350 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY early manhood, seeking a home in the new country. He was for a time captain of a volunteer company in Philadelphia, during the war of 1812. Our subject's father was also John McLeod, who was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1809. He came to Ohio in his early manhood, where he lived until 1865; when he removed to Missouri, where he lived to a good old age and died in 1898. Dr. McLeod was united in marriage in 1862 in Findlay to Mary E., daughter of Captain Samuel Howard, and they now have three children living, as follows : Charles D., born July 25, 1863, who followed his father's profession and practices medicine at Chatfield, this state; Samuel Howard, born in 1870, who lives at Findlay and is in the employ of the United States postal authorities ; Bessie B., who is the wife of William P. Wisley, of Findlay, the president of the People's Ice and Coal Company. The subject's life and experiences form an interesting chapter in the records of Findlay and are here given. He was born on a farm in Delaware county, Ohio, in 1833, though he was taken by his parents when one year old Amanda township, in Hancock county.. He lived for many years on a farm and attended the country schools, completing this part of his education at the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. He returned to Hancock county and taught school. from the age of seventeen to twenty-nine years, .having begun the study of medicine at home. The study of law attracted him equally, and he Was admitted to the bar in 1863, having graduated in law in that year from the law department of the Cincinnati College. He located in Findlay in 1863 and practiced there for one year, at the end of which time his country claimed him, and he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Sixty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private. He was at once made corporal and served in that capacity four months. On being mustered out he returned to Findlay, though he did not elect to take up his residence there at that time. In the spring of 1865 he went to Shelbyville, Missouri, to try new fields, where he went into the practice of law. In 1876, desiring to further pursue the course of medical study he went to Keokuk, Iowa, to attend two courses at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, from which college he received his diploma in 1877. Believing Hancock county to be a good field in which to locate, he returned to the county which had so long been his home and located at Mt. Cory, where he practiced for three years. He later moved to Benton Ridge in the same county, where he lived and practiced his profession for eight years, and on the first of January, 1889, came to Findlay, where he has since lived and built up an enviable practice. Dr. McLeod is of that strong order of Masons which has a large chapter in Findlay; his other fraternal association is with the Odd Fellows. His CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 351 wide study of the law was recognized at the time he resided in Shelbyville in a substantial manner, he having held the office of presiding judge of the county court for six years during his residence there. He gave up the practice of law on account of ill health and took up the practice of medicine. GEORGE H. SMITH. When the tide of emigration was setting in strongly from Germany to the United States about the middle of the last century, Ohio was fortunate in securing many of the best of that very desirable population. They settled in great numbers at Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and other cities of the state whose rapid growth was largely due to this diffusion of German blood, accompanied by the thrift and industry so characteristic of that race. Many of these people, however, went inland and settled on farms where they applied those qualities of economy and good judgment which never fail to bring success to their possessors in whatever pursuit they may engage. Among those who came from the fatherland at the period mentioned were Henry and Albertina (Tagler) Smith, who arrived in Seneca county, Ohio, about 1854, and located at Fostoria. They were poor in this world's goods, bringing with them little more than was sufficient to pay expenses, but to use an American expression, they soon. "caught on" as farmers in a small way on rented land. Henry Smith. was practical in his methods, strict in his notions of right and Wrong, a good judge of men, and withal a hard working and painstaking man. These qualities enabled him to save a little money, and when, in 1868, he removed. to Hancock county he was able to purchase forty acres of timber land in Pleasant township. This he cleared and cultivated with his usual energy, subsequently sold to advantage and bought a larger farm in Blanchard township, consisting of eighty acres. Here he spent the remainder of his days, improving his property and constantly adding to its value by his thorough system of farming and when the final summons came was able to leave something to his children. He and his good wife were members of the .Lutheran church, exemplary in their conduct, upright in their lives and respected by all as- neighbors and friends. They passed away within two years of each other, the wife dying in 1896 and the husband in 1898. The family consisted of seven children, of whom six are still living : Sarah, William, Eliza, George H., John and Della. George H. Smith, with whom this biography is principally concerned, was born in Seneca county, Ohio, October 9, 1862, and was consequently about six years old when his parents removed to Pleasant township. He 352 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY   grew up and received his primary education after the settlement in Hancock county, and was trained by his father to work on the farm. In the course of time he became the owner of the homestead in Blanchard township, where as boy and man he has resided since 1872. This place he has managed with the same industry and care that characterized his excellent father, and as a general farmer and stockraiser he has held his own with others of his class in that part of the county. As a plain, unpretentious man of good habits and moral life he enjoys and fully deserves the confidence of his fellow-citizens. In 1887 Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Della, daughter of John and Sarah Fry, which union has proven congenial and pleasant in every way. Their children, four in number, are thus recorded in the family register: Charles. F., born May 8, 1889; Grace M., born March 17, 1891; Olive N., born October,10, 1898; and Mabel R., born May 30, 1901. Mrs. Smith is a native of Blanchard township, her birth having occurred August 29, 1867, and is a devoted member of the United Brethren church, of which her husband is a trustee and has long been a leader and earnest worker. THOMAS M. MITCHELL. One of the most important industries developed in Ohio in recent years is that connected with the working of the oil district, and Thomas M. Mitchell is a well known representative of this line of activity, being an oil producer of Findlay, Ohio. He is numbered among Hancock county's native sons, for his birth occurred in Portage township, in the year 1869, his parents being Jacob and Emline (Cusac) Mitchell, the former a successful farmer still living in the county. The paternal grandfather was George Mitchell, who died in 1892 at the age of ninety-one years. Thomas M. Mitchell was educated in his native township and remained there until 1900, when he took up his abode in Findlay. Three years previously, however, he had abandoned farming, which had hitherto been his occupation, and turned his attention to oil producing, buying a lease of thirteen and now he and his brother own thirty oil wells in Hancock county, many of which are excellent producers. The firm is enjoying a good business; the oil which they place upon the market bringing to them a substantial annual income. In the year 1898, in Portage township, Mr. Mitchell was united in marriage to Christina Moorhead, a daughter of W. M. Moorhead, and their home has been blessed with one interesting daughter, Nora Mabel. Mrs. Mitchell's father was a son of Josiah and Sarah Moorhead, and a successful farmer of Hancock county. Both Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell have many CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 353 warm friends throughout this portion of the state. and are held in high regard. In his political views Mr. Mitchell is a Democrat, and while he keeps well informed on the issues of the day and believes firmly in the principles of his party, he has never sought or desired office, preferring to give his attention to his business affairs, which are so capably conducted that his labors have already brought to him a good return. PHILIPP SCHWINN. That sturdy element of our population which has come from Germany has long been well represented in Ohio, and has been greatly instrumental in the development of leading interests of the commonwealth. One of the best known sons of the fatherland in Hancock county is Philipp Schwinn, a prominent agriculturist of Union township. His birth occurred in Germany, and in that country his parents, Philipp and Margaret Schwinn, also had their nativity. In 1842 they bade farewell to their native land and sailed for the United States, taking up their abode in Union township, Hancock county, Ohio, where they purchased a farm of eighty acres. At the time of the purchase only forty acres of. the place had been cleared, but with the assistance of his sons the father was soon able to clear and improve the entire tract, and this became one of the most productive farms of the locality. In his native country Mr. Schwinn was a baker, and also took much pleasure in raising the material from which this commodity is made. He was success-. ful in his business affairs, but his prosperity was the result of earnest and persistent effort in the line of honorable and manly dealing. The children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Schwinn were seven in number, six of whom grew to years of maturity, and four are now residents of Hancock county. The mother died ere the removal of the family to America, passing away in Germany in 1842, and the father survived until 1883, when he, too, passed into eternal rest. Philipp Schwinn, the subject of this memoir, received his early mental training in the district schools of Union township, Hancock county, and after his school days were over and before reaching his majority he made the long and arduous journey to the Golden state, believing that he might there obtain the necessary means with which to purchase a farm. Five years were spent on the Pacific slope, during one year of which time he worked in the gold mines, while for the following four he was engaged in mercantile pursuits. His hopes of obtaining wealth in the far off state of California were fully realized, for after an absence of only five years he was able to return to Hancock 354 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY county with twenty-five hundred dollars. Arriving here in 1867, he soon purchased his present farm, which was then wild and unimproved, but he went to work with a determination to succeed and soon his swampy wilderness was converted into one of the most fertile and productive farms of the locality. The homestead consists of one hundred acres, where he is engaged in general farming, and all of the improvements on this valuable tract stand as monuments to his thrift and excellent business ability. In 1883 occurred the marriage of Mr. Schwinn and Miss Mamie Wild: The lady was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the 25th of June, 1854, and is a daughter of Adam and Barbara Wild. By her marriage she has become the mother of four children,—Adam, Mary, William and Elmer. Both Mr. and Mrs. Schwinn are worthy members of the Lutheran church, and in his fraternal relations the former is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, holding membership in Rawson Lodge, in which he is a past grand. He is a man of strong mentality, of splendid business ability and is frank and genial in manner. His business associates find him reliable and trustworthy, and he is an enterprising and successful farmer. He has seven producing oil wells On his farm. JACOB NAU. For solid qualities of character and intrinsic worth -no foreign element .exceeds that which comes to us from the fatherland. We here present the name of one of the former subjects of Emperor William, but who now is giving allegiance to- the institutions of our beloved republic. Mr. Jacob Nau is an enterprising farmer, who resides in 'Washington township, where he tills most successfully eighty acres of the most valuable land in Hancock County. The birth of Mr. Nau occurred in Germany on the 5th of June, 1847, he being the son of John and Regina (Wertz) Nau. Both of these parents were natives of the province of Wurtemberg, Germany, where the family had for centuries .made its impress upon society for good. They emigrated to this country in 1853, and coming immediately to the Buckeye state, purchased forty acres of land in Seneca county. They .resided upon this land a number of years, but eventually sold it and removed to Washington township, Hancock county, where they lived out the remainder of their lives, respected residents of their immediate community. The father died here in 1896, his wife following in 1898. They had six children, two of whom died in the fatherland, and one in this country. Those now living are Jacob, the subject of this review, and Elizabeth and Dortha. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 355 Jacob Nau was but six years of age when brought to this country, and received in the schools of Seneca county a fair education, to which he has added extensively, being of an inquiring and observant disposition. Arriving at years of maturity he apprenticed himself. to the carpenter's trade, at which he worked with much skill and profit up to the time of his marriage. This event occurred in 1871, the lady being Theresa, the daughter of G. W. and Ellen Burgess. This union resulted in the birth of six children : Ellen, born February 24, 1873; J. W., March 1, 1875; Mertie, October 15, 1877; Blanche, September 4, 1880; Bertha, August 13, 1885; and Roy, who was born on the 20th of October, 1890. The mother of this family, whose parents were from Virginia, was born in Putnam county, Ohio, November 26, 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Nau are prominent and active members of the United Brethren church, of which organization Mr. Nau is a trustee. A few moments conversation with Mr. and Mrs. Nau disclose the fact that they are of more than average intelligence, being able to converse very freely on the general topics of the day. He is proud to call himself a self-made man, having carved out in a large, measure his own fortune. He beg-an his career as a poor boy, but by the application of that German thrift which is proverbial he forged ahead, and others were willing that he should do so, for he was made of the right material to win. His success was not earned at the expense of his associates. He bought his present farm in 1882, and has since continued to operate it successfully. In the public life of the community, he has borne his share of the unpaid labor, having held the office of township trustee for a number of terms with credit to himself. Mr. and Mrs. Nau deserve and receive the good wishes of a very large circle of friends and acquaintances. JOHN D. ANDERSON. In a record of those who have been prominently identified with the development and progress of Hancock county it is imperative that definite consideration be granted to the subject of this review, for not only is he a prominent representative of the agricultural interests of this favored section, but has the distinction of being one of the native sons of the county, with whose fortunes he :has been identified throughout his entire life. Born on the farm on which he now resides, he first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 14th of February, 1843. His father, Andrew W. Anderson, was a native of York county; Pennsylvania, where he was also reared, and subsequently he made his home in Columbiana county five years, on the expiration of which 356 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY period, in 1840, he came to Hancock county. On his arrival here he took up his abode on eighty acres of timber land in Orange township, which in time he cleared and improved, and on this old homestead his death occurred at the age of fifty-nine years. His wife, Mary Anderson, was also born and reared in York county, Pennsylvania, and she lived to the good old age of ninety-one years, dying on the anniversary of her birth. Two children came to bless the home of this worthy couple, the sister of our subject being Mary Jane, the wife of Scott Bentley, of Allen county, Ohio. John D. Anderson, the elder of the two children, received his education in the public schools of Orange township, where he also attended a select school for a time. In 1862, when nineteen years of age, he entered the school room as an instructor, and for four terms was a successful teacher, finally abandoning that occupation to take up the duties of farm work on the old parental homestead. He is the owner of two hundred and eighty acres of rich and fertile land, all of which is in Orange township, and sixty-two acres which lie in Allen county, this state. On his farm he has nine productive oil wells, making it one of the valuable places of the locality. Although his business interests have been extensive Mr. Anderson has found time to devote to the public welfare, and on the Republican ticket he was elected to the office of county commissioner in the fall of 1895, entering upon the duties of that office on the 1st of January, 1896. He was subsequently re-elected to that position and also filled a vacancy of eight and a half months, his incumbency therein covering a period of six years and eight and one-half months. He has held many of the township offices, and has ever proved himself an upright and reliable official. In 1869 Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Montgomery, but this union was subsequently sundered by the hand of death, the wife being summoned into eternal rest after becoming the mother of two children,—John A. and Eliza, the latter being the wife of A. C. Spangler. Mr. Anderson's second marriage was to Emma Ruggly, who has borne him four children,—Jessie E., Mabel M., Hellen E. and Harry E. WILLIAM MADSUSE. Frederic and Sophia Madsuse were natives of Germany and spent the early part of their lives in that country. In 1850 they decided to leave their native land and came to America, where they took up their residence in Fostoria, Ohio, and lived there for some years engaged in various vocations. In 1863 they bought their first farm, consisting of eighty acres in Pleasant CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 357 township, Hancock county; this land was already partly cleared and they resided there some years; they then sold their first eighty and purchased another in the same township. Like so many natives of the fatherland, Fredric Madsuse became one of this country's most loyal citizens; he was a good farmer, a kind, husband; his political beliefs were those of the Democratic party, in religion he was a Lutheran. He died on May 6, 1888,. and his wife on August 6, 1886. Their family Consisted of five children, of whom two are living, Sophia and William. William Madsuse, who is the subject of this brief sketch, was born in North Germany on the 23d of October, 1847, and was thus only three years of age when his parents crossed the Atlantic. He prepared himself for his life of future usefulness in attending the district schools of Hancock county; when very young he decided that his future calling should be that of a farmer, and he has since amply justified that decision. His first purchase of real estate was made in the year of his father's death, and it consisted of the eighty acres on which he now resides ; to this in 1895 he added another eighty, thus making a fine tract of farming land, which he tills with much success and which rewards him well for his labor. In 1871 Mr. Madsuse was married to Mary Inebnet, who was born in Blanchard township, Hancock county, in 1852. Her parents were natives of Switzerland and came to this country about 1849. They bought one hundred and fourteen acres of land in Blanchard township, where they made their home up to the time of their deaths, his occurring in 1866, hers in 1891; their family consisted of eight children, of whom six are living. Mr. and, Mrs. Madsuse became the parents of seven children : Frederick, born in 1874; Anna, in 1875 ;. Emma, in 1877; Charles, in 1880; Harley, in 1882; Laura, in 1886; and Ray, in 1893.. The family are members of the Lutheran church and are highly respected in their neighborhood. JACOB KIBLER. Jacob Kibler, one of the representative and prominent farmers of Eagle township, Hancock county, is a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred eight miles east of Wooster in Wayne county, on the 17th of January, 1834. In 1837 he was brought to Hancock county by his parents, George and Emeline (Hays) Kibler, who were married in Wayne county. The father was a native of Virginia and the mother of Arkansas, she being born in that state while' her father was stationed there as an American officer in the war of 1812. Our subject's paternal grandfather served all through the Revolu- 358 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY tionary war. Both he and his wife were born in the Old Dominion of Ger-man ancestry and the latter lived to be over one hundred years of age. On coming to Hancock county in 1837 George Kibler had to cut his own road for a distance of ten miles from Findlay, and owing to high water and other obstacles he was three days in making the journey. He settled near Arlington, in Madison township, where he entered land and at once turned his attention to its improvement and cultivation. His brother John, who had accompanied him on his removal to this county, also entered a tract of government land, where he lived until his death, dying of cholera during the epidemic of that dread disease. The father of our subject died at the age of forty-five years when Jacob was only fourteen years of age. His other children were Luther, who died in Hancock county at the age of thirty. Mary Ann became the wife of Adam Wagner and died at the age of fifty years, the result of an accident. Isabel married Nels Westcott and died at the age of thirty-five. Washington, who now lives in Colfax county, Nebraska, served through the Civil war and was captured at Harper's Ferry after being wounded. After his exchange he rejoined his command and remained at the front until hostilities ceased. After the death of her first husband the mother of these children. married Thomas Wheeler, who took charge of the home farm but spent his last days in retirement from labor in Arlington, where both he and his wife died, both being about seventy-three years of age at the time of their deaths. By this union there were also five children: Holmes, now a resident of Arlington; Emeline, the widow of John Tombaugh and a resident of Findlay; Millie, wife of Noah Hindle, of Arlington; Joseph, a farmer of Madison township; and Milton, who died in childhood. After the death of his father Jacob Kibler worked for three years by the month as a farm hand, giving his mother his wages to aid in the support of the family. At that time he only received from five to seven dollars per month for chopping wood and farm work. From the age of seventeen until twenty he managed to save all of his earnings by living very economically, it being his intention to purchase forty acres of land. His first purchase, however, consisted of an eighty acre tract and he earned the money to make his first payment of thirty dollars by clearing ten. acres of land. This tract cost him three hundred dollars and was a heavily timbered place situated east of Arlington, in Madison township. Mr. Kibler was married February 23, 1854, to Miss Rebecca McClelland, who was then eighteen years of age and whom he had known from childhood. Her parents were David and Rebecca (Mercer) McClelland, of Eagle township, and came to Hancock county in the fall of 1836 and settled CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 359 on land in that township, where they continued to make their home until late in life, but their last days were spent in Findlay. There the father died when over eighty years of age, and the mother at the age of seventy-nine. By trade Mr. McClelland was a shoemaker and while engaged in farming he followed that occupation through the winter months. On coming to this county he was accompanied by his father, Robert McClelland, and his brothers, John, Thomas, James, Alexander and George, all of whom took up land. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kibler were born seven children who reached years of maturity : Emza Jane is now the wife of Theodore Powell, a farmer of Eagle township; Charlotte is the wife of Frank Steinman, also of Eagle township ; Flora is the widow of Philip Witch and is now teaching school in Arlington; Etta is the wife of Robert Baughman, of Van Buren township. Thomas, who now carries on the home farm for his father, married Jennie Creighton, who died leaving one son, Waldo, and for his second wife he married, Amanda Hays, by whom he has three children : Florence, Mabel and Gertrude. He is a well known breeder of Hereford cattle, having one of the best herds in the county, and his stock always commands the highest market price. Raleigh, an attorney at law, was educated at Ada, Ohio, and is now engaged in practice at Findlay. Benton is also a graduate of the college at Ada and is now a druggist of Alliance, Ohio. All the children have at some time engaged in teaching school and all have been given better educational advantages than the home. schools afforded. The youngest passed the county teachers' examination at the age .of fifteen years with only home advantages. His own education being limited, Mr. Kibler has provided his children with the best opportunities along that line so as to fit 'them for any position in life which they might be called upon to fill. He has assisted each as they have needed it and all are now doing well, being a credit to their parents. He now has sixteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Kibler began their married life amid primitive surroundings, he having built a cabin on rented land and furnished it with the simplest of furniture. Later he sold his eighty acre tract and about four years after his marriage bought the old homestead of his mother. Within a few years this was all paid for and he built thereon a good house and made many other Useful improvements. After residing upon that place for four or five years he bought his present farm of eighty acres in Eagle township in 1864, only forty acres of which had been cleared at that time, while a cabin constituted the only improvement, there being no ditches or tiling upon the place. This property cost him twenty-six hundred dollars and in buying it he went fifteen hundred dollars in debt, but this was all paid off at the end of five years. 360 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY He cleared and tiled the. land, at the same time placing it under excellent cultivation, and in 1874 he replaced his cabin home by his present substantial brick residence, so that he now has one of the best improved and most desirable farms in the locality. He bought more land but has since sold a tract of forty acres, and now has one hundred and twenty acres of rich and arable land. Starting out in life with scarcely any advantages and no capital, he deserves great credit for the success he has achieved in life, his prosperity being due entirely to his 0wn industry, perseverance and good management. Politically Mr. Kibler is a stanch Democrat and has served as a delegate to the county conventions of his party. He and his wife are members of the English Lutheran church in Eagle township, in which he has served for years in an official capacity, and he has given liberally to its support. Public spirited and progressive, he never withholds his aid from any enterprise calculated to advance the moral, social or educational interests of his community, and well does he deserve mention in the history of his adopted county. RICHARD M. WATSON. This gentleman is a representative of one of the. pioneer families of Hancock county, Ohio. Richard Watson, who is now deceased, was the original pioneer. He was a native of Maryland, but prior to 1831 he removed to Fairfield county, Ohio, in which county he remained up to that period when he settled in Liberty township, Hancock county. Here he purchased one hundred acres of land, and lived out a long life of usefulness, proving himself a practical farmer, and a good and loyal citizen. During the war of 1812 he entered the army and fought for his country with zeal and enthusiasm which only such a cause could call forth. His wife was Lucinda Waters, and to them were born nine children, the only surviving child being the subject of this sketch, R. M. Watson. Richard Watson was what is frequently denominated a self-made man, having begun life at the very bottom round of the ladder. He succeeded before his death in accumulating quite a competence, all of which was secured by honest and sincere toil. He died in 1852, his wife surviving him until 1870. Richard M. Watson was born in Liberty township in 1837. He picked up what education was possible in the country school at that early day, and passed his entire early life on the home farm. At the time of the breaking out of the Civil war he showed his loyalty to his country, taking part in the fearful struggle of the nation for the maintenance of its flag. He became CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 361 a member of Company G, One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment, Ohio. Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the battles f Mossy Creek, Strawberry Plains, and various engagements of the noted and bloody Georgia campaign, which in reality ended the war in that section of the south. For meritorious service he was promoted to the sergeancy of his company and in July, 1865, received an honorable discharge, having made a record as a gallant defender of his country. On his return to civil life, he bought fifty-five acres of land in Liberty township, to which he has since added at various times three hundred and forty-five more. On this farm he has both oil and gas wells. Mr. Watson has held the office f director f the Hancock County infirmary for three terms. He is a man of exceedingly, clean character, and has led an upright life among his associates in the county, being known particularly for his square dealing among his host f friends. In December, 1867, he was married to Miss Mary, daughter of Andrew and Emily Harner, by whom he had four children: John W.; Lucy, deceased; Grace; and Carl, who is now a practicing physician in Cleveland, Ohio. The other son, John, is an oil operator in this county. Mrs. Mary Watson was born in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1845, Her father was a native of Chester county, Pennsylvania, and died in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1849. Her mother was born in Wayne county, Ohio, and died in Stark county, in 1855. In politics Mr. Watson is a Democrat and his fraternal connections are with Stoker Post f the Grand Army of the Republic at Findlay.. WILLIAM F. GLAUNER. The gentleman whose honored name heads this sketch is one f the well-to-do farmers of Marion township, Hancock county, and resides on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, on which there is abundance of oil and gas, and from which source his own light and heat is supplied. The place of his nativity was Fairfield county, Ohio, and the date December 6, 1844. With his parents he removed to this county at the tender age of four years, and has. since that time continued to be a resident here. His father, Michael Glauner, purchased in Marion township one hundred and ten acres of land, though at the time. a man of very limited means, but by close application to business and practicing uprightness of life and a reasonable degree of economy, he became a wealthy; useful and influential man in his township. During his life time he was honored by being selected to hold many offices of trust. He served a number of years as trustee and justice of the peace, the latter office especially being administered with great care and justice. In his religious life 23 362 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY life he was a member of the Lutheran church from his boyhood. His wife, Sarah (Martens) Glauner, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, and died in Hancock county, in 1900, at about seventy-five years of age. Their family consisted of eight children, seven of whom are now living. The father died in 1887. William F. Glauner was the eldest of the family, and received his early training in the public schools in Marion township. He has always followed agricultural pursuits and through persistent effort is able at this time to command a very nice competence. He has been living on his present farm since 1875.. He is a worthy and active member of the Lutheran church, has served his township as trustee and is now acting in the capacity of justice of the peace, an office which he is administering with much satisfaction to his con-stituents. He has the entire confidence of his fellow citizens, and is in every way worthy of the trust which they repose in him. In politics Mr. Glauner is a Democrat. On February 9, 1871, Mr. Glauner married Miss Martha, daughter of James B. Thomas, whose family history will be found elsewhere in this volume. To this union were born six children: An infant that died tin, named Franklin B., deceased; Lloyd P., Edna A., Frederick E., and Harry -T. The Thomas family removed to this. county in 1838 and Mrs. Glauner was born here December 1, 1843. Her father located in what was form-erly Findlay township on a farm of one hundred and three acres, which he received from the government. This property he improved and resided on up to the time of his death in 1877. His wife 'died in 1863. The Thomas family have always stood high in the social circles of the community. CLARK W. DUKES. No name has been longer or better known in Hancock county than that of Dukes, which has been associated with what is now Blanchard township from a time anterior to its organization into a body politic. The family originated in Virginia, and as early as 1828 two brothers of the name, John and Richard, came to Hancock county and took up land. Richard married Mary Blue, a native of. Ohio...of German descent, and settled on a farm of ninety-six acres of 'wild woodland in the present limits of Blanchard town-ship. Richard Dukes became a successful farmer and a:man of influence among the pioneer settlers. The first meeting house in the- county was erected on his farm, being built of hewed logs with a clapboard roof. It was the headquarters for the pioneer preachers of the Methodist Episcopal CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 363 church, of which Richard Dukes was an earnest member, and most of the celebrated .evangelists of that clay were heard from its rude pulpit. Richard Dukes, who died in 1879, had a family of fourteen children, of whom nine grew to maturity and figured influentially in the various callings of life. Lewis, Dukes, eldest of these .children, was born in Franklin county, Ohio, November 30, 1827, and was brought by his parents to Hancock county when he was about one year old. Eventually he achieved notable success in agriculture,. owning nearly two thousand acres of land and residing on a farm which was regarded as one of the finest in the state. April 9, 1848, he married Laura A. Spangler, by whom he has the following living children : Parlee C., a prominent farmer residing in Blanchard township; Elizabeth, wife of Daniel Jackson, also a well known farmer of the county; Frances, wife of F. E. Alward, a farmer; Miles W., of Finlday.; Clark W. .and Robert B. Clark W. Dukes, next to the youngest of his father's living children, was born in Hancock. county, Ohio, May 14, 1862, and was educated in the schools of Blanchard township. In 1885 his father. gave him a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Blanchard township, to the cultivation and operation of which he has since then devoted all his time. He is a general farmer and stock raiser and exhibits the natural talent for the business which distinguished his father and others of the name, who have done so much for Hancock county agriculture. In 1885 he was united. in marriage with Miss Lucy, daughter of C. G.. and Elizabeth Moore, a native of Mercer county, where she was born in 1868. The children resulting from this union, six in number, are as follows : Carl A., Merrill L., Merritt L., Ura D. and two deceased. Owing to their long connection with the development of the, county, their success as agriculturists and their general merits as citizens, the Dukes, both of the older and younger generation, enjoy a standing second to no other family and they occupy positions of influence in their respective communities. MORRISON HOSLER. That Hancock county can support so many retired farmers who are amply provided for old age, and who can spend their later lives in ease, speaks well for the kinds of farms to be found in it, and still better for the class of men who have brought this condition about. Mr. Hosier learned farming in the most practical way, having been reared on a farm. His education was gotten in the country schools, and 364 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY though he now lives in Findlay, keeps up his interests in the country, and attends to his business affairs which are necessarily large. His success as -a stock-raiser in connection with farming is unquestioned and he is looked on as an authority in all matters pertaining to agriculture. Our subject was born in Fostoria, Ohio, in 1847, though at the early age of two he came with his parents to Hancock county, where they settled on a farm in Washington township. Mr. Hosier. was married on February 27, 1868, in Washington township to Sarah E. Linhart, daughter of Philip Linhart, and by this union there were two children : Cora May died in 1892, at the age of twenty-eight; she was the wife of William Henderson, and left two children : John Morrison and Frances Ruth. The other daughter is Eliza A., wife of Charles. Henderson, and their two children are Goldie M. and .Howard Wilson. Mr. Hosier gives his support to the Democratic party, and fraternizes with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of Findlay. BENJAMIN J. WISE. The above named is a worthy member of the agricultural class in Hancock county, residing in Marion township, on a farm of fifty acres. He is exceedingly well known throughout all this section of the country, from the fact that he was not only prominently identified with the agricultural element of this section, but for years previous had been connected with the ministry. He was, born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, .February 19, 1835, the son of Benjamin and Lydia Wise, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. He in early life received all the advantages of the common and select schools of his section, and so thoroughly fitted himself for the teacher's profssion that he followed that vocation most successfully for a number of years. He was thirty-five years a minister of the Gospel ih the United Brethren church, twelve of this number having been passed in the work exclusively, the balance of the period in the local ranks, though he has officiated frequently in the pulpit. Later in life Mr. Wise came under the influence of the teachers of the faith popularly known as the Christian Catholic church, Chicago, Illinois, to which organization he now devotes his religious activities. In July, 1870, he was joined in marriage to Miss Anna, daughter of Nicodemus B. and Margaret (Buckingham) Ingham, the former an agriculturist, who was born in Ohio and died at the age of sixty-four years. He was the son of Necodemus Ingham; the oldest heir of a Wealthy estate in England, where he was born. Seven children were the result of this union, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 365 namely : Alvin S., who married Ida V. Swank, and now resides in Carey, Wyandot county, Ohio; Elam, who married Emma L. Folk, and is living in Marion township; Homer; Orpha, who married Charles A. Byal, and resides in Eagle township, this county ; Virgil, who married Grace Miller and resides in Carey, Ohio; Blanche and Clarence. The mother of this .family was born in Putnam county, Ohio, on the 6th of September, 1847. This estimable" lady had a fair training for school teaching, and in the ranks of the noble calling she served with much satisfaction to her patrons, and with great honor to herself, for a considerable period of years. The parents of Benjamin J. Wise removed from the Keystone state in 1842, and located in Marion township on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Mr. Wise was a practical and most successful farmer, and during his lifetime was a man of great influence in the community. He, in his earlier days, carried on a mercantile business, and finally abandoned it for the more free and less lucrative business of farming. He held some of the important offices in the township during his "lifetime, having been assessor for a period of years. His family consisted of eleven children, eight of whom are now living: Fannie; Lovina; Benjamin J.; Isabelle, deceased; Israel, deceased; Mary; Sarah; Jane, deceased; Lydia; Franklin and Dixon. After a long life of usefulness in the community, the parents of this family died, the wife in March, 1885, and the father in 1890. Our subject's paternal grandfather was a fine cabinet-maker and farmer. He was a very exact man, always looking after the details of life, a Presbyterian and very devout. Our subject's grandfather on his mother's ,side, whose name was Corad Opp, was a successful farmer and a man of considerable influence in his day, being a zealous Presbyterian. NELSON POE. Nelson Poe, a retired farmer residing in Findlay, Ohio, is a representative of one of the oldest families of which Ohio can boast; for from the time when the country had only a few scattered settlements, and most of these without government authority, when the vast stretches of fertile prairie and woodland lay untouched except by the futile and improvident scratchings of the Indian in his shiftless effort to produce his winter's grain, from that early period has the Peo family been represented among the hardy Ohio pioneers. Grandfather John Poe was a native of old Virginia and came, along with the thousands making for the great west, to Ohio about the year 1798, and there he lived to the advanced age of ninety-six years. He had taken' part in 366 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY the Revolutionary war, serving in the cavalry forces and had his horse shot which fell upon him. and he was taken prisoner by the British. The horse, in falling,'caught him on one of the legs and bound him. After being shot, the animal ran one hundred yards before falling. His son, Jacob Poe, was also born in Virginia, in 1782, and when about sixteen years of age came with his father to Ross county, Ohio, and in 1822 removed to Hancock county, where his long life as a tiller of the soil came to an end in 1856. Eighty years ago, on September 4, 1822, on Paint creek, Ross county, near Chillicothe, Ohio, Was born Nelson Poe; and in December of the same year he came with his parents to Hancock county, where the latter located on the farm in Liberty township, which now belongs to. our subject. Here he lived until 1857, when he rented a farm in Findlay township, three miles north of Findlay,. where he lived until 1860; he then purchased and moved to a farm in Liberty township; in 1864 the old home place passed into his hands and. he made that his. home until November 15, 1888, when he retired and has since resided in. Findlay. Mr. Poe was married in August, 1846, in Hancock county, to Mary, the step-daughter of John Lytle, and three children have been born to them. Philip Melancthon Poe was born March 5, 1847, and died February 13, 1865; on October 16, 1864, he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was with Sherman on his famous march to the sea, and died at Savannah of disease contracted in the service. Martin Luther:Poe was born July 29, 1850, and died July 23, 1889. The third child, Annetta, is the wife of P. W. Ewing, of Findlay. Mr. Poe is a member of the Methodist church, and his political tendencies are toward the Prohibition party. WILLIAM W. ERNEST. Of the farmers of Washington township whose association with the public life of the community is such as to deserve. recognition in this volume we find the above named gentleman. He resides on and operates a farm of one hundred arid seventy acres. He is a native of the Keystone state, having been born in Perry county, September 27, 1846. His father's name was Frederick Ernest and his mother was Mary A. Hall, both of them having been natives of the same state and county. Frederick Ernest was a stone and brick mason, at which trade he labored for a number of years before abandoning it for agricultural pursuits. He with his. family removed to Hancock county in 1849, where he located on forty acres of land, subsequently CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 367 adding thirty. The most of this land was in its primitive wild state, and the first years were years of toil devoted to clearing, in which the subject of this- sketch did his part. The father was a good, industrious man, who made many friends by his upright dealings. It is noted that he had been a soldier of the ,war of 1812. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and by that congregation was very greatly esteemed. The family consisted of thirteen children, six of whom are now living : Samuel J., George K., William W., Mary E., F. J., and Isaac M. Frederick Ernest died in the year 1874, and his wife, Mary A., died in April, 1902. William W. Ernest has passed a lifetime in agricultural pursuits. He received the rather limited education of the pioneer days in Hancock county, but it was enough, together with that which he has added by observation and experience, to equip him for the duties of life. He purchased his first farm in 1880, and later added one hundred acres, all of which he devotes to general farming. He was united in marriage to Miss Emma, daughter of Jonathan and Margaret Adams, in 1874. To this happy union were born two children : Rella M. and W. J. Mrs. Emma Ernest was born near Fostoria, Hancock county, December i0, 1846. Mr. Ernest and his wife are consistent members of the United Brethren church, in which organization he is a trustee. He is. an industrious and honored citizen, and is prominently identified with the active life of the community in which he resides, and in which. he arid Mrs. Ernest are highly esteemed citizens. In 1902 Mr. Ernest added to his one hundred and seventy acres twelve acres more, making in all a farm of one hundred and eighty-two acres, which is devoted to general farming and stock-raising. DON C. HUGHES, M. D. We have here one of the younger members of the medical fraternity of Hancock county, Ohio, a gentleman who is a product of the city of Findlay, having been born there February 17, 1870,. and where he was reared and received his primary education. He graduated from the High school in Findlay in 1888, and immediately entered upon the study of civil engineering, which he intended to adopt as a life profession. After eighteen months of the study he was- forced to abandon that idea owing to an accident which incapacitated him from pursuing such an active life. He thereupon entered the office of Dr. F. W. Firmin in Findlay, and began the study of medicine. The school which he selected to complete his education was the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, Maryland, where, after due time, he 368 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY graduated. in 1893. He then repaired to the city of Chicago, where he hung out his shingle and practiced for some eighteen months, when he located in his own city. This was in September, 1895, and he has continued to practice here since that date. Dr. Hughes is keenly alive to the interests of his profession, keeping .in touch with the medical thought of his section of the state. He is a member of the American Medical Association, of the Ohio State Medical. Society, of the Northwestern Ohio Medical Society, and for the past five years has been secretary of the Hancock County Medical Society. He is a young man of great promise in his chosen profession, and has already succeeded in building up a very creditable practice. The Doctor is a prominent and active Republican, the policies of which party he delights in furthering at every opportunity. Fraternally he affiliates with the popuular insurance organization known as the Modern Woodmen of America. Dr. Hughes was united in marriage December 31, 1898, to Mamie, the daughter of John W. Dempsey, of New Albany, Pennsylvania. The chief points in the family history of Dr. Hughes may be summed up as follows. The first member of the family of which any authentic information can be given was of his great-grandfather, William Hughes, who was a native of Pennsylvania, and at the time of the struggle for independence took a prominent part in the cause of freedom. The next in line was our subject's grandfather, who was also a native of Pennsylvania and lived and died there. The father of Dr. Hughes was Leonidas H. Hughes, born in Pennsylvania in 1845. He married Eva Swapp and to them was born one child, Don C. He removed to Hancock county in 1858, and is now deputy internal revenue collector for the eighth district. At the time when his country needed his services, Mr. Hughes gladly went to the front, serving the entire period of the war as a private soldier in Company E, Fifty-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. While meeting a charge of the enemy at Chickamauga, he received a wound in the right knee, which incapacitated him for some time from participating in. the service. Dr. Don C. Hughes is a figure in the medical and social life of his community. He merits and receives the good wishes of a very large circle of friends. GABRIEL M. DREISBACH. This name suggests Germany and inquiry proves that the surmise is correct, as the family originated in that country, though the descendants have long been residents of the United States. The original emigrants and founders of the family in America were Martin and Eva Hoffman Dreisbach, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 369 who came across the ocean in 1746 and found a location in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania: Their son Martin, who was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in 1764, and died in 1831, married Selina F. Bucks, a native of Sussex county, New Jersey, who died in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1849. John Dreisbach, son of the last mentioned couple, was born in Buffalo Valley. Pennsylvania, June 5, 1789, entered the ministry of the Evangelical church at an early age and was one of the first ministers of that denomination in the United States. In 1811 he married Catherine Eyer, who died in 1815, leaving two children, Salome and Elizabeth. In 1817 he married Fannie Eyer, sister of his first wife, and the children by this union were: Abraham E., Isaac E., Catherine, Sophia, Jacob . B., Leah E., Martin E., Susannah E., John E., Fannie and Martha E. The father died August 20, 1877. Abraham E. Dreisbach, eldest son of the above mentioned children, was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, February 21, 1818, and in 1840 was married to Mary A. Miesse of Fairfield county, Ohio. He was ordained to the ministry of the Evangelical church and devoted to the service of this denomination the best part of his active life: The children of the marriage above recorded, ten in number, thus appear in the family register : Caroline M., John M.; Susan M., David M., Gabriel M., C. M., Abraham M., Mary A.. Benjamin M. and Daniel (twins). The last named is dead and of the other brothers, John M. and Abraham M. are ministers of the gospel. The mother of these children died February 9, 1857,, and her husband's second wife was Elizabeth Strome, by whom there was no issue. Rev. Abraham E. Dreisbach, who did much good for the cause of religion and morality and remained in harness as long as strength lasted, ended his earthly career August 28, 1876. Gabriel M. Dreisbach, fifth of his children imorder of birth, was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, March 30, 1848. He was taken in early life to Seneca county, where he was reared, educated and remained until he reached his majority. In the spring of 1869 he came to Hancock county and some time later made his first purchase of land, consisting of fifty acres in Union township. This tract was increased by various purchases from time to time, but finally Mr. Dreisbach disposed of his entire holdings in Union and in 1892 bought the farm of ninety-five acres in Blanchard township, which constitutes his present homestead. Oct. 26, 1869, he married Miss Mary A. Whisler, a native of Putnam county, Ohio, where she was born July 2, 1853. The five children resulting from this union are : H. D., born in 1871; Blanch L., born in 1873; Irvin W., born in 1875; Floretta, in 1878; and Edith A., in 1882. The family belongs to the Evangelical church, which for many generations has been the hereditary faith of their long line 370 - CENTE1VATIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY of ancestors, a number of whom, as previously shown, were ministers of this denomination. Mr. Dreisbach was recently elected treasurer of this township and at present is serving his second year in that office. In politics he is a Republican. H. D. Dreisbach, the oldest child, married Verna Whitmore of Fremont, Ohio. Blanch I. is now Mrs. Rev. Green, and has three children, viz: Ethel, Oral and Mary C. Irvin W. married Ethel McLish and has one child, Francis Fem. Edith A. married Rev. O. J. Baker, of Delmore, Ohio. JOHN VAN SICKLE. In these times and in this country, where birth and social position have an inconsiderable influence on one's success in life, the man whom history most honors is he who has started in life with little capital and has made his way to the top in spite of obstacles. John Van Sickle of Pleasant township is a good example of this character of a man. The parents of this man were John and Elizabeth (Fellers) Van Sickle. The former was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1812, and his ancestry is traceable to good Holland stock; the latter was a native of Stark county, Ohio. They located in Blanchard township of this county in 1837, at first buying forty acres of land and later eighty acres more. In 1855 they sold this and removed to Pleasant township in 1856, where be purchased one hundred and sixty acres, but little of this was improved and he spent a good many years in bringing it under cultivation. Afterwards he sold. this farm and bought one of eighty acres near McComb, upon which he lived until his death in 1885, in the month of March. He was married three times, his first wife being Angeline Housworth, who bore no children. His second wife was Elizabeth Felters, who was the mother of Thomas, deceased; David; Isaac; John; our subject; George, who died in the army; Elizabeth; Nancy; Samantha and Servatus, By his third wife, Jane Brooks, he. had Steven, William and Martha. His second wife, the mother of our subject, died on December 8, 1861. He was a strong, rugged man, of large build, above the average in intelligence, an inveterate hunter, and always provided well for his large family. He was the first man in his county to own and operate a threshing machine. He was a strong adherent of the principles of the Republican party and a worthy citizen of his county. John Van Sickle, Jr., was born in Blanchard township, Hancock county, Ohio, in 1841, attended the district schools and completed his education in Findlay. After his school days were over he taught for several terms, but CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 371 finding a life of confinement too great a strain he turned his attention to agriculture. He and his three brothers served in the Civil war; David was in the Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry; George enlisted in the same regiment after its reorganization; Isaac was in the One Hundred and Thirty-second Ohio; and John served in Company L, First Heavy Artillery, Ohio Volunteers from August 8, 1864, to the end of the war. On his return from the army John bought his present farm. On March 16, 1868, he was united in marriage to Laura D. Davis, daughter of Alfred Davis, and born January 5, 1843; two children were born : Irvin L., in 1871, and Ivy Dell, in 1879, who became the wife of B. B. Brumby. Mr. Van Sickle is a self-made man who began life with his hands and an earnest purpose as his capital, and by thrift and industry has accumulated considerable property. In 1879 he built a commodious and comfortable brick house; besides his general farming he devotes some time to fruit growing. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Post No. 155; he and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist church; and in all affairs concerning business or society in general he makes the influence of his upright character felt. A. J. OVERHOLT. This native of the Keystone state, who is by descent a German, lives in Washington township, where he resides on a farm of seventy-two acres devoted to general farming. His birth occurred in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, on January 24, 1848. His paternal sire was Abraham Overbolt, his mother's maiden name having been Barbara Sherick. The father was born in February, 1811, and the mother in the year 1813. Mr. Overholt was ten years of age when his parents, in 1858; removed from Pennsylvania to Hancock county, Ohio. Here his father bought three hundred and twenty-five acres of virgin forest land, which was cleared during the lifetime of Abraham Overholt. This gentleman was a good and thrifty farmer, and was one of the heaviest payers of tax on real estate in his day in the county. Politically he affiliated with the Republican party, and religiously he was what was known as a Mennonite, but, not having a church organization nearby, he later joined the United Brethren church. His death occurred January 23, 1896, the wife having preceded him, dying December 5, 1891. The children, besides the subject of sketch, were Anna, Christian M., Elizabeth, Jacob, deceased, Joseph, Abraham, Sara, Maria, Barbara and Martin B. 372 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY A. J. Overholt was reared in Washington township, and early became familiar with the labors of the field and meadow, and assisted in the work of the home farm. His elementary education was acquired in the district school, which was later supplemented by further literary work in the schools of the city of Fostoria. His instincts and training fitted him peculiarly for the life of an agriculturist, and he chose that pursuit, in which he has been eminently successful. The first farm he owned was purchased in January, 1880, and lies partly in Wood county. He lives, however, in Hancock county, where he caused to be built the handsome brick structure in which he now resides, the other improvements being in consonance. The marriage of Mr. Overholt occurred January 14, 1869, the lady being Elmira, the daughter of Isaac and Susan Marietta. Two children have been born to this union : Earl L., May 2, 187o, and Mabel M. The son, after pursuing a four years' classical course at Fostoria Academy, became a student of the Cincinnati Medical Academy, and after graduating .at this institution enrolled at the Rush Medi- cal College in Chicago, Illinois, where he spent two years and obtained his degree. He is now a successful physician in his home town of Fostoria, where he enjoys a large and lucrative practice. 'The daughter Mabel is also a graduate of Fostoria high school, in' which institution. she is now a successful and popular instructor. Mr. Overholt has always taken an exceedingly active part in the public life of his county. He gives his every effort to the advancement of the interests of the Republican party, by whose suffrages he is at the present time serving as county commissioner, to which office he was elected in 1902. He has also served in the more minor but not less responsible office of trustee of his township. He and his family are consistent members of the United Brethren church, in which organization he has been for years a trustee. They are honored for their many good qualities of heart and mind, and well deserve representation in a history devoted to the representative families of Hancock county. FREDERICK A: HOLLIGER. Many Swiss compatriots have found a home in America, where they have succeeded in building up fortunes and in winning the respect of their fellow citizens. The subject of this sketch, however, was but five years old when be came to America, but he looks on it as his mother country and has served it faithfully in war as well as in peace. Mr. Holliger's father, Nicholas Holliger, was born in Switzerland in 1821, and came to America in 1850, locating in Uhrichsville, Ohio. It was there that Mr. Holliger lived and was educated, his parents afterwards moving CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 373 to a farm. He enlisted in September, 1863, in Company I, One Hundred and Twelfth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, as a private, and served until the close of the war, when he was mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee, in November, 1865. He was in the following battles : Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, Cynthiana, Kentucky, the first. fight at Saltville, Virginia, where lie was badly wounded in the right thigh and captured. He was also in many minor engagements. He was sent to. the Emory Henry hospital, fifteen miles from Saltville, Virginia, and there held three weeks. He was then sent to Richmond, Virginia, and paroled and exchanged at City Point. From there he was taken to the hospital at Annapolis, Maryland, where he remained until December, 1864, and was given a furlough of thirty days home. At the expiration of his furlough he reported at Camp Chase, Ohio, and rejoined his regiment at Richmond, Kentucky, his wound still being a running sore. In spite of this he went with General Stoneman in co-operation with Sherman on his march to the sea, and was in the fight at Salisbury, North. Carolina, where they released about three thousand Federal prisoners and came. so near to capturing Jefferson Davis. After being mustered out of service at Nashville, Mr. Holliger returned to Ohio, going to Columbus, where he received his discharge and returned to his home in Tuscarawas county. He remained there for some time, farming a little, and working in a grist mill and in the coal mines. in 1879 he went to Troy, Ohio, for a year and later to Piqua, Ohio, continuing in the sewing machine business in which he had engaged in Troy. In 1887 he left the sewing machine business to start into the grocery business, which later he merged into a confectionery jobbing business. In 1887 he sold out and came to Findlay, and went into the wholesale confectionery and cigar business, which he now continues, the members of the firm being F. A., H. L., C. C. Holliger and C. F. Eckhardt. Mr. Holliger was first married in 1869 to Mary A. Lehn, who died in 1880, leaving three children as follows : Harry L.; Charles C. and Mary Maud, wife of C. F. Eckhardt. Mr. Holliger married again in 1882, his second wife being Mary A. McWilliams; there have been no children by this union. A brother of Mr. Holliger also served as a private the Civil war, enlisting in Company B, Fifty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was captured at Somerset, Kentucky, but was not held long, being soon paroled. The subject of this sketch belongs to the Knights of Pythias, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Stoker Post, No. 54, Grand Army of the Republic. 374 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY EPHRAI1VI TROUT. For many years this gentleman, now deceased, was one of the leading citizens of Allen township, Hancock county. He was the. son of John and Eleanor Trout, who, with ,their family removed from Perry county to the. village of Van Buren, Hancock county, in 1828. The father entered one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government, part of which original purchase is now owned by Allen Dorsey, of Van Buren. This land was soon brought under a good state of cultivation. Mr. John Trout is remembered as having been one of the principal movers in the matter of laying out the town of Van Buren. He was a thorough business man as well as a good practical farmer. His death occurred early in life. His family consisted of Ephraim, George, Philip, John F., Eliza, Ella and Cornelius. Ephraim Trout was born in Perry county, Ohio, November 24, 1817. He was, therefore, only eleven years old when his parents came to Hancock county, Ohio. Having been reared on a farm and educated in the common schools of the township, he naturally took to agricultural pursuits and followed in the footprints of his father. He passed his life as a resident of Allen township, was prominent in public affairs, ranked among the best farm-ers, and served in many of the local offices. His farm consisted of a quarter section, upon which he lived until his death, which occurred October 18, 1900. He twice entered the state of matrimony. His first wife was Sarah E. Shafer, whom he married April 25, 1839, and who died in October, 1871, leaving seven children : John, Mary E., Amanda, Hiram (deceased), Caroline (deceased), Philip and Sarah E. April 6, 1873, Mr. Trout married Miss Isabelle J., daughter of Daniel and Mary (Hymer) Warner, whose children were, Eliza M., born February 20, 1874; William D., September 4, 1875; Mollie F., April 9, 1879. (deceased) : Edward G., December 7, 1880; and Roscoe L., September 9, 1889. Of these children, Eliza married W. Mickey, whom she. bore two daughters, Martha B., and Florence E. William D. married Clara B. McCullough, and they have two children, Roy E. and Clyde E. Mrs. Isabelle Trout was born in Allen township, November 17, 1842, and is the owner of real estate in her own right, upon which are three produring oil wells. Her father, Daniel Warner, was born in Dutchess county, New York state, in 1799, and her mother in Philadelphia in 1801, coming to Ohio in 1815. They were among the very earliest pioneers in the county of Wayne, Daniel being the first white boy in what is now Wooster, Ohio, and his brother Alanson the first white child born in the same place. The Warners removed to this county about 1830, where they located in what is CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 375 now Portage township. Mr. Warner is remembered as being a man of great activity, buying and selling different parcels of real estate, which he improved while he held them. He died. in 1880, in Portage township, and his Wife in August, 1865. Only two of their eight children are living : Daniel Warner and Mrs. Isabelle Trout. The latter is a member of the United Brethren church, and the family is esteemed for having been honorably and prominently associated with the building up of the institutions of Hancock county. JOHN A. SUTTON. This is an honored name in the business circles of Hancock county, Ohio, its possessor being at the present time auditor of the county. He is one of the products of this utilitarian age when every man may be the architect of his own fortune. If Mr. Sutton ever reaches the highest office in the gift of the .American . people, he may attribute it to the fact that he was shrewd enough in his early life to add Lincoln's accomplishment to his repertoire, that of .a railsplitter, and later that Other almost necessary qualification, an experience as a printer in a country newspaper office. Mr. Sutton has always been exceedingly active in the political circles of his county and state. He is. a Republican of the stalwart kind, and has always held himself ready for service in any. position. that would advance the interests of the grand old party. Born in 1856, on the 28th day of November, on a farm in Morgan county, Ohio, he there passed the period of his early boyhood, and in the year 1864 removed with his parents to Trenton, Missouri. Here he passed two years of his life, and then, his mother having died in the meantime, he returned with his .father to the old home in Morgan county. On the farm he remained until 1873, when he came to Deshler, Ohio, where he remained for a year, engaging in the arduous labor of getting out railroad ties, logs and stave blocks. Back again to Morgan county and Noble county he went, where he continued in the laborious labor of farm life up to the year 1878, when in the fall he came to Hancock county, locating on a farm in Blanchard township. He passed but a year on this farm when, in 1879, he came to Findlay, where he entered the office of the "Jeffersonian" as printer's devil, from which position he has worked up through the grades until he is at the present time associate editor of that paper. His labors with this paper have not been continuous, he having passed a period in North Baltimore, Wood county, Ohio, where he founded, in 1884, the North Baltimore "Beacon," a Republican weekly, which he continued to run with great success for a period of two years. During his residence in Wood county he was 376 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY elected clerk of Henry township, which was the beginning of his public career. He served until 1886, when he resigned the office, sold out his paper and returned to Findlay to accept the "Jeffersonian associate editor of the."Jeffersonian:" This position he. still holds. In this city he has been quite active in the public life of the community from 1893 to 1897, being a member of the library board, which he resigned to become a member of the city election board. In this position he served .one year. Prior to leaving Findlay to engage in the newspaper business he had served a period as supehaving of elections of Hancock county, having been appointed by the secretary of state in 1900. This office he resigned to accept the nomination on the Republican ticket for county auditor of Hancock county, to which office he was elected after a very stirring campaign. For a period of twenty years Mr. Sutton has been continuously connected with the local machinery of the Republican party, serving on the central and executive committees most of that time. His previous experience was an earnest of what might be expected in his conduct of the auditor's office: Fraternally he affiliates with the Masonic fraternity, and favors the form of worship of the Methodist Episcopal church. His doinestic life began in Findlay in 1884, when he was married to Mary M. Mungen, who presides over his home with dignified grace. He is the father of two interesting daughters, Mary Lucille and Dorothy Anna. L. S. WOODS, M. D. This gentleman; who is the oldest residen physician of Rawson, is a. native of the county and the state, also descended from Ohioans born and bred on the side of both father and mother. Such a pedigree would seem to entitle Dr. Woods to be designated as a "genuine Buckeye," a heritage to which it is generally regarded as a high honor to be born. But the Doctor is not one of those who would rest his claims for distinction on the fact that he "was born in Ohio," preferring to show merit of a different kind, and before this biography is concluded the reader will find reason for believing that the subject thereof needs no factitious aid in advertising his standing as a professional man. As stated, both his parents were natives of Ohio, the father, James Woods, hailing from Columbiana and his mother, Hannah Hatcher, claiming origin in Stark county. They were children of pioneer settlers, the first born November 16, 1810, and the latter July 5, 1815, and were consequently familiar with the scenes characteristic of Ohio in its formative period as a. state. James Woods and Hannah Hatcher became acquainted early in CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 377 their lives, were married April 11, 1833, and a few years later decided to locate permanently in Hancock county. They arrived September 20, 1837, and first settled in Delaware township, ;but three years afterward bought forty acres of improved land in Madison township, on which they constructed their home and ever after resided there. John Woods was one of the first trustees of the new township of Madison, which was formed out of a part of Delaware, and he became a man of influence in that locality. His original investment in land was subsequently increased by the purchase of sixty additional acres, and the tract was converted into a comfortable and productive homestead. Mr. Woods is now ninety-two years old, and a fine sample of the sturdy race whose energy and industry placed Ohio in the front rank of the great commonwealths of the central valley. Mrs. Hannah Woods, the beloved mother of an affectionate family, passed away in peace with all the world on the 23d of March, 1894. Of the eight children of this worthy couple the five now living are : Enos H., Samantha A., Dr. Thomas E., Nathan B., route agent on the Northern Pacific Railroad for the last twenty years, and the Doctor, whose life work is now to be unfolded in outline. L. S. Woods, youngest of his father's children, was born on the old family homestead in Madison township, Hancock county, Ohio, November 3, 1853: After finishing the usual course in the common schools he entered the office of his elder brother, Dr. Thomas E. Woods, at Rawson, for the purpose of studying medicine, and remained three years under that efficient preceptorship. The ground work being thus laid; he next attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, and obtained his medical degree from that famous institution on March 17, 1887. Without much delay he opened an office at Rawson, and has since practiced continuously at that place, being now the oldest resident physician of the village. He belongs to what. is called the allopathic or regular school of physicians, and is regarded as one of the most skillful as well as best informed of the county's medical Practitioners. He. is a member of the Northwestern Ohio and the Hancock County Medical Societies, and takes an active interest in their meetings and discussions. January 1, 1884, Dr. Woods was united in marriage with Miss Inez A., daughter of George J. and Caroline Kelly. The father of Mrs. Woods, who is one of the oldest citizens of Rawson and furnished most of the land for the town site when the place was laid out, is noticed at some length in another part of this volume. Dr. and Mrs. Woods have three children : Leo Mozelle, born April 15, 1888; Scott K. and Hannah K., twins, born September 24, 1894. Dr.. Woods is quite prominent in Masonic circles, being worshipful master of    Lodge No. 418, and a member of the chapter and command- 24 378 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY ery at Findlay. He has also been long connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which fraternity he is past grand. In politics, Dr. Woods is an uncompromising Republican as. his father has always been since the formation of that party. His home was a station for the "Underground Railroad" before the war. It is hardly necessary to add that the families of Woods and Kelly, being among. the oldest, are, also among the most respected in their localities and form part of the best social circles. SYLVANUS W. TROUT. The annals of Hancock county, to be complete, must have written into them the deeds of heroism accomplished by her soldier element, and it is with pleasure that notice is taken of one of that honorable class of citizens, who is at the. present time well-to-do farmer of Allen township, where he is engaged extensively in stock raising on a well tilled farm of one hundred and twenty acres. He was not of military age at the time when the war cloud gathered over our nation, but just as soon as he could prevail upon the mustering officer to accept him, he entered the army and gallantly did his part to maintain unbroken the constitution written in the blood of our fathers. In 1863 he became a private in Company I, of the Twenty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He participated with this regiment in a number of well contested battles in the middle west, such as Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, the Atlanta campaign, Franklin, Nashville. He was present at fourteen of the principal battles of the war, and in a number of smaller skirmishes. He bravely did his duty during these years of service, and on July 29, 1865, received an honorable discharge. Sylvanus 'W. Trout was born on the farm on which he now resides on the 7th of. February, 1845.. He was the son of George W. and Delilah (Heller) Trout. He received his early training and education in his native township, and has always followed agricultural pursuits. He is a practical farther and enjoys the full confidence of his fellow citizens. His married life began in 1869, when he led to the altar Miss Clarissa, daughter of Anthony and Lucy Huntington, to whom one son, Milton E., was born in 187o. This boy's mother died in 1872; and after a western trip to California, which lasted nearly two years, Mr. Trout returned. home, and in 1876 was married to Rachel S., daughter of Abraham and Susan Kempher. The following. children have been born to this marriage, namely:. Carrie K.; Charles E. ; Merrill 'W.; Fannie B. ; Susan A., deceased; Nellie J.; and Floyd, also deceased. The mother of these children is a native of Portage township, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 379 where she was born in 1849, and where her parents removed from Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, some eleven years previous. George W. Trout, father of our subject, removed to this county with his father, John Trout, in 1829, when but a lad. John Trout entered a farm now owned by Allen Dorsey in Van Buren, then containing one hundred and sixty acres of timber land in its natural state. In conjunction with his farming, John Trout kept a hotel in Van Buren, known as the Trout House, he exploiting that fact by the rather unique sign of a trout. These two enterprises he carried on up to his death. He was a gallant defender of the Union against British aggression in 1812, a good citizen generally and reared a family of five children. When George W. Trout came of .age he entered from the government eighty acres of land, but afterward exchanged his interest in the homestead for eighty acres which his brother James owned, and joined him on the west. This property is now owned by our subject. George W. Trout was a practical farmer, a good neighbor, a loyal citizen, and a loving husband and father. He made the best possible use of his time, valuing it as so much capital. He was a member of the United Brethren church, in political affiliations a Republican and fraternized with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His death, which was mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances, occurred in October, 1882, the mother of his children surviving him some thirteen years. They reared a family of seven children, six of whom grew to maturity, and five of whom are now living. Sylvanus W. Trout has passed his entire life in Hancock county, and his many acquaintances know him to be a man of sterling worth, reliable in business, and trustworthy in all life's relations. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Stoker Post, No. 54, Grand Army of the Republic, and the United Brethren church. Mrs. Trout is a member of the Christian church. MILTON E. TROUT. This gentleman is a young and enterprising farmer residing in Allen township, on a farm of seventy-two acres of well tilled land. He was born in July, 1870, and is the son of Sylvanus W. and Lucy (Huntington) Trout. Milton Trout is a worthy representative of a worthy family, and is distinguished himself, as time passes, in agricultural pursuits. His entire life, with the exception of two. years, has been passed on the farm he now occupies and owns. He is in the oil belt of Hancock county, and has a producing well on his farm. He married Irma, daughter of Almond E., and Theresa 380 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY S. (Woodward) Hadsall, a native of Lima, Ohio, where she was born February 6, 1875. They have four children : Samuel A., born. January 6, 1896; Inez L., July 3, 1897; Theresa M., January 31, 1899; and Edna L., March 20, 1901. Mrs. Trout's father was a native of Hancock county and her mother of Erie county, Ohio. By his first marriage Mr. Hadsall had seven children and five by the last. GEORGE W. SNYDER. Among the representative citizens of Jackson township none. are more deserving of mention in this volume than George W. Snyder, who for many years has: been connected with the agricultural interests of Hancock county. Although he has met with reverses in life he has steadily overcome all the obstacles in the path to success, and is now one of the well-to-do and substantial citizens of his. community. A native of Hancock county, Mr. Snyder was born in Findlay township, April 20, 1854, his parents being Samuel and Catherine (Spangler) Snyder, who were natives of Perry and Fairfield counties, respectively, and were married in the latter county. A year later, in 1833, the father came to Hancock county, at which time there were only thirteen buildings in the city of Findlay. He entered a tract of land in Findlay township, two and a half miles northeast of the city, on the Lake Erie & Western Railroad. It was covered with a heavy growth of timber and there were but few settlers in that locality at that time. Mr. Snyder worked at his trade of cabinet making most of the time, devoting his evenings and what other time he could spare to the improvement and cultivation of his land until he had a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Upon that place he continued to make his home until called to his final rest on the 4th of October, 1884, at the age of seventy-two years, and his wife died May 6, 1888, at the age of seventy-three. Politically .he was first a Whig and later a Republican,. and was always very outspoken and decided in his views on any question. He was very active in religious work, being one of the original members of the English Lutheran church of Findlay and assisted in building the first church of that denomination at that place, in which he served in an official capacity throughout life. He lived peaceably with all men, never being engaged in a lawsuit, and was noted for his generosity, giving liberally to all enterprises calculated to improve the moral, social or material welfare of his community. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 381 In the family of this Worthy man were ten children, of whom one died in infancy, those reaching maturity being. Solomon, a resident of Big Lick township; Emanuel, of Arcadia; William, a ranchman of Kansas; George W., of this review : Rebecca, wife of Henry Ebersole, of Washington township, this county; Emma, wife of William P. Small, of Findlay, all of whom are still living, while Isabella, the eldest of the family, married J. G. Orth, of Arcadia, and died at the age of sixty-two years; Louisa married Michael Snyder and died in Arcadia some years ago ; and Mary wedded Samuel Snyder, of Putnam county, Ohio, and died when a young woman. George W. Snyder, of this review, is the youngest of the family and remained at home until twenty-five years of age, having charge of the farm during the last. years of his residence there. In 1879 he bought the place and continued its operation until 1888, when he rented it and removed to Findlay, where he, engaged in the livery business for four years with satisfactory results. Prior to this time, however, he had lost all of his property by going security for twenty-seven thousand dollars, he and his brothers, Emanuel and Solomon having endorsed the notes of their brother William tor that amount. To meet his obligations our subject gave up the old home farm and in fact all that he possessed with exception of a few tools and some stock valued at between two and three hundred dollars. During the following three 'years he was engaged in farming on rented land, and at the end of that time removed to his present farm, his father-in-law having given Mrs. Snyder eighty acres. She also purchased another eighty-acre tract, so that they now own a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he has plated under excellent cultivation. It is known as the Henry Bowers farm and here Mr. Snyder has made his home since 1897, during which time he has kept paying off old obligations to the amount of twenty-five hundred dollars. In some instances the notes had. run for eleven 'years. In 1886, during the boom in Findlay, Mr. Snyder was offered four hundred dollars per acre for his old Snyder farm but did not make. up his mind to sell until thirty days later. When ready to accept the offer his brother Solomon advised him to wait, believing the land would bring six hundred dollars per acre, but the offer was never repeated. There had been previously sold some adjoining land for three hundred. dollars per acre, which shortly af- terwarel brought eight hundred dollars, and this led him to believe that which he possessed was worth more than four hundred dollars per acre. In 1888, on his removal to Findlay, he leased his farm for twelve hundred :dollar's cash, receiving his pay in twenty dollar gold Pieces. A gas well was sunk upon the place, but it did not prove a valuable one. At that time the streets 382 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY of Findlay were crowded with an excited lot of people who expected soon, to realize vast fortunes from their gas wells. On the loth of December, 1878, Mr. Snyder was united in marriage to Miss Alice S. Wyer, then twenty-three years of age, the daughter of Henry Wyer. She was. born in Fairfield county but when a young girl came with her parents to Hancock county and was educated in the high school of Findlay. By her marriage she has become the mother of two sons : William B., born June 30, 1882; and Cloyd C., born August 22, 1884. Both are at home with their parents. The family hold a high. place in the esteem of the community in which they live, and as a genial, courteous gentleman Mr. Snyder has made a host of friends throughout the county. JOHN F. STALL The Stall family were of German extraction, the American branch originating from settlers in Pennsylvania. From Franklin county, in that state, during the earlier half of the nineteenth century, George and Mary Stall came to Carroll county,. Ohio, where they resided until 1853. In that year they. removed to Hancock county and located on eighty acres of land which had been but little improved and contained no better building than a log house. The newcomers remained on this farm until 1892, when. it was sold and a residence .purchased in Findlay, which was the home of Mr. and Mrs. Stall until their deaths, which occurred September 24, and January 2, 1895, respectively. George Stall was a man of influence in his township, where he held the offices of treasurer and clerk. While holding the office of township treasurer he was robbed of one thousand two hundred dollars of the public money, which he made good by selling some property which he owned in the town of Arcadia.. This robbery occurred in 1868, but Mr. Stall's prompt restitution of the funds by sacrificing his individual means, not only satisfied the people, but raised him higher in their estimation. During the Mexican war he held a commission as colonel given under Governor David Todd, of the state of Ohio, and fought under General Scott with such gallantry as to obtain recognition as a brave and loyal soldier. By his marriage, which occurred December 31, 1835, he became the father of seven children, of whom five are still living and four of these are residents of Hancock county. His son, John F. Stall, who is the. subject of this sketch, was born in Carroll county, Ohio, January 12, 1837, and received his education at the schools in Findlay after his parents removed to' Hancock county. In 1855 he went to Illinois, where lie was employed six CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 383 years as bookkeeper for the Rock Island Railroad Company. While on a visit to his old home in Hancock county he met Miss Nancy, the popular daughter of Wilson and Mary Roller; and the result was a mutual attachment on the part of the young people. Their marriage was consummated April 10, 1862, and proved both happy and fruitful, the children resulting there from being Wilton, born October 6, 1864; Flora A., born January 19, 1868; Edwin, December 14, 1870; James A., April 21, 1873 ; George W.; December 29, 1875 ; Thomas J., September 29, 1878; and William H., born June 28, 1884. The mother of these children is a native of Hancock county, having been born in Big Lick township, September 23, 1840, and her family is one of high respectability and influence, while she herself is a lady of many virtues and most excellent judgment. In his earlier years, Mr. Stall joined the forces engaged in teaching "the young idea how to shoot" and was an efficient member of the educational guild for nine years. He has always stood well in his community, is regarded as a than of good business judgment and was called on at different times to take charge of township offices, holding the clerkship for six years and the position of assessor for one term. In 1871 he took possession of his present farm *of eighty acres in Big Lick township and has since operated it with such skill and industry as to make it one of the best tilled tracts of its size in that part of the county. Mr. Stall and his family are members of the Presbyterian church, of which he holds the position of trustee, and the performance of all his duties, both as man and citizen, has been done with such conscientiousness as to gain him general esteem. George, the father of our subject, was a twenty-four degree Mason and belonged to Findlay Blue Lodge, No. 227. WILLIAM GREEN. William Green, who has passed the seventieth milestone on the journey of life, is an honored and respected resident of Hancock county, Ohio. A native of the Keystone state, he was there born in the year 1829, and is a son of William and Susan (Hummond) Green, both also natives of Pennsylvania. In 1840 they left their home in that commonwealth and came to Hancock county, locating on one hundred and sixty acres of virgin forest land in Union township. During his lifetime the father cleared and improved his land, making it one of the most 'productive farms of his community. His life's labors were ended in death in 1862, and a short time afterward his widow "joined him in the spirit world. William Green, of this review, was one of eleven children, five of whom 384 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY are still living, .but he is now the only representative of the family in Hancock county. He was but eleven years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to this locality, and throughout his entire business career he has devoted his energies to the tilling of the soil. In 1855 he purchased his present homestead, which at that time was in its primitive condition, but as the years have passed by he has cleared and improved the land, has erected commodious and substantial buildings, and the farm, is now one of the valuable ones of Union township. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to positions of honor and trust, and he has efficiently served his township as its trustee, supervisor and as a school director. Mr. Green was first married in 1855, when Miss Rachel Winniger became his wife. This union resulted in the birth of six children, namely: Calvin W., who is engaged in teaching school ; C. L., a successful agriculturist, who died December 10, 1902 ; W. J., a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church; Morris; Mary and Rachel. The mother of this family was called to her final rest in 1866, and for his second wife Mr. Green chose Catherine Linehart, their marriage having been celebrated in 1868. One son, Austin L., was born of this marriage. This union was also separated by the hand of death, for in 1871 the wife and mother was called to her home beyond, and in the following year, 1872; Mr. Green wedded her sister, Annie M. Linehart. They became the parents of four children,—Loa I., Irvin 0., Pearl M. and Pad M. For the third time Mr. Green was called upon to mourn the loss of a beloved companion, for on the 21st of April, 1895, the wife passed into .eternal rest. Mr. Green is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has held office. He is widely and favorably known in the county in which he has so long made his home and his friends are almost as many as his acquaintances. ANDREW J. PLOTTS. .A highly respected retired farmer of Hancock county, Ohio, is Andrew T. Plotts, who now is a resident of Findlay. His birth occurred in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1821, and he is a son of Gershum and Mary (Plotoner) Plotts, who Were both natives of Pennsylvania. Gershum Plotts was a brickmaker by trade and followed this occupation in Fairfield county, combining it with farming. When he located in Hancock county, he settled on a farm of eighty acres, in A.manda township, but some years. later, disposed of this property and bought a farm in Michigan, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 385 upon which he lived until his death, which occurred in 1877. He was an industrious man, and one who was honest and. upright in his dealings with others: His political views made him a Democrat, In religious belief, both he and wife were consistent members of the United Brethren church. His first wife, who was the mother of our subject, died prior to his removal from Fairfield county, and he then married Mrs. Mary Donaldson. By his two marriages Mr. I:lofts had a family of seven sons, by his first union, and two by his. second, and seven of these children still survive. Andrew J. Plotts was fifteen years of age when his father located in. Hancock county. He was the third son and upon him fell much of the hard work of the farm, but it gave him a practical knowledge which he has put to excellent use throughout life. His education was obtained in the short winter terms of school in both Fairfield and Hancock counties. In 1873 he purchased ninety acres of land in Henry county, Ohio, and moved upon that farm about 1879, arid resided there for fourteen years. In 1896 he returned to Hancock county, and in 1901 he sold his Henry county farm, retiring to his pleasant home in Findlay. The first marriage of Mr. Plotts was in 1842, to Miss Elizabeth Dipert, and to this union there were born eleven children, eight of whom still survive, namely : Mary A. Bowman; Lydia Kistler; Ella L. Altman; Christina Altman; Elizabeth Martin; Sarah J. Woulgmuth; Ira and John W. Plotts, The death of the mother of these children took Place in 1875. The second marriage of Mr. Plotts. was in 1897, to Mrs. Nellie T.. Martin. By a life of exemplary living, our subject has preserved both his. physical vigor and his mental faculties in a very remarkable way, and enjoys life, very free from the cares which frequently attend advancing years. He is held in very high esteem in Findlay and has a wide Circle. of friends. LEWIS H. HOSTLER. This gentleman is among the leading merchants of the village of Arcadia, Hancock county. He is one of the younger members of the business circle of his town, but his previous career has been such as to augur well for his future. He believes heartily in the principles of "living and letting live." His upright dealing with his customers is rapidly pushing him to the front as one of the leading merchants of the community. Mr. Hostler was born in Washington township. A preliminary training in the country school was supplemented by a thorough course in the Arcadia high school, which training has fitted him well for a life of usefulness in business. He 386 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY operates and owns a first class general store, in which may be found the best of everything in its line. His marriage occurred in 1885, to Miss Mary, the daughter of J. J. Boyle, her mother's maiden name having been Mahala McCray. To this union a family of four children have been born : Mertie M., Arthur J., Wilbur R., and Corine. The mother of this family is a lady of many graces of character, and is a true helpmate and advisor to her husband. She was born in West Virginia, March 6, 1869. Mr. Hostler takes an active interest in the social life of his community, being a member of several of its leading organizations, of which might be particularly mentioned the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Passing to the consideration of the family history of Mr. Hostler we note that he is the son of Jeremiah and Mary (Linhart) Hostler. His father was born in Stark county, Ohio, May 6, 1843. His mother was a native of the Keystone state, where she was born in Pittsburg, in 1846. Their marriage was celebrated in 1867, and the result of the union was the birth of Francis A., Lewis H., Nettie B., Frederick, and Bertha. Jeremiah Hostler and his wife removed to Hancock county in an early day, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and during his lifetime continued to engage in agricultural pursuits. He was a practical business man, and an excellent farmer. In connection with the operation of his farm he was engaged extensively in the buying and selling of stock, of which he was an extensive shipper to the eastern markets. He made a host of friends by his conscientious conduct in business, and the geniality of his temperament was such as to keep the friendship which he had gained. He was an attentive listener of the gospel as it was expounded from the Lutheran pulpit. Fraternally he is affiliated with the I. O. O. F. His death occurred in 1887, his widow continuing to reside on the home farm near the town of Arcadia. Jeremiah was a son of Peter and Susana (Sherman) Hostler, the former having been born in York county, Pennsylvania, May 14, 1821, and the latter in Maryland, in 1825. They removed to Stark county, Ohio, in 1842, where they reared a family of twelve children, four of whom are now living, namely : Morris, David, William and Sara. Peter Hostler by trade was a contractor and builder, and a thorough going business man. He stood well in the esteem of the public, enjoying their entire confidence and respect. He was intimately connected with the development and growth of. Hancock county in its early history, having removed here with his family as one of the pioneers. As stated before, he was an excellent business man, and had a mind which was well fitted for the promotion of enterprises and the organization of new schemes. He was instrumental in 1874 in the organization CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 187 of the Farmers' Bank of Findlay, of which he was president from that date until 1887. He then retired from the presidency of the Farmers' Bank and in the following May organized, together with a number of other business men of Findlay, the City Bank. Of this he was also president. He was an earnest and active worker in the ranks of the Democratic party, and received recognition at its hands by election as treasurer of the county, an office which he filled to the entire satisfaction of his constituents for a period of four years. His death, which took place in February, 1894, was sincerely lamented by his friends and mourned by his relatives, both of whom are numerous. It is proper to state of the son, Lewis H. Hostler, that he is a worthy representative of a worthy father, in whose footsteps he is consistently following. He endeavors to give his support to every movement that is calculated to prove of public good, and is widely acknowledged as a worthy citizen. All who know him esteem him highly for his sterling worth, and his circle of friends in the community is extensive. B. F. WINELAND. B. F. Wineland, who is ex-county commissioner and a resident of Cass township, is one of the well known and popular men of Hancock county. His birth was in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, October 23, 1839, and he is a son of Joseph and Frances (Greenawalt) Wineland, the former of whom was born in 1801, also in Westmoreland county. In 1824 Joseph Wineland married Frances Greenawalt, the daughter of a neighboring farmer, and in 1844 they moved to Hancock county, Ohio, and located on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Cass township, adding other tracts until he owned three hundred and sixty acres in various parts of the township. Mr. Wineland became one of the leading men of Cass township, serving for many years as a justice of the peace and filling many local offices. His party at one time nominated him for county commissioner. His interest in public matters was that of a single-minded citizen, his hopes always being for the final triumph of those principles which he deemed right. Mr. Wineland was a Democrat in the early days, and later was one of the first mowers in what was known as the Know Nothing party, finally becoming one of the organizers of the Republican party in Hancock county. He was a large hearted, hospitable and generous man, and was ever ready to contribute to the advancement of his locality. Joseph Wineland passed out of life in August, 1861, before he saw the consummation of his hopes for his country. In October of the same year his faithful 388 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY wife also passed away, and both of them sleep in honored graves in the beautiful cemetery near Van Buren, Ohio. Our subject was reared on his father's farm and his education was obtained in the public schools. He cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. The outbreak of the Civil war aroused his loyalty, and ever since he has been an earnest worker in the Republican: party. On October 14, 1862, he put aside the duties which had thus far hindered him, and as a private enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which immediately joined others at Falmouth, Kentucky, and from then until the close of the war our subject par ticipated in every battle where his regiment was engaged, with the exception of Resaca, at which time he was serving on detached duty. A long line of notable battles was this, including Mossy Creek, Kennesaw Mountain, Atlanta, the Atlanta campaign, Franklin and Nashville. At one time Mr. Wineland was under fire .for one hundred and twenty days. After the battle of Nashville he was transferred to General Sherman's command in North Carolina, and assisted in the capture of Fort Anderson. In 1864 our subject's gallantry brought him into notice, and he was made orderly-sergeant, and continued to efficiently fill this position until he was mustered out in July, 1865. With his comrades he then returned home, where each one endeavored to pick up their old occupations. Many of these lost opportunities could not be found, but others, like our subject, found warm hearts awaiting their return, and in their added affection and admiration found solace for many of the terrible hardships they had passed through. Mr. Wineland purchased his present farm .in Cass township and for some years. engaged both in farming and lumbering, but has discontinued the latter branch. On July 3, 1862, shortly before his enlistment, Mr. Wineland was married to Miss Caroline Nelson, who was born in. Mahoning county, Ohio, on February, 17, 1844, and is a daughter of Jonathan and Mary (Pettigrew) Nelson. By .this union there were three children : Franklin L., born March 31, 1863; Mary S.; now Mrs. William Davis, born August 31, 1867; and Merle B., born December is, 1884. Franklin L. 'Wineland is one of the most talented and skilled musicians in western Ohio. His genius was early recognized, and after enjoying great advantages in instruction in America, he completed his studies under some of the best masters of the art at Berlin, Germany. Mr. Wineland has been a prominent man iii his immediate locality, and has been honored by the :treasurership of the township for a period of four- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY- 389 teen consecutive years, and was elected county commissioner, serving most efficiently from September 16, 1895, to September 14, 1901. He is an honored member of the United Veterans' Association. Mr. Wineland belongs to a patriotic family. Two of his brothers were also soldiers in the Civil war, and they bravely met a soldier's death. The honorable record which our subject can show is not only a matter of just pride to hiniself, but reflects honor upon his children and upon a country which, in need, can find such valiant sons. JOHN A. THOMAS. One of the. prominent G. A. R. men and worthy citizens of the city of Findlay is the above named gentleman, who lives in a comfortable residence at his East Sandusky street. He is a native of Findlay township, where he was born May 13, 1846, and is a son of James B. and Eliza J. (Abrams) Thomas. The father was a native of Caroline county, Maryland, where he was born July 4, 1804: The mother was a native of Fairfield county, Ohio. James Thomas was one of the first settlers in Hancock county. His father moved to Pickaway county, Ohio, when. James was about six years of age. James remained here up to 1829, when he removed to Hancock county, where he filed upon ninety-eight acres of virgin forest land. He put up the usual log cabin and remained a year, when he returned to his home in Pickaway county, and there married our subject's mother, this being in 1832. They returned immediately to Hancock county, and passed the remainder of their lives engaged in agricultural pursuits. To them were born ten children, eight of whom are now living. James Thomas left the reputation of being a man of large heart whose sympathies were soon touched by the woes and wants of others. He was very charitable and of a generous cast of character. During his lifetime he held some of the township offices, and at his death distributed his property to his family. The mother of this family died in 1863, on the 1st of April, while the father lived until November of 1877. Mr. John A. Thomas, whose name initiates this paragraph, was therefore reared and educated in Findlay township. He was but a lad when the Civil war came on, but he watched with interest the progress of events which precipitated the country into that sanguinary conflict, and when the storm broke he was found among the boys in blue who went forth to battle for the Union. He enrolled as a private soldier in Company G, Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, on the 5th of December, 1863. In this or- 390 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY ganization he participated in some of the bloody battles of the war, some of which were as follows : Tunnel Hill, Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Altoona, Kennesaw Mountain, Vining Station, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Savannah and Bentonville. He was fortunate in passing through this experience without harm, and received his discharge July 25, 1865. Returning from the war, his thirst for knowledge was such that although advanced in age for a school boy, he entered the Findlay high school and passed some time in the pursuit of knowledge. After leaving school he went west to the state of Missouri, where he became apprenticed to the carpenter's trade, and after spending three years in the west he returned to his native county, where for the next two years he was engaged at his trade. In 1871, having the previous year, on January 27, married Lydia A. Kiehl, second daughter of Eli and Maria (Uber) Kiehl, he removed with his family to Kansas, where he remained for a period of four years. There he followed his trade. The charms of his native county were too great, however, and he again returned and has since been a resident within her borders. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have reared a family of six Children : Etta, Almeda, Albert R., Bessie P., Mary G. and John A., Jr. The mother of this family was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, on the 20th of October, 1849, and is of German descent. Mr. Thomas has figured prominently in his township, and is a man of forceful character. He is at the present time -holding the office of assessor. In the G. A. R. organization he has taken an active interest and has been honored with the office of commander of Stoker Post of Findlay. As a .contracting carpenter Mr. Thomas enjoys the entire confidence of his wide field of patrons, and the large number of fine residences which he has built in the city of Findlay and adjacent territory, is a lasting monument of his skill and ingenuity. He and his family ate held in high repute in their native city, and deserve and receive the best wishes of a large circle of acquaintances. WILLIAM J. CUSAC. The Cusac family has been intimately connected with the development of Hancock county since pioneer days. Its members have been active not only in wresting from nature lands of the primeval forest, in maintaining a glorious fight for the Union during secession times, but also in serving through quiet seasons the needs of a community progressive in agriculture, mining and education. From the day that Daniel Cusac, a quiet, unassuming men, bought CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 191 from the government a tract of land in. Liberty township, the family has been continuously engaged in converting the forest into arable land. They have not been content to till the improved soil; but from time to time they have given up the old for new and uncleared tracts, though the first land purchased from the government has always remained in the family, and is now the property of William Cusac. John Cusac, son of Daniel and father of William J. Cusac, was born in Ohio. May 20, 1820, and soon after came to Hancock county with his father. He married a native of Pennsylvania, Miss Nancy Bell, who was born in 1823. They had six children : The four still living are : J. S., Abbie, Emeline and William J. Cusac. John Cusac bought his first farm of forty acres at the time of his marriage. This he cleared and shortly after sold, buying in turn three other farms, which he improved and subsequently sold. He now lives in Portage township on a fine farm, which is the fifth piece of land that he has brought under cultivation. His life has been decidedly active, useful and progressive. When improved methods of farming began to be put into practice and the benefits. of unified action and mutual helpfulness presented themselves to the farming community, he was among the first to call into existence the idea of an organization which speedily materialized in the form of the Hancock County Agricultural Association. For many years he acted as its president, dictating its affairs with remarkable wisdom. William J. Cusac was born in Liberty township November 9, 1841. where he received his early training and education. He turned his attenton to farming with the view of making it his life work, and, with the exception of three years spent in the military service of his country, agriculture has been his uninterrupted pursuit. In 1862 he enlisted in Company G of the Eighty-seventh Ohio Infantry. He was taken prisoner, sent home on parole and in the following year exchanged. Thereupon, in 1863, he entered the Army of the Cumberland, .as a member of Battery L, First Ohio Artillery, serving as, sergeant and being actively engaged in Tennessee. In 1865 he was honorably discharged, and returning to civil life once more took up the quiet duties of the farm. The same year he married Miss Naoma, daughter of the pioneer, Joseph Morrill. She was born in Liberty township in 1845. Seven children were, born to them : Charles, Frank, Effie, Hattie, Joseph, Florence and Bertha. Of these all except the second son, Frank, are still living. In 1872 he made his first investment of sixty-six acres. By hard work he increased his holdings from time to time, until in 1889 he owned one hundred and twenty-six acres, the size of his estate today. This land is 392 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY yaluable not only for agricultural purposes, but for its twelve oil-producing wells, which yield a considerable output annually. Besides being the. president oi the .Hancock County Agricultural Asso-ciation, an honor which has descended to him. from his father, Mr. Cusac has identified himself actively with the G. A. R. He has been a director of the county infirmary for seven years, and a member of the. school board for twelve years. Like his father and Daniel Cusac, the grandsire, he has made for himself many friends, who. will always find him at the head of all enterprises that speak of healthy progress. He is a Republican in politics. The birth of John Schoonover occurred in Franklin county, Ohio, March 8, 1827, and he was the. third in a family of six children born. to his parents, Abraham and Margaret (Baker) Schoonover, the former of whom was born in Virginia, in September, 1794, arid the latter in Maryland, in May, 1803. They were of Dutch ancestry. In 1831 Abraham removed to Ohio and located on a farm north of Findlay, where he died in 1864, but his widow survived until March 21, 1876. Both were worthy people and although they never accumulated large means, they taught their children industrious habits and set them examples of moral lives. Although our subject was not surrounded by plenty in his youth and was forced to work for his possessions, be has never regretted this necessity, but can now point to his three great farms and thus show what can be accomplished by frugal and persevering industry. Mr. Schoonover owns two hundred and eighty acres of as fine land as there is in Hancock county and is. justly regarded as one of her most substantial citizen's. In 1851 he was united in marriage with Mary Comer, and to this union were born nine children, six of these still surviving, namely: Suffronia, boil.'" in 1852; Samilda. born in 1854; Amos P.; born in 1862; William L., born in 1865; Harvey, born in 1870; and Clara, born in 1874. Mr. Schoonover has been honored with many testimonials of the general esteem in which he is. held. For twenty-eight years he was township treasurer, was supervisor .and school director. Both he and wife are leading mem- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 393 bers of the United Brethren church and he is a liberal supporter of the same:. Few men in his community stand in higher public esteem. Mrs. Mary C. Schoonover was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1831, and is a daughter Of Isaac and Hannah (Burton) Comer, who were married October 25, 1830. Isaac Corner was born in Virginia, January 2, 1793, and died September 3, 1852. His first wife, Hannah Culp, was born in Ohio, September 9, 1803. His second wife, Hannah Burton, was born February: 6, 1802. Isaac Comer was one of the early settlers of Hancock county, coming. hither in 1832 when wild beasts and savages still roamed the forests. He first settled on the farm which is at present the property of Jacob Wagoner. At the time of his death he owned two hundred and forty acres. Mr. Comer was the true pioneer, openhearted; frank and hospitable; he was not only respected but was much beloved. His home was the home of the Baptist minister his was the band that opened to the call of distress. He filled many of the township offices and was an important factor in the development of this section. His children numbered eleven, five of whom are living. Mrs. Schoonover is the sixth in order of birth. In politics Mr. Schoonover is a Republican. JOSEPH BENSON CLAYTON. Joseph Benson Clayton, who is one of the highly respected substantial and leading Men of Van Buren, Ohio, is a worthy representative of an old colonial family, many of its members having been prominent in various walks of life. Henry Clayton, the grandfather of Joseph B. Clayton, was a captain in the Revolutionary war, who was captured by the Hessians, and his widow drew through life a pension from the government. The family. was of English origin and probably first located in Virginia. Joseph B. Clayton was born in Washington county, Maryland, in 1833,. and is .a son of Joseph and Louisa (Shawman) Clayton, the former of whom was born in Virginia, and the latter in Kentucky. Joseph Clayton was a civil engineer by profession, an experienced teacher, noted as a mathematician, and also succeeded as a merchant. He was a member of the Methodist church. His family consisted of nine children, eight of whom still survive, but Joseph B. is the only. one residing in Hancock county. He was reared and educated in Fairfield county, Ohio, learned the trade of a plasterer and for thirty-five years has been one of the most reliable workmen in his line in Hancock county, whither he removed in 1858. On account of his 25 394 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY complete knowledge of his business, his care and exactness, he has always found his services in demand. Prior to coming to Hancock. county he .served as captain of militia. Mr. Clayton has been a provident man, and has accumulated much property, owning one hundred acres in Van Buren township, Hancock county. January 2, 1860, Mr.. Clayton was joined in marriage with Miss Caroline Meyers, who was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, in 1839, and to this union were born four children : Willis M., who for some time was president of the State Normal School at Ashland, Oregon, but now in California; Lottie ; Louise ; and Georgiana, deceased. Mr. Clayton is a valued member of the order of Odd Fellows, a man of whom his associates speak with respect, and justly regarded as a representative citizen. He is a Democrat in .national affairs, though locally he supports the men whom in his judgment are best. WILLIAM I. KIEFER. One of the. most straightforward, energetic and successful business men of Findlay is William I. Kiefer. In industrial circles he is an important factor, and his popularity is well deserved, for in him. are embraced the characteristics of an unbending integrity, unabating energy and industry that has never flagged. He is a public spirited and thoroughly interested in whatever tends to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of Findlay, and for many years he has been numbered among its most valued and honored citizens. A native son of the Buckeye state, Mr. Kiefer was born in Wayne county, Ohio, on the 14th of July, 1857, which county his father, John Michael Kiefer, also claimed as his nativity, his birth there occurring in 1832. Throughout his entire business. career the latter devoted his energies to the tilling of the soil; and he lived and died in Wayne county, being summoned into eternal rest in 1880. The Kiefer family trace their lineage to the fatherland, the paternal grandfather of our subject having been a native of Germany. William I., of this review, remained in the place of his nativity until fourteen years of age, during which time he attended its district schools, and at that age he entered the high school at Smithville, Ohio, in which he continued his. studies for three years. On leaving the school room as a pupil he again entered it as an instructor, :being at that time seventeen years of age, and the profession of teaching school continued to claim his efforts for six years, his labors being confined to the county of Wayne. On the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 395 expiration of that period he purchased an interest in a mercantile establishment at Smithville, Ohio, where he remained for three years, while for the following five years he was engaged in merchandising in Sterling, this state. In. the year 1885 he came to Findlay and entered the insurance and loan business, to which vocation he has since directed his efforts, and in his chosen endeavor he is. meeting with a high and well merited degree of success. His reputation in all trade transactions has ever been above question, and to an unusual degree he enjoys the confidence and regard of those with whom he has been brought in contact through business dealings. The marriage of Mr. Kiefer was. celebrated in Findlay, in 1882., when Miss 'Gertrude Beardsley- became his wife. In his fraternal relations our subject is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and his political support is given to the principles of the Republican party. Mr. Kiefer keeps. well informed on the issues of the day, both political and otherwise, and at all times has manifested a commendable interest in everything pertaining to the welfare and advancement of the city of his choice. He is a man of genial temperament and genuine worth, and is popular and respected in all circles. JESSE L. DOZER. The career of the soldier is always interesting., and' in all local history the soldiers must have an honored place. There are yet living in Wash-ington township, Hancock county,' Ohio, several ex-soldiers of the Civil war who are regarded with peculiar respect, but none of these is held in higher esteem than the, subject of this notice. Mr. Dozer, at the breaking-out of the Civil war, laid aside all personal interests to aid in defense of the old flag and what it represents. He enlisted in Company A, of the Twenty-sixth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer. Infantry, which became' a part of the Fifteenth army corps of the army of the Tennessee. He participated in all of the principal battles in which this army was engaged, following old glory while the bullets fell fast and thick. above him, but luckily passing through the entire experience without being harmed. He was in the noted march. to the sea with "Uncle Billy Sherman," and returned with his army through the Carolinas. He was honorably discharged on the 28th of July, 1865. He returned home to enjoy the blessings of an unsundered union, in the preservation of which he bore an honorable part. Jesse L. Dozer is at the present time proprietor and operator of the J. L. Dozer quarry in Washington township, which covers four acres and 396 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY contains a stone deposit two hundred and seventy feet deep. It is one of the largest quarries in northern Ohio, and yields an excellent product, which: is used largely in the construction of buildings throughout the northern part of the state. The product from the quarries is peculiarly valuable in macadamizing and concrete work, and for the latter use cannot be surpassed. Mr. Dozer was born in Muskingum county, Ohio. His parents, George and Elizabeth (Lefler) Dozer, were natives of Pennsylvania, and were among the earliest pioneers in Muskingum county, Ohio The father was a man of influence and prominence in his day, for a long period of years serving in the office of justice of the peace, and also as trustee his township in the above mentioned county. He was a Jeffersoniam Democrat in political belief, originally a member of the Lutheran church, and died April 5, 1851 his wife surviving him until December 28, 1870. Their household at one time contained thirteen children, of which number, despite its supposedly unlucky character, but one- has been claimed by death, and that fatality occurred in February, 1901. Jesse L. Dozer was educated in the schools of Zanesville, Ohio, and, as previously stated, no event of importance occurred to mar the monotonous character of his life until he entered the. army. Upon his return from the war he devoted himself to learning the carpenter's trade, and subsequently drifted into the lumber business, in which he continued up to 1885. He then for a number of years caned on a well-drilling business, in which he became widely known, having the record of-drilling two hundred and ninety-eight water wells in and around Fostoria. He had removed to Hancock. county in. 1883, in which time he has been a. loyal citizen of the county. He is a worthy member of Norris Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and a communicant of the Methodist Episcopal church, whose interests he is always active in advancing. The marriage. of Mr. Dozer was celebrated in Wayne township, Muskingum county, November 3, 1869. Mary E. McGinness, whom he wedded, was the daughter of Samuel and Sophia (Morris) McGinness, and her children were five in number : Leonard A.; Clyde, deceased; Laura M.; Harold E.; Russell E. Mrs. Dozer was born September 8, 1851. Her father, Samuel McGinness, was born near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her mother, Sophia Morris, was the daughter of Thomas and •Mary Morris, and was born in Berks. county, Pennsylvania. December 15, 1823. She died August 18, 1902, having become the mother of seven children, two daughters and five sons, all living but the oldest son.. Mrs. Dozer is the second child and eldest daughter. She was reared, educated and married in her native county, Her father was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, August 25, 1821, and CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 397 by occupation was a farmer, and lived on the same farm seventy-two years. This farm was entered by his father, Johnston McGinness, who moved from Berks county; Pennsylvania, to Ohio in an early day. They were of Scotch Irish descent, and members of the Society of Friends or Quakers. Mr. Dozer is highly respected by his friends, and is popular among his business associates. JOHN HECK. There is no class of people in the United States to-day which so well represents the independence and prosperity of our people as the retired farmers. After many years of strong and earnest endeavor and hard labor, in simple communion with nature, wrestling an existence from the soil, the farmer who sees his efforts crowned with success, and his occupation, once so humble, become one of the most dignified, its time worn methods improved and extended, has many things to enjoy, and is entitled to high rank among his fellow citizens. Mr. John Heck came of a line of farmers and was born on a farm in York county, Pennsylvania, October 11, 1836. though he passed his early childhood in Milltown, Cumberland county, in the same state. When he was eight years of age his parents removed to Liberty township, Hancock county, Ohio, where he was reared and received his education. In May, 1865, he moved into the city of Findlay where he lived until 1867, when he moved to a farm in Findlay township, where he was engaged in farming until 1874, when he returned to Findlay, where he opened a hardware store, in partnership with other members of his family. He continued in the hardware business for eighteen months, when the farm again claimed him. He remained on his .farm until 1887, at which time he retired and moved back to Findlay, where he has lived ever since, except one year spent at Carey, Wyandotte county. Mr. Heck's grandfather was John Heck, who was born and died in Pennsylvania. The first John Heck was a farmer all his life. His father was George Heck, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1810, and died in Hancock county in 1894; he also was a farmer. Mr. Heck was married in Hancock county, December 18, 1856, to Lydia Sherick. Mrs. Heck was born in Wayne county, Ohio, February 5, 1840, a daughter of Peter and Barbara (Funk) Sherick. Her parents both died in Liberty township, Hancock county, the father in 1886, and the mother in 1891. Mr. and Mrs. Heck have four children, of whom one is dead. Those living. are Barbara Etta, wife of S. C. Shoup, whose children are Blanche and Ada M.; 398 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY David, who married Ida Small, and whose children are Carl, John, Ira, Ralph, Saxon and Gladys; and William E., who married Nora Wagner, and has three children, Howard, George and Clyde. Mr. Heck has one great-grandson, Maynard Cramm. Mr. Heck has always been a progressive citizen, and has been identified with the important movements of his chosen place of residence. In 1887, when gas was discovered on his farm, he had the first well sunk in that vicinity, which started the boom. He is a prominent member and a trustee of the Church of God. His generosity and benevolence are well known, as was evidenced by his gift of eleven hundred dollars to Findlay College. In politics he has been a life long Republican. CHRISTOPHER GARBER. France, though not so famous as some other countries in the matter of colonization, has contributed some valuable emigration to the new world, included in which is the family to which this biography is devoted. Peter Garber, who was born in France in 1811, learned the blacksmith's trade and supported himself by this occupation as long as he remained in his native land. In early manhood he married a young French girl, named Barbara Saltzmann, and in 1.851 the young couple concluded that they could better their fortunes in the rising republic across the sea. Accordingly, they came over in that year, made their way to Hancock county, Ohio, and found a location in Big Lick township. Peter Garber was a poor man when he arrived, with no other reliance for success than his brain and muscle, backed by a willingness to work and good sense to guide his operations. He secured possession of one hundred acres of land, which he cultivated in summer, while his blacksmith shop was kept busy during the winter season. By this continued occupation, kept up with unceasing industry and judicious management, our worthy French emigrant succeeded in accumulating a handsome property, which supported the family in comfort during the lifetime of the parents, and eventually made a valuable legacy for the children. Peter and Barbara Garber lived to a venerable age and passed peaceably away within a few years of each other the former's death occurring January 25, 1892, and that of the latter December 15, 1894. Their three children, Peter, Ellen and Christopher, were all born in the old country before the emigration to America. Christopher Garber, the immediate subject of this sketch, was born at his father's humble home in France February 2, 1847, and hence was but four years of age when the long voyage was undertaken CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 399 across the Atlantic. He received all his education in Big Lick township, attending the public schools and assisting his father in his various occupations. Being brought up to habits of industry and economy and taught the practical details of agriculture, he possessed the needed equipment for the success he achieved in after life. It was in 1872 that he made the first business venture on his own account by the purchase of forty acres of land, which he cultivated assiduously and as prosperity came, increased at different times until his entire estate amounted to one hundred and thirty acres. When. it is said that all this land, besides some city property in Findlay, Was accumulated by Mr. Garber within ten years, it is:not necessary to furnish. further prof either of his untiring industry or his good management. He has devoted himself exclusively to agricultural pursuits and ranks among the most progressive and enterprising of Hancock's farmers. That he is popular in his adopted country and that he stands well as a business man, is fully attested by his election as county commissioner in 1891. The manner in which he discharged the duties f this important position during his term left no cause for regret on the part of his friends for the confidence they had reposed in him. Besides the commissionership Mr. Garber has also filled the Offices of justice of the peace and trustee of his township in a manner entirety satisfactory to those most concerned. Both in public and private life Mr. Garber is. always found safe and reliable and an advocate of all those things which, in the language of Matthew Arnold, "make for righteousness." Besides his general farming; which he carries on extensively, he deals in stock on a large scale and is one of the large shippers of the county. December 1872, Mr. Garber was married to Miss Elizabeth F., daughter of Samuel and Isabelle (Curry) Leonard, and this union has proved in every way a congenial and happy one. Their only. child is a son, Leroy E., whose birth occurred November 21, 1876, and whose character and career, has been such as to justify the affection bestowed upon him by his fond parents. He is engaged in the wool and seed business. at Findlay with his father, and has already established a reputation in business circles which gives promise of great future success. Leroy E. Garber was married some years ago to Miss Ora Enfield, member of an old and. respected family, and their household has been brightened by the birth of two children : John W., born March 7, 1899; and Frances, born April 1, 1901. Mrs. Garber was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for forty years, but for the. last few years has been a member of the United Brethren church. Mr. Garber, although not a member of any church, lends his influence towards morality and that is. good.