450 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY just tribute to his memory : "He was a man of marked mental and physical ability and energy, and maintained his clearness of mind and largely his vigor of body to the very last, giving personal attention and supervision to abl his affairs. During his career as a physician, when roads were poor, as webl as the peopbe of this county, he was known as the physician who never refused a call, no matter how dark or stormy the night, or how muddy the road. Throughout life he carried the same energy into all his affairs. Although he never sought or allowed offices to be thrust upon him, he was ever interested and active in all public affairs, and earnest in the best interests of the community in which he lived. In early life and until the candidacy of Fremont, he was in .pobitics a Democrat, but became a Republican with the organization of that party and so remained until the time of his death." He enjoyed that popularity which comes to those generous spirits who have a hearty shake of the hand for all those with whom they come in contact from day to day, and who seem to throw around them in consequence so much of the sunshine of life. GEORGE W. PHIFER. A very successful farmer and stockraiser of Hancock county is George W. Phifer, who operates a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres in Liberty township, particularly well adapted to the breeding of Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs, in which business Mr. Phifer, by his unusuab success, has gained quite, a reputation. The birth of George W. Phifer occurred December 28, 1844, and he is a son of Emanuel and .Emily (Bowling) Phifer, the former of whom is a. son of Jacob and Mary (Ellinger) Phifer, who came to Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1806, from Pennsylvania. Jacob Phi fer was born in Hagerstown, Maryband, while his wife was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania. By trade he was a tanner, and he followed this business in Pittsburg, and after locating in Lithopolis, Fairfield county, Ohio, he acquired considerable property. His family numbered five children, one of whom, Catherine, lived to the unusual age of ninety-eight years, eight months and eight cbays. Emanueb Phifer was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, on March 14, 18o8, and learned the tanning business with his father, following the same until 1834, when he located in. Hancock county and entered a farm of eighty acres. His long residence in the same locality has made him one of the pioneers, who is most highly esteemed. He is a beading member, of the Baptist church. in political matters he votes as his judgment indicates. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 451 hi 1830 he married Emily Bowling, who died in 1875. The children born to them were eight in number, five still surviving, namely : Sarah E. and Annie, who reside at home with their father, who is in his ninety-seventh year; Emeline; John S., who lives retired in Kentucky ; George W. ; and Edwin, who is a civil engineer located in Richland county, Ohio. George W. Phifer was reared and educated in Findlay township, and adopted farthing as his vocation. In 1872 he purchased one hundred acres of good land, removing to it in 1875, and in 1880 he began to raise Shorthorn cattle and a high grade of hogs, his success being encouraging from the very beginning. In 1866 Mr. Phifer was united in marriage with Miss Almenia Insley, who is a daughter of T. F. and Emelia Insley, who were old settlers in Mt. Pleasant township, but who finally moved out of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Phifer are both valued members of the Methodist church at Findlay, and are much esteemed by a large circle of friends. PHILEMON B. MORRISON. The narrative of a life which has been filled with useful deeds and with duties well performed cannot lack interest, even to the casual reader or the stranger. Such a career has been that of Philemon B. Morrison, who has been an honored resident of 'Findlay throughout his entire life. His great-grandfather was William Morrison, and his grandfather, Alexander Morrison, was a native of the Keystone state, but subsequently came to Ohio, and here he devoted his energies to the tilling of the soil until his life labors were ended by death. John H. Morrison, our subject's father, was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, in 1802, and in 1836 became a resident of the Buckeye state, casting in his lot with the citizens of Findlay. He became a worthy representative of the legal profession, and his name was a familiar one in political and professional circles throughout this portion of the state. The remainder of his days were passed in this city, where he closed his eyes in death in 1854. Philemon B. Morrison is indebted to the public school system of this city for the educational privileges which he was permitted to enjoy in his youth. In 1864 he embarked in the mercantile field, entering the stove and tinware business in this city, which vocation he continued to follow until 1878 (1888). For the three succeeding years his attention was devoted to the retail furniture business, and on the expiration of that period he entered the foundry and machine business, to which he devoted his efforts for the following six 452 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY years. In 1898 he entered the vocation which has since claimed his time and attentions and in which he has met with a high degree of success, being now engaged in the sale of feed and builders' supplies. The business is now one of the most profitable industries in the city of Findlay, and is a monument to the thrift and enterprise of the owner, whose persistent purpose and diligence have enabled him to -gain a prominent position among the substantial business men of the city. In Beaver county, Pennsylvania, in 1868, occurred the marriage of Mr. Morrison and Miss Rebecca C. Reed. The lady is a daughter of Samuel Reed, and by her marriage with Mr. Morrison she has become the mother of five children, three sons and two daughters. The Republican party receives Mr. Morrison's active support and co-operation, and on its ticket he has been elected to .many positions of honor and trust.N In. 1876 he became. a. member of the city council. of Findlay, to which, position he was re-elected two years later, serving in all for four :years. In. 1888 he was elected one of the water-works trustees, and while a member of the board the present water-works system was built; at a cost of three hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Mr. Morrison is also a director in the City Banking Company, and in all movements for the development and upbuilding of his town and county has been an active and tireless worker. A. W. STEVENSON. Few men have had more opportunity to thoroughly learn practical farming in all its branches than the worthy citizen above named, and who at present is one of the representative agriculturists of Blanchard township. Like Jacob of old, whose story is so beautifully told in the book of Genesis, Mr. Stevenson had to work twice seven years for others before he was able to enter into his own as a proprietor of stock and land and all the other belongings of a farm. While, like Jacob, the prize offered him as a reward for faithful service was not a beautiful Rachel, it proved valuable on account of the experience which was to be the basis of success in future ventures on his own account. Mr. Stevenson is descended from pioneers who came into Ohio shortly after its organization as a state and through direct or collateral branches furnished representatives in the agriculture of various counties. Originally the family was of Irish and German extraction, but the founders of the Ohio branch were George and Eliza Stevenson, who located in Champaign county during the first quarter of the nineteenth century. Among their children was Isaac Stevenson, whose birth occurred in Fairfield CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 453 county, Ohio, in 1819, while his wife Eliza was born in Licking county in 1830,- They resided a while in Franklin and moved thence to Spaulding county, where Isaac died November 11, 1888, and his wife on the 12th of April, 1872. A. W. Stevenson, son of the foregoing couple, was born in 1854, during the residence of his parents in Franklin county, Ohio, and went with them on their subsequent removal to Paulding county; In that locality he was reared and educated, and there he resided until the twenty-second year of his age. In. 1876 he left the parental roof to face an arduous struggle for existence, as his only capital was a disposition and capacity for hard work. Going over to Hancock County, he secured employment as a farm hand with Charles Reese, of Blanchard township, and put in two years of faithful service on that place. At the. end of that time he engaged with jasper Dukes in the same line of work, followed by eight years of agricultural labor of various kinds on the farm of John J. Moffitt. In 1888 Mr. Stevenson concluded to make a change both in locality and labor, and going over to Michigan, he embarked in the lumber business, which he followed with varying fortunes for seven years and then abandoned it to return to his original pursuit as a tiller of the soil. After sojourning a short time in Allen county,. Ohio, with no definite results, he repaired again to Hancock county, where he found a safe and permanent anchorage on the farm in Blanchard township which constitutes his present homestead. He cultivates three hundred and thirty-two acres of land, which is valuable both on account of its productive qualities and its high state of improvement, and it is devoted to general farming, including the cereal crops suitable to that localiy and stock raising for domestic uses. As previously stated, Mr. Stevenson is a successful farmer, practical and progressive in his methods, painstaking. in his plans and cautious in his contracts. He enjoys general esteem as a neighbor, is regarded as a man of reliability and integrity, and fulfills every requirement. involved in- the duties of good citizenship. November 27., 2895, Mr. Stevenson was happily married to Miss Katie M. McClure, a native of Gilboa, Putnam county; Ohio, where her birth occurred March 25, 1874. She was a daughter of Thomas and. Alice McClure, her mother being a daughter of John J. Moffit, one of the original settlers of Hancock county. The latter's grandparents, Hugh and Hannah Moffit, were natives, respectively, of Ireland and Wales, who emigrated to America in the latter part of the eighteenth century and located in New York. Their son Joshua was born in Chatham county, New York, in December, 1774, and his wife Sarah was born in the same county June 6, 1783. 454 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY The last mentioned couple removed to Ross county, Ohio, early in the nineteenth century, and there on January. 1, 1819, was born their son, John J. Moffit, who subsequently became an early settler of Hancock county. The latter's daughter, Alice, was born October ]3, 1852, married Thomas McClure May 8„ 1873, and Mrs. Katie M. Stevenson was their only child. Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Stevenson have had five children : Wilmer M., Alice B., Edith, Thelma and one who died in infancy. LEVI B. NEWCOMER. Every man to his trade. The city bred man says "The best farm in Chistendom could not tempt me to be a farmer. The fact is that it approaches the occupation of a gambler. He sows his seed in the spring to see it promise abundant yield only to watch its destruction by the ruthless storm. On the other hand he enters June with a despairing cry of no crop, and passes out of July with the exultant whoop of '80 bushels, if an ear. " Then the city man goes down town and buys a block of stock upon which he has not the slightest idea whether he will make or lose. Such is life, and, as said before, every man to his trade. The gentleman's name which initiates this paragraph is a man who has "stuck to his trade," that of farming. He has lived to see his efforts in that line crowned with success. He lives on a farm in Big Lick township, which he devotes to general farming. He was born in Stark county, Ohio, July 14, 1843, and is the son of Adam and Margaret (Bender) Newcomer. His parents were both natives of Columbiana county, Ohio, and came to Hancock county in 1852, after their marriage, where they settled in Big Lick township. They purchased a quarter section of land, partially improved. Subsequently they prospered and added eighty acres to this original farm. In connection with his agricultural interests Adam Newcomer operated quite extensively in 'lumber, having a. saw mill in those early days. He was a good farmer, a loyal citizen and a man of usefulness in his community. His religious preferences induced him to join the Dunkards, in which body he was highly respected for his integrity and soundness of faith. He was the father of sixteen children, four of the eight now living residing in Hancock county. This family of children were reared in the fear and admonition of the Lord, and became useful members of latter day society. The father died January 21, 1897, his wife having preceded him by eleven years. Levi B. Newcomer was but a lad eight years old when he removed to Hancock county. He continued to reside with his parents until fully grown, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 455 becoming familiar with the fields, and meadows and assisting in the work of the home farm as he grew up. During this time he received a limited education in the country schools, and upon arriving. at maturity was given eighty acres of timber land by his father, upon which he took up' his residence. After clearing twenty-five acres of this property he sold it and bought another eighty in higher state of cultivation. He continued to improve this land, and 1868 bought the farm which he now operates. Here he has erected first-class buildings of modern construction, and of. commodious size. His dwelling house is a substantial brick structure of thirteen rooms, including halls, Mr. Newcomer also has a holding of real estate in the city of Findlay. In 1863 he wooed and won the heart and hand of Miss Mollie Thomas, who has presented him with eight children : Maggie, Henry, Clint, Francis Diana, Jess, Louis and Sadie. Mrs. Newcomer died. in February, 1901, and on the 9th of March, 1902, Mr. Newcomer was united in wedlock to Mary Keller. Mr. and Mrs. Newcomer are worthy members of the Dunkard church; in which he has been a deacon for thirty-five years. During his residence in Hancock county he has ever held himself ready to engage in the activities of his district. He has served on the school board for ten years and filled. other .township offices acceptably. He has the reputation of being one of the best farmers in the county, and has the confidence and esteem of his neighbors. EDGAR WILCOX. As far back as history records, the real strength of the nations of the past has depended not on the armed might of the warrior class nor on the subtlety and dominion of the rulers, but on those who have, figuratively speaking, been at the bottom of the great pyramid of civilization, those who have tilled the soil, sown the grain and reaped the harvests, by their communion with the forces of nature imbibing a power irresistible when used in the mighty conflicts for the betterment of the social and moral condition of mankind. And today the index of the true character. and strength of our country is to be found not from inspection of the cities, the gathering places for the rich and the rabble, but in the vast stretches covered by the prosperous and highly cultivated farms, where men grow up to develop the best and highest traits of character. And in that excellent agricultural region of Hancock county, Ohio, one of the successful and highly regarded farmers is Edgar Wilcox, a brief review of whose life deserves a place in this history. His parents were Martin and Charlotte Wilcox, the former a native of 456 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY New York state and the latter of Virginia. At an early day they came to Ohio and took up their residence in Delaware county, where' they became prominent citizens; he held the office of justice of the peace in his township. Martin Wilcox's death occurred in April, 1886, and his wife passed away in June, 1872; they had eight children, of whom seven are now living. Their son, Edgar, was .born' in Orange township, Delaware county, January 3, 1852, and is the only one of the family living in Hancock county. He was reared and educated in his native county and when yet a boy decided to follow agricultural pursuits, in which he has made an excellent success, now operating two hundred and forty acres of good land in Amanda town= ship and conducting it in such a way as to bring good returns. He took up his residence in this county in 1879. On the 23d of January of the same year he was united in marriage to Miss Emma L., the daughter of. Major and Sarah S. Bright; she was born January 23, 1860; and was accordingly just nineteen years .Of age when she became a wife. Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox have three children, Florence M., born December 5, 1879;. Edwin S., the June 4, 1883; and Delcie B., born June 23, 1888. Florence is now the Wife of Clarence Cross. Mr. Wilcox is a member of the board of education, and he and his wife are communicants of the United Brethren church. He has held various offices in church and Sunday school, and in politics is an ardent R epublican. MATHEW M. ALEXANDER. The above named, one of the prominent and well known farmers of Hancock county for many years, is the son of Peter Alexander, an early pioneer of Hancock County. He came to this county in 1848 and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he proceeded to clear, and upon which he placed many fine improvements, making it one of the best farms in the county. He was a prominent and practical farmer, a Democrat in politics and held nearly all of the township offices during some period in his. life. He was born in Belmont county, Ohio, October 15, 1818. His father Peter Alexander, was a native of Maryland, where he was born October 15, in the year of the Declaration of Independence. January 17, 1805, he married Jane Mitchell,, born September 3, 1786, and to them were born twelve children: Jennie, James, John, Nancy, Peter, Robert, Mathew, George, Isabel, Margaret, Betsey, and Mary. Margaret Alexander is the only surviving member 'of this large family. Peter Alexander, the senior, was a blacksmith by trade, and his son Peter also learned the same trade, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 457 but after his removal to this county he confined his time entirely to agricultural pursuits. October 28, 1841, he was married to Nancy Hoffman, in Belmont county, Ohio, where she was born October 5, 1818, and by this union there were the following named children: Clark, deceased, born May 7, 1843 ; Jane, May 30, 1845; and Mathew M., September 25, 1847. Peter Alexander, Jr.; died on the 19th of July, 1891, but his widow survives. Jane, the only daughter, married Jacob Franks, of Findlay, where she now resides.. Mathew M. Alexander, the only surviving son, was reared in Hancock county and received an excellent education in the common schools. He has al ways followed agricultural pursuits, and is one of the practical kind of farmers that always make that business a success. July 4, 1870, he married Clarissa E. Trout, who died in 1872, after giving birth to a daughter, Laura. M., who is also deceased.. Mathew Alexander has held various local offices, having for a long time been supervisor of the township. He now resides in Liberty township on. a tract of two hundred and forty acres of land, on which there are many oil wells. In 1889 he was unfortunate enough to meet with an accident that deprived him of the use of a limb, which so incapacitated him for general farming as to make his retirement desirable. He, however, made hay while the sun shone and in the evening Of life finds himself in independent circumstances. PHILIP WILBUR EWING. The gentleman above mentioned, who is at present clerk of Hancock county, a sample of the class of. men who come up from the country to infuse new blood into their city brethren. This process is a common one in the United States, where it is remarked that the leaders in nearly all the 'great municipal enterprises, as well as the captains of industry, were originally farm boys born and bred in the free air and trained to work on "father's plantation." But for this fresh blood to recruit from constantly, sociologists fear that. the city population would become anaemic and gradually deteriorate. However this may be, it is always a pleasure to record the success of such country boys as Mr. Ewing, who came up from the farm to take the lead of their fellows In the cities and show remarkable adaptability for the duties of public life. The family came originally from Germany and settled in Pennsylvania, the first of the name to come to Ohio being Jacob Ewing, grandfather of Hancock county's clerk, who died in Liberty township, at the age, of sixty-eight. His son, Cornelius Ewing, was born in Ashland, 29 458 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY county, Ohio, April 16, 1824, and came to Hancock county in 1850. So far as can be ascertained the Ewings for generations back have been farmers, and Cornelius is no exception to the rule, as he is now and always has been a tiller of the soil. He married Elizabeth, daughter of T. F. Inzley. Philip Wilbur Ewing, son of Cornelius, was born on his father's farm in Pleasant township, Hancock county, Ohio; December 29, 1863, and remained at home until his sixteenth year. His training and educaton were precisely similar to those received by thousands of other country boys, consisting chiefly in school attendance during the winter months, "doing chores" after hours and work on the farm in summer. Yet this is precisely the training alluded to above, which has proved valuable for so many men who have risen to the highest rank in all the walks of life. Another almost inevitable step, as it seems, in cases of this kind, is that the first business venture in life. must be as a teacher, that apparently being a prerequisite to other pursuits. At any rate, Mr. Ewing followed this example by turning pedagogue when sixteen years old, his. first school being taught in Liberty township in 1879. After devoting two terms to this occupation Mr. Ewing naturally turned his face toward the city; that mecca of all ambitious farm boys. Coming up to Findlay in 1881, he secured a clerkship in a dry-goods store and retained it about three years, when he decided to go into business for himself. Accordingly he opened. with a stock of dry-goods and devoted the next seven years to "working up a trade," in which he was measurably successful, but in 1891 decided on a.change of plan. Disposing of his dry-goods holdings, he renewed his investment in a line of furniture and carpets for the retail trade, and: since that time has continued to conduct this business at Findlay with success. Meantime Mr. Ewing had been getting in touch with politics, and soon showed his capacity both as a worker and leader. In 1897 his first honor came in the shape of an election, to the city council. from the Fourth ward of Findlay on the Democratic ticket, the notable feature being- that he triumphed in a ward usually Republican by about one hundred and forty votes. He received sixtysix majority, served in the council with satisfaction to his supporters Until. April, 1899, and accumulated a stock of popularity to draw on for higher and more valuable honors. As a general .thing it is what the politicians call "hard sledding" for Democrats in Hancock county as the Republicans usually roll up majorities somewhere around four hundred. So when in 1899 .Mr. Ewing was. given the nomination as candidate for county clerk by his party, the impression prevailed that he was leading a " forlorn hope," but when the votes were counted November 8, it was found that he had been CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 459 elected by a majority of seven hundred and sixty votes. This striking victory, in which a Republican margin of nearly four hundred was nearly doubled the other way, was something akin to a revolution which greatly astonished the political wiseacres, but it was also a signal manifestation both of Mr. Ewing's hold on the people and his ability as a leader. In November, 1902, Mr. Ewing wes re-elected clerk of the courts by a majority of 2,093, while the county gave 239 majority for Laylin (Republican) for secretary of state. October 8, 1885, Mr. Ewing was married to Miss Nettie, daughter of Nelson Poe of Liberty township, and has two children : Mary E., born April 21, 1887, and Edgar P., born September 22, 1892. Mr. Ewing's father is at the present time the oldest resident of Hancock county. Mr. Ewing is a member of the Presbyterian church, of which lie has served as trustee for seven years, and his fraternal connections are with the Elks, Knights of Pythias, and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. HENRY M. HAUSE. One of the most prominent and respected citizens of Hancock county is H. M. Hause, a man whose history furnishes a splendid example of what may be accomplished through determined purpose, laudable ambition and well directed efforts. A native son of the Keystone state, his birth occurred in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, on the twenty-fifth of July, 1853, his parents being Lewis and Jane (Reichard) Hause, also natives of that commonwealth. The father was an excellent mechanic, and as a means of livelihood followed the wagon maker's trade. Both he and his wife were summond into eternal rest early in life, passing away in their native state, and at their death they left a family of two children, a daughter and a son. Henry M. Hause received but limited educational advantages during his youth, but being ambitious to acquire knowledge he labored industriously with that end in view and when twenty-five years of age was able to enter the University of Ada, in Ohio, in which he was a student for some time, and after which he was given a teacher's certificate, and for eighteen years thereafter he was one of the most efficient school teachers of Hancock county. His career as an instructor ably demonstrated his ability to impart to others the knowledge he had received, and in 1889 he was made a county school examiner, being the incumbent therein for the succeeding three years. For a period of eight years he served as the township clerk of Union township, and has also filled the positions of mayor, clerk and councilman of Mt. Cory, ever discharging his public duties with the same honesty and straightforwardness 460 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY that have characterized his private life. For ten years Mr. Hause, made his home in Mt; Cory; but in 1899 purchased his present farm of eighty acres, where he is engaged in general farming. This homestead was originally entered by. Abraham C. Van Courtright, and is a valuable and productive tract. The marriage of Mr. Hause was celebrated in 1889, when Miss Lottie, a daughter of Isaac A. and Mary Ann Baldwin, .became his wife. She is a native daughter of the Buckeye state, her birth having occurred in Blanchard township, Hancock county, in 1866.. Four children have come to brighten and bless this home, namely : Ralph, Mirth, Grace M. and Clarence M. Both Mr. and Mrs.. Hause are members of the Methodist Protestant church, in which the former has served as a steward for many years. The Hause home is a happy and attractive one, where warm hearted hospitality is always to be found by their numerous friends. In politics Mr. Hause is a Democrat. WILLIAM P. GRAY. William P. Gray is a child of Marion township. He was born there September 16, 1853, and has lived on his present farm ever since 1856. His education was dependent upon the instruction of the district school and upon his early home training. He is connected with the Moorehead family through his mother, Eliza E. (Moorehead) Gray, who was born in Harrison county, this state, May 8, 1825. His father was Samuel R. Gray, a native of the same county, born December 4, 1816. His parents were married in their native county in February, 1846, and one year latter undertook a week's journey, moving all their household effects to this county, where Samuel had bought eighty acres. of slightly improved land: For seven. years they worked upon this land, joining their labors to secure a comfortable living. Then, when he had the chance, Samuel seized upon the opportunity and closed for two hundred acres with small improvements. With industry and forethought he developed this tract into highly cultivated property and in 1876 sold forty acres, but one hundred and twenty acres remain in the possession of his son William. Samuel R. Gray was a man of decided business ability. He was the first to use tile in a system of drainage; and all his methods were advanced and progressive. In politics he was in the front ranks of the Republicans. He held the office of assessor for the township and, in the early history of the county, would probably have been a prominent official had not his party been in the minority. He was nominated for county commissioner but defeated. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 401 by a Democratic majority. Mr. Gray was a member of the Presbyterian church. He died October 24, 1881, but his wife still survives. They had five children,: namely : Flora G. ; Mary B.; William P.; Sallie H. and Phoebe J. Mary and Sallie are prominent in educational work, the former 'having taught for a number of years and .the latter recently completed her twenty-fifth year of sacrificing labor in the school room. September 30, 1880,. William J. Gray was united in marriage to Hettie M. Price. She was born August 9, 1857, in this state; her parents being John G. and Elizabeth Price, Mr. and Mrs. Gray are the parents of four children : Laura. E., born March 12, 1882 ; Mattie B., born September 19, 1883 ; Samuel P., November 24, 1885,. and Frank S., who was born September 27, 1898. The family are regular attendants at the First Presbyterian church of Findlay, in which both parents bold Membership. FRANK C. RAY. Frank C. Ray, city clerk and one of the younger business men of Findlay, by his alertness and energy is winning his way in the world, and has many friends both in public and social life. He comes of good stock, his ancestry for several generations having been natives of Ohio. His grandfather, Allen Ray, was born in Columbiana county in 1817. At that time the settlements were few and far between, the country was only beginning to be laid out .in farms, wild animals were plentiful and the skins valuable. Allen Ray was a trader in furs, an active pioneer, and did his part in helping to develop the country. Later, he moved still father west and settled in Hancock county, where he died in 1849. Albert W. Ray, son of Allen, was born at Findlay in the same year that witnessed the death of his father, and his whole life was spent in his native town, with the exception of the time when he wore the "blue" and fought for the preservation of his country. He was a carriage maker by trade, and was in 'that business in Findlay from 1874 to 1896. In 1896 he was elected city clerk and served as such until his death in the year 1900. He was married in 1873 to Amanda, daughter of Daniel Cline, and they were the parents of five children, of whom four are still living as follows : Louisa K., wife of Chas. A. Keller, Frank C. (the subject of this sketch), Bess L., and Marie. Though a mere lad only fifteen years of age, he enlisted in 1864 as a private in the One Hundred and Sixty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war, when the troops were mustered out. He was the youngest soldier in the regiment. He participated in bat- 462 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY ties at Harper's Ferry and at Millersburg. His brother, Thomas J. Ray, now living at Houston, Texas, served throughout the war as a member of the Forty-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was commanded by Colonel William Gibson. Frank C. Ray was born in Findlay, Ohio, in 1876, and was there reared and educated, attending first the public schools, graduating from the high school in 1893, and later, Findlay College, from which he graduated in 1896. The next two years Mr. Ray employed in learning and working at the carriage painting trade, after which time he entered the service of the Eastern Ohio Gas Company at Canton, Ohio, as a clerk. He remained with that corporation about a year and then returned to Findlay, where he secured employment with the Bradford Oil Company, .and, so continued until April, 1900, when he was elected city clerk by the city council, the position his father had held before his death. Mr. Ray was married at Findlay, Ohio, in June, 1900, to Dorothy Bickham, daughter of Major Y. Bickham, and they have one little daughter, Elizabeth A. In his political views, Mr. Ray is a stanch Republican and an earnest worker for the interests of his party. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Elks and the First Methodist church of Findlay. Mr. Ray is a wide-awake, progressive young man, interested in his work, his home, his fraternal societies and well deserving of the success so far achieved in life. WILLIAM KUHLMAN. The above named gentleman, who is a worthy representative of the German-American citizenship of Hancock county, resides on a well cultivated farm of two hundred and forty acres in Allen township, and is. extensively engaged in the raising of stock. Mr. Kuhlman was born in Hanover, Germany, December 28, 1844, remained in the fatherland until twenty-four years of age, gave cheerful and loyal obedience to the emperor and laid the foundation of a practical education and training which have served him Well in his adopted country. Believing that there .were great opportunities in the new world for the advancement of young men, he left the home of his youth and crossed the ocean to the great republic of which he had read with such interest in his boyhood days. He came to Hancock county and first located in Portage township, but in 1881 bought his present farm, the first installment of which was an eighty-acre tract. As he prospered, he added one hundred and sixty acres to this original purchase, and is now possessed of one of :the best farms in-Hancock county, which he is rapidly improving. In CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 463 1896 he erected new buildings, besides remodeled the old ones, and the farm is presenting a very attractive appearance under his guiding hand. Mr. Kuhlman had not been long in this country until he felt. the advisability of establishing himself in a home of his own. His marriage was celebrated June 16, 1873, when he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine, the daughter of Aaron and Margaret Smith. To this union there have been born the following named children : George E., 1874; Aaron F., 1876; Clara M.., deceased, 1878; Susan M., 1881; Charles W., 1883; James A.; 1885; Nellie A., 1888; Edmund C., 1891; Lizzie O., 1893; Neil L., 1896; John K., 1900, deceased. Mrs. Kuhlman is a native of Marion township, where she was born October 14, 1856. Her parents came to this county from Germany in 1850. Mr. Kuhlman is a gentleman of excellent standing in his immediate neighborhood. He is a member of the German Lutheran church, but in the absence of his own organization, he and his family are faithful attendants of the Presbyterian church. He has held several of the township offices, and in every way has proved himself a loyal and worthy citizen of his adopted country. JOHN H. MELLOTT. The above named gentleman, who resides in Allen township on a well cultivated farm of fifty acres, is the son of Elijah and Jane (Kline) Mellott. The Mellotts came from Bedford county, Pennsylvania, where the father was born in 1820, and the Klines are natives of the same county. Our subject's parents were reared in the state and county above mentioned and were there married in 1.842. After spending four years in Ashland county they came in 1855 to Hancock county and located in Allen township, where they bought eighty acres of land and later added enough to make a handsome farm of one hundred and seventeen acres.. Elijah Mellott is held in high esteem in the section where he resides, has filled several of the offices of the township and is respected by all. His wife died in 1891, after becoming the mother of eight children, of whom four are living. Elijah is the son of Obadiah and Katherine (Sipes) Mellott, both of whom were natives of Bedford county, Pennsylvania. On the paternal side the Mellotts are of English origin, while on the maternal Side they are of German stock. 'Obadiah died in 1862 and his wife in 1859. John H. Mellott, one of his father's four surviving children, was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, March 27, 1843, and was twelve years of age when his parents came to this state in 1855. He grew up amidst rural 464 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY scenes, and in the invigorating life of the farm developed that sturdiness of character which has always characterized him. Upon arriving at maturity, he bought his present farm, which he has continued to cultivate with success and has at different times added substantial improvements, his modern and commodious house having been erected in 1889. The biography of Mr. Mellott characterizes him as "a clean-cut practical man of the soil," and such he has proved himself to be in the various branches of agriculture. In 1869 he was united in marriage to Miss Rachel A. Crowel, a native of Stark county, Ohio, and born February 14, 1843. Mr. and Mrs. John H. Mellott merit and receive the homage of a large circle of friends. He is a good citizen, a model farmer and such a man as benefits any community by association with it, and bravely accepts and faithfully fulfills the duties of life. WILSON C. STOKER. The above named is one of the children of Jacob and Mary R. (Pence) Stoker, whose family history is fully given in the sketch. of their son Darius and need not be repeated at length. As therein stated three of the brothers served in the Union army and two of them, as the lamented Lincoln said at Gettysburg, "paid the last full measure of devotion that the nation might live." Stoker Post, Grand Army of the Republic at Findlay, is named in honor of the brothers who were killed on the field of battle at Stone river, and this is only one evidence of the high regard in which the Stoker family is and has. long been held by the people of Hancock county. Since their father's arrival in 1845, there has been no time when the Stokers were not conspicuously identified with the county's farming interests and they have grown in wealth and influence, as well as numbers, from year to year during the last two generations. Wilson C. Stoker, youngest of the children by his father's second marriage, was born in Hancock county, October 18, 1845, and as he grew up he received a common school education while learning farm work between terms. When he reached manhood he became a farmer on his own account and has achieved unusual success in this occupation. He is practical in his methods, progressive in business and thorough going in everything relating to agricultural pursuits. As a result he at present owns two valuable farms in the county, consisting of three hundred and. twelve acres, and on his land are found twenty-three producing oil wells. He ranks among the leading farmers of the county and is a representative citizen in every sense of that term. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 465 Mr. Stoker was fortunate in the selection of a wife, to whose wise counsel and good management he owes much of his success. His marriage occurred December 30, 1869, the bride being Miss Katie, daughter of Jacob and Mary Grubbs, who was born near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 1846. This union, which proved happy and congenial in every way, resulted in the birth of three children : Laura M., David D., and Elmer O. David D. Stoker, the only one of the children now living, was born February 14, 1874, and was given a good education by his parents and teachers as he grew to manhood. April 25, 1901, he was united in marriage with Miss Ella M., daughter of Nelson and Hannah Altman, who are residents of Hancock county and the former one of the leading farmers of Marion township. Mr. Wilson C. Stoker's political affiliations are with the Republican party and he and wife are members of the United Brethren church. The family are among the best people of the county socially and no man enjoys higher reputation in the business world than Wilson C. Stoker. JAMES DECKER. There is no section of the great state of Ohio that is more noted for its fine farms than Hancock county, and there is no section of Hancock county that is under a better state of cultivation than Allen township. In this township lives the above worthy representative of a worthy family who have for many years been residents of the county, and have been honorably and intimately connected with its growth and progress. James Decker is the direct descendant of Mahlon and Minerva (Dull) Decker, the former born in New Jersey and the latter a native of Pennsylvania. They married in Pennsylvania, soon after came to Crawford county, Ohio, and after a short residence there removed to Hancock county in 1845. They purchased eighty acres of timber land in section 24 of Allen township, upon which they erected a comfortable log house that continued to be their home for twenty-five years. Here they engaged in the active work of subduing the wilds of nature, and it is remembered of the mother that, together with many other accomplishments that were necessary in that early day, she was an expert weaver, not only making all the clothing for the family, but doing a large amount of work for her neighbors. Mahlon Decker was a practical man, and succeeded by thrift and honest toil in accumulating three hundred acres of valuable land. He was stanch in his support of Republican principles, ,a consistent member of the Baptist church and sincerely mourned at his death, which occurred July 18, 1874. His widow still survives at the advanced age of 466 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY eighty-four years, in good general health of mind and body. They reared a family of eleven children, seven of whom are living and six residents of Hancock county. James Decker, one of the surviving sons, was born in Crawford county, Ohio, January 16, 1837. He was a lad of but eight years when he came with his parents to Hancock county, where he was reared and received what little education was obtainable in the schools at that early day. His first purchase of real estate was in 1860, consisting of a tract of forty-six acres, to which he added at various times. In August, 1862, he responded to the call of President Lincoln for troops to save "Old Glory" from being trailed in the dust and became a private soldier of Company G, One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He participated in a score of battles in the middle west, Mossy Creek and Resaca possibly being the most noted. At the latter battle he was so unfortunate as to receive a wound, after the healing of which he was honorably discharged in 1865. He has no regrets that he offered his life to savethe constitution of the grandest country in the world. In January, 1861, he celebrated his marriage with Mary, daughter of John and Sarah Barred, who were early settlers of Hancock county. Mrs. Mary Decker was born in Allen township in 1838, and of her eight children the following named are living : Edward, C. A., L. B., M. C., G. H. and Sidney O. The beautiful modern brick residence of Mr. Decker, where he and his family delight to entertain their numerous friends, was built in 1879. Mr. Decker is a popular gentleman in the community, having held a number of the township offices. He is a consistent member of the old school Baptist church, of which he has been clerk for a number of years. In connection with his active work on the farm he looks after the product of twenty oil wells, seven of which he drilled. Mr. Decker was treasurer of the Hancock Gas & Oil Company, the first to open up the North Findlay pool. In 1889 they drilled the first well and this became the most productive locality in the county. He has one hundred and forty acres of land, on which there are twenty-five producing oil wells at this writing. Mr. Decker is a member of Stoker Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Findlay, and one of the best known as well as most highly esteemed man in the county. HENRY FRANKS. Henry Franks is a worthy representative of the agricultural interests of Hancock county, where his father was at one time an extensive Owner of real estate, having been in possession of two thousand acres. Mr. Franks CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 467 lives in Allen township, where he cultivates a farm of one hundred and ninety acres, the methods which he uses producing one of the finest farm properties in the county. His father, John Franks, was one of Hancock county's early pioneers and a man of wonderful resources. He was enterprising, honest, industrious and possessed of large and liberal views concerning life. He had a passion for the accumulation of real estate, selecting his locations with great business sagacity and foresight. This land was afterward disposed of by sale and by division among his children, who have since made good. use of their inheritance. Mr. Franks was married twice, his first wife being Sarah Musgrove, who bore him eight children and died in June, 1843. His second wife was Betsie Fast, who presented him with five children, and seven of the two sets are now living. John Franks was a member of the United Brethren church, and supported the principles of government formulated by that great disciple of Democracy, Thomas Jefferson. He died August 9, 1880, and his last wife passed away June 30, 1902. Henry Franks, a son by the first marriage, was born in Cass township, December 8, 1842, and six months later lost his mother by death. He was reared and schooled in Cass township, passed his life in agricultural pursuits, and has resided on the present farm for the past thirty-two years. In August 1868, he was united in marriage to Mahala Allard, and their union has been blessed with ten children, eight of whom are living : John W., Catherine B... Andrew J., Charles H., Ella,. Mary, David W. and Eliza. The mother of these children is a native of Ohio, Franksr birth occurred in 1848. Mr. Franks is a quiet, unostentatious, but loyal citizen, seeking no honors himself, but taking delight in placing in office the best man regardless of party affiliation. He, however, inclines to Democratic principles. 'He is an industrious and honest citizen, and in Hancock county is universally recognized and honored for his many good traits of character. J. A. NUSSER. Wherever the stranger goes in Hancock county he finds a very large sprinkling of gray heads among the farming element, but there are a number of young and enterprising men who have resisted the wiles of city life and are Jollowing nobly in the footsteps of their fathers. It is a mistaken idea that farming has become a lost art. There is just as much material prosperity to be had in the country as there is in the city. The only point necessary to remember is that the farmer of to-day must keep in mind the fact that he is living in a progressive age, that he cannot scratch the ground 468 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY with a forked stick and plant his corn by hand as was the custom in the early day. The use of modern machinery and the adoption of intensive methods of farming, coupled, of course, always, with hard work, will win in this day just as readily as the old methods won in their day, all of which is being realized by this enterprising and up-to-date young farmer whose worthy name heads this paragraph. Mr. Nusser was born in Findlay, Ohio, r November 14, 1872, and was reared in Allen township, where he closely applied himself to his studies during his minority and laid the foundation of his education. His book learning has been the lesser part, for he is a man of observant mind and intelligent comprehension, and has thus added a later equipment that makes him a very useful and worthy citizen. From his boyhood he was inclined to the free and independent life of the farmer, and when he arrived at the years of maturity he entered upon agricultural pursuits. He bought his present home in 1899. It consists of eighty acres, which he is gradually bringing into a high state of cultivation, rapidly adding new buildings and improvements of the kind suitable to a modern Ohio farm. Of him his biographer states : "Mr. Nusser is a young man who will not be satisfied to sit on the bottom round of the ladder. His motto is, 'Plenty of room at the top.' " Mr. Nusser is a son of J. J. and Mary Nusser, his father having been a native of Findlay, and his mother of Allen township. She died in 188o, having been the mother of seven children : Lucretia ; Quinn; J. A., our subject ; Caroline, deceased; Frederick ; Mammie; and Edna. Mr. Nusser had barely reached his majority when, on November 12, 1893, he led to the altar Miss Blanche, the accomplished daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Swab. Mrs. Nusser was born November 25, 1873. (See sketch of family on another page). Mr. and Mrs. Nusser have had two children, one who died in infancy, and Dorothy E., born July 9, 1900. They are popular members of society in their immediate neighborhood, where the genial, pleasant manner of Mr. Nusser has made him popular among a hose of friends. JOHN H. GRUBB. John H. Grubb, brother of Cyrus and youngest son of Jacob Grubb, now holds a two-third interest in the fine tract of farming land once owned by his father, and which save the first six years of his life has always been his home. Mr. Grubb was born February 17, 1857, on what is now the D. L. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 469 Norris farm in Marion township, this county. In 1863 his parents moved to Liberty township where John received a common school education, and where in due time he added his efforts to those of his father in wresting from nature a free and safe means of livelihood. In selecting a helpmate for life, he chose one of nature's daughters, a young woman who knew what life on a farm meant and who has fulfilled her highest mission by making for him a happy home. On November 8, 1884, Mr. Grubb married Miss Sallie Cusac, who was born. as the daughter of James M. and Rachel Cusac, on a farm in Liberty township on Blanchard river, September 15, 1858. Their union was blessed by two children: Gail G., born in August, 1893, and Mack, born December 25, 1896. The family are members of the Presbyterian church, enjoying the esteem of a large circle of friends. Through untiring industry Mr. Grubb has become a prosperous and independent business man. Upon the land operated by him there are twenty-five producing oil wells. Other details concerning the family record will be found in the biographies of Cyrus Grubb and James M. Cusac. WILLIAM THOMAS. William Thomas is a well known and respected citizen of Findlay, the son of one of the first settlers of the county. His father was Charles Thomas, a native of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, who removed to Tyler county, Virginia, where he married Mary Ripley; she became the mother of fourteen children, ten of whom grew to maturity and two of this number are now living, Narcissa W. and William. Charles Thomas lived the uneventful but eminently useful life of the practical farmer. The farm which he tilled is still in the Thomas family, and has been continously since its first possession by them in 1831. Charles Thomas endured all the hardships incident to pioneer life, receiving many friendly visits from his red brother, the Indian, and it might be added many hostile visits from his more vicious brother, the wolf. When he first came to Hancock county, the town of Findlay consisted of but sixteen houses. They were principally of the block house variety, so built for the purpose of defense from the unfriendly tribes of red Omen which then surrounded the town. William Thomas was born in Tyler county, Virginia, on April 2, 1827, and until middle life always followed the pursuit of farming. His labors were attended with such success that in 1879 he was able to retire from active 470 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY labor, and purchasing .a home in Findlay he removed to the city where he now resides. During his active life on the farm he was honored with most all of the township offices by his fellow citizens which he administered in a worthy manner. In religious faith he is a believer in the tenets held by the Methodist Episcopal denomination, in which organization he has labored during all of his lifetime, holding many offices of trust. He has held the office of steward for the past twenty years. Mr. Thomas began his domestic life on the thirty-first of October, 1850, when he married Miss Sidney, the daughter of John and Margaret Paden. The marriage proved a most felicitous one, and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas. have passed .a long life of connubial happiness. To this union were born five children : Mary M., Margaret J., Kate, Lezettie and Fannie, the latter being deceased. The Mother was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, on December 2, 1833. Her father, John Paden, was born in Ireland and his wife in Ohio. Mr. Thomas, as must be supposed, is one of the well known men of the county, having passed almost the entire period of his life in this part of the state. He is a worthy representative, though now retired, of that calling which Washington said is the most useful and honorable to which man devotes his energies. DAVID THOMAS. The family of which the ,above named gentleman is an honored representative, is one of the pioneer families of Hancock county. Henry Thomas and his half-brother, James, were the first of the name to settle in the county, the date of their .arrival being as early as 1834. They were natives of Ireland, where Henry was born November 21, 1781, and emigrated to this country in 1816. September 17, 181I, he was united in marriage to Jane Stranahan, and their first three children, William, John and Mary J., were born before they left their native country. Henry and Sarah were natives of Pennsylvania, while Samuel L., the youngest, Was born in Wayne county, Ohio. Henry Thomas died October 14, 1865, and his wife in 1852. Henry entered from the government one hundred and sixty acres of land, which was at that time in its primitive wildness, and which he cleared during his lifetime. He was a man of moderate education, but of fine judgment and keen foresight. In his native land he had learned the weaver's trade, but after he came to America abandoned it for agricultural pursuits. In religious faith he was a Presbyterian, and .gave his support to the policies of the Whig party. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 471 His son Henry, father of David Thomas, was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, November 8, 1819, and was but fifteen years of age when he cable to Hancock county with his parents. He passed an entire lifetime in agricultural pursuits, and in this vocation he was very successful. He purchased eighty acres of land from his father, on which he .continued to reside until his death, which occurred October 4, 1891. In 1843, he married Elizabeth Shoemaker, who was born in Wyandot county, Ohio, on the fourth of February, 1826, and the results of this marriage were the following named children: Sarah J., born in 1844; .Mary A., 1846; John, 1847; Margaret, 1850; Andrew, 1853; David, September 12, 1855 ; Ellen, .1857; Henry, 1860; Ira, 1863. The father of this family was a man whose reputation stood high for probity with his neighbors and whose character was above reproach. He was bold and positive in his assertions, and lived up to his convictions of right and duty. He as his father before him, was a consistent and earnest member of the Presbyterian church, in which organization he was for many years a deacon. Politically he gave allegiance to the Republican party during nearly all his life; though toward the close he was .snore particularly interested in the matter of temperance, on which question he felt the Republican party did not give entire satisfaction. After a long and useful life, and mourned by a host of friends, he died October 4, 1891. His Wife survived. him about six years and died April 1, 1897. David Thomas, son of Henry and Elizabeth, was born on his father's farm in Hancock county, Ohio, and reared to manhood in his native township of Big Lick. He received a good elementary education and in early life followed portable wood-sawing and threshing, but his employment later, for several: consisted in the pressing and shipping of hay. He owned one hundred and seventy acres of land, ninety-seven of which be sold in 1902, and is now on account of failing health not actively engaged in the rougher work of farming. The marriage of Mr. Thomas was celebrated. November 6, 1879, the lady of his choice being Miss Ella, daughter of William K. and Martha J. Leonard. Mrs. Thomas is a native of the county, having been born at Findlay, December 22, 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are adherents of the Presbyterian faith, in which organization Mr. Thomas is an active worker, being at the present time an elder. They have no children. The family of which Mrs. Thomas is member deserves more than a passing notice. Her father, William K. Leonard, was born in Columbiana county in 1821, and spent the early part of his adult life as a school teacher, making a fine reputation as a member. of that profession. He followed that occupation until 1863, when he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. 472 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY' He also was an active worker in the Presbyterian church, and for many years was an elder. Indeed, in early life he had very serious intentions of being. ordained to the ministry, and only the consideration of poor health changed his determination. His marriage to Martha J. Moorhead occurred December 15, 1853, and their children were: Edgar :H., Francis E., Melissa, Samuel M., deceased, John M., Mary A., deceased, Margaret M., deceased and Robert W. it is worthy of note that John M. Leonard, the third son, spent five years as a missionary of the Presbyterian church in Japan, but his health failing he was obliged to return to his native country; where he is now actively engaged in the ministry in the .state of Kansas. The .father of this family died October 22, 1890. Robert Leonard, grandfather of Mrs. Thomas, removed from Columbiana county, Ohio, to Hancock county in 1837. He married Frances Bayless and .the children born to them were: Elizabeth, Samuel, Silas, William K., Abner and Mary A. Robert Leonard died May 4, 1867, his wife having preceded him. some fourteen years. Thus ends the record of two of Hancock county's most estimable families, the representative of which at the present day are held in the highest esteem by all. DARIUS R. STOKER. The Stokers, now one of the strong and prosperous family connections of Hancock county, have been identified with the county's affairs for more than half a century. The paternal .ancestors were of German origin, and the first of the name Who appeared. in America was John Stoker, who eventually found his way to the west. His son, Jacob Stoker, was born in Perry county, Ohio, June 29, 1806, but in early life located in Fairfield county, where he remained a number of years. In 1845 he came to Hancock county and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, to which he subsequently added eighty acres, and all of this he cleared and improved by his own labor. He was a fine specimen of the sturdy pioneer, of evenly balanced character, industrious habits and. not to be discouraged by any kind of hardships. Eventually he succeeded in converting his originally wild land into a good estate, which increased in value .as the years went by and made a comfortable inheritance for his descendants. By .a marriage in. 1828, with -Elizabeth. Hart-sock, he had a daughter named Athelinda. The first wife dying,. he was married. March 4, 1830, to Mary R. Pence, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, January 4, 1812. The children by this second union were : David P., born January. 4, 1831; 'Tunis A., September 4, 1832 ; Dicy R., February 21, 1834; .Darius R., December 27, 1836; Cyrus H., born July 19, 1839; CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 473 Mary J., November 22, 1841 ; and Wilson C. Jacob Stoker died February 28, 1866, and his wife on July 14, 1889. Three of their sons entered the Union service during the Civil war and made highly honorable military records, two of them sealing their devotion with their lives. Darius and David enlisted September 19, 1861, in Company F, Twenty-first Regiment, .Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and their brother Cyrus joined the same command a year later. They took part with their regiment in the bloody battle of Stone River, near Murfreesboro, Tennessee, in the early days of 1863, and fared badly as a result of the desperate fighting. Cyrus was. killed, on the battlefield and David was so badly wounded that he lingered but a short time after the battle. Darius. also received a wound, but recovered, and at the end of two years' service was honorably discharged. After returning from the army Darius R. Stoker engaged in farm work, and pursued it with such success as to eventually gain standing as one of the leading farmers of his county. At the present time he owns one hundred and forty-three acres of good land in Liberty township, which is well improved as to buildings, fences and other adjuncts of an up-to-date farm, and this estate is managed and cultivated by Mr. Stoker according to the best modern methods of scientific agriculture. October 13, 1863, Mr. Stoker was married to Miss Mary M. Strother, who comes of a noted old Virginia family that is deserving of more than a passing notice. John and Anna Strother, who came from Virginia to Licking county, Ohio, in 1818, had a family of seven children. One son, Isaac J. Strother, who came to Ohio at the same time, engaged in farming and achieved success in that line. By his first. marriage; with Hannah Beardsley, he had one daughter named Eliza Ann. In March, 1838, his second marriage took place, with Elizabeth Hall, by whom' he had six children Mary M. (now Mrs. D. R. Stoker), Amos, B., Caroline V., Absalom H., Lucy D. and Emily T. Mrs. Stoker's mother died in August, 1866, and her father in 1868. The union of Darius R. and Mary M. (Strother). Stoker resulted in the birth of four children. Clemma A., the eldest of these, was married in 1892 to Frank P. DeBrandt, and has three children. Viola M., second child of Mr. and Mrs. Stoker, became the wife of Aeneas Collingwood in 1892. Luella D., the third of the family in order of birth, was married in 1894 to Nelson C. Altman, and has four children. Arthur. B., youngest child and only son of Mr. and Mrs. Stoker, was married in 1900 to Frankie D. Ullom. The family attend religious services at the United Brethren church, of which Mr. Stoker is a trustee, and for ten year was superintendent of the Sunday, school, in which he took much interest. It should be added as a matter of 30 474 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY pathetic interest and showing the regard in which this family is held that Stoker Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Findlay, is named in honor of the brother killed at the battle of Stone River. GEORGE S. PENDLETON. George S. Pendleton has inherited to some "extent the roving nature of his paternal grandfather, James,. who for several years in early life followed navigation on the Great Lakes. George has devoted his life mainly to farming, an occupation in itself very quiet, yet he has not been content to remain fixed to one place. He has made several changes in location; seven of his younger years were spent in the wilds of California and .Nevada, where he gave himself up to extensive, stock-raising. In Putnam county, this state, he has spent twenty-nine years., and while there acquired a title to one hundred and twenty-four acres of good farming land. He also held the office of township trustee during his residence there. George S. Pendleton was born in Findlay, January 1, 1845. In 1868 he married Mary Anderson, who died in 1901. The couple had three children : Harriet, born in August, 1869; Lucinda, born in 1871; and Louisa, born in 1873. Mr. Pendleton received his education and early training in Findlay: His father was Joel Pendleton, a man of exceeding popularity and superior school advantages. His life has been one of varied experiences and his genial -nature, robust physique and hardy outdoor habits insured for him a ripe old age. He was born in the state of Maine, January 26, 1812 ; and died Mary 12, 1894: He belonged to a family of twelve children, of whom one only survives. His parents were James and Elizabeth Pendleton who were born in 1783 and in 1784 respectively. During the latter part Of their lives they resided in Licking county, Ohio. Joel was but eight years old when he first came to this state. He received a very good education, studied civil engineering and later took up the business of surveying in connection with farming. In 1835 he removed to this county, entered eighty acres of government land in Blanchard township, worked and kept possession of it for almost eighteen years. In 1853 he came to what was then Findlay township, purchased several acres of land and increased his estate from time to time until he owned seventy acres. Here his widow Amy still lives. She was a native of Vermont, born there May 8, 1815. She was married to Mr. Pendleton on November. 22, 1832. Eight of eleven children are living. They are: Anna, born in 1835; Lucinda, born in 1842; George S., born January 1, 1845 ; Joel W., born in 1848; CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 475 Mary E., born in the year 1851; Harriet A., born in 1853; Louise, born in 1856: and Charles F., born in 1859. Joel Pendleton belonged to the United Brethren church and in politics was a Democrat. He always had the best interests of his country at heart and was extremely popular with the younger element of the community, for he taught school for several years after his removal to Hancock county. As an indication of his popularity and the confidence placed in him by the voters of the county may be mentioned the fact that for over 'forty years he held the office of county surveyor. JOHN C. KAGEY. After a long life of usefulness and work in which he has established and successfully conducted several different mercantile enterprises, Mr. John C. Kagey is able to spend the remainder of his years in comfort, free from the care and work of his earlier life. He was born on a farm in Richland (now Ashland) county in this state in 1831, in which county he lived and received his education until 1862, in which year he went to Ashland, Ohio, where he started in the grocery business. In 1865 he disposed of this business and became a. lumber merchant, which he carried on until 1894, at which time he moved to Findlay. .After settling in Findlay he again opened a grocery store, which he conducted for a number of years, though he is now retired. Mr. Kagy married Elizabeth Kohler, and their union has been blessed with four children, who are: Cora, wife of William Beach; William M., Tully J., Frederick .G. Mr. Kagey is an adherent of the Democratic' party, and he is also one. of the strong body of Masons of Findlay. He does not affiliate with any church. B. F. BIBLER. B. F. Bibler, a farmer and proprietor of the Jackson township poultry yards, is one of those prosperous and able men who began at the bottom of the ladder and by energy, business push and integrity have worked their way up until they now occupy a respected place in the business world. The parents of this gentleman were Samuel and Elizabeth (Empfield) Bibler, the former born in Fairfield county, Ohio, and the latter a native of Pennsylvania. The birth of B. F. Bibler occurred in Fairfield county on the 10th of October, 1855, and there, after the manner of all boys in the rural 476 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY regions, he received his early training in the schools .and on the farm: He pursued farming as his chosen vocation and remained at home until 1875, when he rented a farm and carried on his business until 1897. In that year he bought his present farm of eighty acres; which he cultivated for two years and then started his poultry business. In this most pleasant of occupations he is meeting with eminent success; his pure strains. of White Plymouth Rock and Buff Plymouth Rock chickens not only being his own pride but accounted by other good judges the best in the country. His yards and pens are well kept and arranged, and the general surroundings are such as to indicate a man of thrift and industry, while his birds show care and painstaking in their breeding. He is modern and progressive in many ways, departing from the well worn paths of his forefathers and marking out a course of his own. He has. natural gas wells on his farm, from which he gets fuel for his stoves, and heats his poultry pens with the same fuel. Mr. Bibler was happily married on November 17, 188o, to Selina Swab, a daughter of Solomon and Catherine Swab, who was born March 6, 1868. They are the parents of two sons : Benjamin C., born in 1883; and Charles E., born in 1893. Mr. Bibler is a member of the Jackson Grange, and his life has been such as to command the esteem and regard of the whole community. As he is now in his prime it would be safe to predict for him still greater success as the result of his future endeavors. FREDERICK J. KARG. Among the successful and respected business men of Findlay, Ohio, is Frederick J. Karg, a member of the firm of Karg Brothers, meat dealers, who carry on a business which was established in this city by his father in 1852. The birth of Mr. Karg was in Findlay, Ohio, in 1854, and he is a son of Carl August Emanuel Karg, who was born in Germany, in 1829. At the time of the latter's emigration to America, he was twenty years of age. He settled for two years in New York city and then removed to Findlay, Ohio, where he opened a meat business in 1852. With energy and industry this business was made to prosper, and as his sons grew up, Mr. Karg admitted some of them to the business, and in 1887 he felt that he could. retire from activity, knowing .that it was in excellent hands. He is a staunch Republican and he has served in the city council. A family of five sons and two daughters was born to Mr. and Mrs. Karg, as follows : Elizabeth, the wife of J. D. Klentsche; Frederick J., of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 477 this sketch; August C. ; Charles A. ; Minnie, the wife of William Hull; Albert E. and William. Frederick J. Karg obtained a good common school education in Findlay, and at the age of sixteen entered his father's meat market where he learned the trade: in 1887, with two of his brothers, the present well known firm of Karg Brothers was formed, which supplies a large part of the city with its choicest meat. In 1877 our subject was married to Miss Eliza Mills, who is a daughter of James Mills, and they have one daughter, Eva. In politics Mr. Karg, like his father, is a Republican. He belongs to the order of the Knights of Pythias, No. 400, while the religious connection of the family is with the Lutheran church. He is well and favorably known in Findlay, and is considered an honest and enterprising business man and an excellent citizen. FREDRICK SUTTER. During his residence there of twenty-two years, the above named gentleman has been about the busiest man in the village of Vanlue. He has looked after three hundred acres of land, manufactured tile and brick and ran a mill, which "made things hum" by the noisy revolutions which turned off lumber by the thousands of feet a day. Mr. Sutter, however, is not doing all these things at present, having reached that condition of financial independence which makes over exertion unnecessary, still he is a controlling figure in Amanda township and consulted as one of its best informed as well as most enterprising citizens. A word or two about his life and character and those from whom he is descended will not therefore be inappropriate in a volume devoted to the representative men of Hancock county. The family is of Swiss origin and founded in this country by Fredrick and Fannie Sutter. This couple was married in Switzerland in the early thirties, but after striving for a decade or two in their native land decided that emigration to far distant America held out a promise of improvement in their fortunes. It was in 1852 that this resolution was carried into effect and the newly arrived immigrants, after the usual trials and tribulations of pobr travelers, found themselves settled at Sandusky City, Ohio. As Fredrick was an industrious and hardworking man, all went well and he was accumulating some means until an unfortunate accident disabled him for work and eventuated in his death- in 1854. By two marriages there were five children, three by the first and two by the second, all of whom are living. Fredrick Sutter, Jr., one of the children by his father's first marriage, 478 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY was born in Switzerland in 1835 and consequently was about eighteen years old when his. parents emigrated to this country. He remained at Sandusky City until his father's death when he entered the employment of a railroad company whose lines extended through that part of Ohio. He remained at work with this company about ten years, afterward worked a while as a mill hand and later removed to Hancock county, where he purchased an eighty acre farm in Amanda township. This tract, only half of which was cleared, was held two years by Mr. Sutter for speculative purposes and then disposed of at a profit. In 1865 Mr. Sutter bought another- tract of eighty acres, fifty of which were cleared, and made other deals as buyer and seller until the outcome was his present holding of three hundred acres in Amanda and Liberty. township's. In 188o he removed. to Vanlue and three years later purchased his present home and mill property at the same time starting a tile and brick. manufactory. He continued the last mentioned feature for. six years, but finding it unprofitable, abandoned the manufacture of tile and brick and confined himself to making lumber. In addition to his other Machinery, he put in a planer and has thus considerably extended his business by converting his ray material into finished product. In 1861 he was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Shoup, but the only child of this union died in infancy and the mother passed away in 1875. In 1877, Mr. Sutter married Mrs. Cornelia Leader, who was born in Youngstown; Ohio, in 1836, and by her he has an only son named Charles. Though not a member of any church, Mr. Sutter believes that the carrying out of. the golden rule embodies " all the law and the prophets." His fraternal connections are confined to membership in the Independent Order of Odd Felows. In conclusion it is but just to remark that Fredrick Sutter is a self-made man in the best sense of that word. Beginning life without means and little education, he now contemplates retiring from active business with a comfortable competence. Still more important as testimony of his qualities is the fact that his neighbors have implicit confidence both in his integrity and judgment and often consult him . concerning difficulties of a private as well as public nature. NORMAN L. MACLACHLAN, M. D. It is not unusual. in this work-a-day world to see young men having their own way to make, doing various odd jobs to earn a penny for the purpose of completing their education, and all honor should be paid them. That which is not worth great sacrifice would be a poor position indeed. These are the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 479 sentiments of the gentleman here named, and he comes honestly by them, for his own experience was in consonance with them. The family of which Dr. Maclachlan is a member came from Scotland, the first member of which he has any authentic information being his grandfather, Donald Maclachlan, who was born in Argyleshire, in 1760, and died there in 1850. He married Agnes McFarlan and reared a family, of which our subject's father, Alexander Maclachlan, was the eighth child. He was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, on the nineth of June, 1809, and in 1840 came to Canada, where he settled in Middlesex county, province of Ontario. The Maclachlans have always been agricultural people, and Alexander was engaged in the occupation of farming for a number of years in Canada, where he reared a family of ten children, all of whom are living except the youngest, who died in childhood. Later he moved into Michigan, where he died in 1879. He had married, Mary, the daughter of John Black, also a native of Scotland and a gauger by profession. His father, John Black, was born in Scotland, and lived, out his days in that country. The gentleman whose name forms the immediate subject of this sketch and who is a physician of excellent standing in the medical circles of Findlay, Ohio, was born in Middlesex county, Ontario, November 26, 1854. From that section of 'the country he removed with his parents in May, 1861, to Argyle, Sanilac county, Michigan, where he passed the entire period of his youth and young manhood to the age of twenty. There he received such educational advantages as were to be had in the schools of a new country at that period, in the meantime doing an immense amount of physical labor, for his parents were not of the wealthy class. The youth was imbued with the idea that he would get an education at whatever cost, and at the age of fourteen began working in the lumber camps in the winter and attending school during the summers. Any one who has any knowledge of the exceedingly severe physical labor exacted of employes in the lumber camps will have some idea: of the sacrifice and immense pains young Maclachlan put forth in order to receive his education. Often it was necessary to stand in icy water, waist deep, in order to perform his part of the work in getting timber down the Cass river. He, however, persevered and is now able to look back to that time with a certain degree of satisfaction. Deciding upon the medical profession as his life work, he entered the office of Dr. William H. Greene, at Cass City, Michigan, where he read medicine under his direction for a period of one year. Having then saved sufficient money to enable him to attend college, he went to Ann Arbor, where he entered the medical department of the University of Michigan, succeeding in keeping himself steadily in the 480 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY course until his graduation on the 27th of March, 1878. Returning to the locality where he was best known at Cass City; Michigan, he began practice at that paint, and for eleven years was so engaged, during which time it was necessary to make long drives over inferior roads and in all kinds of weather. Leaving that section in February, 1889 he came to Findlay, where he has since been engaged in practice. Dr. Maclachlan takes a very active interest in the public life of the communities in which he happens to reside, having served as mayor of Cass City., Michigan, during the years. 1883 and 1884, and from 1892 until 1898 .was a member of the common council of Findlay,. while for two years of that period he was president of that body. He was appointed a member of the board of United States pension examining-surgeons by President McKinley in October, 1897, and upon the organization of this board. the doctor was elected its secretary, which position he is now filling. He is also the local surgeon for the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton railroad and the Findlay, Fort 'Wayne & Western companies, and the surgeon for the Findlay city hospital. Dr. Maclachlan was married on the 27th of November, 1878, in Blenheim, Ontario, to Emma, the daughter of John Jackson, now deceased, and to this union one child was born, Ethel May. In matters pertaining to medical science the doctor is awake to the interests of his profession, and belongs to the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association, to the Ohio State Medical Society and .to the Hancock county Medical Society, in the latter of which he was president :and is now vice-president. In matters fraternal he is a member of the Masonic Order and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having filled all the chairs in the latter organization. In political life Dr. Maclachlan is a stanch Republican and delights in the active work of his party, and whatever he is able to do in advancing the principles of that party in the minds of the people is done with alacrity and in the most cheerful spirit. Findlay is fortunate in possessing among her citizens a physician of the standing of Dr. Maclachlan, who is always awake to her interests. JOSEPH P. BAKER, M. D. Though a resident of Findlay only twelve years the subject of this sketch has already established. himself so firmly in his profession as to make the future seem assured. His rise has been rapid, but only a natural result that follows careful preliminary preparation, backed by continuous study and a close attention to business. There is no mystery about it, however, it simply being another case of American vim and energy, supported by an honorable CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 481 ambition directed by educated intelligence. These are factors which usually secure, success,. even under the most adverse circumstances, and their display has certainly brought Div. Baker to the front rank among the practitioners of northwestern, Ohio, while also giving him a leading place in other lines allied to his professional work. If these compliments should seem strained. to any one, this impression will be dispelled by a reading of the biographical details' which follow. and which amply justify the eulogistic tone of the 'opening sentences. Joshua C. Baker, a native of Columbiana county, Ohio, has spent his life mostly in the combined occupations of farming and teaching: In 1863 he married Clarissa A. Moorhead, by whom he had six children, and one of these became the popular physician at Findlay with whom this biography, is concerned. Joseph P. Baker was born at Fostoria, Ohio, June 9, 1864, and was an infant when his parents removed to Hancock county, where they have since resided. During his boyhood he attended school in the neigh borhood of his father's farm in Portage and later at Findlay, and this educational process continued until he had reached the sixteenth year of his age. He then made his first business venture as a teacher in the schools of Wood County, Ohio, in which occupation he continued for seven consecutive years. At the .end of this time he came to Findlay and began the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. Anson Hurd, one of the oldest physicians in point of practice in Hancock county. In 1888 he entered Starling Medical College, at.Columbus, Ohio, and applied himself diligently to the course of study there until his graduation in the class of 1890. Dr. Baker .was quite popular at Starling, both with the faculty and the students, and at the close of the term was honored by being made president of the graduating class. Immediately after leaving college he located at Findlay and entered actively upon the 'practice of his profession. In 1894 he attended the New York Polyclinic,' and three years later took a post-graduate course in New York with a view to keeping himself abreast of all the new discoveries in every branch of medical science. His professional ability, aided by his gentlemanly bearing and genial address, soon fixed Dr. Baker firmly as one of the features in the social and business growth of Findlay. His popularity has been proved in many ways, as will be shown by an enumeration of the honors and promotions conferred upon him at different times. Shortly after locating at Findlay Dr. Baker was admitted as a member of the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association, and served as secretary of that body from 1895 until. 1902. At the annual meeting of the association in the year last mentioned Di. Baker was unanimously. elected president, an honor which 'is a sure index of the es- 482 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY teem in which he is held in this section of the state. Speaking of this election; the Findlay Courier, published in his home town, thus commented: "Dr. Baker has always been a successful figure in his profession, and the fact that so young a man as he has been elected to the presidency of the association stands as quite compliment." Dr. Baker is also a member of the Hancock County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society, the American Medical Association and the Order of Railway Surgeons. From 1890 until 1893 he served on the pension board of Hancock county, and is at present the local surgeon of the Lake Erie and Western Railroad Company at Findlay. In addition to this he has served six years as local physician of the Orphans' Home at Findlay, and holds the Chair of obstetrics in the Findlay City Hospital. He is also the leading examining surgeon at Findlay for a number of life and accident insurance companies. On the social and fraternal side of life we find Dr. Baker filling a role in keeping with his professional prominence: His classmates at the old alma Mater have never forgotten the student days, and in 1901 he was elected president of the Alumni Association, in addition to an appointment as one of the censors of the college. In. 1891 Dr. Baker was created a Master Mason in Findlay Lodge, No. 227; is a member of Findlay Chapter, No. 58, Council No. 50, Findlay Commandery No. 49; was made a Scottish Rite Mason in 1898, at Cleveland, Ohio, and is a member of Zenobia Temple at Toledo. He is also a member of Findlay Lodge, No. 88, Knights of Pythias, Findlay Lodge, No. 75, of the Elks, and Hancock Lodge, No. 73, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His political affiliations are with the Republican party, though he has not been an aspirant for official honors, aside from such as are appropriate to his profession. May 25, 1892, he. was happily Married to Miss Harriet, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schwartz, and with his wife enjoys a cordial welcome in the best society at Findlay. OTTA B. MARVIN. Though a young man and only in business about eleven years, the subject of this sketch has gained the title of the " popular jeweler " of Findlay. This Complimentary designation he has earned and deserved, as well on account of his skill in the cunning workmanship required in his trade as by strict attention to business and courtesy to customers. The family is of Pennsylvania origin, Ancie E. Marvin having been born in that state in 1836 and sought a home in Ohio where he lived until the time of his death. At the opening of the Civil war he enlisted as a private in the Fifty-seventh Regiment, Ohio CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 483 Volunteer Infantry, with which he served loyally for two years. He married Margaret T. Hollawell, by .whom he had six children, and of these the five survivors are thus named: Amanda J., wife of J. N. Feller; Charles W.; Leonard A., Otta B. and Frank J. The mother of this family died in 1895 and, the father, after surviving her a few years; passed away in 1899. Otta B. Marvin, the fourth child in order of birth, was born on a farm in Marion township, Hancock county, Ohio, in 1868. He was brought to Findlay in infancy and there grew up while receiving his education in the city schools. Being: naturally ambitious, and having no rich relatives to help him, young Marvin began to look around at an early age for a means .to insure a livelihood and lay a basis for future fortune. His inclinations were along the line of mechanics and his preference for the jeweler's trade. Accordingly, when only seventeen years .old he took the necessary steps to qualify himself for the calling decided upon as his life work. Having learned the details and niceties. of the jeweler's art, he opened a store at Findlay in 1891 and no :working day since has found him absent from his post. In 1889 Mr. Marvin led to the altar Miss Genevieve, the popular daughter of Henry C. Latham, the ceremony being performed at the parental residence in Findlay. Their household has been brightened by the births of three children : Helen E., Ancie L. and Margaret T. In politics Mr. Marvin affiliates with the Republican party, and gratifies his desire for fraternal fellowship by membership in the order of Elks. WILLARD GEORGE. It is the record of such men as Willard George that awakens the most interest for in this country where no man is born to public honors or to public office, but where the road to these is that of usefulness and fidelity, warm commendation and interest is always elicited through the. history of a self-made man who wins success and also gains the recognition of the public by reason of his fidelity to duty. Willard George is of this class. He is now one of the mosf trusted employes in the Ohio Rolling Mill, of Findlay, and is also a leader in Republican circles. He was born in Portage, Wood county, Ohio, in 1874, a son of Edwin George, who is now a coal merchant on the north side of this city, but for a number of years he was proprietor of a grocery store in the eastern part of Findlay. In 1875 he removed to Hancock county, settling on a farm near Mount Cory, and when our subject was four years of age the father removed with his family to Kansas and 484 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY afterward to Missouri. In 1889 he returned to this county and has since been a resident of Findlay,' being a recognized factor in commercial circles. Willard George was less than a year old when his parents first came to Findlay, and was a boy of four years when they removed to the west. When a youth of fifteen, after the return of the family to Hancock county, he entered the employ of the Findlay Rolling Mill Company as weigh boy, one of the most humble positions in the shops; but his close application, his ready mastery of the work entrusted to him and his fidelity constantly won him promotion. He worked in the forenoon, and in the afternoon, .instead of spending his time idly, he attended the Findlay College, where he completed a business course.. He then turned his entire attention to the mastery of his trade, and to-day he is recognized as one of the best workmen in the highest class of skilled labor in the iron trade, that of puddler, or converting the material from pig to wrought iron. His connection with the present firm .covers three years,. during which time he has enjoyed in a full measure the confidence of his employers and the respect of his associates. In fact, one of his fellow workmen said : "Not a man ever worked with him that was not his friend." It is this man who has gained prominence in Republican circles, becoming one of the leaders in the party, and in the year 1902 he became his party's candidate for the office of mayor. He is a practical and progressive business man and in any position to which he might be called he would be found reliable, capable and trustworthy; Mr. George enlisted for service in the Spanish-American war in May, 1898, becoming a member of Company D, Second Regiment of the United States. Engineers, in the capacity of a private. He served for one year, spending five months of that time in Cuba. He has always, been active in the work for the betterment of his fellow men, and no one has been more potent in the councils of the Pride of Findlay Lodge, No. 62. of the Amalgamated Association of Iron, Steel & Tin Workers, than he. Every office in the gift of the, lodge has been his and he represented his lodge at the national convention in Milwaukee in 1901. On the 1st of January, 1902, Mr. George was united in marriage in Findlay, Ohio, to Ida G. Hoover, daughter of David Hoover, of Putnam street. They are well known young people of this city and have a large circle of friends here. Mr. George is truly a self-made man, for starting out in life empty-handed in a humble business capacity, he has steadily worked his way upward until he is now a leading representative of the industrial interests of this city. He keeps well informed on the issues and CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 485 questions of the day, and his labors in behalf of the Republican party have been effective and far reaching. He well deserves the honor which came to him in his nomination and it is a well known fact that. in office Mr. George would ever bud capable, just and faithful. HIRAM D. KRABILL. A family which has been intimately connected with the marvelous progress and development of Hancock county, and whose associations with it have always been of an honorable and upright character, is that represented by the gentleman whose name precedes this paragraph. His grandfather, David Krabill, was a native of Stark county, Ohio, having first seen the light in that county November 3, 1806. He was the son of David. and Mary Krabill. Jemimacame to maturity he married Jemirria Boden, the marriage occurring April 12, 1832. Jemima Boden was a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in that state, in Cumberland county, December 22, 1812. They reared a family of children consisting of Augustus, deceased, born February 1, 1833; Jacob, September .4, 1834; Davis, July 7, 1836; Sara, January 29, 1839; Ann E., November 20, 1842 ; John W., November 29, 1846; Samuel D., August 23, 1849; Harriet, June 24, 1852; Hiram B., October 21, 1854; Irene J., June 21; 1858. David Krabill was a practical farmer, pursuing agriculture with eminent success, and lived to the advanced age of eighty years. He was an earnest supporter of the principles of religion as set forth by the Dunkard organization. His son Augustus was born in Seneca county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood and married Elizabeth Davis in 1855. The union was productive of four children, two of whom are living: Hiram D., whose name heads this sketch, and Freeman Krabill, residing at present in Gratiot county, Michigan. The father owned and operated a farm of three hundred and twenty acres, which he had acquired by hard personal labor. He was a popular man in his day, was a scientific and practical agriculturist and a most loyal citizen. He served frequently in the minor offices of the community, for a number of terms having been justice of the peace, the duties of which office he discharged with credit to himself and to his constituents. He also was a member of the Dunkard church, and was highly respected for his upright and worthy character. After passing a useful life in the county of his adoption, and mourned by family and friends alike, he died in 1894. The wife survives him, being still hale and hearty at the age of eighty-seven years. 486 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Hiram D. Krabill was born in Big Lick township October 5, 1860, where he was given the advantages of an excellent district school, and .later took a course in the public schools of Findlay, finally finishing at Ashland College. For eight successive years after his graduation at Ashland College he acted as instructor in the schools of his native county. This, however, was not so much to his taste as the rural life of a farmer. He therefore ceased teaching, purchased a farm and has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Krabill is a popular young man, and very active in supporting the principles of the Republican party. He was such an earnest and successful worker in the ranks of that organization that he was selected in I900 to make the race for sheriff of the county .6n the Republican ticket. Hancock county is noted for its close contests, and never was there a more spirited one than occurred in that year. Owing to complications which only Krabill and his associates could not forsee, he suffered defeat, but by only thirty-four votes. For the past twelve years he has been an efficient and active member of the school board of his township, the high character of the schools showing the quality of his efforts in that field. The farm upon which he now resides was purchased in 1881 by his father, and at the latter's death he inherited the property. His domestic life began in 1883, when he chose as a companion and helpmate on life's journey Miss Sara Hill. Of their four children only two are living: Arla P. and Lizzie R. Mrs. Krabill, who was a lady of refined and gentle character, died in 1892, and as a mother for his orphaned children Mr. Krabill chose Miss Rose L. Shapstein, the marriage occurring in 1894. The second wife is a native of Michigan, where she was born April 10, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Krabill are both consistent and earnest workers in what is known as the Progressive Dunkard church. They, are respected residents of their community, and are esteemed for their many good qualities of heart and mind. HUGH J. KEENAN. Hugh J. Keenan, who was for many years a resident of Findlay, Ohio, where he was extensively engaged in the oil business, was born in St. Catherine, Canada, in the year 1864, his father, who for eighteen years was a locomotive engineer, having been temporarily engaged there at that time. The latter died in Meadville, Pennsylvania, in 1884, and the mother's death occurred at Corry, that state, in 1872. From his native place the son Hugh removed with his parents to Corry, Pennsylvania, where he remained until his seventh year, while for the following twenty years he Was a resident CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 487 of Meadville, that state, receiving his educatiOn educationtter city. After Lis marriage Mr. Keenan went with his bride to the oil fields near Bradford, Pennsylvania, in McKean county, entering the employ of the United Pipe Line, but after a residence there of one year he removed to Findlay, Ohio, still retaining his connection with the same company, for whom he acted as gauger. until September, .1899.. After spending about fifteen years in various capacities in the oil -fields Mr. Keenan decided to engage in the business on his own account, and from 1899 until his removal to his present location was very successful in his ventures. In November, 1902, he removed to Crawford county, Pennsylvania, his post office address being Con. neaut Lake, where he is now extensively engaged in the stock business. On tile 12th of September, 1902, he purchased of Mrs. Adam Fullhart the celebrated Galbeton, with a record of 2 :11 ½, and he is also the owner of Moving Star, with a trial record of 2 :18 at four years old. In Crawford county, Pennsylvania, on the 5th of August, 181884. Mr. Keenan was united in marriage to Minerva Ettie Keen, a daughter of John P. Keen, also a native of the Keystone state. Two children have been born unto this union,—Floy. M. and Katherine A. In his fraternal relations Mr. Keenan is a member of Findlay Commandery, No. 49, and politically is allied with the Democracy. He is well and favorably known in the localities in which: he. has made his home as an enterprising and successful business man, and has won the respect and confidence of his townsmen. and coworkers WILLIAM ALSPACH. William Alspach is one of the leading merchants and public spirited business men of Vanlue, and is proud to be the descendant of one of Hancock county's oldest pioneers. His grandfather Adam was a brave soldier in the war of 1812; his wife was Barbara Wyant, and they were both natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Hancock county in 1829 and there entered one hundred and sixty acres of government land in Amanda township, where they took up their residence in the following year. He was a hard working man and did much prepare the way for those to follow in the path of the first pioneers. He was born in 1788 and died in 1856, his wife surviving him ten years. Their family consisted of nine children, three of them yet living. Daniel, one of their sons, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1811, and came with his father to Hancock county in 1830. He followed the life of a farmer and made marked success in this calling. In 1836 he married 488 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Catherine A. Vanlue, who was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania,. in 1818, and came to this county in 1833. Daniel Alspach died April 1, 1891, but his wife is still living, enjoying the love and esteem of all around her. They became the parents of ten children, and six are yet living : Barbara, Elizabeth; Alice, .S. V., James P. and William; they hold various positions in society and are counted among the best citizens of the county. William Alspach was born in Amanda: township April 13, 1840, and his early life was spent in the healthy environments of the farm. He had arrived at man's estate when the Civil war broke out, and he entered the service as a member of Company E, One Hundred and Ninety-seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry; he enlisted for three years, but at the close of the war was discharged: On his return from .the army he entered the Mercantile business and. has continued .this with gratifying success up to the present time. He confines his stock to groceries and keeps only those of the highest quality and fresh from the market; by his thorough business methods he has gained and kept a large and satisfied patronage. Mr. Alspach has also been prominent in the public affairs of his. town. During President Cleveland's administration he held the .office of postmaster, and he was also mayor. of Vanlue for two years; he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd. Fellows and is past noble grand and past chief patriarch. On November 24, 1859, he was married to a daughter of George and Mary M. Cross, Miss Elizabeth J., who was born in Hancock county on February 24, 1841, and died February 21, 1877. Four of their •five children are now living : P. D. 'L., James A., W. P. and Lucy J. WILLIAM C. NEIBLING. This urbane and highly esteemed representative of the medical fraternity of Hancock county is a native of the city of Findlay, where he was born April 11, 1851. He passed the period of adolescence in this city, receiving an excellent foundation for the further literary course which he added to his equipment before he began the study of medicine. He took up the study of medicine in Findlay with Dr. J. C. Tritch, and after a year or two reading in his office, matriculated with the Pulte Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio. Here he continued his studies continuously until 1889, when he received the diploma of that institution. He returned immediately to his home town and took up active practice, in which he has been engaged since. Dr. Neibling is a deep student in the medical profession. He takes a keen interest in everything that pertains to it, and is never satisfied to allow him- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 489 self to become rusty. He has taken several post-graduate courses in the New York Polyclinic School, and has also attended post-graduate schools at the Chicago. Homeopathic College. He takes an active interest in the different medical organizations in his section of the state, the Ohio Medical Society,. the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association, and the Orificial Society of Surgeons. He is an active member of the Knights of Pythias organization, is a member of the Elks fraternity, and by virtue of his father's military record,. a member of the Loyal Legion. Dr. Neibling never married. Looking somewhat into the earlier history of the Neibling family; Dr.. Neibling was a son of James M. Neibling, a gentleman who was a native. of Fairfield,. Ohio, where he was born in 1827. In young manhood he removed to Hancock county, where he engaged in merchandising for several; years in Findlay. He was a gentleman who took an active part in the public life of the community, and displaying qualities that made him peculiarly fit for the office of sheriff, he was in 1856 elected to that office and in 1858 received re-election. When the dark days of the rebellion broke over the country, he was one of the very first to offer his services; in 1861 being made lieutenant. colonel of the Thirty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which posi tion he served until 1863, when in January of that year he was promoted for meritorious conduct on the field to a full colonelcy. He served until January of 1865, when, having lost his right arm at the battle of Resaca, he resigned and returned .home, having made a splendid record as a most gallant defender of the Union, and having been breveted, brigadier general. After the war he was a merchant in Findlay until the time of his death, which occurred in 1869. In 1866 he received the 'appointment of postmaster of Findlay from the hands of President Johnson, and it was while filling this. office' that his death occurred. Previous to his record as a soldier in the Civil war, Colonel Neibling had been connected with the military affairs of his country, having served during the whole period of the Mexican war, serving as a private soldier. Dr. Neibling's grandfather was Christian Neibling, who was a, gallant soldier in the war of 1812. The Neiblings are of German descent, the great-great-grandfather of our subject, the first American ancestor, emigrating to America from Saxony. CHARLES MALLEN. In a notable speech made at New Orleans in 1846 in aid of the sufferers by the Irish famine of that period, Sergeant S. Prentiss, the celebrated Mississippi orator, thus opened his address : "Far away to the eastward 31 490 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY lies an island famous in story and in song; she has contributed to' the world more than her due share of wit and eloquence, and her sons have fought successfully on all fields save their own." One naturally recalls this glorious tribute to a remarkable race when dealing with any of its members in a biographical way, and it is not too much to say that the Emerald Isle has sent no worthier sons to America than the Mallen family. Like most other emigrants that crossed over from that unhappy land, they came with little means and were compelled to face the labor problem in its severest forms to obtain a means of livelihood. James Mallen was born in Dublin in 1837, embarked for America in 1866 and after his arrival located in New York state, where he secured employment. He is still residing at Jamestown, New York. He was married at Dublin, Ireland, in 1866 to Mary Daily, by whom he had six children. Charles Mallen, one of the children, was born at DeBruce, New York, April 4, 1873, and remained there during the early years of his childhood, but later accompanied his parents to Jamestown, New York. As he grew up he became familiar with the insurance business, for which he exhibited an early aptitude, and when he came to Findlay in 1895 he was made agent of the Prudential Insurance Company at that point, which position he has continued to hold up to the present time. Mr. Mallen possesses the suave and easy address peculiar to his race, and during his career at Findlay has done. well, both for himself and his company. In 1899 Mr. Mallen was united in marriage with Miss Katherine Dunford, a most estimable young lady of Findlay, whose untimely death threw a gloom over more than one household where her name was cherished. Mrs. Mallen's death occurred on the 6th of August, I900, leaving an infant son who was christened Charles J. Mr. Mallen, like his ancestors for generations back, is a devout member of the Roman Catholic church, and holds fraternal connections with the Knights of Columbus. W. A. WISE. When, about the middle of the last century, it was found that crude petroleum could be refined so as to make a most valuable product for commercial purposes and completely do away with the old tallow candles for lighting, there was a rush for the oil fields of western Pennsylvania, and in a few years the oil produced from .that. region made a large percentage of the total exports of the United States. This industry has not been confined in recent years to this one favored spot of the Union, but has spread and CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 491 has become one of the sources of wealth in various parts of the country. When the oil business was at its height in Pennsylvania, about the year 1874, there was born in the vicinity of the oil belt, in McKean county, a young man who was to make good use of the knowledge gained from observation and experience in the business, when he took up his home in the neighboring state of Ohio. This was W. A. Wise, whose boyhood was spent in the busy scenes about the Allegheny river, where he became familiar with the production of oil from the time it was taken in the crude state from the wells until the refined product was barreled and shipped to the marts of trade. His father, John B. Wise, assisted him and encouraged him in this branch of business until his death, four years after which sad event, and when he was seventeen years old, he came with his mother, in 1891,. to Hancock county, where he set to work to develop the oil fields of this. region. By close saving he soon had money enough to 'drill for himself. He has done a great deal to make the business here profitable and is now considered indispensable to' its success. On the fifty-five acres of land which he owns in Liberty township he has fifteen producing oil wells, which return a handsome revenue. every month. In addition to this he farms his land, and his place is one of the models of the county. In 1894 Mr. Wise married the only daughter of one of the old and respected citizens of this county, Miss Nella, the daughter of W. C. and Susan Watson. She was born March 12, 1876, on the farm in Liberty township adjoining the one which she inherited from her father and now lives on with her husband. The first child to .come into their happy home was born in 1894 and was given the name of Ruth by her grandfather; in 1899 a son was born, who now bears the name of his mother's father, William C. Watson. CHARLES A. BOND. One of the enterprising and successful young business men of Findlay, Ohio, is Charles A. Bond, the popular manager of the National Clothing and Shoe House, of this city. Mr. Bond is a son of Findlay, born here in 1873, and was reared and educated in his native city. The successful career of Mr. Bond shows what may be accomplished by the application of energy and industry, combined with honesty and a pleasant and courteous demeanor. In 1887 he entered the clothing store of Samuel Lippman in the humble position of cash boy, and his close application and faithful service were rewarded seven years later by an excellent position as salesman. When the business changed hands in 1894 he went as 492 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY a clerk, with Mr. Lippman's successor, A. Weiss, and soon was made head salesman in this large establishment. When another change came in the business, and the National company was formed, Mr. Bond still was continued in his position, and in 190o he was made general manager. His long connection with the business renders him almost invaluable, but he has made his own career by his individual efforts. In October, 1899, our subject was married to Miss Blanche Hull, who is a daughter of J. G. Hull, of Findlay, and one son, Girard D., was born to this union. In politics Mr. Bond adheres to the principles of the Republican party, while in fraternal life he is a member of the Elks, the. Knights. of Pythias. and Uniform Rank, and the Knights of Khorassan. DAVID BECK. Andrew and Catherine Beck were natives of the state of Pennsylvania over a century ago and after growing up to maturity there removed, in the early history of the future state of Ohio, to what is now Fairfield county. and from there came, in 1838, to Hancock county, where Andrew entered eighty acres of land and during the remainder of his life cleared and improved the larger part of this. He was not only one of the earliest pioneers of Hancock county, but also of Fairfield county. He had served in the war of 1812. After coming to Hancock county he lost his wife and he then broke up his home and for the rest of his life lived with his daughter, Mrs. Bachar, of Wyandot. There were seven children in his family, but they have all now passed away. Of this number there was a son, also called Andrew, who was born in Fairfield county, October 20, 1807 ; in 1834 he came with his family to Hancock county and in Amanda township took up one hundred and sixty acres of land, which in the course of hard, earnest labor he brought under a fine state of cultivation. He was a man of much strength of character, large hearted and hospitable in the extreme. He was a Democrat and a member of the Lutheran church. His wife was Lydia Fenstmacher, who was born in Fairfield county in 1814; she died in 1868, and he passed away in 1882. Seven of the ten children born to them are now living, and two, Mrs. R. Alspach and David, are in this county. David Beck, the life of whom it is the purpose of this sketch to briefly outline, claims Amanda township as the place of his birth, his natal day being April 10, 1845. After he had passed his boyhood days on his father's farm and, like the other boys of his neighborhood, had attended the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICL HISTORY - 493 district school, he chose as his permanent occupation the independent life of a farmer, and in connection with this he engaged in threshing for fifteen ..years. He embarked on his own agricultural course in 1869. and began .to accumulate real estate until he now owns a, fine farm of one. hundred and thirteen, acres, which he devotes to general farming and stock raising. In 1901, having gained a considerable competence through his careful and well directed labor he retired from his farm and now resides in Vanlue. Mr. Beck was twice married. His first wife was Mrs. Mary B. Akam, and their marriage took place in 1869 ; she bore one son, Lawrence A., and her death occurred in 1890. For his second wife he took on September 3, 1891, Mrs. Cynthia McClelland ; to them were born Clyde, May 21, 1892. For six years Mr: Beck has held the position, of trustee of Amanda township. In fraternal relations he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he is past grand. CLAYTON W. FORD. Clayton W. Ford is one of the leading dairy farmers in. Marion township, Hancock county, and owns one hundred and twenty acres of fertile and valuable land there, a part of which is situated within the city limits. The birth of Mr. Ford took place in Liberty township, Hancock county, on June 15, 1852, and he is a son of Jesse and Mary (Powell) Ford, the former of whom was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, December 2, 1822, and the latter in Hancock county September 16, 1831. Jesse Ford was a man of education, for a considerable time taught school and through life was regarded by his neighbors as possessed of excellent judgment as well as a farmer of more than usual ability. He began life on a farm of eighty acres. and at the time of his death, August 16, 1888, he owned three hundred acres. His fellow citizens regarded him with so much confidence that he was elected to a number of the local offices within their gift, and for a long time he was one of the township supervisors and school directors. His widow still survives. Clayton W. Ford began life for himself in the possession of an excellent education, having taken a full course in the Findlay high school, with the intention of following a teacher's profession, which plan he put into operation, and for five years was one of the popular and successful educators of this county. In 1876 he began his acquirement of land, purchasing at that time a tract of ten acres, as a nucleus. To this he gradually added as fortune favored him, until he is now the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 494 the finest dairy land in the county. . His stock has been well selected both for productiveness and quality of milk and cream, and thus he is enabled to secure very satisfying: prices for his output. Mr. Ford keeps fifty head of cattle through the whole year, his dairy stock numbering forty head. Mr. Ford has put his knowledge of the dairy business, in its relation to the care and protection of his stock, to a very practical use, by an invention which should be in the hands of every dairy farmer and cattle raiser. This is a very ingenious arrangement which its inventor has named the Anti-Cattle fighter, and which consists of a kind of cap worn on the head of the animal; and which is. so controlled by a halter as to make fighting among animals an impossibility. It is an invention remarkable for its practicability, its durability and its cheapness. Mr. Ford secured a patent in the United States January 28, 1902, and in Canada February 4, of the same year. Since occupying his present quarters our subject has been continually engaged in improving every part of his domain, and, as we have noted, owns one of the most complete dairy farms and dairy outfits in Hancock county. September 1, 1886, Mr. Ford was united in marriage with Miss Harriet C. Hagerman,. who was born in Montour county, Pennsylvania, January 12, 1853, a daughter of Mahlon and Catherine Hagerman. No children have been born to this marriage. Mr. Ford enjoys the reputation of being one of the most reliable as well as substantial citizens of his .township. With credit he has served as school director, and takes a deep interest in all measures which promise to be of benefit to his locality. In dairy matters he is justly considered. an excellent authority. WILLIAM HARROP. A man who early sought his fortunes in America and who has believed in his adopted country ever since. landing in it is Mr. William Harrop, a prominent oil producer in Findlay. Mr.. Harrop was born in Birmingham, England, in 1837, and came to America in 1855. He went directly to Newark, New Jersey, where he resided for two years. The metropolis of the United States attracted him, and during the time he lived in New York he was the foreman for F. Stephens on Pearl street, a well known dealer in military equipment. An Englishman takes naturally to the implements of war, which probably led to his choice of an occupation. His adaptability in this class of work led to his employment in the United States ordnance department at Watervliet arsenal, where he remained nearly four years. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 495 The oil excitement in the Pennsylvania oil fields attracted him to that part of the country, to which he went in 1865, where he learned practically the entire business of oil producing. He was afterward identified in coinmercial enterprises, among which was a wholesale and retail crockery business in Jamestown, New York, in which he was interested for some eight years. In 1886 he moved to .Findlay, Ohio, where he has lived ever since, again going into the oil producing business, and in which he is widely known. In 1871 Mr. Harrop was united in marriage to Sarah J. Fellers, and here have been four children to bless this union, as follows : Clara L., wife of J. A. Skillen; Mabel, wife of C. A. Earl; Arthur H. and Alice. Mr. Harrop is a member of the Masons order of Troy, New York, and he and his family are connected with the Presbyterian church of Findlay. In political faith Mr. Harrop is Republican, giving his hearty support to the measures of that party. CLINTON S. CORTHELL. This gentleman, at present one of the prosperous and prominent capitalist of Findlay, illustrates by his experience the ups and downs of the oil industry,—its fascinating promises of fortune, as well as its equally abundant opportunities for failure. He has had his full measure of failures and successes, disappointments and "lucky strikes," coming out of it all at last on the top wave and achieving a standing among the successful business men of his adopted state. At the present time he holds high official positions in connection with various manufacturing plants, in which also he is a principal owner, and enjoys high consideration in the financial circles of Findlay. Clinton S. Corthell was born on a farm .in Cattaraugus county, New York; in 1844, received his education in the schools at Franklinville and retained his home. there until 1872. In 1864 he concluded to "try his luck" in the Pennsylvania oil fields, where he started at the bottom, but in three years managed to make some six or eight thousand dollars. With this capital he returned to the county of his nativity and engaged in farming four or five years.: His next venture was the purchase of a stage line between Franklinville and Arcadia, New York, which he operated six years, and made some money out of the business. The old fascination and success, however, drew him back to the eastern Pennsylvania oil fields, where, to use Mr. Corthell's own expressive language, he eventually "went broke." After a struggle with varying fortunes in this field for fifteen years and in the end seeing his previous accumulations vanish; he determined to transfer his scene of operations to 496 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Ohio. Locating at Findlay, fortune again smiled upon him, and at the end of a very active business career he has an abundance of this. world's goods to attest to his good management and financial ability. His first investment was in the livery business, which he conducted with profit for seven years. As side lines he bought farms in partnership with C. L. Casterline, and was in the glycerine 'business until 1898. In 1886 the Genesee Oil Company was organized and Mr. Corthell was elected its president and general manager, a position which he has since continuously held. The Bradford Oil Company, consisting of Clinton S. Corthell and C. L, Casterline, was organized in 1898 as successor of the Bradford Glycerine Company, and of this Mr: Corthell is. half owner and. general manager: In 1887, while living in Pennsylvania, .Mr. Corthell was wedded to Miss Mary Boyington, by whom he has one daughter, named Celia J. For eight years he has been a member of the city council of Findlay, elected. on the Democratic ticket, and he has been influential in shaping the legislation and finances of the city. He is a popular and prominent member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, being .a charter member of that organization at Findlay. Mr. Corthell may be described as a strong man, both physically and mentally, an incessant worker and resourceful manager, whose most noticeable peculiarity is the possession of what in common parlance is called "good common sense!' ANDERSON C. HECK. Many of the foremost people of Findlay have been born, have lived and received their education in the town, electing to make it their permanent abiding place, thereby showing their faith in its future, and having their interests centered in its interests. Of such is Anderson C. Heck, who was born in Findlay on October 11, 1854. He has lived in Findlay all his life, with the exception of the years from 1893 to 1901, during which time he was engaged in the glass business in Delaware county, Indiana. Mr. Heck's father was George. Heck, who moved from Pennsylvania some years previous to his birth, With his father he started a hardware store in Findlay in 1873, and continued in the business for eight years. After leaving the hardware business he became a lumber merchant until 1887. In 1888, realizing the opportunities for the glass business,. he organized the Model Flint Glass Company, of which he was made president, and in which capacity he served until 1901, exercising an active supervision over its affairs. This company was absorbed by the National Glass Company of Pittsburg, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 497 Pennsylvania, in which corporation Mr. Heck now holds stock, In 1901, he went into the foundry in Findlay, which is known as the Heck & Marvin Company. He was married in 1879.in Findlay to Jennie E. Livingston; they have one daughter, Bird M. Mrs. Heck, who died June 24, 1901, was a daughter of Pierce Livingston, a native of Scotland, and her mother, Nancy (Schrencost) Livingston, now resides at Carey, Ohio. His record in public positions of trust has been long and useful. In politics he is a firm Republican, and served the city of Findlay as councilman from the second ward for. one year, overcoming a Democratic majority of ninety. While living in Delaware county, Indiana, he served for four years as a school trustee. He was one of the incorporators of Findlay College, and held the office of secretary of the .board of trustees for two years when he resigned. He donated liberally to-. ward the erection of the college, as did his father and his brother John Heck. He is a Royal 'Arch Mason, an Odd Fellow and a member of the B. P. O. Elks, in all of which organizations he is a highly respected and worthy member. LOUIS KARG. The subject of this sketch has long been known in Findlay, in three different capacities; first as a butcher, next as as an ice and coal dealer, and later as a producer of oil. He is a typical German, with all the peculiarities of his race, prominent among which are industry, economy and a rare talent for getting on in the world. They easily adapt themselves to surroundings and conditions, have the faculty of making friends and are almost invariably excellent citizens. Louis Karg was the first of the name to locate at Findlay. His birth occurred in Germany in 1827, and after marrying there he came to America. Having lost his first wife by death he again married, in Chicago, and by this union there were three children : Louis; Lena, wife of Jacob Baker; and Charles E. Louis Karg engaged in the butcher's business at Findlay, and carried it on for many years and his second wife died in that city in 1877. Their eldest son, Louis Karg, was born at Findlay, November 15, 1860, and was reared as well as educated in his native city. In boyhood he was taken into his father's shop, taught the business and worked at it for twenty years. In 1890, however, he abandoned butchering to embark in the ice and coal trade, which occupied his time for nine years, when he made another change to the business of producing oil. This has constituted his employment for 498 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY the last four years and he has obtained a fair measure of success from his ventures. Mr. Karg is unmarried. His religious affiliations are with the German Lutheran church, and in politics he is an adherent of Democracy. His only fraternal connections are with the Knights of Pythias, his membership being with lodge No. 400 of that order. Mr. Karg is esteemed by his intimates and respected by his acquaintances, being one of those men who make many friends and few enemies. NELSEN R. SWARTZ. Though descended from a line of farmers the subject of this review has chosen to secure a living from the soil in a different way, that of oil producing. His grandfather was George Swartz, a Pennsylvanian, though he later migrated to Ohio, in which state he died in 1871, having been all his life. a farmer. The son of George Swartz, Solomon. Swartz, the father of Nelsen R. Swartz, is-now a retired farmer of Hancock county. He was born in Fairfield county, this state in 1836, and has lived in Hancock county since 1859; he married Sarah A. Radebaugh, and they had six children, of whom four survive, as follows : Charles S.; Morris W.; Nelsen R. and Merle E. Nelsen R. Swartz was born on a. farm in Liberty township, Hancock county, in December, 1873, where he lived during his earlier years, attending the country schools and working on the farm. At the age of seventeen; however, he was attracted to the oil fields, and started to work as a pumper. He made unusual progress in the methods of the business, skipping the usual course of dressing tools and attending the drill, and commenced contracting and producing on his own account at a very early age. He is now engaged in oil producing, having located in Findlay in 1899. Mr. Swartz was married in 1899, in Detroit, Michigan, to Minnie M. Marstellar, daughter of James. Marstellar, of that .city, and they have one son, Herbert M. Mr. Swartz is a thorough going Republican, and is numbered among the ranks of the Odd Fellows of Findlay. GEORGE A. DEIHLMAN. As a fruit state, Ohio has long been among the foremost of the Union, her natural advantages and climate tending to produce, some of the finest fruit in the world: Among those who have taken advantage of this fact and succeeded in making it an exclusive industry is George A. Deihlman, of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 499 Findlay. Mr. Deihlman was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, in 1832, and came to America in 1853. His father, Adam Deihlman, lived and died in the fatherland. The first work our subject engaged in after arriving. in America was in a bone-dust factory near New York city. It was there he doubtless learned some of the secrets of cultivating the soil of America. He then moved to Stark county, Ohio, where he went into the pottery. business at Limonville, and in that business he continued about eighteen years. In 1871 he moved to Findlay, working some six years in a pottery factory, and later for several years as road contractor. Believing there was a future in the fruit raising business he went into that on an extensive scale, in which he has continued and prospered. He served his adopted country in the war of the Rebellion as faithfully as any of her sons, and though his war record was not as long as many others it vas no less. praiseworthy. He served in Company F, One Hundred and. Fifteenth, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private from January, 1864, until the close of the war, his company having principally been engaged in skirmishes along the border. He keeps, up his interest in war times as a member of Stoker Post, No, 54, G. A. R., in which he now holds the honorable position of treasurer. In politics Mr. Deihlman is a stanch Republican: In 1854 the subject of this sketch was united in marriage to Elizabeth Hoffman, and of their eleven children eight are still living. Mr. Deihlman's religious connection is with the Evangelical. church. CHARLES W. MASCHO. A man who has worked his way to the top in the oil business is Mr. Charles W. Mascho, who is the manager of the National Supply Company. Mr. Mascho was born in Tioga. county, Pennsylvania, in a small village called Brookfield, in which place he lived and attended school to the age of twelve years, when his parents moved to McKean county, in the same state, which is situated in the oil belt. They remained in that locality about five years, and removed to Allegany county, New York, in which place they lived four years. Mr. Mascho finished his education at Bolivar, in the state of New York, with his father returned to the oil region of Pennsylvania, and went to work in the oil business. Our subject continued at this work for eighteen months, at the end of which period he removed to Findlay, in the year 1886: He went to work in the Carrothers Rolling Mill, working on the rolls, and held that position a year, at the end of which time he accepted a clerkship with the firm of J. B. McElvaine & Company for six months. He