300 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY Township, and after completing his education, which was obtained in the local schools and at Findlay, joined the Union army, for service in the Civil War, enlisting with Co. H, 15th Ohio Vol. Inf. He was taken prisoner once, while in Kentucky, but paroled in a few days, and was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga. After the close of the war Mr. Shaw returned to Blanchard Township, where he continued to reside for two years after his marriage, and in 1868 located on his present farm in Liberty Township. Here he engaged in general farming until elected treasurer of Hancock County, in 1888, and during his four years of incumbency resided at Findlay, returning to his father-in-law's farm in Blanchard Township in 1896. In 1900 he again removed to his farm in Liberty Township, and has since continued his residence here. Mr. Shaw was elected a member of the Ohio Legislature in 1897 and served one term as a member of that body, after which he retired from political activities. He has always been a Republican in politics and has served as a trustee of the township. Mr. Shaw was actively interested in the Findlay Basket Factory, which was destroyed by fire in 1895 and was never rebuilt; has served as a member of the Hancock County Agricultural Board, and has been president of the Peoples' Banking Company of McComb, since the reorganization and incorporation of same. Mr. Shaw married Mary J. Downing, who is a daughter of David and Maretta Downing, of Blanchard Township, and their union resulted in the following issue : Olive ; May, who died in 1893, aged twenty-two years, was buried at the Findlay Cemetery ; Ethel, who died January 5, 1890, aged seventeen years; Vina, who is the wife of W. F. Brickman of Findlay; David ; George, who is a resident of Blanchard Township, married a Miss Weber ; Jane, who is the wife of Edward Reimund of Findlay; and Dorothy, who is the wife of Merle Swartz of Findlay. The family attends the Presbyterian church. WILLIAM DIEBLEY, one of the substantial and representative residents of Big Lick Township, Hancock County, 0., owning 155 acres in Section 2, owns a second farm of eighty acres situated in Section 35, Washington Township. He was born at Canton, 0., June 23, 1832. His father was known as Henry Duble and this name was retained by him as long as he lived, but changed to Diebley, when his widow and children later came to Hancock County. Henry Duble was born in Germany and before marriage came to America and established himself in the meat business at Canton, 0., where he was later joined by the lady to whom he had been attached in their native land. They were married at Canton and there Henry Duble died. Of the five children, William is the only survivor. Two daughters, Katherine and Mary, died early, and one son, Lewis, was killed while serving as a soldier in the Civil War. The mother was married a second time, becoming Mrs. Jacob Barger, and two sons were born to the second marriage : John and George Barger, the latter of whom is deceased. William Diebley was two years old when he was brought to Big Lick Township, Hancock County, and he remained with his stepfather until he was twenty-one years of age. He obtained his education in an old log schoolhouse in the neighborhood. When he started out for himself he went to Iowa, where he entered 500 acres of land from the government HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 301 and lived there for fourteen years and then came back to Hancock County and bought his present home farm from his step-father. For many years Mr. Diebley carried on general farming and stock raising for himself but in late years the heaviest responsibilities have been assumed by his son. In addition to his farm properties, Mr. Diebley owns three fine residences at Fostoria. On May 14, 1857, Mr. Diebley was married to Miss Amelia Sweet, who was born in New York, December 20, 1840, and they have had six children born to them and they have fourteen grandchildren, descendants of whom they have every reason to be proud. Lewis E., the eldest son, resides at Miller City, 0., and has one son, Chester. Carrie A., the eldest daughter, was married first to Clark Young, who is deceased, and they had one child, Frances, and was married second to Rev. M. S. White, of Fostoria, and they have one child, Ruth. William lives with his family at North Baltimore, 0., and has two daughters : Ethel and Hazel. Ida J. married Charles Moore, of Washington Township, and they have four children : Len, Ralph, Floyd and Stanley. John is his father's farmer, resides at home, married Millie Fruit, and has three children : Harold, Frances and Elden. Minnie is the wife of Robert Graham, of Washington Township, and they have two children : Clarence and Ellsworth. Mr. and Mrs. Diebley are members of the United Brethren church. In politics he is a Republican and while living in Iowa, during the Civil War, he was an enrolling officer. Mr. Diebley is widely known and is held in very high regard by his fellow citizens. CHARLES C. DUKES, who is engaged in general farming on a tract of eighty acres, lo- cated in Section 10, Marion Township, Hancock County, 0., was born June 9, 1858, at Vanlue, Hancock County, 0., and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Meeks) Dukes. John Dukes was a native of Fairfield County, 0., but subsequently located in Hancock County where he followed carpentering for some years. He later purchased a farm of forty acres located about two miles east of Findlay, and died there in 1872 from injuries received by a kick from a horse. He married Elizabeth Meeks, who died in 1868. Her father was one of the early settlers of the county. Their union resulted in the birth of three children : Alice, who is the wife of Harry Williams ; Charles C., the subject of this record ; and Dora, who is the wife of John Health. Charles C. Dukes at an early age was left an orphan and afterward made his home with George Stow, who resided on the old Heimhofer farm about three miles north of Findlay. His educational advantages were very limited, as he was obliged to assist with the farm work, and at the age of eighteen years he left the Stow household and began working out by the month. He later rented the Robert Thornburg farm of 115 acres in Allen Township for three years, then operated the George Stow farm of eighty acres for six years, and the George Snyder farm of 174 acres for three years, and he and his son also operated the Goodman farm of 174 acres for about six years. In 1890 he purchased his present farm of eighty acres from the Coons estate, and has since added many improvements to the place. Mr. Dukes was first united in marriage with Ida Wagner, and they had one son, Clyde, who was born June 8, 1883. He assists his father in operating the farm. Mr. Dukes formed a second union with Elizabeth Giltz, a daughter 302 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY of Peter and Jane Giltz, of Defiance, 0., and they have one daughter, Dora, who was born June 23, 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Dukes are members of the Baptist church. He is politically a Democrat, and is affiliated with the Order of Ben Hur at Findlay, 0. LEROY E. GARBER, of the firm of Garber & Garber, proprietors of the Garber Seed & Wool Company, with business quarters at No. 109 E. Sandusky Street, Findlay, 0., was born on a farm in Big Lick Township, Hancock County, 0., eight miles east of Findlay, November 21, 1876. He is a son of Christian and Elizabeth F. (Leonard) Garber. Christian Garber was born in France in 1848 and when five years old was brought to America by his father, Peter Garber. The latter settled first on farming land in Marion Township, Hancock County, 0., and later moved to Big Lick Township, where he died in 1892. Christian Garber continued to live in Big Lick Township until 1893, when he came to Findlay, but still retains a forty-acre farm. He married Elizabeth F. Leonard, who was born in Big Lick Township, a daughter of Samuel B. Leonard, who was a native of Columbiana County. Leroy E. Garber was reared on the home farm and attended the country schools and later taught one term of school in Paulding County, 0. He was twenty-two years of age when he left the farm and came to Findlay, and on October 2, 1899, started the present business. The company handles all kinds of seed and wool. The business is in a prosperous condition and Mr. Garber is numbered with the successful young business men of the city. Mr. Garber married Miss Aura D. Enfield, who was born and reared in Big Lick Township, a daughter of James A. Enfield, who was a prominent farmer of that section and whose death took place in October, 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Garber have three children : John Wilbur, Frances Emma and Howard, aged respectively, eleven, nine and four years. Mr. Garber has been identified with Lodge No. 400 Knights of Pythias for some years. BATEMAN B. POWELL, formerly county commissioner of Hancock County, 0., and a leading farmer of Blanchard Township, where he owns 170 acres of valuable land, was born in Fairfield County, 0., May 14, 1833. His parents were Daniel and Eliza (Beatty) Powell. Daniel Powell was born in Union County, Pa., and was seven years of age when his parents brought him to Fairfield County, in 1814. He grew to manhood there and in 1832 was married to Eliza Beatty, who died at the age of sixty-eight years. They had eight children : Bateman B.; Peter, who is deceased ; Mary, who married Jacob Whitehurst ; Sarah, who married Samuel Raney; Daniel, who married Mary Cheesebrough ; Elizabeth, who was married twice, first to Charles Weisner and second to James Wells ; Alexander, who married Rebecca Jacks0n; and John, who married a Miss Sh0eman. After marriage, Daniel Powell and wife lived for a time in Fairfield County and then moved to Wyandot County and there both he and wife died, he surviving to the age of seventy-seven years. He was a farmer and in early manhood had visited Blanchard and Eagle Townships in Hancock County and HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 303 had entered several tracts of land but had never lived on them. He was a stanch Jacksonian Democrat and so impressed his sons with the justice of those principles that all have followed in his political footsteps. Both he and wife were members of the United Brethren church. Bateman B. Powell remembers the first school he attended, the log cabin in which it was held being at Greencastle, in Fairfield County. The trustees had not expended a great deal of money to fit the building with many luxuries, the seats being of rough slabs and a fireplace at one end affording the heat necessary. However, at that time, many of the pioneer homes were no better equipped and the stern discipline of those days certainly produced a type of men and women which the present generation can regard with pride and in many cases, may profitably emulate. After his marriage, in 1857, Mr. Powell and wife remained on a farm in Fairfield County until the spring of 1860 and then came to Blanchard Township, Hancock County, where they have lived ever since and have the distinction of being the oldest married couple in this township. Mr. and Mrs. Powell went to housekeeping in a cabin of two rooms, on a tract of twenty acres. Gradually he increased his possessions until he had acquired 400 acres, this land having been entered from the Government in 1833. Mr. Powell has been generous to his children, church and neighborhood, having given all his land away except 170 acres. He cleared about 300 acres himself, put in the drainage and erected the substantial buildings. In Fairfield County, 0., in 1857, Mr. Powell was married to Miss Elizabeth Whitehurst, a daughter of John Whitehurst, and they have four children : Margaret V., who married Charles Heckman and they live in Blanchard Township ; America Belle, who is the wife of John Kisseberth, a farmer in Blanchard Township ; Sherman E., who married Ella Faller, now deceased ; and Henderson E., who lives at Findlay, married Daisy Wells. Mr. and Mrs. Powell are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he assisted liberally in the erection of the brick edifice at Benton Ridge. He served as county commissioner from December 6, 1880, to December 3, 1883, retiring from office with the confidence of his fellow citizens to accompany him into private life HARLEY CLIFTON ELSEA, a general farmer in Jackson Township, where he owns seventy-eight acres of excellent land, was born in Eagle Township, Hancock County, 0., August 18, 1881, and is a son of I. N. and Jane (Line) Elsea. I. N. Elsea and wife were both born in Hancock County and they live retired on North Lincoln Street, Findlay. During his active years he operated a livery stable for two years but with that exception, devoted himself to farming. He is a survivor of the Civil War and during his months of service was with the troops that were active in preventing the cooperation of the forces under Gen. Lee and Gen. Johnson. Harley C. Elsea was educated in the public schools and his business has always been farming, with the exception of the year 1901. when he was ass0ciated with his father in a livery business, on West Crawford Street, Findlay. He then returned to the homestead and rented it for five years, after 304 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY which he purchased his present farm of his father and has been engaged in its cultivation and improvement ever since. On September 14, 1905, Mr. Elsea was married to Miss Rose Glaspie, and they have one child, Edna Flora, who was born March 4, 1907. Mr. Elsea votes the Republican ticket but has never aspired to office, finding both profit and contentment in devoting himself to his agricultural interests. LYMAN M. CONINE, who is the owner of what was long known as the old D. C. Warner farm, containing ninety-nine acres, situated in Section 15, Portage Township, Hancock County, 0., was born in Blanchard Township, Hancock County, March 20, 1860, and is a son of James Harvey and Elizabeth (Greer) Conine. James H. Conine was born in the State of New York, a son of Peter Conine, but was reared in Licking County, 0. He married there and then came to Hancock County and settled on a farm in Blanchard Township. When civil war broke out he enlisted for service and remained in the army for three years and then returned to his farm of 120 acres. He subsequently sold it and his death occurred at McComb, in January, 1908, his wife having passed away February 8, 1901. Lyman M. Conine was reared and educated in Blanchard Township and has been engaged in farming since the termination of his school days. After marriage he bought forty acres of farm land in Blanchard Township, Putnam County, and also owned forty acres in Blanchard Township, Hancock County, and for seventeen years he and family lived on the former farm. He then moved to the old farm in Hancock County and operated it for two years, moving from there to a farm north of Duke's church, containing eighty acres, which he sold six years later and came to his present place in January, 1909. He makes no particular specialty but is a first class all round farmer. His place contained 100 acres before one acre was given as the site for the Pleasant Hill schoolh0use. On March 13, 1884, Mr. Conine was married to Miss Jennie Nelson, who was born in Wood County, 0., a daughter of Calvin and Mary Ellen (Ragan) Nelson. Calvin Nelson was born in Hancock County, 0., a son of Thomas Nelson, one of the early pioneers, who lived in Cass Township. The mother of Mrs. Conine died when she was but two years old and the father when she was eight years older. Four children were left orphans and for a time she was cared for by an aunt, but later was taken by a family of no relationship, with whom she lived until her marriage. Her own four children have had a happier fate, having been reared in a home of plenty and given every advantage within the power of loving and tender parents. To Mr. and Mrs. Conine three daughters and one son have been born, namely : Ivy Estella, who is the wife of Rollo Sheidler and they have one son, Lloyd Raymond ; Trudy, who is the wife of William Ireland, and they have one daughter, Helen Conine ; Josiah Ray, and Bessie A. REV. CHARLES I. BROWN, D. D., who since 1904 has been president of Findlay College, an institution of learning of which the citizens of Findlay, Hancock County, 0., are HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 307 justly proud, is a man who has already done much to advance the educational and material interests of the college. He was born at Woodbury, Bedford County, Pa., December II, 1861, and is one of a family of eleven children born to his parents, Abraham S. and Mary (Keifer) Brown. Dr. Brown was reared on his father's farm, his early environment being that of the average country boy, and his opportunities for development the best that could be afforded in a home of industry, thrift and Christian government, where there were many brothers and sisters. He was mentally gifted and his ambition spurred him on to secure a collegiate education, and in 1888 he was graduated from Dickinson Seminary, at Williamsport, Pa. Having made his choice of a profession, he then entered into the ministry of the Church of God, in which he proved acceptable, and served different charges for sixteen years. He has been a delegate to the General Eldership on five different occasions, and has served on important boards, such as the Board of Missions and Board of Publication. He was assistant editor of the Church Advocate from 1899 to 1904, and he represents the Churches of God in the United Society of Christian Endeavor as a trustee. He is, in fact, probably as well known as any man in the Churches of God today. In 1904 Dr. Brown was called to Findlay to become the recognized head of Findlay College, an educational institution which had been founded here in 1882 by the religious body with which he has been identified since early manhood. The history of this college is one of great interest, and is deserving of more extended mention than we can here give it, for it is a record of earnest effort and personal sacri fice by good and pious people, many of whom have now passed away, leaving this as a great and lasting memorial of their useful lives. Since Dr. Brown has taken charge of the institution a most encouraging period of prosperity has set in, and with each year the future grows brighter. Under his presidency the courses have been greatly strengthened, the student body increased and the finances built up. The college has been cleared of debt, 0ver $1o,000 has been expended in improvements on the property. Two new properties have been added —the "Carrothers' Home" for the president and the "Henderson Home" for dormitory purposes. Aside from the regular income of the college, President Brown has collected over $12,000 for running expenses and the Endowment Fund has been increased over $50,000. It is thus apparent that Dr. Brown is a man well fitted for his present responsibilities, and he enjoys the respect, confidence, and esteem, not only of the college trustees, but of the citizens of Findlay generally who are interested in the promotion of their higher education. Dr. Brown was married at Woodbury, Pa., to Miss Susie Hoffman, a daughter of Christian Hoffman, and they have had three children, Ruth, Harry, and Frances. The death of Mrs. Brown occurred September 9, 1909. The family residence is at No. 1113 N. Main Street, Findlay: MORRIS A. DARBYSHIRE, M. D., who has been engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at McComb. 0., since 1895 and is identified with the various interests of the place as becomes an earnest and public spirited citizen, was born in Sugar Creek Township, Putnam County, 0., May 308 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY 19, 1863, and is a son of Jesse C. and Lydia A. (Pierce) Darbyshire. Jesse C. Darbyshire was born December 5, 1817, in Fayette County, Pa., and died in Putnam County, O., August 14, 1894. His father, Thomas Darbyshire, was born in Ireland, of English parentage, and came to America and died in Clinton County, 0. Jesse C. Darbyshire was a farmer. He was a boy when his parents came from Pennsylvania to Guernsey County, 0., and from there to Clinton County, and he grew to manhood in the latter, married there May 22, 1844, and moved into Putnam County in 1845. He was a man of character and local importance to some degree but was never willing to accept office although he ever discharged the duties of citizenship, voting first with the Whig party and later with the Republicans. He was a member and liberal supporter of the Christian church. He married Lydia A. Pierce, who survives and is a resident of Columbus Grove. She was born in Logan County, 0., December 2, 1825, and is a daughter of James and Margaret Pierce who moved in her girlhood from Logan to Clinton County. There were nine children born to Jesse C. Darby-shire and wife, all of whom survive with one exception. The family record stands as follows : Mary M., born May 5, 1845, is the wife of Jacob Deffenbaugh, of Columbus Grove. James T., born September 17, 1847, is a resident of California, where he is engaged in growing fruit. John W., born May 13, 1850, resides at Deadwood, S. D. Benjamin M., born November 23, 1852, lives near Rimer, in Putnam County, O. David D., born March 2Q, 1855, is in business at Bluffton, Ind. Harvey N., born August 20, 1857, died August 25, 1860. Eliza J. and Samuel J. are twins, born September 28, 1860. The former is the wife of Albert C. Wood, of Rimer, 0., and the latter is a practicing physician at Lima, 0. Morris A. is the youngest of the family. Morris A. Darbyshire attended the public schools until qualified to become a teacher and for eight years he alternated teaching school and attending the universities at Lebanon and Ada, 0., and received the degree of B. S. from the latter institution. He turned his attention to the study of medicine, at Fort Wayne, Ind., in the office of his brother, and after due preparation entered Starling Medical College of Columbus, 0., and on March 6, 1890, was graduated 'from that institution with honorable mention for scholarship. After practicing for a short time at Gilboa, in Putnam County, he established himself at Ottawa, but in 1895 he came to McComb and has made this place his permanent home. He has built up a large practice and the care of it occupies his time almost exclusively. He is a member of the Hancock County Medical Society, the Northwestern Ohio District, the Ohio State and the American Medical Associations. Dr. Darbyshire was married February 1, 1893, to Miss Mary M. Matthias, a daughter of Dr. and Mrs. A. C. Matthias, of McComb, 0., and they have three children : Hobart M., who was born at Gilboa, October 29, 1895; Miriam G., who was born at McComb, May 3, 1900; and Pauline L., wh0 was born March 15, 1908. Mrs. Darbyshire was educated in the public schools of Gilboa and at Findlay College and is a talented musician. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 309 Dr. Darbyshire is an active Odd Fellow, having represented the 18th District in the Grand Lodge of Ohio from 1902 to 1906. He is a member of McComb Lodge No. 354, Ashdor Encampment No. 195, and Pleasant Rebekah Lodge No. 375, I. 0. 0. F. He is also identified with Findlay Lodge No. 227, F. & A. M., Findlay Chapter No. 58 R. A. M., Findlay Council No. 50, R. and S. M., and McComb Court, No. 03, Tribe of Ben Hur. Dr. and Mrs. Darbyshire and son Hobart are members of the Church of Christ at McComb. SOLOMON SNIDER, a substantial citizen of Big Lick Township, Hancock County, 0., who owns 182 acres of valuable farm land situated in Sections 6 and 7, on both sides of the Tiffin turnpike road, about eight miles east of Findlay, was born in the old log house on his father's farm in Findlay Township, Hancock County, March 8, 1839. His parents were Samuel and Catherine (Spangler) Snider. Samuel Snider was born in 1811, in Perry County, 0., and moved from there to Fairfield County, where he married and then came to Hancock County and entered 160 acres of land in what was then Findlay but is now Marion Township. He erected a primitive dwelling, a shanty of poles, which sufficed for a time, and then began the clearing of his land. He became a man of standing in his neighborhood and received, as he deserved, the consideration of his fellow men. He died about the time he reached his seventy-third year and his wife, born in 1812, did not long survive him. They had nine children born to them, namely: Isabella, Louisa, Solomon, Mary, William, Emanuel, Rebecca, Emma and George, and all survive except the three eldest daughters. Solomon Snider grew to manhood on the home farm and attended the old log schoolhouse sessions when opportunity offered. In 1862 he enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering Co. G, 118th 0. Vol. Inf., and during his service of four months was stationed in Kentucky. He is identified with the G. A. R. Post at Findlay. Mr Snider has always carried on general farming and in late years has shared his responsibilities with his son, Edgar, who is now the practical manager The family home is a handsome brick residence set well back on the south side of the highway to Tiffin. Its surroundings are particularly attractive, the shade trees, shrubbery and choice flowers presenting a beautiful picture and indicating refinement and taste. On March 27, 1860, Mr. Snider was married to Miss Ruth Davis, a daughter of Daniel and Jane Davis, and they have had five children: Lewis, who married Rose Helm, lives in Chicago; Lucetta, who is the wife of A. Russell, of Big Lick Township and they have four children— Floyd, Ethel, Arnot and Ruth; Emmett, who resides in Marion Township, married Martha Adams and they have four children—Otto, Frank, Inez and Dorothy; Edgar, who married Jennie Wisley and they have four children—Chauncy, Glenn, Kenneth and Clifford; and Olive. In politics, Mr. Snider is a Republican, one from conviction, never having any political aspirations or permitting his name to be put forward for office. LEMUEL McMANNESS, one of Findlay's stable business men, manager of the McManness Milling and Grain Company, has been identified with many important interests in both city and county and in 1884 was elected to the important office of sheriff. Mr. McMan- 310 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY ness was born in 1846, at Plainsfield, Cumberland County, Pa., a son of John and a grandson of James McManness, the latter of whom came from Ireland to America, in 1776. Lemuel McManness was ten years old when his parents came to Ohio and settled at Findlay, where his father engaged in business as a cabinetmaker. In 1862, before his school days were over, he obtained a position as clerk in the sutler's department of the 57th 0. Vol. Inf., and after efficient service in that position for more than a year, he was made clerk in the office of the quartermaster of the Army of the Cumberland, and one year later was given a clerical position in the office of the medical department. When the war closed, Mr. McManness returned to Findlay and for about five years engaged in clerking for Davis & Green, after which, in 1870, he embarked in the grocery business for himself, which he discontinued thirteen years later in order to enter into the manufacture of linseed oil. In 1889 he bought the Findlay flour mill and conducted it until it was destroyed by fire in November, 1891. In 1895 he resumed business in the grocery line which he continued until 1898, when he also became interested in a stone quarry, and in 1905 he became identified with the milling and grain business which bears his name and of which he is the capable manager. The McManness mill is equipped with improved machinery and its capacity is 15o barrels per day, employment being given to eight men. The special brands of flour manufactured are the "Bob White" and the "Calla Lily." Mr. McManness' activity in commercial life has been supplemented by his interest in public matters, for he has been a public-spirited and progressive citizen. In 1870 he was elected city clerk, to which office he was reelected, and in 1884 he was elected sheriff of Hancock County. In his public life as well as in his private affairs, Mr. McManness has followed out practical, common sense ideas and his whole career has been one to reflect only credit upon him. Mr. McManness was married in 1875, to Miss Amanda E. Kimmons, of Findlay, and they have two children. The family home is located at No. 838 South Main Street, Findlay. In his political affiliation he is a Republican and he has been an important factor in party councils. CORY E. MOSIER, whose fine farm of 160 acres is situated in Section 9, Marion Township, Hancock County, 0., lying on both sides of the Tiffin turnpike road, is one of the representative men of the township. He was born September 11, 1855, on the old home farm in Marion Township, and is a son of Henry M. and Catherine (Swab) Mosier. Henry M. Mosier was born in Virginia and left his native state in early manhood and came to Fairfield County, 0., moving from there to Hancock County after his first marriage. In his earlier years he worked as a carpenter and builder and some of the structures he erected are still standing in Hancock County, but later he devoted himself entirely to farming and stock raising. He died in March, 1881, at the age of seventy-one years. He was married the first time to Catherine Davis, who, at death, left three children: Samuel ; Mary, who married George Wolfe; and John P. His second wife, Catherine Swab, was born in Pennsylvania and died in February, 1883, aged sixty-nine years. They had one son, Cory E. Henry M. Mosier was well known all through this section of Hancock County. When he came HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 311 to Marion Township the forest was so dense that he had to clear a place before he could build his round log house and barn. His son, John P. Mosier, resides on the old homestead. Cory E. Mosier grew to manhood on the home farm and obtained a district school education. He early turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and farming and stock raising have mainly occupied him ever since. In 1885 he bought his present farm which was then known as the Amos Stover farm, and has improved and enriched it to a large degree. On July 10, 1881, Mr. Mosier was married to Miss Mary E. Harold, who was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., a daughter of David and Margaret (Bear). Harold, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Mosier have two sons : Clyde and Lester. The former is the home farmer. He married Ada Conway and they reside across the turnpike road from his father. Lester is a student in the Findlay Business College. Mr. Mosier and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a Republican. He has served his township as a member of the school board and as supervisor. McCONNELL B. SMITH, who was born in Hancock County, 0., on a farm in Jackson Township adjoining the one on which he lives, on March 17, 1868, has devoted the larger part of his mature life to agricultural pursuits. His parents were Michael and Calista (Bare) Smith. Michael Smith was born in Germany in 1839 and died in Jackson Township, Hancock County, December 24, 1870. He came to America when young, in company with his parents who landed at New York and came from there to Jackson Township where they entered eighty acres of government land. Michael Smith grew to manhood and married Calista Bare, who was born in Hancock County and died in Jackson Township, August 21, 1893. They were good people and were widely known. McConnell B. Smith attended the schools in Jackson Township and went from there to Mt. Blanchard, where he remained a student for four years, during this tirme being under the instruction of such teachers as J. \V. Corbin, W. 0. Blosser and H. Walter Doty. In 1887 he received his certificate to teach school. Mr. Smith votes with the Democratic party. In 1888 he was elected township clerk and served in that office for ten years. He is an active citizen in all that concerns the public welfare and is a strong supporter of the public school system. In 1889, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Orra E. Lee, a daughter of Noah and Mary Elizabeth (Sampson) Lee, and they have had seven children, namely : Harry, who is engaged in the oil business, resides at home; Dean, who attends the local school ; Eugene, who died in infancy; and Marie, Mary, Richard M. and Dorothy Margaret, all live at home. Mr. Smith has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Stoucktown for some eight years. He is identified with the Odd Fellows, belonging to Mt. Blanchard Lodge No. 344. He is one of the representative men of Jackson Township. EDWARD S. LYON, one of the leading agriculturists and highly esteemed citizens of Allen Township, Hancock County, 0., resides on a farm of eighty-five acres located in Section 1, on the Perrysburg turnpike road, and has been a resident of this county since 1855. 312 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY He was born June 4, 1847, in Crawford County, 0., a son of Charles and Mary (Salmon) Lyon, the former of whom died when our subject was a lad of four years. Edward S. Lyon came to Hancock County, 0., in 1855, with his mother and step-father, Isaac Ausenbaugh, who settled on land in Allen Township. There he was reared and attended the school of District No. 1. He has always followed farming, and after his marriage lived for fifteen years on his step-father's farm in Allen Township, just one-half mile west of his present farm, to which he came on August 4, 188o, and which he had purchased a few years previously. He has made all of the improvements on the place, clearing the land and tiling it, and erecting a dwelling, a barn, and other necessary farm buildings. Here he has since carried on farming and stock raising, making a specialty of raising hogs. On December 27, 1866, Mr. Lyon was joined in marriage with Anna Eliza Deming, who was born and reared in Portage Township, a daughter of Treat and Catherine (Lyons) Deming, and they have six children: James, Henry, Mary, Emma, Clystia and Elmer. James, a clerk in the postoffice at North Baltimore, married Myrtle Aiken and they have one son, Albert. Henry, who is engaged in farming in Portage Township, owns a tract of 115 acres, in Oklahoma, and also twenty-three acres in Portage Township, operates and resides on a tract of forty-two acres which his father owns in that township. He married Belle Perry, and they have two children, Ray and Grace. Mary is the wife of Jacob Smith, who resides near Saline, Mich., and they have three children: Viola, Elizabeth and Edward. Emma is the wife of Henry Brinkman, who owns a farm of seventy-five acres, one mile east of Van Buren, 0., and they have three children: Floyd, Bertha, and Ruth Aneliza. Clystia is the wife of Bonda Spitler, who lives near Saline, Mich. They have two children, Kennith Edward and Dorothy. Elmer, who is a resident of North Baltimore, married Barbara Stutz, and has one daughter, Alma. Mr. Lyon served two years as supervisor of Allen Township. He is a member and trustee of the United Brethren church. W. W. SCOTHORN, justice of the peace and a general farmer, whose seventy acres of fine land lie in Section 10, Orange Township, Hancock County, was born in Eagle Township, this county, January 4, 1865. His parents were A. W. and Eliza (Walters) Scothorn. A. W. Scothorn was born in Reed Township, Seneca County, 0., and was reared on his father's farm and remained until about eighteen years old and then came to Hancock County and worked at various things here and in Indiana until his marriage in 1860. In 1868 he sold a farm he owned in Michigan and moved to Orange Township, Hancock County, where he became a man of prominence. When he came first to Hancock County he worked on his brother-in-law's farm for three years and then rented land for six years and then bought the farm in Orange Township on which his widow resides. He took much interest in public matters and was a zealous Dem0crat and by that party was frequently elected to office. He served as township trustee, as township clerk, and was elected township treasurer but declined that office. When the local Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, was established he lent his influence to the movement HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 313 and served as its secretary. He was a member of the Baptist church. His death occurred in February, 1908, at the age of seventy-three years and his burial was in Bishop's Cemetery in Eagle Township. A. W. Scothorn was married October 14, 1860, to Eliza Walters, a daughter of Lower Walters, a native of Virginia, and they had three children : Florence R., who married George Rote, who is a resident of Van Wert, 0.; W. W. ; and H. H., who resides at Findlay. W. W. Scothorn received his primary education in the public schools of Orange Town. ship and then attended Findlay College. Later he alternated teaching school in Orange Township and attending the Ada Normal School, but after marriage came to his present farm which he took possession of before any of the buildings had been erected except the residence. All other improvements he has made and they are of a very substantial character. He carries on farming along general lines which includes the raising of stock, particularly hogs and he has many head of these to market every year. In politics he is a Democrat and has served acceptably in township offices, one year as assessor and for the past nine years he has been a justice of the peace. In April, 1899, Mr. Scothorn was married to Miss Flora Pochert, a daughter of William Pochert, of Huron County, Mich., and they have three children : William A., John Park and Walter Warren, Jr. The two older sons are bright, manly boys, devoted to their school books. JEROME M. MARTIN, senior member of the firm of Martin & Weinland, hard- ware merchants at McComb, 0., was born in Pickaway County, 0., April 8, 1854, and is a son of John L. and Elizabeth (Burnley) Martin. John L. Martin was born in Virginia, where his father died. He came to Pickaway County, 0., when young and spent his subsequent life there, dying in 1861. He was a merchant at what was then called Genoa, but is now known as Commercial Point. His first marriage was to Elizabeth Burnley, who was also born in Virginia, a daughter of James Burnley by whom she was brought to Ohio when young. Of this marriage, Jerome M. Martin is the only survivor, two other sons, Theodore and Howard, being deceased. His second wife was Jane Fulcher, who is also deceased. They had two sons and one daughter : John L., who is a merchant at Commercial Point ; Thomas J., who is an instructor in the civil engineering department of the Ohio Normal University at Ada ; and Henrietta, who is the wife of William Wright of Grove City, Franklin County, 0. Jerome M. Martin was reared on a farm near Commercial Point, 0., where he remained until he was twenty-one years of age, attending school irregularly in the meanwhile. He then went to Napoleon, 0., where he engaged in carpenter work and became a contractor and continued there until 1888 when he came to McComb. Here he embarked in the hardware business in partnership with Mr. Weinland, their first location being in an indifferent frame building which soon proved entirely inadequate to the growing demands of their trade, and in 1895 Mr. Martin and Mr. Weinland erected the present commodious structure. 314 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY The firm carries a large stock in all lines of hardware and does a prosperous business. Mr. Martin individually has a number of additional business interests. He is vice-president of the People's Bank at McComb, and is secretary and treasurer of the Bohemian Pottery Company, at Zanesville, 0. In 1878, Mr. Martin was married to Miss Clara J. Weaver, of Napoleon, 0., a daughter of Philip and Caroline Weaver, and seven children were born to them, namely: Ray L., who is commercial salesman for a large hardware house, resides at Tiffin, 0., and married Florence, daughter of Isaac Whetstone, of Findlay; Bessie, who died when aged but four months; Blanche, whose death occurred in 1906, was a graduate of the McComb High School and was the wife of Clyde Rockwell, of North Baltimore, 0.; Charles E., who has resided in San Francisco some years, married Lillie Oke of that city; Boyd F., who was educated in the McComb High Sch00l and the Yocum Business College at Findlay, is assistant deputy in the office of the treasurer of Hancock County ; Sue, who is a graduate of the McComb High School ; and. Helen, who is yet a student. Mr. Martin is a member of the lodge of F. & A. M., at Deshler, of the Odd Fellows at McComb and of the Elks at Findlay. In politics he is a Democrat. JOHN C. TRITCH, M. D., one of Findlay's eminent physicians, with well appointed offices in the Gray and Patterson Block, at Findlay, 0., was born in this city, September 25, 1857, and is a son of Parlee C. and Nancy (Shong) Tritch. Parlee C. Tritch, who is an esteemed retired citizen of Findlay, for many years was promi nent both in business and politics. He conducted a harnessmaking establishment for a long period and was an active and useful citizen of both city and county, serving the latter as sheriff from 1876 until 1880. His wife survived until 1909. John C. Tritch was reared at Findlay, where he attended the grammar schools and the High School, graduating from the latter in the class of 1874. During the succeeding winter he taught a country school and then began the study of medicine under the late Dr. W. M. Detwiler, and from his instruction entered the Homeopathic Medical College at Cleveland, 0., being graduated there in 1878. His field of labor has been Findlay and environs but his professional skill has extended his reputation far beyond this environment. He has been a delegate to the Ohio State Medical Society, is ex-president of the Hancock County Medical Society and is also a member of the American Medical Association and a valued contributor to medical literature. Aside from his profession he has the interests of a well read, cultivated man. For some years he has been making a -collection of Indian relics together with curiosities from all parts of the world and the greater number of these he has generously donated to the Findlay High School. Dr. Tritch married Miss Lydia Wolf, a daughter of Levi Wolf, who was a soldier in the Civil War and one of its martyrs, dying at Cincinnati while on his way home. Dr. and Mrs. Tritch have two daughters: Mary Gail and Martha Agnes. The former is a graduate of the Findlay High School and of Smith College, and is teacher of Latin in the former institution. The younger daughter is a student in the sophomore year in the Findlay High School. Dr. Tritch is affiliated fraternally HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 317 with the Masons, the Elks and the Odd Fellows. NORMAN L. MacLACHLAN, M. D., was born in East Williams, Middlesex County, Ontario, Canada, November 26, 1854. His parents were Alexander and Mary (Black) MacLachlan, and he is a grandson of Donald MacLachlan, of Argyleshire, Scotland. Donald married Agnes McFarlane, and Alexander was their eighth child. Alexander MacLachlan was born in Ardrishaig, Argyleshire, June 9, 1809. In 1840 he emigrated t0 Canada, settling in East Williams, Ontario, where he engaged in farming until May, 1861, when he removed to Argyle, Sanilac County, Michigan, where he died in 1879. His wife had died five years before. By his wife Mary, who was a daughter of John Black, a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and a gauger by occupation, he had a family of ten children, all of whom are living except the youngest, who died in childho0d. Norman L. MacLachlan, a child of six years when his parents removed to Argyle, Michigan, remained there up to the age of twenty, making the best of the educational opportunities to be had in a comparatively undeveloped region. At the early age of fourteen he worked in the lumber camps in winter and attended sch0ol and worked on the farm in summer. Dr. MacLachlan began his medical studies in 1874, under the direction of Dr. William H. Greene, at Cass City, Michigan, in whose office he remained a year. He then entered the medical department 0f the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Michigan, fr0m which he was graduated March 27, 1878. The practice of his profession was begun at Cass City, and he remained there eleven years. He was mayor of Cass City in 1883, and was re-elected in 1884. A few years later—in 1889—Dr. MacLachlan came to Findlay where he has since been engaged in practice. He was surgeon to the Findlay City Hospital for several years and for many years has been surgeon to the C. H. & D. and the F. Ft. W. & W. Railroad companies. In October, 1897, President McKinley appointed him a member of the Board of U. S. Pension Examining Surgeons, and he was subsequently elected secretary of the Board. He is a member of the American Medical Association, Northwestern Ohio Medical Association, Ohio State Medical Society, and the Hancock County Medical Society, having served both as president and vice-president of the last named. Politically Dr. MacLachlan is a staunch Republican and has taken an active part in the affairs of the city, county and state. He has never been an office seeker, but ever anxious and willing to aid his party and friends, and advance their interests, and m0re than one can testify to his ability as a political manager. From 1892 until-1898 he was a member of the City Council, serving as president for two years. He was a member of the Board of Education several terms. Has served as chairman of the Republican County Executive Committee, and is at present a member of the State Republican Executive Committee. For many years Dr. MacLachlan, in addition to his practice, has been engaged in banking and manufacturing. He has been a director of the Commercial Bank and Say- 318 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY ings Company since it was organized, and for several years he has been president of The Buckeye Traction Ditcher Company, The Findlay Publishing Company, The Findlay Sucker Rod Company of Findlay, 0., and is a director in the Vanlue Banking Company of Vanlue, 0. He is a Mason and an Odd Fellow, having passed all the chairs in the latter order. Dr. MacLachlan was married November 27, 1878, in Blenheim, Ontario, to Miss Emma Jackson, who died June 12, 1907. She was a daughter of John Jackson of Blenheim, Ontario. They have one child, Ethel May, who was married July 17, 1909, to Herman W. MacPhail, a banker of Raymond, Washington, where they reside. SYLVESTER RHINEHAMMER, who owns 160 acres of valuable farm land, situated in Section 34, Marion Township, Hancock County, 0., was born in Luzerne County, Pa., April 20, 1837, and is a son of Daniel and Ann (Syms) Rhinehammer. Daniel Rhinehammer was born in Holland and he left his home on the Zuyder Zee after he reached manhood and after coming to America found farm work and married Ann Syms, in Luzerne County, Pa., and lived there until their fourth child, Sylvester, was three years old. They then came to Hancock County, 0., buying a farm in Jackson Township, which they sold when they moved to Marion Township and bought a farm just east of the one on which their son Sylvester lives. The father died there but the mother had died previously while visiting at the home of her daughter, Amanda, in Michigan. They had the following children : Rachel, deceased, who was the wife of Elias Powell; Edward, who died while serving in the Civil War as a member of the 57th a Vol. Inf.; Reuben, who is deceased ; Slyvester ; Nelson and Simon, both of whom were soldiers with their brother Edward, in the 57th O. Vol. Inf., and all died in the army ; Amanda ; Elmer ; and several who died young. In 1840, the parents of Sylvester Rhinehammer came to Hancock County and probably he was the most carefully protected piece of property as he was then only a babe of three years. A one-horse wagon transported the family and their household goods and Mr. Rhinehammer easily recalls the round log house which was the family home. He had but meager school advantages as he soon had to help in the clearing and improving of the farm, the hardest kind of toil being necessary from every member of the family. He remained with his parents until he reached the age of twenty-one years, after which he worked around among the neighboring farmers for some fifteen years. At that time a salary of $12 per month and board was considered very satisfactory. He then decided to work for himself, prudently renting land at first and then purchasing and selling until he secured enough capital to invest where he desired. For many years he has engaged successfully in farming and raising stock and his son Benjamin is associated with him and in late years carries the most of the responsibility. He has made many improvements here, rebuilding almost entirely the brick residence 0f nine rooms and erecting barns and other farm buildings as needed. In October, 1869, Mr. Rhinehammer was married to Miss Margaret J. Searfoss, a HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 319 daughter of Jacob and Jane (Powell) Sear-foss. She was born in Marion Township, Hancock County, 0., her parents having come early from Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Rhinehammer four children were born, namely: John W., who is deceased; Benjamin, who operates the home farm, was born here May 23, 1873; Julius, who died at the age of nineteen years; and one that died an infant. Mr. Rhinehammer and son are Democrats. He has never accepted any office except that of school director. Both father and son are among the most reliable and respected men of this section. JOSEPH BENSON CLAYTON, who is better known as "Uncle Bens," is one of the most prominent and widely known citizens of Hancock County, 0., and resides in the village of Van Buren, in Allen Township. He was born December 30, 1833, at Sharpsburg, Washington County, Md., and is a son of Joseph and Louisa (Showman) Clayton, and a grandson of Henry Clayton who fought in the War of the Revolution. Joseph Clayton, an uncle of our subject, enlisted as a drummer boy in the War of 1812, also fought in the Mexican War, and three brothers of our subject served in the Civil War. Joseph Clayton, father of Joseph B. Clayton, was born and reared in Sharpsburg, Md., and was exceptionally well educated, being a fine mathematician, as well as a surveyor, civil engineer and school teacher. In about 1836 or 1837, with his family he removed from Maryland to Rushville, 0., and there he and wife spent the remainder of their lives. Joseph Benson Clayton spent his boyhood days in Rushville, 0., and at the age of fifteen years began learning the plasterer's trade, which he followed successfully for forty-six years. When a young man he came to Van Buren, 0., and for fifty-four years, with the exception of five years spent in Fairfield County, has been a resident of this village. In 1856, when he came to Van Buren, Mr. Clayton was not only without money but in debt, but began working at his trade as a plasterer, and in connection with his trade, dealt largely in real estate, buying and selling farm lands, and often acted as advisor for others, who were transacting real estate deals, and proved himself a man of splendid business judgment. During his early life Mr. Clayton traveled extensively, and has visited nearly every state in the union east of the Mississippi, and also Texas. He is a very interesting and entertaining conversationalist, and is held in high esteem by a large circle of friends and acquaintances throughout the county. In 1903, Mr. Clayton sold his farm of 100 acres, which was located in the northwestern part of Allen Township, and although he has owned various farm's has never lived on any of them. Mr. Clayton was married shortly after coming to Hancock County, to Caroline Myers, who is a daughter of Jonathan Myers, formerly of Bloomdale, Wood County, 0. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Clayton: Willis Melville, who graduated in the classical course at the Ohio Wesleyan University, teaches the higher branches in the High School at Santa Anna, Calif.; Louisa, who is the wife of James V. Bushong, who operates a farm of 120 acres in Van Buren Township; Charlotte, who manages the home for her parents since her mother suffered a stroke of paralysis in 1907; and Georgiana, who died aged 20 years. Mr. Clayton affiliates with the I. 0. 0. F. and his religious connection is with 320 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY the M. E. church, although he has always been a liberal supporter of churches of all denominations. HON. SILAS E. HURIN, presiding judge of the Circuit Court of the Third Judicial Circuit of Ohio, was born December 22, 1858, at Cincinnati, 0. He attended the public schools of Cincinnati and Wyoming, 0., and was graduated from Princeton in 1882. After Princeton he taught one year in Morris Academy, at Morristown, New Jersey. In 1885 he was graduated from the Cincinnati Law School and was admitted to the bar. He came to Findlay, 0., in 1887. In November, 1904, he was elected judge of the Circuit Court and has served on the Circuit Court since February 9, 1905. H. MOLDER & SONS, general turnpike contractors, and owners of 197 acres of valuable land in Section 24, Orange Township, Hancock County, 0., are representative citizens of this part of the county. H. Molder was born in Lorain County, 0., August 15, 1845, and obtained his schooling there. After his marriage he settled on his present farm in Orange Township, Hancock County, where he operated a saw-mill for a number of years. In 1902, Mr. Molder went into turnpike road contracting and did his first work in this line in Orange Township. He showed his business capacity and good judgment by providing himself with all the equipments necessary to do satisfactory work in this line, including a stone crusher and roller and all the particular tools required in this class of work. He has done a large amount of turnpike contracting over the county, working under the firm name of H. Molder & Sons, and has the well-won reputa tion of being the most competent man in his line of work in the county. He owns one team and gives employment to fifteen men, overseeing all the work himself. He also carries on extensive farming operations. Mr. Molder married Miss Louisa Kramer, a daughter of Daniel Kramer, of Union Township, Hancock County, and they have five children: Melvin, Allen, Frank, Augusta and Inez. Two of the sons, Allen and Frank, are in partnership with their father and all are enterprising and successful business men. Mr. Molder and sons are Democrats. E. LESLIE E. MUMMA, attorney at law at McComb, 0., is a prominent member of the Hancock County bar and for forty years has been a political factor in the Republican party in the State of Ohio. He was born in Monroe Township, Allen County, 0., April 8, 1854, and is a son of Peter K. and Susan (Montz) Mumma. Peter K. Mumma was born in Lancaster County, Pa., July 19, 1819, and was of Swiss and French ancestry. His father, Peter Mumma, came to America from Alsace Lorraine, then a French province, following the close of the War of 1812. He lived in Lancaster and Susquehanna Counties, in Pennsylvania, and owned a distillery on the Susquehanna River. He died in 1839. His widow, also a native of France, died in Lancaster County, Pa., in 1866. They had the following children : John, Peter K., Eliza, David R., Joseph H., and Mary A. John Mumma was an engineer on the first line of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Eliza married David Castle, of Lancaster County. David R. Mumma became a man of much prominence in Pennsylvania and was sent to the State Senate from HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 321 Dauphin County and gave hearty support to the old political war-horse, Hon. Simon Cameron. He died at Harrisburg. Joseph H. Mumma came to Ohio in 1860 and lived in Hancock County during the remainder of his life until prior to his death, in 1908, which occurred at Payne, in Paulding County. He was a miller by trade. Mary A., the sixth member of the family and the only survivor, resides on a farm near Payne, 0., and is now in her seventy-seventh year. She married Samuel Wiltsie, who was born in 1827, in Otsego County, N. Y. He was a soldier in the Mexican War, serving under the late Gen. Joseph E. Johnson, who later was an officer in the Confederate army during the War of the Rebellion. He has been a resident of Paulding County since 1862 and is now in his eighty-third year. Peter K. Mumma was not a collegian but he was a scholarly and educated man, reading Latin, Greek and French, also German and being particularly proficient in his ancestral tongue and easily conversed in the dialects of his land. He was a strong man both mentally and physically. He was one of the original Abolitionists and was associated in the antislavery movement with Joshua R. Giddings and Benjamin F. Wade and his home was one of the stations of the underground railroad, in the late fifties. This was one of the burning questions of the day at that time and the leaders in the abolition movement suffered in many ways as they promulgated their principles. In 1838 he was married in Lancaster County, Pa., and in 1840 came to Allen County, 0., locating on Riley Creek, a mile and a half from Bluffton, where he built a log cabin. In 1859 he removed to Orange Township, in Hancock County, not far from Bluffton in another direction. The land he secured was covered with a heavy growth of oak and the forest was yet full of game and many Indians still remained in the neighborhood. Peter K. Mumma was married in 1838 to Susan Montz, who was born in 1822, in Maryland. Her father was Joshua Montz, a native of France and an emigrant to Maryland. After he died his widow married Daniel Odenwelder, a Moravian, and they came to Allen County and settled on Riley Creek in 1832. He was a noted hunter and a typical pioneer and his wife was no less courageous and resourceful. He died in Jo Daviess County, Ill. After the death of Mr. Odenwelder, the grandmother of Mr. Mumma crossed the plains to California with an ox-team and lived for ten years at Sacramento City, Calif. In the meanwhile the Pacific Railroad had been constructed and after she was 100 years old she decided to return east, boarded a train eager for the new experience and safely reached Whitely County, Ind., where she died four years later. Her passing was peaceful, and she was found sitting in her easy chair, with her open Bible which she had been able to read without the use of glasses. In many ways she was a remarkable woman. In earlier years she lived in Ohio when her nearest neighbors were at Fort Findlay, sixteen miles distant and when she visited them, on horseback, she carried her gun with her and was entirely fearless. The cabin in which she lived in Allen County, stood until 1905 and was a place of pilgrimage for her grandchildren. To Peter K. Mumma and wife the following children were born : William J., Susan 0., Joseph M., Zachariah Taylor, E. Leslie E., Simon G., Isaac N., Martha L., Mary E. and Roy Edmund. William J. Mumma was a member of Co. B, 99th 0. Vol. Inf., and served 322 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY through the Civil War and was wounded at Stone River, but later went with Sherman to the sea He married Mary H. Reeber, of Hancock County, later engaged in farming near Warsaw, Ind., where he died. Susan 0. is the widow of James C. Bogart, who died at Bluffton, in 1905. Joseph M. follows the carpenter trade at Bluffton, 0. He married Euphemia Hamilton, a daughter of Jonathan Hamilton, a pioneer of Hancock County. Zachariah Taylor, who is engaged in the mercantile business at Bluffton, 0., married Amanda Hamilton. Simon G. Mumma has his home at Jamestown, N. D. He is traveling representative of the Rock Island Plow Company, their general agent and a fine business man. He is a 32nd degree Mason and a Shriner. He has been twice married. Isaac N. Mumma is a farmer and plasterer, residing in Auglaize County, 0. He married Elizabeth Johnson of Hancock County. Martha L. is the wife of Joseph Bowen, of Warsaw, Ind. Mary E. died unmarried at Tecumseh, Nebr. Roy Edmund is engaged in the mercantile business in Paulding County, 0. He married Bertha Miller. The father of the above family died July 7, 1897, at Bluffton, 0., and the mother also passed away there. They were members of the Disciples church. E. Leslie E. Mumma attended the public schools and after his High School course at Bluffton, entered Lebanon College and later was a student in the Ohio Northern University at Ada. In 1874 he became superintendent of public instruction in his home town and for a number of years made educational work his profession. For seven years he had charge of the schools of Vanlue, Hancock County, and for three years was at Benton Ridge. In association with Prof. Zellers he conducted a Nor mal School at Findlay. He read law with Judge Burgett, who became chief justice of the Supreme Court of Ohio. In December, 1882, Mr. Mumma was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court and for twenty years he engaged in practice at Findlay, being subsequently admitted to practice in the United States Circuit and District Courts. In addition to attending to what has always been a heavy practice, Mr. Mumma has been active in political matters and by tongue and pen has worked effectively for his party, for forty years being a favorite campaign orator. He has been a resident of McComb, 0., for the past seven years. On October 22, 1876, Mr. Mumma was married to Miss Sarah A. Waltz, of Tuscarawas County, 0., and they have four children : Morton C., Cliffe, Hiram Paul and Harlan Leslie. Morton C. Mumma was born March 8, 1878. He is a graduate of the Findlay High School and of the West Point Military Academy, in the class of 1900, where he gained honors in several lines. He at present is commandant of the State University of Iowa. He married a daughter of Alexander A. Zugsworth, of Findlay, and they have three children: Morton C., Jr., who was born in the city of Manila, P. I. ; Albert Gerard, who was born at Findlay; and Martha, who was born in Iowa. Col. Mumma is a member of the staff of the governor of Iowa and is judge advocate for the Northwestern States. Cliffe Mumma is the wife of Capt. Holcomb, of the 10th U. S. Cav., who is commandant of the Ohio' N. W. University at Ada. He is a graduate of Orchard Lake Military Academy and of the Bay City High School, of Bay City, Mich. He served in the Spanish-American war and spent two years in the Philippine Islands and has traveled over a HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 323 large portion of the world. His father, Cole F. Holcomb was a hardware merchant. His mother was a graduate of Vassar College and her mother married Lord Hamersley, a son of the Lord Mayor of England and a member of the English Parliament. Capt. and Mrs. Holcomb have four children: Leslie Page, who was born at Fort Logan, Col., in 1901; Freeborn Page, who was born on the Island of Jolo, in the Philippine group; Cornelius Cole, who was born at Walla Walla, Wash.; and Jack, who was born at McComb. Hiram Paul Mumma was born at Vanlue, 0., April 20, 1882, and is a graduate of the Findlay High School. He has been a resident of California for five years and holds a responsible position in the Riverside postoffice. He married Flora Bright, a daughter of J. C. Bright, of McComb, and they have one daughter, Corinne, who was born in her grandfather's home, five years ago. Harlan Leslie Mumma was born at Findlay, 0., December 6, 1894. He is a student in the Northwestern University at Ada preparatory to entering West Point Military Academy. Mr. Mumma has been a member of Mt. Blanchard Lodge, No. 519, F. & A. M., for thirty years, and Findlay Chapter, No. 58, R. A. M. Mrs. Mumma is a member of the Presbyterian church. HERBERT V. BEARDSLEY, M. D., a thoroughly representative citizen of the city of Findlay, 0., where he was born in 1859, occupies a prominent place in the medical profession but has never permitted its demands to entirely absorb him, having always given liberally of his time to further the higher social and civic aims of the community. The parents of Dr. Beardsley were Daniel Bailey and Jane (Summers) Beardsley, and his grandparents were Barney and Anna Beardsley. Daniel Bailey Beardsley was one of Hancock County's able and influential men. His "History of Hancock County" is a valuable work and on account of its accuracy, together with its interesting reminiscences, gathered through a long and busy life-time, is found in many Hancock County libraries. He was born in Licking County, 0., in 1832, and was brought to Hancock County when two years old by his parents. He taught school at Findlay in early manhood and then read law with a prominent law firm at Bellefontaine, 0., and in 1856 was admitted to the bar. Among the many offices he held in city and county, was that of justice of the peace at Findlay. He served as a collector of internal revenue after the Civil War. He was identified with the Masons and other fraternal orders and took a very active part in politics. On May 22, 1856, he was married to Jane Summers and they had one son and four daughters. He died at Findlay, September 29, 1894. Herbert V. Beardsley went from the public schools of Findlay to Oberlin College, where he remained through the freshman and sophomore years, and then took a course at Cornell College, at Ithaca, N. Y. He then turned all his energies in the direction of the study of medicine and was graduated from the Homeopathic College of Cleveland, in 1883. For sixteen months he practiced his profession at Ada, 0., and then came back to his native city which has remained the chosen field of his efforts until the present. In his profession he has more than met success and in the leading medical 324 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY organizations of the country his name is held in esteem on account of his ability. Dr. Beardsley was married in 1886, to Miss Harriet Farrell, who died in 1896, survived by four children : John D., Frances E., Ruth A. and Geraldine. In 1898, Dr. Beardsley was married for a second time, to Miss Laura B. Morehead, who died in 1903 survived by two children : Edith N. and Girard G. In 1906 Dr. Beardsley was married to Caroline Schulenberg, of St. Marys, 0. The handsome family home is situated at No. 223 Center Street, Findlay. For many years Dr. Beardsley has been an important factor in Hancock County politics and has many times served as a delegate to the State, Judicial and Congressional conventions of the Republican party. His political aspirations, however, have been along very moderate lines—the few offices he has been willing to accept being those in which he has recognized that he could best promote the progress of his city and the general welfare of the largest number. He is a member of and an official in a number of the fraternal and beneficiary orders of the country and is frequently sent as a representative to their annual councils. WILLIAM WHITFIELD WYER, who owns 217 acres of fine farm land all situated in Hancock County, O., resides on a tract of 100 acres of this, located in Section 27, Marion Township, the other 117 acres being in Section 12, Amanda Township. He was born in Fairfield County, 0., January 29, 1851, and is a son of Henry and Anna E. (Ashbaugh) Wyer. Henry Wyer was born in New Jersey and was a son of John Wyer who brought his- family to Fairfield County but three years later moved to Iowa, accompanied by the most of his descendants and all of those who moved to the West died there. Henry Wyer and wife had seven children : Peter, John, Abraham, William, Henry, Margaret and Mary Ann. Henry Wyer did not accompany the other members' of the family t0 Iowa, remaining in Fairfield County, where he was married to Anna E. Ashbaugh. She was born there and was a daughter of Fred Ashbaugh, who was a well known early settler. In 1867, accompanied by his family, Henry Wyer came to Hancock County, previously selling his farm near Wapakoneta. With this money he bought a farm which was then situated in old Findlay Township, now Marion. This was the old Samuel Switzer farm of 160 acre, which had been partly cleared. Henry Wyer bought, at different times, some 1,000 acres and as he possessed excellent judgment, it was all desirable property. He subsequently divided it among his children. He had prospered through farming and stock raising, never speculating in his life. He was born in 1828 and died in Marion Township in June, 1904. His widow still survives and makes her home with her son, Sherman Wyer, in Marion Township. Of the ten children born to Henry and Anna E. Wyer, William W. was the eldest. The record 0f the others is as follows : Emeretta, who died young; John ; Alice, who. is the wife of George Snyder; Anna Mary, who is the wife of John Hall ; Sherman ; Laura, who is the wife of 0. Foster ; Calvin G., and two who died young. William W. Wyer went to the country