300 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY closed his busy and blameless career in 1868, when about sixty-five years old, and about thirteen .years later his faithful wife Elizabeth joined him "on the other shore." Of the eight children borne to this worthy couple, five still live and all are residents of Hancock county but one, who lives in. Indiana. Thomas Flick, the third surviving son of the pioneer blacksmith above described, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, November 18, 1832, and was just a year old when introduced by his parents to the swamps of Hancock county. He grew up on the old homestead in Union township, attended the local schools and became acquainted with all those duties which fall to the lot of a boy on the farm. When he reached manhood, therefore, he was well qualified for the business which he entered upon forthwith and has continued in throughout the years of his adult life. He has had his ups and downs and changed. homes a good many times before he found the place to suit him, but through it all made more or less gain and is justified now in regarding his life as a success in its entirety. His first purchase consisted of sixty acres, on which he resided three years. This was disposed of in 1856 and the proceeds invested in a tract of eighty acres, on which he lived three years and sold to move upon another farm of similar size. He remained on this place twelve years and in 1881 bought the farm of eighty-eight acres in Union township which constitutes his present homestead. February 18, 1853, Mr. Flick was married to Sarah, daughter of Henry and Margaret Deeds. Mrs. Flick's parents were the first settlers of Union township, Hancock county, where she was born April 14, 1836. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Flick are William, Henry, Samantha, Ursula, Minerva, Leander, Margaret S. and Eliza, deceased. The parents are members of the United Brethren church and no family in Union township are more highly esteemed than the Flicks. FRANCIS M. STORTS. There is no more beautiful custom in civilization than that manifested by thought for our dead. "See that my grave is kept green," is sometimes upon flippant lips with little meaning but underlying it runs a current deep and strong and lasting as the ages. Cremation is faultless in theory—reason compels us to its endorsement. But its slow growth in the public mind is evidence of the fact that custom's laws are not easily broken; centuries hence the green sward and flowers of Dame Nature will continue to minister in sweet fragrance to the spirits of our dead. Francis M. Storts is superintendent of the Fountain Cemetery, which CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 301 is situated on a beautiful site of gentle sloping and well kept ground. He is a genius in his line. He does all his own planning as to landscape, raises all his plants and flowers, and so tasteful are the arrangements that the eye is captivated by the beautiful and picturesque scene. His plots are tastefully laid out, his grounds. are clean and inviting, while his walks are models of perfection. Mr. Storts was born in Perry county, Ohio, April 5, 1864, and was the son of William and Lucinda (Alexander) Storts. He passed his boyhood days quietly in his parents' home, and in the common schools acquired his elementary education. His young manhood was spent in the construction of railroads and telegraph lines. Having a taste, however, for the esthetic in nature, he subsequently became engaged in agricultural pursuits which he followed for a few years. In the spring of 1892 he took upon himself his present responsible office, the duties of which he has discharged with great acceptance to his employers, and to the public at large. The Fountain Cemetery was laid out in 1844, and now contains twenty-one and one-half acres, fifteen acres of which is already in use by the public. Mr. Storts is held in good favor in the community in which he resides, and he and his family are acceptable members of the Methodist Episcopal church, while he fraternizes with the Maccabees organization. Mr. Storts was joined in marriage in 1887 to Miss Laura B. Levingston, and she has become the mother of six children, Lillie G., Cloe B., Verna B., Laura E., Edson F., and Hazel C. Mrs. Storts was born in Licking county, Ohio, in 1870, her family being among the pioneers of the Buckeye state. Mr. Storts is a courteous officer in his responsible position, well informed and intelligent on general matters, and is a popular and highly respected citizen of his city, and as such well deserves representation in this volume. WILLIAM BOLANDER. It is with pleasure that the subject of this sketch is introduced into this work as a true son of Hancock county. Mr. Bolander is a man who believes that his native heath is good enough for him, and that there is no need of seeking opportunities in distant lands when so many lie at hand. He was born on a farm in Big Lick township, this county, in 1844, when this section of Ohio was very sparsely settled. He passed his earlier years in the country, acquiring his education in the country schools, and assisting on his .father's farm. When the war broke out Mr. Bolander waited his opportunity and 302 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY when the call came for volunteers in Hancock county, immediately enlisted in Company A, Twenty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served three years and saw his country vindicated before he was mustered out. Some of the conflicts in which his company was engaged was Stone River, -and those occurring during the campaign from Dalton to Atlanta and from there to Jonesboro, where he was severely wounded in the left .thigh. He was sent to Atlanta for care, and soon after that to Chattanooga, where he was mustered out, in 1865. He immediately returned to Hancock county, where he has since resided. In 1866 he was married to Sarah Crosley, and they have seven children. The same year he was married he moved to Findlay, the county seat: In 1892 he went into the meat business, in which he has been very successful. Mr. Bolander is among the best known of the business men of the town and is a loyal citizen. He keeps his war service in mind and heart by membership in Stoker Post, No. 54, G. A. R., which includes so many of Findlay's prominent men. He has always been identified with the Republican party, in which his faith waxes stronger as the years go by. He is a member of the Evangelical church of Findlay. HENRY J. BLYMYER. During the first half of the nineteenth century there lived in Adams county, Pennsylvania, near the historic battlefield of Gettysburg, a worthy couple bearing the names of Joseph and Magdalene Blymyer. Joseph was a mechanic, and, finding business rather dull around his old home, decided to go further west in search of a betterment in his fortunes. Accordingly, in the year 1852, he packed up and with his wife and little ones joined the great tide of emigration then setting in toward Ohio. After reaching this state the family made their way to Hancock county, where the head of the house bought forty acres of land in Eagle township and settled temporarily on the same. Being a wagon-maker, however, and finding no opening for that business at his country home he soon went to Findlay and established himself in trade at that advantageous point. He was a good workman as well as an exemplary citizen and prospered fairly well during his. residence in Findlay, until he moved to a farm in Eagle township, where he. died in 1894. By his good wife, Magdalene, who died in 1881, he had five children, and the three of these now surviving all live in Hancock county. Henry J. Blymyer, one of the children last mentioned, was born at the old Pennsylvania home near Gettysburg, in 1838,- and was consequently only CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 303 fourteen years old when his parents made their journey. to Ohio over half a century ago. From his father, as he grew up, he learned the wagon-maker's trade, and when sufficiently proficient assisted in the shop with the more difficult parts of the work. Later on he set up for himself in the business of making wagons, and prosecuted the trade diligently until 1881. At that time he, saw an opportunity to make a good investment at Rawson, and closed a deal With George Burket for his mill in that town, Immediately thereafter Mr. Blymyer gave up his residence in Eagle township, as well as his wagon business, and assumed charge with his usual energy of his recent purchase at Rawson. The mill was constructed in 1852, and had been running most of the time for nearly thirty years, but was greatly improved and its facilities increased after Mr. Blymyer came into possession. He does sawing, planing, lathing. and other kinds of work appropriate to his calling, his power consisting. of a sixty horse-power engine, and his mill capacity being ten thousand feet. of surface lumber per day. Besides his mill business, which is valuable, Mr. Blymyer owns other town property, and altogether may be regarded as in comfortable financial circumstances. In 1864 Mr. Blymyer was united in marriage with Nancy Hoppis, and of their six children the four survivors are George, William, Nancy M.. and Catherine. In 1892 Mr. Blymyer took his sons, George and William, into partnership, and the business is now carried on under the firm name of Blymyer & Sons. It is needless to say that the thriving business done by this enterprising firm is an important feature of the village where the plant is located. The busy hum of the saw, the puffs of the laboring locomotive, the shouting of the teamsters and the clash of the revolving- machinery keep the people from forgetting that Something is going on at Rawson. JAMES C. DONNELL. The gentleman whose name is mentioned above is one of the successful and prosperous business men of Findlay, Ohio. As he looks back over a long life of. business activity he can attribute much of his success to the fact that he believed in the old saw, "stick to your last." For years he has been engaged in the oil business, having at the age of twenty begun operations in that line. He is at the present time vice president and general manager of the large corporation known as the Ohio Oil Company, with headquarters at Findlay. His wife and son are prominent members and most active workers in the First Presbyterian church of Findlay, and Mr. Donnell was a member of the building committee which has just finished the present commodious 304 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY and elegant structure, which cost sixty-three thousand dollars. Mr. Donnell was born in the village of Waterford, Erie county, Pennsylvania, on the loth day of April, 1864. In this village he passed the period of youth, receiving such education as was then given in the local school. All his life he had heard the subject of oil discussed, not only about his own fireside, but on the streets of the village where he was reared, for it was in the center of the oil country. And while he was cognizant of the fact that a large number of operators in that industry had failed to make a success, he felt that in him the desire to try his own hand at it was present. He therefore at the age of twenty went to Titusville, Pennsylvania, and began operations. Here he worked with varied success, and although not making a vast amount of money he accumulated a most desirable business experience in that line which served him very well in later years. In 1887 he came to the new oil fields at Lima, Ohio, and the following year located in Findlay, where he has since .resided and been engaged in business. In addition to his connection with the oil industry he is also a director of the commercial banking company of Bowling Green, Ohio, one of the strong financial institutions of the state. In 1887 he was instrumental in the organization of the present Ohio Oil Company, and later he with other strong men bought up the stock, and he is now in practical control of the corporation. He was first made a director of the company, but his business capacity was demonstrated to such an extent that in 1901 he was selected as the vice president and general manager. Mr. Donnell is a Republican in politics, although he gives very little attention to matters political. Fraternally he is a member of the Elks. The beautiful home of Mr. Donnell is presided over by a lady whose maiden name was Lizzie Weston Meeks, the daughter of the late Rev. J. A. Meeks, their marriage occurring in 1890 in the city of Findlay. Mr. Donnell had previous to this been joined in marriage to Sarah Flinn, who died in 1886, leaving one son, Otto Dewey Donnell. The father of Mrs. Donnell, the Rev. J. A. Meeks, was for a long time a most faithful and efficient pastor of the First Presbyterian church of Findlay. He died in July, 1887, and in memory of the beautiful life which he 'lived before his people, Mr. Donnell has had erected in the new church which has just been built, a most beautiful memorial window. The Donnells are of Scotch origin, Mr. James Donnell, the father of our present subject, having been born in .Scotland in the year 1813. He grew to manhood in the old country, where he also married, his wife's name having been Elizabeth Boyd, of Irish descent, and born in 1814. They came to America in 1853, and located in Waterford, Pennsylvania, where Mr. Donnell died in 1872. Mrs. Donnell still lives in the village of Waterford. These CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 305 parents raised a family of six children, of whom two sons did valiant service their country in the late Civil war. One of these, Robert Donnell, received wounds in the battle of Antietam which, together with other complications, were finally responsible for his death, which occurred in 1867, at the age of twenty-six years. He was a non-commissioned officer in the fifty-first Pennsylvania Regiment, and served in that regiment during the entire period of the war. William Donnell, another brother, was also in the service, being a member of a Pennsylvania regiment. He now resides in Erie county, Pennsylvania. Upon the site of the old Presbyterian church at the corner of Main and Hardin streets has been erected a business block fifty by one hundred and twenty feet and three stories high. It was upon this ground that Rev. John A. Meeks, the father of Mrs. Donnell, helped to build the church in which he preached for many years. SALAMIS BOWLBY. A great many elements enter into the success of a man, no matter what occupation he follows, and in giving the history of the life of the subject of this sketch we must consider as important factors of his prosperity as a farmer his geniality, his large heartedness and also his natural aptitude for various mechanical arts which materially assist the farmer. No man in Amanda township is better known than Salamis Bowlby and it is eminently proper that his biography should be found in this historical volume. His parents were John and Susan (Stahl) Bowlby, the former born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Wayne county, Ohio. John was a shoemaker by trade. He took up his residence in Findlay, Hancock county, in 1847, and remained there until 1856, in which year he moved to Carey, Wyandot county. Two years later he passed from the scene of life's activities and his wife followed him in 1865. Seven children were born to this worthy couple and all are now living, Salamis and his sister, Mrs. Rheinhart, being the only ones in this county. The birth of Salamis Bowlby occurred in Stark county, Ohio, August 23, 1844, and he grew to manhood partly in Findlay and partly in Carey. While still a boy in years, though with the courage and spirit of a man, the Civil war broke out and in the first year he enlisted, being enrolled in Company A, Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for a term of three years; and at the expiration of this period he re-enlisted in the same company and regiment, to serve to the end of the war. He was promoted to the rank of 306 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY corporal and in 1865 was honorably discharged at Columbus., Ohio. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Stone river, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, the Atlanta campaign, Nashville, Tennessee, and New Hope church. At the battle of Stone river, December 31, 1862, he was severely wounded and captured, being later taken to Richmond and held in prison for sixty-nine days. He was again wounded at the battle of Nashville. With the end of the strife he returned gladly to the peaceful pursuits of civil life and began farming on his own account by purchasing in 1866 forty acres of land in Biglick township. This farm he exchanged in 1869 for another in the same township, and this latter he also sold and in 1873 bought his present place. He began with forty acres but has added to it until he. now possesses a fertile and well tilled farm of sixty-five acres, and this he devotes to that most profitable branch of agriculture, "trucking." He has erected all the buildings on the place, including a fine brick house with suitable outbuildings. He car-ries on his operations on an extensive scale and is able to supply the towns of Findlay, Carey and Fostoria with the best of farm and garden produce. And his ingenuity in mechanical matters enables him to perfect many de-vices aiding in his work and to repair all his tools himself. In the fall of 1865 Mr. Bowlby was married to Miss Sophia Thompson, the daughter of William and Mary Thompson. Two daughters were born of this marriage, but they are now deceased and Mrs. Bowlby died in 1882. In 1883 he married Miss Lucretia Southerland, daughter of William and Susan Southerland; no children were born. Mr. Bowlby is not only a practi-cal farmer but a practical man in the true sense of the word, and he has used his influence for the good of his community. He has been a member of the school board and through his efforts the beautiful schoolhouse has assumed its present appearance. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being a trustee and past grand of the order. He is a member of the Methodist church and in state and national affairs uncompromisingly Republican, but rather independent in local elections. JOHN W. JACOBS. Among the many handsome, highly improved and well cultivated farms which one sees in passing through Big Lick township, none are more worthy of notice than that owned by the subject of this sketch. It is not the largest by any means, consisting of only sixty acres, but in farming, as in other affairs of life, it is not always the biggest things that are most worthy of notice. "A little farm well tilled" has always been so popular that it led to a pretty CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 307 poem and a lovely song composed thereon in its honor. Such a farm is that of John W. Jacobs, and, it may be added in passing, its attractiveness is not diminished, at least from a materialistic point of view, by the fact that here and there may be observed spouting oil wells, to the number of eight, whose constant flow give sure promise of rich revenue to the fortunate owner. In fact, these wells give an income to our subject of an average of two hundred dollars per month, and he has received as high as thirteen hundred dollars per month. Still there are a number of especially promising locations on his farm for other wells, the two hundred dollars per month income being what is expected to be now continuous. Mr. Jacobs came to Hancock county when a baby and has been identified with its development for over half a century. His parents, Levi and Elizabeth (Bear) Jacobs, the former a Virginian and the latter of Perry county, Ohio, where his marriage occurred, removed from there to Hancock county in 1848. The father purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, which was still in its primeval condition, untouched by the plow, and this he proceeded by the usual pioneer methods to "whip into shape." Hastily erecting a rude log cabin, for temporary residence, he began the apparently endless task of grubbing, digging and clearing which were the inevitable forerunners of that smiling beauty which now characterizes most Ohio farms, but which it cost many a weary blow to bring about. But nothing could resist the dogged perseverance and unflagging industry of the typical pioneer, and Levi Jacobs in time not only made his first purchase "blossom as the rose" but he was able to add to it one hundred and sixty acres more, which he also partly cleared. This land was situated in Big Lick township, and, with the progress of events and growth and development of the state, gradually emerged from the era when it was worth only a nominal price to the present day when it is assessed high up in the double column of figures. Levi Jacobs was a carpenter by trade and worked at this useful calling until middle life, after which he devoted his time entirely to his landed estate. He was a mem- ber of the Christian Union church, of moral and upright life and universally regarded as a good and righteous man. He passed away in 1884, when sixty-eight years old, at peace with all mankind, and the partner of his joys and sorrows, who passed away three years before, died in her fifty-ninth year. Of their eight children, those who grew to maturity and are still living are Alexander M., John W., Marion and Ellen. John W. Jacobs, second in age of the surviving children, was born in Perry county, Ohio, July 29, 1847, and as previously stated was an infant in arms when brought to this county by his parents. He grew up and was educated in Big Lick township, where he has ever since resided, thoroughly and energetically connected with the agri- 308 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY cultural development of his community. His only occupation has been that of farming, all the practical details of which he has mastered and understands as well as any one in the business. The farm he now owns was purchased about a 1882, since which time Mr. Jacobs has erected necessary buildings and greatly improved, while adding to the value of his property. October 11, 1859, he was united in marriage with Sarah E. Jones, who was born in Maryland, April 1, 1848, the daughter of Stephen T. and Mary E. Jones. This union resulted in the birth of six children, the five still living being : Harvey C. born in 1872; Willous J., born in 1874; Amanda O., born in 1877; Laura A., in 1 878; and Nellie M., in 1884. The mother, who, as also her husband, was a consistent member of the United Brethren church, ended her blameless Christian life April 5, 1895. Mr. Jacobs inherits many of those excellent and strong traits of character which made his lamented father so popular, and these qualities have been effective in commending him to his acquaintances and securing for him general good will and esteem. URIAH B. MOYER. Uriah B. Moyer is one of Union township's substantial and enterprising farmers. He owns and operates sixty-one acres of valuable land and besides raising general crops he is a breeder of high grade registered live stock, his favorite breeds being Devonshire cattle and Poland China hogs; he is also an enthusiastic poultry man, making a specialty of White Wyandots. The parents of this interesting gentleman were Edmond R. and Lucy A. (Greenawalt) Moyer, both natives of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, the former being born January 1, 1821, and the latter July 21, 1826. Edmond was a shoemaker by trade and followed that ocupation during his residence in the state. It was in the spring of 1866 that he, with his family of ten children, located on the farm north of Mount Cory now owned by C. H. Smith. There were eighty acres of land in the place, much of it improved, but it was further developed by the mechanical hand of Mr. Moyer. After living on this farm for four years he sold out and bought another of one hundred and sixty acres, where he resided up to the time of his death, which occurred in August, 1884. His wife survived until 1891 and came to her death by a very sad accident; while she was boiling a kettle of soap her clothing caught fire and before she could be rescued she was burned so badly that she soon died; she endured terrible suffering but her end was very peaceful. She and her husband were members of the German Reformed church. They had four- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 309 teen children, and nine of these are now living in this county engaged in various pursuits. The birth of Uriah B. Moyer occurred in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, December 16, 1852. He was twelve years old when his parents removed to Ohio, and although his education had been begun in his native state, he received most of his stimulating influences in this county. He decided when yet a boy to devote himself to agricultural pursuits and he purchased his present farm in August, 1884. He has ever kept abreast of the times and has improved his farm so that it does not seem the same place it did when he took charge of it. Mr. Moyer was married September 24, 1876, to Miss Alice L. Watkins, the daughter of Isaac and Esther Watkins, and born in Union township, February 29, 1856. Their three children are, Milton E., who married Olive M. Hubler; Clyde L. and Floyd J. Mr. and Mrs. Moyer are members of the Methodist church, in which he is a trustee and held the office of steward for four years. FREDERICK BROWNELLER. Among the successful and representative farmers of Hancock county, whose industry and sagacity have triumphed over all difficulties and enabled him to reach the evening of life in prosperous circumstances, none stand out more conspicuous than the subject of this sketch. He comes of the best and sturdiest of the older population of the east, his parents, Samuel and Sarah (Slaughterback) Browneller. being natives of Pennsylvania of Dutch descent. They moved to Fayette county in the Keystone state in 1812, where the father owned and operated one hundred and eighty acres of coal land. Of his family of eight children, seven are living and two are residents of Hancock county, Ohio. Samuel Browneller was an experienced farmer, a man of excellent sense and judgment in business affairs and a good citizen in every sense of that word. Born in 181o, he lived a life of usefulness until his death, which occurred in 1894. His wife, who was a noble woman of many excellent traits of character and much beloved by all who knew her, was born in the same year as her husband and departed this life one year earlier, or in 1893. No children ever had more affectionate parents than those of this worthy couple and to the early lessons of sobriety, morality and thrift instilled by their father and mother, the surviving offspring attribute much of the success they have achieved in life. Frederick Browneller, one of their sons, was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, July 28, 1835, and remained 310 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY in his native state until 1870. During the formative period of his life he acquired a thorough knowledge of all kinds of farm work under his father's skillful tutelage and this training he put to most excellent use in after years. March 24, 1870, he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in Liberty township, Hancock county, Ohio, to which he soon added forty more, besides a farm of one hundred and fifty acres in Wood county. From the time of his arrival in Ohio until 1887, Mr. Browneller made his home in Liberty township, but in the year last mentioned he removed to Findlay. At the present time he owns one hundred and eighty-two acres of good land, besides his comfortable residence property in Findlay, where he is leading a life of retirement in the enjoyment of the comforts acquired by a life of industry and good management. He is much esteemed as a neighbor, citizen and friend and is a fine type of the class of men to whom the west is indebted for its wonderful growth and prosperity. June 4, 1857, Mr. Browneller was married to Miss Margaret, daughter of Joseph and Margaret Springer. This union, which was one of unalloyed happiness and ideal in all respects, resulted in the birth of the following named children : Mary, William L., James P., Sarah J., Ann E., David P., Joseph (deceased), Martha C. and Flora A. Mrs. Browneller was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, September 22, 1834, and as mother and wife has enjoyed the esteem of all having the pleasure of her acquaintance. She and her husband have long been working members of the United Brethren church and contribute their full share to every movement which promises to advance the cause of morality and correct living. Mr. Browneller's whole life has been one of hard work and close attention to business, and the success which has come to him has been well earned. David P. Browneller, third son of this worthy family, is one of the prosperous young farmers of Liberty township, and in every way a worthy son of a worthy sire. In 1899 he purchased a farm of eighty acres, to which was added twenty-three more in 1902, and on this land Mr. Browneller is at present residing. His birth occurred in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, December 7, 1863, and he was consequently seven years of age when his father removed to Ohio. He received his education in the schools of Hancock county, grew up to habits of industry and has steadily made headway in the acquisition of property since he began business for himself. November i0, 1887, occurred the marriage of David P. Browneller and Miss Amelia, daughter of William H. and Elizabeth Harpst and the children resulting from this union were Floyd and Cloyd (twins), born October 7, 1889, but now deceased, and Nellie, born January 11, 1891. Mrs. Browneller is a native of Hancock county, Ohio, the date of her birth being May 17, 1867, and her CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 311 family connections are among the best the county affords. David P. Browneller is a practical farmer, cultivates his land by up-to-date methods and exhibits all those qualities which in the end bring success to their possessor. WALLACE DORSEY. Not only as a successful farmer but as a contractor and builder of more than usual skill and resourcefulness is the subject of this sketch known to the people of Hancock county. He comes of pioneer stock and the family have been connected with the county's growth and progress for nearly three quarters of a century. William Dorsey, who was born in Pennsylvania May 14, 1804, came to Ohio in youth and after his location in Hancock county met Louisa Bryan, whose birth occurred in Kentucky, December 15, 1811, and whose father served in . the war of 1812. He was married to this lady in April, 1835, and established a home on one hundred and sixty acres of land, situated partly in each of the townships of Allen and Cass. This tract was "entered" or purchased from the government in a wild state, but the new owner speedily developed and improved the same until it became a fine farm. William Dorsey rose to prominence and influence in his community, and held some offices of importance in the township. He affiliated with the Democratic party, served as assessor and treasurer and was regarded as a man of good business qualifications. His wife bore him eight children, all of whom are living, the eldest being about sixty-six and the youngest forty-eight years old. Their names are Wallace, Elizabeth, William C., Amanda J., Cordelia, Edson, Winfield A., and Milton. The father died September 3, 1886, but his wife survived him ten years, not passing to her final rest until 1896. Wallace Dorsey, the eldest of the children and the subject of this sketch, was born July 5, 1836, in that part of Hancock county, Ohio, now known as Allen township. After the usual educational routine, he served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, which he subsequently followed as a business for twenty years. During that time he did much work as a contractor and builder and the result of his handicraft is now seen in many substantial buildings in various parts of the county, which fully attest the workman's skill. In the year 1863, Mr. Dorsey made his first investment by the purchase of twenty acres of land, which has been added to from time to time until his holdings amount to one hundred and sixty acres of valuable real estate. In time Mr. Dorsey found it necessary to abandon his trade and apply himself more closely to the cultivation of his farm. In 1877 he entered into a new industry, manufacturing dran tile, and this has increased to large proportions 312 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY in recent years. He supplies an extensive trade with tile of various sizes and quality, and the business has proved quite lucrative to the proprietor, as well as an accommodation to the large class in need of this indispensable aid to drainage. February 28, 1861, Mr. Dorsey was united in marriage with Miss Lois, daughter of Jonathan and Mary Nelson, who became the mother of the following named children: Luella, born January 7, 1862; Charles W., born July 26, 1863, now deceased; William W., February 21, 1866; Albert E., January 17, 1867; E. N., January 25, 1872; L. W., December 18, 1873; Mary B., May 8, 1876; Homer O., January 27, 1879; Milton L., June 20, x881. The mother of these children was born in eastern Ohio in January, 1839, and died September 13, 1897. January 28, 1902, Mr. Dorsey took a second wife in the person of Mrs. F. E. Bennett, a native of the state of New York and a lady much esteemed for her excellent judgment and kindly disposition. Wallace Dorsey is well known throughout Hancock county and it is not too much to say that his friends are as extensive as his acquaintance-ship, as he is universally esteemed. Besides being a good business man, full of enterprise and energy, he is of a genial disposition and easy address. The people elected him for the position of township trustee and he discharged the duties of the office with much integrity and wisdom as to obtain universal commendation. In politics he is a Democrat. Airs. Dorsey is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, which he also attends. ALVIN L. AND ROBERT B. WORDEN. The family of Worden is one of the oldest and best known in Hancock county. They have been identified with the county's growth and progress for three-quarters of a century, and during that period no name was more honored than that of Worden. The founder of the family came as an orphan boy to Hancock county in 1827 when only eight years old. Alvin C. Worden was born in New York state January 4, 1819, and had the misfortune to lose his father when only one year old. His grandfather, Norman Chamberlain, took charge of the little waif, and when he decided to locate in Hancock county, Ohio, brought the child with him and tenderly cared for him until he reached manhood. When he arrived at maturity, Mr. Chamberlain gave his grandson one a hundred acres of land on condition that he should maintain and care for the former during the remainder of his life. This stipulation was dutifully and affectionately complied with by Alvin C. Worden and the land thus acquired constituted the basis of his business success. In 1840 he was married CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 313 to Rachel Hall, born in Harrison county, Ohio, in 1821. They established their home on the banks of Blanchard river in Liberty township, where they lived over half a century in ties of affection which were increased rather than diminished by advancing years. The original gift of his grandfather was increased by thrift and good management until Mr. Worden finally owned three hundred and fifty-five acres of land, which he improved until it became highly cultivated and of great value. He was progressive and resourceful in his farm methods, kept fully abreast of all modern improvements and achieved rank as one of the foremost agriculturists of Hancock county. His political affiliations were with the Republican party and his loyalty and patriotism were unquestioned. He lent his aid to the cause of morality and good citizenship and set. a good example as a conscientious and devoted member of the Presbyterian church. Alvin C. Worden, after a long and useful life, passed away in 1891, and within ten months was followed by his good wife, who closed her earthly career in 1892, Though this pioneer couple became the parents of sixteen children, only five of these grew to maturity. Of those now living, Robert B. was born in July, 1849 ; Alvin L., December 23, 1856; and Sylvia S., March 21, 1855. Sallie A., the youngest, is now the wife of M. Moore. Robert B. and Sylvia S., who are unmarried, reside on the old homestead, which is now the property of the former. In 1882 Alvin L. Worden was united in marriage to Miss Sophia W., daughter of Isaac and Mary Teatsworth, and Claud L., the only child of this union, was born October 21, 1883. It was in 1881 that Alvin L. Worden made his first purchase of land, the. tract consisting of forty acres, but this was increased at different times until Mr. Worden's real estate holdings amount to three hundred acres. On this land and what he owns in conjunction with his brother, Robert B., there are sixty-six oil wells, of which thirty-six are owned jointly by the two brothers. For six years Alvin L. Worden has held the office of township trustee, and he has been a member of the school board for twelve years. The Worden brothers are much esteemed both in public and private and fulfill every requirement of good citizenship in all the walks of life. In politics R. B. Worden is a Republican, as is also his brother, Alvin L., who takes an active part in the campaigns, both local and general. WALTER H. KINDER. The above named gentleman, who is the junior member of the firm of Ross & Kinder, of Findlay, comes of one of the pioneer families of Ohio. He is a lawyer of fine ability, and a citizen whom any community might well be 20 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 314 proud to own. Born in Hamilton, Ohio, on October 12, 1856, he was there reared and educated, graduating from the high school of that city in 1874. For a year he taught school in Putnam county, Ohio, and then entered the famous book store in Cincinnati, Ohio, of Robert Clark & Company, where he clerked about a year. In 1875 he commenced the study of his profession with ex-Governor James E. Campbell, and o313Is1st of March, 1879, was admitted to the bar at Hamilton, Ohio. He began practice in the town of Ottawa, Ohio, where he remained until 1887, when he located in Findlay, and has since engaged in. the practice of his profession at that point. There was, however, a period of three years, from 1890 to 1893, when he was engaged in the service of the state, Governor Campbell, his old law preceptor, having appointed him state superintendent of insurance. When he returned to Findlay, after laying down the duties of the office of insurance commis-sioner, he formed the present partnership with George W. Ross. May 29, 1902, at Tiffin, Ohio, Mr. Kinder was nominated on the Democratic ticket for judge of the court of common pleas for the first subdivision of the Tenth judicial district, which subdivision is comprised of the counties of Hancock, Seneca, Hardin and Wood. The domestic life of Mr. Kinder dates from the 26th of August, 1886, when he was joined in marriage at Ottawa, Ohio, with Helen F., who is the daughter of Dr. Charles E. Tupper (deceased). Four children have been born to the marriage: Tupper, Margaret V., William Randall and Charles Edward. As before mentioned, the family of which Mr. Kinder is an honored member is one of the pioneer families of the state. His father, William Ross Kinder, was born in Franklin, Ohio, in December, 1826, and died in Hamliton, Ohio,1860.86o. He was a lawyer by profession, having studied law under ex-Governor John B.. Weller, who was an ex-governor and ex-United States senator from California, and had lived in Hamilton, Ohio. He was appointed a member of a commission to ascertain the boundary between California and Mexico, and in the pursuit of this object, he appointed our subject's father his private secretary. After the work had been completed, William R. Kinder went with Mr. Weller to San Francisco, and there they formed a partnership in the practice of law, but two years later, in 1852, Mr. Kinder returned to Hamilton, Ohio. Here he bought the "Hamilton Telegraph," a weekly paper, which he conducted until 1858. In that year. he was elected probate judge of that county, Butler, and it was while serving in this office that his death occurred on the loth of Februa1860.86o. He married in 1852, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Agnes, the daughter of Jacob and Maria (L'Hommedieu) Long, and to this marriage were born children as follows : William R., now deceased, who was at the time of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 315 his death states attorney of Waseca county, Minnesota; Charles L. H. Kinder, who died in infancy; Walter H. Kinder, the subject of this sketch; Stephen L. H. Kinder; living at Toledo, Ohio. The grandfather of our subject, George Kinder, born in Warren county, Ohio, in i800, and died in 1863. For many years he was a farmer, and owned and operated a line of boats on the Miami and Erie Canal. The great-grandfather, Abram Kinder, was a native of Berks county, Pennsylvania, where he was born, but in later life emigrated to Warren county, Ohio. In 1800 he entered the original Kinder farm, and continued to operate it until his death. Passing now back to the great-great-grandfather of our present subject, we find that his name was George, but that no further information is given concerning him. His father was Philip Kinder, born in Holland, a son of Valentine Kinder, who emigrated from Holland, and in 1756 came to Berks county, Pennsylvania. Philip Kinder was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. WILLIAM E. STEPHENSON. The subject of this sketch, whose name is above given, has been prominently connected with two of the most important industries of Hancock county, those of glass-making and the production of oil. They are both modern, having grown up since the war, and their operation has contributed greatly to the development and building up of the sections where they were located, at the same time employing many thousands of laborers besides furnishing abundant opportunities for fortune making to bold and enterprising spirits. Mr. Stephenson has at different times been connected with both these notable industries of the gas and oil belt, and few men are better informed on all matters connected therewith. He is descended from John Stephenson, a Pennsylvania man who settled in Knox county, Ohio, in the early part of the nineteenth century, and died therein 1850. His son, William Stephenson, was born at Martinburg, Ohio, in 1823, removed to Hancock county in 1854, where he farmed until 1887 and died in 1898. He married Mary Anderson, who deserves special mention on account of her distinguished and patriotic ancestry. Her great-grandfather, Patrick Anderson, was a captain in a regiment of Pennsylvania infantry during the Revolutionary war, and after independence was achieved assisted in organizing the famous order of Cincinnati, of which he was a charter member. His son, James Anderson, was also a Revolutionary soldier, being a lieutenant in Colonel Stephen Meylan's Fourth Regiment, Pennsylvania Light Dragoons. The latter's son, William Anderson, became the father of Mrs. Stephenson, and 316 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY grandfather of the subject of this sketch. William and Mary (Anderson) Stephenson became the parents of six children, of whom Ada M. died when she was fifteen years of age. The five survivors are : Viola, wife of Frank Bigelow ; Laura S., wife of Samuel B. Sneath; Marian, unmarried; Anderson L., and William E. Stephenson. The latter, who is the youngest of the family, was born in Findlay township, Hancock county, Ohio, in 1862, was reared on the farm and received his education in the township and Findlay schools. He dropped his books at the age of seventeen and returned to the farm, where he continued to work for seven years, and then decided on a new line of business. In 1887, in connection with others, he helped to organize the Mabel Flint Glass Company, which put up a factory near Findlay, and for the four following years Mr. Stephenson filled the place of shipping clerk for the new concern. At the end of that time there was such a diminution in the gas supply that it was decided to remove the plant to Albany, Indiana, after which Mr. Stephenson spent a year on the road as traveling salesman for the company, subsequently taking charge of the sorting and packing department of the factory. After holding this position for one year, he retired and entered the business of producing oil, which has since been his occupation up to the present time. June 1, 1887, Mr. Stephenson was united in marriage with Miss Jennie, daughter of Jacob B. Wagner, a member of a well known family of Findlay. In his political affiliations Mr. Stephenson is a Democrat, but he belongs to no church nor any secret society. WILLIAM MILLER TAIT. The above name is one that has long been familiar in the famous oil regions of Pennsylvania and later in connection with that industry in West Virginia, Indiana and various parts of Ohio. In fact, Mr. Tait has spent the entire period of his active life as a producer of this wealth giving product to the new world. William Miller Tait was born on a farm in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, February 10, 1859, and received his education in the common schools and at Grove City College, in his native county. In 1880 he left home and proceeded directly to the oil country of McKean county, Pennsylvania, where he worked three years as an employe of his uncle, J. S. Patterson, of Jamestown, New York, and at the end of that time was taken into partnership by Mr. Patterson, which was the real beginning of his business career. The firm of Patterson & Tait operated for ten years as oil producers in Allegany county, New York, at the end of which time they acquired inter- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 317 ests in Hancock county, Ohio. About 1889 Mr. Patterson had formed a partnership with Charles Wade, of Findlay, Ohio, and they had oil interests in the territory near the last mentioned place, which were managed by Mr. Wade. The latter, however, died in 1892, and shortly thereafter Mr. Tait came to Findlay, purchased Mr. Wade's interest and continued the business in partnership with Mr. Patterson until the latter's death in 1899. W. C. Patterson, of Jamestown, New York, who up to this time had been a silent Partner, joined with Mr. Tait in forming the firm of Tait & Patterson, under which title the business at Findlay has since been carried on. Besides the property heretofore mentioned Mr. Tait is interested in oil wells in West Virginia and in Wood and Sandusky counties, Ohio. In 1884 Mr. Tait was married to Miss Laura Z., daughter of Robert M. and Martha Harkness, of Fairview, Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and they now reside in one of the most pleasant and hospitable homes in the city of Findlay. Mr. Tait is a very enthusiastic member of the Masonic fraternity, but has no connection with any other secret society. In politics he is a leading Republican, and is always found doing his full share in promoting the interests and principles of that party. As an evidence of the appreciation accorded Mr. Tait, it may be stated that he was selected as a member of the building committee entrusted with the task of erecting the new First Presbyterian church in Findlay, and this confidence was amply proven by the fact that this building has recently been completed at a cost of sixty-two thousand dollars and turned over for dedication entirely free from debt. JAMES R. CLARK. A great many Pennsylvanians have made their homes in Findlay, and among the number who claim the Keystone state as a birth place is Mr. James R. Clark, who has for s0 many years conducted an undertaking establishment in Findlay. Mr. Clark is of Irish parentage, his father, Forbes Clark, having been born in Ireland in 1758. He came to America in early life and settled in Pennsylvania, where he died in 1832, when the subject of this sketch was eight years old. He was a coppersmith by trade. Our subject was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, July 24, 1824, and after his father's death was reared by an aunt in Cumberland county of that state. His early life was spent on a farm, and his education was in the country schools. At the age of eighteen he desired to learn a trade and went to Gettysburg, where he learned cabinet making. He remained there for three 318 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY years, perfecting his trade and from there went to Philadelphia, where he lived about a year. He afterward returned to Gettysburg for a short time, and in the fall of 1848 moved to Findlay, then a small village of about eight or nine hundred inhabitants. He found opportunities at hand for carrying on his trade, and in about a year was able to open a cabinet shop of his own. In 1849 he added undertaking to his business on the site where he is now operating and has continued in that line ever since. He has done well and made many friends while accumulating a competence for his late life. Mr. Clark was united in marriage in 1851 in Findlay to Mary Ann Devine. To this couple have been born four children, as follows : Sarah A., who died in her sixth year; Charles M.; John F. and Walter S. Mrs. Clark died in July, 1898. Our, subject is a member of the English Lutheran church of Findlay, and is connected fraternally with Hancock Lodge, No. 72, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he has been a. member for over fifty years. HARRISON BROOKS. We have here one of the gentlemen who at the inception of the Cival war patriotically responded to his country's call and served her faithfully through that dark and bloody period. He is a well known and practical farmer residing in Cass township, where he conducts a farm of seventy-two acres. Mr. Harrison Brooks is a son of Jonathan and Rebecca Brooks, and was born near Tiffin, Seneca county, Ohio, in the year 1838. His parents were natives of New York state, and were farmers of more than ordinary prominence in their day in Seneca county. Jonathan was a man of considerable influence, possessed of energy and activity, and by toil and perseverance made a large place for himself in society, both from moral and a financial standpoint. He adhered to the doctrines of the Presbyterian faith. Politically he favored the Republican party, and held some of the minor offices in the township. He and his wife were laid to rest in Seneca county. Harrison Brooks, the son, passed the period of adolescence in Seneca county, and was educated at the common schools in the village of Tiffin. The parents died early, and his educational advantages were thus limited. He was forced to the choice of a vocation earlier in life than the .ordinary boy. He adopted that of a farmer, and so, thoroughly did he master the principles of agriculture that he has always been a success. In 1864 he laid aside the plow and went to the front as a private soldier in Company B, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving his CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 319 time and being honorably discharged at the close of the war. In 1866 Mr. Brooks took unto himself a partner in the person of Miss Mary Morris of Seneca county, this lady being a native of old England. She became the mother of seven children, Jennie, Frank (deceased), Ralph, Ida, Rowley, Grace and Harry. The two sons are well-to-do farmers of Hancock county. The mother of these children died in 1896. Mr. Brooks with his family removed from Seneca to Hancock county, and after residing in another section of the township for a few years purchased in 1898 his present farm. He is a public spirited and progressive citizen, and his sterling worth and high moral character attract to him the good offices of a large circle of friends. ALEXANDER B. POWELL. Among the many emigrants contributed by Pennsylvania to the pioneer settlement of Ohio, none have earned a better name or contributed more to the development of their respective localities than the original family of Powell and their descendants. Daniel and Eliza Powell took up their residence in Fairfield county when it gave little promise of becoming the rich and prosperous agricultural community into which it later developed. This Pennsylvania couple, however, who had been trained to hard work and inured to the customs prevailing, soon surrounded themselves with the comforts of a country home and lived lives of usefulness which secured them general respect. Their son, Alexander B. Powell, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, March 14, 1842, and grew to manhood in the place of his nativity. He was fairly well educated in the country schools, but the best part of his training was obtained on the farm where he learned those habits of industry and mastery of details which were to stand him in good stead in after life. It was in 1869 that Mr. Powell. determined to remove to Hancock county and in January of that year he purchased a tract of land in Blanchard township. This farm, consisting of one hundred and forty acres, was at the time Mr. Powell obtained possession only partly cleared, but under his deft manipula-tion it has been much improved and placed in a high state of cultivation. Among the numerous improvements may be mentioned the erection of a handsome residence and various out buildings adapted to a modern Ohio farm of the best class. Mr. Powell has not indulged in what is called "fancy farming, but has adhered to the cultivation of the cereal crops adapted to his latitude, besides the breeding and raising of suitable stock of various kinds for domestic purposes and the market. December 6, 1868, occurred the nuptials of Alexander B. Powell and 320 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Miss Rebecca L., daughter of Jacob and Rebecca Jackson, the bride being a native of Wyandot county, where she was born in 1840. This union proved an ideally happy one and has been blessed by the births of some unusually bright and promising children whose names are thus recorded : Webster H:, Elmer A., Eva G., Ross W., Ora L. and Virgil D., deceased. Webster H. Powell, the eldest of these children, has already chosen his life's work nd gives promise of a career of usefulness and brilliancy. After finishing in the common school he entered the State Normal at Ada, from which institution he graduated with high honors. Subsequently he took a course in Delaware College and there also was graduated at the head of his class. He expects, as a rounding out of his educational accomplishments, to receive a diploma from the Boston Theological Institute in 1903. He is a student there at the present time and also fills one of the neighboring pulpits in a manner so acceptable as to encourage the prediction that he will eventually reach high rank as a minister of the gospel. He is a member of the Central Ohio conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, and after his graduation Will be actively engaged in the work of that great denomination. He married Miss Clara Walter, an accomplished young lady of Ohio, and their home has been brightened by the advent of one child, Aver D., whose birth occurred in 1902. Elmer Powell, the second son of this interesting family, is ambitious to be a physician, and is now a diligent student in the medical department of the Chicago University. Mrs. Rebecca L. Powell, after a life devoted to doing good, passed away from earth on the 21st of February, 1901. She was a consistent member of the Benton Ridge Methodist church, of which Mr. Powell is an honored trustee. No family stands higher in Hancock county than that of the Powells, who circulate in the best society and rank among the most progressive citizens. In politics Mr. Powell is a Democrat, though in local affairs he is rather independent and gives his suffrage to those whom he considers the best men. BENEDICT LICHTY. For a number of years past Benedict Lichty has been a prominent figure in the annals of Hancock county and has aided materially in its upbuilding. By a life of uprightness, industry and honorable dealing—a life devoted to the support of whatever is good and true—he has won the love and esteem of a large circle of acquaintances. He was born in the far off land of Switzerland, on the 8th of July, 1848, being a son of Christ and Anna (Lugibihl) CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 321 Lichty, also natives of the land of the Alps. The father followed the tilling of the soil as a life occupation, and in his family were ten children, six sons and four daughters, and all were born in Switzerland. Benedict Lichty, the fourth child and third son in the above family, spent the early years of his life in his native land, but in 1880 he left the home of his childhood and youth and came to America, locating first in Allen county, Ohio. Shortly afterward, however, he cast in his lot with the settlers of Hancock county, locating on the farm on which he now resides, where he has erected commodious and substantial buildings and has made all the improvements necessary to a well regulated farm. His homestead consists of eighty acres of fertile and productive land, located on section 7, Orange township, and there he is engaged in general farming. In his native land he was united in marriage to Mary Sommer, who was also born in Switzerland, and they have become the parents of nine children, as follows : Pauline, Caroline, Jacob (deceased), Emanuel, Martha, Katie, Noah, Lena and Dinah, twins. Mr. Lichty is a valued member of the Mennonite church. His many admirable qualities of heart and mind have gained for him a large circle of friends, and he is widely and favorably known in Hancock county. DANIEL E. SWITZER. Daniel E. Switzer was born on a farm, and there lived and received his education until he was twenty years old, at which time he came to Findlay, farm life having little attraction for him. Our subject's father is Henderson Switzer, who was born in Richland county, this state, but who later moved to Hancock county, where his son Daniel was born in 1868. The elder Switzer is a farmer. In 1895 Mr. Switzer established the bakery of Switzer Brothers, he having learned the baker's trade soon after coming to Findlay. He has built up large and flourishing trade, which is a credit to Findlay. He was married in 1891 to Clara, daughter of Daniel Alspach, and they have four children, as follows : Jessie, Walter, Glenn and Ruth. Mr. Switzer is a member of the Order of Elks, and also the Order of Maccabees. In politics he is a Republican. JAMES T. ADAMS. In commercial circles at Findlay no name is more familiar than that of Adams Brothers, the members of which have for many years been identified in a conspicuous way with the industries of the city. Both individually and 322 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY collectively these brothers have contributed much toward the growth and development of the municipality, being active in connection with the social and educational as well as the business life of the community. The family is one of ancient origin and honorable record, the founder of the American branch having come over while the present New England states were still loyal subjects of the king. Richard Adams, son of this English emigrant, was born in Massachusetts, took part as a soldier of the line in the epoch making struggle for American independence, and after the war located in Pennsylvania. The late Rev. William Adams, son of this Revolutionary patriot, was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, in 1798, removed in 1837 to Wayne county, Ohio, and in 1860 located at Findlay, where he continued to reside until his death in 1882. Originally a member of the Presbyterian, he became in later life a minister of the Church of God, in which capacity he was widely and favorably known among religious workers. This divine was the father of the Adams' Brothers, referred to above, and whose lives and business careers it is the intention to set forth in this and the subsequent biography. James T. Adams was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, April 22, 1825, and was ten years old when his parents removed to Richland county, Ohio. Such education as he received in childhood was obtained in the schools of Massillon, but it was quite limited as necessity compelled him to go to work for a living when fourteen years old. He became apprentice to a tinner and after learning the trade was engaged in business at Massillon until 1845, after which he went to Plymouth, Ohio, and worked as a tinsmith for sixteen years. In 1854 he came to Findlay, resumed his old business as a tinner and continued at that trade for the following ten years, when he decided to abandon this line of work and change his occupation. His next venture was the establishment of an exclusively hardware store, which he carried on with more or less success for five or six years, when he disposed of his interests and began the manufacture of linseed oil. This venture proving profitable, he continued it for eighteen years, or until 1878, when Mr. Adams joined his brothers in organizing the foundry and machine business which goes by their name. The business was carried on as a partnership until 1890, when it was incorporated as a company with James T. Adams as president and his brother Newton as treasurer. These relations have continued up to the present and meanwhile the company has steadily grown in favor and prosperity until their work is familiar in all the marts of northern Ohio devoted to that class of goods. During his residence of forty-eight years at Findlay, Mr. Adams has been a familiar feature in the city's life and he has aided in many ways the general advancement. The people elected him to the city council CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 323 and he did such good work in that position that there was a general insistence cn his retention, and the consequence was that Mr. Adams had to serve sixteen years before he was allowed to retire. In addition to his councilmanic career, he also did good work on the Findlay school board, of which he was a member about six years. In 1902 Mr. Adams erected the Adams building 60x140 feet, five stories—which is constructed of pressed brick and stone and modern in all of its appointments. Mr. Adams' religious convictions are in line with Presbyterianism and in politics, though unobtrusively an earnest Republican, he avoids the turmoil and bickering of ultra-partisanship. He is the oldest Odd Fellow in point of service in Hancock county, also belongs to the Encampment and has filled all the chairs in his lodge. In 1849 Mr. Adams was married to Harriet L., daughter of Peter Bodine, of Richland county, and of the three children resulting from this union, the two survivors are Charles F. and Lizzie, wife of John A. Meeks of Findlay. NEWTON M. ADAMS. This gentleman is the treasurer of the well known Adams' Brothers Company, of which his brother James is president, and they have been connected in business at Findlay for thirty-four years. But his activities are by no means confined to his duties with the foundry firm, his regular occupation being varied by service in the city council, as chief of the Findlay fire department, and as president of the City Banking Company, which position he holds at the present time. As the family history has been given in the sketch of James T. Adams, presented above, it will not be necessary to repeat it further than to say that the name of Adams has been a respected one in the various states where its representatives have resided and nowhere else so much as in Ohio, with whose interests they have been identified for more than half a century of active business life. Newton M. Adams was born at Plymouth, Ohio, December 3, 1844, and remained at home until the age of fourteen, when the family necessities compelled him to seek work for a livelihood. Going to Corunna, Indiana, he succeeded in getting employment as clerk in a store, which position he retained until the turmoil incident to the opening of the Civil war turned his attention in other directions. In short he caught the war fever, and in December, 1863, enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war and meantime rose to the rank of corporal. Mr. Adams took part with 324 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY his regiment in Sherman's memorable "on to Atlanta" campaign in the spring and summer of 1864, but when Hood made his famous break toward Nashville, the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth formed part of the troops sent in pursuit. The most important battles in which Mr. Adams fought were those at Franklin, Nashville and Spring Hill, Tennessee, subsequent to which his regiment was sent to North Carolina where it took part in the closing scenes, including the engagement at Bentonville. After obtaining his final discharge, Mr. Adams returned directly to his old place at Corunna, remained there three years and in 1869 came to Findlay where he embarked in the stove and tin business. This venture occupied his attention until 1871 when he joined his brother in organizing a partnership to conduct the foundry and machine business at Findlay, which nine years later eventuated in the corporation since officered by the Adams Brothers. He has been one of the important factors in the success of this popular plant, as he is not only a man of great energy and perseverance, but is noted for the clearness and coolness of his business judgment. These qualities caused him to be elected to the council, where the city needed his services, also made him a gas trustee and led to his appointment to the responsible post of chief of the fire department. In 1868 Mr. Adams was united in marriage with Mary J., daughter of Levi Brown, and they have four children : Bestor E.; James T.; Donald B. and Jeannette. Mr. Adams has long been an enthusiastic Odd Fellow and by virtue of his military services is a welcome comrade of Post No. 54, Grand Army of the Republic. CHARLES F. SMITH. The career of this gentleman, now manager of an important traction system at Findlay, is both interesting and instructive, inasmuch as it is typically American, and illustrates a distinctive phase of our national life. Students of our great transportation systems, to which the United States owes more for its rapid development than any other cause, are always struck with the fact that its great captains and ruling spirits almost invariably rise from the "bottom of the ladder" up through the various grades until they reach the top. When this pinnacle has been reached its duties are discharged with a capacity usually measured by the thoroughness of the educational process undergone in attaining it, and generally the one who has been faithful in small things is rewarded by being placed in charge of the larger affairs. In the case under consideration, it may be mentioned in passing that Mr. Smith acquired his CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 325 first taste as well as his first knowledge of transportation by electric propulsion while serving as an office-boy for one of the Cincinnati inclined plane railways. When the opportunity and the man meet and the man has the qualities in him to take advantage of the opportunity, the result follows as a matter of course, and what pessimistic fault finders are in the habit of denouncing as "special privilege" or "favoritism" is really nothing more than the bright boy or man proving himself equal to the occasion which is constantly presenting itself to the deserving in this country of unequaled opportunities. Though of German extraction this branch of the Smith family has long been thoroughly acclimated by naturalization upon American soil. John C. Smith, father of our subject, came over in infancy with his parents, who located at Cincinnati, and there passed the remainder of their lives. After reaching manhood he became a mechanic, served through the Civil war in one of the Ohio regiments of infantry, and died in Cincinnati in 1893, aged fifty-three years. Charles F. Smith was born at Cincinnati, November 6, 1863, and got such academical education as he was destined to receive in the schools of that city. But he was one of those boys who do not need much "schooling" of the ordinary kind, they having a way of their own for learning those things which are calculated to be most useful and valuable. When the youthful Smith had reached his fourteenth year he secured a position as office-boy with the Mt. Adams and Eden Park inclined Plane Railway Company, and stuck closely to his position for the next ten years. He became assistant superintendent of the company, in which position he continued until he came to Findlay, in September, 1887. Without unnecessary delay he purchased the material and superintended the building of the Findlay Street Railway, with a single trackage of, eight miles at first, which has since been more than doubled. Mr. Smith continued as manager of the street railway until its absorption by the Toledo, Bowling Green & Southern Traction Company, after which he was made manager of the latter and has since retained that position. Inasmuch as he has gone through every department he understands the business from the ground up, and consequently makes an invaluable employe both for his company and the people. But his activities have not been confined to one line of work. In 1892 he became one of the organizers of the Hancock Light and Power Company, of which he was president for three years, and after the reorganization in 1895 he held the vice-presidency until the company was absorbed by the Findlay Street Railway Company in 1899. in June, .I901, Mr. Smith secured the franchise for heating houses by the hot-water system, which will be carried on by the, traction company under his management. It will be seen from the foregoing 326 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY recital that Charles F. Smith is just the kind of man needed in every community to make the wheels of progress go round and who are especially valuable in these days of electric development, when no town is of consequence which has not a good transit system, electric lighting plant and other up-to-date improvements. Improvement enterprises will not be established, neither will they progress, without the right kind of men behind them. In 1885 Mr. Smith was married at Cincinnati to Miss Lizzie J., daughter of John M. Farland, and Harry C. Smith is the product of this union. Mr. Smith's political predilections are Republican, and his fraternal connections are with the Mystic Shrine, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Elks. GEORGE WHITEFIELD NORRIS. Mr. Norris is a resident farmer of Cass township, and was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, on the 27th of July, 1846. Six years later he removed with his parents to Hancock county, since which time he has been a continuous resident. He was brought up on a farm, where he engaged in the occupations incident to his environment, receiving an ordinary school education. When our country was threatened by internal disturbances, in the troublous times of the Civil war, Mr. Norris, though a mere boy, was exceedingly anxious to engage in the defense of the Union. His age, however, was a bar to the active expression of his loyalty until the year 1864, when he enlisted as a member of Company F, of the Forty-seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry as a private soldier. In this company he served until the time of his honorable discharge at the close of the war, participating in all the service that fell to the lot of his command. Returning to the pursuits of peace, he engaged in farming, and has since then been a member of that honorable class which is proud to number among its members such men as Washington, Jefferson and many other of the prominent men of this country. December 21, 1870, he led to the matrimonial altar Miss Sarah A., daughter of Alexander and Catherine Baker, who is a woman of superior attainments and during all of these years has been a true helpmate to her husband. She is a native of Hancock county, having been born in Cass township February 2, 1849. Her grandfather on the maternal side was one of the pioneers of the county, the name of John H. Eckert appearing in the handwriting of President Andrew Jackson on the original patent to the farm on which she and her husband now reside. Mr. Norris and his wife have cultivated this farm since 1870. Its ninety acres consist of most valuable soil, and contain one gas well. Mr. Norris is a Republican in politics, has held the office CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 327 of township trustee, and at the date of the present writing is the honored treasurer of the township. Fraternally, he affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a worthy member of Stoker Post, No. 54, of the Grand Army of the Republic. Alexander M. Norris, now deceased, the father of our subject, was born in Harford county, Maryland, September 17, 1808. As. was the custom in that early day, he was apprenticed to a trade, and became an expert and skilled worker in leather, following for a number of years the particular branch of the trade known as shoemaking. In 1835 he emigrated to Fairfield county, Ohio, and in 1852 removed to Hancock county, where he abandoned the trade of his early life and began a career as an agriculturist. Here he purchased at various times lands amounting to two hundred and twenty acres. He became a man in good circumstances before he died. He was a man of fine judgment, honest, industrious, and respected by his neighbors, among whom he had considerable influence. Politically he was a Republican, though he -was not given to taking part in the public life of the community. He was married twice, first to Mary J., the daughter of John Norris, in 1837. By this union there were six children, four of whom grew to maturity, and three still living : Mary F.; Elizabeth A. ; and Sarah J. The mother died in 1844, and for his second wife Mr. Norris chose Maria, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stone, the second marriage following close upon the death of the mother of his children because of their helpless condition. The second mar-riage was consummated in 1845, and to this union were born five children, three of whom are now living, George W.; David L. ; and Annie R. Mrs. Maria Norris was a native of Virginia, having been born November 23, 1811. She died in June, 1892, her husband, Alexander M., dying in September, 1898. Mr. and Mrs. George W. Norris have three children : John N., Belle and George D. Mr. Norris Owns two hundred and fifty acres of fine land on which there are now four oil wells. WILLIAM JAMES FREY. A notable character in more ways than one is the gentleman whose career is herein to be briefly outlined. During his residence of over forty years at Findlay, he has been prominently connected with the politics and business as well as the industrial and social life of the city. As a popular candidate for congress, chairman of the state committee of one of the great political parties, president of the city water works, a leading druggist and in other 328 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY ways Mr. Frey has been constantly in the public eye, and necessarily subjected to the criticism which never fails to accompany prominence of any kind. That he has passed through this ordeal unscathed is sufficient evidence that he possesses those moral qualities which enable one to rise superior to the ordinary faultfinding, characteristic of humanity, and grow steadily in the good will as well as esteem of the community. Mr. Frey comes from an old family, which originated in England, but was long domiciled in Maryland, the first immigrant locating at Baltimore but later settling in the southwestern part of the state. His grandfather was Dr. William Frey, who was born and bred in Maryland and became a noted physician, his practice extending over a wide area of the state. He married Elizabeth Coddington, daughter of General Coddington of Revolutionary fame and member of a family of great influence during the formative period of the republic. Samuel D. Frey, son of the Doctor, was born in Alleghany county, near Cumberland, Maryland, in 1825, and was the first of the name to try his fortunes in the west. In 1846 he came to Bellfontaine, Ohio, as a contractor engaged in building the first line of railroad through that town. A short time before his arrival in a business capacity, he has visited Bellfontaine in a more interesting role and had been married there to Priscilla B., daughter of Hon. John Slicer. The latter was a man of note in Maryland and for many years represented Alleghany county in the state legislature. After finishing his contract with the railroad company Samuel D. Frey followed other pursuits and finally came to Findlay, where he was engaged in the drug business until the time of his death in 1897. William James Frey, son of the last mentioned, was born at Bellefontaine, Ohio, December 9, 1854, and was six years old when his parents removed to Findlay. His education was received in the schools of the latter city, supplemented by attendance for two years at Cleveland College, and a term at the Commercial College in the same place. It was in 1871 that Mr. Frey finished his course at the last named school and immediately thereafter he returned to his home in Findlay, to take up the serious affairs of life. His ambition had always been to qualify himself for the profession of law, and with this end in view he took up the study in the office of Judge M. C. Whiting, at that time one of the distinguished advocates of Ohio. Though Mr. Frey finished his course at the last named school and immediately there finally abandond his intention of following the profession and joined his father in the drug business at Findlay, which connection he has since continuously maintained. Mr. Frey got in touch with politics at an early age, exhibited a natural turn therefor and has risen to prominence as one of the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 329 leaders of the Democratic party. Eventually he was nominated by his party as its candidate for congress in the Eighth Ohio district, which normally has a Republican majority of 6,500, but by a vigorous canvass and much hard work Mr. Frey managed to cut down these figures over two thousand. At the Democratic state convention in 1900, he was made chairman of his party's state central committee and held that position during the two subsequent years to the entire satisfaction of his associates: He was re-elected to this position Lt Sandusky in 1902. In 1890 Mr. Frey was elected president of the Find ay Water Works Company and. has since discharged the duties of that office. In 1890 Mr. Frey was united in marriage with Miss Mary, daughter of Captain Alexander Gilchrist, of Vermilion county, and the result of the union is an only daughter, named .Florence M. Mr. Frey's fraternal connections are confined to membership in the Knights of Pythias, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. JAMES T. HOY. The story of Philip Hoy, founder of the family of that name in Hancock county, is interesting because so typical of the early pioneer period. Born in Pennsyvania in 1793, he made his way to Kentucky at a time when the " dark and bloody ground" was still unsettled in its government and not the most desirable place for peaceful pursuits. About the end of the first quarter of the ninteenth cehtury Philip Hoy crossed the river to Cincinnati, later went to Columbus and from there to Fairfield county, finally " winding up " in Hancock county in 1834. During all his wanderings Philip was accompanied by his faithful wife, Tilitha, who was born in 1798 and shared her husband's fortunes for weal or woe for more than sixty years. Philip Hoy entered one hundred and twenty acres of land in what is now Amanda township, erected a rude log cabin after the universal custom of those times and moved in with his ,family. At this stage of the game Philip made an inventory of his resources and found he had just fifty cents with which to begin life in the new country. But, as a matter of fact, the lack of money was little regarded by the pioneers, who lived principally upon game and fish Until they could realize something from their crops. Thus, though there might not be a cent in actual money about the house for a year, there would be an abundance of excellent food and comfortable though coarse material for clothing. By dint of the usual digging and hacking Philip Hoy finally brought his farm into fair shape and improved in circumstances as the years 21 330 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY went by. He was, very religious in his temperament and became a local minister of the United Brethren church, in which Capacity he was instrumental in building and keeping alive several churches for use of pioneer preachers. In other respects Philip Hoy became a man of influence in his community, holding some of the important township offices and enjoying prestige as a soldier of the war of 1812. He passed away in 1879, in the eighty-eighth year of his age, and five years later was followed to the grave by. his faithful widow. This worthy couple became the parents of eight children : Caliste :Ramsay, Mary A. Clapper, Daniel, Lewis, Wilson; John, Lewis H. and James T. Of the children above enumerated only four are now living, and among these is James T. Hoy, who was born. in Fairfield county, Ohio, April 19, 1829. He was therefore an infant of tender. years when brought by his parents to Hancock county and installed as one of the occupants of the log cabin in Amanda township. Schools in those days were as scarce as other comforts of Civilization, and pioneer children seldom secured much learning in these crude academies of the wilderness. Young Hoy got his share as he. grew up, but depended much more on the carpenter's trade he had learned than on book knowledge As a means of making his way in the world. Many years of the early part of his life were devoted to :carpenter work, which was then ;much in demand and well remunerated, and from his general work he finally saved. up enough to buy a farm. His first purchase of real estate was made in 1872 and consisted of one hundred acres, to which he added forty acres more three years later. Since then his holdings have been greatly improved. as well. as increased in value by the erection of suitable buildings. and other beautifying. processes which indicate the progressive farmer. In—fact, everything. on or about the Hoy home has an appearance of prosperity -and up-to-dateness that prove better than words can the presence of a master who understands his business. In 1856 Mr. Hoy was united in marriage. with Euphemia, daughter of Rufus and Harriet Bennett, old settlers of Hancock county. They arrived from Pennsylvania in 1835, just one year after the advent of the Hoys, and from that time. on the. two families were intimately connected in their social relations. The Bennetts entered one hundred and twenty acres of land in Jackson township, but subsequently increased their estate to five hundred acres, which is now in the hands of their seven surviving children. Mrs: Hoy was born near Wilkesbarre, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, January 1, 1833, and was consequently an infant in arms when her parents reached their destination in Ohio: Mr. and Mrs. Hoy have three children: CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 331 Bennett G., Serelda V. and Harriet T. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Hoy is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has served as township trustee, and in 1875 was nominated as a candidate for county commissioner. THEODORE KARN. Prominently known as a representative of one of the honored pioneer families of Hancock. county is Theodore Karn, who also deserves mention in this volume by reason of his own worth and prominence. He is a well known farmer of Cass township, where he resides on a holding of sixty acres of land, which he devotes to general farming. His parents were Ezra and Elizabeth (Albertson) Karn, the former born in Maryland, September 16, 1815, and the latter in. New Jersey, June 23, 1819. Their marriage occurred March 21, 1839, and their family consisted of the following children: William, born August 22, 1840; Theodore, February 9, 1842; Drucilla, October 13, 1846; Jerome, September 25, 1848; Simeon, June 20, 1852 ; Albert, April 22, 1855 ; Martin, July 1, 1857; Mary E., deceased, November 4, 1859. Ezra Karn removed to Cass township in 1835, and previous to that date he had located for a short time in Holmes county, Ohio. In. 184o he purchased forty acres of land in section ten, which was in its primitive state, and the usual log house and outbuildings were erected by him. In 1845 he sold this farm, receiving for it $400, with which he purchased one hundred and sixty acres, also in its virgin state. He continued to improve and beautify this farm, and in 1860 he purchased another eighty acres, part of which his son Theodore now owns. Ezra Karn was a popular man in his day, and a most successful farmer. He served the township for several years as trustee, and was actively interested in educational work, having served on the school board. His religious proclivities found endorsement in the Lutheran church, in which he served for a period as deacon. In political belief he held to the principles of Democracy. He served on the board of agriculture for several years and was one of its projectors. His life, while not being an eventful one, was full of that interest which must ever attach to the noble band of pioneers that built society in Hancock county. He died September 3, 1883, his wife having preceded him by three years, dying May 12, 1880. Valentine Karn, the grandfather of our immediate subject, came to the county about the same' time as the son. He settled on one hundred and sixty acres of land which had but very few improvements. His wife was Elizabeth Smoots, and their family numbered seven sons and four 332 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY daughters, one of the daughters still living. Valentine was a cooper by trade, and was a first-class mechanic as well as a good and industrious farmer. He died in the spring of 1845. His wife followed him several years later. Theodore Karn was born in Cass township as above mentioned, and spent. his youth on the farm, being early trained to habits of industry and economy, tat have proved a substantial foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of his manhood's success. He adopted farming as a profession, and upon establishing a home of his own called to preside over it Miss Mary E. Swisher. This event occurred in 1883. Mrs. Karn is the daughter of Peter and Sara A. Swisher. She was born at Ada, Ohio, the 28th of December, 1864. She has presented her husband with the following children: Lola E., February 20, 1885; Grace B., January 25, 1887; Bessie A., December 23, 1889; Cloyse A., April. 3, 1893; Laura J., January 23, 1896; and Edwin, December 18, 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Kam, together with their interesting family, reside in peace and contentment among a host of admiring friends. and acquaintances. ELMER C. BOLTON The above named gentleman, at present holding the responsible position of engineer of Hancock county, deserves especial notice among. the young men who have achieved exceptional success in difficult lines of employment though' scarcely thirty years of age. Mr. Bolton has been connected with the engineering department of the county or city ever since leaving school, and has exhibited an aptitude for the work that bespeaks the born mechanic. In fact, Mr. Bolton is regarded as one of the brightest and most promising of the county's young men, his friends predicting for him higher and better things than any so far achieved. Though not a native, all his adult life has been spent in Hancock county, and he is so thoroughly identified with its interests as to deserve rank among her most loyal sons. Elmer C. Bolton was born Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, October 19, 1873, and when nine years of age was brought to Ohio by his parents. They located in Hancock county, and here Elmer received his education in Findlay College, supplemented by a course in the Ohio Normal University at Ada. He left the last mentioned institution in 1894 and shortly thereafter obtained employment as a helper in the office of the engineer of Hancock county. Two years later he became a candidate for the office of engineer, and at the fall election in 1896 was defeated by only CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 333 fourteen votes. In January, 1897, the legislature extended the term of several county officers, among the number being that of engineer, and Mr. Bolton was appointed by the county commissioners to fill out a term of eight months in that office expiring in September, 1897. At the expiration of that time, he Was appointed engineer of Findlay by the city council, and served n that office from September 1, 1897, until June I, 1900. In the fall of 1899 he had been elected county engineer for a term of three years, and took charge of his office shortly after finishing his service with the city. Mr. Bolton finds relief from business cares by social communion with his fellows in various fraternities, incliding the Masons, Elks and Knights of Pythias. Benjmain F. Bolton, father of this popular young official, who was born in Hancock county in 1848., is at present engaged in the insurance business at Findlay, and in one of the respected citizens of the place. September 25, 1901, Mr. Bolton was united in marriage to Miss Dena Singleton, of Findlay, daughter of M. C. and Jennie Singleton: In politics Mr. Bolton is a Republican and was nominated September 6, 1902, for reelection to the position he was then holding. DAVID B. SOLT. David B: Solt has for twenty years been engaged in dealing in stock as a member of the firm of P. Solt & Company, of Eagle township. He makes his home two and a half miles east of Rawson and six miles southwest of Findlay, where he has a valuable. property. He is widely known as a representative of agricultural interests, who through the exercise of business ability and unflagging enterprise has achieved success and won an honored name. Born in Eagle township May 23, 1857, David B. Solt is the second son of Peter Solt, and upon the home farm he was reared. In his boyhood he began to assist his father by driving cattle, and thus he was employed until twenty-five years of age,. when he was admitted to a partnership in his father's stock dealing operations under. the present firm style of P. Solt & Company. The present firm consists of the father, who is the senior member, D. B. Solt, F. B, McClellan and Smith Hoy. Mr. McClellan and our subject handle the stock at Rawson and P. Solt and Mr. • Hoy make Findlay their headquarters. This business relation has been maintained for twenty years and the firm has enjoyed the profits of a constantly growing business. They have handled stock on- an extensive scale and their annual sales return 334 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY to them a good income. The subject of this review remained on his father's farm until his marriage, when he secured a farm of his own, and nine years ago he came to his present place of residence in Eagle township, not far from Rawson, Here he has eighty acres of rich and arable land. It is the old honiestead farm of Daniel Raddebaugh, whose youngest daughter, Amy, became the wife of Mr. Solt. This land was first improved by Daniel Raddebaugh, whose father had entered the land for him, although living in Fairfield county. The grandfather was Samuel Raddebaugh, who settled near Findlay and was killed six or seven years ago, his death resulting. from a beating inflicted by robbers. His children were: John, who is now living on Benton ridge, in Liberty township, at the age of ninety years; Joseph, who also lived in that township and died at the. age of seventy-five years; and Daniel, the father of Mrs. Solt. All aided materially in the upbuilding and improvement of Hancock county, the family being a prominent one of this portion of the state. Daniel Raddebaugh was united in marriage to Maria Hosier, and three years later removed to what is now the Solt farm, although he had previously come and built a cabin on the place. He made his permanent location about 1846. She was born July 27, 1825, in Pickaway county, Ohio, and there remained until her marriage, which occurred when she was eighteen years of age. Her last days were spent on the old homestead, where she departed this life December 1, 1901. In their family were eleven children, of whom one died in infancy, while nine are yet living, and George, who was a farmer of Wood county, Ohio, died at the age of forty-two years. Mrs. Solt is now the only one living in Eagle township, but Edmond and Jane are residents of this county. Monroe is living in Coldwater, Michigan; Jefferson makes his home in Minonk, Illinois; Edward is a resident of Findlay, Ohio; Lucy is living in Marion, this state; Anna is in Bluffton, Ohio; and Ellis is a minister of the Evangelical church, at Bluffton. The father still resides upon the -old home place and has now reached an advanced age. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Solt was celebrated April 8, 1880, when the lady was seventeen years of age. Their home has been blessed with five daughters : Pearl May, now the Wife of Thaddeus Keller, of Eagle township; Elva Dale, Jessie Fremont, Dora Olive and Eva Milburn, all with their parents, the family circle yet remaining unbroken by the . hand of death. Mr. Solt has continued to improve his farm since locating thereon, remodeling the house, building a barn and adding many modern equipments CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 335 and accessories. He also has two other farms in Eagle township, comprising altogether three hundred and twenty acres, and two of these he operates, the well tilled fields yielding to him a good return. He usually feeds quite .a large number of cattle annually. He has eight producing oil wells upon the home place, but has confined his attention to agricultural pursuits and stock dealing, in which he has met with very creditable success. He is a working member of the Republican party and attends its conventions. Both he and his wife. hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church of Rawson, in. which he is serving as a trustee. His interest in everything pertaining to the general welfare is deep and sincere and his hearty co-operation has been given to many measures for the public. benefit. C. A. CARPENTER. In the popular mind the blacksmith has always been associated with robustness of physique, cheery temperament which comes from good health and honesty of purpose in all the affairs of life. No poem has been more admired and quoted than Longfellow's famous tribute to the "Village Black--smith," and the wholesome, heartfelt utterances in this popular production have thrown a charm around the "anvil chorus" of the old corner shop that constituted an ideal occupation in the mind of every reader. The blacksmith is always an important. character in the community, not only on account of the indispensable work that he does, but because as a -general thing the personage who presides over the bellows and the musical hammer is man of sturdy honesty and genial personality. To this honorable guild the subject of this sketch has belonged for many years, and those who know him will admit that he is a typical blacksmith of the old school and in every way a worthy representative of his class. He is a son of Orson C. Carpenter, who was born in the state of New York in 1820 and moved to Indiana, where he lived at various places and at the time of his death was a miller in Steuben county. His son, C. A. Carpenter, was born in 1852 while his parents were living on a farm in Allen county, Indiana. He lived there until nine years old, when he went with his father. to the village of Flint, where he attended the public schools and grew to manhood. At the age of seventeen years he apprenticed himself to learn the blacksmith's trade, a calling for which he exhibited a natural adaptability. After he had thoroughly mastered all the details and become a journeyman in the business, he followed it at Flint until 1877, when he opened a shop at Corona, Indiana. He remained at that place until 1881, when he removed to Findlay and entered the employment of 336 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Coons, Adams & Co., now Adams Bros., in their foundry, which occupied his time for sixteen months. At the expiration of that period he opened a blacksmith shop of his own, which he has since continued to conduct with the energy that characterizes all his movements. Mr. Carpenter's specialty has been horseshoeing, both plain and fancy, and in this line he has established a reputation second to no mechanic of his class in the community. That he has been. successful in his pursuits and "Gathered gear by every wile that's justified by honor," is evidenced by the fact that he has recently completed a handsome brick business block on North Main street in Findlay. Mr. Carpenter has been twice married. In 1873 he was joined in wedlock at Flint, Indiana, with Charlotte Merritt, daughter of Daniel Merritt, a farmer, and she died in 1878, leaving two children : Claude G., aged twenty-four, and Lura, aged twenty-seven. In 1882 he was united in marriage with Miss Katie O., daughter of Jonathan K. Kissel, a carpenter and joiner, by whom he has one daughter named Mina, born March 29, 1886. Mr. Carpenter has always been a Democrat in politics and was honored by election to the city council of Findlay as representative from the First ward, which normally gives a Republican majority of one hundred and twenty-five. This tribute to his personal popularity was shown to be. deserved by the satisfactory manner in which he served his term of two years. Mr. Carpenter is not connected with any church but shows his fondness for fraternal fellowship by holding membership in the Tribe of Ben Hur, the Elks, the Junior Order of United American Mechanics and the Daughters of America.. Samuel Carpenter, the grandfather of our subject, a native of New York, was a carpenter in his early days and later a farmer. He lived about ninety years. JOSEPH S. PATTERSON. Only the "oldest inhabitants" can remember the time when the name of Patterson was not connected with the dry goods business at Findlay. Beginning in the spring of 1849, Mr. Patterson has been connected with the city's mercantile interests for fifty-three consecutive years, changing firms occasionally, but always remaining either as partner or principal in the business. Thus he is entitled to rank as the dean of the dry goods corps at Findlay and as one of the oldest merchants in the state in point of years of service. He inherited his taste for this business and acquired qualifications for its pursuits in early youth, as his father had been a dry goods merchant of long standing. The family is of Irish origin, and for the purposes of this biography begins with the subject's grandfather, James Patterson, who was min- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 337 mister of the Established church in Ireland, and ended his days in his native land. His son Robert Patterson, vas horn in north. Ireland in 1789, came to Ohio in 1811 and located first in Licking county and later at Bellefontaine, where he was connected with mercantile affairs for half a century. He established. himself in the dry goods business, at first in a small way, but enlarging as prosperity came until at the time of his death, in 1867, he had acquired rank as the leader in his line in that part of the state. In 1819 he married Eliza, ,daughter of Joseph Moore, of. Licking county, by whom he had nine children as follows : Mary E., Lydia Ann, Elizabeth, Edward, Joseph S., James McG., Sarah Jane, Isabelle McKee and Robert E. Joseph S. Patterson, who, as will be seem from the above list, is the fifth of the children, was born at Bellefontaine, Logan county, Ohio, November 25, 1827. He remained at home attending school until sixteen years old, and in March, 1843, came alone to Hancock county, engaged as clerk in a store at Findlay and held that position for the following six years. In March, 1849, he acquired an interest iii the dry goods store of Frederick Henderson, and under the firm name of Henderson & Patterson the business was continued at the old stand for. three years. At the end of that time the firm, by reorganization and the introduction of new capital, became J. S. Patterson & Company, continuing as such until 1857, when Mr. Patterson retired and opened another store in connection with Milton Taylor. This new firm of Patterson & Taylor conducted business until the dissolution of the partnership in 1865, when still another dry goods store was opened, in charge of J. S. Patterson &.Sons, which continued to the present time. The only break in the continuity of Mr. Patterson's career as a merchant occurred in 1857, when he was appointed agent at Findlay and had charge of the warehouse of what was then known as the Mad River. and Lake Erie Railroad, which position he occupied for one year and then returned to the dry goods business. Mr. Patterson was married in 1853, to Minerva, daughter of William Taylor, and has two children, Charles. W. .and Frank T., who constitute the ."sons" of the present well known dry goods firm. Thirty-seven years have elapsed since their father took them into partnership, and during this period they have shared in the reputation for fair dealing and commercial honesty long maintained by the firm of J. S. Patterson & Sons. Not only as mer. chants but as citizens. in all the relations of life they stand well in the cornmunity of Findlay. Mr. Patterson's religious affiliations are with the Presbyterian church, and though Republican in politics is not an aspirant in that direction, his entire office holding during his long career being confined to 338 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY service for three years in the Findlay city council. He was chairman of the building committee for erectiontion of the new Presbyterian church at Findlay and treasurer of, the old Presbyterian church at the time it was erected in 1855. Charles Patterson, the eldest of the sons, was born at Findlay in 1854, educated in the schools of this city and later attended Wooster College and since 1875 has been engaged in the merchandise business. In 1882 he was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Dunn, of Columbus, Ohio. Frank T., the other son, born at Findlay in 1862, educated in the schools of this city, and is now a member of the firm.. Re was married in 1887 to Miss Mame Vance, of Findlay. SAMUEL M. BIGGS Samuel M. Biggs, who was an enterprising farmer of Eagle township and a man of unquestioned probity and sterling worth, was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, April 1, 1828, his parents being Llewellyn and Martha (McGrew) Biggs. The family comes of English ancestry and Llewellyn Biggs, the grandfather of our subject, was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary struggle which brought independence to the colonies. After arriving at years of maturity the father of our subject was married to Miss Mahala Kelly, who survived her marriage but a short time. Unto them were born four children, Ellen, Llewellyn, Martha and William. In 1858 the father came to Hancock county, Ohio, and engaged in contracting and building, making his headquarters in Liberty township, west of Findlay. On the 13th of May, 186o, he was joined in wedlock to Sarah J., daughter of William and Elizabeth (Buchanan) Yates, who resided on the present Biggs homestead, four and a half miles west of Findlay, on the Lima road. Her father entered this tract of land in the early '30s, at which time he was living in Guernsey county, Ohio. He was born in Pennsylvania and at an early day settled in this state. His brother Samuel came to Hancock county after the arrival of William and settled in the same neighborhood. It was in the year 1844 that William Yates brought his family to Eagle township, his daughter Sarah being then ten years of age, and began to develop and improve a farm. The family home was a log cabin and fofewfevv years they lived in true pioneer style, but gradually secured all the comforts which they had known in their old home and which were common in the east. As the years passed the father tilled his fields and his labors brought large crops which materially augmented his income. He owned two hundred and forty acres of land the old homestead and as fiialcial resources increased he CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 339 added to his property until his landed possessions aggregated one thousand acres. He thus became one of the extensive farmers and large landowners of the county and was also largely engaged in stock-raising and dealing, making shipments to city markets. As long as he lived he remained the active manager of his business interests, never relegating to others the control of his affairs. About 1857 he erected the brick residence which now stands upon his farm and it was in this house that his daughter, Mrs. Biggs, was married. It was also in that same house that Mr. Yates died on the 15th of April, 1891, when he had reached the age of eighty-four years, one month and three days. His wife had previously passed away, her death having occurred January 11, 1871. In the' family of this worthy and honored couple were eight children : Samuel, who lived in Eagle township and died at the age of sixty-seven years; Phoebe Ann, who became the wife of Andrew Powell, of Liberty township, and died at the age of twenty-eight years; William, who enlisted in the Union army as a member of the Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry and died in the hospital during his term of service; Eliza, who became the wife of Alva Fink, of Eagle township, and died at the age of fifty years ; Sarah J.; Thomas, who was also a member of the Twenty-first Regiment of Ohio Volunteers and was killed at Stone river; Elizabeth, the wife of Andrew Fellers, of Bowling Green, Kentucky ; and Joseph, who died in Eagle township, at the age of fifty-five years. William Yates was an active Democrat in his political affiliations and served as township assessor and county commissioner. He also belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church, holding membership in DeLeal chapel, which was then a strong congregation, but the organization ceased to exist and no vestige of the church now remains. His was an honorable and upright life, characterized by activity and trustworthiness in business, by loyalty in citizenship and by faithfulness to friends and family. After the marriage of Samuel Biggs and Sarah Yates they lived upon a part of her father's farm and he continued to follow his trade. After her mother's death they took charge of the property and bought one-half of the farm, and at the settlement of the estate purchased the remainder of the other heirs, thus becoming owners of two hundred and forty acres of valuable land. Mr. Biggs then gave his attention entirely to agricultural pursuits and Mr. Yates, her father, made his home with them for several years prior to his death. In the work of caring for the farm Mr. Biggs was energetic, followed progressive methods and prospered in his undertakings. The home was blessed with five children : Elizabeth E., Ada I., Emma D., the wife of W. S. Fortune,. of Findlay, Ohio, Lemuel S. and Arna W. 340 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY The two eldest daughters and Arna W. own the old home place and operate it in partnership. The father died August 23, 1899, and although he had been ailing for some time his death came suddenly. His wife survived him until January 23, 1902, when she too, passed away, after having been in failing health .for a year. He was a stanch Republican, attended party conventions and was a man of considerable local influence. He kept well informed on the issues of the day and was always ready to support his views by intelligent argument. He also read widely on other topics, including current events and general history. Both he and his wife held membership in the Pleasant Grove United Brethren church, which stood on her father's farm, and they took an active part in church work, being strict observers of its rules and teaching and well informed on Bible questions. They were laid to rest in Hartman cemetery, where her parents also sleep, and thus passed away a couple whose genuine worth was widely acknowledged and who left behind them many warm friends to mourn their loss. SURREL PEARSON DEWOLF. As city clerk, auditor of Hancock county, and business manager of the Republican newspaper, Mr. DeWolf has been kept rather prominently before the public for a number of years. The position he has held enabled him to exercise influence, and this has always been exerted so as to most efficiently aid worthy causes and best advance the public welfare. The family is of French extraction but so long domesticated in the United States that all of France has disappeared save the turn of the name. The Ohio branch originated in Butler county, Pennsylvania, where Eli G. DeWolf was born in. 1838 and learned the printer's trade as he grew from youth to manhood, having thus early acquainted a taste for "the art preservative" he never afterward lost: it, as his whole subsequent life was devoted to the newspaper business: Having removed to Ohio in 1863 he purchased the "Pike County Republican," a weekly paper published at Waverly; and conducted it until the dose of the war, after which for several years he held the position of foreman of the "Ohio State Journal" at Columbus. In 1868 he came to Findlay, and bought an interest in the "Weekly Jeffersonian," which he retained until 876. Later he founded the "Daily Republican," with which he was connected. until his death. In 1875 he was appointed postmaster of Findlay by President Grant, received a reappointment both from Presidents Hayes and Arthur, and thus served through three administrations. He was a genuine newspaper man in every respect, much wedded to his calling, possessing all the characteristics CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 341 of those who have "come up from the case," and his impress was left on every newspaper of which he had control. As running country newspapers is not a money making business, he did not accumulate wealth, but he exercised a power as a writer which he never failed to use for the best purposes. His political predilections were earnestly Republican, and he gave that party most strenuous support both with tongue and pen until the end of his life in 1888. Surrell Pearson DeWolf was born on his father's farm in Butler county, Pennsylvania, November 5, 1860, and was eight years old when his parents located at Findlay: In 1886 he became business manager of the "Republican," in which he and his father, Eli G. DeWolf, owned a controlling interest, and had charge of the paper about four years. In 1892 he was elected city clerk of Findlay, obtained a re-election in 1894, and served four years in this office. In November, 1895, he was elected auditor of Hancock county on the Republican ticket, being the first Republican auditor in the history of the county, and assumed charge of his office in the following year at the expiration of his term of service with the city. In 1898 Mr. DeWolf was re-elected auditor of the county, in 1900 resumed his position as business manager of the "Republican" and in 1901 became managing editor of that journal. In 1880, Mr. DeWolf was united in marriage at Findlay with Miss Emma B. Brown, and has two children.: Clarke F. and Metta A. Clarke F. DeWolf enlisted as a private in Company M, Thirty-fifth Regiment, United States Volunteers at the beginning of the Spanish-American war and served eighteen months in the Philippines. Mr. DeWolf's fraternal connections are with the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. ISAAC DAVIS. William Davis, deceased, was one of the well known representative men of Hancock county. He was a native of Maryland, and a man of much worth. It is safe to say that he was a self-made man in that full acceptation of the term. Educated in a limited degree, and reared where slavery prevailed, this training was not a very excellent foundation for true manhood and noble character, yet William Davis reached the one and built firmly and well on the other. He came to this county in 1832, where he located in Marion township and purchased at various times land to the amount of seven hundred and forty acres. All of this is now in the oil and gas belt in Hancock county and of course exceedingly valuable land. This property was accumulated by honest dealing and hard and earnest toil. He was elected to 342 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY the office of county commissioner in which he served two terms most acceptably, and also served for a period of thirty-two years as justice of the peace of his township. During his active life he was connected with every enterprise that was meant to advance the interests of education and religion in his township and county, and left a memory to be revered by his descendants. In 1828 he. married Margaret Lafferty, who bare him ten children: Mary A., Isaac, the subject of this sketch, John W., Elizabeth, Dr. A. L., Rachel B., Sarah, David, Edward B., and a younger one now deceased. The father of this family died in 1863, his wife surviving him many years and passing away in 1896. The grandfather of our subject was Henry Davis, who married Margaret Craig, and by whom he had seven children. After her death, which occurred early in life, he married for his second wife Betsey Hammond, who was the mother of five children. Henry Davis came to Hancock county.in 1850. He was a man of sterling character, and during his life here was revered for his many noble qualities. Isaac Davis, whose name heads this article, was born in Marion township, Hancock county, in 1837. The Davis family is of Welsh descent, and our subject shows many of the noble traits of that strain of the Anglo-Saxon race. He has tried to follow in the footsteps of his honored father, both as a business man and as a loyal citizen. He has never aspired to office, being of a retired and quiet disposition, but he is found at all times loyal to his county and to his country. He is the owner of six hundred acres of land, on which there are forty wells of oil and gas. He has held some of the minor offices of his township, more for the purpose of accommodation for his fellow citizens than from the fact that he cared for public life. He served a term or two as justice of the peace. In addition to his farm he has a seed and wool warehouse in Findlay which he has operated for the last seventeen years. He was married in 1860 to Miss Caroline Gifford and the children of this union are : Howard V., deceased; William, Florence, David C., George W., Gertrude and Henry. Mrs. Caroline Davis was born in this county in 1840, on the farm where she now resides. WILLIAM FISHER. William Fisher, now a farmer of Cass township, Hancock county, is a member of that noble band of men who in the dark days' of the Civil war offered their lives in defense of the Union, and he presents the remarkable , experience of having been an inmate of the noted rebel prison, Andersonville, and escaped with his life. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 343 He was born at Wittenberg, Germany, October 3, 1840, and is a son of John and Frederica (Staley) Fisher. They reared their family in the old country, and in 1857 crossed the ocean to make their homes in this land of the free. They located in Cass township, purchasing a farm of eighty acres Partially improved, which property is now in the hands of one of their sons, Philip. The family are members of the Lutheran church. In his native country John Fisher was a prominent man and held an office somewhat similar to that of sheriff in our county. This office he administered for fifteen years, with satisfaction to the government of William I. His family consisted of seven. children, four of whom are now residents of the county. The father died in 1872 and his wife six years previously. William Fisher was a sturdy lad of seventeen years and possessed of a good education when he crossed the sea with his parents. He arrived at a most opportune time to engage in one of the greatest struggles for freedom that has ever been noted in history. He was full of the fire and vigor of youth and so delighted was he with his surroundings and so elated over the prospects of becoming a citizen of the greatest nation on the earth, that at the first boom of the cannon he offered himself a willing sacrifice upon the altar of his adopted country. He served the nation well and loyally for three long years as a member of Company B, Fifty-seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, participating in many severe and bloody battles. Among these were Pittsburg Landing, siege of Vicksburg, the picturesque charge at Missionary Ridge, and on the Atlanta campaign. In this campaign he was taken prisoner and for three months experienced the horrors. of Andersonville prison. He was finally exchanged and then discharged from the service. He enrolled in 1861 and was discharged in 1865, and was one of the very best of General William T. Sherman's fighting men. In these days of peace he looks back with great satisfaction on this period of his life. On returning from the war he was united in marriage to Miss Matilda, daughter of Henry Camps, one of Hancock county's old pioneer families. The union was blessed with nine children : Henry, Philip, Kate, Ellen, William, Scott, Lizzie, Nora and David. The mother was born in Hancock county in 1845. Mr. Fisher purchased his present farm soon after his marriage and has since resided thereon. It was very largely virgin soil, and it has required an immense amount of hard labor to bring it to its present productive state. He first built a rude log house, but as prosperity come to him, he erected a more comfortable residence, and in later years modernized this commodious home so that he is now in the possession of one of the most comfortable rural homes in the county. He cultivates a farm of one hundred and ninety-four acres with 344 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY great success. The chief characteristic of Mr. Fisher is his love for hard work, one of his maxims being that honest toil hurts no man. He is a good neighbor, loyal citizen and worthy Christian gentleman who unites many excellent qualities of heart and mind. ELIPHES WANAMAKER. The gentleman above named is one of the well-to-do men of Findlay, where he enjoys high standing in financial circles and the business world generally. He is an example of the class, often met with in this free country, who begin life with few advantages, but by skill, prudence and industry achieve great results for themselves. They also disprove the cry, occasionally heard, that there is no longer any opportunity for young men, owing to the great accumulation of capital in a few hands and the tendency to consolidate tion. On the contrary, the opportunities are here in abundance, and they are of many different kinds, all that is necessary being the right kind of men to take advantage of them. And Eliphes Wanamaker is one of this kind, who found his opportunity early in life and so utilized it that before reaching middle life he had become a man of wealth and influence. The name suggests Pennsylvania, in which it has long been a familiar one and belonged to some notable people who have made it well known throughout the Union. Peter Wanamaker, grandfather of our subject, lived and died in the old Keystone state. His son, Lewis Wanamaker, was born in Westmoreland county in 1825, followed farming all his life and passed away at his old Pennsylvania home in 1897. On this farm in Westmoreland county, Penn sylvania, in 1849, was born his son, Eliphes Wanamaker, and there he received his early training and education. When sixteen years of age he began casting around for employment and decided to learn the .carpenter's trade, but after two years in this occupation concluded that he could find something better. Young as he was, he had already noticed the promise of great fortunes held out by the oil industry and he determined to turn his attention in this direction. Making his way to Venango county, one of the centers iri the oil field, he engaged as a tool dresser with a view to learning that line of business, which offered especial inducements to skillful mechanics at that time. "One thing leads on to another," as the old proverb has it, and by the time he was twenty-one Mr. Wanamaker was hard at work as a driller of oil wells. This, however, was only a step in the direction toward which his ambition led, and after drilling for others about four years, he commenced contracting for oil wells on his own account, which continued to be CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 345 his regular business from that time an. In 1885 he transferred his scene of operations to Hancock county, Ohio, and from that. year has been a permanent resident of Findlay. As. the result of his skillful management, good judgment of property and wisdom in the handling of his resources, Mr. Wanamaker can now show an abundance of this world's goods and ranks as one of the "solid" men of the city. In 1872, at Johnstown, Pennsylvania, he was united in marriage with Miss Vina C., daughter of Jacob Mainhart, and this union has resulted in the birth of one daughter, Miss Verna V., who remains at home with her parents. Mr. Wanamaker's political affiliations have always been Democratic, though he has neither sought nor cared for office of any kind. His fraternal connections are with the Odd Fellows and encampment and lodge. No. 85, Knights of Pythias. His religious beliefs are in line with those of the Lutheran Church, of which he has been an adherent for some years. THOMAS F. GILLESPIE. There could be no more fitting tribute to an ex-soldier than to make him a justice of the peace. Mr. Gillespie, upon whom has been conferred that honor, is descended from Revolutionary stock, and though all the signs al war have long since disappeared the strain of fearlessness and courage in the Gillespie family has not weakened in any way. William Gillespie, the great-grandfather of our subject, was a soldier of the war of Independence and had a son Thomas, for whom the subject of this sketch was named. The latter's father was the Reverend John Gillespie, born in 1826 and died in Defiance county, Ohio, at about sixty-eight years of age. Thomas F. Gillespie's career has been long and useful. He was born on a farm in Allen county in 1847, and there lived until he was fourteen years old, when his parents moved to Putnam county. On January 6, 1863, when he was but fifteen and one-half years of age, he enlisted in the Seventh Independent Company of Ohio Sharpshooters, attached to the Tenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Army of Tennessee, and which company acted as body guard to General Rosecrans. Young Gillespie went as a private and served eighteen months, when he was transferred to the Fourteenth United States Regulars (Infantry) and served until he was mustered out, which took place at the mouth of the Columbia river, on the Pacific coast, January 6, 1866. Mr. Gillespie was at the battle of Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Weldon Railroad, Virginia, between Petersburg and Richmond, at which 22 346 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHIC4L HISTORY latter place he was severely wounded in the left hand, and was obliged to be away from his regiment until April, 1865. On receiving his discharge he went to Putnam county and farmed for a year, when he decided to go to Defiance, where he learned cabinet making, and remained three years working at his trade. He then moved to Lima, Ohio, and for three years was employed in the car works of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad. He afterwards lived in Paulding county two years, working at the carpenter's trade, and moved from there to Dupont, where he established himself in the undertaking and cabinet-making business, in which he continued for three years. He moved back to Paulding where he farmed until 1894, when he moved to Findlay. In 1900 he was elected justice of the peace, he having previously served in that capacity at Dupont., He .has held this office since his first election. Our subject was first married in 1867 to Emma L. Boutelle, who died in 1873, leaving four children, as follows : Charles A. ; Albert L. ; Guilford L.; and Jennie, wife of Charles H. Terry. Mr. Gillespie was again married, in 1878 to Emma C. Pease, and they have five children : Nettie; Leona, widow of Harry Farquhar ; Cloyd; Phoebe L. and Myrtle E. As a loyal patriot Mr. Gillespie is a member of G. A. R., Stoker Post, No. 54, and also of the Union Veterans. His fraternal associations are with the Masons and Knights of Pythias. He is a strong Republican of the old school, and is an active member of the Church of God of Findlay: JESSE SHILLING. The eminent position which Hancock county has attained as a leading one in the state is in a large measure due to the class of citizens which make up so large a proportion of her agricultural population. Among those who have succeeded and become substantial pillars of the county through their own well directed and intelligent efforts is Jesse Shilling, who has owned property here for many years. He was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, on the 12th of November, 183o. His father, Adam Shilling, was a native of Germany, but when fourteen years of age he left his little home across the sea and came to the United States, locating with his mother in Pennsylvania. Subsequently he took up his abode in Mahoning county, Ohio, and in Burlington township, that county, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Mown. She was born in Mahoning county, but was reared in Trumbull county, Ohio. In 1852 Mr. and Mrs. Shilling came to Hancock county, taking up their abode on a farm in Orange township, two and a half miles northeast of our subject's CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 347 present homestead, and there these worthy old pioneers spent the remainder of their days, the father passing away at the age of seventy-four years, while the mother reached the seventy-fifth milestone on the journey of life. They were the parents of ten children, nine of whom grew to years of maturity. Adam Shilling, the father, was a worthy member of the Lutheran Reformed church, and in his political affiliations was a Republican. Jesse Shilling, the third child and eldest son in order of birth in the above family, accompanied his parents on their removal to Hancock county in 1852, and prior to his removal to this locality he was engaged in agricultural pursuits in the county of his nativity. Farming has been his life long occupation, and in 1850 he located on his present valuable homestead in Orange township, but at the time of purchase the land was still in its primitive condition. He has cleared it of its dense growth of timber, has placed his fields under a.fine state of cultivation, and his place of one hundred and twenty acres is now one of the valuable ones of his community. The marriage of Mr. Shilling was celebrated in 1856, when Elizabeth Main became his wife. She,. too, is a native of the old Buckeye state, for her birth occurred in Delaware county, Ohio, and by her marriage she has become the mother of one daughter, Lucinda Jane, who is now the wife of George Kinnell, of Bluffton, Ohio. A life-long supporter of Republican principles, Mr. Shilling cast his first presidential vote for Lincoln in 1860, and has ever since been a stalwart supporter of the grand old party. He is well and favorably known throughout Hancock county, where he has hosts of friends. PERRY VAN HORN. The Van Horns, as the name would seem to indicate, were originally from Holland, but emigrated at an early period in the history of the United States and found lodgment in Pennsylvania. In 1833 Charles and Sarah Van Horn joined the tide of migration to Ohio and located in Hancock county, where they entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in Amanda township and subsequently increased their holdings to the extent of four hundred additional acres. Along with them from the east came their son Robert, who was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, in 1829, and was five years of age at the time of the removal. As Robert grew up he proved to be an obedient and industrious boy, eventually became prosperous and rose to a position of influence in his community. He married Evaline Frazer, a native of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, who came with her parents to Ohio about the time of the arrival of the Van Horns. This lady died in 1884, 348 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY but Robert Van Horn is still living in Hancock county, at the age of seventy-three years. Of their ten children nine grew to maturity and eight survive as substantial citizens of different communities. Among this number is Perry Van Horn, who was born on his father's farm in Jackson township, Hancock county, Ohio, July 2, 1862. He was reared on the old homestead, received the usual training, and when of suitable age began to farm on his own. account. In 1884 he made his first purchase of real estate, consisting of eighty acres, to which he later joined an additional one hundred and eighty-two and a half acres. By a subsequent sale of sixty-two and a half acres his estate was reduced to the two hundred acres which constitute his home place in Jackson township. His farm is well improved, lacking nothing to make it a desirable country seat, and is devoted to general agriculture, including the usual amount and variety of stock. Mr. Van Horn contents himself with raising the standard crops and animals, does not attempt anything in the line of "fancy farming" and the general result of his operations has been a steady growth toward prosperity. In 1884 Mr. Van Horn married Gertrude Smith, who was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1865, her parents being William and Mary Smith. The result of this union is an only son, named Grant, born in 1886 and now a student in the school at Findlay. W. C. DAMAN. Among those who devote their attention to the business of farming and stock raising in Big Lick township, Hancock county, is the above named gentleman, who successfully operates a farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres. The. family of which he is an honored and worthy representative are of German ancestry. His father, John C. Daman, and his mother, Katherine Westerman, were natives of the fatherland, where they were married and subsequently emigrated to this country in 1830. Here they located in the old Buckeye state, chosing Columbiana county as their home and where they remained up to 1839, that being the date of their removal' to Big Lick township. This was in the earlier history of the county, when much of the farming land was in its primitive state, and the carving out of a farm meant long hours of unremitting toil. They purchased forty acres to which they added until it was increased to sixty-five acres, and passed their lives in its cultivation. It is worthy to note that John C. Daman was a man who met every responsibility in life with credit. In the old country lie had been a. soldier in the German army, and had served out his time in his country's service. He took part in CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 349 DR. JOSEPH R. McLEOD. Findlay has always kept pace with the foremost towns of Ohio in professional as well as business affairs, and that it has been selected as the home of some of the best medical men of the state is but an evidence that the people of Findlay demand a high class of services from this branch of scientific men. Dr. Joseph McLeod is of Scotch ancestry. His grandfather, Captain John McLeod, wwas born in London, England, in 1780, but came to America in his many of the camhom conducted by the German army, and carried upon his body the sGratiot, wounds received, and showed the marks of' the hardships through which he had passed in the various campaigns. So severe had been the. service that his constitution became impaired, and the latter part of his life was passed in very indifferent health. He died in 1848. Thhee lived for a number of years after, her death having occurred in 1873. The family consisted of eight children, only two of whom are now living, Justice Daman, residing now in the county of Gratiot Michigan, and W. C. Daman, of whom we are pleased to write. This gentleman was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, in 1836, the date being December 31. He passed the period of his boyhood in the grinding toil of farm life in that early day, but it had for one of its rayrids the construction of a physical frame that has carried him successfully through his subsequent career. Arriving at manhood he resolved to devote his life to the pursuit of agriculture, and purchasing the farm upon which he now resides, in 1858, he began the construction of his home. He has at various time added to the original purchase, both in land and improvements, and is at present in possession of a farm which is looked upon as a model one in Hancock county. Marriage came to Mr. Daman in 1864, his first wife having been Angeline Measel, by whom he had two children : Flora and Warren W. The second lady's maiden name was Ellen McEwen, and two of her children are now living, Celestia and Charles W., while one is deceased. By his third wife, whose maiden name was Lou Sleymaker he became the father of a son named Frank. . The present wife of Mr. Daman was Mrs. Phoebt Edwards, whom he married in 1885. To this union has been born Bessie, deceased, Edith, Frances E., and John D. Mr. and Mrs. Daman are highly respected residents of the township, and are active and prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which organization he is a trustee and steward. They are numbered among Hancock county's best citizens, and as such the author of this volume present them to its readers.