600 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY three years in the 49th Ohio Vol. Inf., and was with the Army of the Cumberland in Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia. He later enlisted with the 64th Ohio Vol. Inf., for one year, and participated in many of the important battles of the war, his last two fights being the battles at Franklin and Nashville. He was not sick a day during his entire four years' service. He was taken prisoner at Stone River, and honorably discharged at St. Louis in 1865. After the close of the war he worked at carpentering for six years and in 1871 bought his present farm in Section 10, Big Lick Township, Hancock County, Ohio. He has just completed building a large brick residence on Elm Wood farm, and has one of the finest and best improved farms in the township. In 1871 Mr. Adelsperger was married to Sophia Kenner, who was born December 25, 1850, in Germany, and at the age of two years came to this country with her parents. Of their union have been born the following children: John, who died aged six years; Minda, who died aged eighteen years; Milton L., who operates Elm Wood Farm, is married and has one child, Clarence; and Joseph A., who farms his father's place. in Section 10, Big Lick Township. Mr. Adelsperger is a member of the G. A. R., Morris Post of Fostoria, is politically a Republican, and is• now serving as land appraiser, having been elected to that office one year ago. JOSEPH S. PATTERSON, who for sixty years has been identified with the mercantile interests of Findlay, O., is the senior member of the firm of J. S. Patterson & Sons, a business which had its inception in 1849, stands today as one of the representatives of the highest standard of business integrity. The activi ties in which he has been engaged for so long a time and with so much ability, have had an effective part in the commercial and financial upbuilding of this city. Joseph S. Patterson was born November 25, 1827, at Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio, and is a son of Robert and Eliza (Moore) Patterson, and a grandson of Rev. James Patterson, who was a clergyman of Bailee, County Down, Ireland. Although the Pattersons originated in Ireland, for a generation they have been American and in almost every State of the Union, bearers of this honorable name have been distinguished in some walk of life. Robert Patterson, father of Joseph S., was born in 1789, in Ireland. In 1811 he came to Licking County, O., one of the venturesome Pioneers, but he later established his permanent home at Bellefontaine, in Logan County, where he was engaged in mercantile pursuits until his death in 1867. In 1819 he was married to Eliza Moore, a daughter of Joseph Moore, also a pioneer, and they had nine children born to them, the fifth in order of birth being given the name of Joseph S., and he is one of the two survivors. Joseph S. Patterson attended school at Bellefontaine until he was sixteen years of age, leaving home at that time with the intention of providing for his own necessities and of preparing himself to do so in the future by learning a special line, heredity, perhaps, having something to do with his choice. He came to Findlay in 1843, where he found employment as a clerk with Frederick Henderson, with whom he continued for six years, when he purchased an interest in the business and it was continued under the firm name of Henderson and Patterson. Three years later the business was reorganized and additional capital gave HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 601 the concern larger and more extended facilities, and the firm name then became J. S. Patterson and Company, remaining that way until 1857. In the above year, Mr. Patterson retired and purchased the business of Van Eman and Company. Two years later, Milton Taylor, a brother-in-law, became associated with him under the firm name of Patterson and Taylor. This firm continued until the withdrawal of Mr. Taylor in 1865. In 1866 Mr. Patterson built his present business block, moving into it early in 1867. From 1870 to 1875 the firm name was Patterson and Winders. In 1878, Chas. W. Patterson, his eldest son, became interested under the firm name of J. S. Patterson and Son. Five years later, Frank T. Patterson, the second son, was taken into the firm, when the name became J. S. Patterson & Sons and has so continued to the present time. With the exception of one year during which he was local agent for the Mad River and Lake Erie R. R., for sixty years and over, Mr. Patterson has been interested in the same line of business and has always been recognized as a keen and able business man. In 1853 Mr. Patterson was married to Minerva Taylor, a daughter of Wm. and Margaret Taylor, one of the early pioneer families. For years, they enjoyed one of Findlay's handsomest homes at No, 823 South Main Street. Two sons were born to them, Charles W. and Frank T. Patterson. In religious matters, Mr. Patterson has always taken an active interest. His affiliation has been with the Presbyterian denomination, of which church he is an elder as well as a liberal supporter. As a charter member of the City Y. M. C. A., he was always interested in its work and contributed liberally towards its present building and equipment. Politically, Mr. Patterson has always been a Republican. He never aspired to office and never held but one office, that of city councilman and that as a matter of duty. JASPER DUKES,* one of Blanchard Township's most substantial citizens, a large dealer in livestock and the owner of 700 acres of valuable land, was born in Union Township, Hancock County, O., in January, 1850. His parents were D. R. and Eliza Jane (McDowell) Dukes. D. R. Dukes was born in Franklin County, O., and when he came to Hancock County and entered 160 acres of land from the Government, he had not more than reached his majority. He continued to live on this land for more than twenty years, but in 1864 he moved to a farm on the Ridge road and was residing there at the time of his death, which occurred when he was aged seventy-six years. Of his 160 acres he had cleared 100 of it and was considered a sensible and judicious farmer. His first wife was named Miller and four children were born to that union. His second marriage was to Eliza Jane McDowell, who was born in Licking County, O., of Irish parentage. Nine children were born to this marriage, as follows : Laura, who is the widow of Mr. Comley ; Jasper and Irwin, twins, the latter of whom died at the age of fifteen years; Naretta, who is the wife of J. S. Renhart, of Findlay; Elizabeth, Caroline and Richard, all of whom died when about five years of age; and two that died in infancy. D. R. Dukes and wife 602 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Jasper Dukes attended the public schools in Union Township and then became his father's main helper on the farm, and after his marriage, in 1875, started for himself on 16o acres of his present farm. To the original acres he added, purchasing two tracts of eighty acres each, one of fifty and two others each containing 165 acres, until he now owns 700 acres of land, all in one body. Since 1872 he has done a large amount of business handling livestock, his purchases and shipments annually reaching into thousands of dollars. Mr. Dukes has not torn down the old house in which he first went to housekeeping, but in recent years he has erected one of the handsomest rural homes in Blanchard Township and has put up other substantial buildings, having five sets of farm structures on his land. He has otherwise improved his property, taking a great deal of interest in it and is the practical overseer of all the farm operations. In March, 1875, Mr. Dukes was married to Miss Maria M. Hopkins, a daughter of M. E. Hopkins, of Blanchard Township, and they have six children: Nora D., who is the wife of Frank Wineman, resides in Blanchard Township, Putnam County, O. ; Floyd J. and Claud A., twins, the former of whom married Carrie McClelland, a daughter of B. F. McClelland, of Eagle Township, and the latter of whom married Bertha Thomas, a daughter of J. W. Thomas, of Putnam County ; D. R., who married a daughter of William Miller, of Putnam County, and they have two children; and Eli V. and L. P., the latter of whom is a student at Findlay College. As was his father, Mr. Dukes is a Republican. He served three years as township trustee and two years as as sessor. He is identified with the order of Elks, at Findlay. HON. WILLIS E. COOPER, formerly mayor of McComb, O., and a leading member of the Hancock County bar, was born just east of this town, in Pleasant Township, Hancock County, O., November 16, 1868, and is a son of Allen and Rebecca A. (Ritter) Cooper. Allen Cooper was born in Portage Township, Hancock County, O., in 1834, the first white male child born in the township. His father was John Cooper, who came from Perry County, O., and entered eighty acres of land in Portage Township, Hancock County, in 1832 and lived here until his death when over eighty years of age. He became a man of large estate and at the time of his death, in 1891, he owned 700 acres of valuable land. He was also more or less prominent in public affairs and served as associate justice of Hancock County. He married Eliza Jane Cusac. In 1860, Allen Cooper entered into the saw mill and planing mill business and continued until 1902, when he retired to Findlay, where he and wife live at present, people well known and highly esteemed. He married Rebecca A. Ritter, who was born in Ohio and was small when her parents came to Hancock County. Her father was born in Germany and came to McComb from Stark County, O. He later bought a farm in Hancock County and alternated farming and working at his trade, which was that of a tailor. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Ritter were : Rebecca, who married Allen Cooper ; William C., who lives east of McComb; Thomas J., Gideon and Caroline, all three of whom are deceased. The brothers and sisters of Allen Cooper were : James, who lives at Knoxville, Tenn. ; John, who resides north HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 603 of Findlay; William P., who was accidentally killed while working in the lumber business ; Martha, deceased, who was the wife of John D. Ewing; Sarah, deceased, who was the wife of James Shoemaker ; Phebe E., who is the wife of Moses McAnelly, of Big Lick Township, Hancock County, and one that died young. To Allen Cooper and wife eight children were born, as follows : Ida L., who is the wife of H. W. Doty, an attorney of Chattanooga ; Willis E. ; Joy and Arba, both of whom died in childhood ; and four who died in infancy. Willis E. Cooper was educated at McComb and in 1886, after leaving the McComb High School, he began making his preparations for the study of law and on January 1, 1890, he became a law student under H. Walter Doty, and remained in the office of this well known attorney until January 10, 1893, when he entered the law department of the Ohio State University and creditably passed the required examination for the bar on June 8, 1893. He entered into practice at Findlay and remained there until November 1, 1895, when he came to McComb, at that time purchasing the law and insurance business of ex-Mayor A. D. Whisler. He soon received professional recognition and ere long had become a prominent factor in local politics and in 1897 he was nominated and subsequently elected on the Democratic ticket, mayor of McComb. His administration of the office proved eminently acceptable and he was re-elected in 1899, 1901, 1903 and again in 1905, serving for five successive terms, aggregating ten years and nine months, in the highest municipal office in the gift of his fellow citizens. His personal popularity is unusual and at his first election he overcame the normal Republican majority of forty votes. Since June, 1907, he has served as city solicitor. His line of practice includes general law and abstract work. Mr. Cooper was married to Miss Bessie D. Bowen, who was born in West Virginia, a daughter of J. W. and Theresa Bowen, and they have two daughters : Dorothy F., a school girl of eleven years ; and Catherine Cliff, who has seen but four summers. Mr. Cooper is identified fraternally with McComb Lodge, No. 179, Knights of Pythias ; Camp No. 7474, Modern Woodmen of America; and the Tribe of Ben Hur. CHARLES ERSKINE NILES (deceased), the late president of the First National Bank of Findlay, O., and one of the best known and most respected citizens of Hancock County, was born in Boston, Mass., in 1836. His early years were passed with his parents, in St. Catharines, Ontario, where he received a good education at the grammar school and academy, located in that little city, and later, upon the removal of his family to Hudson, Mich., he completed with great credit a full commercial course in one of the leading mercantile colleges of the country. Mr. Niles' first business experience was in Cleveland, from which place he went to Ashtabula, O., where he was connected with the old Farmers' Bank, and later he went to Hudson, Mich., where he took a responsible position in the banking house of Boies, Rude & Company, also for a time being interested in the mercantile business. In the early sixties, Mr. Niles came to Findlay, and with the late E. P. Jones, organized the First National Bank, in the spring of 1863, and he was its cashier for thirty-one years, or up to the time of the death of its president, E. 604 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY P. Jones, in 1894, after which time he was president of the institution. In 1895-1896 he was president of the Ohio Bankers' Association. Mr. Niles was one of the best known bankers in the State. "He was an indefatigable worker and was a shrewd observer of men and events. He was at his desk every business clay with the regularity of a clock, always immersed in his duties, but never too busy to attend to the wants of a customer, no matter how humble or how inconsiderable his desires. His management of affairs was almost perfection, and his judgment almost infallible. During his long connection with the bank its influence became great, and it was rated among the best conducted and soundest in the land. Confidence in its integrity and standing was never shaken through all the financial storms that swept over the country." His close application to his duties affected his health, which began to fail a year or more previous to his death. He finally decided to go to Florida for needed rest and recreation, in hopes that he might regain his old-time vigor and strength, and in February, 1908, this resolution was put into effect. Accompanied by his daughter-in-law, he journeyed to Sarasota, said to be an ideal spot, noted for its pure atmosphere, charged with health giving qualities. Mr. Niles and his daughter had been there but a short time when a stroke of paralysis resulted in his utter prostration. He subsequently rallied from this shock, however, and hopes were entertained for his final recovery. When he had become strong enough, it was decided to risk the journey home to Findlay. The start was made, with his wife, daughter and a nurse, but he had scarcely journeyed two hundred miles, just before reaching Jacksonville, when he was stricken with another attack, and died on the train while en route, on Saturday evening, March 28, 1908. Mr. Niles was seventy-two years old, and had resided in Findlay the greater part of his long, busy and useful life. His widow, and one son, C. F. M. Niles, president of the Security Savings Bank & Trust Company of Toledo, were left to mourn their irreparable loss. Mr. Niles was pre-eminently a domestic man, being rarely seen away from his own fireside, when not attending to his daily business duties. He was a. Presbyterian in religious faith, a staunch supporter of the First Presbyterian church of Findlay, and a generous contributor to every local charitable institution. Mr. Niles was a Son of the American Revolution, a Free Mason of high degree, belonging to the various Masonic bodies and a Noble of the Mystic Shrine, and was also a very prominent Odd Fellow, being one of the oldest members of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, and was grand treasurer thereof for eleven years prior to his death. He was one of the early members of Hancock Lodge, No. 73, of Findlay, in which he filled every office, and was also a member of Golden Rule Encampment, Findlay Rebekah Lodge, and was colonel of the Patriarchs Militant. Many prominent Odd Fellows and bankers, as well as other leading citizens from all parts of Ohio, were present at the funeral services to pay their last tribute to their beloved friend and comrade. In his case further eulogy is superfluous. The strength and fullness of his well rounded character, and his genial and attractive personality are well known to all prominent citizens of Findlay and throughout Hancock County. In him the county lost one of the most valued of its adopted sons. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 605 HOSES McANELLY, who owns 341 acres of valuable land in Hancock County, O., one farm of 160 acres and one of eighty-one acres, situated a half mile north of the New Haven road, eight miles east of Findlay, is a very successful farmer and stock raiser of Big Lick Township. He was born March 15, 1853, on this farm, and his parents were Hon. Moses and Mary ( Roller) McAnelly. Hon. Moses McAnelly was a prominent man in Hancock County for many years, serving two terms in the lower house of the state legislature, and two terms in the senate. He was born in Pennsylvania, in Westmoreland County, in 1804, and came to Hancock County in 1830, where he engaged in teaching school. He was a man of intellectual attainments, fine address and naturally became a leader. In 1833 he married Mary Roller, who was born in Pennsylvania in September, 1812, a daughter of Judge William and Nancy Roller. When she was twelve years old her parents came to Richland County, O., and from Lucas to Hancock County, O., and entered land from the Government which consists of the present farm. To Moses and Mary McAnelly the following children were born : William, who is deceased; Jefferson (was a county judge in the State of Colorado) ; John, who is deceased; Mary, who married a Mr. McAnelly; Nancy, who married 'Nathaniel Thomas; Lucinda, who married Charles Beamer; Charlotte, who married Ben Cole; and Moses, who bears his father's name. judge Jefferson McAnelly married Sarah Leonard. The father of this family died in T852, aged forty-eight years. The mother survived to be eighty-three years of age, her death occurring on March 5, 1898. Moses McAnelly enjoyed fewer educational advantages than would have been his had his father lived, but the latter's early death threw heavy responsibilities on the sons, and Moses very soon became the home farmer and has resided here all his life. He does general farming, but is mainly interested in raising stock. During the early days of the oil excitement he was somewhat interested and met with success in the ventures he made in connection with that industry. In 1881, Mr. McAnelly was married to Miss Phebe Cooper, who was born and reared in Portage Township, Hancock County, and they have five children : John C. ; May Ann, who was married in 1908 to Wilson Long, and they have twin daughters—Mary and Martha; Thomas Homer, who was married in 1908 to Jane Tobey ; and Roller C. and Lois. Mr. McAnelly and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a Democrat, but he has never consented to accept public office. He is identified with the order of Ben Hur, at West Independence. HENRY DEEDS, the owner of 130 acres of rich farm land, which is situated in Section 1, Union Township, is one of the old settled residents of this neighborhood, having lived on his present homestead for thirty-six years. He was born in this township, October 5, 1846, and is a son of Henry and Margaret Deeds. Henry Deeds was born in Pennsylvania and when young was brought by his parents to Fairfield County, O., where he grew to manhood. He was subsequently married there to Margaret Kramer, who was born in Fairfield County, and like himself, came from an agricultural family. Later—in 1833—they moved to Hancock County, Ohio, where Henry Deeds carried on farming all his life, his death occurr- 606 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY ing in Union Township in 1892. His widow survived him for only six years. Henry Deeds, the present bearer of the name, was reared in Union Township and attended the district schools whenever he had the opportunity, but in his boyhood days school privileges were not afforded as they are in the present time. Following his marriage he lived for five years in Eagle Township and then moved to his present farm, on which, at different times he has made improvements, rebuilding both house and barn and attending to all the other details which, to an experienced eye, distinguishes a well kept farm from one which is neglected. He carries on general farming and raises stock, not indulging in any registered animals, however, finding the common kind, when well cared for, sufficiently profitable. He has money invested in other property and owns a large frame dwelling house which is in the heart of the business district of Findlay. In 1869, Mr. Deeds was married to Miss Ellen Elsea, of Eagle Township, Hancock County, and they have had five children : Etta May, who is the wife of George Crozier, of Eagle Township, (they have four childrenDorsea, Roy, Nellie, and Gale) ; Roy, who married Amanda Schwine, of Union Township and after her death, Gertrude Powell, and died at Findlay, in 1905 ; Maggie, who died on the farm in 1893, aged nineteen years ; Cora Dell, who died here in 1899, aged sixteen years ; and Myrtle Estella, who is the wife of Eaber Davis, of Eagle Township. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have been called upon to bear heavy domestic affliction. They are members of the United Brethren church at Findlay. in which Mr. Deeds is an elder. OLIVER HUFFMAN,* a representative citizen and excellent farmer of Union Township, Hancock County, O., resides on the farm of 100 acres on which he was born, May 30, 1860. His parents were C. W. and Barbara (Fleck) Huffman. C. W. Huffman was born in Fairfield County, O., and came to Union Township, Hancock County, with his parents when only three years of age, his father, Jacob Huffman, being one of the pioneer settlers in this section. The Huffmans have always been farmers and have been people of high standing in the township. Oliver Huffman has always lived on the home farm which he now owns and since it came into his possession he has made many substantial improvements, the last ten years having witnessed the tiling of the land and the building of his comfortable residence and commodious barn. Mr. Huffman is one of the progressive agriculturists and has his land in such condition that excellent crops are invariably produced and different kinds of stock have their natural increase. Mr. Huffman was married in 1885, to Miss Katie Smith, a daughter of Christian and Elizabeth Smith, both of whom were born in Germany. Mrs. Huffman was born in Union Township and she and husband attended the same school. They have had two children : Charles, who was born in 1887, died at the age of ten years ; and Clarence, who assists his father. Mr. Huffman has always taken a large amount of interest in public education and served on the township school board from 1891 until the fall of 1909. A. L. OPP, dealer in wool and other farm products, who resides on his farm of 120 acres HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 607 situated in Sections 34 and 35, Marion Township, is also the owner of a farm in Section 8, comprising 116 1/4 acres, located near Findlay. In addition to these interests he also cultivates the Beard farm of 120 acres. He was born October 12, 1866, on the old Opp homestead in Marion Township, a son of B. F. and Sara Ann Opp, his parents being old settlers and representative people of Hancock County. The subject of this sketch, after securing a district school education in his boyhood, began to take up farm work, of which he soon obtained a practical mastery. After his marriage he removed to the home farm. of his wife to take charge of it, later purchasing other desirable land, and he has been a prominent representative of the agricultural interests of the county ever since. Besides engaging in general farming, he makes a specialty of raising sheep, keeping a flock of about 200 aid dealing extensively in wool, both buying and selling. He also carries on a coal business, owns stock in the Buckeye Clay works at East Liverpool, Ohio., and also owns stock in the Peat Fuel & Gas Company of Michigan. Thus in various ways he shows his enterprise as a business man and his efforts have been rewarded with a gratifying degree of prosperity. On July 18, 1886, Mr. Opp was married to Miss Esther Beard, a daughter of the late James and Henrietta Beard. They have three children—Onnon, who is a graduate of Findlay College; Grace, who is a teacher of public school ; and Rozella, who is a Boxwell graduate. Mr. Opp and his family are members of the United Brethren church, which he has served as a trustee for many years. In politics he is a Democrat and has held the office of township trustee. In addition to other modern improvements on his place, Mr. Opp has installed the telephone, which he finds necessary to the prompt transaction of his large volume of business. CHARLES DETER, a general farmer and representative citizen of Portage Township, is a member of one of the old and substantial families of this section. He was born on the Deter homestead, situated in Section 8, Portage Township, this county, April 25, 1874, and is a son of Peter and Mary Jane (Thomas) Deter. The father of Mr. Deter was born in Pennsylvania, a son of Jacob Deter. The latter moved to Richland County and in 1836 brought his family to Portage Township, Hancock County, and bought the present farm from Jasper Franks, who made the entry. Jacob Deter and wife died on this farm. Here the father of Charles Deter was reared from the age of eleven years and spent his life, his death occurring on January 11, 1900. He was widely known and a highly respected man. He married Mary Jane Thomas, who was born east of Findlay, in Hancock County, a daughter of Jacob Thomas, who moved to Pleasant Township when she was eleven months old, and she was reared there. Mr. and Mrs. Deter had five children, namely : Alice, Ida, Laura, Clifford and Charles. Laura is the wife of W. A. Wiseley, of Vanlue, O. The Deter family own collectively 280 acres of some of the finest farm land in Portage Township,. their possessions individually being as follows The mother owns the homestead of 160 acres ; Charles owns forty acres, in Section 8; Clifford owns forty acres ; and Ida and Alice together own forty acres. The whole farm is. managed and operated by Charles and Clifford' Deter. They carry on general farming and are 608 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY numbered with the successful agriculturists of this section. They are not very active in politics but both take a good citizen's interest in public matters. M. L. COFFIN,* cashier of the Commercial Bank, at Rawson, O., a position he has filled ever since the organization of this institution in 1902, was born in Rush County, Ind., June 27, 1877, and is a son of Zeno and C. (Gardner) Coffin. Zeno Coffin was born in Rush County, Ind., where he spent his life, his death occurring in 1901. He was a blacksmith by trade. He married a daughter of Milton Gardner. Mrs. Coffin, who was born in Union County, Ind., still survives. M. L. Coffin attended school more or less regularly until he was nineteen years of age, at which time he went into railroad work and continued until 1902, when he turned his attention to banking and has been a resident of Rawson ever since. He is an active and leading citizen of the place and for two years has been a member of the school board and of the board of health. Mr. Coffin was married April 22, 1903, to Miss Dora Hawk, a daughter of John and Permelia Hawk, prominent farmers of Meigs County, O. Mr. and Mrs. Coffin have three children : Frank, Phebe and Milton. Mrs. Coffin is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Rawson and is active in the social life of the place. Mr. Coffin is a Mason and belongs also to the Knights of Pythias. RUFUS FOREMAN, who is engaged in farming and stock raising in Eagle Township, Hancock County, O., was born on his present farm, October 15, 1864, and is a son of John F. and Margaret (Yates) Foreman. John F. Foreman and wife were born in Pennsylvania and came early to Eagle Township with their parents. When the present Foreman farm was acquired it was entirely undeveloped land. John F. Foreman did considerable clearing and followed an agricultural life here. His death occurred in 1908 and that of his wife on January 11, 1898. Rufus Foreman grew to manhood on the farm he now owns, a tract of eighty-two acres, situated within five and one-half miles of Findlay, to the southwest, in Section 9, Eagle Township. He has done a large amount of improving here and has erected all the substantial farm buildings on the place. He has his farm well stocked and makes a specialty of raising cattle, hogs and horses. Mr. Foreman married Miss Catherine Yates, a daughter of Samuel B. and Mary (Oman) Yates. The former was an early settler here and died in Eagle Township, as did his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Foreman have no children of their own but they have been parents and protectors to two orphans, Edward Arnold and Hazel Yates, these children finding a home with them when but four years old. For ten years Mr. Foreman has been a member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics. He is a well informed and highly respected citizen of Eagle Township and is considered one of its best farmers. HON. WILLIAM ROSS KINDER (deceased), was once one of Butler County, Ohio's most brilliant men, a lawyer of ability, a newspaper man of influence and a jurist of high character. His span of life was comparatively short, but within it he accomplished HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 609 more than have many whose lives have been prolonged to four score years and ten. His birth took place at Franklin, Ohio, in December, 1826, and his death occurred on February 10, 1860. From Holland came the first Kinders to America and the sterling qualities of their ancestry have always been more or less noticeable in the descendants. Philip Kinder, son of the settler, was born in Holland and he participated in the Revolutionary War, entering the Patriot army from Berks County, Pa. There lived his son, George Kinder, who was the father of Abraham Kinder, who came to Ohio in 1800, a pioneer, entering land from the government in Warren County. On the Warren County farm the father of Judge William R. Kinder was born, in the same year that the family settled in that wild section, and there he followed agricultural pursuits for a time and then became interested in traffic on the Miami and Erie Canal, owning and operating boats on that inland waterway. He died in 1863. William Ross Kinder became a student of law in early manhood, his preceptor being Hon. John B. Weller, then a resident of Hamilton, Ohio, but subsequently governor and United States Senator of California. When Judge Weller was appointed a member of the government commission to determine the boundary lines between Mexico and California, he tendered the position of private secretary to his pupil, and they were thus associated until the satisfactory settlement of the contention. For two subsequent years they were law partners in San Francisco. In 1852 Mr. Kinder returned to the East and in the same year purchased the Hamilton Telegraph, a weekly newspaper, which, under his able management, increased in patronage and influence and he continued its publication until 1858, when he disposed of his interest in order to assume the duties of probate judge of Butler County. His record of two years on the Bench reflected only credit and his name is recorded with others of eminence of a period of particular importance, just preceding, as it did, the great Civil War, Judge Kinder died in harness, not having survived to finish his term of office. In 1852 he was married to Miss Agnes Long, a native of Cincinnati, a daughter of Jacob and Maria (L'Hommedieu) Long. They had four sons, two of whom survive : Hon. Walter H. Kinder, who is judge of the Circuit Court of the Third District of Ohio ; and Stephen L'H., who is identified with the Chicago and Michigan Railroad. HARRY L. TARBOX, senior member of the firm of Tarbox & McCall, operators of a large stone quarry on Western Avenue, and manufacturers of cement block, porch columns, yard vases, etc., has been a resident of Findlay, O., since the spring of 1889. He was born April 24, 1858, in Cedarville, Greene County, O., and is a son of Samuel L. and Ruth L. ( Jackson) Tarbox, and is a direct descendant of Andrew Jackson, seventh president of the United States. Samuel L. Tarbox, a native of Maine, was for many years extensively engaged in the lumber business in Greene County, O., and in addition to his lumber operations was also a successful farmer and civil engineer. He was also interested in the stone quarries of Greene County. The mother of our subject was born in Greene County, O., a daughter of David and Mary Jackson. Her father, David Jackson, was born March 3, 1794, in Westmoreland 610 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY County, Pa., a son of Robert and Elizabeth (McCorkle) Jackson, who were married in 1786. Robert Jackson's father was David Jackson, and was a son by a second marriage of Dr. Joseph Jackson, who was born in 1690, in North Ireland. David Jackson emigrated to America in 1762 and located in Chester County, Pa., where he followed blacksmithing and farming for many years. He died in Lancaster, Pa. His stepbrother, Andrew Jackson, who was born of his father's first marriage, also emigrated to America, and in 1765 located in South Carolina, where, on March 15, 1765, was born his son, Andrew Jackson, the distinguished soldier and statesman, and the seventh president of the United States. Harry L. Tarbox was reared in Greene County, O., and after leaving school began working for his father who operated a stone quarry, and has since made that his life occupation. In the spring of 1889 he came to Findlay, O., and leased and operated a stone quarry in the western part of the town until 1898. He then formed a partnership with Mr. McCall and opened their present quarry on Western Avenue at Findlay, and abandoned the old quarry. Mr. Tarbox is also largely interested in the development of coal lands in Columbiana County, O. Mr. Tarbox was married March 12, 1884, to Essie Daugherty, who is a daughter of Eliphalet and Sarah Daugherty of Greene County, O., and they have the following children : Nellie; Frederick, who is a student at the Ohio State University at Columbus; Belle D.; Frank ; and Edna and Edwin, twins. Mr. Tarbox is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and belongs to its board of trustees. DANIEL W. FRICK, one of the leading citizens of Allen Township, Hancock County, O., who is engaged in general farming on a tract of 200 acres, which is located about one-half mile north of Van Buren, O., was born July 7, 1855, in Marion County, West Va., and is a son of David and Maria (Lenhart) Frick. Daniel W. Frick was an infant when his parents removed to Iowa where his mother shortly afterward died. When two years of age he went to live with his uncle, Daniel Frick, of Van Buren, Hancock County, O., and there spent his early boyhood days. His uncle came to Van Buren in 1855 and engaged in the mercantile business and later also operated a grist mill. In 1871 he located on the farm now owned by his nephew, Daniel W. Frick, but spent his declining years at Van Buren, where his death occurred. Daniel Frick was the father of two children, both of whom died in infancy, and at his death he left his farm to our subject. Daniel W. Frick attended the local schools of Van Buren, O., and has lived on his present farm since 1871. He carries on general farming and in the spring of 1909 added to the 160 acres left him by his uncle, a tract of forty acres, which he purchased from Joseph R. Kagy. He was married in 1885 to Lena 'Neuman, a native of Germany, who at the age of twelve years came to this country with her father, Frederick Neuman, who located in Hancock County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Frick have one daughter, Virginia Frick. Mr. Frick is a member of the Knights of Pythias, No. 473, at Van Buren, O. WILLIAM G. WAGGONER, an enterprising farmer and much esteemed citizen of Marion Township, Hancock County, O., re- HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 611 sides on a fine farm of 79 1/2 acres located in Section 12, and has spent the greater part of his life in Hancock County, O. He was born March 4, 1840, in Jefferson County, Ohio, a son of Edward and Eliza (Allen) Waggoner, and a grandson of William Waggoner, who was a native of Germany and one of the early settlers of Jefferson County, Ohio. William Waggoner and a brother came to this country to avoid military service, their father being a member of the German royalty. William first located in Pennsylvania, but later came to Jefferson County, Ohio, and located near Steubenville, where he resided until the time of his death. His brother went to Canada, and each thought the other dead until some years later, when a brother of our subject went to Canada on a visit. William married a Miss Jackson, who was a distant relative of President Jackson, and of their union were born the following children : John, Caleb, William, James, Edward, Josiah, Louisa, Jane, Sarah, Keziah, and Joseph, all now deceased. Edward Waggoner, father of our subject, grew to manhood in Jefferson County, Ohio, where he was joined in marriage with Eliza Allen, also a native of that county. In 1849 they came to Hancock County and settled on a tract of timberland in Cass Township, where he built a log cabin and made a clearing. He subsequently sold this land and removed to Michigan, where he and his wife both died. They were the parents of seven children : Aaron Jackson, deceased, who served in the Civil War; William Glenn, our subject ; Mary, who is the wife of David Reichard ; James, who served in the Civil War ; Samuel ; Sarah, is the wife of Joseph Wang; and Keziah, who died young. William Waggoner was reared in Cass Township, Hancock County, Ohio, where his parents settled when he was quite young, and his education was obtained in the old log pay school of this district. He assisted in clearing the farm, and when young worked at carpentering, and also worked as a tanner seven years, which was also his father's trade. He purchased 40 acres, and his wife inherited 40 of the Davis farm (80 acres in all) and follows general farming. He has cleared all the land with the exception of 25 acres, has erected all of the buildings, and has had five oil wells in operation. Mr. Waggoner was married in 1866 to Rachel Davis, a daughter of William Davis, and sister of Isaac Davis. Three children have been born to our subject and wife ; Edward, who married Laura Wisley, and is the father of three children—Catherine, William and Edward ; (he is a resident of Lima, O., and is employed on the railroad) ; and Charles and Mary May, twins. Charles, who lives near our subject, married Catherine Fisher and has one daughter, Ruth. Mary May married John Welch of Kansas, and has two children : Helen R. and Mary Margaret. Mr. Waggoner is politically a Republican. JOHN M. HAMLIN,* a representative member of the Hancock County bar and a well known resident of Mt. Blanchard, was born in Delaware Township, Hancock County, February I, 1841, and is a son of Washington and Mary (Marshall) Hamlin. Washington Hamlin was born in Guernsey County, O., and in 1827 came to Hancock County and settled in Delaware Township, where he died in 1892. His widow survived until 1895. They were farming people and were well known and highly respected in Delaware Township. 612 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY John M. Hamlin attended the schools in his native township in early boyhood and later had better advantages at Findlay. From 1857 until 1862 he conducted a general store at Mt. Blanchard and at that time was the youngest buyer from the West in the eastern markets. In the latter year he became a student of law under the direction of Attorney Israel Brown, at Findlay, and in the fall of the same year entered a law school at Cleveland, where he was graduated. Later he was admitted to the bar in Guernsey County, where he practiced for one year and then returned to Findlay, was admitted to the Hancock County bar and engaged in the practice of law in that city for forty years. Mr. Hamlin then returned to Mt. Blanchard, where his first business venture had been conducted and has been one of the leading citizens ever since. In 1869 he was the candidate of the Republican party for prosecuting attorney of Hancock County but the Democrats gained the election in that campaign. In 1861 Mr. Hamlin was married to Miss Mary Lockwood and eight children were born to them, namely : Abbott L., who was born January 25, 1862, and died August 20, 1882 ; Lulu, born August 6, 1863, who died June 11, 1865 a babe that died early ; Florence, who was educated at Delaware College, married M. C. Shaffer, of Findlay, and they have three children—Richard, Mary C. and Morgan W. ; Nellie C., who was also educated at Delaware College, and married Frank Preston McGuigan, of Pennsylvania ; Ida May, who is a successful teacher at Portland, Ore. ; Gale Leora, who was a graduate of the Findlay High School, and died April 30, 1900 ; and Arthur L., who was born August 20, 1883, and died April 25, 1885. Mr. Hamlin and family are members of the United Presbyterian church at Mt. Blanchard and he is president of its board of trustees. CLINTON S. CORTHELL, deceased, formerly one of Findlay's capitalists and prominent business men, was largely identified with the oil industry for many years. He was associated with C. L. Casterline in the Genesee Oil Company, the Bradford Oil Company, and the Bradford Glycerine Company, and was a stockholder and director in several successful enterprises. For a number of years he was interested also as a stockman and dealt extensively especially in horses, being a fine judge of horse flesh and owning at different times many valuable animals. He was born in Hinsdale Township, Cattaraugus County, N. Y., in 1844, and died at Findlay, April 16, 1903. Mr. Corthell was a self-made man and his remarkable business success was entirely brought about through his own efforts. He became interested in the Pennsylvania oil fields in 1864. He owned and for six years operated the stage line between Franklinville and Hinsdale, N. Y. For many years he was favorably known to the business men of Bradford, Pa., and in 1887 he moved from there to Findlay, O., where his natural good judgment again controlled his investments and eventually brought him the ample fortune which placed him among the city's capitalists. They valued his advice and consulted his judgment and in their reliance on his foresight, largely directed their investments. In the public affairs of Findlay, Mr. Corthell was also active and the same qualities which brought about his personal prosperity, contributed to the progress of the city when he was in a position to make use of them as a member of the city council, a HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 613 position he held for some eight years. He was an old-time Democrat in poli,tics and was zealous in support of Democratic principles although it was often said that he was as honest in politics as he was in business. He was a charter member of the order of Elks at Findlay and was valued highly by his fraternity. Perhaps no more generous, open handed man ever lived at Findlay. Genial, kind and thoughtful with his friends, when appeals were made to his sympathy for the poor, needy or suffering, he was generous without limit. In his home life, his best qualities were manifested. Mr. Corthell was married in Pennsylvania, in 1887, to Miss Mary A. Boyington, Mrs. Corthell and daughter, Frieda, enjoy a beautiful home at No. 218 Park Place, Findlay. THEODORE KARN, one of the best known men of Cass Township, Hancock County, O., a lifelong resident and a member of an honorable old pioneer family, for many years has carried on general farming on his own place of sixty acres, situated in Section 15, and on thirty-eight acres belonging to his wife, in Section 14, both in Cass Township. He was born in this township, February 9, 1842, and is a son of Ezra and Elizabeth (Albertson) Karn, and a grandson of Valentine Karn. Ezra Karn, father of Theodore, was born in Maryland and was a boy when he accompanied his parents to Ohio. His father, Valentine Karn, was of German extraction. He settled first in Holmes County and moved from there to Hancock County and subsequently died in Cass Township. He had ten children : Mary Ann, Joshua, Magdalena, Aaron, Ezra, Elizabeth, Abram, Samuel, David and Rebecca. All accompanied their father to Hancock County except Mary Ann, who married and lived in Holmes County. Ezra Karn was about nineteen years of age when the family came to Hancock County. The farm his father secured had two or three acres cleared around a small log cabin, otherwise no improvements had been made and when the sons grew old enough they helped to complete the clearing of the land and assisted in its cultivating, making use of oxen in those days. Their nearest neighbors were the Albertsons, who had come from New Jersey and in the previous year, 1835, had also settled in the woods in Cass Township. They were New Jersey people, George Albertson, wife and daughter, Elizabeth, the latter being then sixteen years old. They had started on the long journey from New Jersey to Hancock County, O., with a one-horse wagon. It was strongly built and as Elizabeth walked almost the whole distance, safely transported the family effects until the party reached what is now the main thoroughfare of Fostoria, when it was so stalled in the mud that assistance had to be afforded before the travelers could proceed further. Ezra Karn subsequently married Elizabeth Albertson and eight children were born to them, Theodore being the second in order of birth. The others are as follows : William, who is now deceased—was a member of Co. G, 118th O. Vol. Inf., in the Civil War and suffered the loss of a leg in the battle of Peach Tree Creek ; Drucilla, deceased, who was the wife of Fred Karrick, who is also deceased; Jerome, who lives in Cass Township; Simeon, who resides in Washington Township; Albert, whose farm is in Cass Township; Martin L., who resides at Findlay ; and Mary E., deceased, who was the wife of George Taburn. Theodore Karn attended the old log school- 614 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY house in the neighborhood of his father's house, with his brothers and sisters, but hard work early awaited farmers in those days and as soon as he was able to handle the hoe and rake there was daily toil for him. He assisted in clearing up the parts of the farm still in a wild condition and remained under the home roof until his marriage, when he purchased from the other heirs. He no longer attends personally to his farm, renting out his fields and also having others attend to the work necessitated by five producing oil wells on his property. On November 15, 1883, Mr. Karn was married to Miss Mary E. Swisher, who was born at Ada, O., a daughter of Peter and Mary (Doty) Swisher. Peter Swisher was a soldier in the Civil War, a member of the 99th O. Vol. Inf., and while in the service was captured by the enemy and imprisoned for 100 days in Libby prison. He died at the home of Mr. Karn in Cass Township. Mr. and Mrs. Karn have four children: Grace V., who is the wife of John Barnhouse, of Van Buren, O. ; and Jennie, Edwin 'S. and Hazel A. In politics, Mr.. Karn is a Democrat. He has served in township offices, having been school director and supervisor and for two years was a justice of the peace. He has witnessed many changes during his, long life in this section, in methods of farming, ways of transportation and standards of living. As he swiftly moves over the fine country roads in his handsome new model Ford automobile, he can scarcely fail to con-. trast it with the ox-team which he used in his boyhood. Mr. Karn is one of the men who has kept up with the times and having helped bring about more comfortable ways of living, does not hesitate to enjoy them. SAMUEL S. FRANKS,* township trustee and an extensive agriculturist of Allen Township, Hancock County, Ohio, is the owner of two tracts of farm land, the one on which he lives consists of 112 acres and is located just east of Van Buren, Ohio, and the other consisting of 102 1/4 acres, is located one and a half miles north of Van Buren. He was born March 13, 1874, in Cass Township, Hancock County, Ohio, and is a son of Jasper and Martha (Smith) Franks. Jasper Franks was born in Pennsylvania and at an early age came to Hancock County, Ohio, with his father, John Franks, who was one of the earliest settlers of the county. Jasper Franks married Martha Smith, who was born in Seneca County, Ohio, and they began housekeeping in Cass Township, Hancock County, where they followed farming some years. Later in life Jasper Franks moved to North Baltimore, where he lived in retirement some years, but he subsequently returned to Hancock County, and passed out of this life at Van Buren, Ohio, July 13, 1901. The mother of our subject died on the farm in 1899. Four children were born to the parents of our subject : John Franks; Evaline, who is the wife of George Peffly ; Samuel S., the subject of this record; and Della, who died in February, 1907, and who was the wife of William Alworth. Samuel S. Franks was ten years of age when his parents removed to Findlay, where they resided but two years. They then settled on the old Franks farm of 102 1/4 acres in Allen Township, and subsequently- fell heir to the land, which is now owned by Mr. Franks. Mr. Franks was married in 1899 and began housekeeping on this farm, and in the fall of 1909 bought the old Henry Franks farm of 112 acres HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 615 just east of Van Buren in Allen Township. Mr. Franks resides on the latter property, but farms both places, and makes a specialty of raising poland china hogs in connection with general farming. Mr. Franks was married in 1899 to Jessie Lauer, a daughter of Nicholas Lauer and they have two children : Martha Elizabeth, and Samuel Eugene. In politics Mr. Franks is a Democrat and in the fall of 1907 was elected trustee of Allen Township, and re-elected to that office in the fall of 1909, his present term expiring January I, 1912. He is fraternally affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, No. 473, of Van Buren. JAMES T. ADAMS, deceased, formerly president of the Adams Brothers Company, at Findlay, Ohio, one of the city's important manufacturing concerns, was identified not only with the development of this business from its infancy, but was also connected with many other important enterprises. Mr. Adams was born April 22, 1825, and his death occurred April l0th, 1906. His native place was Perry County, Pa., and from there, when ten years old, his parents brought him to Ohio. His father was Rev. William Adams, who settled in Wayne County in 1837 and came to Findlay in 1860. The Adams family to which the late James T. Adams belonged, is of English extraction, of colonial settlement and of Revolutionary stock. Mr. Adams, however, was a man who needed no background of distinguished ancestry to impress those with whom he came in contact, although their sterling traits of character may have had a hereditary influence in the makeup of his own. From the age of fourteen years he provided for his own maintenance. At that age he began to learn the tinsmith's trade at Massillon, Ohio, where he lived until 1845. He then went to Plymouth and continued work there until 1854, when he came to Findlay. He continued work as a tinsmith until 1864 and then opened a general hardware store which he conducted for about six years, selling out in order to enter—rather extensively for the time—into the manufacture of linseed oil. This industry he continued until 1878, when, in association with his brothers he organized the foundry and machine business which is continued under the style of the Adams Brothers Company. In 1890 the business was incorporated, James T. Adams becoming president, and Newton Adams, treasurer. The enterprise has grown steadily, while in all Western Ohio no firm name stands higher in the trade than that of Adams Brothers. For fifty-five years the late James T. Adams was identified with Findlay's interests and these he frequently made personal ones. With fidelity to the public he served for sixteen years on the city council where his practical common sense and sound business advice made him an invaluable public servant. He was equally useful as a member of the school board, and was the promoter of many of the benevolent enterprises which have made Findlay notable in charitable records. The Adams Building, which he erected in 1902, is one of the handsomest and best equipped business structures in the ctiy. Mr. Adams was married in 1849, to Miss Harriet L. Bodine, who was a daughter of Peter Bodine, formerly of Richland County, Ohio. Three children were born to this union, the two survivors being : Charles F. and Lizzie. The latter married John A. Meeks and they reside at Findlay. Mr. Adams was mar- 616 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY ried in 1902 to Mrs. Catherine Elmes, a native of Findlay. She was a daughter of Simon Ransbottom, a farmer of Hancock County. Mrs. Adams occupies her comfortable home at No. 203 East Hardin Street, Findlay. In his political views, Mr. Adams was a Republican. He was a member of the Presbyterian church and a generous supporter of many of its benevolent movements. From early manhood he had been identified with the fraternal order of Odd Fellows, being in fact the oldest continuous member in Hancock County, and belonged to both the primary branch and to the Encampment. The following remarks, which are part of an extended notice which appeared in a local paper on the occasion of his death, will serve to show the esteem in which he was held by the citizens of Findlay and of the county generally : "In the death of J. T. Adams the city of Findlay loses one of its foremost citizens and his family a good father and friend. He was a self-made man, by his own efforts rising to wealth and influence, and by his example forming an object lesson that the young men of today might do well to emulate. He spent the greater portion of his life in Findlay, witnessing its growth from an obscure village to its present splendid proportions, and he materially assisted in such growth, spending very many thousands of dollars in its upbuilding and expending millions among working men and for material during his long and busy career in this city. He has truly been a benefactor to his fellows, and while not of a demonstrative disposition, possessed a warm heart and generous nature, and the friends he made were always steadfast and staunch." Such indeed was Mr. Adams—a man who will not soon be forgotten by any of those with whom he came into personal contact. JAMES M. BARR,* who for many years was identified with the oil and gas industry, and served four years as postmaster of Findlay, O., was born June 27, 1847, on his present residence property at. No. 200 W. Front Street, Findlay, Ohio, a son of James H. and Mary (Shaw) Barr. James H. Barr was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, and in early manhood came to Findlay, Ohio. He was one of the pioneer merchants of Findlay, being a member of the old firm of Taylor and Barr, and was the first probate judge of Hancock County, in which capacity he served two terms. James M. Barr was reared in Findlay, Ohio, and after obtaining an education in the schools of this city, went to New York City, where he spent six years working in a wholesale house. He then returned to Findlay, Ohio, where he succeeded S. C. Moore as postmaster, receiving his appointment during Cleveland's last administration. Since the close of his term as postmaster, Mr. Barr has devoted his time to the oil and gas business, but is now not actively engaged in business. Mr. Barr was united in marriage with Laura P. Starr, who comes of one of the prominent families of Wyandot County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Hiram J. Starr, deceased, who was one of the prominent farmers and stockmen of that county. Mr. Barr is identified with the Democratic party in politics, and has served as councilman and in various other offices. He is fraternally a Mason. JOHN W. ZELLER, state school commissioner, one of Ohio's earnest and effectual men HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 617 in the educational field, for more than thirty consecutive years was superintendent of the schools of Findlay. With almost a parent's interest he watched them develop from a primitive state with more or less crude methods of instruction to the highly organized and thoroughly representative educational bodies they are today, in all their features reflecting the scholarly influence he has brought to bear in this long period of association. Prof. Zeller was born January 22, 1849, in Union Township, Hancock County, Ohio, coming of solid, substantial, virtuous and frugal German parentage. When seventeen years of age, having made the most of his afforded opportunities in the district schools, he began to teach school, and after six years found himself able to enter the Ohio Normal University at Ada ; in 1874 he was a member of the first graduating class of that institution. After more schoolroom work, in Logan County, Ohio, where he was school superintendent for two years, he entered Mt. Union College where he earned the degree of Ph. B., from which college he also received later the degree of Ph. M. He subsequently took up the study of languages at the Ohio Normal University, where he also acted as a tutor; he studied political economy at Ann Arbor, Michigan, and later at Findlay College, where he obtained the degree of Ph. D., in 1892. In 1877 Professor Zeller was first appointed superintendent of the Findlay schools, with sixteen teachers, three buildings and fifteen schools under his charge. A comparison shows in some degree what he has accomplished in the way of advancing the material possessions of the city in this line. There are, in 1910, ninety-four teachers, fourteen buildings and one of the finest High School buildings in the state. These structures are modern in every particular, their equipments being such as to give students the advantages which their fathers could scarcely have obtained in college or academy in their pupil days. To estimate the work done and progress made in intellectual advancement by Professor Zeller, would be a difficult task, but it may be indicated by the fact that graduates from the Findlay High School take precedence generally in any intellectual contests where opportunities are afforded them for competition. Professor Zeller has long been an important factor in every organization in the state devoted especially to the advancement or the advantage of teachers. He was one of the founders and served several times as president of the Northwestern Ohio Teachers' Association. For years he has conducted institutes all over the State, and in the fall election of 1908 he was chosen State School Commissioner by a plurality of 46,559. So closely has he applied himself to the educational interests of his section that purely business enterprises have never appealed to him to any great extent ; but he early became interested in the development of natural gas and was a member of the company that drilled the first gas well in Ohio, this being the memorable event of the year 1886 in Findlay. Together with his interest in all that pertains to the public weal of his fellow citizens, he takes active part in the Findlay Y. M. C. A. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has been a steward, and was one of the prime movers in the erection of the Howard and Heck Methodist churches at Findlay. In politics he is a Republican. His handsome residence is located at No. 311 East Lincoln Avenue, Findlay. 618 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY M. D. NEFF,* senior member of the firm of M. D. Neff & Co., lumber dealers and operators of a planing-mill and saw-mill, with works and yards on Fair Street, at the junction of Main and the L. E. & W. Railroad, Findlay, Ohio, is a thoroughly experienced man in this business, being only eighteen years of age when he became his father's manager in the same line. He was born at Fremont, Ohio, November 6, 1860, and is a son of M. T. and Samantha (Turner) Neff. M. T. Neff was born in 1832, at Fremont, Ohio, where he was reared and there entered into the lumber business and operated extensively, at one time having three saw-mills on the Sandusky River. He extended his interests to Michigan, where he dealt by wholesale and it was while occupied there that he was seriously injured. He transferred his interests to Findlay, in 1878, and continued in the business, under the style of the M. T. Neff Lumber and planing mill, until his death, in 1903. M. D. Neff was reared and educated at Fremont and from boyhood has been interested in the lumber business, giving his father assistance even before he left school. When the father died, Mr. Neff, together with his sister, Lucretia Neff, bought out the other heirs and changed the firm style to M. D. Neff & Co., and the business has been prosperous ever since, employment being given to from twelve to fifteen men. Mr. Neff was married to Miss Etta Belle Jones, of Pittsburg, Pa., and they have one child, Mildred. Mr. Neff belongs to the Elks. FRANK KARST, senior member of the firm of Karst and Laffey, well known grocers of Findlay, Ohio, has been a resident of Findlay since 1849. He was born March 29, 1827, iii Badenheim, near Bingen on the Rhine, Hessen Darmstadt, son of Martin and Elizabeth (Bertram) Karst. Frank Karst was reared in Germany and at the age of fourteen years began working as a clerk in a hardware store. He later became identified with a wholesale notion store, and in 1849 came with his parents to America. The family stopped for a few months in Reading, Pa., with a brother of our subject, but subsequently located on a farm in Eagle Township, Hancock County, Ohio. Mr. Karst was unable to endure the hardships of clearing the land, and came to Findlay in 1849, where he spent the first month working in a dry goods store, but later clerked one and a half years in a grocery store. In the spring of 1852 he established himself in the grocery business on Main Street, in what is now the Kimmel Block and was associated in that business with his brother Jacob until 1838, when he purchased his brother's interest in same. In 1855 he purchased the property where the Edwards Shoe Company is now situated, and three years later traded that for the property upon which the Mystic Theatre now stands. In 1866 he built and rented out the building and in 1870 he purchased the building on the corner of Main and Main Cross Streets, and in 1872 moved his store. In 1887 he formed a partnership with Fred Kwis and conducted the business until 1890, when the old building was torn down and the present building erected. In 1896 he bought the stock of Gayer & Davis and associated himself with R. M. Wise. In 1900 he sold his interest to Shafer & Wise and bought the stock of Keiffer & Nonnamaker and the concern is now known as the firm of Karst & Laffey, where they have been for ten years. Mr. Karst erected the first HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 621 house in the Vance addition to Findlay in 1854. Mr. Karst was married to Anna Maria Schneider (born in Bregens, Austria, on Lake Constance), and of this union were born eight children—Frank L., Joseph P., Amelia, Catherine, Julius, Adeline, August and Martin—of whom two survive, one son and one daughter. The mother, Joseph P., and Frank L. (he left three children of whom one, Edward, survives) all died in 1881 ; Amelia, Julius and Martin died young, and Adeline died October 8, 1909. August lives at home and Catherine is the wife of Michael Laffey, who for the past fourteen years has been associated with our subject in business. She is the mother of five children—Mary, Martha, Frank, Charles (deceased, and Claire. The father of our subject died in 1880 aged ninety-three years and five months. Mr. Karst is a member of the Roman Catholic Church and has been a liberal contributor. He is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus and the Roman Catholic Benevolent Society. He has served as member of the town council and was trustee of the water works at the time the new water works system was built. AUGUST NEUMAN, president of the Board of Infirmary Directors of Hancock County. Ohio, and member of the Agricultural Board of the county, was born February 13, 1856, in Mecklenberg, Germany, a son of John and Louisa Neuman. August Neuman was fourteen years old when he journeyed to this country with his parents, who came at once to Hancock County, Ohio. The family lived a short time with Rudolph Neuman, an uncle of our subject's father, but later settled on a farm in Portage Township, where our subject grew to manhood. He worked as a farm hand until 1879 and after his marriage rented his father-in-law's farm in Pleasant Township until 1881. He then bought part of the farm, but later sold it back to his father-in-law, and purchased a farm of eighty-three acres in Portage Township, where he followed general farming until locating in Findlay, on March 24, 1910. He then sold the farm and bought a tract of 167 acres in Portage Township, just one mile east of the old farm. In the fall of 1908 Mr. Neuman was elected a member of the Infirmary Board on the Democratic ticket and assumed the responsibilities of that office January 4, 1909. At the first meeting of that body he was elected its president, and is now serving his second term as a member of the Board of Agriculture of Hancock County, having been elected a member of the same in 1908. Mr. Neuman was first united in marriage with Sarah Brickman, who was born in Hancock County, Ohio, a daughter of Frederick Brickman, and of their union were born three children: Anna, who is the wife of E. W. Bonham, of Oklahoma, and has two children, Sara Janet, and Harold Neuman; J. Fred, who lives on our subject's farm in Portage Township, and married Bertice Moorehead; and Clara Elizabeth, living .at home. Mrs. Neuman died in 1892 and he subsequently married Lucinda Collingwood, who died in 1895. He then married Angeline Montgomery, who was born in Portage Township, Hancock County, Ohio, and is a daughter of George and Dorothy Montgomery. Mr. Neuman is fraternally .a member of the Maccabees, and has served as a member of the school board and as trustee of Portage Township. George Montgomery was born in Wayne County, Ohio, October 11, 1823, and was the 622 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY only child born to John and Nancy (Helmick) Montgomery, the former being killed by a falling tree, when George was but one year old. George Montgomery was reared by his maternal grandfather, Nicholas Helmick, who came to Hancock County, Ohio, in 1832, and settled in Cass Township. His grandfather served in the War of 1812. Mr. Montgomery took up auctioneering and became one of the best known auctioneers in this part of the country. He also became a large land owner and at one time owned a tract of 1,400 acres. Mr. Montgomery was first married in 1844 to Mary Chase, a daughter of George Chase, who was one of the pioneers of Hancock County. She died in 1861, and he later married Dorothy A. Culp, who was the mother of Mrs. Neuman, and a daughter of Benoni Culp. Mr. Montgomery served as the first postmaster of Portage Center, which was the second post-office opened in Hancock County. His death occurred in 1895. ADAM RETTIG,* who is a general farmer in Jackson Township, Hancock County, Ohio, where he owns forty acres of land, was born in Van Buren Township, Hancock County, October 15, 1859. His parents were John and Katherine (Pifer) Rettig. Both were born in Germany and they came to America about sixty years ago, landing at New York and coming immediately to Hancock County, Ohio, where the father purchased land. Adam Rettig grew to manhood on a farm and has carried on farming and stock raising ever since he grew old enough to use farm tools. He is a very practical, sensible man and thoroughly understands his business. Mr. Rettig was married March 6, 1886, to Miss Annie Appeld, a daughter of Fred and Paulina (Marolion) Appeld, and they have had six children: Charles, who died in infancy; Linda, who is married to August Clish and they live on a farm in Madison Township; Mary and Sherman, who reside at home and are attending school in Jackson Township; and Clara and Ernest, both of whom died when young. Mr. Rettig and wife are members of the German Lutheran church at Arlington. He has always voted the Democratic ticket. JOHN MELVIN BYAL, one of the leading citizens of Pleasant Township, who has spent his entire life in Hancock County, belongs to an old pioneer family of Ohio. His farm of 120 acres is devoted to general agriculture and the raising of stock. He was born in Findlay Township, August 14, 1865, and is a son of Campbell and Anna (Pendleton) Byal. The Byal family originated in Ireland. The grandfather, John Byal, settled in Findlay Township, Hancock County, near the site of the Infirmary and he built a mill west of Findlay. The father of John M. Byal followed farming in Findlay Township and died in 1881. The mother still survives and resides at Findlay. She was born in 1836 in Hancock County, a daughter of Joel and Amy Pendleton, both of whom died on their farm one and one-half miles west of Findlay. For forty years he was county surveyor of Hancock County. John M. Byal is the eldest of his parents' family of six children and the three other survivors are : Nora, who is the wife of W. E. Gorrell, of Findlay; and Clement and Leslie, both of whom reside in Findlay Township. John M. Byal obtained his education in the public schools of Findlay Township, after which he engaged in farming and continued to HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 623 reside there until he was twenty-three years of age, when he moved to Blanchard Township. Mr. Byal was a resident of that township for twenty-two years and then came to his present farm. He has a very desirable and valuable property here in which he takes much interest, carefully cultivating his land and growing some very fine stock. Mr. Byal was married to Miss Frances Cornwell, a daughter of D. J. and R. Cornwell, on March 29, 1888, and they have four children—Fern, Lester, Gladys and Frederick—all of whom reside at home. Mr. Byal and family are members of the United Brethren church. He is identified with Lodge No. 354, Odd Fellows. Nominally he is a Democrat, but in local elections he generally uses his own judgment about candidates, putting the man and his record before party. THOMAS C. LINGER,* manager, and—in association with his father, P. F. Linger, of Clarksburg, West Virginia—owner of the Ohio Hay and Grain Company, at Findlay, Ohio, has been established in business in this city since February 1, 1904. He was born in Ritchie County, West Virginia, February 14, 1873, and is a son of P. F. and Susan E. Linger. P. F. Linger is one of the old residents and substantial men of Ritchie County and he still continues to manage his farm there, together with a general store in which he has been also interested for some years, while he has additional interests at Clarksburg and at Findlay. Thomas C. Linger was reared through his school period on the home farm and obtained his education in the country. He then decided to learn telegraphing and when fifteen years of age left the farm and as his brother was station agent at Parsons, West Virginia, he went there for instruction. As he was apt and reliable he later became an excellent operator, subsequently succeeding his brother there and still later being sent as operator to other points on the West Virginia Central Railroad. After four years of railroad work, Mr. Linger turned his attention in another direction and took a course in stenography and bookkeeping, at Parkersburg, West Virginia. In 1898 he went into the grain business, starting in with the Marietta Brokerage Company, of Marietta, Ohio, and after being with that firm for four years, going to Clarksburg, where he was manager of the branch house of the Ohio Hay and Grain Company, which is still continued. From there he came to Findlay. The Ohio Hay and Grain Company is a very large concern and has prospered from the start. In the spring of 1910 the company increased their Findlay facilities by erecting a grain elevator of about 100,000 bushels capacity. They handle hay, flour, and grain and employ ten people, while, during the summer seasons they have several hay pressers at work all over the country and during the busy seasons have from forty to fifty extra men on the pay roll. Mr. Linger married Miss Alice Peters, of Louisa, Kentucky, and they have one child, Virginia. Mr. Linger is a member of the order of Knights of Pythias and belongs to the United Commercial Travelers' organization. WILLIAM H. HOUCK, one of Findlay's most highly esteemed retired citizens, for many years engaged in farming and stock raising on his valuable estate consisting of 200 acres, which is situated in Jackson Township, Hancock County. Mr. Houck was born March 4, 1827, in Baltimore County, Maryland, just ten 624 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY years before his parents settled in the wilderness of Jackson Township. They were Jacob F. and Eve (Ebaugh) Houck. For seventy-three years the Houck family has been identified with the interests of Hancock County, during this long period contributing in no small degree to its development along every line of progress. The father of Mr. Houck was a native of Maryland and his mother of Pennsylvania, both coming of the sturdy stock that ensured vigorous bodies and strong minds to their offspring. Of their ten children, eight grew to manhood and womanhood and five of this generation still survive. Jacob F. Houck was a representative man of his time and section, one who served his township in many responsible offices with efficiency and set an example to his neighbors in industry and public spirit. For many years he and wife were among the leading members of the Methodist Episcopal church. William H. Houck, as the eldest of the family, had fewer advantages in education and earlier responsibilities than his brothers and sisters. He became his father's main dependence in clearing up the wilderness farm, which preceded the same kind of hard work for himself, Mr. Houck having the record of having cleared 200 acres of virgin soil in Hancock County. Since 1863 he has owned his present valuable farm in Jackson Township, one of the best improved and best stocked in this section of the county. He was one of the most enterprising agriculturists of his locality in his prime and owned the first buggy in his township and bought the first grass-cutter in Hancock County. In 1902 he came to Findlay to make his home with his youngest son, Willie E., his wife having died in September, 1899. At different times during his residence in Jackson Township, Mr. Houck responded to the wishes of his fellow citizens and served in township offices, but he has never been a seeker for political honors. In looking back over his long life he has the consciousness that as far as he has been able, he has lived usefully and there is nothing to mar his serene old age, but much to bring him comfort. Mr. Houck was married in 1852 to Elizabeth Smaltz, a daughter of Henry Smaltz, of Hancock County, and to them were born the following children : Solomon F., Adam B., Catherine E., Annie M., Lottie A., John P., Jacob H., Robert C., Perry H., and Willie E. John P., residing at No. 205 West Hardin Street. Findlay, is connected with the T. & O. C. Railroad Company; Jacob H., resides at Rochester, Pa.; and Willie E., residing at No. 605 West Hardin Street, is general manager of the Boss Manufacturing Company. The latter married Miss Gail Grindle and they have two children. For more than a half a century, William H. Houck has been a class leader in the Methodist Episcopal church and a licensed exhorter for about the same time. DR. J. R. TROVINGER,* one of the leading physicians of Arlington, Ohio, who has been engaged in the practice of his profession since 1889, was born May 17, 1864, in Perry County, Ohio, and is a son of Curtis and Mary (Neal) Trovinger. Curtis Trovinger was a native of Maryland and came to Ohio with his father, John Trovinger, who settled in Fairfield County. He later removed to Perry County, where he followed farming until the time of his death. The mother of our subject also died in Perry County. Dr. J. R. Trovinger grew to maturity in