- ing his second term of four years ; has four times been a delegate to the Re- publican state convention, twice to the congressional conventions and twice to the judicial conventions ; and is very active in politics, his labors being effec- tive in promoting the growth and insuring the success of his party. In the field of political life and professional activity he has won distinction, and to- day is numbered among the leading, influential and honored residents of his native city. ADAM GLECKNER. The Teutonic race is very generously represented in Hancock county. They are almost without exception good and honorable citizens, hard workers and possessed of the spirit of work. The above worthy representative of the common interests of the county is a native born German, where he first saw the light in the kingdom of Bavaria, June 6, 1846. He resides now in Big Lick township, where he cultivates a holding of one hundred and seventy- seven acres. At the age of eight years the parents of Mr. Gleckner, Peter and Susanna, crossed to this country, the great republic of which they had heard so much. Here they located in Seneca county, Ohio, where they en- gaged in agricultural pursuits until 1864, when they came to Hancock county. Here Peter Gleckner purchased a small farm which he cultivated to the time of his death, April 28, 1902. The date of the wife's death was May 29, 1897. They had but two children, one being deceased. Adam Gleckner received his early education in Seneca county, and re- moved here with his parents at the date above stated. Upon coming to ma- urity he purchased a small portion of land and at various times has added to this first purchase, reaching the acreage stated in the first part of this para- graph. November 17, 1868, he was joined in marriage to Amanda V. Little, born May 7, 1847, i^ ^ig Lick township. This lady died December 28, 1898, having proved an excellent wife to Mr. Gleckner and a loyal mother to her children, of whom she had two, Nora E., now the wife of Edwin L. Shoolroy, and John H. Mr. Gleckner gives his influence to every good work in the community, and does not stint his time in administering the unpaid 594 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY offices of the township. He served a period of seven years as trustee, and has been frequently on the school board and as census enumerator. He is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which body he is trustee. The chief pride of Mr. Gleckner is that he has unaided and alone carved out a place for himself in the society of the county, and that he stands now as one of the leading and most wealthy agriculturists in Hancock county. He is an honored and highly respected citizen and his sterling worth and high moral character attract to him a host of friends. NELSON H. MORRISON. Nelson H. Morrison, who is well known as one of the prominent agricul- turists of Marion township, Hancock county, is a native of Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, where in 1847 he was born, and where he received his training and education. He is the son of Alexander and Leah (Lowery) Morrison, also natives of Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, who were united in marriage in 1846. Their family numbered two children: Nelson H. and Catherine. Alexander was born in 1823 and was a manufacturer of woolen goods in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, but removed to Hancock county, Ohio, in 1876, where he purchased one hundred acres of land and turned his attention to farming the remainder of his life. His son. Nelson H., was engaged for a number of years in the woolen business also, but is by trade a harness maker. He now devotes himself to farming and carries on business where his father left off. He was married in 1866 to Miss Mary, daughter of Robert McDowell, and to them were born Emery, Charles, Clarence, Harry and Delia. FRANK R. CROVVELL. Frank R. Crowell is now identified with commercial interests in Findlay as proprietor of a grocery store. He was born in Sandusky, New York, in 1854, and is a son of Spencer Crowell, whose birth occurred in the Empire state and who died in 1877 at the age of sixty years. Joseph R. Crowell, a brother of our subject, joined the Union army during the Civil war, becoming a private of the One Hundred and Fifty-fourth New York Infantry, in which he served throughout the struggle. He was shot through the lungs at Look- out Mountain, but recovered his injury and died in the year 1891. To the district school system of his native state, Frank R. Crowell is indebted for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. He was reared CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 595 upon a farm in Cattaraugus county, New York, remaining there until he was twenty-six years of age, during which time he became famihar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He then left home, going to Allegany, New York, and was employed in the oil fields of that lo- cality for seven years, also spending a part of the time in a grocery store. In 1887 he came to Findlay, Ohio, and here began the manufacture of wooden oil tanks, which business he carried on profitably until 1901, when he estab- lished his grocery store, in which he has already secured a good patronage, and his trade is constantly increasing. In 1881 Mr. Crowell was united in marriage to Miss Ellen M. Sparks, and to them have been two children: Josephine M. and Frank M. In his political affiliation Mr. Crowell is a Democrat. In manner he is pleasant and genial, and has won many friends among his patrons as well as among his social acquaintances.