200 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY counties, while working on the farm in summer. In 1890 he carne to Findlay to accept a position as assistant in the county recorder's office, and after filling this place a year, put in the same length of time as a deputy in the office of sheriff. In 1892. Mr. Alspach formed a partnership with P. W. Ewing for the sale of furniture, and since its formation the firm has been doing a growing business at Findlay, enjoying recognition at present as one of the leaders in their line. In 1889 Mr. Alspach was married at Huntsville, Ohio, to Miss Edna, daughter of the late Horace S. Brooks. His political predilections are decidedly Democratic, but while he yields his party zealous support he asks nothing in return by way of office. Mr. Alspach has a partiality for the fraternities and gratifies this inclination .by membership in various orders. He is a member of the various Masonic bodies at Findlay, including Findlay lodge No. 227 ; Findlay Chapter No. 58, R. A. M. Findlay Commander No. 49, K. T., and Lake Erie Consistory, Cleveland Ohio. He is also a member of Zenobia Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Toledo,. Ohio, and the B. P. O. E., .No. 75, and the I. O. O. F. JACOB ANTHONY KIMMELL, M. D. Dr. Kimmell's claim to the consideration and esteem of his fellow citizens rests upon the basis of an honorable military record and an equally creditable career in civic life, during which he has served faithfully in various positions of trust, including membership in the legislature and incumbency of city offices.. In these and other places of responsibility he has so demeaned himself and discharged his duties as to receive and deserve the title of a good citizen in the best sense of that term. Though not a native of Findlay, Dr. Kimmell has been a resident of that city for more than fifty years, and is a familiar figure to every inhabitant of the place. These introductory remarks will be amply substantiated by the following brief outline of the Doctor's career, whose presentation as fully as deserved is prevented by the limitations as to space imposed by the scope of this publication. Jacob A. Kimmell was born in Carroll county, Ohio, in 1844, but came with his parents to Findlay when seven years old. He was attending school when the Civil war broke out, and in common with all other Ohio boys of that period was fired with an ambition to become a soldier in the cause of the Union. His ambition in this direction was at length gratified by his enlistment, in February, 1863, in Company A, Twenty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served with commendable gallantry as long CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 201 as health and strength permitted. He participated with his regiment in numerous engagements, among the more important of which 'may be mentioned Chickamauga, Tunnel Hill, Resaca, Kennesaw Mountain, New Hope Church, and Atlanta. At length rheumatism, more dreadful than the enemy in front, so afflicted young Kimmell that he was sent north to Jeffersonville, where he was detailed when convalescent as hospital. steward and served in that capacity until the close of hostilities. He was mustered out of service in June, 1865, immediately thereafter returned to his home at Findlay, and took up the study of medicine. After a brief preliminary preparation he entered the Western Reserve College at Cleveland and was graduated by that .institution in the class of 1869. After leaving college Dr. Kimmell first located at Cannonsburg, Hancock county, where he practiced his profession for five years and returned in 1872 to his old home at Findlay. The young doctor took well from the start, soon secured a living patronage and this has been retained and steadily increased from year to year during the three decades of his professional career at Findlay. Aside from this, however, Dr. Kimmell has figured conspicuously and creditably in many other lines. He served a term in the city council and for a number of years discharged the duties of gas trustee. In the fall of. 1895 he was elected a representative from Hancock county to the Ohio state legislature, during which time he introduced and secured the passage of a bill giving the physicians of. Ohio the first law for the regulation and examination of doctors. He served for two years to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. His tastes, however, are rather for his chosen profession than for politics, and .it is in that line that he has achieved his most marked success and .made the record by which he will best be remembered. During his long career he has often been honored by his professional brethren by promotion to responsible positions in their various organizations. For many years he held the presidency of the Hancock Medical Society, and in 1900 was elected president of the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association. In addition to this Dr. Kimmell is also a member of the Ohio State Medical Society, the American Medical Association, the Mississippi Valley Medical Association, the International Association of Railway Surgeons and the International Medical Congress. The lady whom Dr. Kmmell married is worthy of especial notice. Rose Evalyne, daughter of Ambrose and Annie Graber, was born in Findlay, Ohio, August 12, 1852. She spent her entire home life in that city, but Was an extensive traveler, having seen most all parts of the United States and accompanied her husband on a tour of Europe, the Holy Land and Egypt in 1890. She was given every educational advantage, and at one time was a 13 2202 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY teacher of German, of which language she was a fluent speaker, and she also served as assistant superintendent of the Findlay high school. On the 12th of January, 1875, at the age of twenty-two years, she was married to Dr. J. A. Kimmell, by whom she became the mother of an only son, Alfred G., born January 4, 1877. Mrs. Kimmell was a member of several social and literary clubs of the city, among them being the Pauline Davies and Carpe Diem, and she was also a graduate of the Bay View Reeling Course. Her life was a model one; she loved her home and devoted her talents to the furtherance of its best interests. She thought of her family first of all, but being a woman of abundant resources and of a wholesome regard for the welfare of her fellow beings she found time to enlarge her field of labor. She was active in charitable work of every nature, and was foremost among the noble band of women who contributed so much toward the founding and maintenance of the Home and Hospital, .being its first treasurer, which office she held for many years. She was a good Woman, and these simple words contain the highest tribute to one who for twenty-five years was a devoted mother, a stanch and unwavering Christian and one whose life and deeds comprehend in the fullest measure that charitable instinct so seldom seen in its glorious maturity. Her charity was equal to her ability; she was humane to an extreme; for the worthy in trouble her hands were ready with relief; distress in every form met her ready sympathy; her desire to work for the good of others far exceeded her physical ability ; and none knew her but to love her. Wherever she went all were happier for her presence, and although her life was •not long in years it was full of that good which makes one better and life more worth the living. The measure is not how long she lived, but how much. She departed this life on the 13th of December, 1900, at the age of forty-eight years. Dr. Kimmell has not only traveled much over various parts of. the world, but he is a close reader and student, and these qualities make him a highly desirable as well as instructive companion. As late as 1898 he went to the Bellevue Hospital Medical College in New York for the purpose of taking a post-graduate course . and learning all the latest discoveries and improvements in medical science. This is a sample of the .professional pride which will not allow him to fall behind in the march of progress, and few physicians can claim to be better informed or more strictly up-to-date than Dr. Kimmel'. The Doctor is not only a fine talker but a brilliant writer and especially fond of discussing the great problem concerning the future life which has puzzled man from the beginning. Though decidedly liberal in his re, ligious views, he is a firm believer in the immortality of. the soul, and on this CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 203 theme has written several articles with unusual earnestness and acumen. Taken all in all there is seldom found a man more deserving of esteem for what he has done or more interesting as a companion than Jacob A. Kimmell, one of the veteran physicians of Findlay. JOSEPH P. REDFERN. It is said that the noblest work of the pen of history is to state facts, describe conditions and narrate events which illustrate the progress of the human mind; that in the coming age the hisory of wars, even when presented in the fascinating garb of brilliant achievements, will be read more with sorrow and regret than with satisfaction and delight. But who would obliterate. from Grecian history the record of the heroism of those who drove the Persian hordes into the sea at Marathon ? No Englishman desires to take from the history of his country the deeds of her Wellington or Nelson, and what patriot would rob the history of America .of the record of the victories of our army and navy in the several wars which our nation has been engaged, and deprive the people of the benefits and results of those grand achievements? Hancock county has among her citizens many of the noble boys who participated in the late Civil war, and it is not in the mind of the publisher of this volume to let their achievements go without mention. We present here in this gentleman one of the gallant soldiers who went to the front and distinguished himself in the service of his country. Joseph P. Redfern is at the present time a farmer in Cass township, where he resides on a well tilled holding. In 1862, when the country needed brave and honest men to defend her honor, he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private soldier. His courage was severely tested in the following well contested battles : Stone River, Huff's Ferry, Lenore, Campbell Station, siege of Knoxville, Ft. Saunders, Dandridge, Strawberry Plains, Rock Face, Resaca, Burnt Hickory, Lost Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain, Nickajac Creek, Decatur, Chattahoochee River, Peachtree Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Stone Mountain, Allatoona, Duck River, Franklin, Nashville, Ft. Donelson, Town Creek and Ralleigh. This is without question one of the best records of service that can be presented by any member of the G. A. R. of this day. He passed through all these battles without a scratch and was honorably discharged at Jonesboro, North Carolina, June 17, 1865. All honor to the boys in blue who risked their lives for the constitution! On his return to civil life he resumed his place at 204 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY the plow, which instrument he had left in the furrow when he took up the musket. Joseph P. Redfern was born in Wood county, Ohio, November 30, 1843. He is the son of Joseph and Ann (Phillips) Redfern, the former having been born in Meeker, Yorkshire, England, February, 14, 1812, being one of a family of six children, three of whom are still living. Joseph Redfern, Sr., is at the present time in his ninety-first year, Mrs. Goldsboro, a sister, is eighty-nine years of age, and Mrs. Levit is eighty-two. Joseph Redfern, when a young man of eighteen years, emigrated to America where he first located in Lorain .county, Ohio, and afterwards in Hancock county, and where he has resided for a number of years. He was united in marriage to Miss Ann Phillips on the 8th of January, 1835. They resided in Bloomdale until 1837, after which they removed to Hancock county, in Cass township. To the marriage there were twelve children born, Henry, Frances, Peter, W. H., Matilda, J. P., J. R., J. O., Roda S., deceased, Margaret R., C. F., and E. T. The mother of this large family died while her son Joseph was at the front during the Civil war, the date being February 17, 1864. Mr. Redfern's father is a remarkable man for his age. His faculties are unimpaired and his memory is as good as when he was forty. He is revered by all as one of the living members of that noble band of pioneers which made Hancock county in its institutions and agricultural holdings one of the very best of the great state of Ohio. During all these years he has been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has taken delight in entertaining the weary itinerant preacher. He has served his township in several offices, and in later years has been a sympathizer with Republican 'principles. His life has been a successful one, both temporally and spiritually. In his home he is hospitable and sociable, traits which have made for him a host of friends. His accumulation of real estate amounted to two hundred and forty acres in Hancock county, and .seventy acres in Wood county. All this was made by hard, earnest and honest toil. Joseph P. Redfern, the gentleman whose name honors this sketch, was. born in Wood county, November 30, 1843. He was reared and educated in the common schools,. and finished his literary education at the Fostoria high school. His life was without, special event up to the time of the war, and after the war he set up an establishment of his own and has since been engaged as a successful and prominent agriculturist. He bought his present. farm of eighty acres in 1869, to which he has added forty more. Mr. Redfern has been twice joined in marriage, his first wife having been Miss F. J. Callahan, whom he married in 1868. She became the mother of five children, Leticia, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 205 deceased, Nellie, Jennie, Arthur and an unnamed infant deceased. Mrs. F. J. Redfern died on the 2d of August, 1897. She was a native of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, born there November 13, 1848. Mr. Redfern subsequently called to preside over his home Mrs. Hallie Poe, the date of their marriage being April 12, 1899. This lady is a native of Portage township, Wood county, where she was born February 4, 1852. Her maiden. name was Prescott, her father, Elisha Prescott, having been a gallant soldier in the Union army. He was a member of the One Hundredth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served his country gallantly until 1864, when he was sacrificed to that horrible juggernaut car, the abominable southern prison. He was captured in battle and spent a number of months at the noted Libby prison, after which he was paroled, but such had been his experience in the prison from lack of food his constitution broke down and he died as a result. Joseph P. Redfern is a gentleman of considerable prominence in his community, where he has been honored with the various offices in his township. He has always been exceedingly solicitous of the educational interests of his district, and has served as clerk of the school board for a period of eleven years. He was trustee of the township for two years and justice of the peace for eight years. He is an honored member. of the Methodist Episcopal church, and of Uric Post, G. A. R., No. 110. Of this post he has been commander, and has acted as installing officer quite frequently. Thus ends the record of one of Hancock county's most honored families, and we present it to our readers with full confidence that it will meet with the approbation of all. G. W. ERNEST. Among the German element which is so honorably associated with the history of Hancock county, none are more worthy of mention than the gentleman whose name we here present. He comes of one of the early pioneer families, and is himself a man of high repute in the community. Jacob Ernest was the first of the family to remove to Hancock county, the date being 1836. He had been a resident of Perry county, Pennsylvania, where he was born. In that county he was married to Mary Moose. When he came to Hancock county he purchased eighty acres of land, to which he subsequently added forty-five. He proceeded to clear and improve this land, and such was his industry and the good business judgment which he displayed in business life, that he was able to accumulate a competence before his death. 206 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY He was a good practical farmer in his day, and was an extensive raiser of fine stock. Politically he believed in the principles of government as taught by Jefferson, and served his township as trustee at frequent intervals. In matters of religion 'he favored and was a prominent member of the German Lutheran church. The family which he reared consisted of nine children, three of whom are living at the present time, G. W.- Ernest, the subject of this sketch ; Charles and E. J. The father of this family died in 1885, and his wife in 1876. Mr. G. W. Ernest was born September 7, 1840, in Washington township, where he was reared. His early education was acquird in the schools of his native township. Like his father before him, he chose farming as an occupation, and such was his training and his own industry that he is looked upon as one of the leading farmers of his county. He and his brother Charles operate a farm of one hundred and fifteen acres jointly, besides a tract of one hundred and sixty acres which they own in Wood county. Mr. G. W. Ernest has never married. Charles, the other brother, was born in 1859, and married Miss Ida Kelley. The Ernests are of German descent as is also the Moose family. They were good citizens in the early days, and their sons continue to sustain the reputation which they enjoyed for probity and upright conduct. They enjoy the confidence and esteem of their fellow citizens in a high degree. FRANK A. GRIFFIN. Frank A. Griffin, who is engaged in the undertaking business in McComb, was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, on the 8th of September, 186o. The Griffin family is from Vermont. The father of our subject was the Rev. Spencer A. Griffin, a minister of the Disciples church. He married Margery Johnston. Spencer A. Griffin's mother bore the maiden name of Alden and was a descendant in the seventh generation in direct line from John Alden, of Mayflower fame. Because his father's, pastoral work called him to various places Frank A. Griffin was reared at different towns in Ohio and acquired most of his education in Fostoria from the age of sixteen years. In early manhood he engaged in teaching in the country schools of Hancock county for about twelve years and in 1880 he came to McComb. In 1884 he established himself in the undertaking business, succeeding his father to the ownership of their undertaking parlors upon the latter's death, in June, 190o. He is prepared to do satisfactory work in his line and receives a liberal patronage from those in need of his. services. He is also engaged in the insurance business, is a notary public and gives attention to writing wills and settling of estates. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 207 In the year 1891, in Steubenville, Ohio, Mr. Griffin was united in marriage to Miss Hettie Holroyd, and unto them have been born five children, as follows : S. Alden, John Holroyd, Margery, George A., and Ralph N. The parents hold membership in the Disciples church, in which Mr. Griffin is serving as an elder and in the work of the church he takes an active interest and contributes liberally to its support. He is quite prominent in political circles as a supporter of the Republican party, has served as mayor of McComb, and for three years was justice of the peace of Pleasant township, his decisions being strictly fair and impartial. He was also a member of the McComb board of education, acting in that capacity for three years and serving as its. clerk. Socially he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and his genial nature makes him popular in fraternal and other circles, where his worth is also recognized. CHARLES EDWARD WATSON. The gentleman above. mentioned, ex-mayor of Findlay, achieved this distinction after a twelve years' residence, the preferment having been preceded by membership in the city council for two terms. Aside from his official tenures his business connections have been with the mercantile interests, but in both lines he has exhibited those qualities which usually attract attention and insure success. His family is of English origin and was founded in America by his grandfather, Joshua Watson, who came to the United States in the early part of the nineteenth century and died while a resident of Michigan. The latter's son, Samuel G. Watson, was born in New York state, in 1830, came to Huron county, Ohio, in 185o, and was married four years later to Abigail Burgess, by whom he had six. children, the five survivors being: Alice A., wife of Wesley Griffith, Charles E., Egbert N., C. Albert and Wilbur L. G. Charles Edward Watson, second of the surviving children, was born on his father's farm in Huron county, Ohio, July 12, 1858, and remained at home obtaining his education until he reached manhood. Leaving school after the completion of his twenty-first year he went to Lincoln, Kansas, and secured employment in a drug store as clerk, which posititon he held a year, fter which he opened a drug store at Dansburg, Michigan. His establishment being shortly after destroyed by fire, he returned to his Ohio home and spent a short time on the farm. In February, 1888, he came to Findlay and was engaged as clerk in various grocery stores for several years. In 1897 he was eletced to the city council as representative of. the Eighth ward and was 208 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY re-elected to the same position two years later. His resignation from the council was necessitated by his acceptance of the mayoralty, to which office he had been elected in 1900 on the Republican ticket. This closes his political career up to date, but the friends and admirers of ex-Mayor Watson predict that still further honors await him at the hands of his constituents. In 1880 Mr. Watson was married, at Greenwich, Ohio, to Miss Minnie J., daughter of John Crouse, and has two children : Veva and Kenneth. The religious affiliations of the family are with the Presbyterian church, and Mr. Watson's fraternal connections are with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Modern Woodmen of America, of. which he is now district deputy of the territory embraced in the Fourth and Eighth Congressional districts. ALLFREE H. RIAL. Bravely meeting the duties of life as they arise, this representative of the farming interests of Hancock county has been devoting his time to stock-raising and general farming on an excellent tract of eighty acres in Cass township. Mr. Rial's birth occurred in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1821, in which place he passed the period of boyhood and youth. He has never known anything but agriculture, a fact which no doubt has added its influence in bringing him to his present position as one of the leading farmers of one of the leading counties of one of the leading states in the Union. He has been a resident of Hancock county since the first of April, 1864, in which year he purchased his present farm. At that time it was but partially under cultivation, but he has brought it to such fine condition by the power of axe and plow and good management that it presents as fine an appearance as any farm in Cass township. It is in the oil belt of Hancock county and has upon it three producing wells, one of which has been especially prolific, having at one time emitted two hundred barrels of oil per day. At latest accounts another well was being drilled on this farm. In 1882 Mr. Rial constructed his modern home, which adds greatly to the appearance of his farm. December 10, 1851, he celebrated his marriage with Mary E., daughter of Robert and Nancy A. Greer. While there was no issue by this union, they were both so fond of children that no less than five fatherless little ones were reared under their roof, a fact which is eloquent of their kindness of heart. Mrs. Mary E. Rial is a woman of beautiful character, and a lady who is loved and honored in all this section. She was born in Cecil township, Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1832. Mr. and Mrs. Rial have passed a long CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 209 and happy married existence and on December 10,- 1901, amid the heartfelt congratulations of a gathered host of friends at their home, celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding. Mr. Rial has always been deeply concerned in the advancement and. progress of his section of the county. He has been active in the public life of the community, serving as supervisor for the township, being a director on the school board at frequent intervals, and serving as juror about seven times at intervals. He has been for thirty-five years a member of the Lutheran church, in which he served as elder and deacon. Mr. Rial's parents were Daniel and Susanna (Allfree) Rial, the former born in New Jersey and the latter a native of Delaware They were prosperous farmers in the Keystone state. On the paternal side Mr. Rial is of English extraction, while the Allfrees are of German stock and the Greer branch of the family introduces Irish blood. Mr. Rial is a practical farmer, a good neighbor, a loyal citizen who believes in the principles of honest dealings between man and man. He believes in and carries out the principles of the Golden Rule, and he and his good wife are passing the declining years of their long and useful careers amidst the love and respect of friends and eighbors. GEORGE NELSON. George Nelson, a prominent farmer residing in Cass township, Hancock county, Ohio, owns one of the farms which are doubly remunerative, being composed of fertile soil ready to yield abundantly to cultivation, and also lying in the oil belt, and having four fine wells located upon it. The birth of Mr. Nelson was in Trumbull county, Ohio, on March 12, 1845, and he was two years of age when his parents, Thomas and Mary Nelson, settled on a farm of eighty acres in Cass township, Hancock county. Thomas Nelson was born in 1808, in Pennsylvania. By trade he was a shoemaker, but was also an excellent business man and a capable farmer, as prior to his death, in 1877, he had accumulated a property comprising over three hundred and fifty acres of good farming land. His industry was notable, his life was that of a quiet, God-fearing man, one who was always ready to kindly assist a neighbor or do a charitable deed. He was twice married and had nine children born to him, those of his first marriage being: Cornelia, Calvin, John, Robert, George and James. Daniel F. was of the second marriage. John and Robert served their country as privates in the Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Robert dying before his term expired, and John being honorably discharged at end of the war. 210 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY George Nelson was given the advantages of the district school, where he secured as good an education as could be obtained in the place. January 21,. 1867, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah, the daughter of George Stough, who was born January 21, 185o, and died December 9, 1876. The children of this union were : John E., born December 23, 1868; Ballard, born April 9, 1871 ; Porter, born January 18, 1873; and Carlton, deceased, born. September 28, 1875. On March 10, 1881, our subject was married to Miss Faith Fisher, and the children born to this. union were the following : Mertie, born December 24, 1881; Robert Z., born January 26, 1884; Howard T., born June 20, 1886; and Clyde F., born February 28, 1890: The first purchase of land made by our subject was in 1878, when he became the owner of a part of his father's land; his original eighty acres being gradually increased until it has reached its present large amount. Mr. Nelson is a practical farmer and understands every detail of agricultural work. His methods have brought him great success . and he is one of the substantial men of the township. Like all the members of his family, Mr. Nelson is a Democrat. His farm comprises one hundred and sixty acres of well improved land, and he does a general farming business. THOMAS STACY. Thomas Stacy, who is one of the leading farmers of Cass township, Hancock county, Ohio, owns a fine farm of one hundred and eighty acres, which he devotes to general farming. His birth took place in Mahoning county, Ohio, on July 12, 1833, and he is a son. of Joseph and Jane Stacy, both of whom were natives of Mahoning county. The parents of our subject located in Hancock county in 1852, on the farm which is now the property of their son Thomas. At that time the farm comprised one hundred and sixty acres, twenty of which had been cleared. The remainder came under improvement and cultivation during his lifetime. By trade Joseph Stacy was a stone-mason and brick-layer and he erected the present very substantial buildings. He was also a practical farmer and took a deep interest in public matters, holding a number of the township offices at various times. His political affiliation was with the Republican party, while in religious' faith he was an Adventist. 'His wife died December 24, 1879, following his own decease. Thomas Stacy secured his education in the common .schools and has followed farming all his life. He is the only survivor of a family of five children born to his parents. In 1855 Mr. Stacy came to this county and CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 211 purchased one hundred and ten acres of land. Two years later, in 1857, he married Miss Nellie Duncan, who was born in 1837, in Mahoning county, Ohio, and a family of nine children was born to this union, namely : Cyrus ; Matilda; Julia; Fitch; Lettie and Lottie, twins; Eva; Turhan ; and Alta, deceased. Mr. Stacy is a stanch Republican and a loyal citizen. He belongs to no church, but he leads an exemplary life, and puts into practice what many others preach; and has a wide acquaintance and many attached friends. He still conducts his farm of one hundred and eighty acres, doing a general line of farming. He owns in connection with his one hundred and eighty acres, a farm of fifty acres, in section 27, forty acres in section 28, and twenty acres in section 27, making in all two hundred and ninety acres, three oil wells and one gas well on this tract of land. CHARLES HENRY BIGELOW. Born on a farm now included in the corporate limits of Findlay and resident here all his life, the subject of this sketch has pursued the "even tenor of his way" unobtrusively, fulfilling without ostentation all those duties and meeting all the obligations required of a good citizen. He has devoted all his time to the peaceful pursuits of farming, his only ambition being a desire to be -considered a worthy member of that class whose ingenuity and enterprise have placed Ohio among the first of American states in all that relates to advanced agriculture. Mr. Bigelow is descended, both on the side of father and mother, from an ancestry that takes us back to the earliest history of America, and to a period very remote in the chronicles of England. The genealogy runs to 1243. Henry Bigelow, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was torn in Colchester, Connecticut, February 20, 1778, and became a man of distinction in New England. He attended Yale College, was graduated there in 1802, subsequently achieved fame as a Congregational minister,. and died at Middletown Springs, Vermont, June 25, 1832. His son, Philip D. Bigelow, was born at Middletown Springs, Vermont, December 1, 1812, came to Ohio in early manhood and settled in Hancock county in 1841. He engaged in merchandising at Findlay, which he followed until 1853, when he purchased a farm near the city and lived there until his death, which occurred August 13, 1868. During his residence in Ohio he acquired a position of standing and influence, serving on the State Board of Equalization in 1859-60, and for a long period as justice of the peace in Fairfield county. July 10, 1839, he was appointed by General. Wilson Shannon as major of the Ohio Militia, and in the discharge of this, as of all other trusts conferred 212 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY upon him, showed himself to be a man of energy and good business qualifications. May 5, 1840, he was married in Erie county to Harriet Hine Frisbie, daughter of Calvin Frisbie, and the three' survivors of their five children are Frank F., Charles H. and Ella J., the latter now the wife of George L. Cusac, of Findlay. Charles Henry Bigelow, second in age of his father's living children, was born June 5, 1854, on the farm where he now resides, in the present corporate limits of Findlay, Ohio. He .grew up on this place and nearness to town gave him the benefits of good schools, of which he availed himself to acquire a fair education in youth. After leaving college, Mr. Bigelow returned to his farm, the cultivation and care of which has furnished his continuous occupation from that time up to the present. He has made a success of his busines and the appearance of his place indicates that he is a painstaking as well as an industrious husbandman. October .15, 1879,. Mr: Bigelow was united in marriage with Miss May, daughter of H. M. Vance, member of a substantial family at Findlay. Bernard Barton Bigelow, whose birth occurred on the 5th of August, 1882, is the only child of this union. Mr. Bigelow is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, and politically in accord with the principles set forth in the platform of the Republican party. JOHN PARKER. We must turn to the state of Virginia in tracing the genealogy of Mr. Parker, who has passed his entire life in Findlay, Ohio, where he has been prominent in political and civic affairs and in connection with industrial enterprises of importance. Records extant show that the Parker family has long been identified with the annals of American history. Joseph Parker, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Virginia, and. died in Ohio at the age of sixty years. His son Jonathan was likewise born in the Old Dominion, in 1808, and was reared and educated in Ohio, learning the trade of a carpenter. He came to Findlay, Ohio, in 1831, thus becoming one of the pioneers of Hancock county, and he built and operated, in company with William Taylor and A. Daughenbaugh, the first steam sawmill in this county. He continued to make Findlay his home until his death, which occurred in the year 1879, and his life was one of activity and honor, gaining to him uniform confidence and esteem in the community; while he was also known as an able and progressive business man. John Parker, the immediate subject of this review, was born in Findlay, on the 31st of January, 1842, and here he has ever maintained his home, hav- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 213 ing received his educational discipline in the public schools and having early become identified with business enterprises. In 1868, under the firm name of J. Parker & Company, he became associated with his father and brother in the flouring and planing-mill business, and continued to be actively identified with the same until 1886, after which he turned his attention to the real-estate business, in which he continued until 1894. In that year he was elected to the office of county treasurer, being chosen as his own successor in 1896, and thus serving continuously for four years, giving an acceptable administration of the fiscal affairs of the county. Since his retirement from office Mr. Parker has not been actively concerned in any business, though he is associated with his brother in the lumber business, under the firm name of Parker Brothers. In politics he is a stanch supporter of the Republican party and its principles, while fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order. FREDERICK J. BICKELHAUPT. It is a fact to which due recognition is not always accorded that the German element of our national commonwealth has been a very important one in advancing the material interests of the nation, but on investigation it will be found that a large percentage of the successful business men are of German birth or lineage. Mr. Bickelhaupt is a representative of the fatherland and was long one of the leading and enterprising merchants of Findlay, but now after a useful and beneficent career he is living retired at his pleasant home in this city, surrounded by the comforts that earnest labor has brought to him. Frederick J. Bickelhaupt was born near the river Rhine, in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, in 1843, his father being John Bickelhaupt, who was born in the fatherland in 1821, and the latter died in Findlay, Ohio, in 1896. In 1851 the family bade adieu to their old home in Germany and crossed the Atlantic to the United States, locating first in New York city, and a year later came to Findlay, where the son, Frederick J., has ever since made his home. During his youth he received but limited educational advantages, but by reading and observation he has continually broadened his mind and he is now a well informed. man. During the period of the Civil war he nobly responded to the call of his adopted country, and in October, 1862, at Findlay, he enlisted as a private in Company G, Fifty-seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served for four months, while for the following three months he was confined in a hospital, and on the expiration of that 214 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY period he received an honorable discharge. Returning to his home in Findlay, he embarked in the grocery and produce business in this city in partnership with his father, which relationship was continued until 1881, when the latter retired from the firm. The business, however, was continued by our subject until 1896, when he, too, put aside the active cares of a business life and has since lived quietly, enjoying the fruits of former toil. His business career was one of activity and industry, and his methods have always been in keeping with the highest principles of fair dealing and with conscientious regard for the rig its of others. Mr. Bickelhaupt has been twice married, his first union occurring in 1870, and in 1894 he was united in marriage to Addie D. Folk, whose father, George Folk, is a resident of Findlay. Her ancestors have resided in the Buckeye state for many years, and in this commonwealth her maternal grandfather, Isaac Pence, was born, and he served as a soldier during the war of 1812. By his ballot Mr. Bickelhaupt supports the men and measures of the Republican party, and in its progress he takes an active and commendable interest. In his fraternal relations he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In the city in which he has so long made his home he stands high in public esteem, and is recognized as one of its most loyal and prominent citizens. LOUIS LONGBRAKE. Prominent among the self-made men and successful agriculturists of Jackson township is numbered the subject of this review, who now owns and operates a valuable and well improved farm of eighty acres. He was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, on the 18th of July, 1843, and in the fall of 1844 was brought to Hancock county by his parents, Simon and Caroline (Hizey) Longbrake, who were born, reared and married in Fairfield county. The family is of Holland descent. On coming to Hancock County they located in the woods at Union Center, Union township, where the father of our subject engaged in farming until 1864, when he removed to Rawson township and there also owned and operated a farm. He removed to Eagle township in 1868 and while living there he and his wife parted, after thirty-five years spent together. A year and a half later he was again married and subsequently made his home in Rawson and Mount Cory. He died at Bluffton in 1894, at the age of seventy-five. years. He had two brothers living in this county, namely : Emanuel and Perry. The latter, who was the last surviving member of the family, resided in Jackson township, and died CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 215 in March, 1901. In the family of Simon Longbrake were nine children, namely : Harrison W., a resident of Jackson township ; Louis, of this review; Perry E., a resident of Liberty ; Mary C., of Findlay ; Daniel; Abraham; Thomas; Amanda, and Libby. Louis Longbrake made his home with his parents until twenty-six years of age, though he spent the winter of 1867-8 in the pine Woods of Michigan, and then rejoined his father, who in the meantime had removed to Jackson township. He subsequently. worked by the month as a farm hand until his marriage, which was celebrated in 1869, Miss Charlotte E. Houck becoming his wife. Her father, Jacob F. Houck, lived at Houckton, being the founder of that place, which was at first called North Liberty. Unto our subject and his wife were born three children : Carrie May, now the wife of William Bower, . of Houckton; Minnie Maud, wife of Frank Davis, who is living with her father ; and Charlie Dale, who died of tuberculosis in February, 1902, at the age of twenty-one years, five months and fourteen days, after a lingering illness covering several months. His death was deeply mourned, not only by. his immediate family, but by many friends as well. After his marriage Mr. Long-brake spent two years and a half on his present farm, then owned by Mrs. Rachel Plotner, and in 1875 purchased the property, paying thirty-two hundred dollars for eighty acres, but he had to go in debt eighteen hundred dollars. When it came into his possession the farm was all run down, it being only partly cleared and but poorly cultivated, while the buildings were in a dilapidated condition. It took five years to pay off the debt, and at the end of that time Mr. Longbrake began the erection of modern and more substantial buildings. He also laid about twenty-five hundred rods of tiling, and has made many other useful and valuable improvements until to-day he has one of the best and most desirable farms of its size in Hancock county. He is interested in stock raising and feeds most of his crops to his stock. By his ballot Mr. Longbrake supports the men and measures of the Democracy and has often served as a delegate to county conventions of his party, but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. He is, however, serving as township trustee, having already filled the office one term of three years, and has entered upon his second term. He is also serving his term as a director of the Mutual Fire & Storm Insurance Company of Jackson, Amanda and Delaware townships, which association has about four hundred and forty thousand dollars at risk at a very low rate, costing about one-fourth as much as ordinary insurance. They insure only country 216 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY property, including churches and school houses in the country, and are now doing a large business, the company being thoroughly reliable, and having at its head some of the best and most successful business men of the locality. Mr. Longbrake is a recognized leader in public affairs and is accounted one of the most valued citizens of Jackson township. JASPER N. HARTMAN. A hardy representative of the agricultural class of Hancock county, Ohio, is this gentleman, who lives in Marion township, and is well known all over the county for his upright and manly principles. His residence, which is of modern construction and suitable convenience, is situated on the original site of the historic old Marvin Tavern, an institution which saw very much of the early pioneer life of the county. This tavern stood on its original site for a long number of years, and was regarded as one of the institutions of the county, but it became necessary for it to give way for a more modern structure, and in 1891 Mr. Hartman, desiring the site for a building, tore it down and built his present commodious dwelling house. Mr. Hartman is a practical and successful farmer, owning one hundred and thirteen acres of valuable land, on which there is one gas well, supplying his home ,with light and fuel free, the balance belonging to the Findlay Light & Coke Company. He was born in Wayne county, Ohio, April 24, 1847, and is the son of Samuel and Eva (Whonsetler) Hartman. He received his education in the common schools in his native county, where his uneventful but useful life was spent up to 1870, at which time he removed to Hancock county. During the period of his residence in this county he has been engaged in agricultural enterprises, and has evinced his superiority above the average farmer who knows nothing but to scratch the ground and plant the seed. Mr. Hartman has twice tasted of the sweets of matrimony, -first when he was joined to Mary E. Skinner, on the 18th of September, 1866, in his native county, and who bore him seven children, six of these now living, Addie L., Franklin M., Rose J., Mary E., John V., and Zella F., who is a student attending medical college in Cleveland, and an infant deceased. Mrs. Mary E. Hartman, who was a woman of many noble traits of character and an excellent mother to this family of children, died on the 28th of September, 1885, and in 1888, on the 6th of May, Mr. Hartman was again married, this time selecting Emma Smith, a daughter of Isaac and Mary B. Smith, of Hancock county, Ohio. To this second very felicitous and happy union there have been born six children, namely : Ethel M., Edison C., Ro- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 217 setta B., Lella G., Ova F., and an unnamed deceased infant. Mrs. Emma Hartman is a native of Hancock county, and was born in Eagle township on October 30, 1859. She comes of one of the oldest and most respected families in the county, who have been extensive farmers in this section of the country for a long period of years. He operated a farm of three hundred and twenty acres, and in connection with which was the conduct of an extensive sawmill. In his younger days he was a shoemaker by trade, but abandoned that for the more congenial vocation of an agriculturist. Mr. Hartman, the subject of this immediate review, is a man of excellent character, and with a reputation for honesty and uprightness of purpose among his associates.. While not particularly given to taking part in public affairs, he has always done his duty when called upon by his neighbors, and has held the different township offices with a great deal of credit to himself and pride to his constituents. In religious faith he cleaves to the principles promulgated by the old regular Baptists, in which organization he is a prominent worker. His parents were natives of Washington county, Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio in the very early days, and settled in Wayne county, where they passed their lives and are now deceased. SULLIVAN POWELL. Sullivan Powell, a young farmer of Liberty township, Hancock county, Ohio, is a worthy representative of one of the old pioneer families of Fairfield county. His great-grandparents, Peter and Mary (Alspaugh) Powell, entered that county among its earliest settlers, and later on made a home in Hancock county, in which they spent the remainder of their lives. Samuel Powell, the grandfather of Sullivan, removed from Fairfield to Hancock county in 1834. He married Sarah Robenault, and together they worked on the farm obtained from the government, acquired a competency and reared a family. Of their children, Andrew, who was born on May 25, 1827, became well known in Hancock county. His first marriage was to Phebe A. Yates,, on December 20, 1848, to whom were born six children. Mrs. Phebe Powell died September 15, 1859, and in 186o Andrew Powell married Caroline Dotson, who died in 1877, and seven children of this union still survive. In 1878 he married Mrs. Sarah A. Longbrake, and two children were born to this union. Mr. Powell is well known as an experienced man in the bee industry, the products of his apiary bringing him iarge returns. Sullivan Powell, who was born March 21, 1865, is a son of Andrew and 14 218 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Caroline (Dotson) Powell, the latter of whom was a native of Pickaway county, Ohio. His education was obtained in the country schools and he grew to manhood on his father's farm, with but one year of absence, during which time he worked for his brother. Thus our subject became a thoroughly practical farmer and his present estate of fifty-seven acres, purchased of his father in 1897, shows the effects of intelligent cultivation of the soil. On March 4, 1891, our subject was married to Miss Agnes V. Shank, who was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, on May 25, 1866, and is a daughter of Robert and Mary (Porter) Shank. There were four children by this marriage, namely : Marie M., born September 11, 1892 ; Roy C., born August 21, 1895; Arthur E., born November 15, 1898; and Dwight R., born February 21, 1902. The father of Mrs. Powell was born in Pennsylvania, and her maternal grandfather was a clergyman. Mr. Powell is a man whose integrity, coupled with excellent business ability, has given him success. He is known as a good neighbor, a kind father and devoted husband, in every way fulfilling the duties of a first-class citizen. W. H. ADELSPERGER. It gives the publishers of this volume pleasure to do honor to the old soldier element of the county. In the past it has been the custom to give recognition only to those who were high in office and took a prominent part in the great struggle for the maintenance of the constitution. We believe, however, that no man who unselfishly gave his services to his country during the dark days of the Civil war should be slighted in written history if it is possible to give him mention. We are therefore glad to present to our readers the name of one of this honored element. Mr. Adelsperger is at the present time a prominent agriculturist residing in Big Lick township, where he owns and operates a large tract of four hundred and forty acres of land. He is extensively engaged in stock-raising, and is looked upon as one of the best farmers in the county. This gentleman was born in Seneca county in June of 1842. His father was John Adelsperger, and his mother Lucinda Ricketts. The father was a native of Maryland, while the mother was born in Seneca county. Their marriage occurred in Seneca county in 1818. Our subject's grandfather, Jacob by name, is noted as having been a member of that gallant army which repelled British invasion in the war of 1812, and whose martial blood is still flowing through the veins of his loyal grandson. John Adelsperger was a prosperous farmer while a resident of Seneca county, and passed CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 219 there a life of usefulness. He died in the year 1878. Mrs. Adelsperger died in early womanhood, the year being 1846. They reared but three children, John F., Joseph A. and W. H. There was a second marriage, however, which resulted in the birth of twelve children. Eleven of this last number, and one of the first family, are still living. It is remarked that John F., the eldest member of the first family, was also a gallant soldier in the Civil war, a private in Company D, Sixty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. At the battle of Spring Hill, Tennessee, he unfortunately was taken prisoner and being sent- to that horror of horrors, Andersonville Prison, was starved there, the date of his death not being known. W. H. Adelsperger received his early training and education in Seneca county. While still in his "teens" he was apprenticed to the blacksmith trade, and was engaged at that occupation when the rumblings of the Civil war burst forth in a tempest. He was one of the first to go to the front, enlisting in September, 1861, as a private of Company F, Forty-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. In this organization, which became a part of the Army of the Cumberland, he participated in all the battles which that organization fought. At the bloody battle of Stone River he with others became detached from the main command, and before they could rejoin it the entire body was taken prisoners. He, however, did not remain long in the enemy's lines, having been paroled and afterwards exchanged. At the end of three years he received an honorable discharge, but being of that number who did not know when he had enough he immediately re-enlisted, this time becoming a member of Company D, Sixty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. In this organization he engaged in a number of the bloody battles of the last year of the war, being present at Franklin, Nashville and numerous other smaller encounters. In 1865 he was a second time honored with discharge, and returned to civil life with the consciousness of duty well and bravely done. All honor to the boys in blue, who saved the south from rending the constitution. On his return to civil life Mr. Adelsperger turned his attention to the carpenter's trade and continued to work at this until 1873. In the year 1871 he chose for a life companion Miss Sophia, daughter of John and Margaret Kenner. Four children were born to the marriage, Minda A., deceased ; John F., deceased; Joseph and Milton L. The mother of these children is a native of Germany, where she was born in 1851. Mr. Adelsperger first began his active farming operations in the year of his marriage, when he purchased in Big Lick. township One hundred and twenty-eight acres, to which he added at different times until he is now in possession of one of the largest farms in Hancock county. Mr. Adelsperger 220 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY is a man of high repute in his immediate section of the county, and he and his wife are honored for their many good qualities and excellencies of heart and mind. GRANT THOMAS. Among what may be called the middle generation of farmers in that part of Hancock county included in Jackson township, perhaps none are better known than Grant Thomas. He is a "native and to the manner born," his father being one of the earliest pioneers of the county, and the family form a part of Hancock's history for more than eighty years. When John S. Thomas, a raw Irish lad just over from the old country, arrived in Hancock county in 1822 there was not much inviting in the prospect. The county was still a wilderness, with all the adjuncts of Indians and beasts of prey that characterized the west at the first advent of the white man. There had been little clearing done as yet, settlers were few and far between, there were no roads worthy of the name and altogether the outlook was not encouraging to the young Irish immigrant. But John Thomas was made of tough fiber and not to be discouraged by any ordinary hardship or mishap. As soon as he grew to manhood he. effected an entry of one hundred and sixty acres of land, on which he set to work energetically with ax and mattock and in course of time reduced to presentable shape. Of course it took much hard work, all pioneers expected this, but the hope of a smiling home and productive farms in time spurred them on from year to year until their desires were realized. John S. Thomas prospered and eventually added sixty acres to his original purchase of land, all of which by degrees was much improved and brought into a high state of cultivation. Personally he is described as a kind but firm man in his dealings with his family as well as the outside public. His religious affiliations were with the Presbyterian church, and his political predilections with the Republican party. He lived to advanced age, not dying until 1898, when eighty-three years old. In early life he married Elizabeth Camp, who died after leaving him two children. Some years later Caroline Hoage became his second wife and the mother of five additional children, after which she also joined the "innumerable caravan" of the departed. Mr. Thomas' third and last wife was Miss Sarah J. Hall, a lady of Irish nativity, who presented him with two children and survives as his widow, at the age of sixty-four years. Of the nine children by the three marriages the eight survivors are: Sarah J. Gilbert, Marie J. McDowell, Henry A., Phebe Damon, Tillie Phillips, Mary Wisely, John M. and Grant. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 221 It will be seen from the foregoing that Grant Thomas was the youngest of the third set of children, and his birth occurred May 28, 1863. He was reared on his father's farm, trained by that strict disciplinarian to a life of industry and after he reached maturity always followed agricultural pursuits. In 1898, after the death of his father, he effected the purchase of the interest of all the other heirs in the family estate and now owns and resides upon the old homestead. This includes the land originally entered by his father, but the farm now consists of two hundred and twenty acres and is devoted to general agriculture and stock-raising. In July, 1885, Mr. Thomas was united in marriage with Miss Amanda Greenland, a native of Cincinnati, but they have no children. Mr. Thomas' fraternal connections are confined to membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he takes considerable interest in the affairs of the lodge. Asa farmer he has been both prosperous and popular, managing his fine patrimonial estate with discretion and good judgment. Everybody in the township knows Grant Thomas and it could be added with equal truth that everybody likes him. CLINTON A. CHAMBERS. Though a young man and only connected with farming matters as a proprietor for three or four years, Clinton A. Chambers gives promise of proving a "worthy descendant of an honored sire," as his father has long been known as one of the model farmers of the county. The founders of the Ohio branch of the family, as stated elsewhere, were early settlers of Craw ford county. When Elias and Catherine (Stockman) Chambers, grandparents of our subject, came. to that part of Ohio in 1825, they found much of the country still covered by the virgin wilderness. Possessed, however, of the pioneer spirit so characteristic of those days, the young couple faced their task resolutely and set to work to hew out a home from the forest. Securing possession of one hundred and twenty acres of land, all overgrown with the heavy timber and underbrush so characteristic of the Ohio valley, the newcomers with infinite pains cut down and hewed out the necessary lumber for the rude cabin in which subsequently their family of seven children were raised. One of these, the fifth in order of birth, was named David and after he reached maturity he decided to seek his fortune in Hancock county. The first few years were laborious and trying, but finally he got employment with an uncle and eventually became the owner of the latter's farm. On that place, now one of the most highly cultivated in the county, he still resides 222 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY and considering his start from nothing, without capital or influence, it is clear that he must have had great energy and force of character to have achieved such a success. David Chambers married Sarah A. Sargent, daughter of pioneer parents from West Virginia, and by her had the following named children: Nora C., David V., Greeley, Della, Clinton, Cora and Wesley. Clinton Chambers, one of those above mentioned, is the immediate subject of this sketch. He was born in Big Lick township, Hancock county, Ohio, August. 28, 1873, and attended the district schools, where he proved an apt scholar and, made good use of his time. Between. sessions, he got the benefit of farm training by working in the fields and at other details connected with agriculture. Thus .equipped, he was ready for business when in 1898 he became owner of the eighty acres of land which he is now cultivating. The soil is rich and productive and Mr. Chambers is making it remunerative by close attention and good management. In the same year that he took possession of his farm, Mr. Chambers was married to Miss Rose B., daughter of S. B. and Elma Lindower, a popular young lady, whose birth occurred in Big Lick township, November 20, 1878. Mrs. Chambers' grandfather, Charles Lindower, was a native of Germany, who came to this country and settled in Hancock county, about 1836. He reared a family who became useful and loyal citizens and died at the age of seventy years. His son, the father of Mrs. Chambers, lived in this county some years and then removed to Stark county, of which he is still a resident. Mr. and Mrs. Chambers have two bright little children: Hazel M., born May 29, 1899 ; and David F., born October 21, 1901. FRANK RUSSELL. This well known and highly respected citizen of Jackson township, who is successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits, is a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Bloom township, Wood county, on the 1st of September, 1853. His parents, John and Lois (May) Russell, were natives of Ohio and New York, respectively, but were married in Pennsylvania. They made their home in Wood county, this state, where the father entered forty acres of government land and later secured additional land to the amount of two hundred acres, which was all wild and unimproved when it came into his possession, but which he transformed into a good farm. As one of the prominent and influential citizens of his community he was called upon to fill the office of county commissioner and justice of the peace, the duties of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 223 which positions he discharged in a most capable and satisfactory manner. In politics he was first a Democrat, but when the Republican party was formed to prevent the further extension of slavery he joined its ranks, and continued one Of its stanch supporters throughout the remainder of his life. He died upon his farm December 24, 1884, at the age of seventy-one years, and his widow survived him until January 17, 189o, when she passed away, at the age of seventy. They had eleven children. Caroline died of typhoid fever while young; Benton died in the service during the Rebellion; Mary and John reside at Bloomdale;Bloomdaleves in Hancock county near Bloomdate; Pierce was killed by the shears while shearing sheep; Frank is noticed below ; James died of inflammatory rheumatism; Lois died of typhoid fever; Adaline lives at Youngstown, Ohio ; Lorinda Jane died of diphtheria while young. Until twenty-six years of age Frank Russell remained at home giving his father the benefit of his labors upon the farm. He was then married on the 27th of March, 1880, to Miss Catherine Elizabeth Blair, of Wood county, who was born in Maryland, but grew to womanhood in Seneca and Wood counties, Ohio, her family having removed from Maryland during the Civil war. She became self-supporting at the early age of eight years and being a very industrious and capable woman she has been to her husband a faithful companion and helpmate. Unto them have been born nine children, as follows : William L., Charles, Lulu, Orville, Berl, Harry, Nellie, Maud and Dewey J. All are at home with the exception of Orville, who died February 14, 1902, at the age of fourteen years and six months, his death resulting from blood poison contracted from verdigris from a mouth organ. His system had previously been weakened by la grippe and death ensued. Prior to his marriage Mr. Russell had purchased eighty acres of land from his father and in five years' work had paid five hundred dollars on it, but still owed two hundred dollars at the end of that time. During .the winter months he devoted his attention to cutting the timber off the land and converting it into staves. His first team was a yoke of oxen and with teams he performed his farm work for a year after his marriage. When he brought his bride to her new home he had only five acres of his land cleared and the only improvement in the way of buildings was a log house, but he was able to make a living off his land, supplementing his income by the sale. of the timber on his land and by working his father's lands. During the eight years he resided upon that farm he cleared twenty-five acres and placed it under cultivation. As it was flat country in the Black Swamp, he had to pay a heavy ditch tax, amounting to over four hundred dollars.. Gas and oil were finally discovered in the vicinity of his farm and as property rose 224 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY in value he sold out for six thousand dollars and bought his present farm in Jackson township, Hancock county, which is pleasantly located four and a half miles southeast of Findlay. His first purchase consisted of one hundred and one acres, for which he paid seventy dollars per acre, and he has added to this tract until he now has one hundred and thirty-one acres, on which he has made a number of useful and valuable improvements, including the erection of a barn and the remodeling of his residence. He has also laid considerable tiling and now has one of the best farms in Jackson township, whereon he is successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of Shropshire sheep. Since attaining his majority he has always affiliated with the Republican party, and has been a delegate to its conventions, but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. He is one of the representative men of his community and is held in high regard by all who know him. MARTIN L. WISELEY. Martin L. Wiseley, who is a representative of the People's Ice and Coal Company, at Findlay, belongs to that class of wide-awake, enterprising business men who have led to the rapid development of Ohio and of all sections of the country. He is yet a young man, but has already attained a success that may an older man might well envy. He was born upon a farm in Marion township, Hancock county, Ohio, on the 24th of December, 1871. The Wiseley family is of Scotch descent and was founded in America at an early day. Allen Wiseley, the grandfather of our subject, was a. native of Fairfield county, Ohio: William P. Wiseley, the father of our subject, was born in Hancock county, Ohio, and here died in 1875. He was a farmer and stock buyer, carrying on business on an extensive scale and his active operations enabled him to provide well for his family. He left two sons, Martin L., and William P. Martin L. Wiseley, whose name introduces this record, spent the first four years of his life upon the old farmstead in Marion township and was then left an orphan. After his parents' death he was taken to Leslie, Michigan, where he was reared by his grandparents until he had attained the age of sixteen years, during which time he attended school and acquired a good practical education to fit him for life's duties. After that time he and his brother Will P. returned to the old home farm in Hancock county, Ohio, and the subject of this review devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits until 1901. As the years passed his farm work brought to him good returns. His CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 225 fields were always under a high state of cultivation and his energy and enterprise were manifest in the neat and comfortable appearance .of his place. On his removal to Findlay in the year 1901, he joined his brother in the ice and coal business and they are now dealing in these two commodities which are so essential to the comfort and welfare of man. They have secured a liberal patronage, which is constantly increasing as their honorable business methods and reliability are recognized. Martin L. Wiseley was married in Findlay in the year 1897 to Miss Clara Adams, a daughter of Philip Adams, and they now have two children : Charles M., and Bernice M. In his political views Mr. Wiseley is a Republican, and for four years, from 1897, he served as trustee of his native township. Much of his life has been passed in Hancock county and he is widely known among its citizens as a young man of excellent business ability, honorable and straightforward in all his dealings and one who well merits the success which has crowned his efforts. DAVID T. DAVIS. David. T. Davis, who since June, 1899, has been state inspector of high explosives, is successfully engaged in the oil producing business, at Findlay, Ohio, and is one of the substantial and representative citizens of that place. The birth of Mr. Davis occurred in 1852, on a farm in Marion township, Hancock county, Ohio, and he is a son of William and Margaret (Lafferty) Davis, the former of whom was born in 181o, in Cumberland, Maryland, and died in 1863. He was .a very prominent citizen and was notable in being the only Republican who was elected commissioner of Hancock county in many years. For fourteen years he served as justice of the peace, and was esteemed and valued for his many admirable qualities of mind and heart. In 1831 he married Margaret Lafferty, and eleven children were born to them, nine of whom still survive. The father of this family served in the Mexican war as a captain of a company, and his sons displayed a loyal devotion when the country again called for assistance. Of these, William and Isaac O. served during short terms in the Civil war. John W. enlisted in the Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was severely wounded in the hip at Chickamauga and at Stone River was captured and held as a prisoner for five months, enduring at this time the horrors of Andersonville and Libby. He now resides at Findlay, Ohio. David T. Davis was reared in Hancock county, Ohio, and there acquired his education, and followed agricultural pursuits until he was twenty-two 226 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY years old. Then he went to Findlay and became one of the organizers of the wholesale and retail grocery firm of Davis, Detweiler & Company, which business was successfully conducted in this city for a period of eight years. After selling his interest, our subject was engaged in various lines of activity until 1887, when he embarked in the real estate business, in which he is still engaged. In 1888 Mr. Davis became interested in the oil producing business and has been very successful in this line: His reliability as a business man resulted in his appointment in June, 1899, by Governor Bushnell, as state inspector of high explosives, and his careful attention to the duties of this office has been of the greatest value and a protection to lives and property. In 1877 Mr. Davis was married, at Clyde, Ohio, to Miss Eva K. Barney, who is a daughter of W. Z. Barney, and the three children born to this union are : Donald W., Leila M. and Catherine E. In fraternal association our subject belongs to the order of Knights of Pythias, No. 400, taking an active interest in its work. He is well known in this city and is highly regarded as a just business man and public-spirited citizen. MILTON A. PILCHER. Milton A. Pilcher is of English descent. His parents, William and Mary A. (Wingate) Pilcher, are still living. Both are natives of England and both emigrated to America in 1852, William remaining for about one year in the city of New York before trying his fortune in Hancock county. He worked assiduously, acquiring considerable city property and in due time entered into matrimonial relations with the bride of his choice. He was married at Findlay to Mary A. Wingate, a lady of English nativity, and the family remained in Hancock county until 1875. Here six of his nine children were born, of whom eight are still living. Three children were born in Putnam county, whither the family removed in 1875, and where the parents still live. Milton A. Pilcher was born in Marion township, this county, October 10, 1859, was educated at Findlay and engaged in various employments, finally selecting the occupation of farming. November 3, 1887, he married. Lavina J., daughter of Thomas D. and Mary A. Callison, who was born in Blanchard township, October 11, 1869. Her parents had three children, of whom she alone survives. The father, Thomas D. Callison, was born in Indiana December 3, 1832, and died in 1888 ; the mother, a native of Pennsylvania, was born May 16, 1838, and died May 6, 1901, on the farm that Mr. Pilcher bought in September of the same year. Mr. and Mrs. Pilcher CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 227 are the parents of three bright children : Walter H., born July 31, 1888 ; William T., born March 15, 1891 ; and Floyd V., born .September 16, 1900. Fraternally Mr. Pilcher is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Though still a comparatively young man, he has established himself firmly and has a bright promise for the future among the successful agriculturists of Hancock county. His one hundred acres in Liberty township attest his ability to cope with the varying situations that present themselves to farmers, and indicate the presence of an industrious and progressive proprietor. In politics, Mr. Pilcher is a Democrat. JACOB BOHN. Among the young, energetic and successful farmers of Hancock county is the gentleman above named, who operates a farm of one hundred acres in Washington township. The success with which he has been attended so far in life is an earnest of what may be expected in the future of this promising agriculturist. The methods of which he makes use in the culture of his well tilled fields, are those which, backed by sound business judgment in the turning of his crops into currency, are bound to win in the end. Jacob Bohn was born in the county of Seneca, Ohio, in 1865, and there passed the entire period of his youth, removing to Hancock county with his parents in 1884. He received in the ordinary country school an education that is entirely sufficient for his needs in the prosecution of business. When he came to manhood he chose for himself the free and independent life of the farmer, in which calling he can study the great book of nature and see the hand of Deity in every blade and shrub. Like one of old, he thinks God's thoughts after him. He is a consistent and active member and worker in the German Reformed church, in which organization he is serving at the present time as an elder. He was also for a considerable period superintendent of the Sunday-school, and it is remembered that the school under his management increased in number and in the influence exerted on the youth of the community. In the year 1888 occurred that event in the life of our subject which he regards possibly as the most important of his life, when he was joined in marriage to Miss Anna, daughter of John and Elizabeth Romig. To this felicitous union were born four interesting children, Etho H., Clarence J., Mary E. and Carl E. The mother of this family is a lady of many graces of character, and is a native of the Buckeye state, having been born in Seneca county in 1866. Mr. Bohn has never interested himself very particularly 228 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY in political life, but exercises the right of suffrage regularly at each election, supporting the Democratic ticket. He is the son of Jacob and Katherine (Stuckey) Bohn, and as may be suspected from the name, these par-' ents were of German origin, the father having been born in the fatherland in 1835 and the mother in 183o. The father emigrated to this country when a young man of twenty-one, his life, whom he married in this country, making the voyage across the sea in 1855. He located in Tiffin, Seneca county, Ohio, near which village he bought a farm of eighty acres, where he lived for some fourteen years. In 1884 he removed to Hancock county, where he purchased the farm now owned by his widow, which contains one hundred acres. Jacob Bohn, Sr., besides being a prominent and successful agriculturist, was a skilled stone mason, as many of the residences of Hancock county give ample evidence. Coupled with the German penchant for hard physical labor, a superior business judgment made him quite successful, and he left at his death a very comfortable competence to his widow and children. He commanded the confidence of the public in a high degree, was a consistent member of the German Reformed church and was honored in that organization with many of its important trusts. His marriage to Katherine Stuckey took place in 1858, in Tiffin, Ohio, and there were six children born to them, two only of whom are now living : Laura, wife of Alvin Romig, who lives in Seneca county, and Jacob, who forms the immediate subject of this review. After a useful and blameless life the father died in 1885, at the age of fifty-two years, but his widow survives. At the age of thirty-seven it would seem that Mr. Bohn is destined, if one may judge by his past experience, to become one of the most influential citizens of his county. He and his wife are most respected residents of their immediate community, and are held in the very highest esteem by the people of Hancock county. ROBERT B. MOTHERWELL. When the above named was suddenly called to his last account, in the summer of 1902, Findlay lost perhaps her most popular and certainly one of her most enterprising citizens. Mr. Motherwell had been identified with the growth and development of the town for fifteen years, coming in the midst of the famous boom, and during his residence acquired a strong hold upon the esteem and even affections of the community. Besides being an energetic man of business he possessed a suavity of manner, cordiality of demeanor and geniality of address that drew to him hosts of friends and admirers and CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 229 gave him easy access to the hearts of all. In fact, no other man ever came to Findlay and in so short a time made such a complete conquest of the good will of her people, regardless of clan or class, and his sudden taking off was a cause of such sincere mourning as seldom follows any private citizen to his final resting place. This strong character was of Scottish origin and a son of Alexander and Jane Motherwell, a worthy and industrious couple, who spent their whole lives in the famous little country of the north. Robert B. Motherwell was born near Glasgow, November 5, 1845, and remained in the land of his nativity until eighteen years old. Having learned the trade of heavy blacksmithing he determined to seek his fortune in the new world, and in 1863 found himself on a boat bound for the northeast coast of the United States. The young Scotchman landed at Portland, Maine, and not long afterward obtained employment in the Casco Bay Forge Works, then engaged on contracts for the government. This lasted until 1866, when Mr. Motherwell removed to Pittsburg, where he secured work in the rolling mill of Reese, Graft & Bayers, with whom he remained two years. In 1868 he went to Lancaster, Ohio, and in partnership with his brothers, James and William, established what later became well known as the Motherwell Shovel & Spade Works. In 1881 Mr. Motherwell and his brother James founded at Logan the iron and steel works known by their name. It was in 1887 that Mr. Motherwell came to Findlay, at the time it was inveloped in the great boom of that period, due to the discovery of gas and oil, and he plunged into its activities with the energy that always characterized his efforts. He immediately became a factor in affairs by purchasing the bottling and ice establishment of E. Bacher, which he conducted jointly for a while and then dropped the ice department, confining himself exclusively to bottling. His business venture proved successful, and it was not long until his manners made him so popular that he. was in request as a candidate for various places of responsibility. He was a member of the water works board many years and also served a term or two on the board of election. In politics he was a Democrat of the Jeffersonian school, and so highly esteemed was he by his associates that any honor the party had to confer was at his service. But, though strenuous in the advocacy of his principles, he did not seem to care much for office, preferring to devote his time to business. Mr. Motherwell was quite prominent in fraternal circles, being especially conspicuous in the Order of Elks. He was a charter member of both the local and grand lodges of that popular fraternity and had passed through all the chairs, including the office of exalted ruler. He was also connected with the Masons and the Pathfinders, and at one time was the supreme officer 230 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY of the Findlay Court of Ben Hun. January 18, 1870, Mr. Motherwell was married, at Lancaster, Ohio, to Louise Rich, by whom he had seven children: Harriet M., Alice M., Jeannette F., Lola M., Grace S., Mary L. and Robert R. In the summer of 1897 Mr. Motherwell suffered .a paralytic stroke, which proved to be serious in its results and few thought he could recover, but his strong constitution pulled him through and it was hoped he had before him many years of usefulness. Death, however, came very suddenly at an early hour on the morning of Friday, July 12, 1902, as the result of an ailment, the exact nature of which the attending physician was unable to diagnose. The announcement of this sad and unexpected event caused a great shock in Findlay and sincere mourning among all its inhabitants. The Findlay Daily Republican, published on the day of his death, paid the following warm tribute to the memory of the distinguished dead : "The demise of Mr. Motherwell ends the career of one of Findlay's highest prized citizens. It would be a difficult matter to find a man possessing equal popularity. It has been said that he had not an enemy in the world, this desirable state being acquired by his numerous excellent traits of character. Wherever known he was recognized as a man possessing courtesy, affability, good nature and other desirable qualities to a remarkable degree. Mr. Motherwell's memory will be deeply cherished as a man among men." RUFUS W. BENNETT. The above named is one of the most successful and progressive agriculturists of Jackson township, within whose borders he has made his home throughout life, his birth occurring there October 28, 1852. His father, Rufus Hiram Bennett; was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, December 22, 1801, and was the youngest of seven brothers, whose parents were Rufus and Martha (Bennett) Bennett. The grandfather of our subject was with Washington at the time of Braddock's defeat and hung to General Braddock's horse's tail in order to escape, killing two Indians who followed. On arriving at man's estate Rufus H. Bennett was married February 15, 1832, at his birthplace, to Miss Henrietta Leader, who was also born there July 25, 1806, a daughter of Christian and Mary Leader. By this union were born the following children : Euphemia, who became the wife of James T. Hoy, a farmer of Amanda township, this county; Sanford L., who died October 17, 1855, at the age of twenty-one years and twenty-one days; William H. Harrison, who enlisted September 1, 1861, in Company F, Fifty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for service in the Civil war and died at the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 231 hospital in Paducah, Kentucky, March 23, 1862, unmarried, at the age of twenty-five years and eight months; Martha, widow of Peter Treece and a resident of Mount Blanchard; Rawson Corwin, a resident of Jackson township; Lydia, wife of Adam Haley, of Findlay; Emily, wife of George W. Foreman, of Portland, Indiana; Mary Ellen, wife of S. M. Miller, of Findlay; and Rufus William. Rufus H. Bennett, the father of our subject, came to Hancock county, Ohio, in the spring of 1835 and selected his land. He had been keeping a hotel in Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, and after disposing of his business there his partner absconded with the results of the sale, so that Mr. Bennett was able to bring all his worldly possessions to Ohio in a one-horse wagon, driving an Indian pony thirty years old. He started west without any special destination, making his way up the Upper Sandusky to Fort Findlay. For some distance he followed a blazed trail through the woods, and cut his own road. In the midst of the forest he settled upon land which he secured, and for one month lived in his covered wagon while he cleared an acre of ground and sowed it to buckwheat. He then erected his cabin, which was his home for twelve years, and was then replaced by a more modern and substantial residence on the road. It was built in 1858 and is still standing, being owned by the heirs of Moses Elsea. It was one of the first frame houses in Jackson township, the lumber being cut in Findlay. Mr. Bennett's original farm is now owned by others. He placed his land under high cultivation and kept adding to it from time to time until he had four hundred acres, but before his death he gave eighty acres to a daughter. His last years were passed upon a farm adjoining the old homestead, which was known as the Leader farm, having been settled by his wife's people. It is still in possession of the family. After coming to Ohio Mr. Bennett engaged in farming and became widely known as a breeder and raiser of fine horses, his stock being considered the choicest of the entire county. At one time he was engaged in buying horses and took quite a number from this state back to Pennsylvania to sell. After a useful and well spent life he died, March 25, 1868, honored and respected by all who knew him, and his estimable wife passed away in April, 1873. Rufus W. Bennett, youngest of the children of this pioneer couple, passed his boyhood and youth under the parental roof and remained with his father until the latter's death, being the only son left at home. He still owns one hundred and twenty acres of the farm, the balance of the estate being either sold or divided, while this is his share of the property. He has bought more land and now owns three hundred and sixty acres, divided into three 232 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY farms, one of which is operated by his son and another by his brother. His home place is the old Jacob Twining homestead, consisting of one hundred and twenty acres, which is well improved and under excellent cultivation. Mr. Bennett has cleared about thirty acres and laid considerable tiling, and is now successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising, feeding cattle, hogs and sheep of a high grade. He paid sixty-two and a half dollars per acre for his land and it is now quite valuable property. On the 14th of March, 1878, Mr. Bennett was united in marriage to Miss Mary C. Miller, a daughter of William B. and Jane (Martin) Miller, of Marion township, where her birth occurred. She completed her education in the schools of Findlay, and at the age of seventeen began teaching, following that profession quite successfully in Marion, Jackson and Allen townships, this county, up to the time of her marriage, when twenty-four years of age. Her parents were early settlers of Marion township, where they located in 1847, and where her father entered one hundred and sixty acres of land. He is still living, at the age of seventy-seven years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bennett were born eight children who are still living, while one son, Rawson, died in infancy. The surviving members of the family are Lloyd DeWitt, who married Zetta Thompson and operates the old homestead; Noble Garfield, a successful teacher of Hancock county; Edna, who attended both the Blanchard high school and Findlay College, and is a teacher of Van Wert county; Hazel, Mark, Miller, Julia and Ella, all at home. In his political views Mr. Bennett is a stanch Republican and has been a delegate to the conventions of his party, but has never cared for the honors or emoluments of public office. He and his family are active and consistent members of the Salem United Brethren church, in which he is at present serving as trustee and class leader, and he has been a delegate to the general conferences of his church. Upright and honorable in all things, he commands the confidence and respect of those with whom he comes in contact either in business or social life, and is held in high regard by all who know him. CHRISTIAN OVERHOLT. It is a pleasing task to touch upon the salient points in the records of a family which has had very much to do with placing Hancock among the very first counties of the state in point of agricultural supremacy. The immediate members of the family of which we shall speak are Sherman and Charles Overholt, giving especial attention also to Christian Overholt, their deceased CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 233 father. Christian Overholt was a well known citizen of Cass township, who, from common work hand about the farm, had climbed to the top round of the ladder among his fellow citizens and this was done by his own industry and business sagacity. He was born a poor boy in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, March 4, '1827, .was early imbued with the idea of the value of money and established a habit of saving which soon placed him in a position to begin the active career for which he is remembered. He purchased a farm and began the battle of life for himself, choosing as a helpmate Catherine Leighty, to whom he was married at the age of twenty-five. The three children by this union, all natives of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, were : Lizzie, born March 4, 1854; Alsinus, born in 1857; and Ella, born in 1859. The family removed to Hancock county in 1860, where Mr. Overholt purchased a farm of two hundred and forty acres, upon which there were few improvements besides the large brick residence. During his lifetime he took )ride in improving this farm, and before he died it became one of the nicest properties of the kind in Hancock county. The family which he brought to Hancock county, mentioned above, was increased here by the birth of Charles in 1860; Clarence (deceased) in 1862 ; Frank (deceased) in 1864; Sherman, November 1, 1867; Edgar, in February, 1870; and Bertha (deceased), born in 1872 and died in 1888. As remarked before, Christian Overholt was a hard working man, honest and upright in all his dealings with his fellow men. He frequently responded to the desire of his fellow citizens and administered the' different township offices. He was an acceptable member. of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which organization he was a most liberal supporter, and voted the Republican ticket. His wife passed away in October, 1894, and after surviving her four years; he rejoined her "on the other side," January 9, 1898. In his death Hancock county lost a worthy citizen. Charles Overholt, second son of Christian, passed his boyhood days on the farm where he has since resided. He is a respected citizen, and for the past six years has been the efficient trustee of the township. He is also prominently identified with the school interests of his district, being now a member of the school board, and having served for a number of years in that body. He takes a great interest in everything that advances the interest of his immediate community. Fraternally, he affiliates with that popular organization, the Knights of Pythias. Ever since the discovery of oil he has been an interested party and is at the present time one of the extensive oil producers of Hancock county, operating nine wells. In 1886 Mr. Overholt was married to Miss Clara, daughter of J. B. and Lizzie Linhart, whose 15 234 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY family will be found mentioned elsewhere in this volume. This lady presented Mr. Overholt with five children : Gail, Virgil, Dean, Zoie and Charles C. Sherman, another worthy son of Christian Overholt, resides with his brother on the old homestead, where he was born, reared and educated. November 25, 1896,, he led to the marriage altar Miss Nettie Berger, a native of Mahoning county, Ohio, and a daughter of Jacob and Laura (Reed) Berger. Mr. and Mrs. Sherman Overholt have three children : Edna M., born December 3, 1897; Carl S., born September 12, 1900 ; and Mildred, born March 30, 1902. It is not a light thing to be the son of a worthy father. There is a responsibility connected with sustaining the reputation of a family already established by previous members that should sober and broaden the character of the later representatives of the name. So it has been in the present case. The brothers herein mentioned have taken up life's duties and are following closely in the footsteps of their revered father. Their word is as good as their bond, and in all of their dealings they are straightforward and honorable, commanding the respect of all with whom they are associated. JOSEPHUS C. VAN EMAN. This name has been an honored one in Hancock county for seven decades. The deceased subject of this sketch was the son of one of the old pioneers of Hancock county, Rev. George Van Eman, who, for a long period of years, was a minister in the Presbyterian church and did much pioneer work in the ministry in organizing churches in new places when this county was in its early growth. The result of his preaching can be seen today in the churches of Findlay, Van Buren and other places in and outside the county. His work was done mostly, if not altogether, in the saddle. He was a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, born April 23, 1786. He grew to maturity in that county, and there married, September 3, 181o, Maria Cooper, a native also of the Keystone state, born March 14, 1791. They removed to Blanchard township, in Hancock county, in 1835. They were the parents of six children : Alexander, born August 7, 1812 ; John S., March 2, 1816; Katherine; September 19, 1818; J. C., June 4, 1821; Rebecca J., September 25, 1823; Sara L., October 20, 1827. All of these are now deceased except the last named. The Rev. George Van Eman was twice married, his second wife being Mrs. Sara S. Flanagan, who was born June 5, 1790, and died June 14, 1871. His first wife died June 26, 1839. After a long and CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 235 useful life in the service of his Master, Rev. George Van Eman passed to his reward, the date being March 12, 1877. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch was born in Green county, Pennsylvania, on the date given above. He was fourteen years of age when he came with his father, Rev. George Van Eman, to this county. Here he was reared and educated. He took advantage of his educational privileges to fit himself for the profession of teaching, which he followed in this county for a number of years. In 1852 he became infected with the gold fever, and made the trip to California, in which state he remained for six years. He returned, however, and in 186o purchased eighty acres of land in Cass township, being almost in its primitive state. To this he subsequently added fifty acres, finishing the number with twenty acres more, making in all one hundred and fifty acres. On this farm there are now thirty producing oil wells. Mr. Van Eman was twice married. His first venture was with Margaret Carmel in 1858, by which union there was no issue. , This lady died June 30, 1861, and on April 3, 1862, he married Mary E. Hollingshead, who bore him three children : George F., born August 30, 1863 ; John L., December 31, 1865, and William E., March 26, 1871. During the entire period of his adult life Josephus Van Eman was a prominent and respected resident of Cass township, and proved himself in all respects worthy of the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens. He was engaged as clerk for his brother in Findlay for a period, and subsequently was a clerk in the auditor's office. He served in his own township as clerk for a period of nine years. He was a devout communicant of the Presbyterian church of Van Buren, in which he served as elder. He voted with the Republican party. He was a thrifty, practical man, IN hose friends were counted by the score. By his death, which occurred March 17, 1891, at the age of sixty-nine years, the community suffered a severe loss. George F. Van Eman, his eldest son, married Elizabeth Smith, December 4, 1886, and has one child, Charles R. John L. married Martha E. Linhart, whose family is elsewhere mentioned in this volume, and William E. married Ella Gibson, a native of Columbiana county. WILLIAM C. ALFORD. Among the stream of emigrants contributed to Ohio during her formative period by the famous Empire state of the Union, none did more in proportion to their means in aiding development and progress than the family which bears the name given at the head of this sketch. Zina and Aurilla (Orton) Alford were originally from York, New Jersey, and Massachu- 236 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY setts, respectively, but subsequently lived for twenty years in Steuben county, New York. In 1848 they removed to Hancock county, Ohio, where Mr. Alford became the owner of sixty-five acres of land, to the cultivation of which he devoted the later years of his life. At an earlier period he had learned the tanner's and shoemaker's trades, which constituted his principal occupation for a number of years. Zina Alford was always looked upon as an honest, industrious man, who wronged nobody, attended strictly to his own business and enjoyed general neighborhood esteem. His death occurred in 1882 and it was a general remark by those who attended the obsequies that the community had lost a good citizen. William C. Alford, son of the above mentioned and the subject of this biography, was born in Steuben county, New York, August 18, 1815, and grew. up during the residence of his parents in that eastern community. He picked up such learning as could be obtained by irregular attendance at the district schools, but as soon as he arrived at manhood the parental roof was abandoned for a contest with the world on his own account. His first location was in Pennsylvania where he remained one year and then concluded to try his fortunes across the Ohio border. Two years were spent in Franklin county, followed by a residence of eight years in Marion county, and the year 1848 found him in Hancock county, Ohio, which was destined to be his permanent abode and the theater of all his future life's activities. He made a purchase of eighty acres of land in Big Lick- township, and the cultivation of this property has ever since absorbed the chief part of his time and energies. At the time he took possession his land was in its virgin condition, not only unimproved, but wild and woody as only Ohio land could be before the white man's ax and saw had made their appearance. But all things yield to labor and persistent determination, and as the years went by another and another of Mr. Alford's acres emerged from their primeval condition until he had a farm that any agriculturist might well be proud of. The beautiful pastures and well tilled fields were ornamented by all the buildings necessary for comfort and utility, to say nothing of a neat residence for the home of the family. Mr. Alford was never much of a politician, nor did he care for office as such, but at the solicitation of his neighbors he consented at different times to serve as township clerk, supervisor and school director. Before coming to Hancock county, Mr. Alford became acquainted with Miss Rosetta Palmer, whose birth occurred in New York in 1826, and to this lady he was married in 1845. This union, which continued in mutual affection and esteem until Mrs. Alford's lamented death in 1892, was productive of eleven children, of whom the following named seven are living : Sarah C., Byron C., Frederick O., CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 237 Aurilla J., E. F., C. A. and Electa. C. A. Alford, the last mentioned son in this list, graduated at Oberlin College, and is now an attorney in Duluth, ranking well at the bar and giving promise of future distinction. Mr. Alford, besides the general popularity secured to him by his genial and affable manners, enjoys the reputation of being one of the most skillful hunters in the state. From early years he was always fond of outdoor sports, especially those connected with gunning, and this taste has not diminished with the passage of time. For forty years he has not failed to take an annual hunt in the nothern part of Michigan, and many are the stories he is able to tell of his adventures in the north woods after big game of all kinds. He .has been especially successful in bringing down the fine deer which roam over the forests of the upper peninsula, and one of these noble animals shot by Mr. Alford weighed two hundred and twenty-five pounds. This was an unusually magnificent specimen, but only one of the many obtained by Mr. Alford during his frequent forays into the forest. He loves all kinds of hunting and fishing, and ranks as an expert in many lines, being well known far and near by the sportsmen who frequent the woods in season. While on one of his hunting trips this modern Nimrod met with an adventure which came near proving his last. While crossing a ravine on an elevated log he lost his balance, and fell through, his feet catching and holding him suspended in mid air. For a while death by .hanging, with the usual process reversed, seemed imminent, but Mr. Alford managed to untangle himself from this scrape, as he had from many another during his adventurous career. R. J. KIBLER. Although a, young man and only a member of the Findlay bar about ten years, the gentleman whose life is herein outlined has made a creditable record both as a practitioner and man of affairs. He has been sufficiently successful in practice to steadily increase his patronage and has risen to prominence in politics on the Democratic side, which he espoused at an early age and has always supported zealously. His father, Jacob Kibler, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1831, and has devoted practically all his life to agricultural pursuits. He removed to Hancock county in later years and located on a farm in Eagle township, which afterward continued his place of residence. On this Eagle township homestead R. J. Kibler was born January 20, 1868, and there he was reared while being educated in the country schools. In 1884 he began teaching school in Hancock county, and continued this occu- 238 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY patios during the five succeeding winters, while in summer he took advantage of the vacation season to pursue his own studies. In 1888 he secured a position as instructor in the high school at Ada, Ohio, and discharged the duties of this place until 1890, when he began devoting- his time to the study of the law. In December, 1891, he was licensed to practice by the supreme court at Columbus, and shortly thereafter took up his residence at Findlay, since which time he has been one of the busy attorneys at the bar of that city. As previously stated, Mr. Kibler is Democratic in his politics and has always shown a warm interest in its campaigns for supremacy. As one of the recognized leaders of his locality he was appointed state supervisor of elections, and is at present holding that position. In 1896 Mr. Kibler was married to Miss Carrie, daughter of Captain William B. Richards, the ceremony being performed at the residence of the bride's parents at Bluffton, Ohio. Mr. Kibler's only fraternal connections are with the Knights of Pythias, of which popular order he has long been an enthusiastic member. HENRY SNYDER. Henry Snyder, who throughout his active business life has been prominently identified with the farming and stock raising interests of Hancock county, was born on the 12th of August, 1837, in Marion township, his parents being Henry and Magdaline (Sands) Snyder. His father was born in Basil, Switzerland, in 1790, and was reared and educated in his native land, always speaking. the German language, although he understood English in later life. It was in 1832 that he crossed the Atlantic to the new world and took up his residence in Fairfield county, Ohio, but the following year settled in Hancock county, entering land in Marion township four miles east of Findlay. He built thereon a cabin and took up his abode there when there was but one family between his home and the river on the east. His place was on the Marion (now the Mount Blanchard) road, but when he located there the road had not been laid out and the early settlers followed the ridges in making a journey. Being in limited circumstances Mr. Snyder had just enough money to enter his land, but was able to make a living off his own farm from the first and at once turned his attention to the clearing and improvement of his land. In those early clays there was much sickness, the chills being prevalent among the pioneers, and our subject recalls one time when his sister and a neighbor girl were the only ones in the neighborhood not suffering with that disease. His father cleared one-half of his hundred acre farm and continued to make his home thereon until called to his final CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 239 rest in 1864, at the age of seventy-four years. He supported the Democratic party until 186o, when he became a Republican. Though reared in the German Reformed church he joined the Christian church and adhered to that faith throughout life, attending meetings held in the homes of the pioneers and in school houses, as the church in Amanda township, known as Amanda Chapel, was not erected until after his death, but the old Christian society there has since been disbanded. His wife, who was born in Fairfield county in 18o6, of Holland parentage, survived him about twenty years, passing away in 1883 on the old homestead. They were the parents of six children, namely : Mary Magdaline, now the widow of Henry Herring and a resident of Wyandot county, Ohio ; Henry, whose name introduces this sketch; Elizabeth, who is now keeping house for our subject ; Susan, who died about four years ago at the age of fifty-four years; Anna, who lives on the old homestead; and Daniel, wo now owns the farm on which his entire life has been passed. With the exception of our subject and his eldest sister the children all remained unmarried. Henry Snyder passed the days of his boyhood and youth upon the old home farm, remaining there until his father's death. At the age of twenty-two years he taught two terms of school in this county, and later taught in Livingston county, Illinois, in 1861-2. He then returned home and taught two more terms in this county. Being of a studious nature, he devoted much of his leisure time to general literature and passed an examination in algebra and history, although these were' not among the required studies, in order to Obtain a teacher's certificate in Ohio. The year of his father's death he bought a tract of land in Findlay township on Eagle creek, this county, but in the summer of 1867 returned to Illinois and was engaged in farming in Shelby county, that state, for a time. Subsequently he assisted his brother in conducting the home farm and in the meantime made some improvements upon his own land in this county. His brother being young, Henry Snyder remained at home until his marriage, which was celebrated on the 25th of February, 1869, Miss Matilda Shank, a daughter of Henry Shank of Eagle township, becoming his wife. She was then twenty-seven years of age and had previously been engaged in teaching school in Eagle township. Mr. Snyder had already secured his present tract of land, but as there were no buildings upon. the place, he rented a farm in Marion township after his marriage and there he and his wife began their domestic life, though he devoted one-half of his time to the improvement of his own farm. After a happy married life of five years the wife died on the loth of October, 1874, leaving two children : Willoughby Al- 240 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Bert, who is now a horse trainer and track driver of Bowling Green, Wood county, Ohio; and Henry Jason, who has taught four terms of school in Han cock county and is now a student at the Tri-State College at Angola, Indiana. He married Florence Enfield, of Big Lick township, this county, and their son, Henry Ebert, is now living with his grandfather. Since the death of his wife Mr. Snyder's sister Elizabeth has continued to act as his housekeeper and has been a mother to his children, and she certainly deserves great credit for what she has done in their behalf. In addition to the operation of his own farm Mr. Snyder had charge of his father's old homestead for three years, conducting the business for his brother, who was then in poor health, and for five years he also cultivated a farm in Marion township. He has eighty acres on Lye creek, one-half of which he has cleared and has tiled the principal part of it, much of it being under water at one time.. He has erected a good house and barn and made many other improvements which add greatly to the value and attractive appearance of the place, so that it now compares favorably with the best farms of the township. In connection with the tilling of the soil he is engaged in the raising sheep and hogs, keeping about five hundred sheep, one hundred of which he usually fattens for market each year. His hogs are of the Poland China breed and have won many prizes at the fairs where they have been exhibited. Since casting his first presidential vote for. Abraham Lincoln, Mr. Snyder has endorsed the principles of the Republican party and at national elections always supports that ticket, but at local elections where no issue is involved he often votes for the men of the opposing party if he thinks them better qualified for the offices. In 1890 he was elected justice of the peace in a Democratic township, a fact which indicates his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens, and he creditably filled that office for one term. A. B. LATSHAW A. B. Latshaw, who is a retired oil producer and an extensive farmer and stockraiser of Hancock county, operates a farm of about two hundred acres in Liberty township. His birth took place on March 23, 1852, in Venango county, Pennsylvania, Mr. Latshaw belonging by birth to a state which has contributed largely to the wealth and stability of Ohio. In early manhood .our subject learned the carpenter's trade and later became a resident of McKean county, Pennsylvania, where he was engaged CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 241 in the building of pump stations and oil derricks. His skill. as a mechanic made his services valuable as foreman of the workmen engaged in that locality, and he remained there for eight years. In 1885 he came to Hancock county, Ohio, and for some time followed the same business, but later became an oil producer himself. After looking closely into the merits of various portions of the oil producing lands, he invested in Virginia in a large tract which had numerous wells in operation upon it. Mr. Latshaw thus displayed business acumen and was very successful, and still further proved his good judgment by selling out his oil interests at the right time, and in 1893 put his money into his fine farm. In 1894 he began the erection of his fine house, completing the same in 1895, with all modern improvements, owning now one of the handsomest homes in this locality. In 1873 Mr. Latshaw was united in marriage with Miss Mary J., the daughter of Adam and Margaret Swartzlander, who was born on February 3, 1855, in Pennsylvania. Her father was a veteran in the Civil war and met an honored death on the battlefield of Gettysburg. A daughter and a son were born to Mr. and Mrs. Latshaw, namely : Florence L., who is Mrs. Frech and has one child; Harrold A., and Adam R., who married Miss Belle Thompson, and has a daughter, Dorathea M. Our subject is one of the progressive citizens of Liberty township, and his fellow-citizens' confidence has been shown in his selection to positions of responsibility. For two years he has been the efficient township assessor. Fraternally he is a member of the order of Maccabees. Mr. Latshaw is a self-made man, beginning at the bottom of the ladder and climbing to his present independent position through his own efforts. He is recognized as a man of sound judgment in business matters and as a useful member of society. He is well and favorably known in agricultural affairs and is prominent in any measures looking to the advancement of the farmer's interests. In. politics Mr. Latshaw is a Republican and takes an active interest in the political affairs of his .county and state. Mrs. Latshaw is a member of the Church of God. WILLIAM J. CREIGHTON. The above named gentleman has long been a familiar feature in the public life of Findlay, owing to his continuous connection for years with its financial institutions and previous incumbency of the county treasurer's office. During his tenure of the various responsible positions entrusted to his care, Mr. Creighton has so discharged their duties and so demeaned himself in 242 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY his intercourse with the people as to be regarded as one of the most substantial and reliable of the city's business men. His life story is briefly told and is but the repetition of many similar ones in its main outlines, that of a farmer's boy trained to hard work and the wholesome discipline of the country, afterward utilizing his sturdy virtues to acquire position in the higher walks. Such men are always interesting, as their experiences form a distinct phase of American national life, and it is from such sources that the best blood of the country is recruited. William J. Creighton was born in Cass township, Hancock county, Ohio, May 29, 1847, and had the usual experience that befalls farm boys. As soon as old enough, of course, he was sent to the neighborhood school, and was expected to "do chores" in the evenings after school hours. When he got to be a boy, he must help with the farm work during vacations, and make himself generally useful in the assistance of his parents. Nor did Mr. Creighton depart from the other immemorial custom of all ambitious rural lads of teaching a term or two as a preparatory course before entering the great world. Accordingly we find Mr. Creighton a pedagogue at the age of seventeen and pursuing this avocation off and on for the next eleven years. At the end of that time he received an offer to enter the office of the treasurer of Hancock county as first deputy and gladly accepted, well knowing that such positions generally lead to better. He remained in the treasurer's office four years, during which time he completely mastered all of its details, and then returned to the farm awhile. But he was not allowed to rusticate long, being called from his retreat by receiving the nomination as candidate of his party for the office of county treasurer. After a spirited campaign, in which he proved himself to be a "good mixer," Mr. Creighton was elected and served his term of two years so satisfactorily that he had little difficulty in obtaining another. Accordingly he was re-elected treasurer of Hancock county and finished his second term without mishap or adverse comment. This was Mr. Creighton's last experience of official life, but since retiring from office he has held other positions of responsibility, with different finan- cial institutions. In 1887 he was offered and accepted the position of assistant cashier in the office of the American National Bank at Findlay, and remained about twelve years with that corporation. January 1, 19o1, he was appointed secretary and treasurer of the Commercial Bank and Savings Company, which position he has since retained and filled with his usual skill and ability. Mr. Creighton's only fraternal connections are with the Odd Fellows, and he has served that order as representative to the Grand Encampment on two occasions. Mr. Creighton is a Democrat in politics. He was married September CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 243 18, 1873, to Miss Martha Ebersole, a native of Hancock county and a daughter of Henry and Margaret Ebersole, Hancock county pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Creighton have two children : David Maurice, proprietor of the Findlay book bindery, and Jessie Mabel, who graduated from Oberlin College in 1901. DANIEL N. SCHUBERT. The influx of German blood into this great republic was of large proportions during the first half of this century. The care which the German government has taken in ameliorating the conditions of its working class, has of late years resulted in checking somewhat this flow of emigration. The Buckeye state was a haven for a large number of this excellent foreign element, and Hancock county is fortunate in having within its bounds many of those who came to the state. They were honest, worthy citizens, exceedingly industrious, and their descendants have inherited their best qualities. Mr. Daniel N. Schubert is the grandson of John Casper and Christena Schubert, who came from the fatherland in 1832. After a very short residence in Crawford county, Ohio, they settled in Seneca county, where John C. entered eighty acres of land, and which was increased at various times by another one hundred. John C. Schubert is remembered as being an upright man, being a tailor by trade and a good provider ; a man who was alive to the best interests of his adopted country. Religiously he and his wife were worthy members of the Lutheran church. His family numbered the following children : Leander, Asmuth, August, Malina, Matilda, Lucinda, Harman and Sarah. Of this number Leander was the father of our subject. He was born in Saxony, Germany, in 1823, and accompanied his parents to America when they crossed the sea. He continued to live at home until he was twenty-seven years of age, having in his early youth learned the carpenter's trade. He was a first-class mechanic, as many of the beautiful homes in Hancock can testify. He was not only a good carpenter, but his farming was of a high order. He was a very careful and methodical man, watching the little things in life, and this habit resulted in the accumulation of a very nice property before his death. He owned four hundred and forty acres of the good land. His career was uneventful, save that he did his duties as a citizen, and reared his family to respect the institutions of his adopted country. He distributed his land to his children, who are now making the very best use of it. His marriage occurred in 186, his wife's name being Susannah Grove. Their family consisted of John, born June 11, 1852; Harriet, November 244 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 14, 1854; Alvin, February 5, 1857; Irene, October 15, 1858; Manassah D., April 21, 1860; Levi C., October 22, 1861; Albert G., April 29, 1864; Daniel N., July 18, 1865. The mother of the family was a native of Highland county, Ohio, where she was born October 17, 1830. Leander and his entire family were workers in the Dunkard church, he having served for a period of forty years as a deacon of that organization. On the 18th of October, 1900, this good man passed to his reward, mourned by his devoted children and a large circle of acquaintances. His wife continues the journey alone. Mr. Daniel N. Schubert passed his boyhood days quietly in his parents' home, and in the township school acquired his elementary education. He has always confined himself to the life of a farmer. He is now in possession of the old homestead, upon which he lives with his family. His wife was Miss Ermina, the daughter of S. B. and Diana Thomas. Her marriage to Mr. Schubert took place on the 5th of May, 1889. She has presented her husband with Carl C. and Milton V., two strong, manly sons. Her birth Occurred in Big Lick township January To, 1868. In his day Daniel Schubert is following closely in the steps of his revered father, and is highly esteemed in the community. He and his family continue their interest in the Dunkard organization, and in local life of the community he has served with credit in the office of township trustee. He is a good, substantial citizen, one who is .respected and honored by all who are fortunate in having his acquaintance. HENRY O. PURKEY. This worthy member of the fraternity of farmers in Hancock county is a resident of Cass township. His father, Jacob, was one of the noble band of pioneers of this county, removing here in 1832 from Pennsylvania, of which state he was a native. He married Agnes Manifold, also a native of Pennsylvania, who became the mother of his ten children, of whom four survive : John, a resident of Bloomdale; Henry O., the subject of this sketch; J. R., also of Bloomdale, and J. A. Jacob Purkey owned two hundred and forty acres of land, which he earned by honest toil. He began life a poor man, but by close application to business and dealing squarely with all men, he soon won the confidence of his fellow citizens, as well as their good will, and accumulated a very fair competence before his death. He was a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal church, being prominently identified with its active life as a class leader. Politically he favored the Republican party, and was ever ready to do whatever was in his power to advance its noble prin- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 245 ciples. He passed an existence of a number of years in this county, during which he was held in high esteem, and was mourned by a large circle of friends on his death, March 18, 1866. His wife, Agnes M., outlived him fourteen years. Henry O. Purkey, second in age of his father's surviving sons, was born in Wood county, Ohio, May 18, 1845, passed his boyhood in the quiet life of the country and received a fairly good education in the district school. Arriving at maturity he chose the vocation which Washington said was one of the noblest that man could engage in, and in this pursuit he has proved eminently successful. His first holding of real estate was purchased in the spring- of 1858, consisting of fifty acres, which he held for a considerable period, improved and sold at a good profit. In 1881 he purchased the eighty acres where he now lives, which was increased by forty-seven received by inheritance. In the conduct of this farm he is exceedingly practical, using the latter day methods with success. Mr. Purkey chose as a life companion Miss Martha J. McKey, the marriage occurring October 18, 1867. The lady whom he thus honored was the daughter of Robert and Eliza McKee, and she became the mother of Eliza, born June 8, 1868; John T., May, 1870 ; William E., July, 1873 ; Ada S., July, 1876, now deceased ; Robert E., October, 1878; and Orlo H., July, 1884. Of this family Eliza married Charles Doering; John t. was married to Emma Markwood; and William E. wedded Eva Stecker. Mrs. Martha J. Purkey is a native of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where she was born December 31, 1844, and came- with her parents to this county in 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Purkey are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of Bloomdale, of which organization he has been a member for forty-six years and is now serving as trustee. In politics Mr. Purkey is a Republican, although in local affairs he supports the man rather than the pary. Mr. Purkey is a genial, whole-souled gentleman, universally esteemed among a very large circle of acquaintances. DR. WILLIAM R. MOFFETT. This an age of progress, and America is the exponent of the spirit of the age. Perhaps no greater advancement has been made along professional lines than in dentistry. New methods have been introduced, and the profession has largely attained perfection. Fully in touch with the advancement which has been made, Dr. William R. Moffett stands as a leading representative of the dental fraternity in Hancock county, residing and doing business in Arcadia, the town of his birth. Dr. Moffett here first saw the 246 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY light on January 3, 1871. He is the son of William and Sarah (Chambers) Moffett, both of whom are natives of the Emerald Isle. The father was born in County Down, July 1, 1837. The parents were married in their native isle and emigrated to this country in 1866, remaining a short time in Philadelphia, after which they removed to Arcadia, where Mr. Moffett engaged in the mercantile business for a short period. He then entered the drug business, which he successfully carried on for a period of twenty years. He was a man of superior intelligence and education, and made a marked impression on those with whom he came in touch. He was a ready writer of both prose and poetry, and an interesting and fluent speaker. He served Arcadia in the capacity of postmaster for a number. of years, and served the township in holding with credit some of its offices. In religious faith he was a strict Presbyterian, in which organization he was an elder. His death occurred July 2, 1899, an event which spread gloom over the entire community, for it was the loss of a good citizen. The wife still survives, and is carrying on the drug business left by her husband. Their family consists of five children, namely : George H., William R., David E., Mary and Margaret B. The mother of Dr. Moffett was a sister of Dr. John Chambers, deceased, a noted clergyman of Indianapolis, Indiana. He was also a professor in the Indiana Medical College and a surgeon of note. The Chambers family were of Scotch-English descent. Dr. Moffett passed the days of his boyhood and youth in the village of his birth, where he received an excellent education, graduating with honor from the high school. In 1893 he was given a license as a practicing dentist, and immediately opened an office at Ottawa, Ohio, where his work proved so satisfactory that his patronage became very extensive. He remained at Ottawa until 1900, at which time he returned to his native place, where he is now practicing. Dr. Moffett uses the very latest methods of dentistry in his office, and his work is done to the entire satisfaction of his numerous and still growing patronage. In connection with his dental practice Dr. Moffett also dips somewhat into agriculture, having purchased a farm of seventy acres near Arcadia. In 1891 Dr. Moffett was united in marriage to Miss Nora Moffitt. Miss Moffitt was the daughter of John J. and Edith Moffitt, and was . born in Blanchard township, February 17, 1873. To this felicitous marriage there have been born two lovely daughters, Jessie Aldine, born January 27, 1893, and Edith Pauline, born June 2, 1895. Dr. and Mrs. Moffett are popular members of society in Hancock county, where their circle of friends is extensive, and the regard in which they are held is uniform. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 247 WILLIAM B. MILLER. Industry is a leading characteristic of the German people, and this fact probably accounts in a measure at least for the unrelenting activity that has marked the life of William B. Miller and those who went before him. Hard work and rigid economy made of the father a comparatively wealthy man, and despite the heavy expense of raising a large family, Martin Miller was able to give his son William eighty acres as a start in business. Christopher Miller came to this country from Germany in 1805, settling in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Martin, the son, who was but eight years old when he landed, remained there until 1816, when at the age of nineteen he moved to Fairfield county, this state. Here his son William was born, February 11, 1825, and here the family resided until the death of the parents, Martin dying in 1877, and his wife, who was Catherine Baker, in 1884. She was a native of Sunberry, Pennsylvania, and was seven years younger than her husband, having been born in 1804. They were members of the Reformed church and Mr. Miller was a Republican in politics. They had seventeen children ; thirteen grew to maturity, seven are still living, and of this number two reside in this county. At the age of twenty-two, in 1847, William Miller removed to Hancock county, and three years later added by purchase one hundred acres to the eighty he had received as a gift from his father. Some of this land was not in the best state of cultivation and Mr. Miller set about at once to improve it. He subsequently sold twenty acres to a neighbor. On March 24, 1845, he was united in marriage to Miss Jane, daughter of William and Susan S. Martin. She bore him thirteen children, of whom eight are living. She was a native of Ohio, born in Fairfield county June 18, 1823, and is now deceased. For his second wife he married Mrs, Helen E. Flack. Mr. Miller lives very near the southeastern limits of Findlay, on one hundred and sixty acres of valuable farming land, and is very intimately associated with the political and religious life of the town. He is one of the strong men in the Republican party, has held the office of township treasurer and has also been one of the trustees of Marion township. He was justice of the peace for some time and in 1879 was nominated by his party as member of the state legislature. It was in the same year that Governor Foster was defeated by a vote of three hundred and ninety-seven, and Mr. Miller was beaten by a majority of two hundred and ninety-five votes. A comparison of these numbers will indicate the degree of Mr. Miller's popularity. As 248 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY superintendent 0f the Sunday-school and class leader of the United Brethren church, Mr. Miller has put a personality into his work, the influence of which is very wide-reaching in its effects. Mr. Miller and his family belong to this church and in Findlay he is counted as one of this county's most popular, progressive and representative men. PETER SOLT The world instinctively pays. deference to the man whose success has been worthily achieved, who has risen above his early surroundings, overcoming the obstacles in his. path and reaching an enviable position in business circles. This is a progressive age and he who does not advance is soon left far behind. Mr: Solt, by the improvement of opportunities by which all are surrounded; has steadily and honorably worked his way upward and has attained a fair degree of prosperity. This well known stock dealer of Eagle township was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, on the 13th of November, 1830, a son of Conrad and Saloma Solt, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania and of German ancestry. The father was between sixteen and eighteen years of. age when he came to this. state and the mother was quite young at the time of her removal. Besides his home farm of one hundred and seventy acres of land in Fairfield county, Conrad Solt owned three hundred and twenty acres of land in Hancock county, which he entered from the government and an entire section near Bluffton in Wells county, Indiana, which he also entered. As his children started out in life for themselves he gave to each one hundred and sixty acres of this wild land and he lived to see it all distributed among them, dying at the ripe old age of eighty-seven years, honored and respected by all who knew him. One son, Cornelius, settled on land in Eagle township, in Hancock county, which was given him by his father and here developed a farm. airing the Civil war he enlisted in the Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry and died in the service when about forty-five years of age. Some of his family still live in. this county and his grandson, Sanderson Pifer, now occupies the old homestead. Moses Solt, another son of Conrad, also .came to Hancock county and settled on the old John Powell farm in Eagle township, but later removed to a farm near Findlay, Ohio, and from there went to Tennessee. Subsequently he made his home in various states but finally located permanently in Missouri, Where he now resides. Melancthon Solt, another son, is now a grain and stock dealer living in Washington county, Kansas, where he is quite extensively engaged in the feeding of stock. The CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 249 father was also interested in the raising of horses, cattle and hogs, and was accounted one of the best and most reliable business men of his community. Until about nineteen years of age Peter Solt remained under the parental roof, but three years previous to this he began buying and selling stock, and then entered the employ of a drover, driving stock over the mountains to New York City, making two trips, first with two hundred and fifty hogs and two hundred and one head of cattle. On attaining his majority he embarked in the same business on his own account and during the years that have since passed he has given the greater part of his time and attention to that enterprise, having many partners, the old firm of P. Solt & Company being one of the best known in the state. While visiting Hancock county soon after his marriage Mr. Solt purchased forty acres of land in what is now Eagle township. He had made a bid of seven hundred and fifty dollars for this tract, although he did not really want it, but his offer was accepted. It had been his intention to buy land near Elmira, but on reaching home his father advised him to take the land in Hancock county, and he located thereon August 31, 1853. There was a small cabin on the place but little of the land had been cleared. His capital was exhausted on paying for his property, but he at once set to work to clear the land, devoting his attention to that labor at night, while by day he continued to engage in the stock business. In less than a year, however, he had lost all he had with the exception of a carload of hogs by endorsing another man's note for thirteen hundred dollars, even selling his seed wheat and winter meat to pay his debts. It was also his intention to sell his land, but a neighbor, Amos Swayer, who had induced him to buy the land, let him have the money needed, in fact all that he wanted to borrow, without security. On the completion of the Lake Shore Railroad he began shipping stock over that line and within a year was able to meet all his obligations. He was feeding about two hundred sheep, which were purchased by a couple of stock buyers, a Mr. Grant from New York, and Mr. Fisher from Erie, Pennsylvania, who paid him a good price and also advanced him one thousand dollars with which to buy more. Within a week or two he also made five hundred dollars by buying stock for those gentlemen. He continued in their employ for about a year, during which time he was able to pay off his debts and gain another start in life. For fifteen years thereafter he gave special attention to the sheep business, shipping his stock to New York City and Buffalo, the latter city proving the best market. He did not place his business in the hands of commission merchants but conducted his own sales and his operations extended throughout this state, Indiana and Illinois, where he bought 16