150 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY of upright character and through life enjoyed the respect of his neighbors. In politics he was a life-long Democrat, but during the Civil war, when he became subjected to draft, he immediately secured a substitute. Mr. Cramer was a quiet, home-loving man who attends closely to his business, and providently secured a fine estate for his family. His death occurred in 1895, after a long and useful life. In 1840 he married Christina Allen, who was born on March 16, 1829, in Pickaway county, Ohio, and they had a family of six children : John, Mary, Elizabeth, Joseph, Julia and Amos. Mrs. Cramer came to Hancock county when she was fourteen years old. She owns two hundred acres of fine land suitable for farming purposes, but her greatest revenues are received from some fourteen oil wells which are in operation on it. She is a much respected resident of Liberty township. SAMUEL LEMOTT. In Samuel Lemott Uncle Sam has one of his many public servants who daily conduct the great government enterprise which has added more to the comfort and material, intellectual and moral progress of this country than any institution under the control of the central government, the United States postoffice. And his popular and genial character enables him to fill this position to the eminent satisfaction of the citizens of the thriving little village of Vanlue. John Lemott, the father of Samuel, is a native of Franklin county, this state, his birth occurring there in 1834, thus being one of Ohio's old settlers. By trade he was a plasterer and bore the reputation of being a first-class mechanic; he was honest and industrious and his long life, though unmarked with stirring events, has been fruitful in the good deeds that are within the power of every man. In 1840 he removed to Hancock county, taking up his residence in Amanda township, and there in connection with his trade he followed farming. He married Miss Jane Starr, and of their nine children four are now living. Mrs. Lemott died in 1875, but Mr. Lemott is still living and, retired from active labor, makes his home in Carey. Samuel, the son of John and Jane (Starr) Lemott, was born in Amanda township, Hancock county, December 15, 1853 ; he there grew up to manhood and while gaining his education in the common schools he was accounted one of the brightest and most eager pupils, imbibing many lessons which should be valuable to him when tempered in the schools of after life. His school days over, he himself became a teacher and in this met with success beyond CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 151 his most sanguine expectations. But with wise forethought, in order that he, might have some manual occupation to which he could turn in case of an emergency, he served time with his father and became skilled in the plasterer's trade, at which he worked for a few years. His next employment was in the mercantile line and for eight years he was clerk for Mr. U. Sillik. Mr. Lemott has been especially prominent in the public affairs of his community. Although he is a stanch adherent of the Republican party, he has by his strict integrity and capable administration of public places of trust met with the approval of men of both parties. He has filled the office of assessor of the township for four years, held the office of justice of the peace for three years, and was a member of the school board for fourteen years, part of which time he was clerk ; and, as has been mentioned, he now is in the place of postmaster of the town. In connection with these interests he is agent for the Farmers' Mutual Fire and Storm Insurance Company, his territory embracing Jackson, Delaware and Amanda townships. On February 22, 1877, Mr. Lemott married Miss Martha Snider, who is the daughter of John and Eliza (Treece) Snider, and was born on her father's farm in Amanda township, February 7, 1858. To this marriage have been born eight children : Wellie, who is now deputy postmaster ; Inez ; Otto; Bumice; Edward; Grace; Dorotha ; and Henry. Mr. Lemott owns a pleasant little farm near Vanlue, and there he resides and delights to entertain his many friends, who rejoice in his hospitality and unite in wishing him continued success. Mr. Lemott's father, who was a soldier of the Union during the Civil war, is a well preserved veteran of sixty-eight years. He .is still working at his trade and able to hold his own with the best of them. E. V. VAN LUE. Perhaps no name has been longer and better known in Hancock county than that of Van Lue. Infallible evidence that some one of the family has impressed his individuality on the community is furnished by the fact that one of the villages of the county is named in his honor. In pioneer periods towns, rivers, creeks and notable natural features usually got their designations from the 'first discoverers or earliest settlers or as the result of some remarkable happening, like a battle or murder. Thus the nomenclature of a locality often furnishes clues both to its general and personal history, and a name frequently points a moral as well as adorns a tale. In the case under consideration the village in Amanda township recalls William Van Lue, who is shown on inquiry to have been one of the earliest arrivals and a man of sufficient strength 152 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY of character to make himself remembered after his. day. Other members of the family; however, are worthy of consideration and included among these is Frederick Van Lue, who was the first corner and founder of the family in Hancock county. He married Rebecca Brown in the east and "moved in" at a time when Hancock county gave little evidence that it would eventually become the abode of peace and plenty which it now presents to the beholder. Mrs. Alspach, who resides in Amanda township and is one of the few interesting relicts surviving the brave days of the long ago, knew the first Van Lue quite well, and her career .covers the whole period of the family's growth in the county. Jacob' Van Lue, a son of the original emigrant, inherited some of the push and daring which characterized the first founders, and is a man who impresses one favorably on acquaintance.- He is a living refutation of the old saying that "a jack of all trades is a master of none," because Jacob has tried many things and has succeeded in. them all. He has been a. butcher, a a hotel keeper, a farmer and other things, but it was common remark around the neighborhood that whatever Jake Van Lue undertook was sure to succeed. This shows not only that he had business ability' but that he was above the average in the art of knowing just what he wanted to do as well as how to do it. He was born in Amanda township, on the farm where his father first located, and there, after reaching maturity, he married one of his neighbor's daughters, named Leah Fenstermacher. This lady died in 1877, when still young, but left her husband as a memorial of their union a son, concerning whom something more will be said later on. Jacob married again, and is now living in Michigan, where his old good fortune seems to have followed him, as the reports coming back all. agree in saying that he is doing a prosperous business. His uncle William, the same who gave his name to the village of Van Lue, was more of a public character than any of the family, and was perhaps the most noted of the connection. He was quite popular in politics as well as business, as is evidenced. by the fact that the people elected him to the important office of county treasurer, -in which he made a highly commendable record,, and his neighbors also insisted that he should try their cases and settle their disputes as a justice of the peace. Having now disposed of the ancestry we come to the gentleman whose life and surroundings furnish the real reasons for the compilation of this biography. E. V. Van Lue, the only son of Jacob and Leah alluded to above, was born at the ancestral home in Hancock county, Ohio; July 20, 1863. He grew up in his native township of Amanda, and his natural inclination was to become a farmer on his own acocunt, which laudable ambition was gratified by the purchase in 1893 of the pleasant and Productive place which has since CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 153 constituted his homestead. This land was originally entered by a man named Daniel Beck, but has since and quite generally been known in the neighborhood as the "L. C. Clark farm." Like most of the Amanda township acreage, this tract is fertile, and Mr. Van Lue, by his skillful management has made it produce up to the best standard of land in that vicinity. In fact he is a decidedly progressive and up-to-date farmer, carrying things on by modern methods, using the latest improvements and altogether setting an example worthy of twentieth century agriculture. The result is seen not only in the abundant crops and fine fat stock turned off. but in the neat appearance of all the surroundings. Personally Mr. Van Lue has the reputation of being an unusually well informed man for his opportunities, and certainly exhibits a keen perception as well as accurate information on subjects relating to his special industry. Aside from his private business affairs he has given up some time to service of the public as township trustee, an office which he held six years, and to transacting the business of clerk for a somewhat shorter period. On the social side Mr. Van Lue has been as fortunate as in his business relations, having chosen his wife wisely and lived with her happily. His choice of a bride fell upon Miss Ida Clark, one of the popular farmer's daughters of Richland township, Wyandot county, Ohio, and to her he was wedded in 1892, at her home in Amanda township. An examination indicates that the four children springing from this union are thus recorded in the family register: Frances was born April 8, 1893 ; Ethel, November 9, 1894; Mary, on January 13, 1900, and Gouldier, October 30, 1902. EPHRAIM I. OMAN. Though not among the first the Omans were very early settlers of Hancock county, as the family was established here as far back as 184o. In that year John Oman, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1804, made his appearance in Hancock county and identified himself with its interests by purchasing eighty acres of land in Eagle township. Previously he had met and married Faithful Ellet, who was born in Summit county, Ohio, in 1809, and after locating on his new purchase he built a log cabin for the accommodation of his wife and children. In this rude and temporary shelter they resided until John's circumstances enabled him to provide a more commodious dwelling house. Being a good farmer, of industrious habits and strictly attentive to his own business, he prospered from the start and was soon comfortably fixed for those early days in Ohio. In due time he had added eighty acres of land to his original purchase, and all of it was greatly improved by skillful cultivation 10 154 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY and the other adjuncts of wise husbandry. He and his wife, who died May 28, 1876, were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church and regarded as model Christians by their friends and neighbors. In 1.890 Mr. Oman sold his farm property to. the Standard Oil Company and purchased a place in Amanda township, on which he lived until his death, June 17, 1893. He had five children, but of these Ephraim I. Oman, the subject of this sketch, is the only survivor. He was born on his father's farm in Eagle township, Hancock county, Ohio, October 11, 1843, and grew up to a familiarity with agricultural pursuits, which he has followed throughout the course of his life. He remained on the farms in both Eagle and Amanda townships, and after his father's death fell heir to all the property as the only surviving son. When twenty years old he enlisted as a member of Company E, Twenty-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served faithfully with his command until honorably discharged at the close of the war. After the termination of hostilities Mr. Oman returned to his Ohio home and quietly resumed farm work, in which he showed that industry and steady application which in the long run are the direct factors of success. In 1867 he was married to Minerva, 'daughter of Joseph and Barbara (Bibbler) Newell, of Jackson township. The only child of this union was a daughter named Emma, who was born in 1868 and died March 18, 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Oman are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has held some offices. Mr. Oman ranks as one of the leading as well as most popular citizens of his neighborhood, and has been honored by election to important township offices. He is a Republican in his political views, but in local affairs votes for the man best fitted for the office, regardless of party. WILLIAM HECKERT. This name will need no introduction in circles acquainted with the inventions in machinery of the higher class or the present history of applied mechanics in its various departments. In certain lines of inventive skill Mr. Heckert is better known than any man in the country, and it is difficult to say which is the more wonderful, the ingenuity or the multiplicity of his achievements in mechanical science. The list is so long and the devices so numerous that it is impossible in this space to find room even for a bare catalogue, but a few general remarks may give some conception of Mr. Heckert's contributions to the intellectual progress of this phenomenal age. He has designed and built over one thousand different machines, all of which have gone into use in the fac- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 155 tories of this country and many of which have made large fortunes for their purchasers. A very large and significant portion of his business has been that of correcting the imperfections of other men's inventions. Hundreds of these which had failed of their puropse, being brought to Mr. Heckert, were redesigned by him- and made operative. This process, like making a new coat out of an old one, is regarded by experts as more difficult than building a machine from the beginning, the serious bar consisting in the limitations and restraints imposed by the imperfections and the retention of old parts for the sake of economy. Perhaps his greatest single achievement was the invention of what was known in the scientific world as the hot rolled seamless tube, which is regarded as an epoch making discovery in the steel industry. During his career at Providence it was Mr. Heckert's business to bid upon and take contracts to design and build new and untried machines to perform a given work impossible before of accomplishment and at a fixed price and at a time limit. His success' in this line at the time gave him the reputation of being the greatest mechanical genius in all New England. Circumstances and his versatile talent led him from one accomplishment to another, up to the perfection of machinery that promises to revolutionize the steel industry of the world. His mechanical and scientific research and attainments have been more extensive than it is possible to describe in this biography, but it is safe to predict that in the history of. great accomplishments he. will take his place among the greatest. William Heckert was born at Saxonburg, Pennsylvania, in 1842, and at the age of five years his parents removed to a farm in Butler county, where he grew up and received his education in the common schools. When twenty years old he went to Pittsburg, where he learned wood 'carving and stair building, seven or eight years being spent in that city and at Sharon, Pennsylvania. After that time he lived four years at Newcastle, in the same state, where he was engaged in the manufacture of printing presses. But his establishment having been destroyed by fire in February, 1872, he sought a location at Providence, Rhode Island, where he spent the five subsequent years. In that city his special genius first commenced to show itself decidedly, as there he originated the first automatic presses for color printing and also those for printing tickets. He organized the Monitor Press and Machine• Company and carried on the business of manufacturing and selling the Monitor presses, as also the designing and building of special machinery of all kinds for nine years. He made and, sold fifteen hundred of the Monitor presses, meantime designing and building over a thousand different machines for as many different purposes, from watchmaking to locomotive building, from delicate geo- 156 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY metrical lathes for engraving bank notes to the ponderous machinery for driving cable railways. In 1878 Mr. Heckert's factory was absorbed by the National Bank Note Company, of New York, and soon afterward this company was consolidated with the American National Bank Note Company and the Continental Bank Note Company. Mr. Heckert was made general superintendent of the mechanical department and held that highly responsible position for three years, after which time he went into the manufacture of special machinery at Yonkers, New York. He continued in this line several years and then merged his business with the Korting Gas Engine Manufacturing Company, of Germany, with headquarters in New York City. Mr. Heckert, being made general superintendent of the business, first improved the Korting engine and soon afterward designed a gas engine of his own on a greatly improved plan, which he sold to the Korting Company, and this they have since been building in place of their own. In 1889 Mr. Heckert came to Findlay, Ohio, and for three years had charge as superintendent of the Kellogg Seamless Tube Company, which business he completely reorganized and placed on a firm basis. When this remodeled plant started up it turned out, without hitch or bolt, the hot rolled seamless tube for the first time in the history of the world. In 1892 he retired from the Kellog Company, since which time he has been connected with various enterprises, and at present is engaged with Judge Henry W. Seney, of Toledo, Ohio, in the introduction of their " Trimotor," which scientific and engineering experts admit to be the most meritorious invention and discovery of modern times. The utilization of fuel from which the world derives nearly all its artificial light and power, has been so imperfect that nine-tenths of its heat energy has been wasted, or 90 cents out of every dollar paid for fuel, light and power has been thrown away. This condition has been reversed by Mr. Heckert's scientific work, and nine-tenths of the heat energy of fuel can now be utilized. The self-firing "Trimotor" now being introduced, using crude oil as fuel, furnishes steam heat, hot and cold water wherever wanted, with gas as fuel for cook stoves and electric light for domestic and all other purposes. The "Trimotor" is adapted to all motive power purposes, dispensing. with firemen, smoke stacks and the smoke nuisance, giving three times as much power from a given quantity of fuel, as the best steam or gas engines now give; thus making the most valuable scientific advance of modern times. On the 25th of December, 1869, Mr. Heckert was united in marriage to Laura, daughter of Lester M. Williams, of Sharon, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Heckert claims descent from Roger Williams, the famous religious reformer CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 157 at the period of the first Puritans in New England. Mr. Heckert is not connected with any religious denomination and has but little time to spare from his busy life for anything but his special pursuits. He served, however, for one term in the Findlay city council, being elected to that position by the Republican party, to which he has always given his political allegiance. Two of his father's older brothers served in the war of 1812 in the United States army, while their parents resided where. Germantown, Pennsylvania, is now located. RUFUS E. TAYLOR. This gentleman, at present with the Sucker Rod Company at Findlay, has had an interesting career in oil, and can relate some graphic experiences of the ups and owns of that hazardous but fascinating business. One year getting a salary of $15o a month, the next glad to work for $20; now on the high tide of success with money in the bank, and a fortune in sight, and later completely out of both friends and work, and in that rueful condition which speculators denominate as "busted." Such are a few of the contrasts which Mr. Taylor experienced and can describe graphically as well as amusingly, but in the end fickle fortune smiled upon him, crowned his labors with success and enabled him to extract from the slippery subterranean fluid the means of competence and comfort. Rufus E. Taylor was born on a farm in Geauga county, Ohio, June 6, 1859, and remained at home until thirteen years old, after which he got only two months' schooling. At the tender age mentioned the boy went alone to Petrolia, Pennsylvania, to clerk in a grocery store owned by his brother, E. C. Taylor. He remained there, however, but a short time, then returned to Ohio, and worked on a farm in Lake county for seven months, after which, with the restlessness of youth, he again went back to Petrolia. This time he engaged in the oil business and when only fifteen years old was getting $80 per month, which was increased in the following year to $150 per month. The wheel of fortune, however, took a turn before his departure from Petrolia, which occurred in 1877, when he was in that impecunious condition described by the initiated as "broke." The next move took him over to Connecticut and in this "land of steady habits" he was glad to get a job at $20 a month, for which he worked about one year and again turned his face westward. Going back to his home county in Ohio, he was married there in 188o to Ella L., (laughter of William L. Leland, after which event he remained quietly at home for a year and a half. Six months were then spent in the employment 158 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY of a firm engaged in the oil business in Allegany county, New York, when again we find Mr. Taylor in Geauga county running a threshing machine. This occupation lasted during one fall and winter and in 1886 Mr. Taylor came to Findlay with scarcely a dollar in his pocket. Nothing daunted, however, he formed a partnership with H. A. Watts and E. C. Taylor for the drilling of oil wells by contract and this venture proved another favorable turn in his fortunes. He operated with his partners until August, 1897, when he disposed of his interests and found himself in possession of a handsome profit. Feeling entitled to a rest, Mr. Taylor put in a year or so in travel, being absent from Findlay until the spring of 1898, and two years later he purchased a half interest in the Findlay. Sucker. Rod Company, which he disposed of in March, 1902. Mr. Taylor's political affiliations are with the Republican party, and he served one year on the city board of improvements of Findlay. His fraternal connections are with, Masonry, in which he has reached the thirty-second degree, the Elks, Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. FRANK VAN SANT. Frank Van Sant, one of the most progressive and successful agriculturists of Jackson township, shows in his methods of farm management deep scientific knowledge, combined with sound practical judgment, and the results show that high class farming as an occupation can be made profitable as well as pleasant. Mr. Van Sant was born in Liberty township, this county, January 1, 1854, his parents being William and Harriet (Mains) Van Sant. The father was born in Maryland, January16, 1812, of Holland ancestry, the name being originally spelled Van Zant, but was changed by him during boyhood upon entering school. During his youth he learned the tailor's trade, which he followed in the south for some years. Making considerable money, he lived rather extravagantly, paying eighteen dollars per yard for the cloth in his wedding suit; one hundred and fifty dollars for a watch; fifty dollars for a chain and five dollars for a key. He was married in Fairfield county, Ohio, January 28, 1847, to Miss Harriet E. Mains, the ceremony being performed by Rev. John Stone. She was born July 7, 1824, a daughter of Jacob and Harriet. Mains, who were of German descent. A few years after his marriage Mr. Van Sant removed to Hancock county, but after spending a short time here returned to Fairfield county. About 1850 or 1851 he again came to Hancock county and settled on a farm in Liberty township, five miles CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 159 northwest of Findlay, where he resided for four or five years. He made money in land trading, owning at different times several farms in this county, his name appearing on more records in the county seat than that of any other man up to the time he left the county, about 1884. He finally secured the farm on which his son Frank now lives, the latter being at that time eighteen years of age. From this farm the father removed to Findlay in the fall of 1876, and subsequently. went to Georgia, where he made his home for about sixteen years, living retired at Dalton and at Tunnel Hill. For a year and a half prior to his death he resided with his son Frank at the present home of the latter, and there passed away on the 7th of July, 1900. His wife had died at their home in Dalton, Georgia, from cancer, August 16, 1887, at the age of sixty-three years, one month and nine days. During her residence in the south she returned to Ohio two or three times, her last visit being only a few weeks before her death. Her remains were interred. in the Maple Grove cemetery; For thirty-three years she was. an earnest and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and was beloved by all who knew her. The subject of this sketch is the fourth in order of birth in a family of ten children, the others being as follows : Homer H., an engineer living in Muncie, Indiana; Solon B., a farmer of Hancock county, who died February 22, 1900 ; Orril A., who died at the age of two years; Albert R., a farmer of Jackson township, this county; Clayton, a farmer of Deshler, Ohio; Sarah J„ the wife of U., S. Fetters, of Jackson township ; Viola, wife of William Oman, a retired Citizen of Findlay; Alice, wife of A. C. Shank, of Deshler ; and Elizabeth, who was murdered while standing in her own doorway, December 21, 1897, at the age of thirty-two years, three months and ten days. She was a most estimable lady, who was devoted to her parents and remained with them until her death. During his minority Frank Van Sant gave his father the benefit of his labors. He accompanied the family on their removal to his present farm and when his father decided to locate in town he took charge of the place and has since engaged in its operation, his youngest brother remaining with him one winter. On the 11th of March, 1877, Mr. Van Sant was united in marriage to Miss Phebe A. Van Horn, a daughter of George W. and Nancy (Morehart) Van Horn, The father was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, of German parentage, and is now. living with Mrs. Van Sant at the .age of seventy-five years. He is the eldest of five brothers living in this county, the others being Moore, of Amanda township ; Robert, of Jackson township; and Charles E. 160 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY and John, both of Amanda township. George W. Van Horn was educated in the schools of Hancock county and taught for several years in early life at fifty cents per day. His brother Moore was also' a teacher and his daughter, Mrs. Van Sant, followed the same occupation in Jackson and Amanda townships prior to her marriage. She was educated in the Mount Blanchard and Findlay high schools. Her father became one of the successful farmers of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Van Sant have two daughters : Cora, who completed her education in. the Mt. Blanchard high school and taught for two years, is now the wife of John N. Edie, who operates one of our subject's farms, and they have one child, Arthur. Jessie, the younger daughter, is at home with her parents and is still in school.. For a few years after his marriage Mr. Van Sant rented his father's farm, consisting of two hundred and forty acres, and then bought one hundred .and sixty acres and later the remainder of the tract. Since then he has purchased fifteen acres more a mile distant. His wife being one of two daughters, received one-half of her father's estate, and buying her sister's interest, became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres, comprising the Van Horn homestead. To this has been added, an adjoining tract of eighty acres, so that she and her husband now lack only five acres of five hundred acres. Upon the home place has been erected good and substantial buildings, including a modern residence, and there are also two other houses upon the land, which is rented. Mr. Van Zandt has also laid considerable tiling, so that his land is now in first class condition, being rich and productive, yielding a golden tribute in return for the care and labor bestowed upon it. In connection with general farming he carries on stock raising, making a specialty of sheep, of which he keeps from three to five hundred head upon his place. These are of a high grade and he realizes a good income, both from the wool and mutton. Mr. Van Sant's residence, one of the best in the township, was built in 1897, at a cost of about four thousand dollars. On the home farm there are eight producing gas wells.. Originally Mr. Van Sant was a Democrat in politics, but his views on the tariff question were more in accordance with the principles of the Republican party, and he is now a stanch supporter of the latter. He is generally a delegate to the county conventions of his party and was at one time A candidate for county commissioner. For four years he acceptably served as township treasurer and he has always been found true and faithful to any trust. reposed in him, whether public or private. Both he and his wife are active and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Houcktown, and during his entire membership with that congregation he has served CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 161 as trustee and steward. The family are faithful attendants at both church and Sunday-school. Fraternally Mr. Van Zandt is a member of the Masonic lodge at Findlay and the Odd Fellows lodge at Mount Blanchard. He commands the respect and confidence of all with whom he comes in contact, either in business or social life, and is held in the highest regard by all who know him. HEZEKIAH CORWIN. Hezekiah Corwin, who now lives retired from active business, in his pleasant home at Findlay, was born on a farm in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1836, and is a son of Peter Corwin, who was born in 181o, in Pennsylvania, but who died on his farm in Hancock county, Ohio, in 186o. He was a son of Morris Corwin, who also died in the same county, in 1852, when about seventy years of age. The two surviving children of Peter Corwin are our subject and his sister Harriet, who is the wife of John Phifer, of Hancock county, Ohio. Hezekiah Corwin was but an infant when his parents moved from the farm in Wayne county to the the village of Perrysburg, and a few years later to Jeromeville, now in Ashland county, Ohio. In 1849 the family removed to Findlay, where our subject acquired the most of his education, as he lived on a farm just outside the corporation limits. After attaining his majority, Mr. Corwin learned the brick mason's trade and followed the same for some years. When the Civil war broke out, it found him ready and willing to do his duty, and in August, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served for twenty months, receiving then an honorable discharge on account of disability, being at that time a corporal with every indication of promotion. During a great part of the time he was detailed as wagon driver. Upon leaving the army, Mr. Corwin returned to Findlay, but the business depression of that time made it difficult to obtain work and finally he returned to his trade and followed it for .three years. He then engaged in farming and also in teaming for several years, and then opened a livery stable at Bluffton, Ohio. Nine months later he decided to remove his business to Findlay, where he successfully conducted a stable until about 1887, when a favorable opportunity was offered for disposing of his interests and Mr. Corwin sold to advantage. In 1889 he again embarked in the business and carried it on for three years, since then living retired. In 1869 Mr. Corwin was married to Miss Sarah Spangler, in Findlay, 162 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY and one daughter, Nellie, was born to this marriage. In politics our subject is identified with the Republican party. The family is well known, as Peter Corwin was a very successful teacher for many years. ABSALOM P. BYAL. This gentleman, now a retired business man of Findlay, is one of those interesting characters who act as connecting links between the pioneer past and the progressive present. He has been a resident of Hancock county since 1833, a period of nearly seventy years, and during that time has witnessed practically the whole development of both county and city. His career covers a period of momentous events in the history of state and nation, including three of the national wars, and that marvelous settlement and organization of the great chain of states which stretch from the Mississippi to the distant shores of the Pacific. Nor was Mr. Byal by any means an idle spectator of this vast national panorama of moving pictures. He did his full share in helping along the industrial growth of this section, and, as will be seen later, figured conspicuously both in the public and private business affairs of his county. The name of Byal is of French origin, and the founder of the family in this country emigrated from France with an English wife and settled in Maryland about the middle of the eighteenth century. This emigrant left one son, named Peter, who served in the Revolutionary war, and another named William Byal, who was born near Baltimore, Maryland, in 1765, and came to Stark county, Ohio, in March, 181o. He engaged in farming there, and so continued until September, 1833, when he removed to Hancock county, resumed his old occupation of tilling the soil and was thus employed until death terminated his labors in 184o. He was married twice, his second wife being Catherine Shilling, who died April 14, 1865, leaving five children, four of whom are living. Absalom P. Byal, eldest of the children last mentioned, was born in Stark county, Ohio, June 19, 1821, and was consequently twelve years old when brought by his parents to Hancock county. He grew up on the farm in Findlay township and made his first independent business venture, in his eighteenth year, by purchasing and driving a team, which occupation was later varied by farming, trading and other pursuits. It was his custom in those youthful days to eke out his income by teaching during the winters and shipping a little grain in season. So things went along until 1842, when he secured appointment as deputy sheriff of Hancock county, and was employed in that capacity during the following two years. In 1846 he was elected sheriff for a CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 163 term of two years, but after serving half that time resigned to accept appointment as clerk of the court, in which office he served for six and one-half years. He then began farming a tract of land which he had purchased in Findlay township and on which he lived during the next six years. In 1861 he removed to Findlay, lived there until 1867, and then moved to another farm within the corporation limits, which became his permanent residence. Mr. Byal is a member of the Democratic party, and in the past has been prominent as one of its leaders. In 1883 he was elected to represent Hancock county in the legislature, and made so satisfactory a record that he was rewarded by re-election in 1885. Still. higher honor was conferred upon him when, in 1873, he was chosen as the representative of his party and county in the constitutional convention of that year. In addition to this he was at one time elected justice of the peace, but resigned from that office before his term had expired. Mr. Byal is a communicant of the Presbyterian church and long conspicuous in Masonry, being the oldest member of that order in Hancock county, who was created a Mason here. In September, 1845, Mr. Byal was married, at Findlay, to Sarah A., daughter of A. Youngkin, and by this union there were five children, of whom four grew to maturity : Clara E., wife of P. W. Ball, of Springfield, Ohio ; Sarah C., wife of Dr. Cass R. Carlin, deceased ; William A., of Findlay ; and Ida H., wife of J. J. Bradner, of Marion, Indiana. The mother died in May, 1865, and Mr. Byal contracted his second matrimonial alliance with Sally Mavety, to whom he was married at Findlay, in October, 1867. Of the two children resulting from this union, Nellie was drowned at the age of three years, and George F. makes his home with his father. Mrs. Byal died February 16, 1897. GOTLOB D. FISHER. John Fisher was a man of consideration in his native land of Germany and occupied a position of prominence in the business affairs of his community. Like all other Germans he was compelled to serve his time in the army, but as it was an era of peace, nothing notable occurred during his military career. After this enforced service he returned to his home, where he prospered and held the office of constable, which is a much higher and more responsible position than the one of similar designation in this country. In early manhood he married and with his wife Frederika, carried out a long cherished design by emigrating to the United States in 1857. Making his way to Hancock county, Ohio, he tarried for a while in Washington township 164 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY and later bought eighty acres of land in the township of Cass. He and his good wife soon made this farm "blossom as the rose" and when prosperity visited them a fine brick residence was erected, in which they lived with comfort and reared their offspring. They were members of the Lutheran church, led exemplary and useful lives and gained the good will of all their neighbors. Mrs. Fisher died in 1869, and her husband passed to his final rest in the year 1884. Of their nine children the only survivors are William, Philip, Caroline and Gotlob. D. Fisher. The latter, who is the subj ect of this sketch, was born in Germany, June 2, 1843, and was consequently fourteen years of age when brought to Ohio by his parents. He had received some education in his native land, and his studies were continued after arrival in the schools of Hancock county. His chief difficulty, however, was the acquisition of our somewhat complicated language, but by dint of perseverance, study and contact with American boys and girls, the bright German lad eventually mastered its intricacies and now speaks English like a native. As he grew up he worked and saved and in 1871 found himself able to assume the responsibilities of a landed proprietor, his first purhcase consisting of eighty acres in Big Lick township. This original tract was increased by various subsequent purchases until at the present time Mr. Fisher owns three hundred acres of well improved land. Among the neighbors in Big Lick township was a family of Camps, who enjoyed the honored title of "early pioneers," inasmuch as Henry Camp, the founder, had arrived on the scene during the period of first settlements. He entered the eighty acres of land, which was soon increased by the addition of as much more, and this, by skillful cultivation and management, was eventually made a very valuable property. While Henry Camp and his wife Cynthia were residing in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1843, a daughter was born to them whom they christened Orcilla, and this lady after she grew tip in Hancock county, became the wife of Gotlob D. Fisher, the ceremony being performed in 1864. In the progress of years the household was brightened and made happy by the birth of numerous children, whose names are thus recorded in the family register : Henry; John; Cynthia ; Joseph; Maggie; Edgar and Esther (twins) ; Frank, Flora and a deceased child. Mr. Fisher, as well as his wife and her family, was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church, and he is one of the esteemed elders of that denomination. No man stands higher in the community as a citizen, while his thrift and skill as a husbandman command the admiration of all his neighbors. Mr. Fisher possesses the German geniality of disposition, as well as the German good sense and adaptability to surroundings, and these qualities are of great value as makers of friends. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 165 JAMES WILSON. The above named gentleman, who is at present city infirmary director of Findlay, is one of the oldest residents and has had quite an adventurous career during his long lifetime. He can say what few are able to say, that he has been an active participant in two of the nation's most important wars and his experiences in each have involved a number and variety of dangers unusual in the case of ordinary military veterans. The details of these adventures will be given later on, and here it is only necessary to add that Mr. Wilson is an interesting man to know, as he has seen much and can relate many interesting stories of accident by flood and field, which make him a pleasant companion to converse with. With these introductory remarks we will now proceed to give in outline the main events in the life of this veteran and pioneer. James Wilson was born near Columbus, Ohio, in 1822, and there received such education as he was destined to obtain through the medium of schools. The Mexican war was on when he had reached his twenty-fourth year, and actuated by a desire for a brush with the "greasers" he enlisted, in 1846, at Newark, in Company H, Second Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Colonel George W. Morgan. His term was for one year, but that proved ample time to satisfy his curiosity as to the fighting qualities of our somewhat hasty tempered neighbors across the Rio Grande border. He was in the battle of Marine, where one hundred and thirty of his regiment were surrounded by three thousand Mexicans, but managed to fight them off and then made a forced march to join the rest of the regiment, who were stationed twenty-two miles away. When the little band of heroes, foot sore and weary, arrived at this place they found their companions surrounded by the same crowd of Mexicans from whom they had themselves lately escaped. This was the principal adventure in the Land of the Montezumas, but while among the cactus and maguey plants of that interesting country Mr. Wilson was often in skirmishes with guerrilla bands or detached portions of the regular troops. After being mustered out of the service he made his way back to his Ohio home, and in 1848 came to Findlay, to stay in a jewelry store of his brother during the latter's sickness. He had learned the jewelry trade and was running a store at Newark when he enlisted for Mexico, but on his return from the war he worked at other points awhile and in 1853 came to Findlay. He resumed the jewelry business temporarily, but two years later took possession of a Hancock county farm and was engaged for three years in rasing stock. He then came to Findlay and was engaged in buying grain or working in a railroad warehouse until the outbreak of the Civil war changed 166 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY all his plans and affected his whole future career. As soon as hostilities opened Mr. Wilson began to raise a company for the service, but soon had enough men to make two companies, and on the 17th of April, 1861, received a commission as captain from Governor Dennison. He was assigned to the Twenty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as commander .of Company A, and served as such during the three months' term of his enlistment, after which he was mustered out. Returning to Ohio, he proceeded at once to raise another company in Hancock county, of which he was made captain and which became Company G, Fifty-seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He went to the front with this company, and served gallantly as its commander until the fortunes of war made it impossible to communicate with his men or exercise any control over them. His first service was in West Virginia, where he took part in the battles of Scary Creek and Charleston, but being ordered west . at a later date he .was with the forces that fought through the bloody engagement at Shiloh. Subsequently he was in the Corinth campaign and under fire almost hourly at Rising Sun, Memphis, during the siege of Vicksburg, with the expidition up Red river and the fights at Arkansas Post and Jackson," Mississippi, being one of the first 'to enter the last mentioned place. In the spring of 1864 Captain Wilson's regiment was assigned to the army under Sherman, and participated with that great leader in the severe marching and fighting of that memorable campaign. July 22, 1864, while fighting in front of Atlanta, Captain Wilson had the misfortune to be captured, and he was soon afterward sent to one of those southern prison pens at Macon, Georgia, which no guest was apt to mistake for a first-class boarding house. He was detained here .a month and was one of the five hundred prisoners sent to. Charleston, South Carolina, to be placed under fire of the Federal batteries. After this experience he was "dumped" with his miserable companions in the middle of an open field near Columbia, South Carolina, without tents, cooking utensils or other necessities of camp life, and it is needless to undertake to describe their wretchedness and suffering. From this wretched den, on the 9th of November, 1864,. Captain Wilson and eight of his desperate companions made their escape, but he was recaptured in July at a point in North. Carolina, with four of his miserable comrades, two. of whom were killed and the others sent .to Asheville. .Here Captains Wilson and Skelton were placed in an iron cage, where they were held a month, undergoing starvation, torture and miseries indescribable. From this point Captain Wilson was sent to Salisbury, North Carolina, and later to the famous den. in Libby prison, at Richmond, where he was held until the city was evacuated and then returned to his home in Ohio. Besides a severe wound received at the battle CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 167 of Shiloh, Captain Wilson was not seriously hurt in his various fights, but he made many narrow escapes. In 1867, after his return from the army,. Captain Wilson was appointed revenue inspector and gauger for a distillery at Findlay, and later was made United States storekeeper also, holding these positions until President Johnson went out of office. He was elected city marshal of Findlay and held that office two years, and also served a year or so as chief of the fire department. His health failing about this time, he hoped to bring about an improvement by a trip to Arizona, but after remaining there a year returned to Findlay and occupied himself several years in small business matters of no special importance. In 1888 he was made city infirmary. director, which position he has retained up to the present time. In 1849 Captain Wilson was married, in Franklin county, Ohio, to Lucylvia C. Taylor, who died in 1899. In politics Captain Wilson is a Democrat, and his fraternal connections are with Masonry, in which he holds the thirty-second degree, and Stoker Post, Grand Army of the Republic, of which he is past commander. WILLIAM W. COLE, JR. Any one who takes a glance at the farm in Big Lick township belonging to the subject of this sketch would scarcely need be told that it is in charge of a first-class farmer, as all the outward evidences indicate this. In fact there is no man of this age in the county who can show better results for the time he has spent in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Cole was born. in Michigan, December 27, 1857, a son of John and Sarah (McCree) Cole, and was four years of age when his parents came to Hancock county. Here the father purchased eighty acres of land, upon which he settled with his family and there reared his sixteen children. All of these are still living and twelve of them are residents of Hancock county. At the present time John W. Cole, Sr., is living at Findlay, and is seventy .years of age. He was born in Delaware, in 1832, and removed to Michigan in early life and subsequently, as previously stated, made another change to the state of Ohio. His wife died in 1879. William W. Cole, Jr., was brought up and educated in Big Lick township. There he has made his home ever since, and there, as stated, he has achieved his success as a farmer. His first purchase of land was in 1887, when he bought forty acres, but this has been since increased by the addition of twenty-five more, besides a farm owned by his wife, which makes their total holdings one hundred and forty-five acres. 168 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY On the 24th of March, 1881, Mr. Cole was united in marriage to Miss Ellen, daughter of William and Mary Bright. They have a family of twelve children, ten of whom are living, as follows : Cloys M., Florence M., Ray C., Jessie G., Aura B., Edna M., Carl M., Mary A., Nana and Esther. Mr. Cole has always taken an active interest in township affairs and has held the position of treasurer and other minor offices. He and his wife, as well as the children, are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he holds the position of class leader and is superintendent of the Sunday-school. In all the relations of life the Cole family, both the older and younger generations, have so conducted themselves as to be accorded standing as model citizens and neighbors. ISAAC W. HOOPER. The broad and fertile fields of Hancock county have been of such strength in the matter of production that its citizens have possibly been more permanent than in any other section of the state. It is thus the stranger will find a large number of the people of the county Who are direct descendants of the pioneers who settled the country. The pioneers were honorable in the highest degree, and engrafted their life on the institutions of the county, and when they laid clown their lives they passed to their descendants their many excellent traits of character. Isaac W. Hooper is a direct descendant of one of these pioneer families of Hancock county. He is the son of John and Charlotte Wiseman Hooper, the former born in Maryland, February 17, 1800, and the latter in Virginia in 1803. Before removing to Hancock county they had been residents of Fairfield county, Ohio. In 1832 they removed to Hancock county, locating in what is now Washington township on the farm owned by Isaac Hooper. At that time John Hooper entered two hundred acres from the government for which he paid the usual price of one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre. He passed through the usual trials of pioneer life, clearing his farm by degrees, and adding improvements such as made it an exceedingly valuable piece of property before his death. To the original two hundred he had added forty acres. He was a carpenter by trade, and worked at that business in connection with the conduct of his farm. In religious matters he was a firm supporter of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which organization he was honored with many of the prominent offices. The family consisted of seven children, four of whom are now living : Isaac W., L. D., John and Alma Patterson. The father died December 23, 1870, and his wife August 12, 1882. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 169 Isaac W. Hooper was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, January 26, 1830, and was therefore in his. third year when he came to Hancock county. He was reared in the township of Washington, and received his education in the common schools. He became in due time a tiller of the soil on his own account and has been reasonably successful in this pursuit. In 1875 he purchased his present farm of one hundred and forty acres, which he devotes to general farming. May 12, 1861, he was married to Mary Hoffmaster, by whom he has had fire children : Etta, born. April 24, 1864; Lottie, October 15, 1865; Lydia, deceased, born. May 19, 1867; Anna, July 13, 1870 ; John, July I, 1874. Mrs. Hooper's father was John Hoffmaster and her mother Rachel Eidler, both natives of Germany, and early settlers in Mahoning county, Ohio, where she was born, reared and educated. It is proper to state that Mr. Isaac W. Hooper receives and merits the respect of his fellow citizens in the county. JONATHAN NELSON. This gentleman, now deceased, but formerly a well known citizen of Hancock county, was highly esteemed as a man and recognized as a farmer of unusual ability and progressiveness. His birth occurred in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, February 24, 1816, and he showed promise of future usefulness at a very early age. After the usual term in the country schools, which in those days were rather crude as well as scarce, young Nelson turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and soon mastered all the details connected with farm work. In fact he showed a natural aptitude for this calling, was resourceful as well as industrious and in a few years had acquired considerable property, besides a neat sum of ready money. In early life he had the good fortune to find a most excellent wife in the person of Miss Mary, daughter of John and Sarah Pettigrew. This lady, who was a great favorite in her girlhood days and developed into a woman of great strength of character, was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, August 30, 1819, and during her long married life with Mr. Nelson she proved to him not only a loving and most faithful companion, but a wise and prudent advisor in all his business affairs. In 1854 Mr. Nelson removed with his family to Hancock county and purchased a farm in Cass township. This land at the time had been but little improved and the residence was merely a crude log building. Mr. Nelson, however, brought to bear his trained talents in farming and soon produced order out of chaos. In due course of time the land was neatly fenced, ornamented with all necessary structures in the shape of barns and other 11 170 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY buildings, while the soil by the skillful methods known to the trained agriculturist was brought to that high state of cultivation so characteristic of the Ohio valley farms. Personally, Mr. Nelson became both popular and prominent. He was often called on to fill important township offices and was regarded throughout the county as a man of influence as well as a citizen without reproach. During their long and happy wedded life Mr. and Mrs. Nelson became the parents of fourteen children, of whom seven are still living, namely : William H., Hosea, Frank, Jonathan, Caroline, Catherine and Sarah. Six of these are at present residents of Hancock county, and each and every one of them enjoys and deserves the proud. title of good and loyal citizen. John Nelson, one of the 'elder sons, joined the army during the Civil war and gave up his life that the Union might be saved. He enlisted as a private in the Fifty-seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, served loyally with that command and as long as his health would permit, but eventually succumbed to disease at Columbus, Ohio. Among the recipients of floral offerings made on Decoration Day to the heroic dead who surrendered their young lives in the sacred cause of the Union, none better deserves a wreath than John Nelson. Jonathan Nelson, after a life of usefulness and free from blame, passed to his last long rest November 7, 1896, in his eighty-first year, and few departed citizens have had more sincere mourners. His venerable widow, who still occupies the homestead, is passing the evening of her days surrounded by loving descendants and those "troops of friends" and well-wishers who constitute the best reward of a well spent life. GEORGE W. ROSS. The life of the gentleman whose name is above given has been one of continued activity and marked with unusual success as a teacher, a lawyer and participant in politics. His standing at the Findlay bar may be measured by the statement that the legal firm of which Mr. Ross is a member has been engaged upon one side or the other of most of the important cases tried in the courts at Findlay during the last eight years. Mr. Ross has figured with equal conspicuousness as one of the Republican leaders in all recent campaigns and has been prominently mentioned as a candidate for Congress. No apology is necessary for including the biography of such a Man in any history of Hancock county, only regret is expressed that space will not permit of as full a presentation as the subject deserves. The family is of Massachusetts origin, the founder of the Ohio branch of the name being Joseph Ross, who was born in the old Bay state in 1812, and CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 171 remained in the east some years after reaching maturity. In early life he engaged in the manufacture of thermometers and barometers in Massachusetts and Connecticut, his partner in this business being the father of the late Samuel J. Tilden. In fact, the articles of partnership for the firm were drawn up by Mr. Tilden shortly after his admission to the bar, and long before the beginning of that political career that was destined to give him such celebrity. Joseph Ross was an intense Abolitionist from the very beginning of the anti-slavery agitation, did much to spread the sentiment in opposition to this "twin relic of barbarism.," helped to organize the Republican party and became one of its charter as well as most devoted members. In early manhood he came to Ohio and settled in Wayne county, where he engaged in farming and followed that occupation until the time of his death in 1895. His widow, the mother of George W. Ross, died in February, 1900, aged eighty-four years. George W. Ross, son of Joseph, was born on his father's farm in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1854, and remained at home until seventeen years old, when he was sent to the academy at Lodi, Ohio, where he remained four and a half years. In 1875, shortly after reaching his majority, Mr. Ross entered upon a career as a teacher, which proved to be extended as well as successful. His first term was taught in one of the country schools of Wayne county, after which he secured a position in the high school at Sterling, where he spent several years and then went to Creston in the same capacity. His vacations during these six years of educational labor were spent in the study of law in the office of Hon. B. W. Woodward at Medina, and Johnson & Grave at Seville. In 1879 he was admitted to the bar at Medina, but instead of entering at once into practice he devoted the following two years to work at his old calling in the school room. In 1880. he opened a law office at Sterling and practiced there with success during the following nine years. It was in 1889 that Mr. Ross made his first appearance at the Findlay bar, his first three years' business being done in partnership with his father-in-law, D. R. Beardsley. This partnership being dissolved in 1892, Mr. Ross practiced alone until 1894, when he was united with W. H. Kinder to form the law firm which for eight years has been a power in the profession at Findlay. As previously stated, they have appeared in nearly all the important cases litigated in the local courts and in some of great importance, involving large sums of money. An instance of this kind was the case of T. & W. R. Carnahan against twenty-three insurance companies in as many separate suits to recover damages upon policies aggregating seventy-five thousand dollars, claimed as the result of a fire occurring- in April, 1893. Ross & Kinder 172 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY represented the companies in this noted case, which was finally decided in favor of the defendants after seven years of litigation. The only official position held by Mr. Ross was that of city solicitor of Findlay, in which he served two terms with his usual vigor and ability. His prominence in politics is due to his recognized standing as a public speaker, aided by his readiness at all times to assist his party in its committee work and other labor devolving from the heated campaigns for which Ohio is noted.. Mr. Ross's fondness for fraternal fellowship is gratified by membership in Findlay Lodge, No. 400, Knights of Pythias, Elks Lodge, No. 75, and the Royal Arcanum, No. 187. He is a member of the Hancock County Bar Association, and of the Symposium. Literary Society of Findlay, of which Mrs. Ross is now president. It is hardly necessary to add that the family enjoys entree in the best society of the city. J. Z. CHASE. Possibly one of the most interesting documents held by any one in this vicinity is that in the possession of J. Z. Chase. It is the original deed to one hundred and fifty-three acres of land which his grandfather, David Chase, received from the government and it is signed by President John Quincy Adams. David Chase, a native of New York state, entered this land in 1832, about three years after his arrival. He had a son called Justus, born in New York state in 1817. This son became very closely connected with the pioneer life of Hancock county, enduring many hardships, maintaining the high esteem of his fellow citizens and securing for himself and family a liberal income through hard and constant labor. He held several important offices, among which was that of justice of the peace. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and adheres closely to the tenets of that faith. His wife 'Was Mary. A. Jones, who was born in 1822 and died June 27, 1889. He had eleven children, of whom seven are living. Mr. Chase has retired from active life and has taken up his abode in Findlay. J. Z. Chase is the only son of his father's family who has remained in Hancock county. After spending some years in the district school he engaged in farming with the firm purpose of making it a profitable and successful business. In this he has succeeded well, and the farm on which he lives is one of which he can justly be proud. It has been his home all his life and he has kept up the excellent methods of his father, improved upon some and made his one of the best cultivated farms in this neighborhood. In 1880. he married Miss Minta Henry, who was born in Orange town- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 173 ship in 1855. He has thus linked himself with one of the old families of Pennsylvania, for James and Fanny Henry, her parents, are natives of that state. Mr. and Mrs. J. Z. Chase are the parents of three promising children: Roy H., born in 1881 ; Charles L., born in 1885 ; and Inez, born in 1888. Politically the Chases have always acted with the Republicans; fraternaldy J. Z. Chase affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Maccabees. JACOB PEPPLE. In his capacity of member of the board of commissioners of Hancock county, which important office he held for a number of years, the gentleman whose name heads this sketch had an opportunity to render valuable service to the people, while displaying sound judgment as a business man. Though his life's occupation had been that of a farmer, he was observant of other lines of work and accumulated a valuable fund of practical, everyday knowledge which can only come from actual experience. Farming, however, is a great educator and generally when a man has managed all the details of a farm for years he is a good person to entrust with the management of offices and other agencies which deal with the welfare of the plain people, of whom the tillers of the soil constitute the largest and most important portion in every community. Jacob Pepple was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, March 9, 1839. He was the son of Jesse and Mary Ann (Tipple) Pepple, and when nine years of age was brought to Hancock county by his parents, who took up their residence there in 1848. He was reared on a farm and March 24, 1861, married Amelia, daughter of Levi M. S. and Sarah (Alspach) Miller, a native of Hancock county. The children of this union, in order of birth, appear in the following summary : Elmer J., Franklin S., Josiah, Jacob C., all residents of Hancock county and engaged in farming and stock raising; Ellsworth remains with his parents; Sarah E. is the wife of H. Yanning; and Emma J. married S. P. Altman. In 1890 the many friends of Mr. Pepple urged him to become a candidate for county commissioner, which he did and in the fall of that year was elected to that position by a majority of five hundred. Satisfactory service was followed by re-election, when his majority was seven hundred, and in all he discharged the duties of commissioner of Hancock county for a period of six consecutive years. The fellow members of the board during Mr. Pepple's 74 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY incumbency included some of the best known and most popular citizens of the county, as will be recognized by a perusal of this list : Isaac M. Watkins, C. W. Brooks, Christian Garber, H. B. Rader, J. D. Anderson and Benjamin Wineland. They disposed of much important business, requiring painstaking care and good judgment to avoid mistakes, inasmuch as the expenditure of large amounts of public money was involved in numerous contracts. The most important of this work was the construction of iron bridges in various parts of the county, the macadamizing of public roads and location of ditches, all matters of vital interest to the people and involving large expense. Another contract of much importance let by the board during Mr. Pepple's term, was that for putting steam heating and electric light equipment in the county court house. Heavy appropriations of the kind alluded to always elicit more or less criticism, but it is to the credit of Mr. Pepple to say that none ever aspersed either his good judgment or integrity, in connection with any matter involving the public expenditures. He was regarded as an unusually "level-headed" commissioner and his constituents were a1,1 pleased with the manner in which he had discharged his duties. Mr. Pepple resides on a neatly kept and pleasant farm five miles south of Findlay, and the many visitors to the cheerful household are always cordially welcomed. Mr. Pepple has always been a farmer and stock-raiser, is much wedded to agriculture and regards that as the main business of his life, other pursuits being only temporary and in the nature of diversions. He as well as his sons are regarded as representative farmers of the kind which have given Hancock county such high standing among the agricultural counties of the state. JOHN M. MOORHEAD. Andrew Moorhead and his wife, Letitia (Bell) Moorhead, came to this county in 1836. Two years before Andrew had entered one hundred and sixty acres in Portage township, and now he set about constructing a little cabin in which he might make his family comfortable. For fifteen years they occupied the little but of round logs and here the Indian and white man would gather of an evening, for Andrew was a peaceable man and lived in harmony with all his neighbors. Indeed he was a great man in the land, and often did redskin and paleface come to him for counsel, for he was wise in diagnosis and skillful in the treatment of disease when it affected the horse. The Wyandot Indians counted him their friend and trusted him implicitly. He lived on the trail from Findlay to their hunting grounds. He was a power- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 175 ful man and resolute, who, by his industry and progressive spirit changed the wilderness as by magic. In 1851 he built a large and comfortable house and for twelve years enjoyed the returns of a well spent youth, sharing them with his wife and children. Then in 1863 the wife and mother died, and the big heart of a large man was lonely. He took unto himself a second wife, and she infused new joy into his life by putting into the father's arms two children, the outcome of their union. Andrew Moorhead died on, the 1st of April, 1885. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, and in politics a Republican. Eight of nine children by his first marriage are still living, and to these belongs the subject of this sketch. John M. Moorhead, who was born June 11, 1836, was only six months old when his parents moved from Stark to this county. Like many men who received their education in the little district school in early days John learned his lessons in a little log house. In those days fancy educations were rare luxuries, the few months of instruction, confined to the winter season, barely sufficed to ground the child well in fundamentals. A teacher received but twenty-five cents a day and when the milder weather set in he was glad enough to find more lucrative employment. Children in those days learned largely to help themselves and many of their lessons were self taught. They learned to work hard for what they got and the habit of industry later stood them .in good stead when they struck. out in the battle of life. The satisfaction of having acquired is perhaps the best recompence for hard labor and the conscientiousness of doing well whatever one undertakes is perhaps the secret of success. The listless swinging of an ax or the languid waiting for something to do would never have placed his name at the head of a pay-roll. It was the sure, strong and even stroke and his steady application that brought John M.. Moorhead to the notice of the railroad company then operating in Ohio, who paid him the highest wages for construction work. It was but thirteen dollars a month, but that was in 1858 and money was worth more in those days than now. In May, 1864, Mr. Moorhead enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Sixty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and after a service of four months was honorably discharged. He saw service in the valley of the Shenandoah; in Virginia. His two brothers, William and Josiah, served throughout the war. Mr. Moorhead is a member of Stoker Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Findlay. In 1866, in conjunction with his brother, Mr. Moorhead bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, which at the end of ten years he held in his own name, having bought out his brother's half interest. He has devoted himself mainly to stock raising and it is in this branch of industry that he 176 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY has met with his greatest material success. Through the profits on hogs and cattle he has been able to increase his estate to three hundred and seventy acres. Most of this land he cleared himself and much of it needed draining. He has put his land in excellent condition and his farm is one of the best adapted to general agricultural pursuits in this vicinity. He has lived on his present farm in Liberty township since 1872. The house is a large and beautiful brick building, with all the conveniences of a modern residence. In 1861 Mr. Moorhead was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth J. Reed, by whom he had seven children : Ada R., born October 2, 1862; Joseph 0., born December 13, 1863; Lettie M., born January 4, 1866; Thomas. R., born February 22, 1869, and died in August, 1869 ; D. H., born June 1, 1872; Merrill .M., born June Is, 1873, and died in April, 1874; Otis E., born November 23, 1876. Mrs. Moorhead is a daughter of John and Rebecca Reed, and was born in this county February 6, 1839. Mr. Moorhead is one of the popular men of this county and a strong man in the Republican party. He has held several offices, serving as county commissioner one term, as justice of the peace two terms and as real estate assessor for his township. Mr. Moorhead belongs to the Presbyterian church and is one of the elders. JOHN S. SOLETHER. Prominent among the citizens of Hancock county who have witnessed the marvelous development of this section of the state in the past three-quarters of a century, and. who have. taken an active part in its development and progress, is the gentleman .whose name introduces this sketch, a well-known and influential farmer living in a beautiful modern brick residence on a farm of one hundred and two acres in Washington township. Mr. Solether has. been for long years prominently identified with the. social and, public life of Hancock county and he and his family deserve mention in a work which purports to mention the leading families of the county. Mr. Solether is a native of Germany; having been born in Wurtemburg in October, 1829. His father was John Solether, his mother's maiden name having been Dorotha Anger: These parents were also natives of Wurtemburg, as had been their ancestors centuries previous. When our subject was but four years of age his parents removed with their family to America, where they located on a farm in Holmes county, Ohio. In this section of the state they remained but a short time, making Tuscarawas county their next stop. Here they were not satisfied with the conditions, and soon found their way CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 177 to Stark county, where they remained for a longer period. They next removed to Wood county, Ohio, in 1840. Here Mr. Solether entered eighty acres of land from the government which he cleared during his lifetime, and on which he lived until his death in 1854. His wife, Dorotha, survived him a period of eight years. Mr. John Solether, Sr., was a hard-working, honest, and trustworthy man. The family which he reared consisted of six children, two of whom were born in the fatherland. The others were girls and were born in Ohio. Of the whole number, but four are now living. Mr. John Solether,, who forms the immediate subject of this review, was educated in the common schools of the various districts into which his parents moved, but like all young men in pioneer life. his education was somewhat neglected.. He has never known anything but agriculture, a fact to which is probably due the very enviable position which he occupies among the farmers of Hancock county. He is one of those who have made a success of tilling the soil. He made his first purchase of real estate in 1854, at which time he bought out the heirs to his father's property. It consisted of eighty acres of timber land in Wood county, and to this tract he added forty acres more. This land he cleared and at one time or another added various improvements. He sold out in 1882, and purchased his present farm, which in general appearance cannot be surpassed in the county. His home is a magnificent brick of modern. construction. Indeed, everything on and around the premises shows the. guiding hand of the master of agriculture. Mr. Solether has twice entered the state of matrimony, first choosing as a companion Miss Anna M. Drayer. The union occurred in 1858, and by her one child was born, now deceased. The young wife died about a year after her marriage, and in a year and a half later Mr. Solether married Miss Caroline, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Miller. This union resulted in the birth of two sons, William A., and Ira D. Their mother died in 1885, having proved to her husband a faithful companion and helpmeet. on life's journey, and it is but proper to say that her sound advice and assistance were important factors in her husband's prosperity.. She is remembered as a lady of sterling excellence of character. William, the eldest son, after reaching manhood, was united to Sophia Rhodes and they have one child, Albert. Ira D. married Etta Mohler, in 1895, and three children have come to bless their home: Edgar, born April 8, 1896; Robert, born' October 21, 1898, and another son, born June 21, 1902. The mother of these children was born in 1872 in Hancock county, and comes of one of the early and most honorable families in the county. John Solether is a member of the United Brethren church, and while he has never craved office, he believes in every 178 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY man sacrificing his own personal comfort to the good of the community, and during- his lifetime has served in many of the unpaid offices of the township. His services as trustee have been characterized by much efficiency. It is our duty to mark our .appreciation of such a man, who is true to every relation in life, faithful to every trust, diligent in the service of his country, and serving only the public good. In the evening of life Mr. Solether can look back over the past without regret and forward to the future without fear. EVAN DORSEY STEVENSON. Evan Dorsey Stevenson, one of Jackson township's most progressive and successful agriculturists, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on the 18th of October, 1835, and the same year was brought to Ohio by his parents, Abalard and Matilda (Lawrence) Stevenson, who were also natives of Maryland. Although reared upon a farm the father turned his attention to commercial pursuits in early life and became a wholesale merchant of Baltimore, where he was engaged in business until coming to this state. He settled upon a farm of one hundred and sixty acres near Fredericktown, in Knox county, just one mile and a half west of that city, and there engaged in stock raising throughout the remainder of his life. In politics he was an old line Whig. He. died in 1859, at the age of sixty-two, having survived his wife about fifteen years. Mr. Stevenson of this review remained with his parents until twenty-two years of age, receiving a good practical education in the schools of Fredericktown, and acquiring a knowledge of agricultural pursuits upon the home farm. On attaining his majority he went to Illinois, where he engaged in teaching school for a short time, and on his return home resumed his studies in Fredericktown. Subsequently he again went to Illinois, where he worked for about a year, but on the death of his father returned home to assist in settling up the estate. It was in 1856 that Mr. Stevenson first came to Hancock county, but in traveling along the big swamp from Carey he was not agreeably impressed with the outlook here. In October, 1859, however, he became a resident of this county, where his father had owned one hundred and twenty acres of land, which tract became the property of our subject, who bought out the other heirs. At that time forty-five acres of the highest ground had been partially cleared, but much of the remainder was under water and the only building upon the place was a log house. The following year Mr. Stevenson dug a ditch which was three feet deep and six feet wide at the to and three CENTENNIAL. BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 179 at the bottom, and as this drained off considerable water he felt more encouraged. This was the first ditch in the township and was the beginning of systematic drainage here. About 1865 our subject laid the first tiling in the township, buying the first kiln of tile burned by John Carst, west of Findlay, who agreed to lose one-half the cost of it if it did not prove satisfactory. About eighty rods were laid at this time and covered up. Many of Mr. Stevenson's neighbors came to see the operation but claimed that the water would never get into it. One old settler told our subject it was useless to bury his money, and his father-in-law, Henry Cooper, told him it was all nonsense. The following fall Mr. Stevenson sold his field of corn to Mr. Cooper for twenty-five dollars per acre in the stack, thus proving the success of the undertaking. At once others began laying tile, until to-day the county is well tiled and drained. Mr. Stevenson bought forty acres more, making a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, all of which he tiled and paced under cultivation, having cleared about sixty acres of the amount himself. He also secured a separate tract of thirty acres, but has since sold eighty acres to his son, so that he now has one hundred and ten acres in two different tracts. His residence was erected in 1866, but it has since been remodeled and improved, making a most comfortable home, which is surrounded by good outbuildings that stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. In order to clear his land he burned much of the timber, which, if it had been marketed, would have paid for his land. Throughout his active business career Mr. Stevenson has devoted his attention entirely to his agricultural pursuits, never allowing himself to become interested in new enterprises, and to-day there is no better farm in the vicinity than his. He keeps a good grade of stock, making a specialty of thoroughbred sheep, and was the first to introduce American merino sheep into the county. These he has sold at fancy prices and made considerable money therefrom. On the 28th of June, 1859, Mr. Stevenson was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Cooper, daughter of Henry Cooper, who lived in the vicinity of our subject's home. Her father was one of the pioneers of the county, where he cleared and improved a farm of one hundred and sixty acres and became a well known farmer and stock man. He died at the age of sixty-two years. In his family were fifteen children, all of whom reached maturity and thirteen are still living, but Mrs. Stevenson is the only one residing in Hancock county at the present time. She was born here and is five years her husband's junior. They have a family of five children, namely : Henry, who is now engaged in farming on a place adjoining his father's ; Lawrence, a resident of Mount Blanchard ; Clara, the wife of Louis Hart- 180 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY man, of Jackson township ; Evan, who is operating his father's farm; and Addie, now Mrs. Harry Greer, of Mount Blanchard, Ohio. By his ballot Mr. Stevenson supports the men and measures of the Republican party, and formerly took quite an active part in local politics. He has served as township assessor and trustee, being elected to those offices in a Democratic township, which is an indication of his popularity and the high regard in which he is held by his fellow citizens. Religiously he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Houcktown, in which he has filled various offices. He belongs to the Odd Fellows Lodge at Van Lue and has passed all the chairs in the subordinate lodge, and both he and his wife have taken the Rebecca degrees. They stand high in the community where they have so long made their home, and enjoy the hospitality of many of the best people in their section of the county. MICHAEL LECHNER. The subject of this sketch, whose name is above given, is one of the young man whose push and energy have led to the development of the great oil industry in various states, resulting in such rapid growth of communities and such frequent accumulations of individual fortunes. Though he has not "struck it rich" as some others, Mr. 'Lechner has done well at the business and in its prosecution has exhibited good judgment as well as energy and enterprise. He is of German origin, his father, Michael Lechner, having been born in the domains of Emperor William, in 1827, but he emigrated in early manhood to the. land of promise in the new world. He located in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, but lived at various places after his arrival for periods ranging from two to twelve years. It was while his parents were living at Brooklyn, in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, in 1861, that Michael Lechner was born, and during the next twenty years he accompanied the family in their wanderings. His first two years were spent at the place of his nativity, the following six years at Sligo Furnace, and the next twelve years on a farm in the same county. During this period he picked up some education by irregular attendance at the county schools, and when he reached his majority began looking around for "something to do." His first venture was made in the oil fields of Allegany county, New York, where he entered a blacksmith shop at Allentown and worked in the blast furnace for the four succeeding years. Observing that there was an opportunity to make good wages by dressing tools used in boring oil wells, a kind of work then in much demand, he spent six years at this occupation with fair results. His next CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 181 work was as a driller of wells, and he adhered to this laborious employment for about seven years, after which he concluded to utilize the experience he had obtained in a more lucrative branch of the oil business. In 1886 Mr. Lechner came to Ohio, located at Findlay, and immediately engaged in contracting, later becoming an oil producer on his own account. This business he has kept up continuously since then and has met with a fair share of success in that line of industry. January 26, 1897, Mr. Lechner was united in marriage at Detroit, Michigan, with Miss Malinda, daughter of Henry Croback of that city. Mr. Lechner is an advocate of the principles of the Democratic party and a member of the Roman Catholic church. LEMUEL McMANNESS. During his forty years of identification with the business interests of Findlay, the gentleman above mentioned has been a conspicuous figure in the various walks of life. Though at present absorbed in the management of his rake factory and stone quarry, he has in his time "played many parts" and it is not flattery to say that he has played them all worthily and well. His business experiences range from clerking in a grocery store to management of important productive plants, and his office-holding career embraces service both as city clerk of Findlay and sheriff of Hancock county. This was flavored by abundant war experience in youth, during which, as incumbent in various responsible clerical positions, he was introduced to the mysteries of feeding and managing a big army. The family of McManness, which is of Irish origin, was first represented in America by James McManness, who came over during the latter part of the eighteenth century, and died in Pennsylvania about 1820. He left a son named John McManness, who was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in 1808, came to Hancock county, Ohio, in 1856, and there followed cabinet-making until his death, on January 1, 1866. Lemuel McManness, son of the last mentioned, was born in Plainfield, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1846, and consequently was ten years old when brought to Hancock county by his parents. The latter located at Findlay and there Lemuel was attending school when the Civil war storm disturbed all ordinary occupations. In January, 1862, he secured a place as clerk in the sutler's department of the Fifty-seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served in that capacity about eighteen months. Being then appointed clerk in the office of the quartermaster of the army of the Cum- 182 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY berland, he retained that position a year and next entered the office of the medical purveyor, at that time located on Lookout Mountain. He continued with the purveyor's department about one year and a half, or until the close of the war, when he returned directly to his home at Findlay. He succeeded without difficulty in securing a clerkship in a grocery store and worked for his employer until 1870, when he made his first business venture on his own account by establishing a rival grocery store. This he conducted with more or less success for thirteen years, until he disposed of his stock and embarked in the manufacture of linseed oil, which at that time was a new industry at Findlay. From 1889 until November, 1891, he was engaged in the flouring mill business, having purchased the interest of Judson Palmer in the Findlay mill. This mill was destroyed by fire in November, 1891. About the same time he started a rake factory and between these various employments was kept busy until 1891, when he disposed of his oil interests, and in 1895 returned to the grocery business. In 1898 he became interested in a stone quarry, a year later retired from the grocery business and since then has devoted all his time to the quarry and the rake factory. These establishments are important contributions to the industries of Findlay, as they employ a. number of hands and the sale of the products is an item of consequence in the general commerce of the city. Mr. McManness has found time during his busy career to pay some attention to politics, in which he has figured conspicuously on the Republican side. His fellow partisans gave him the nomination for city clerk in 1870 and after a spirited race he was elected. At the expiration of his first term, having served satisfactorily, he was again put forward and endorsed by re-election. This excursion into city politics was followed by a more ambitious effort in the general field, embracing the whole of the county and in this enlarged sphere Mr. McManness was followed by his usual good fortune. In 1884 he was nominated as his party's candidate for sheriff of Hancock county, made a successful race and served in that office a full term of two years. December 16, 1875, Mr. McManness was married at Findlay, to Amanda E. Kimmons, by whom he has two children : Katie and Frank. While the foregoing outline will give some notion of Mr. McManness's busy life and his contributions to the industrial growth of his community, it is no more than his due to add a word or two of general commendation. It is a common remark at Findlay that he is the best known man in Hancock county, an acquaintance which naturally has grown out of his long residence and prominent connections both with business and politics. But what is more to the purpose is the fact that Mr. McManness, in spite of the friction inseparable CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 183 from party politics and the rivalry of business, has shown singular tact in avoiding enmities and securing friendships, with the result that while the best known he is also one of the best liked men in the county. HENRY E. WITMORE. In this sketch we shall deal with several persons, for the Witmores are not only interesting in themselves but they are connected with some of the leading families in the county. Rev. Jonathan Witmore was born near Emmetsburg, Maryland, in 1810. He was a shoemaker by trade, well versed in the Scriptures, a thorough German scholar and a profound thinker. The truth, as he saw it through the faith of the Dunkard church, inspired him. die put aside the last and awl to tell his fellow men what he believed, and the conviction made him eloquent. He was a plain man of mental and bodily strength and spoke to plain people in a language that they could understand. He was an enthusiastic, active man, putting his principles into practice and living a useful life. The Rev. Mr. Witmore married three times. His first wife was a Miss Shatzer, by whom he had two children, one only growing to maturity. His second wife was Kate Coover, born near Monroe Falls, Pennsylvania, in 1813. She was the mother of eight of his children; six of the number are now living, among them Henry. E. Witmore. The family was then living in Wood county, this state, where the father and husband bought at different times parcels of land—either forty or eighty acres in size—as chance directed. Mrs. Kate (Coover) Witmore died May 14, 1851. The third wife was Susan Smith, by whom he was the father of four children, all still living. Rev. Jonathan Witmore died July 1, 1880. He was of Irish and Dutch descent. Captain Henry Witmore, brother of the preacher, was born in 1798, and served in the war of 1812, though only a boy at the time. His life was filled with excitement and adventure. He became one of the fiercest Indian hunters of the day and it was he who captured Robert Lewis. The Captain was a man of fine physique and great power. He was six feet two, and of symmetrical build. He lived for many years in Pennsylvania and as sheriff of Adams county was considered one of the best men ever put into that office. His property was part of the battlefield at Gettysburg. Henry E. Witmore, son of the preacher and nephew of the captain, was born near Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, October 16, 1842. In 1850, at the age of eight, the family came to Wood county, Ohio, and Henry considered that his home until after the close of the Civil war, when he moved 184 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY to Hancock county, where he now lives one a hundred and ten acres of fine farming land in Liberty township. There are twelve oil wells on this land, all flowing and bringing in a handsome revenue. Besides these possessions Mr. Witmore owns two hundred and sixty-three acres in Pleasant township and a four thousand dollar property in McComb. December 29, 1870, he married Miss Etna I. Reed, who died March 22, 1892. Of this union were born two daughters : Eldora (deceased), on May 27, 1872 ; Alta M., on April 22, 1874, who has become the wife of Waldo Morehead. November 10, 1896, Mr. Witmore married again. This time he chose as wife Nancy Brown, who was born in Williams county, Ohio, in 1853. She was the daughter of Jacob and Catherine Brown, the former born in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1815; and the latter in 1816 in Wittenberg, Germany, where she remained until twelve years of age. She came to America in 1828 and married Jacob Brown, September 10, 1837. Nine children were born to them, of whom three have passed away. One of the latter was killed in the battle of Atlanta, Georgia, while serving as a member of the Thirty-eighth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Jacob. Brown lived for ten years on a farm of his own near Fostoria. Mr. and Mrs. Witmore are members Of the German Baptist church and the former is one of the trustees. In his younger years he had learned the carpenter's trade, and it was this that enabled him to enroll as member of the bridge building corps in the army of the Cumberland.. As foreman of his gang, he came near meeting with death, and had many narrow escapes from the enemy. Once a bullet grazed his upper lip and another went through his hat. At the end of nine months' service he was honorably discharged, and returned to the quiet life of the farm. Mr. Witmore is still active, looking after his extensive interests and enjoying the good will and confidence of all who know him. FRANCIS WILBER. FIRMIN, M. D. The gentleman above named, whose career it is the intention here to briefly outline, is at present the oldest practicing physician in point of years at Findlay. With the exception of the absence made necessary by his service as a soldier during the great Civil war, Dr. Firmin has been a constant resident of the city for the last forty years, and during that time has been conspicuous both in its social and business life, aside from his labors in the line of his profession. His connection with the various medical societies and fraternal organizations, including those devoted exclusively to the veterans of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 185 the Civil war, has brought him in contact with many persons in all the walks of life and .few Men are better known throughout his section of the state. The Firmin family boasts of a lineage both ancient and honorable, and traces its genealogy back to the distant period nearly a thousand years ago when William the Conqueror crossed the English channel and overthrew the liberties of the native people by the defeat of Harold, the last of the Saxon kings. With this. conquering host, whose advent was destined to change the whole course of history, came Sir Solomon de Firmin, founder of the family of that name subsequently well known both in England and America. John Firmin, one of his descendants, was a member of that famous band which left England in the early part of the seventeenth century to escape religious persecution and founded the Puritan commonwealth in the western world. He was born at Ipswich, England, and had reached early manhood before making his adventurous voyage in 1630 to the shores of Massachusetts, in which colony he settled and became the progenitor of the American branch of the name. In after years descendants of this original emigrant found their way to various states of the Union, among them being the father of Dr. Firmin, who came to Ohio in the second quarter of the nineteenth century, and located in Summit county. In Richfield, one of the towns of that county, his son, Francis Wilber Firmin, was born July 15, 1842, and when only two years old was taken by his parents to Springfield, Massachusetts. After a residence there of about one year, the family removed to South Hadley Falls, Massachuset, where they remained until 1850, and then went to South Wilbraham, in the same state. At that place Francis Firmin spent his boyhood, receiving his preliminary education in the common schools, came to Findlay May 9, 1862, and in the fall of the same year entered Oberlin College, where he continued his studies until the following July. At that period college circles, as well as every other branch of society, were profoundly stirred by the events then in progress and young Firmin shared fully the prevailing enthusiasm for the Union cause. Determined to join the hosts battling for the country, he went to Cleveland .and enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until honorably discharged on the loth of March, 1864. Returning to Findlay immediately thereafter, he took up the study of medicine in the office of his uncle, Dr. Lorenzo Firmin, with whom he remained until his entrance into the Western Reserve College at Cleveland, in the medical department of which institution he received his degree February 18, 1867. As soon as he obtained his diploma, Dr. Firmin opened an office at Findlay, and his continuance from that time on has made him the dean of his profession by reason 12 186 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY of being the city's oldest physician in years of practice. As a member of the American Medical Association, the Ohio State Medical Society, the. Northwestern Ohio. Medical Society, and the Medical Society of Hancock county, Dr. Firmin is well known in his profession, not only over northern Ohio, but in other parts of the country. His activities, however, have not been confined exclusively to his own especial calling, but he has devoted a considerable time to public duties, serving four years as member of the city council, and seven years on the board of education. Dr. Firmin has been especially active and conspicuous in Masonry, with which ancient and honorable order he has been connected for more than thirty years. In 1868 he was made a Master Mason in Findlay Lodge No. 227; in 1871 he became a member of Findlay Chapter, No. 58; and in 1880 he was initiated as a Knight Templar in Shawnee Commandery No. 9. In 1890 he was created a Scottish Rite Mason at Cleveland and in 1897 became a member of the Mystic Shrine at Dayton, Ohio. For several years he has served as worshipful master of Findlay Lodge, No. 227, and was eminent commander of Findlay Commandery, No. 49, at the time of its organization, serving as such until December, 1891. Dr. Firmin is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Grand Army of the Republic. In 1872 he was appointed examining surgeon for pensions for Hancock county and with the exception of eight years, during the administrations of Grover Cleveland, has served continuously in that office, being at present president of the board. In politics, Dr. Firmin is an earnest supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and has several times been elected as one of its representatives in the common council of Findlay. May 6, 1869, Dr. Firmin was united in marriage with Miss Mary L. D., daughter of Rev. John A. Meeks, and as the result of this union there are four living children : Scott, Dr. John M., Frank Bope and Carl Giles. It is but proper to add that during his long, active and useful career at Findlay Dr. Firmin has made many friends and enjoys, as well as deserves, their esteem and confidence. COLLIN D. HAYWARD. Collin D. Hayward is a representative of the commercial interests of Findlay, where he is engaged in dealing in lumber and coal, his operations in that direction being of a character that have won him a good patronage. Mr. Hayward is a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Conneaut, in the year 1859. His father, Samuel Hayward, was born in St. Lawrence CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 187 county, New York, in the year 1826 and removed westward, establishing his home in Conneaut, where he resided for many years, as one of the most prominent and influential members of that community. Through a long period he was actively engaged in the banking business and was also a leader in political circles and was called to represent his district in the state legislature. He died in the year 1885, when about fifty-nine years of age, respected by all who knew him. In the place of his nativity Collin D: Hayward was reared and educated and there remained until he was twenty years of age, at which time time he removed to Chicago, Illinois, where he continued for two years. During that time he was in the wholesale house of Marshall Field & Company. On the expiration of that period he came to Findlay, Ohio, in 1885 and here established a lumber yard, which he has since conducted. He carries a large line of lumber and building materials and also deals in coal, and his patronage has constantly and steadily increased as the years have gone by, so that he has prospered in his business undertakings and is regarded as one of the successful men of the place. Fraternally he is a valued representative of the Odd Fellows society, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the HooHoos. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, and while he believes firmly in its principles, he has never sought or desired office, preferring to give his entire attention to his business affairs, whereby he has won creditable success. JAMES KELLEY. The value of character is exemplified in every walk of life, no less frequently in the career of the farmer in a rural community than in that of a financier or professional man who makes his mark in the city. No where is sterling character more markedly in evidence nor in a broader sense a legacy of the people than in the busy and important farming regions of the middle west. There the sturdy character of. the American farmer is as highly developed as anywhere in the United States. One of the best known representatives of this brand of Americanism in Hancock county is the prominent and prosperous citizen whose name supplies the title for this sketch. James Kelley is one of the largest land owners in the county, the farm which he operates being a five hundred acre tract, situated in Washington township., Hancock county, and part of it in Wood county. He is a practical farmer, as his environments indicate, and it is very evident by the appearance of things that he shapes and controls his environments. Mr. Kelley was born 188 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY in Wayne county, Ohio, January 18, 1831. He is a son of Zekiel and Rachel (South) Kelley. These parents were natives of the same county of Wayne, were married there, and were prominent representatives of the agricultural class in that county during much of their lives. They removed to the newer county of Hancock in 1834, where they located in Washington township. Here they purchased eighty acres of land, and passed the rest of their existence in the severe labor of carving a farm out of the primitive forests, a labor to which the younger generation are absolute strangers. Zekiel Kelley was a man of determined will, of great industry, of excellent business judgment. These qualities combined to make him a man of wealth and influence in the latter part of his life, and he was extensively and intimately connected with the growth and development of the county. He was a large owner of real estate, and during his !lifetime, much of the best- real estate of the county at one time or another passed through his hands. He also engaged in banking to a considerable extent. In those days pioneers needed money. Those needs were supplied by Mr. Kelley. He was a shrewd, far seeing, but honest and honorable business man. He was prominently identified with the public interests of the county, was a strong supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, and was a firm believer in the tenets of the Baptist church. His birth occurred in 1793, and he died in 1880. His wife, Rachel Kelley, was born a year later, and outlived him by eleven years, dying at the remarkable age of ninety-six years. Their family consisted of eight children, one of whom, Sarah, was born in this county. The rest of the family were natives of Wayne county, Ohio. Of this number five are living. James and one sister are the only residents of the county. James Kelley passed his boyhood on the farm, early becoming familiar with the labors of the field and meadow.. He received what little education was current at that day in the district schools of Wood county, to which his parents moved when he was quite young. He remained a resident of Wood county up to 1855, at which time he purchased his present farm of his father, where he has resided as a successful farmer and loyal citizen up to the present time. In the year 1854 he took. unto himself a life companion in the person of Emily M., the daughter of Reuben and Marian Bement, and by this union eight children have been born : Antoinett M., deceased; Dora R., deceased ; Mary, deceased Arthur B: ; Albert A. ; Ida. M.; James and Frank. The eldest son, Arthur B., was united in marriage to Amanda Dicken. Albert A. married Josephine Lauterby. James led to the altar Lydia Fink, while Frank, the younger. son, wooed and won Cora B. Balmer. The daughter, Ida M., was happily married to Charles Ernest, elsewhere represented in this CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 189 volume. The family of Mrs: Kelley were early pioneers of Portage county, Ohio, where she was born in 1827.. The Kelley family, from their settlement in the county up to the present time, have been leading spirits in agricultural pursuits, and influential in the social and public life of the county. They are people who merit and ,receive‘ the good wishes of a large clientele of friends. Mr. Kelley is one of the most successful farmers of Hancock county and owns its model farm. His house and barns are complete in every respect and fine examples of agricultural .architecture. The barn is supplied with stalls and hot and cold water for all kinds of stock. He himself is the planner of this model barn, which is superior to anything of its kind in the county. All his buildings contain slate roofs and every convenience that ingenuity can suggest. He is a Democrat politics, but not a member of any church nor any of the secret societies, though at one time he held membership in some of the latter. JOHN W. SHOE. This honorable and worthy citizen of Hancock county is an extensive fruit grower residing near the city of Fostoria, in Washington township. He was born September .17, 1839, in Montgomery township, Wood county, Ohio. His father was Fred Shoe, and his mother's maiden name was Elizabeth. Kaiser. These parents were both natives of Stark county, Ohio, and were of Dutch descent. They grew. to maturity in their native county, and after their marriage about 1835 removed to Wood county. Here the husband entered about eighty acres of government land, which he cleared and on which he made many ample and substantial improvements. He still lives at an advanced age, but sold his original farm and now resides in Michigan. His wife died about 1877. Their family consisted of fifteen children and of this number nine are living. John W. Shoe passed his boyhood on the home farm, and no event of any importance occurred during his early life to vary the usual routine. He remained dutifully at home during his minority, and gave his best efforts to the support of the family. In 1856 he came to Hancock county and engaged in farming for Joseph Beninger, remaining here up to 1861, When the war cloud gathered over the nation, feeling that his duty was to his country, he left the plow and took up the rifle. He enrolled as a member of Company E, Forty-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served with this command continuously until January, 1865. He was in all the battles in which the regiment participated until his capture by the enemy at 190 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY the battle of Stone River, December 31, 1862. From that date until May, 1863; he experienced all the horrors of prison life in that noted institution known as Libby Prison. On returning to his command he was promoted to principal musician, and was detailed as regimental clerk, which office he held up to the close of the war in 1865. He received his discharge on November 3o, at Victoria, Texas. He returned home glad that the war was over, and conscious of the fact that he had nobly done his duty to the country which he loved. On his return to civil life Mr. Shoe began a connection with the dry-goods business, in which he occupied . himself for the next thirty years. In 1896 he purchased his present beautiful home, where he is now enjoying the fruits of his former activity. His marriage was celebrated in 1869, the lady being Miss Sara, daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth Overholt. By this marriage there were no children. Mrs. Shoe was born on the 15th of April, 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Shoe. are prominent members of the society of Hancock county. He takes an active part in the local public life of his township, having served for two years as treasurer. He and Mrs. Shoe are both very earnest supporters of the United Brethren church, Mr. Shoe being especially active in support and attendance upon the Sunday-school, with which he has been connected since 1866. Indeed he has made the rather remarkable record during that time of having attended on an average fifty-one Sundays each year. Mr. Shoe also takes delight in furthering the interests of the G. A. R., and is a member of Norris Post, No. 27, being at the present time a trustee. JAMES SHEA. The appearance of the above name naturally suggests old Ireland, as it is seldom borne by any except natives of that interesting and historically famous country. Few names are better known there than that of Shea, and it has been made familiar abroad as well as at home, by the worthy sons who have carried it with credit to every known land. It is associated with geniality and joviality, with wit and humor, with adaptability to all kinds of service and a remarkable aptitude of its owners for taking care of themselves under any kind of circumstances. Another soubriquet also not infrequently applied to them is that of the "fighting Sheas," which would leave the inference that in times of emergency these particular sons of Erin could be depended upon to hit hard blows for the cause they espoused. James Shea, whose name suggested the foregoing preliminary remarks, has only been in America twenty-two years, during which time he has lived CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 191 in many places, but it is safe to say that wherever he went he left friends and well-wishers behind him, and that no community was the worse for his sojourn therein. He was born in County Carlow, Ireland, in 1861, and left his native land for the shores of America when nineteen years old. When he reached the port of New York in 1880 he had "the whole world before him to choose from." He reached the Buckeye state and located first at the town of Delaware. The prospects there were not inviting, and a year and a half later found our courageous young man "trying his luck" at Sidney in the same state. At this point he wisely determined to learn. a trade and selected that of stone-cutting, the details of which were mastered in due time and with this additional equipment Mr. Shea moved on four years later to Cincinnati. There he secured employment in a marble shop, which lasted for two years, after which he worked as a journeyman for a short period at Knoxville, Tennessee, and Mansfield, Ohio. The last two engagements consumed about two years, and in 1892 Mr. Shea found a permanent abode at Findlay, where he has ever since remained. In this thriving county seat he opened his marble works establishment and from that time on has been kept. busy at his calling, usually finding all the work he can do. In 1895 Mr. Shea was united in. the bonds of wedlock with Miss Bridget E. Hanfin, a worthy young lady of Sidney, Ohio,. and their home has been brightened by the birth of one son, whom they have 'christened Walter J. Mr. Shea is a devout member of the Roman Catholic church, and in politics supports the ticket of the Democratic party. His place of business is at 136 North Main street. HENRY HEISTAND. There have been few residents in this portion of Ohio who have enjoyed to a greater degree the esteem and friendship of a larger circle of acquaintances than Henry Heistand, now deceased. He was a man of sterling worth, of genial disposition and unfailing courtesy, and these qualities rendered him popular, while his sterling character enabled him to retain friendship when it was gained. He was among the pioneer settlers of Hancock county, having removed here as early as 1830. His father, Jacob Heistand, entered three hundred and. twenty acres of land from the government, before his decease occurred in 1853, at which time his real estate fell to Henry by the payment of a specified sum to each of the heirs, and the conditions of which were embodied in Jacob's will. Jacob's wife was named Elizabeth. Henry Heistand grew to manhood in this county, 192 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY and married Susanna Welch, both of them being natives of the Keystone state. Their marriage occurred in 1843, and their family numbered ten children, eight of whom grew to maturity. Of the seven now living four are residents of Hancock county, namely :—Harriet; Morris O.; Charles B.; and Jeremiah. Henry Heistand was a man of true worth and of wide influence. He was a consistent and active member of the Lutheran church, in which he was highly esteemed, and was honored with one of its offices. Politically he was a follower of Jefferson, and at one time served his township as treasurer. He died in March, 1878, his Wife having passed away in 1872. Mrs. Harriet H. Measel, daughter of Henry and Susanna Heistand, was born on the old homestead in 1845. She received a liberal education, and was excellently fitted for a life of usefulness. In September, 1868, she was happily united in marriage to. Fernando Measel, the union being blessed with children as follows: Margaret L.; Minion B.; and Martin H. Mr. Measel was a native Of Seneca county, Ohio, where he was born in 1841. The following year his parents removed to Hancock :county. He was reared and educated in this county, and during his lifetime was an extensive stock raiser and ship- per. The farm on which he resided contained one hundred and seventy-five acres.. He was a man well and honorably known in the county, and held the esteem of a large number of friends. At the time of the Civil war, he was found among "The Boys in Blue" who went forth to battle for the Union. He enrolled in Company G, One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which. command he served until. the close of hostilities. He served in all the battles in which his regiment engaged with distinguished valor, and was honorably discharged in 1865 as corporal of his company. He was a true friend, a good neighbor, a Worthy and loyal citizen, a kind husband, and an indulgent father. In 1877 he caused to be erected a magnificent home, which stands now as a monument to his memory. His decease occurred in July, 1881, by which event the public lost a worthy man, his family a dear and loved father and husband. Mrs. Measel has a brother and two sisters not heretofore .mentioned in this sketch. Mary E. is the wife of John Purkey, of Bloomdale, Wood county, Ohio; Sarah A. is the widow of Noah Bish, a resident of Fostoria, Ohio, and William is a resident of Lorain, Ohio. SQUIRE CARLIN. Hancock county has been the home and scene of labor of many men who have not only led lives that should serve as an inspiration to those who come after them but have also been of important service to their. country CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 193 and state through various avenues of usefulness. Among them must be named the honored pioneer, Squire Carlin, who located here in 1826 and for many years was prominently identified with the growth and development of his adopted county. Mr. Carlin was born near Auburn, New York, on the 25th of December, 1801, and was the oldest son and second child in a family of seven children. In the winter of 1806-7, when he was but five years old, the family left .the Empire state and traveled westward to Erie, Pennsylvania, where they remained a few months. Late in the spring of 1807 they boarded a sailing vessel and proceeded by lake to the mouth of the Huron river, settling on the south shore of Lake Erie; a short distance west of the place of landing. The Carlins were the second white family to locate in Huron county, Ohio, but remained there only one year, when they' removed to the river Raisin, settling on the opposite side of the river from Frenchtown, about two and one-half mile east of the. site of Monroe, Michigan, where they lived until the summer of 1809. They next located on the site of Maumee City, now in Lucas county, Ohio, where the father continued peacefully tilling the soil until after Hull's surrender in August, x812, when the report coming of hostile Indians caused them. to flee southward over Hull's. trail. Our subject's mother, with her children, mounted on two horses and carrying provisions for the journey and a few household articles, :accompanied a band of refugees to Urbana, while her husband remained behind with the hope of saving his stock, etc., but his efforts were futile as all his belongings fell a prey to the savages and their English allies. The refugees passed through Fort Findlay and saw the soldiers still working on the block houses which were commenced the previous June. After stopping in Urbana for a couple of months, the Carlin's located on Buck creek, east of the village, where they lived until 1814, when Squire and his father returned to Maumee, built a cabin near Fort Meigs and raised a crop of corn on what is now known as War Club Island. The following year they were joined by the other members of the family and moved to the old clearing north of the river. The buildings on the place had been burned by the British and Indians and new ones had to be erected. The parents spent the remainder of their lives on the Maumee. It was there that Squire Carlin grew to manhood with no school privileges whatever, except three months on the Maumee river, and all the education that he possessed was acquired after he located in Findlay. In April, 1821, he was united in marriage to Sarah Wolcott, whose parents settled on the Maumee at the close of the war of 1812. By this union were born ten children, but only three reached years of maturity, W. D., the eldest of these 194 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY was a surgeon in the Union army during the Civil war, and died in 1862; J. E. H., now a resident of Findlay, crossed the plains with his father in 1849, and again went to the Pacific slope in 1853, spending twelve years in California and fourteen years in Nevada. He was interested in a quartz mill for some- years and also did some mining. Sally W., the only surviving daughter, is.the widow of Judge G. W. Myers. The mother of these children died in 1850. Mr. Carlin visited Findlay several times before and after the settlement of Wilson Vance in 1821, and in November, 1826, purchased a lot on the southwest corner of South Main and West Front streets from Joseph Vance and Elnathan Cory, the original town proprietors. This property is still in possession of his widow, it being the oldest continuous title in Hancock county. In a cabin built upon this lot he opened the first store in Findlay, his trade being to a great extent with the Indians. In 1828 he was joined by his brother Parlee and together they carried on business under the firm name of S. & P. Carlin for many years. Our subject spent much of his time traveling through the forest buying furs from the Indians, white hunters and small traders. These he would take to Detroit, where they were shipped to London, England. One winter Mr. Carlin purchased four thousand and six hundred deer skins .and seven thousand coon skins. While engaged in the fur trade he suffered many hardships and privations. While on one of his trips in the winter of 1828 and very hungry, he came upon an Indian camp in the forest where several dressed animals were roasting before a log fire. Jumping from his horse' he cut off a large slice of the roasting meat. One of the Indians present, seeing the avidity with which he ate, said : "You like um fox ?" "Yes," said Mr. Carlin, "don't you ?" The Indian shook his head. "Then why do you roast them ?" was asked. "For my dogs," replied the Indian, who seemed much amused over the incident. The meat, however, tasted good to the hungry trader, who first supposed the animals to be coons, a much prized dish among the pioneers. Squire and Parlee Carlin carried on mercantile business for many years and also conducted the grist and saw mills on the north side of the Blanchard, on the present site of the Union block and the traction' company's plant; These mills they owned for more than forty years. In 1849 Mr. Carlin crossed the plains to California, being one of a company of fifty-five men, who started from Independence, Missouri, with mule teams which they had bought at that place and then broke in preparation for the journey. Our subject remained in the Golden state for two years, at the end of which time he returned home by water, traveling by way of the isth- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 195 mus of Panama and New Orleans, where he had the twenty thousand dollars' worth of gold dust brought with him converted in to money. He then proceeded up the Mississippi and Ohio rivers to Cincinnati, where he purchased four watches, paying one hundred dollars each. One of these Mrs. Carlin still owns and it is a good time-keeper yet. On his return to Findlay Mr. Carlin sold his store, which he had still retained while in the west and was then principally engaged in the loaning of money and in speculation, though he was also interested in general farming and the milling business as previously stated. He accumulated much property and became the second wealthiest man in the county. He was largely instrumental in building the Fremont & Indiana Railroad in 1853, now a part of the Lake Erie & Western Railroad, extending from Fremont to Union City, Indiana, but in this venture he lost heavily, and afterward retired from active business. He was one of the largest landholders in this part of the state, at one time 'owning several thousand acres of land in Hancock and Wood counties. For many years he was. in the banking business in this city. In June, 1853,. Mr. Carlin was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Delia B. G. Gardner, who was born in Jefferson county, New York, March 8, 1822, a daughter of James and Esther (Parker) Briggs, natives of Vermont and of English descent. Her paternal' grandfather, Peter Briggs, was born in Massachusetts and became a .very prominent politician of the Green Mountain state, where he represented his district in the legislature. Mrs. Carlin spent the first fifteen years of her life in her native county, and then accompanied her parents on their removal to Cuyahoga county, Ohio, where she was first married in 1842 to Charles H. Gardner. For about a year they made their home in Wayne county, New York, and then they removed to Vermont, where they spent two years. The following two years were passed in Nantucket, Massachusetts, and from there they went to Sheffield and later to Worcester, that state, but finally located .in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Gardner died at St. 'Augustine, Florida, in 1848, and a year later his widow returned to Cleveland. Subsequently she took up her residence in Columbus, Ohio, where she engaged in teaching school for some time, and it was there that she met Mr. Carlin, to whom she gave her hand in marriage in June, 1853. By her first union she had one daughter, Frances R. G., who first married C. Yonker and for her second husband wedded Edmond Dodd. By his second marriage Mr. Carlin had three children: Frederick P., who is now engaged in the hotel business. in Findlay ; Alice May, who died at the age of twelve years ; and one who died in infancy. 196 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Religiously Mr. Carlin was a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and died in that faith on the 29th of November, 1892. In politics he was a life-long Democrat and during his early years took a very active. and influential part in public affairs. 'He was the third postmaster of Findlay, in which office he served from 1831 to March, 1849, a period of nearly eighteen years. He was also treasurer of the county from June, 1831, to June, 1839. In his business dealings he was ever prompt, reliable and entirely trustworthy, and although he gained a far greater degree of success than comes to most men, it was because of his very energetic, persevering and capable management of his affairs. He was widely and favorably known and in his death the community lost one of its best citizens. Mrs. Carlin is one of the leading and most highly respected women of Findlay. DR. W. C. ROLLER. In the medical fraternity, although a comparatively young man, Dr. W. C. Roller has attained a position of relative distinction and occupies a leading place as a representative of his profession. His close application to business and the. pre-eminently successful conduct of the important cases which have come under his supervision have made for him a place in the hearts of the community which he serves. During the short period of his practice he has won a. large and constantly growing patronage, which is well merited, for he has qualified himself by a comprehensive and thorough mastery of the principles of medical science, and the best methods of applying these to the needs of suffering humanity. Dr. W. C. Roller claims nativity in Van Wert county, Ohio, he having been born in that county on the 5th of September, 1870. His paternal sire was A. J. Roller, his mother's maiden name having been Mary J. Guthrie. Mr. Roller, the father of our subject, is a native of Columbiana county, Ohio, the mother a native of Steuben county, Indiana. Mr. A. J. Roller, the father, is at the present time a very prominent and successful farmer of Van Wert county. Here he is held in great repute, and is prominently identified with the public life of the county, his Democratic friends having chosen him frequently to the different offices in his home township, and he served for six years as county commissioner. He is an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal church; of which organization he is an earnest supporter. Returning to the consideration of the chief points in the. rather brief career of Dr.. Roller, the writer notes that he was given an excellent education, laying the foundation of it in the district school of his home district. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 197 He later attended the Middleport Normal School. With this preparation he repaired to Columbus, Ohio, where he matriculated at the Columbus Medical College, took a thorough course, and in due time was graduated from that institution. He, however, was not satisfied with his preparation, for he looks upon his chosen profession as being one attended with the greatest responsibilities —even the solving of the problem of life: He therefore went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he graduated from the College of Medicine and Surgery in 1898. His first location. was in .the community of Spencerville, Allen county, Ohio, but concluding there was a wider field for effort at West independence, he went to that community in 1901, and was engaged in active practice there until October, 1902, when he removed to Arcadia. The marriage of Dr. W. C. Roller and Miss Ida Van Swearingen was celebrated in 1894, in Van Wert county. Mrs. Roller was the daughter of William and Margaret Van Swearingen. The union has been blessed with one son, B. Fay Roller, who was born in 1895. Dr. Roller is prominently identified with a number of the fraternal organizations of his community. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Tribe of Ben Hur, and at the present time medical examiner of the latter. He keeps in close touch with all affairs 'affecting his own profession, taking an active interest, in the sessions of the Northwest Medical Association of Ohio, and of the Hancock County Medical Society. The Doctor and his wife are active workers in the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically the Doctor is an earnest supporter of the principles laid down by Thomas Jefferson. Among his friends he is a genial gentleman of cordial disposition, and has a very large circle of acquaintances in the community to which he is devoting the best years of his life, and who esteem him highly for his genuine worth. JESSE I. BRINKER. One of the enterprising business men of Hancock county is Jesse I. Brinker, a tile manufacturer, residing and doing business in Big Lick township. He: was born in Meigs county, Ohio, in 1873, and is the son of C. and Ettie Brinker, both natives of that locality. Mr. Brinker came to Hancock county in 1896, and since that time has been actively connected with the business of this section. His whole life has been devoted to the vocation which he adopted in early manhood and of whose details he is a thorough master. His first venture was in his home county in 1889 and he has been continuously engaged in the business with the exception of one year since that time. He learned his trade with the Pittsburg Sewer Pipe Manufacturing Company, 198 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY was subsequently employed by the Roller Brothers in their tile yard for a period of three years, bought them out in 1892, and is now operating that plant on his own account. He has a capacity here of seventeen kiln per year and manufactures all sizes of drain tile. His close application to business and the sagacity displayed in the moving of his product have resulted in such a good trade that his future looks exceedingly bright. Mr. Brinker was united in marriage at Findlay, Ohio, January 1, 1900, to Inez Hall, an acomplished young lady of that city. She is a native of Hancock county, having been born in Big Lick township in 1878. She has presented her husband with one daughter, Alice F., born September .26, 1901. Mr. Brinker is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of West Independence, and is also a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Big Lick. PRESTON B. GATHERS. The oil business in Hancock county has been the means of assembling here many men of great mechanical skill, and one of these is Preston B. Lathers, who was born in 186o, on a farm, near Franklin, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Burrows and Rasanna (McMullen) Gathers, both natives of Pennsylvania, where he died in 1863, at the age of forty-five, and she shortly afterward. Her father, John McMullen, came to this country from the north of Ireland about the beginning of the nineteenth century. Her mother came from the north of Ireland as a young girl and lived about seventy-five years. Burrows Lathers was of Scotch-Irish descent and his father, John, was an old-time school teacher of Pennsylvania, living on a farm in summer and teaching in the winter. Until he was seventeen years of age our subject attended school in the country during the winters, and worked in summer, and then attracted by the opportunities offered in the oil region, went to the fields in McKean county, where he soon began his business career. For some years he built oil well machinery and then engaged in bridge building. In 1887 he came first to Findlay, Ohio, and began the building of oil well rigs and continues so occupied. For some years Mr. Gathers Was an oil producer, but he now occupies his spare time with farming. In Toledo, Ohio, in 189o, Mr. Lathers was married to Miss Eva Bateman, and the son born to this union is named Merl, now eight years old. The parents of Mrs. Lathers were Johnson H. and Harriet (Keller) Bateman, the former a successful farmer who enlisted in the war of the Rebellion and served to its close. His father, also named John, came from England and first CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 199 settled in Virginia, from there coming to Ohio and settling on the Maumee river, where he farmed until the end of his days. In political attachment our subject is a Democrat. He is fraternally connected with the order of Odd Fellows, the Elks and the Tribe of Ben Hur. Since locating in this city, Mr. Cathers has made many friends by his upright business methods and his pleasant personal characteristics. SALATHIEL V. ALSPACH. The gentleman above named, now connected with the furniture business at Findlay, is a native of Hancock county and a son of pioneer parents. His ancestors, originally German, have been identified with the United States for over a century and the name has always been a synonym for good citizenship in whatever community its representatives might be settled. They have been connected with the growth of Hancock county for over seventy years, in various ways as suited different tastes, and have contributed their full share toward the steady development which has made the county prosperous. Henry Alspach, founder of the American branch of the family, came over during the latter part of the eighteenth century and secured a location in Pennsylvania. His son, Adam Alspach, was born in that state in 1788, removed to Ohio in 1800, remained some years in Fairfield county and in 183o came to Hancock county, where he died in 1856. He served as a soldier during the war of 1812, and afterward. followed agricultural pursuits with such success as to secure a comfortable competence. Among his children was Daniel Alspach, whose birth occurred in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1811, and who was consequently nineteen years old when he came with his parents to Hancock county. As this arrival took place in April, 183o, he is justly entitled to rank as one of the pioneer settlers, the county at that time being sparsely populated and almost wholly undeveloped. When he grew up Daniel became a farmer and devoted his entire time and energy to this occupation until the termination of his life in 1891. Salathiel V. Alspach was born on his father's farm in Amanda township, Hancock county, Ohio, November 23, 1858, and remained at home until he had reached years of maturity. His life at that period was similar to that of other country boys, a division of time between school attendance and farm work, interspersed with those occasional diversions which go so far to relieve the monotony of rural existence. When nineteen years old Mr. Alspach abandoned the school room as a pupil soon to re-enter it as an instructor and for a number of years taught winter terms in schools of Hancock and Wyandot