HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 327 schools when young but began to help his father as soon as his strength permitted and remained at home until he was twenty-eight years of age. He has made farming and stock raising his business and has been more than usually successful in promoting these industries. His home farm was formerly known as the old Perry Lee farm. Mr. Wyer has done practically all of the improving here, putting up all of the substantial buildings except the residence. It is well tiled and substantially fenced, this work also having been done by the present owner. Mr. Wyer was married March 22, 1879, to Miss Susan E. Hagerman who was born in Pennsylvania and is a daughter of Mahlan and Catherine (Wideman) Hagerman. Four children were born to this union, namely: Jessie May, who died aged two years; Stella, who is the wife of Clarence Knight, who operates Mr. Wyer's Amanda Township farm, and they have two children —Arthur Earl and Hazel Irene ; Mahlan Zell, who is his father's farmer, married Lottie Loy; and Alice Catherine, who is the wife of Roland D. Foreman, of Eagle Township, and they have one child, Evelyn Ellen. Mr. Wyer and family are members of the United Brethren church. In politics he is a Republican but is no office seeker. COL. JAMES A. BOPE, for many years was a representative member of the Hancock County bar, eminent in all lines of practice but especially so in railroad and corporation law. His military title was not one of mere compliment, but was valiantly won on the field of battle during his prolonged term of service in the Civil War. Colonel Bope was born at Winchester, Adams County, Ohio, November 30, 1832, and died at Findlay, October 25, 1908. In 1838 the parents of our subject moved to Lancaster, Ohio, which place remained his home until 1859, when he settled permanently at Findlay. In 1857 he was admitted to the bar and immediately entered into practice, his ability in his chosen profession meeting with instant recognition. In 1862, however, notwithstanding the bright professional future that was then practically assured to him, he put aside his personal ambition and offered his services to his country. Enlisting in Company D, 99th 0. Vol. Inf., he was made captain, and served in this capacity until July, 1864, when he was appointed acting inspector-general in Col. P. T. Swaine's brigade. At the head of his command in every time of danger, Captain Bope was frequently wounded but never seriously until the battle of Atlanta, from which field he was sent home by the late General Schofield, who never expected him to survive his injuries. In this supposition the veteran soldier was mistaken, for the young officer, spurred on by ambition and love of country, after some months, rejoined his regiment, that was then operating in North Carolina. Commissioned a lieutenant-colonel, he was then placed in command of the 99th and 50th consolidated regiments of Ohio Volunteer Infantry and served as such until he was mustered out of the army, in July, 1865. He participated in some of the most important of that long line of battles that left a trail of mourning over both North and South, and that even yet, after the passage of more than forty-five peaceful years, arouse patriotic emotion when they are recalled; among them, Perryville, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, and Missionary Ridge. 328 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY To have performed a hero's part in such a mighty conflict might have sufficed to confer enough distinction upon a young man to last a lifetime, but Colonel Bope came home from the wars to win equal prominence in a profession he loved, and one for which he was eminently fitted—that of the law. In political preference he was a Republican but from his party he sought no honors, the only public position he ever accepted being that of prosecuting attorney of Hancock County, the duties of which office he was performing at the time of his enlistment in the army. He was not a general practitioner, having early eliminated criminal cases from his line of professional work. His mind was analytical, deliberate and cautious, making him a safe counselor, and thus he was of inestimable value to great corporations in his state, large financial institutions, and important combinations of both public and private capital. For a number of years he was attorney for some of the leading railroad companies of Ohio, and for some years also served the city council of Findlay in the same position. As a citizen he was honored and esteemed; as a man he was respected and beloved. At different times he had business interests aside from his profession, and at the time of his death he was a member of the directing board of the First National Bank of Findlay. His life forms an inseparable part of the history of the city in some of its most important phases of development. In 1861 Colonel Bope was married to Miss Martha J. Meeks, a daughter of Rev. J. A. Meeks. Their son, Edward V. Bope, who is one of Findlay's prominent attorneys, retains his father's old office at No. 322 1/2 Main Street. He is a graduate of Kenyon College, of the class of 1885, and of the University of Michi gan, in 1887, in which year he was admitted to the bar. He married Miss Laila M. Ernest, a daughter of Jacob Ernest, of Fostoria, and they have one son, James A. They reside at No. 128 East Hardin Street. FRANK ARCHER, one of Portage Township's most respected citizens and an honored veteran of the Civil War, in partnership with his two sons owns 140 acres of valuable land here, which is divided into three farms. Mr. Archer was born in Bloom Township, Wood County, 0., March 1, 1841, and is a son of James and Nancy (Copes) Archer. James Archer came to Wood County, 0., from Ashland County and died there when his son Frank was four and one-half years old. His widow survived him for many years, her death taking place in 1876, at the home of a daughter, Mrs. William Wall, in Portage Township, Hancock County. Frank Archer grew to manhood in Wood County and obtained his education there. When the first call came for troops to preserve the Union, in April, 1861, he enlisted in Co. G, 21st 0. Vol. Inf., and served for three months and then returned home and occupied himself in recruiting until the fall of 1862, when he re-enlisted in the same company and regiment and served faithfully until January, 1864, when he was honorably discharged on account of disability. He was attached to the 14th Army Corps, the Army of the Cumberland, and he participated in a number of the great battles of the war, including Stone River and Chickamauga. After his military service was over, Mr. Archer returned to Hancock County and in 1865 settled on his present farm. When HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 329 he took possession the land was yet in an uncleared condition and without improvements and it required years of hard work to transform it into the richly cultivated and productive fields of the present. Mr. Archer resides on one tract containing sixty acres, situated in Section 4, near District No. 5 schoolhouse; his son Forest occupies one farm adjacent to his own but situated in Section 3 ; while the third farm, also of forty acres, is occupied by his son Wallace and it lies in Section 9, all in Portage Township. In 1874, Mr. Archer was married to Miss Cevnia Rader, who was born and reared near Van Buren, Hancock County, a daughter of David and Hannah Rader, and they have five children : Rhoda, who is the wife of William A. Black and they live in California and have two children—Merle and Harry ; Wallace, who married Amy Lightfoot and they have two children—Agnes and Daniel Franklin ; Forest, who married Emma McGee, and they have one daughter, Evalyn ; Nellie, who married -William Deter and they have two children—Thelma and Glenn ; and Zella, who resides at home. Mr. and Mrs. Archer are members of the Brethren church. ROSS WENTZ, who fills the responsible but very difficult position of superintendent of the Hancock County Poor Farm, is a native of Ohio and was born February 21, 1862, and is one of a family of thirteen children born to his parents who were Jacob C. and Jane (Michaels) Wentz, the former of whom died in 1891. Ross Wentz was reared on his father's farm and obtained his education in the public schools. He continued to engage in agricultural pursuits until he was appointed to his present office, in March, 1909. Mr. Wentz has the superintendence of over 228 acres of land and under his methods and excellent management, this land goes far in providing for the support and maintenance of the sixty-seven public charges. His administration of the affairs of the farm has proved very satisfactory to the county commissioners. On July 8, 1888, Mr. Wentz was married to Miss Carrie N. Bell, a daughter of James Bell, of Hancock County, and they have two children, Carl and Bertie P. Mr. and Mrs. Wentz are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is identified with the Odd Fellows and with the Democratic party. WILLIAM KRICHBAUM, who resides in Setcion 7, Van Buren Township, Hancock County, 0., on his valuable farm of 200 acres, is one of the representative agriculturists of this part of the county. He was born in Van Buren Township., October 15, 1870, and is a son of Peter and Catherine (Zearbaugh) Krichbaum. They were born in Germany and both came to Van Buren Township, where they married. and still reside, with their son. William Krichbaum was educated in a German school in Van Buren Township,. after which he worked at farming. His father had taken' up this land from the Government when he was a young man and owned 280 acres. For many years the father carried on farming and stock raising and his son continues these industries with a large amount of success. The buildings 330 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY were all put up by the father. The land is in good condition and all but forty-five acres is well drained. On January 9, 1907, Mr. Krichbaum was married to Miss Matilda Glick, a daughter of John and Mary (Marquart) Glick, and they have one little daughter, Clara Dora. Mr. Krichbaum, like his father, is a Democrat and has served as school director and once as supervisor. The family belongs to the German Lutheran church at Jenera, 0. JOHN W. GIBSON, who has been a resident of West Independence, 0., since 1865, where he now lives retired, for many years was an active business man in Big Lick Township and other sections. He was born in Stark County, 0., in 1837, a son of James and Sarah (Bowers) Gibson. James Gibson was born in Pennsylvania in 1815 and died in Hancock County, 0., in 1900. He married Sarah Bowers, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1799 and died in 1868. They had five children : John W., B. F., Mrs. Nancy Burk, Isaac and James Henry. James Gibson came to Hancock County and on May 2, 1839, took up government land in Section 36, Big Lick Township, which remained the family home. John W. Gibson was two years old when he was brought to Big Lick Township and he grew up on the home farm and then learned the carpenter trade. He attended the school session held in the first log schoolhouse ever built in this township, this being in 1843. Mr. Gibson worked as a carpenter, later spent several years railroading and then operated a saw mill for a long time. In 1865 he came to West Independence and started the mill which is still operated by his son. In later years Mr. Gibson was terested in the threshing business and for some years operated his machine through the county. His different activities have made him well known to many people and in all sections of the county he has friends. In 1860, Mr. Gibson was married to Miss Susan Bolander, of Putnam County, 0., a daughter of Henry Bolander, and seven children were born to them, namely : John Fremont ; David P., who conducts a store at West Independence ; Emma, who married John Wynkoop, of West Alexander ; Levi Wesley, who is proprietor of a clothing store at Fostoria, for a number of years was postmaster at West Independence ; William, who operates the saw mill started by his father; and Milton E., who is a minister in the United Brethren church at Columbus Grove. Mr. Gibson has eleven grandchildren, as follows : Alberta, daughter of John Fremont ; Clara and Oland, children of David P. ; Floyd, Ralph, Fay and Allen, children of Emma ; Reba, who is a daughter of William ; and Lowell, Helen and Emerson, children of Milton E. They are all bright and intelligent and Mr. Gibson has great reason to take pride in his descendants. The family belongs to the United Brethren church at West Independence. In politics, Mr. Gibson is a Republican. He served acceptably for three years in the office of justice of the peace and for one year as constable. He is identified with both the Masons and Odd Fellows at West Independence. RUFUS E. TAYLOR, capitalist and well known citizen of Findlay, where he owns a beautiful home at No. 207 Center Street, HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 331 formerly and for many years, was closely identified with the oil interests of both Ohio and Pennsylvania. He was born June 6, 1859, in Geauga County, 0. When thirteen years of age he left home and joined his older brother, E. C. Taylor, who was then conducting a store at Petrolia, in the center of the Pennsylvania oil fields. That region, at that time, was a poor place for a lad of tender years and his brother soon sent him back to Ohio. To prove that he could be self-supporting, he worked for seven months on a farm in Lake County and then returned to Petrolia, where, when fifteen years of age he was earning a salary large enough to turn the head of any youth. When he left Petrolia a second time, his money had all been lost in oil speculation and he spent the next year hard at work in Connecticut. In the course of time the homing instinct took him back to Ohio, where he married and continued to reside for eighteen months and then spent six months in the oil business in Allegheny County, N. Y. In 1886, Mr. Taylor came to Findlay and with his experience in oil, was qualified as a desirable partner in oil enterprises, and shortly afterward became associated in this relation with H. A. Watts and E. C. Taylor. They formed a firm for the drilling of oil wells by contract and he continued with these partners until 1897, disposing of his interests after ten years of profitable work. During the following year Mr. Taylor enjoyed a period of travel and after he returned to Findlay was interested for several years in a local enterprise, from which he released himself in 1902. He is one of the city's capitalists, a state brought about through his own efforts, with no ad- vantages in early life, either educational or social. He is a stockholder in the Commercial Banking & Savings Company of this city. In 1880, Mr. Taylor was married to Miss Ella L. Leland, a daughter of William L. Leland. Politically he is a Republican and fraternally he is a 32nd degree Mason, an Odd Fellows, Elk and Knight of Pythias. Since possessed of capital, Mr. Taylor has been a generous citizen of Findlay and has been actively interested in her welfare, for one year serving very efficiently on the board of city improvements. HON. CHARLES BRIGHT, a former member of the Ohio State Legislature, a veteran of the Civil War and the owner of 353 acres of valuable farm land in Section 16, Marion Township, Hancock County, 0., belongs to one of the old pioneer families of Fairfield County. He was born in the log house that stood on his father's farm at that time, in Fairfield County, 0., December 28, 1835. His parents were David and Leah (Arnold) Bright. David Bright was born also in Fairfield County and was a son of David Bright, who was born in old Berks County, Pa., of German parents, who lived near Reading. Grandfather David Bright moved to Ohio in 1800, the land having been entered previous to that time. On that land David Bright the second grew to manhood, doing a large share of the clearing and developing. He was the second born in a family of five children, the others being: John, Mary, Sarah and Susan. He was twice married, first to Leah Arnold, who died in 1855, and his second wife was Susan Jessell, who sur- 332 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY vived him, his death occurring in 1889, when he was seventy-seven years of age. To his first union the following children were born : Charles; Samuel, who is deceased; Emily Jane, deceased, who was the wife of Adam Fisher, also deceased; James, who is deceased; Julia Ann, who is the wife of William Spangler ; and two children who died in infancy. To the second union two sons were born : David L. and John. The latter still lives on the old homestead. Charles Bright grew to manhood in Fairfield County and attended the district schools. In 1861 he enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering Co. F, 17th 0. Vol. Inf., and remained in the army for three years and six weeks, at that time receiving his honorable discharge. He was a brave and ready soldier and gained promotion, bearing the rank of sergeant at the close of his service. He participated in many decisive battles of the great struggle, among these being: Corinth, Wild Cat Mountain, Hoover's Gap, Buzzard's Roost, Jonesboro and Chickamauga, at times being in the very center of danger but escaped injury, the nearest to it being when he discovered that two bullets at the battle of Chickamauga had been stopped in their probably otherwise fatal errand, by his knapsack. Mr. Bright returned then to Fairfield County and was married there on September 25, 1866, to Miss Catherine A. Carnes. In the following spring they moved to Hancock County and he first bought 157 acres of his present farm from the David Tussing heirs and later added the rest of the land. In 1886 he completed the erection of his commodious and comfortable brick residence. Until he retired from active labor, he followed farming and stock raising and these industries are still carried on by his son, David R. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bright : John C., who is in the oil business; David R., who manages the farm, married Chloe Morehead, and they have one child, Marilyn; and Effie E., who is the wife of C. M. Wisely, of Findlay, and they have four children : Evelyn, Catherine, Ruth and Dorothy. Mr. Bright has long been prominently identified with the Republican party, and in 1893 he was elected to the Legislature and served most acceptably during one term in that body. RICHARD B. DEMING, a representative farmer and stock raiser of Portage Township, Hancock County, 0., owns 240 acres of valuable land, separated into two adjoining farms, one of 16o acres, in Section 10, on which he resides, and one of eighty acres, in Section 15, just south of the larger farm. He is a native of Portage' Township, born on a farm one-half mile from his present one, January 12, 1850, and is a son of Treat Deming and wife, both of whom died on their farm in Portage Township. Richard B. Deming was reared and attended school in Portage Township and has been engaged in farming ever since old enough to use farm implements. After marriage he lived for some years in Allen Township but has resided on his present place for the past twenty-five years. He purchased the other farm in 1908 from the Samuel Culp heirs. Mr. Deming operates but eighty acres of his land himself, having the re- HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 335 mainder rented out to good tenants. He has made all the substantial improvements and the whole extent of his property would command a very high price if put upon the market, and its value increases each year. Mr. Deming married Miss Amelia Ausenbaugh, a daughter of Isaac and Mary (Salmon) (Lyon) Ausenbaugh. The father of Mrs. Deming died in April, 1857, when she was a child. Her mother survived until 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Deming have two children: Daisy and Mary Adeline. Daisy married George Strouse and they have three children: Ethel, Ruth and Willard. Mr. Deming takes no very active part in politics but he has always been interested in educational matters and has served seven years as a member of the Portage Township School Board. GEORGE PELTON JONES, cashier of the First National Bank of Findlay, 0., is a man of exceeding prominence both in business and political life in this section of Ohio. He was born at Findlay, May 13, 1866, and is the only son of the late Elijah Pelton and Mellie ( Johnson) Jones, the latter of whom survives. George Pelton Jones grew to manhood in a cultured, refined home and its influences have been invaluable to him. He was carefully educated and after graduating from Williams College, in 1884, took a business course in a commercial college in New York and then returned home ready to begin a course of business training that commenced at the bottom of the ladder, his father insisting that he should enter his bank in a humble capacity and advance through merit alone. From messenger or runner he won his way to his present position, which he has filled since 1894. The First National Bank of Findlay, of which his late father was one of the organizers, and its president until his decease, in 1894, stands among the foremost financial institutions in the state and the conservative methods which marked its progress during the life of the late Elijah Pelton Jones, are in use in its present management. Mr. Jones is widely and favorably known as a financier and is president of the Ohio Bankers' Association. He has additional business interests. In his political views he has always been a stanch Republican but has been consistently averse to holding public office, his only exception having been a service of five years as a member of the city council, accepted as a friendly concession to his ward. He is a member of the fraternal order of Elks and since 1888 has been a Free Mason. Mr. Jones was married on September 16, 1891, to Miss Cora Elizabeth Carr, whose father was a large glass-manufacturer at Bellaire, 0. They have one daughter, Gertrude, who was born August 24, 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are members of the Episcopal church. Their beautiful home at No. 719 S. Main Street is frequently the scene of many society functions. FOLK BROTHERS, manufacturers of office furniture, store fixtures, tables, counters, household furniture, kitchen cabinets, etc., with offices and works at No. 402 East Sandusky Street, Findlay, 0., have been partners in this business since November 15, 1888. The firm is composed of Samuel S. and John C. Folk, brothers. The former was born on a farm in Perry County, 0., in a pioneer log 336 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY house, September 13, 1852, and the latter was born at Findlay, 0., at the family home, No. 351 South Blanchard Street, September 12, 1868. They are sons of George and Sarah Ann (Pence) Folk. George Folk, the father, was a natural mechanic and he was equally at home as a blacksmith, a carpenter or cabinetmaker. His death occurred at Findlay, March 12, 1904. His widow survives and is in her seventy-eighth year. The Folk brothers have inherited their tastes for working in wood, this having been a family trait for generations of Folks. The maternal grandfather, Isaac Pence, was a soldier in the War of 1812 and later in the Mexican War. He was with Commodore Perry at the naval battle fought off Put-in-Bay Island and in this connection a very interesting bit of history may be recorded. Many of the older generation will remember the historical picture that was sure to attract their attention in their old geographies, which represented Commodore Perry and several of his men in a skiff, rowing from Perry's flag-ship to another vessel, during this battle, after the flag-ship had been destroyed. One of the rowers is shown with his head tied up and the original was Isaac Pence, who had been slightly injured and had tied a cloth across the wound. It was the intention of the artist to make the picture historically correct and he succeeded in doing so. Mr. Pence passed through Findlay as a soldier following the old Indian trail and assisted in the building of old Fort Findlay which stood on the west side of Main Street, just south of the bridge. Later in life, Mr. Pence went out as a soldier in the Mexican War. The Folk brothers began business in a small way at the old family home place, No. 351 South Blanchard Street, where they remained until the completion of their factory on East Sandusky Street, in 1891. In 1901 they made extensive improvements, equipping their works with a full line of modern machinery. Both brothers are skilled mechanics themselves and they entrust their manufacturing only to those equally qualified, giving steady employment to from seven to twelve men. In the main they have been continuously prosperous although they have suffered some misfortunes, including robbery and destruction by fire. On the anniversary of the day of their starting into business they had their safe blown open and had the robbers made their visit on the day before they would have secured over $2,000, which the firm had deposited there. Fortunately this large sum had been removed and the loss aggregated only $15 in money and a trifle in postage stamps, not counting in the damage to the safe. In their second year of business they suffered from a fire. Both brothers are equally public spirited and show an interest in all that concerns the welfare of their city and county. They reside in adjoining houses on East Main Cross Street, the residence of Samuel S. Folk being at No. 500 and that of John C. Folk at No. 506. Samuel C. Folk married Miss Lizzie A. Early, of Wood County, 0., and they have one son, Fred R. John C. Folk married Miss Estella I. Grubb and they have five children : Gaylord A., Violet, Mildred, John and Martha Jennette. The brothers are members of the Modern Woodmen and Samuel S. is identified also with the Maccabees and the Red Men. Neither takes an undue part in politics but the responsibilities of citizenship are never shirked. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 337 ALBERT SAMPSON, one of the substantial farmers and highly respected citizens of Jackson Township, Hancock County, 0., was born February 18, 1855, near Baltimore, Md., and is a son of Hinkle Edward and Mary (Standiford) Sampson, both natives of Maryland. Albert Sampson was reared in Jackson Township and obtained Iris educational training there. He has always followed farming and has one of the best improved farms in the township, having a fine brick house and barn, the former of which was erected in 1906, and the barn was built six years ago. Mr. Sampson is politically a Democrat, and has served as personal assessor and land appraiser. At present he is appraiser for the Mutual Insurance Company. He is a member and trustee of the M. E. church at Union Chapel, of which he has been a member for thirty years, and is also a trustee of the Cemetery association. Mr. Sampson was married in 1881 to Lucy Hoy, who is a daughter of Abraham and Mary (Hellen) Hoy, who were well known residents of Hancock County, and of their union were born the following children : Edith M., married Wesley White, a drayman of Forrest, Ohio, and has one son, Waldo; Agnes R., married John C. Smith of Eagle Township, and is the mother of two children, Florence M. Smith, and Edson A. Smith ; Frederick C. ; Annie E. ; Golda P. ; Virgil, who attends school in Jackson Township. N. D. DAVIS, a retired farmer and a highly respected citizen of Blanchard Township, was born on the place on which he lives, a valuable farm of 120 acres, October 5, 1844, and is a son of Alfred and Nancy (Houchens) Davis. Alfred Davis was born in Cynthiana, Ky., and is said to have been a cousin to Jefferson Davis of Confederate fame. With his father, Alfred Davis came from Kentucky to Hancock County and had some school advantages. He was married the first time to Nancy Houchens and they had five children : Laura, N. D., Delilah, Lewis and Herman. After the death of his first wife he married Amanda Stough and they had two children : Nancy May, wife of Frank Robinson; and D. H. S. Alfred Davis entered the farm now owned by his son, N. D. Davis, at first in association with his brother whom he later bought out, and owned 160 acres in all. He became a successful farmer and gave his entire attention to farm pursuits. His death occurred here May 30, 1896, when aged eighty-one years and six months, and his burial was in Blanchard Township. His first wife died August 6, 1858, at the age of thirty-eight years. She was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church. N. D. Davis was reared in Blanchard Township and attended the district schools and then assisted his father on the home farm. After his own marriage he went to live in Putnam County, not far from McComb, and remained there until 1905, when he came to the old farm he now lives on and owns. In September, 1869, Mr. Davis was married to Miss Annie E. Vangilder, who was born in Jefferson County, 0., later living in Hancock County, and moving from here to Iowa where she was a school teacher. They had three children : Cora, Ora T., and Myrl C. Cora married B. R. Dukes and they have three children : Louis, Arlo and Doras. Ora T. married Blanche Nebeil and they live in Putnam County. Myrl C. is a student in a medical school at Cleveland. The mother of the above family died May 22, 1901, in the Robinwood 338 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY Hospital, at Toledo, 0., and her burial was at McComb. She was a lady. of Christian character and many virtues and was a member of the Presbyterian church. Since then Mr. Davis has united with the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a Republican. He has always been a law abiding citizen but has never accepted any offices in Hancock County. WALLACE DORSEY, one of Hancock County's well known citizens, has had large business interests here for many years and together with operating a farm of 16o acres, for some thirty years has been engaged in the manufacturing of drain tile. He was born in Allen Township, Hancock County, 0., July 5, 1836, and is a son of William and Louisa (Bryan) Dorsey. William Dorsey was born in Pennsylvania, May 14, 1804, and died September 3, 1886. In early manhood he came to Hancock County, 0., and in April, 1835, he was married to Louisa Bryan, a native of Kentucky, who was born in 1811 and died in 1896. William Dorsey secured 160 acres of uncleared land from the Government, which he developed into a productive farm, and both he and wife spent their lives on that place, both fulfilling every duty which life presented to them. William Dorsey was one of the honest, reliable men of Allen Township, and frequently was called upon to serve in public office. His eight children were given the following names : Wallace, Elizabeth, William C., Amanda J., Cordelia, Edson, Winfield A., and Milton. For twenty years of early manhood, Wallace Dorsey worked as a carpenter, contractor and builder, and through the excellence of this work gained a favorable reputation that extended all over Hancock County. In 1863 he purchased twenty acres of land, to which he subsequently added, and later settled on his property and devoted himself to its improvement. In 1877 he began the manufacture of drain tile and built up a large industry, equipping his plant with machinery that enabled him to make all sizes demanded by the trade. In this business as in other lines, Mr. Dorsey has always maintained the same honesty of effort that produces commodities which ensure the continuance of custom. Mr. Dorsey was married (first) February 28, 1861, to Miss Lois Nelson, who was born in Ohio, January 10, 1829, and died September 13, 1897. They had the following children: Luella, Charles W., William W., Albert E., Elwood N., Lloyd WI., Mary B., Homer 0., and Milton L. Mr. Dorsey was married (second) January 28, 1902, to Mrs. Frances E. Bennett. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics, Mr. Dorsey is a Democrat. He has never cared for public office, but when elected township trustee, served faithfully and acceptably. Hon. Homer 0. Dorsey, of the above family, is one of Hancock County's leading young men of affairs and is serving in the office of probate judge. ANDREW JACKSON MOORE, who cultivates 160 acres of valuable farm land situated in Section 15, Big Lick Township, Hancock County, 0., is a graduate of the Colorado State School of Mines and followed his profession for three years. He was born on this farm, January II, 1873, and is a son of A. J. and a grandson of William Moore. A. J. Moore, Sr., was born in Beaver County, Pa., in 1827, and came with his HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 339 father, William Moore, to Hancock County. In 1853 he was married to Nancy Moore, who was born in Ashland County, 0., and was brought to this township when she was three months old. Six children were born to them, namely : John F., who has four children—Calvin Lee, Clyde M., Frank Homer and Charles Brooks; William Carlton; Samuel A., who is deceased; Mary A., who married A. W. Lackey, of Morris County, Kan., and they have six children—Edith, Harry, Grover, Grace, Roy and George; Nancy Cassie, who married J. C. Martin, of Wayne County, Kan., and they have four children—Clinton, Lulu, Emery and Carl; and Andrew Jackson, subject of this sketch. The father of this family died in 1897 but the mother still survives and is in the enjoyment of health and has a wide circle of friends, a number of these of many years standing as she is well known in this section. Andrew Jackson Moore was educated in the township schools. Following out a natural inclination, he then became a student of mining, at Lincoln, Neb., and later attended the Colorado State School of Mining, with the result mentioned above. Although Mr. Moore has a fine technical education in his chosen profession and successfully practiced it until 1901, he has also been very successful as a farmer. Mr. Moore was married in 1907 to Miss Ida M. Roth, of Findlay. In politics he is a Democrat. WILLIAM OLIVER LEEPER, a substantial resident of Jackson Township, who for a number of years has been actively identified with business and property interests in Hancock County, was born in Hardin County, 0., Oct. 1, 1874, and at the present time is in the prime of a vigorous manhood. His parents were J. F. and Katie Leeper, the former now being a resident of Findlay. He, like his son, is a native of Hardin County and for a number of years was engaged in farming. He settled in Findlay about four years ago, and though somewhat advanced in years is a man still capable of much active exertion. His wife, the mother of the subject of this sketch, comes of a good Catholic family of Hardin County. She is still living and resides with her husband in Findlay. William 0. Leeper was reared in Hardin County and resided there until about fourteen years ago, at which time he came to Hancock County, settling in Jackson Township. In youth he was trained to agricultural pursuits and has been thus engaged much of the time since. His present farm in Jackson Township consists of 300 acres and is a well improved piece of farming property. Mr. Leeper has also had some experience in manufacturing industries, having been employed both in the tile and the target works, in all some seven years. By means of hard work and thrifty living he has attained to a comfortable degree of prosperity. He has invested to some extent in real estate and now owns good residence property on Washington Avenue, Findlay. Mr. Leeper was married October 3, 1894, to Mary Elizabeth Phillips, a daughter of Joseph and Elmira (Wolfrum) Phillips, of Williamstown, in which place Mr. Leeper's parents both died. Of this marriage there have been the following children : Aloyda Adelbert, who attends school in Findlay ; 340 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY Joseph Franklin, who died at the age of ten years; Guy Theodore and Albert Leroy, both of whom attend the Findlay schools; Lester D. and Ethel May, the last mentioned of whom died in infancy. Mr. Leeper is a member of the United Woodmen and the United American Mechanics. His political affiliations are with the Republican party but he takes no active part in politics beyond casting his vote. HON. THEODORE TOTTEN, formerly mayor of Findlay, 0., and now serving in his second term as postmaster, has been a prominent citizen here for many years and has been an active member of the Republican party in Hancock County, and at the same time has been a representative member of her bar. He was born on Staten Island, N. Y., January 1, 1848, and is one of a family of seven children born to his parents, who were William and Susan (Platt) Totten. Theodore Totten was educated in the public schools and when only fifteen years old left home and enlisted in the United States Navy. Probably the fact that his father was a ship builder and the youth was more or less accustomed to hearing of life on the water in this connection, may have determined his choice of the branch of the service to which he attached himself, but the record shows that he was a brave if an unusually young sailor. He is identified with the Grand Army of the Republic. In 1866, Mr. Totten came to Findlay and embarked in the cigar and tobacco business and later added to his duties and responsibilities by accepting the agency of the Western Union Telegraph Company, with which corporation he continued to be connected for twelve years. Although early circumstances had prevented his following his natural bent and entering into the law in early manhood, he was still sufficiently interested to pursue his legal studies by himself and in 1881 gained admittance to the bar. He engaged in the practice of law from then until 1904, in the meanwhile serving one term as prosecuting attorney of Hancock County and one term as mayor of the city of Findlay. In the above year he was first appointed postmaster and was reappointed in January, 1909. This office is systematically managed and the people of Findlay boast of its good service. In his assistant, Charles A. Saunders, Postmaster Totten has an able helper and he has under his direction and supervision twenty-four other employes, with all of whom his relations are most cordial. Mr. Totten was married to Miss Melinda Porch, a daughter of Henry Porch. Their pleasant family home is situated at No. 208 First Street. Mr. and Mrs. Totten are members of the First Methodist Episcopal church. He is affiliated with a number of organizations and long has been a Free Mason. IRVIN FETTERS, one of the successful farmers of Marion Township, Hancock County, 0., where he owns 160 acres of valuable land, situated in Section 26, was born on a farm which is now included in the city of Findlay, 0., February 22, 1855. His parents were Peter and Catherine (Philipps) Fetters. Peter Fetters was born in Pennsylvania and after the death of his father he accompanied his mother when she removed to Hancock County, where she was subsequently married to a Mr. Fulk. Peter Fetters grew to manhood in this section and became a farmer in Eagle Township, where he owned the place on HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 343 which he died. Thirteen children were born to Peter and Catherine Fetters, as follows: Andrew, who is deceased, was a soldier in the Civil War; Elizabeth, who is deceased; Mary Ellen, deceased, who was the wife of Calvin Smith; Eli, who is deceased; Sarah, who is the wife of A. Bond; Isaiah; Irvin; Caroline, who is the wife of Jefferson Baker; Jane, who is the wife of Clayton Van Sant; Uriah; Criselda and Lemuel, both of whom are deceased;. and Emma, who is the wife of Lewis Marchall. The venerable mother of this family still survives and her home is at Findlay. Irvin Fetters remained at home until his marriage, having assisted his father after his school days were over in the old log schoolhouse, with its split log benches. He has devoted himself exclusively to farming and purchased his place from his father-in-law. He has made many improvements, in large degree follows modern methods of agriculture and owns excellent farm machinery. He married Miss Nora E. Bennett, a daughter of Rawson and Matilda (Cooper) Bennett, and they have five children: Aerie, Katie, Clark, Howard and Nelia. Mr. Fetters casts his vote with the Democratic party. HARRY J. PARKER, who is engaged in general farming on a tract of eighty acres located on the Houcktown-Findlay road in Jackson Township, has been a lifelong resident of Hancock County, and was born April 4, 1876, at Vanlue, Hancock County, 0., a son of Wilbur S. and Mary A. (Shuler) Parker. Wilbur S. Parker was also a native of Hancock County, and followed harness-making at Vanlue, where he was residing at the time of his death. His wife was a native of Pennsylvania. Harry J. Parker was reared in Jackson Township and received his education in the schools of the district, and has always followed farming as an occupation. He purchased his present farm of eighty acres in 1905, from the William Doty estate. Mr. Parker is politically a Republican, and although never caring to hold office, is at present serving as township clerk. He has for twenty years been a member of the M. E. church at Houcktown. In November, 1898, Mr. Parker was united in Marriage with Letie Houck, who is a daughter of S. F. and Rebecca (Sampson) Houck, the former a resident of Houcktown, 0., the latter being deceased. Mr. Parker is fraternally a member of the Maccabees, Lodge No. 197, at Findlay, and of Rost No. 67, Sons of Veterans. LEONARD C. GLESSNER, president of the Glessner Medicine Company, of Findlay, 0., was born at Delaware, 0., March 17, 1853, and is a son of Lewis Glessner, who conducted the Hancock Courier from 1861 until 1879. His mother was. Georgiana (Cowles) Glessner, a granddaughter of Col. Moses Bixby, a Revolutionary soldier, who was one of the founders of the town of Delaware, 0. Leonard C. Glessner was only a boy when he accompanied his father to Findlay and he remained here until 1874. He learned the printing business in his father's office and upon leaving Findlay published newspapers at different points in Illinois and Missouri, until 1887, when he returned to Findlay, where he became city editor of the Courier. As a side issue, in 1889, he began the manufacture of medicine but in a short time this interest became paramount and he found it profitable to 344 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY devote all his time to it. For twenty-one years he has been manufacturing the famous compound known as Dr. Drake's German Cough and Croup Remedy, which is considered a necessity in many households, trade being heavy all over the United States and in Mexico and Canada. While this remedy is probably best known the company also manufactures another which has no equal of its kind, this being Leonard's Sweet Worm Wafers. The present company was organized in 1905 and was then incorporated with a capital stock of $60,000. Its officers are: L. C. Glessner, president and general manager; Edward Schwartz, vice-president; Hon. A. E. Kerns, formerly probate judge, treasurer; and Lewis W. Glessner, secretary. In 1910, the Glessner Medicine Company took control of the Duke H. Watson Company, which was an old established concern manufacturing livestock remedies, making a specialty of the G. Be German Blemish Eradicator, which is used by horsemen all over the United States. The Glessner Company keeps from two to six men out on the road representing it. The company understands modern business methods and gives much attention to advertising. They own their own printing establishment which is used exclusively in their own business and is larger than any other printing house in Findlay. It is a fact that the Glessner Medicine Company sends out more advertising matter than any other two concerns in the city. Mr. Glessner was married at Farmer City, Ill., to Miss Emma Chappelear, who was born in Missouri. At that time, Mr. Glessner was conducting a newspaper at Farmer City. They have three children: Lewis W., who is secretary of the Glessner Medicine Company; Harry C., who is also connected with the business; and Mary E. Mr. Glessner and family are members of the First Presbyterian church and he is president of its board of trustees. He is especially well known in Knights of Pythias circles, being a member of Findlay Lodge, No. 85, and since 1900 has been representative to the Grand Lodge and is a member of the finance committee of the latter body. Few citizens of Findlay are more enterprising or progressive and few are better known. ISAAC DAVIS, one of Findlay's representative business citzens, who carries on a wool and seed business at No. 215 Park Place, is also the owner of many acres of some of the best oil and gas land in Hancock County. He was born in 1837, in Marion Township, Hancock County, 0., and is a son of William and Margaret (Lafferty) Davis. Henry Davis, the grandfather of Isaac Davis, was probably born in Wales. He was twice married, (first) to Margaret Craig, and (second) to Betsey Hammond. Seven children were born to the first union and five to the second. He seems to have settled in Maryland after coming to America and probably died there. William Davis, father of Isaac, was born in Maryland. He came to Hancock County in 1832, accompanied by his wife, to whom he had been married in 1828. She survived him many years, being, at the time of her death, one of the oldest residents of Marion Township. They had ten children, the two surviving sons being: A. L., who is a practicing physician at Findlay; and Isaac, who has spent his life in Hancock County. William Davis was a man of consequence in this part of Ohio, not only on account of being one of the largest landowners, but HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 345 also because of his sterling traits of character. Twice he served Hancock County as a commissioner, and for thirty-two consecutive years was a justice of the peace in Marion Township. He died in 1863. Isaac Davis, whose landed possessions amount to some 600 acres, on which are valuable oil and gas wells, while one of Find-lay's most substantial citizens, is one of the most unostentatious. For many years he has, in large measure, divided his attention between his agricultural affairs and his wool and seed business. Upon solicitation, he has, at times, accepted township offices, including that of justice of the peace, but he has cared little for political honors, finding himself sufficiently interested in looking after his private affairs. In 1860, Mr. Davis was married to Miss Caroline Gifford, who was born in 1840, in Hancock County, 0., on the farm which is now the summer home of the family. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have the following children: William, Florence, David T., George W., Gertrude and Henry. Howard V. is deceased. The family residence is situated at No. 214 Center Street, Findlay. JOHN HENRY RIDDLEBAUGH, one of Marion Township's well known and highly respected citizens, carries on general farming and owns 195 acres of valuable land, situated in Section 25, not far distant from Findlay, 0. He was born in Fairfield County, 0., September 28, 1859, and is a son of Henry and Catherine (Shoemaker) Riddlebaugh. Henry Riddlebaugh was born in Germany and on account of participating in the revolution of 1849, he was expelled with other revolutionists and came then to America. He located at Lancaster, in Fairfield County, 0., where he followed the blacksmith trade during his active years. He still survives and in his long life of eighty-six years he has witnessed many wonderful changes, not only in his native land, but also in the one which he adopted. In 1856 he was married to Catherine Shoemaker, who was born in Pennsylvania and died in 1901, at the home of her son James, in Crawford County, 0. The Shoemaker family came to Pennsylvania from Switzerland in 1742. Six children were born to Henry and Catherine Riddlebaugh, namely : Jacob, who lives in Crawford County; John Henry; James, who also lives in Crawford County; Theresa, who is the wife of John Snyder, of Hocking County, 0.; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Charles Angle, of Hocking County; and Augustus, who resides at Columbus. John Henry Riddlebaugh started out to take care of himself when he was twelve years old. He came to Hancock County and went to work for Charles Bright, with whom he remained for two years; worked then for George Wise-ley, in Marion Township, for three years and for William Thomas for two years, and then went into Big Lick Township and worked one year for William Bright. He had been saving and by this time had enough capital to enable him to buy forty acres of land in Pleasant Township and later bought a second forty acres and sold the timber from both tracts. He then rented land for a short time, but in March, 1896, bought eighty-five acres of his present farm, purchasing from Charles Johnston; later bought thirty-five acres from Tolliver Jacobs; fifteen acres from A. Beard, and twenty acres from the A. Beard estate. To this was added forty acres which was given his wife. It is a fine thing to own 195 acres of valuable land, 346 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY but it required much hard work to make a large part of it valuable. Mr. Riddlebaugh by his own toil cleared 100 acres of stumps, did all the necessary ditching and tiling, built his substantial barn and made the other improvements which have transformed what was once merely waiting soil into one of the richest farms and most comfortable homes of Marion Township. On November 9, 1882, Mr. Riddlebaugh was married to Miss Elvira Wiseley, a daughter of Henry and Loraina (Wiseley) Wiseley, of Pleasant Township, and fourteen children have been born to them, the record being as follows : Iva, the eldest, is the wife of Edward Huntington, of Toledo, 0. Ethel is the wife of Porter Shuck of Big Lick Township and they have one child, Pauline. The eldest son is his father's helper and bears the name of Ray. Howard lives at Toledo. He married Mattie Wescott. Earl, Paul, David, May, Alice and Doris, all live at home. Margaret died when aged three years and Lulu died when aged two months. Irma and Helen complete the list. All the children remaining at home who have reached school age are bright, intelligent students. The family belongs to the United Brethren church. In politics he is a Republican but has never consented to accept public offices, the care of his large farm and his other duties so far absorbing the most of his time. He is identified with the Masonic fraternity at Findlay. SAMUEL C. DAILEY, who, since 1896, has been successfully operating a farm of 171 acres, which is situated in Section 3, Portage Township, Hancock County, 0., was born on a farm in Cass Township, May 12, 1869, and is a son of Baker and Mahala (Fisher) Dailey. Baker Dailey was born on a farm in Washington Township, Hancock County, 0., November 14, 1839, and is a son of D. J. and Mary Elizabeth (Hale) Dailey. D. J. Dailey was born at Steubenville, 0., in 18 II and came with his parents and other members of his family to Hancock County in 1825 and located in the centre of Washington Township. The wife of D. J. Dailey was born near Wheeling, now in West Virginia, in 1815, and came to Washington Township with her brother, Baker Hale, who entered 160 acres of land in Washington Township, in 1830. After her marriage, D. J. Dailey purchased eighty acres of this land and this continued to be their home. Baker Dailey was reared amidst pioneer surroundings but he was afforded much better educational advantages than were enjoyed by many, attending school at Findlay and Fostoria. When nineteen years of age he began to teach school and continued to teach for fifteen winters, engaging in farming in the summers. He still resides on his farm in Cass Township. On November 6, 1862, he was married to Mahala Fisher, who was born in Carroll County, 0., January 9, 1840, and died in 1906. Samuel C. Dailey was reared in Cass Township and attended the local schools in boyhood and later the Ohio Normal School. He became a very successful and acceptable teacher and for some seven years was engaged in educational work in Cass, Allen, Marion and Portage Townships. Since his marriage he has confined himself more or less to farming and stock raising. With his father-in-law, Levi M. Thomas, he put up all the substantial buildings on the present farm which belongs to his wife. It is well improved and a valuable property. The residence stands on the road that is the dividing line between Portage and Allen Town- HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 347 ships, about one and one-half miles southwest of North Baltimore, 0. On September 12, 1895, Mr. Dailey was married to Miss Elsie E. Thomas, a daughter of Levi M. and a sister of J. Curtis Thomas, members of an old and prominent family of this section. Mr. and Mrs. Dailey have four children : Laurel Lynette, Deloy Thomas, Dwight Emerson and Vernard Lowell. Mr. and Mrs. Dailey are members of the First Methodist Episcopal Church at North Baltimore, in which he is a steward. He takes no very active part in politics but is numbered with the most useful and representative citizens of his township, being public spirited, broad minded and law abiding. ISAAC WALDO MARVIN, one of Findlay's retired citizens of ample fortune, residing in a comfortable and attractive home at No. 206 East Main Cross Street, belongs to an old Hancock County family, which was established here in 1828. He was born at Findlay, November 17, 1855, and is a son of Stephen and Mary ( Kelley) Marvin. The Marvin family, as the name indicates, originated in England. It can be traced in America to Rev. Zera Marvin, who was a well known minister in Pennsylvania, and he was the great-grandfather of Isaac W. Marvin, of Findlay. William Marvin, the grandfather, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1797, came to Hancock County, 0., in 1828, and for a number of years, as proprietor of the old Marvin Inn, east of Findlay, was well and favorably known to the traveling public. Stephen Marvin, father of Isaac W., was born in 1820, in Luzerne County, Pa., and was eight years old when he accompanied his parents to Hancock County. He acquired land which he cultivated and also followed the trade of millwright. In 1841 he married Mary Kelley and they both died at Findlay, in 1893. They were survived by four sons : Isaac Waldo, Cloyd, Clinton and James. Isaac Waldo Marvin obtained his education in the public schools in the neighborhood of his present home, and at the age of twenty-one he settled down to an agricultural life. For about ten years he continued to farm and raise stock and still retains a large body of farm land, which, since his retirement, he has taken pleasure in quietly overseeing. He is the owner of much real estate in the city of Findlay, included in which is the Marvin Block opposite the Court House. Formerly he was a director in the Farmers' National, now the Buckeye Bank. After leaving the farm and moving to Findlay, he was associated with his brother for some five years in a lumber and planing mill business. Mr. Marvin was married (first) in 1881, to Miss Lucy Bish, who died in 1886, and was survived by one daughter, Frances, who is a talented and accomplished young lady, a favorite in social circles. In 1890, Mr. Marvin was married (second) to Miss Ada Anthony, and they have had five children : Berenice, Stephen, Mary, Ada Gertrude and Isaac W., Jr. Stephen died in 1906. Mr. Marvin and family are members of the Lutheran church. He has never taken any very active interest in politics, but has always been a good citizen, doing his full duty as such. He is affiliated with the Republican party. BENJAMIN F. OPP, one of the representative men of Marion Township, Hancock County, 0., who has filled many public offices with credit, resides on a farm of seventy-five acres which, lies in Section 36, Marion Town- 348 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY ship and owns a second farm, containing thirty-seven acres, which is situated in Section 31, Big Lick Township, both in Hancock County. He was born on the old family homestead in Lynn Township, Lehigh County, Pa., January 6, 1840, and is a son of John and Lucinda (Kohler) Opp. John Opp was born on the same farm as his son, in the old stone house, and was a son of Conrad Opp, who was also born on this farm and whose father had come to Lehigh County from Germany. Conrad Opp became a large land owner, not only in Lehigh County but also in Northeastern Ohio and also built and operated a saw mill on Conneaut River, Pa. He died in 1842, in the old stone house probably still standing, which his father had built when he first came to Pennsylvania. His widow, Magdalena, survived him seventeen years. John Opp, father of Benjamin F., was the eldest son in a family of sixteen children. He became a carpenter and cabinetmaker, having natural mechanical skill as was evidenced when, with no technical training, he built an organ that was subsequently sold at Tiffin, 0., for $500. He was also interested for a time in the dry goods business at Barnesville, Pa. His death occurred in July, 1861, at the age of sixty-five years. He married Lucinda Kohler, who was born in Luzerne County, Pa., who lived to be seventy-two years of age. They had two children : Fianna, who is now deceased, who was the wife of Daniel Bailey, also deceased ; and Benjamin Franklin. Benjamin F. Opp grew to manhood in Lynn Township and attended school there, having better advantages than were afforded many of his associates and began to teach school when he was seventeen years of age. He then came to Ohio and located in Hancock County and remained away from home for two years, then went back to the old farm for a short time and was married in Lehigh County, returning then to Hancock County. He purchased eighty acres of his present Marion Township farm, which was then mainly swamp land, paying $800. He had the foresight to look forward when this land, properly drained, would be rich in all the essentials for crop production and he kept adding from time to time and improving, laying down a large amount of tile before he was satisfied, and now owns one of the best paying farms in Marion Township. His other property is also valuable and both farms are under careful cultivation at present. Mr. Opp was married to Miss Sarah Mussick, who died in 1892. They had the following children : John, who married Hattie Altman, has two children—Bertha, who is the wife of Harry Thomas and they have one child, Ruby, and James, who is a graduate of Findlay College ; Alexander L., who married Esther Beard, has three children—Onen, a graduate of Findlay College, Grace and Rosella ; Ella, who married 0. C. Myers and they have two children—Ruth and Walter ; Lucinda, who died aged nineteen months; Charles, who married Nellie Smith, has one daughter, May ; Flora, who married B. Routson and they have one son, Frank Samuel; Catherine, who is a teacher; and Emmet, who assists on the home farm. Mr. Opp is a member of the United Brethren church. He is a Democrat and has served as a justice of the peace, as township trustee and as a member of the school board. JOHN REIMUND, who resides on a farm of eighty acres in Allen Township, is also the owner of another farm of forty acres in Allen Township, Hancock County, HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 349 0., and is extensively engaged in the production of oil. He was born November 28, 1871, in Findlay, 0., and is a son of William and Martha (Byal) Reimund. William Reimund was born in Germany and at the age of three years came to America with his father, Peter Reimund, who settled on a farm in Liberty Township, and was there reared to manhood. When a youth he began learning the harnessmaking trade with William Edwards, of Findlay, 0., and remained in his employ about eighteen or twenty years. He then rented the old Price farm in Liberty Township for a time, and later purchased a farm in the same township, where he died in 1896. The mother of our subject is still living. John Reimund went to live with his uncle, Philip J. Reimund, of Liberty Township, when quite young, and was there reared to maturity. When oil was discovered in this section of the country, he became an oil pumper and pumped some of the first wells operated in this field. He has been extensively engaged in the production of oil since 1902, his first production being on the Franks' farm in Allen Township, and has become very well known in the county as an oil operator. He has been residing on his present farm, which is located in the southwestern corner of Allen Township, since 1907, but previous to that time was living on a farm of forty acres, located on the Decker road. He resides in a fine frame residence which he erected at the time he located on the place. Mr. Reimund was united in marriage with Mary Franks, who is a daughter of Jacob Franks, and they have two children: Clarence and Guyneth. Mr. Reimund is a member of Hancock Lodge No. 73, I. O. O. F. JAMES R. CLARK, deceased, was one of Findlay's most respected citizens, where, for a great many years he was a leading business man, the pioneer cabinetmaker and later the largest funeral director in the city. He founded the business which is continued by his son. James R. Clark was born July 24, 1824, and died August 13, 1906. Mr. Clark was of Irish ancestry, his father, Forbes Clark, having been born in Ireland, and he emigrated to America and settled at Harrisburg, Pa., prior to the birth of his son. The latter was but eight years old when he was left an orphan and he was reared in the home of an aunt, in Cumberland County, Pa., where he lived on a farm until he was eighteen years of age. He then learned the cabinetmaking trade at Gettysburg, Pa., and lived there and at Philadelphia until 1848, when he came to the small town of Findlay, which, even then was showing the signs of awakening that indicated excellent business opportunities for the future. Mr. Clark was possessed of the foresight to take advantage of these and in 1849, having made progress in his trade, he added undertaking to his cabinetmaking and founded the business with which he was identified during the remainder of his life, occupying the same site during all that time. He increased his facilities as the demand for his services grew, and for a long time was the leading funeral director and embalmer in the city. He was a man of quiet tastes and led a simple, well