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FINDLAY TOWNSHIP AND VILLAGE.

JAMES T. ADAMS, manufacturer, Findlay, was born in Perry County, Penn., April 22, 1825; son of William and Elizabeth (Ball) Adams, who came here in 1860. William Adams was a worthy minister in the Church of God and died here in 1882, leaving four sons and three daughters: Mary Ann, deceased wife of Levi Tarr, of Wood County, Ohio; James T. ; Sarah J. ; Elizabeth, wife of John Ferguson, of Liberty Township, this county; William B., hardware merchant, of Corunna, Ind. ; John and Newton, prominent business men in Findlay. The subject of our sketch served an apprenticeship to the tinsmithing business in his native county, and, upon coming to Findlay, Ohio, in 1854, embarked in hardware, tin and stone business. In 1862 he engaged in linseed oil manufacturing, with which he remained successfully connected for twenty years, retiring from it to give his more especial attention to his already extensive foundry business, in which he had become interested some years previous. He married, in Richland County, Ohio, in 1849, Harriet L., daughter of Peter Bodine, by whom he has one son and one daughter: Frederick C., and Lizzie B., wife of John A. Weeks, Jr. The family attend the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Adams has been an Odd Fellow for over forty years. He has always avoided holding public office, but has served in the council for sixteen years and is now a worthy member of the school board of Findlay. In politics he is a Republican.

JOHN ALTMAN, builder and contractor, Findlay, was born in Marion Township, this county, March 6, 1837; son of John and Delilah (Young) Altman, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia, respectively, and, who came of worthy pioneer ancestry in their respective States. They settled in this county in 1832. Of their nine children seven are residents of this county. One son resides in Allen County, Ohio, and one, Henry, lost his life in the army during the war of the Rebellion. John Altman, the subject of this sketch, was reared a farmer, but at the age of twenty-four years he engaged in contracting and building, and has taken a leading part in that industry in this county, both in private building and public improvements. In 1857 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Wingate, who died in 1864, in full communion with the United Brethren Church. Of her three daughters and one son, only one daughter survives : Eliza, wife of Henry Dillman, a saddler, in Findlay. The deceased are John Wilbur, who died at the age of twenty-four years; Ida May and Lillie, both of whom died young. For his second wife John Altman married, in 1870, Amanda, daughter of William and Harriet Burns, and by her he has four children: Orpha Caroline, Edward Orrin, Augusta Millard and an infant daughter. Our subject and wife attend the services of the Evangelical Union Church. He has, in company with William Presnell, Esq., an extensive stone quarry in addition to his large building interests, and gives employment to a goodly number of skilled workmen. Mr. Altman is a public-spirited man and contributes liberally to all measures calculated to benefit his county.

AARON BAKER, farmer, P. O. Findlay, was born in Rockingham

722 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

County, Va., February 8, 1810; son of John and Mary (Dane) Baker, natives of Virginia, who came to Ohio in 1812 and located in Madison Township, Franklin County, where they remained until 1830, when they removed to this county, settling in Findlay Township, and here passed the remainder of their days. They had nine children, of whom two are now living: Reuben in Koseiusko County, Ohio, and Aaron. The subject of this sketch was married. January 29, 1833, to Mary Hartley, and by her he had ten children (seven of whom are now living): Tabitha, wife of Joseph Wagoner; Benjamin P. ; Perry D. ; Hester A., wife of Emory Rice; John W., who was a soldier in the One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. under Capt. Howard. and was killed in a skirmish in Tennessee; Diana, wife of George Sager; Elizabeth, wife of John Sager; Reuben H. ; Isaiah M. and Lurie, wife of Mason Bibler. Mr'. Baker began his business career one mile and a half northeast of Findlay, Ohio, where he remained for nineteen years. He then sold and afterward purchased the John Y. Hamilton farm, which had been entered by Mr. Hamilton daring President Monroe's administration. This farm, which is located on the bank of the Blanchard fork, Mr. Baker improved. Our subject is a well-to-do farmer; in politics a stanch Republican.

N. J. BAKER, proprietor of livery and feed stable, Findlay, was born in Allen Township, this county, October 11, 1845; son of George and Margaret Baker, natives of Fairfield County, Ohio, and of Pennsylvanian and Virginian ancestry, respectively. They settled in this county in an early day, and reared a family of seven sons and five daughters. The father and one daughter, Almira, who married A. J. Roberts, of Allen Township, this county, are deceased. The surviving children are Hannah, wife of Wilson Decker, carpenter and builder, North Baltimore, Ohio; Solomon, a farmer, in Johnson County, Iowa; Thomas, a farmer, in Putnam County, Ohio; Almeda, wife of Stewart Skinner, of Allen Township, this county; Benjamin F. a farmer, of Allen Township, this county; George W., a farmer, of Allen County, Kas. ; Malissa, wife of J. C. Overholt, of Pleasant Township, this county; Ella (unmarried), Clement and William C., living at home; and the subject of this sketch. N. J. Baker was reared a farmer and still owns a fine farm in Section 16, Cass Township, this county. During the war of the Rebellion he served in Company C, One Hundred and Ninety-eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He embarked in the livery business in 1883. Mr. Baker was united in marriage in Allen Township, this county, with Verona, daughter of William and Mary Miller. The family attend the services of the United Brethren Church.

WILLIAM H. BALDWIN, M. D. (deceased), was born in Champaign County, Ohio, January 16, 1810, and settled in Findlay, Ohio, in the fall of 1832. Having studied and attended lectures at Cincinnati, he entered the medical profession in early life and rose to a very respectable rank as a physician. His high reputation and success gained him a very large practice which extended into adjoining counties, as well as all over the one in which he lived. His extensive practice necessitated long and frequent rides, and those why enjoy the advantages and improvements of the present day know but little of what those rides involved; there were but few well-beaten roads and scarcely any bridges; streams had to be forded, swamps and marshes had to be crossed, and large tracts of country often under water had to be traveled; but distance, difficulties and ceaseless labors neither discouraged

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nor checked this faithful physician in his untiring efforts to relieve the afflicted, honor his profession, and supply the wants of those dependent on him for support. These hard and indefatigable labors at last produced their effects; the vigorous constitution was impaired, and he who had been the embodiment of health, and had so successfully practiced the healing art upon others, became prematurely old and feeble, as all can testify who saw him totter on his staff daring the few years before his death, which occurred December 14, 1868. Dr. Baldwin was married, April 19, 1835, to Mary J. Patterson, who was born July 13, 1817, in Harrison County, Ohio, daughter of John Patterson, who came to Findlay in 1834. In all the relations of life Dr. Baldwin was considerate, respectful, just and honorable, and enjoyed the highest esteem of all the people. He experienced the blessing of a saving peace under the ministry of Rev. J. Tibbals, and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1842. He was unassuming and unswerving in all his Christian duties, and made all his worldly interests conform to these. Family worship was regularly attended to, besides which it was his custom, to the close of life, to retire into his closet several times each day, to commune with his God, so that when the Master called we may well believe it was with the words "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." At a meeting of the members of the medical profession of Findlay, Ohio, Drs. Spayth, Detwiller and F. W. Firmin were appointed a committee to draft resolutions, expressive of the feelings of the profession at their loss of Dr. Baldwin by death, and the following resolutions were presented and adopted:

Resolved, That the medical profession of Findlay have heard with feelings of profound regret and sorrow of the death of our colleague, Dr. William H. Baldwin.

Resolved, That in Dr. Baldwin we have always found the polite gentleman, the agreeable associate, the zealous student, and the attentive and skillful practitioner of medicine, always at his post of duty, despite its dangers and responsibilities.

Resolved, That we, members of the medical profession of Findlay, tender, individually and collectively, to the family of Dr. Baldwin, our deepest sympathy in their affliction, and assure them that we will always cherish the memory of our deceased associate with heartfelt gratitude.

Resolved, That as a body we attend the funeral of Dr. Baldwin.

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to the family of Dr. Baldwin, and that they be published in the county papers.

Mrs. Dr. Baldwin united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1836, and remained to her death a consistent and active Christian. She died February 5, 1881. She was attended during her last hours by her four surviving children: Mrs. W. S. Osborn and Miss E. E. Baldwin, New York City; John J., Ada, Ohio, and L. A. Mrs. Dr. Baldwin was highly respected by all who knew her, and esteemed most by those who knew her best. As a Christian she was quite unobtrusive and strongly averse to all parade. Her house before her death was always a home for Methodist Ministers, and many such recall with kindly feelings her generous hospitality in years gone by.

L. A. BALDWIN, produce dealer, Findlay, was born in Findlay, this county, July 13, 1836. His father, Dr. William H. Baldwin, settled here, coming from Champaign County, Ohio, in 1830, and was for many years one of the leaders in the development of the then new country; he served Hancock County, as clerk of the common pleas court, from 1836 to 1843; he married here Mary Jane Patterson, who bore him ten children, of whom two sons and two daughters survive: L. A. , John J. , a produce dealer in Ada,

724 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Ohio; Elizabeth E. residing in Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Mary Jane, wife of W. S. Osborn, a commission merchant in New York City, residing in Brooklyn. The subject of this sketch, when a lad, engaged in merchandising, with which he has since been connected. He spent four years in the drug trade at Mount Blancharcl, where he also served as postmaster (this occurred during the war). After the Rebellion, he returned to Findlay and engaged in his present business, with which he has since been successfully connected. He married in Findlay. March 6, 1862, Ellen, daughter of the late John Decker, Esq. Mr. Baldwin has always held aloof from public office. He is a worthy member of the I. O. O. F. , and is at present Grand High Priest of Ohio. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity. The Baldwins are descended from worthy Virginians and of Scotch-Irish pioneer stock in that State.

ALFRED H. BALSLEY, publisher, Findlay, was born in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Penn. , December 15, 1828, and resided in that city until the fall of 1853. At the age 'of twelve years, or in the fall of 1840, he obtained employment in the nail factory of Miltenberger & Brown, and remained there until the spring of 1841, when the iron mills and nail factories were shut down in consequence of the financial crisis and until the tariff of March 6, 1842, was passed; same year he became a "devil" in a printing office, where he learned the rudiments of the art, in which he acquired instruction from 1845 to 1847. He then worked alternately at either business until 1851, when he obtained a "case " on the Pittsburgh Dispatch, where he remained till the strike of 1853 again threw him out of employment. In the fall of that year he located at Painesville, Lake Co., Ohio, and published the Grand River Record until July of the following year, when he moved to St. Clairsville, Belmont Co., Ohio. There he remained until October, 1855, publishing the St. Clairsville Independent. Early in October he located at Plymouth, on the line of Richland and Huron Counties, having purchased the Plymouth Advertiser, the paper first established by "P. V. Nasby." Here he remained thirteen years. In the fall of 1868, having purchased the Fremont Journal, he removed to that city on the day Gen. Grant was first elected President of the United States, and there remained till the spring of 1876, when he purchased the Findlay Jeffersonian, removing here with his family in August ' of that year. He still retains the Jeffersonian, and November 15, 1880, brought out the Daily Jeffersonian, which has now become a necessity to the good people of the city. While located at Plymouth, in 1861, he was elected postmaster, serving acceptably eight years, or until his removal to Fremont. In 1861 he purchased the Shelby News, which he published till the spring of 1862, and then incorporated it with the Plymouth Advertiser Soon after his removal to Fremont he established The Advertiser, at Milan, Erie Co., Ohio, which he still continues to publish, and, in 1874, began the publication of the Times at Huron, same county, but discontinued it after his removal to Findlay. In 1878 he purchased the Attica Journal, which he carried on in connection with his other papers, until the fall of the next year, when he sold it. He afterward purchased the Caret' Times, the outside of which he still prints in his office at Findlay, as well as the outside of his most recent venture, the North Baltimore Beacon. Mr. Balsley, who has been twice married, had one child (a daughter, now Mrs. G. H. Tallman, of the (Carey Times) by his first wife, and five sons and three daughters by his second;

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three sons and one daughter living: Alfred W., Rollin and Rollo (the. last two twins) and Nellie M. Our subject has had reasonable success in business; owns a fine residence in Findlay; the block in which his office is situated, and several residences in the city of Fremont, Ohio, besides other real estate. In politics he is a Republican.

T. G. BARNHILL, physician, Findlay, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, May 5, 1851; son of Joseph and Sarah (Frankhauser) Barnhill, former a native of that county, and of Pennsylvania pioneer ancestry, latter born in Pickaway County, Ohio. In 1853 they removed to this county and settled in Liberty Township, where they reared four sons and three daughters. T. G., who is the third child, received a good common school education, and at seventeen engaged in teaching; at eighteen he began the study of medicine in the office of Drs. Oesterlin & Detwiler, and in his twenty-second year graduated from the Cleveland Homoeopathic Hospital College class of 1873. He immediately began the practice of his profession in Findlay, and has been successfully connected with it since, introducing, in 1880, his valuable medicated baths. He married here, in 1874, Mary J., daughter of Conrad and Christina Renninger, pioneers of Liberty Township, this county, and they have one son, Joseph C. The Doctor is a public spirited citizen, and contributes liberally to the advancement of Hancock County's interests. He is a worthy Odd Fellow, a member of the Legion of Honor; has served as coroner of the county three terms; county physician eleven successive years; has been a member of the Board of Education of Findlay; has just lately received his appointment as district physician by the Board of Health of Findlay. He is an active member of the American Public Health Association of the State Society of Ohio. In politics he is a Democrat.

ABRAHAM RUSSEL BELDEN, Findlay, was born in the city of New York, the youngest child of Richard Nathaniel and Hilah (Russell) Belden, the former a native of New London, Conn., and the latter of New York. At the death of his mother, our subject, when but six years of age, went to live at New London, Conn. , and at twelve was sent to Wilbraham, Mass., to school, and at fourteen returned to New York, shipped on board the brig "Paulina," and sailed for Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Ayres, South America; was absent nine months and then joined the ship "Canada," Radcliff Hicks, commander, on which he was clerk and supercargo for nearly five years on a trading voyage around the world, during which time he doubled Cape Horn four times, and Cape of Good Hope twice. He was in every quarter of the globe, at Valparaiso seven times, and lay at Canton nine months waiting for teas. He afterward sailed as mate on several vessels, losing one in coming into New York. The ship "Rienzi" was the last ship he sailed in, having been around the world twice. Mr. Belden gave up seafaring life, and, leaving New York, went to Louisville, Ky., where he remained for two years in the dry goods business; from there he went to Sandusky, Ohio, where he continued ten years in the drug trade, sold out in 1858 and came to Findlay, this county, and took charge of the Findlay Branch Railroad and elevators, and was largely interested in the grain, pork, salt and coal business for twenty-four years; was also United States Express agent for sixteen years. At that time this was a great grain point, and one day he took in 10,000 bushels of wheat off of wagons, and would aver age from 400,000 to 500,000 bushels a year. He has paid out to merchants

726 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

and farmers for grain as much as any other person living here, if not more. He was married, in 1861, to Sadie E. Bope, of Lancaster, Ohio, and they have five children-four, daughters and one son. The eldest, Sadie Estell, was married October, 1883, to Charles R. Huffman, and lives in Battle Creek, Mich., Mr. Huffman being in the grocery business at that place; Grace Russell, James C., Carrie E. and Mary Edna; are all living with their parents in Findlay. Mr. Belden is now in the real estate and insurance business, which he expects to continue in, the residue of his life. He is of English descent, and looks and feels as if he was just m the prime of life, ' though he is past sixty.

CHARLES H. BIGELOW, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Findlay, was born on his present farm, in Findlay Township, this county, June 5, 1854, son of Philip Doddridge and Harriet H. (Frisbie) Bigelow, natives of Vermont, the former of whom came to this county July 4, 1841, and sold goods for a time, but subsequently engaged in farming, in which latter industry he accumulated nearly 300 acres of farm land and some fine town property in Findlay, Ohio. Philip D. Bigelow was always known as a leader in his vocations as well as in his public life. He served with credit in different local offices and upon the board of appraisement of Findlay Township, this county, in 1859-60, subsequently becoming a member of the State Board of Equalization. He was an exemplary member and worthy official of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he was a stanch Republican. He died August 13, 1868, leaving a handsome competence to his family and an honored name among public and social circles, and this county may well feel proud of his record. His widow is still living. The other surviving members of his family are a daughter and two sons: Ells Jane, wife of George L. Cusac, Esq., a merchant of Findlay, Ohio; Frank F., a farmer, married to Viola A. Stephenson (they have three children: Clarence, Edna and Ethel), and Charles H., who is married to Flora May, daughter of H. M. Vance, Esq., of Findlay (they have one son, Bernard). In politics Charles H. Bigelow is a Republican; his father was also a stanch Republican.

JAMES A. BOPE, lawyer, Findlay, was born in Winchester, Adams Co., Ohio, November 30, 1833. His ancestors on the paternal side, were Moravians. At the age of sixteen his grandfather did duty as a soldier at the battle of Yorktown, and emigrated from Rockingham County, Va., about the year 1804. The family name was originally Pope, but has been altered in some of the branches into Bope. Our subject's father, Philip Bope, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, and was a merchant. Our subject, on his mother's side (whose maiden name was Eliza Weaver) is of Scotch and German stock. James A. Bops lived in Adams County, Ohio, until he was six years of age, when the family moved to Lancaster, Fairfield Co., Ohio, where his father continued in mercantile business. Our subject then attended the public schools until he was ten years of age, when he went into his father's store, where he remained until he was seventeen. He then attended W Wittenberg College, Springfield, Ohio, and remained at that institution five years, graduating in 1855, when he commenced the study of law with Hunter & Daugherty, at Lancaster, Ohio. He was admitted to the bar in the fall of 1857, commenced to practice at Lancaster in 1858, and removed to Findlay in 1859. In July, 1862, he was elected captain of Company D, Ninety-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and while storming earthworks at Atlanta was wounded and sent home. Subsequently recovering

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from his wounds he returned to his regiment, and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel, in command of the Fiftieth and Ninety-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. This occurred in North Carolina, in the spring of 1865. Altogether he was wounded four times. He continued in the service until he was mustered out, in July, 1865, when he returned to Findlay, Ohio, and resumed the practice of law. Mr. Bope has the reputation of being an exceedingly careful and conscientious lawyer. He has been thoroughly and classically educated, and has carried into the profession the scholarly habits acquired in a collegiate course. His papers are industriously and accurately prepared, and have often received the encomiums of the court. He has a high regard for the honor and dignity of the profession, and discredits everything that would degrade it. He enjoys a large and growing practice, and is frequently called to do business in the United States Courts. He prefers civil to criminal practice, but practices with success in all branches of the profession. May 7, 1861, Mr. Bope married Miss Martha, daughter of Rev. John S. Meeks, formerly pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Findlay, but now preaching near that town. They have had four children, two of whom are living. In politics Mr. Bope is a Republican.

HENRY BROWN, State Attorney for Hancock County, Findlay, was born in Albion, Orleans Co., N. Y., November 5, 1826, son of Oliver and Sarah (Wiltz) Brown, the former a son of Benjamin and Sarah (Cass) Brown, of Welsh and English pioneer descent in Rhode Island and New Hampshire, respectively; the Wiltz family were of Holland pioneer stock on the Hudson River, in New York State. Oliver and Sarah Brown were born on the Hudson River, New York, and reared eight sons, of whom Benjamin died in Humboldt County, Cal., leaving a family; Hiram is a farmer in Ionia, Mich. ; Anthony is a mechanic in Findlay; Jeptha is a farmer in Wyandot County, Ohio; Ezra is an attorney and justice of the peace in Findlay; Alfred, who died without issue, was a farmer in Fostoria, Wood County; Franklin is a farmer in Albion, N. Y., and Henry, the youngest child. Our subject obtained a good literary and classical education at the academy in Albion, his native city, and became a clever linguist, especially in Latin and Greek. At the age of eighteen he came West, and was engaged in teaching in the vicinity of Fostoria, meantime reading law in the office of the Hon. Warren P. Noble, an eminent member of the Tiffin bar, and was admitted to practice in 1848. He soon after located in the practice of his profession here with Edson Goit and A. H. Bigelow, with whom he remained successfully engaged for a few years. Upon the dissolution of this partnership he united with Aaron Blackford, with whom he remained for a few years, retiring from this partnership to accept the office of auditor of Hancock County, to which he had been elected, retiring at the end of his term for a few years from all active professional work, an account of ill health. He had during his partnership with Mr. Blackford united with that gentleman in the proprietorship of the Hancock Courier, which he ably edited for about six years. In this connection it may be said to his credit that among the many progressive interests advocated by him, that of the railway enterprises (which were calling the attention of the people of this portion of the West) demanded considerable recognition, wherein he originated and recommended a project of a connection of the Lake Erie and the Ohio River, the germ of the present Lake Erie & Western Railway. After recuperating his health he returned to active professional work again.

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In 1862 he was appointed to fill a vacancy in the county attorney's office, to which he was elected for the two succeeding terms. Retiring, in 1867, from this incumbency, his many friends; recognizing his sterling worth, brought him before the convention of 1868 for the nomination as candidate of his party for the senatorial honors of this district, which was then largely Republican. He received a very unanimous nomination and carried the ticket largely, reducing the hitherto majority of 2,200 to but 227 votes. In 1875 he accepted the nomination of attorney for Hancock County, and was elected, succeeding himself the following term, 1877-79, and again in 1884. Mr. Brown has always been a worthy and hard-working public official, and has held a respectful recognition from all parties. In his earlier years he served with credit upon the board of school examiners for the county, and has been an active member of the board of education of Findlay. Upon the organization of the First National Bank of Findlay he became a stockholder and one of the board of directors, and served it as its attorney for several years. Mr. Brown was married in Findlay in 1858, to Hannah E. Stiles, a widow lady of estimable attainments, daughter of the late Hugh Newell, the union being blessed with two sons and two daughters: Sally T., a lady of fine literary attainments, a teacher in Mansfield, Ohio; Henry Wiltz, an apprentice journalist; Kittie and Carl Parker at home. The family attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mrs. Brown is an active worker in the field of Christianity and temperance. Mr. Brown is tall, of slight proportions, but of a vigorous disposition which has only too often had its set back by poor health. He is, however, of an amiable character and versatile nature, which, together with his broad professional principles have given him rank among the leading brethren of his profession in this portion of the State. Mr. Brown for many years was the favorite stump speech-maker of his county, and always drew large audiences, composed of both political parties, because of his candor and sincere manner of treating the subjects discussed. He has never been desirous of being nominated for Congress, but has been on one or two occasions put forward as the choice of Hancock County and cordially supported for the nomination; and might, on several occasions have received a nomination for Congress had he put forth any effort in his own behalf. Mr. Brown has also been highly recommended and urged to accept the nomination of judge of Hancock Common Pleas, but has as often declined to be a candidate. He is a F. & A. M. , and in politics a Democrat.

SAMUEL J. BROWN, restaurant and saloon keeper, Findlay, was born in Medina County, Ohio, August 1, 1846, son of Ephraim H. and Eliza M. McConnel Brown, natives of Pennsylvania who settled in this county from Medina County, Ohio, in an early day. They now reside in Arcadia, this county. Their family consists of one son and three daughters: Ellen Jane, wife of David Brubacher, of Wood County, Ohio; Rachel, wife of C. Roller, of Arcadia, this county; Martha, wife of Philip Ruch, of Fostoria, Seneca Co., Ohio, and Samuel J. The subject of this sketch spent his early life on a farm in Cass Township, this county, and at the age of eleven years began clerking in the store of David Peters, of Arcadia, Ohio, where he spent five years. He next sold goods in Fostoria, Ohio, and March 8, 1863, came to Findlay, where he was in same line for several years. In 1875 he embarked in the boot and shoe trade in company with Mr. Schuch, which partnership continued until 1883 when our

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subject retired from same and went into the restaurant and saloon business, with which he has been prominently identified since. Mr. Brown has always taken an active part in matters tending to the development of Findlay, and while being averse to holding public office, has served with credit in the councils of the city. He is a worthy member of the Masonic order; a polite and amiable gentleman; and, although possessed of all the fine qualifications essential to the making of a good husband, he is still treading the thorny paths of celibacy.

JACOB F. BURKET, lawyer, Findlay, was born March 25, 1837, near Somerset, Perry Co., Ohio, son of Solomon Burket who was of Swiss descent. One of his ancestors, who came from Switzerland and settled near Lancaster, Penn., had two sons, John and Jacob Burket, who were the progenitors of the Burket family in this country. The grandfather of our subject, John Burket, who served in the Revolutionary war, emigrated from Pennsylvania to Ohio and lived to the advanced age of ninety-six years. Mr. Burket's mother, Mary (Brehm) Burket, whose father was also in the Revolutionary war and emigrated from Pennsylvania to this State, was of German extraction. In September, 1839, the Burket family moved from Perry to this county. This region was then a forest; settlers were few and the country was sparsely inhabited. Young Burket went to the log schoolhouse and had at the same time to do work on the farm. When he was ten years of age his father died leaving a widow with nine children, of whom Jacob F. is the youngest son. When he reached the age of seventeen he removed to Findlay and was apprenticed to his brother-in-law, Jacob Folk, for the purpose of learning the carpenter's trade. The term of apprenticeship was for two years, one of its conditions being that he should receive three months' schooling in the winter. After having worked for him thirteen months, his brother-in-law's health failed, where upon, by mutual agreement, the indentures were canceled. June 4, 1855, he began teaching at Lewisville, Blanchard Township. Having taught for three years he attended a very excellent select school at Vanlue, in Hancock County, the proprietor being Mr. William K. Leonard; completing his term he returned to his trade (carpentering) for a time, engaging in mechanical labor in the summer and teaching school in winter and attending school in the fall and spring. In 1859 he entered an academy at Republic, Seneca Co., Ohio. The principal of this institution was Mr. A. Schuyler now professor of mathematics in the Baldwin University at Berea. Prof. Schuyler was the author of works on logic and algebra. From this gentleman Mr. Burket received a thorough training in logic which has been of great advantage to him in the legal profession. June 29, 1859, he commenced reading law with Judge Palmer (since deceased) and having remained with him a little more than a year, he entered the office of Goit and Brown, in the meanwhile teaching school every winter. July 1, 1861, he was admitted to the bar when he commenced the practice of his profession at Ottawa, Putnam Co., Ohio, where he remained until April, 1882. On the 16th of that month he opened an office in Findlay, and September 7, of that year entered into partnership with Henry Brown under the firm name of Brown and Burket, which was dissolved May 1, 1869, since which time Mr. Burket has been alone in his practice. While working at carpentering he, on one occasion, attended court, and becoming intensely interested in the proceedings, he resolved to be a lawyer,

730 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

and since he was admitted to the bar he has been a devotee to his profession. Mr. Burket has an extensive practice in the State and Federal Courts, and has encountered some of the moat distinguished lawyers in the country, and has been highly complimented by his professional brethren for the clear manner in which he expounds the principles of law which underlie a case. He is stockholder and director in the First National Bank of Findlay, and was a director of the Findlay Savings and Building Loan Association, and has acted as attorney for both these institutions. He has conducted much litigation for the latter and never lost a case. He was married in the year 1859, to Miss Pamy D. Walters, of Lenawee, Mich. They have had six children-five sons and one daughter-all of whom are living. In politics Mr. Burket is a Republican; he was one of the electors in the presidential contest of 1880, and still has in his possession the tickets by him voted for James A. Garfield and Chester A. Arthur in the Electoral College held in the Senate Chamber, at Columbus, Ohio.

ABSALOM P. BYAL, Findlay, was born in Stark County, Ohio, June 19, 1821. In September, 1883, his father, William Byal, with his family, consisting of wife and four children, Absalom P. Amy C., William W. and Sarah J., settled in this county on land partly the present site of Findlay, and soon after another child, Samuel A., was born. Our subject, although a mere lad, was brought face to face with the realities of life incident to the settling of a new country. At that early day the motto of the pioneers was "honesty, industry and economy," and an adherence to this motto was absolutely necessary in order to secure even a scanty living. Under such discipline Absalom P. Byal formed habits that have characterized his life and provided him a competency in his declining years, with the appellation of an honest man. In December, 1833, when he was but a few months over twelve years of age he was sent on horseback by his father from Findlay to Union County, Ohio. The route was through Wyandot Reservation and a new, wild country, and the melting of a deep snow had so swollen the Scioto River that it was necessary to swim the horse over. The stream was quite high, and in some places twelve miles intervened without a house, but Mr. Byal made the round trip in safety. Our subject's father died when the former was eighteen years of age, and some months afterward Absalom P. told his mother he would like to learn a trade, to which she replied that it would please her, but if he left home the happy family would soon scatter, as she could not support them; "then," said he, " I will never leave home until the family can take care of themselves," and he faithfully fulfilled his promise. In September, 1845, Mr. Byal married Miss Sarah A. Youngkin, who died in May, 1865, leaving four children. About three years after the death of his first wife our subject was married to Miss Sallie Maveety, the union resulting in two children: Nellie and George, the former of whom, at the age of three years, was drowned by falling down a well. Mr. Byal received a common district school education, and subsequently studied the higher branches of mathematics, including surveying. He read law and was admitted to the bar, but preferred and followed farming. He was elected sheriff of this county in 1846, resigned in 1848, and was at once appointed clerk of the court of common pleas, which position he filled until the close of 1854. In 1872 he was elected justice of the peace for Findlay Township, serving one term. He was a member of the convention of 1873-74 to revise and amend the constitution of the State, and was a mem-

FINDLAY TOWNSHIP AND VILLAGE. - 731

ber of the House in the silty-sixth General Assembly of Ohio, and has just been re-elected to the same. In politics Hon. Absalom P. Byal is a Democrat.

HENRY BYAL, retired farmer, Findlay, was born in Stark County, Ohio, March 23, 1817, son of John and Elizabeth (Newstutter) Byal. He is the fourth in descent from Byal, who settled in Baltimore, Md., from Paris, France. Elizabeth Newstutter was a daughter of Henry Newstutter, who served as a Hessian soldier with the British under Burgoyne was captured at Saratoga and never exchanged. He came to Ohio in 1809 and settled in Stark County. John Byal came with his father, William, to Ohio in 1809, when a lad, and after spending twenty-three years in Stark County moved to this county in 1832, where William died in 1840, followed by his son John in 1853 * (his widow surviving him about six years). They left a family of nine children-four sons and five daughters. Our subject, when a young man, worked on a farm and attended the saw-mill of his father. Upon reaching manhood he engaged in farming, and cleared up a nice place for himself, which he rented in 1847 and embarked in merchandising in Putnam County; retiring from that after seven years' successful experience, he returned to Findlay, where he has been identified with many different interests since, principally, however, in baying and selling real estate. He was married, in 1842, to Dorotha Comer, who bore him one son and three daughters, of whom Mary Elizabeth, wife of S. D. Houpt, is the only survivor. In 1860 Mrs. Byal passed away her life in full communion with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery with her children: Squire C., Amanda and Ida. In 1862 Mr. Byal was again united in marriage, this time- with Mary, daughter of the late Jacob Lamb. Mr. and Mrs. Byal attend services at the Presbyterian Church, of which he has been an efficient official. He has always been a cordial supporter of measures tending to the advancement of the interests of Hancock County, and has served this city and township in useful official positions.

CAMPBELL BYAL (deceased), son of John and Elizabeth (Newstutter) Byal, was born in 1835, and reared on the farm which he subsequently owned, in Findlay Township, this county. He took great pride in this property, and built upon and improved it until he had made it one of the moat beautiful farms in Hancock County. Campbell Byal always took an active interest in the development of the social and industrial life of this locality, and was for many years a prominent spirit in the United Brethren Church, but the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion created considerable dissension in that body, and Mr. Byal chose a quiet retirement from church matters. He served as infirmary director two terms, and as member of the school board of his district for several terms, also in many township offices. He was happily married in this county to Anna, daughter of Joel and Amy (Sherman) Pendleton, and to them were born three sons and one daughter: John Melville, Nora M. , Clement L. and Leslie L. Campbell Byal departed this life August 11, 1881, and his remains are buried in Maple Grove Cemetery.

GAGE CARLIN, of the firm of Carlin & Carlin, fire and life insurance, real estate and loan agents, Findlay, is the third son and eighth child of Parlee and Sarah (DeWitt) Carlin, pioneers of this county. The subject of our sketch was born October 16, 1850, at Findlay, Ohio; received a good education and engaged in banking for several years. In 1880 he united

* At page 526, through typographical error, this date is given 1859.

732 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

with William L. Carlin in their present business. In 1877 he married Charlotte F., daughter of J. W. Knaggs, a pioneer of Wood County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Carlin have no children. Mr: Carlin has always been a liberal supporter of all measures conducing to the public good of his locality. In politics he is a Republican.

WILLIAM L. CARLIN, attorney at law, dealer in real estate and insurance and loan agent, mayor of Findlay, son of the late Dr: William D. and Harriet E. A. (Rawson) Carlin, and grandson of Squire Carlin and Dr. Bass Rawson, was born and reared in Findlay, this county. After completing a good education, he engaged in merchandising for a time, then read law and was admitted to its practice. This profession, however, not being pal stable to him, our subject became united, in 1880, with Gage Carlin (a cousin) in their present business. He was married, May 26, 1874, at El Paso, Ill., to Lizzie, daughter of the late John King, Esq. They have two sons: Rawson King and Earl. Mr. Carlin has always been an active business man and citizen, and has served his city in its councils as a useful member. He is public spirited and progressive, and contributes liberally to measures tending to the benefit of the public weal. In politics he is a Republican.

JOB CHAMBERLIN, Findlay, was born January 5, 1815, son of Job and Deborah (Root) Chamberlin, natives of Connecticut, where they married. They subsequently removed to New York State where to them were born the following named children: Deborah, Sallie, Nancy, Lucy, Vests, Julia, Norman and Job. In 1819 the family came down the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers to Lawrenceburg, and soon after located at Georgetown, Ind., and two years subsequently at Urbana, Ohio, and in 1822 they settled on Chamberlin's Hill, this county, where, January 8, 1829, Mrs. Chamberlin died. She called her children around her bed when she was nearing her last and gave them her usual advice, warning them against the evils of the world and urging that they meet her in heaven. After the death of his wife, the elder Job Chamberlin prevailed on his eldest daughter, Deborah Whitman, and her husband to remove from New York and live with him. Later he married Miss Sarah Criner and with her removed to a farm six miles west of Findlay, Ohio, where he died in 1848. He was a Democrat of the old school, but, says his son Job, "he could not support the new fangled Democracy, and voted for Henry Clay for President, on account of his protective tariff principles. He supported John Q. Adams for the same reasons, and for supporting the United States Bank which had been established to relieve the people from the burden of direct taxation to pay the war debt. He was willing it should cease when it had accomplished the purpose for which it was created." He was for nonextension of slavery; was an active politician, but would not be a candidate for office. He was a Christian, belonging to the Baptist denomination while in New York, and a Presbyterian at the time of his death. His second wife died in 1854. In 1835 he divided the hill farm of 240 acres between his sons Norman and Job. The eldest son was married, in 1832, to Elizabeth Baker, who died the following year, leaving an infant son-John B. He then married, in 1834, Miss Eliza Watson, with whom he lived eleven years, and died. Job, our subject, attended the country schools, walking several miles distance. He was mar rigid, September 20, 1838, to Mary B. Hamilton, a native of Gallipolis, Ohio, and by her he has three children: Irvin S., Lucy (married first to Rev.

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William Barber. deceased, and second time to George Woodley), Sophrona J. (married to Samuel McCahan). In 1874 Job Chamberlin, Jr., moved to Findlay, Ohio, where he has led a somewhat retired life. In 1882 he invested means, with his son Irvin S., in the hardware business, with which he has been connected since. He is a stanch Republican, the oldest, living pioneer of this county, and a worthy, upright gentleman.

IRVIN S. CHAMBERLIN, dealer in hardware and agricultural implements, Findlay, comes of pioneer stock of Hancock County, Ohio. His father, Job Chamberlin, Jr., was born in Cayuga County, N. Y.. January 5, 1815, son of Job and Deborah (Root) Chamberlin, who settled on what is known as "Chamberlin's Hill," in this county, February 15, 1822. Job Chamberlin, Sr., died in 1848, preceded by his worthy wife some ten years. They left a son and two daughters. Job Chamberlin, Jr., married Mary B., daughter of John P. and Martha (Parks) Hamilton, and by her has one son and two daughters. The subject of this sketch was reared on the farm, and at seventeen engaged as typo in the office of the Jeffersonian, and eventually became its proprietor with D. R. Locke (now of the Toledo Blade and O. T. Locke (now of the Tiffin Tribune). In 1865 he retired from this profession and engaged. in farming. In 1876 he embarked in his present business, with which he has been successfully connected since. During the late war of the Rebellion he served first in Company A, Twenty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and afterward in Company I, One Hundred and Sixty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Mr. Chamberlin was married, in 1872, to Nancy E. Pugh widow of the late Dr. Pugh), who died in 1880, leaving one daughter-Grace. In 1882 he married Mrs. S. J. Hill, by whom he has one son and one daughter: Clarence C. and Pearl L. Mr. Chamberlin is a progressive citizen and business man, and a very liberal contributor to measures tending to the advancement of Hancock County's interest. In politics he is a Republican.

GEORGE A. CHANEL, proprietor of the " Senate " restaurant and saloon, Findlay, was born in New York City, March 1, 1855, son of Dominick and Elizabeth (Bernard) Chanel, who came to this country in 1852, and now reside in Bay City, Mich. Dominick Chanel is a native of Luneville, and his wife of Baccarat, France. They reared a family of four sons and three daughters, of whom three sons and three daughters are still living. George A. Chanel, the subject of this sketch, when a lad of fourteen years, joined a circus troupe, and for fourteen years he was well and favorably known in the "ring," as one of the "Leon Brothers," acrobats. In 18 79 he retired from the "ring," and engaged in the liquor business. In the following year he carne to Findlay. where he fitted up one of the finest saloons ever known in the place, and has been well known to the trade since. Mr. Chanel was united in marriage, in Bay City, Mich., with Kitty Bryce, and to them have been born two children: Louis (deceased) and Edward S. A. Our subject and wife are regular communicants of St. Michael's Church. He is a member of the Band Tournament Association. In politics he is a Democrat.

JAMES R. CLARK, undertaker, Findlay, was born in Harrisburg, Penn., July 24, 1826, son of James and Sarah Ann Clark, the former of whom, a native of Ireland and a coppersmith by trade, located in Harrisburg, Penn., and reared three sons and one daughter. James R. Clark served an apprenticeship at the cabinet-maker's trade in Gettysburg, Penn., and after spending a year in Philadelphia came West, and located in Findlay, Ohio, Oc-

734 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

tober, 1884, where he has since resided. He was united in marriage in Findlay, with Mary Devine, of Chambersburg, Penn., and they have three sons : Charles M., coach-maker in Celina, Ohio; John F., coach-painter by profession, and Walter S., associated in business with his father. Sarah Ann, an only daughter, is deceased. Mr. Clark has held aloof from public office, but has served with credit upon the school board of Findlay. He has been a member of the board of cemetery trustees for the past twenty-nine years. He is a worthy member of the I. O. O. F. and of the Encampment.

JUDGE JAMES M. COFFINBERRY has been a conspicuous figure in the legal galaxy of northern Ohio, for twenty-five years past, and for over forty years was an able and hard-working member of the profession in which he chose to spend his life. As a lawyer he won great success; as a jurist he was sound, impartial and logical; and as a man he has always deserved and held the respect of his associates and the general public. He comes of honored ancestry.

George Lewis Coffinberry, of Virginian birth, grandfather of our subject, and who died in Mansfield in 1851, at the advanced age of ninety-one years, became, at the age of sixteen years, a volunteer in the grand old Revolutionary army, serving bravely and faithfully under Gen. Green. In 1796 he cast his fortunes with those of the Territory now known as the State of Ohio, being one of the men who opened it up to civilization, braved its rigors and faced its manifold dangers. His son, Andrew, was one of the leading pioneer lawyers of the West (being admitted to practice in 1813), leaving a name that is remembered with love and honor where ever he was known. Andrew Coffinberry was not only a lawyer, but a man of great literary talent, a poem of his, "The Forest Rangers," attracting wide attention. He was married to Mary McCluer, a daughter of Judge James McCluer, a Kentuckian, who stood high in the community where he dwelt, and James M. Coffinberry was born to this union May 18, 1818, at Mansfield, Ohio.

Receiving only such education as was possible in the district school of a small village, in the crude pioneer days, the subject of this sketch made such use of it as his natural energy and deep thirst for knowledge made possible; he entered his father's law office at an early age, and was admitted to practice in 1840, at Perrysburgh, Wood Co. , Ohio, where his father wax then residing. In partnership with his father he opened a law office in Maumee City, in the beautiful Maumee Valley. He devoted himself to his profession with great energy and close attention, and his ability soon found recognition in an election to the position of prosecuting attorney of Lucas County, which office he filled for two years with signal success. In 1845 he removed to Hancock County, Ohio, where, for ten years, he successfully practiced his profession, at the same time editing and publishing the Findlay Herald. In 1855, feeling the need of a larger field for the full exercise of his maturer powers, he removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where he soon built up a large and lucrative practice, taking a prominent place at this bar from the first, and maintaining the high reputation that had pre ceded him. In 1861 he was given a new field for the exercise of his talents, being elected to the common pleas bench of Cuyahoga County. He held that position for five years, and was recognized as one of the ablest and purest men who had ever been called to that position of trust. "His charges to the jury," says one of high authority, " were models for clearness,

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directness and logical compactness s, and it is complimentary to his judicial learning and professional ability that no legal opinion pronounced by him was ever reversed on review by a higher court." He held in a remarkable degree the power of seizing upon the strong points of a case, and was original in his manner of presenting his arguments and decisions; his apparently intuitive perceptions of legal troth giving to his utterances a freshness and vigor that commanded the admiration of all. While he had a fine appreciation of the learning of the profession. and was never unmindful of its nicest distinctions, he made them subservient to the broad and liberal views of the case, looking beyond the mere technicalities of the law, thus evincing a broad, liberal and well-developed judicial mind. After retiring from the bench he returned to the practice of his profession, but was soon compelled to retire from its activities by reason of failing health. He devoted many of his leisure hours to scientific reading and investigation, in which he took great interest.

Judge Coffinberry was always a busy man; even while engaged in the most severe labors of his profession, he. found tune for general reading and study, developing and broadening out in all directions, and making his mind a rich store-house, always ready for any demand for material that might be made upon it. He was always, and is yet, a useful man to his community. He was, during 1857 and 1858, a member of the city council of Cleveland, Ohio, and during the latter year president of that body. At the breaking out of the Rebellion he was chairman of the Democratic Central Committee of Cuyahoga County, but warmly espoused the cause of the Union, and labored earnestly to promote the recruiting service. making many speeches in favor of a zealous support of the war. He was principal secretary of the great Union Convention of Ohio, which nominated David Tod for governor, and was the candidate for Congress and common pleas judge of his party in his district for several terms, but, on account of its numerical minority in those days in Cleveland, even his personal popularity was not sufficient to elect him. He has always had an eye e to the commercial and material advancement of Cleveland, and, from the first, was a firm advocate for the construction of the great viaduct that spans the Cuyahoga River and valley, and connects the east and west sides of the river. He attended every meeting called to consider the practicability of the enterprise, always spoke earnestly and hopefully of its ultimate success, and with voice and pen contributed largely to secure its accomplishment and to make it a free bridge. He was a corporator and stockholder of the first street railroad (the East Cleveland) in that city; a corporator and president of the West Side Street Railroad; a corporator and director of the Fremont & Indiana Railroad (now the Lake Erie & Louisville); a director of the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad, and a corporator and director of the Rocky River Railroad. He was a corporator and stockholder in the Savings & Trust Company, and a corporator and director of the People's Savings & Loan Association, and president of the Forest City Fire Insurance Company.

The Judge met with a most serious accident in April, 1875, which resulted in the loss of a leg, being run into by a railroad train at Lighthouse Street crossing, as he and his wife were being driven from the depot in a carriage. Mrs. Coffinberry was seriously injured but finally recovered. Since that time the Judge has not practiced his profession, but has devoted himself to his private business, consisting principally of the management of two farms, and his rental property in Cleveland.

736 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Judge Coffinberry was married, January, 1841, to Miss Anna M. Gleason, of Lucas County, Ohio. Of seven children born to them five died in infancy; the survivors are Mary E. (wife of Stephen E. Brooks) and Henry D. Mr. Brooks and Mr. Henry D. Coffinberry are regarded as two of the ablest and most successful young business men of Cleveland. Judge Coffinberry is spoken of in terms of the highest commendation in "Knapp's History of the . Maumee Valley," in "Beardsley's History of Hancock County," in " Cleve's Representative Men of Cleveland," and in the "Biographical Encyclopedia of Ohio." He is a man of convictions, frank and open in their expression, but tolerant of dissenting opinions, and especially regardful of the sensibilities of the young and diffident. He is not wealthy according to the modern standard of riches, but possesses ample means to render one of his simple tastes and inexpensive habits as nearly independent as a man can well be in this world of mutual dependence.

D. C. CONNELL, dealer in books, stationery and jewelry, Findlay, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, September 13, 1830, son of Aaron and Amelia (Davidson) Connell, natives of Pennsylvania. Our subject learned merchant tailoring in New Lisbon, and was connected with merchandising there and at Mansfield, Ohio. In October, 1864, he came to Findlay, this county, and was in the hat and cap trade two years. then in the dry goods business till 1867, when he retired for a few years, and in 1872 embarked in his present line. He married, in Mansfield, Ohio, September 8, 1853. Mary A. Paisley, who died in Findlay, March 20,1867; she bore him two children : Edwin T., who died October 29, 1861, and Ella, now the wife of C. A. Lockhart, of Fostoria, engaged as salesman for a Boston dry goods house. Mr. Connell was again united in marriage, on September 3, 1868, with Mrs. Sarah E. Hutchinson (nee Tate), who died March 5, 1885, and who bore him one son and one daughter: George C. and Anna E. Mr. Connell has been a worthy Odd Fellow for thirty-three years, and is a member of the Royal Arcanum of the Knights of Honor. During the late war of the Rebellion he served in the One Hundred and Second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry for two years, receiving an honorable discharge from it as quartermaster. He has been a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church for many years, and is now serving as trustee of the Presbyterian Church here. In politics he is a Republican.

D. J. CORY, farmer, stock dealer and ex-judge, Findlay, was born in Warren County (then in the Norwestern Territory) April 17, 1801, nine months before the State of Ohio was organized, son of Elnathan and Hannah (Jennings) Cory. His father, of Knickerbocker stock, born in Essex County, N. J., immigrated to Ohio about 1795, and settled in Columbia, which now forms a part of the city of Cincinnati. The country was new and sparsely settled, and he had to endure all the privations incident to pioneer life. Not being satisfied with his prospects in Columbia, he removed to what is now known as Warren County, and established a nursery. He was one of the earliest nurserymen in the State; the well-known apple entitled the "Cory Red," originated in his orchard. Ex-Gov. Vance and Elnathan Cory laid out the town of Findlay in 1827, and built a milldam at Blanchard's s Fork of the Auglaize River, which were the first important improvements in the county. The mother of Judge Cory, Hannah (Jennings); descended from English ancestry, was born in Virginia, but immigrated, with her family, to Ohio about 1800, and settled near Cincinnati. Her father, David Jennings, was

FINDLAY TOWNSHIP AND VILLAGE. - 737

shot and mortally wounded by the Indians as he was returning home from the mill. Our subject attended a log-cabin school in his boyhood, and early worked on his father's farm. When he arrived at eighteen years of age he removed to Dayton, Ohio, where he had some further educational advantages, and, although engaged in the store of Steel & Price, he attended school for eighteen months. Returning home, he engaged in the farming and milling business, the saw and grist mill, which had machinery for wool-carding, being the property of his father. At the expiration of four years he relinquished the business and settled on a farm near Springfield, at a place now called Enon, and there commenced raising stock as well as engaging in agricultural operations. Thence he went to Williams (now Henry) County, about eight miles below Napoleon, and was there engaged in farming and stock raising for nearly fifteen years. In February, 1835, he was appointed by Gov. Lucas an associate judge of Henry County, which office he held for several years. Being a member of the Whig party, which was defeated at the polls by the Democrats, his career as a judge closed. For twenty years he was director and stockholder in the Fremont & Indiana (now the Lake Erie & Louisville) Railroad, and devoted his best energies to promoting its success. April 17, 1827, he was married to Miss Martha Meek, who died February 26, 1868, without leaving any issue. This marriage took place near New Carlisle, Clark Co. , Ohio. On September 7, 1869, he was married to Miss Anna W. Wright, of Urbana, by birth a Virginian. Her father, Reed Wright, had an intuitive hatred of slavery, which was the cause of his leaving Virginia, as he desired to rear and educate his children in a free State, and his wife, the mother of the second Mrs. Cory, had inherited slaves, which she, however, manumitted, or otherwise liberated, in accordance with the laws of Virginia. November 2, 1848, Judge Cory removed to Findlay, where he had built a family residence, still managing his business of farming and stock raising, being the owner of considerable sections of land in Wyandot, Marion and other counties. He has always occupied a high and honorable position as a public-spirited and philanthropic citizen, and has taken a great interest in the temperance and religious work of Findlay, giving to both his sympathy and financial support. He is in earnest accord with the Methodist Church; and has the esteem and respect of the community of which he is so worthy a member. In politics he is a Republican, strongly attached to the principles of our country, and down on ballot-box stuffing.

WILLIAM J. CREIGHTON, treasurer of Hancock County, Findlay, was born in Cass Township, this county, May 29, 1847, son of Samuel and Arabella (Gilliland) Creighton, the former of whom, a native of County Down, Ireland, came to this country when a lad, with his parents, who settled in Allegheny County, Penn., where they died, leaving five sons and three daughters, of whom two sons and one daughter survive: David, in California; Ellen, now Mrs. McCrea, of Allegheny County, Penn. (she was widow of John McCrea); Samuel, who moved here in 1842 and settled in Cass Township, where he reared nine children-four sons and two daughters of whom survive. William J., the sixth child of this family, received a good education, and at seventeen taught school, and was connected with the profession of teaching till 18 ! 5, when he moved here and served as clerk in Treasurer Hosler's office during that gentleman's incumbency. Mr. Creighton was a prominent candidate before the convention which nomi-

738 - HISTORY OE HANCOCK COUNTY.

nated Samuel Howard, Esq., as treasurer, falling short but one or two votes. He, however, retired to his farm, and in October, 1882, received the nomination and was elected. and in 1884 was re-elected to his present incumbency. He was married, in 1873, to Martha, daughter of Henry Ebersol, of Washington Township, this county. They have one son and one daughter: David Maurice and Jessie Mable. Mr. Creighton and family attend the services of the Presbyterian Church, the faith of his fathers. He has always taken an active interest in all measures tending to the public weal of his county, and has contributed liberally to matters:, tending to the advancement of its social and industrial life. In politics he is a Democrat.

A. B. CROZIER. of the firm of Crozier & Linaweaver, photographers, Findlay, was born in Washington Township, this county, January 25, 1853, son of John and Susan Scott Crozier, the former a native of Brooke County, Va. (now West Virginia), and the latter of Carroll County, Ohio. They settled in this county in an early day, and reared a family of five sons and one daughter. A. B. Crozier, the subject of this sketch, spent his early life on the farm, but at the age of twenty-three years he took up photography, with which profession he has been successfully connected since. He was united in marriage in Findlay with Etna A. Ray, and to them have been born two children: Charlie Merle and Nellie Ray. Mr. Crozier is a member of the Photographers' Union. In politics he is a Republican.

GEORGE L. CUSAC, grocer, Findlay, was born in Portage Township, Hancock County, October 5, 1854, son of Isaac and Sarah (Van Eman) Cusac, pioneers of this county. He was reared to mercantile pursuits in his father's store in McComb, this county, and in 1878 embarked in the dry goods trade in Findlay, retiring from the same in 1882 to take up his present business, which may be said to be the most extensive in this locality. Mr. Cusac was united in marriage in Findlay with Ella, daughter of Doddridge and Harriet Bigelow, and to them has been born one daughter: Inez May. Our subject and wife attend services at the Presbyterian Church. He is a worthy Mason, an energetic business man and a public-spirited citizen. He contributes liberally to all enterprises tending to benefit the county. He is a member of the Findlay Improvement Company, and also of the Findlay Boring and Drilling Company. In politics he is a Democrat.

J. H. DECKER, deputy sheriff of Hancock County, Findlay, was burn in Marion Township, this county, August 9, 1848, only son and the youngest in the family of six children of John and Sarah (Zimmers) Decker, who came to this county from Pennsylvania in 1833. He was reared in Marion Township, this county, on a farm, and at the age of seventeen years he engaged in the drug business with S. & J. M. Huber, continuing with them for five years, after which he embarked in same line for himself, which he carried on successfully for ten years, retiring from it in 1882 and engaging in railway business, representing the Indiana, Bloomington & Western Railway, till accepting his present position in January, 1885. Mr. Decker was united in marriage, in 1876, with Annie McManness, sister of the present worthy sheriff of this county, and to them have been born three children: Lemuel, Tod and Ina. Mrs. Decker attends the Lutheran Church. Mr. Decker is a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the Encampment; is also a Master Mason. In politics he is a Republican.

DR. WILLIAM M. DETWILER (deceased) was born in Mifflin County, Penn., August 23, 1832, son of George and Julia A. (Matter) Detwiler,

FINDLAY TOWNSHIP AND VILLAGE. - 739

who came of worthy German pioneer ancestry of Pennsylvania and Maryland. The subject of this sketch learned his father's trade (plastering), and in 1851 came West and located in Findlay, this county, where he car ried on his trade for some time. He subsequently moved to Illinois, and, on returning from there, in 1859, entered the office of Dr. Osterlen, where he prosecuted the study of medicine. On the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion our subject left his worthy preceptor's office and enlisted his services in defense of the Union; three years of his time, however, were devoted to service as hospital steward, and upon the close of the war he returned to his medical studies, graduating from the Homoeopathic Hospital College of Cleveland, Ohio, in 1867. Dr. Detwiler located in Findlay, and for ten years was prominently identified with the profession of medicine in this portion of the State. The Doctor's death occurred April 30, 1877. He was at that time president of the Ohio State Homoeopathic Medical Society, and also president of the Alumni Association of Cleveland College. The Masonic, Odd Fellows and K. of P. societies, the Findlay Guards and the ex-soldiers all took part in the funeral ceremonies in his memory. Dr. Detwiler was ' an ardent Sabbath-school and church worker, and was au acknowledged leader in all interests he sought to serve. In politics he was a Republican. He was a liberal contributor to measures conducing to the public welfare, and was a kind friend and an exemplary husband. He was happily married, December 19, 1854, to Miss Harriet Tritch, by whom he had no children, but they adopted and reared a son and a daughter: William M., now a merchant tailor, and Victoria, now the wife of E. H. Young.

E. G. DEWOLFE, editor of the Republican, Findlay, was born in Centreville,Butler Co. , Penn , April 16, 1837. He is the fourth son of Dr. E. Gibbons and Sarah A. (Harris) DeWolfe, of Pennsylvania, the former of French Huguenot stock, descended from one of three brothers of that name who fled from persecution in their native land and settled in New England about the year 1690, after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. At the death of his father, in 1846, the subject of this sketch resided with an uncle, T. R. DeWolfe, in Vernon, Trumbull Co., Ohio, until 1850, when he entered the office of the Whig, Butler, Penn., as an apprentice, but completed his trade on the Record. Prospect, Penn. His health failing be was compelled to relinquish the printing business and settled on a farm, teaching school in the winter. In 1861 he removed to Ohio and in 1863, in company with his brother Joseph, purchased the Pike County Republican, which they published at Waverly for three years, during which time he held the position of deputy assessor of internal revenue. Refusing to follow Andrew Johnson into the Democratic party he was removed from office, sold out his paper and accepted a position as foreman of the Ohio State Journal, at Columbus, Ohio, where he remained until September of 1868, when in company with Dr. A. P. Miller, of the Toledo Blade, he purchased the Findlay Jeffersonian, with which he was connected until May 1, 1876, when he retired to accept the appointment of postmaster by President Grant, was reappointed by Hayes in 1880 and reappointed by Arthur in 1884. In 1881 he purchased an interest in the Findlay Republican, with which he is still connected. In 1855 he married, in Butler County, Penn., Miss Emma Flemming, and the union has been blessed with four sons and four daughters, five of whom are yet living.

740 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

EDWARD DIETSCH, furniture manufacturer and dealer, Findlay, was born in Ebersdorf, kingdom of Saxony, March 12, 1838, son of Charles and Christina Dietsch, who came to America in 1849 and settled in Findlay. where Charles Dietsch carried on his trade of cabinet-making, and eventually engaged in the furniture business. He died here in 1883, leaving his widow, three sons and a daughter: Edward; C. H., proprietor of the Commercial Hotel: Anthony, with Edward in the firm, and Euphemia, wife of Richard Hennesy, of Findlay. The subject of this sketch was reared to his present business, and embarked in it in 1861 with his father, and in 1871 Anthony united with him in the business. Mr. Dietsch married, in 1861, Wilhelmina Karg, a native of Boenningheim, Wurternberg, Germany. They have one son and two daughters; Clara, wife of Christian Heyne, of Findlay: Charles Edward and Lela. The family attend the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Mr. Dietsch is an active citizen and public spirited man. and has served in several of the city official positions. In politics he is a Democrat.

FREDERICK DUDUIT (deceased) was born in Scioto County, Ohio, in 1807, son of William and Agnes Duduit, natives of Paris, France, who came to America in 1790 and finally settled on the French grant. He married September 22, 1833, Miss Helen H. Gilruth, daughter of Rev. James Gilruth, a clergyman widely known in connection with Methodism in Ohio, and a son of Thomas Gilruth, Esq., a native of Scotland and of old Covenanter stock. He came to this county November 22, 1833, and cleared land and made a home. To Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Duduit were born ten children: James Gilruth, supposed to have lost his life at the burning of the steamer "Sultan," April 2, 1858; Agnes, deceased wife of Capt. Oliver P. Capelle, who lost his life at the battle of Stone River, Georgia; Mary, deceased at the age of fourteen years; John W esley, who died in 1870, leaving a widow and three children; William, at home; Naoma, wife of C. C. Godman, of Lincoln, Neb. ; Sarah, wife of W. E. Snyder, of Findlay, Ohio; Grace, at home; Kate, at home; Edward, at home. Mrs. Frederick Duduit died January 12, 1886, and Mr. Frederick Duduit March 28, 1886. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Duduit was a Republican.

ELIJAH T. DUNN, attorney at law, Findlay, was born in Knox County, Ohio, June 20, 1840. His father was a farmer and tobacco grower. In 1844 he removed with his people to Wood County, Ohio,. in what was then known as the " Black Swamp," where, around a hickory bark fire, and three terms of winter school, his early education was finished. At the age of thirteen he entered the office of the Herald of Freedom, at Wilmington, and became an expert printer. He taught several terms of school in Clarke and Hancock Counties, pursuing in the meantime the study of law. On the breaking out of the Rebellion he united with the Union party, while yet a minor, and did service for a short time as a member of the Twenty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteers. Becoming unable to perform duty as a soldier, he continued for a while in a clerkship in the quartermaster department at Nashville, Tenn. Returning to Findlay he completed his law course, and on the 2d of August, 1862, was admitted to the bar. He was then twenty-two years of age. He then settled down in Findlay, and has ever since been creditably identified with the legal profession. Mr. Dunn is a very busy man. Besides a large law practice, he owns and controls a good farm, and

FINDLAY TOWNSHIP AND VILLAGE. - 741

devotes considerable attention to fine cattle. He is a stockholder and director in the Farmer's National Bank, director and secretary of the Findlay Gas Light Co., of the Findlay Oil & Gas Co., and President of the Wood &, Hancock Oil & Gas Company. He devotes a great deal of attention to financial matters. He favors public improvements, and on all questions involving public enterprises he takes a leading and aggressive part.

January .12, 1895, he was married to Martha L, daughter of Anthony Strother, of Findlay, and by her has had three sons: Bernard L., John A. and James C. Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church; Mr. Dunn of Stoker Post, G. A. R. and Hancock Lodge, I. O. O. F. He is not a politician, but votes with the Democrats. Has held the offices of j justice of the peace and collector of internal revenue. Of his family, so far back as they are e known, it may be said that they have been honest, industrious, intelligent and generous. Never was one convicted of crime. They have trot been distinguished, but along the vale of life have kept the even tenor of then way. Yet the "simple annals of the poor" are, to those interested, well worth preserving, because we may all meet again on the morning of a better day. Indebtedness is due to J. B. Dunn, of Deshler, Ohio, for the following genealogy of the Dunn family. He has preserved it with great care, and it is believed to be correct.

Genealogy of the Dunn family as given by Jacob B. Dunn, of Deshler, Henry Co., Ohio: "About the year 1720 one George Dunn, with two brothers, all Protestants, came from North Ireland (near Londonderry), to Long Island. One brother subsequently settled in New Jersey, and George Dunn in Maryland. From these brothers, the Dunes of Hamilton County, Ohio, or Indiana, and part of those of Kentucky, Virginia and Pennsylvania, derive their descent.

"The above mentioned George Dunn was a Baptist preacher, and carried his `rather damp' gospel west of the Allegheny Mountains, through what from his name was called `Dune's Gap.' The date of his birth, death and marriage, and the name of his wife, are not within the knowledge of the writer, but there lived such a man called George Dunn. His son (also named George), was a farmer, living near Harper's Ferry, in Maryland or Virginia. This second George Dunn had four sons and two daughters: John, George, Jacob and Peter; Catharine married James Schnebly, and with him settled near Xenia, Ohio; Mary (or Polly) married a man named Elam, and settled in western Ohio. Their father (the second George Dunn) died February 22, 1817. Of the sons, Peter died in Kentucky, a few years before the war of the Rebellion. Jacob died in Knox County, Ohio, about 1862. John died in Washington County, Md., about 1831. George (the second son of the second George Dunn, and the third bearing the name), was born in Washington County, bid., January 8, 1779. He died in Wood County, Ohio, December 13, 1865. The wife of the second George,' and mother of the above six children, was named Susanna, maiden name unknown. She died April 27, 1811. The third George Dunn was married near the close of the eighteenth century, to Sarah Mills, who vvas born 1776 (day not known), and died in 1845.

" Their children (all born in Maryland), were as follows: Robert, born September 8, 1798; died August 21, 1872; married to Mary Forsyth. John, born December 1, 1799; died March 9, 1851; married to Elizabeth D. Bool man. Susanna---- ; died August 7, 1802, in infancy. Jacob, born July

742 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

8, 1803; died 1879; married to Sally Boolman. George, born February 20, 1805; died 1881; married to Rachel Mills. James, born February 20, 1807; died March 16, 1867; married to Margaret Coplin. Moses, born January 20, 1809; died August 22, 1829; never married. William, born January 29. 1811; died February 1, 1859; never married. Maria, born December 16, 1812; alone survives, widow of Jonathan Dean (deceased). Elizabeth, born June 19, 1814; died January 31, 1817; in infancy. Peter, born May 4, 1816; died August 19, 1855; never married.

"Elizabeth Dorothea Boolman, wife of John Dunn, second son of the third George Dunn, was born January 1, 1803, in Washington County, Md. Her father' s name was Nicholas Boolman, whose father (first name unknown), came to Maryland from Germany, about 1765. Nicholas Boolman was born about 1774, his wife, Magdalene Troxel, was born about the same time. Of her family we know very little, except that she had a brother named David. The children of Nicholas and Magdalene Boolman, were as follows: Catherine, born about 1796; died- - ; married to Hiram Lynch. Samuel, born in 1798; died in 1864; twice married; wives were sisters, last named Sarah A. Jacob, born 1800; died about 1817; never married. Elizabeth D., born January 1, 1803; died March, 1883; married to John Dunn. * Sally, born , 1804; died 1856; married to Jacob Dunn. Nancy, born about 1806; died about 1822; unmarried.

"John Dunn, his wife Elizabeth D., and their three eldest children removed from Maryland, with his (John's) father, George Dunn, to Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1826. From thence they removed to Green County, Ohio, thence to Knox County, Ohio, and in 1844 John Dunn and family removed to Wood County, Ohio, where he died as above shown. The children of John and Elizabeth D. Dunn, are as follows: Ann, born December 5, 1820; married Adam Cosner April 15, 1841. Jacob [B. ], born September 30, 1823; married Angeline Culp September 23, 1847. Joseph, born January 1, 1826; married Mary Niebel April 12, 1883. George, born October 3, 1827; died August 29, 1855; unmarried. Maria, born September 22,1829; married Wilson Stretcher July, 20, 186. Aaron, born December 16, 1831; died October 20. 1846; unmarried. Samuel, born May 4, 1834; married Margaret Bishop March 3, 1859: Phebe, born May 7, 1836; married Joseph Hoot July 7, 1861. Nathaniel, born September 5, 1838; died October 14, 1846; unmarried. Elijah [T.], born June 20, 1840; married Martha I. Strother January 12, 1865. Mary Magdalene, born June 5, 1842; died October 17, 1846, in infancy. John [R.], born March 24, 1844; died August 11, 1865; unmarried. Thomas Corwin, born November 3, 1847; married Emma T. Lewis March 9, 1871.

"The above names (not including the initials in brackets) are the names by which the children of John and Elizabeth D. Dunn were christened, the initials `B.,' `T.' and `R.' being afterward chosen by Jacob, Elijah and John, partly to aid in distinguishing from others having similar first initials, and partly to preserve traces of the old family names of Boolman, Troxel and Rench, though in what way we are related to the Rench family dose not appear on any of our records. Our mother was related (though whether through the Boolmans or Troxels does not appear) to the Hagers, after one of whom Hagerstown, Md., was named. A family named Chambers, of Chambersburg, was also in some way connected with our ancestors."

* John and Jacob Dunn were brothers.

FINDLAY TOWNSHIP AND VILLAGE. - 743

C. A. EBLING, merchant tailor, Findlay, was born in Leesport, Penn., May 24, 1853; son of Addi and Mary Ann (Bahr) Ebling, natives of Berks County, Penn. Addi Ebling served with honor in the late war of the Rebellion, and upon his discharge he came to Ohio, and in 1869 to Findlay; by his first wife, who died February 9, 1858, he had three children-two sons and one daughter-latter of whom died at age of two years and by his second wife, whom he married October 6, 1862, there are two children-one son and one daughter. The subject of this sketch was raised to his present business (his father's) and April 17, 1880, embarked in it in Findlay where he has since been successfully connected with same. He was married in Findlay, in October, 1879, to Amanda, daughter of Thomas B. Scott, Esq., a native of Pennsylvania, and they have two daughters: Mary Ann and Clara Belle. Mr. Ebling and family attend the services of the Presbyterian Church. He has been a Mason since 1875 and was knighted in Shawnee Commandery at Lima, Ohio. He is also Past Chancellor in the K. of P. In politics he is a Republican.

CHARLES J. ECKELS, Findlay, was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., January 1, 1821, son of John and Esther Booth Eckels, also natives of Westmoreland County, who settled in Cass Township, this county, in April, 1836, with four sons, of whom William is deceased; James M. is in Fort Wayne, Ind. ; Charles J. in Findlay, and Cyrus L. near Findlay. The subject of this sketch spent several years at the carpenter trade; in 1854 ha came to Findlay, where he assisted in carrying on undertaking till recently; meantime he took an active part in the advocacy of boring for natural gas and, in 1884, he with Dr. Osterlen and a few others, sank their celebrated test well and developed this wonderful interest. which now has seven wells yielding gas, and two oil. The company propose putting other wells down in the near future, for gas and oil. The last well, known as the "Karg well," has the largest flow of any of the gas wells, yielding over 1,000,000 cubic feet of gas every twenty four hours. Findlay is now partially heated and lighted with natural gas. Mr. Eckels was married, in Cass Township, Hancock Co., Ohio, to Ann McMurray, who departed this life July 20, 1879, leaving one son and two daughters: James, a railway engineer, now with the Northern Pacific Railroad, running from Glendive, Mont., west to Billings; Jennie E. and Margaret E. Mr Eckels has always taken an active part in the development of the industrial life of Findlay. During the war of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company A. Twenty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for three months' service, then afterward enlisted and served in Company F, Twenty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry and later in Company I, One Hundred and Sixty-first Ohio Volunteer Veteran Infantry, receiving an honorable discharge from each service. In politics he is a Republican.

W. EDWARDS, harness-maker, Findlay, was born in Tunbridge Wells, England, January 2, 1841, son of Elisha and Susan (Damper) Edwards, who came to our shores in 1846, and located in Findlay, Ohio, where the father died in 1849, leaving five sons and four daughters. William, our subject, when eighteen years old became apprenticed to the harness-making, and in 1867 embarked in the business on his own account, with which he has since been prominently identified in Findlay. He was married in Findlay, in 1865, to Catherine, daughter of Philip Hoch, of Eagle Township, this county, and they have five sons and three daughters: Ada, Charles, Merlee,

744 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Annie, Kittie, Fred, George and Ralph. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards attend services at the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the K. of H. and of the Royal Arcanum. In the beginning of the war of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and did active service for thirty-two months, when he was honorably discharged on account of disability, occasioned by wounds received at the battle of Chickamauga. He is an enterprising and progressive business man and a liberal contributor to measures for the welfare of his adopted city. Upon the organization of the Findlay Natural Gas Company he became a stockholder and has continued With it since. He is also a member of the Findlay Improvement Company and other important industrial interests. In politics he is a Republican.

WILLIAM J. EDWARDS, livery stable, Findlay, was born in Philadelphia, Penn. , September 23, 1837, son of Josiah P. and Ann (Young) Edwards, natives of Ireland. Josiah P. Edwards learned shoe-making in Donegal, his native city, and when a young man came to this country and settled in Philadelphia. He afterward moved to Fairfield County, Ohio, and from there to Findlay, this county, in 1852, where he died in 1871. He had a family of three sons and three daughters, of whom one daughter and one son remain : Sarah Ann (wife of Luther Norton, of Charleston, Ill., and William J. Our subject carried on farming till 1866, when he came to Findlay and embarked in the livery business with which he has been favorably connected since. In 1874 he built his present extensive barn and stables. He was married in Findlay, in 1860, to Lucinda J., daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Powell) Foltz, and they have one son and one daughter living: Wilson J. (married to Nettie Ferard, daughter of John F. and Fanny J. S. Ferard (they have one son and one daughter), and Clara Blanche, and have buried Margaret J. , Emma May and an infant. Mrs. Edwards is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which her husband is a liberal supporter. Mr. Edwards is an active and enterprising business man and a worthy citizen. He has had charge of carrying the mails here for the past fourteen years. He is a member of the K. of P.

FRANKLIN WAYNE ENTRIKIN, M. D., Findlay, late professor of gynecology in Fort Wayne Medical College, was born in Chester County, Penn., July 27, 1830; son of Emmor and Susannah (Bennett) Entrikin, of pioneer English Quaker ancestry in that State. In 1832 Emmor Entrikin moved to Colombiana County, Ohio, where he reared a family of five sons and one daughter in the Quaker faith. Franklin W. Entrikin received a good literary training and at seventeen entered the Quaker Academy at Salem, being a class-mate of Byron Shariton, M. D., professor of diseases of Women, Miami Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio. After completing a thorough literary and scientific course there he engaged in the study of dentistry, in which profession he spent a few years. He, however, continued reading medicine and graduated from the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati. In 1855 he came to Findlay, Where he has spent most of his time since in excellent professional practice. He, however, has spent some considerable time in public lecturing on his profession, and for three years held the chair of gynecology in Ft. Wayne, Ind., Medical College. He is a scientist of considerable ability and has contributed leading articles to the Medical and Surgical Journal, of St. Louis, Mo., also to the Lancet and

FINDLAY TOWNSHIP AND VILLAGE. - 745

Observer, of Cincinnati (now the Lancet and Clinic); the Medical and Surgical Journal, of Toledo, and others. He is a member of the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association, and of the Cleveland Microscopical Society. The Doctor was married, in October, 1851, to Sarah Ann, daughter of Thomas Lyon, of Deerfield, Portage Co., Ohio, and by her he has three sons: Emmor Lyon, a leading jeweler in Findlay; Leonidas A., also a jeweler, with E. L. ; Franklin Bennett, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Entrikin attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and is an A. F. & A. M. He is a hardworking, painstaking physician, and although possessed of an ample competence in the way of worldly goods, has probably earned a very great proportion of his money in medical prac tice since he lived in Findlay. Besides his already mentioned professional connections he has had charge of the sanitariums in Cleveland and Green Springs. He possesses nearly all the known instruments used in surgery. Although old in the profession the Doctor is to-day as great a student as he was in his younger years. Dr. Entrikin was elected professor of gynecology in the Toledo Medical College in August, 1885, and delivered a full course of lectures in that institution in the session of 1885-86. He now holds that position. He is of strong physique and of a vigorous nature. In politics he is a Republican. His father was a Whig and he and all the sons early identified themselves with the anti-slavery movement and of course drifted into the Republican party.

JACOB FELLER, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Findlay, was born in Northampton County, Penn. , in 1806, and the following year his parents, Frederick and Susanna (Rabinalt) Feller, moved to Fairfield County, Ohio, where our subject was reared. In October, 1831, Jacob Feller came to this county, and has been successfully connected with his present industry (farming and stock raising) since. He was united in marriage, in August, 1830, with Mary, daughter of Peter Powell, Esq., and to them have been born seven sons and five daughters: Eli, deceased while young; Jonathan, a member of Company A, Twenty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, died in the army; Susanna, deceased wife of Samuel Biggs, Esq. ; Samuel, residing in Dakota; Paul and Jacob, farmers of Findlay Township; Mary, wife of G. D. Insley, of W ood County, Ohio; Enos, residing in Wood County, Ohio; Elizabeth, wife of John D. Wagner, of Frankfort, Dak.; Timothy, a merchant. of Findlay, Ohio; Ella, wife of Marion Cog, of Wood County, Ohio, and Sarah Ann, wife of Adam Wagner, of Indiana. The subject of this sketch, Jacob Feller, Sr., came to this county when it was nearly new, and, settling in the woods, cleared land and made a home for himself. By steady and persistent industry he accumulated property, until at one time he owned over 400 acres of land. He is a worthy citizen, and a good husband and father, and has given each of his children a good start in the world. He is a member of the Evangelical Church; in politics a Republican.

FRANCIS W. FIRMIN, M. D., Findlay, was born in Richfield, Summit Co., Ohio, July 15, 1842, and is a descendant of pioneers of that name in Massachusetts, who came to our shores in 1630, in the fleet With Gov. Winthrop, and followed literary and mercantile pursuits. He is a descendant of Solomon De Firmin, who followed the fortunes of William the Conqueror from Normandy, and settled at Ipswich, England, in the eleventh century. is descendants number among them leading ecclesiastics and preserve the original treat and shield with the motto Firmus in Christo

746 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

(Steadfast in Christ). The first records in this country show Giles, John, Josiah, Robert and Thomas Firmin, of whom Giles practiced medicine and preached the gospel, and died in Ridgewell, England, in 1697; John settled in Watertown, Mass., and Thomas, who was a merchant, settled in Haverhill, Mass., and removed to Salisbury, Mass., in 1652. Josiah Firmin came to Boston in 1640, and lived with Gov. Winthrop; Robert settled in Newton, Long Island, in 1645. The subject of this sketch comes in all probability from John of Watertown, Mass. His father was Francis B., born in 1809, son of John, born in 1773, and he of John, born in 1713, at Somers, Conn., where his father lived. Here there occurs a break in the genealogy, but contemporaneous genealogy of its different branches traces the ancestry to John Firmin, of Watertown. Mr. Francis W. Firmin, a son of Francis B. and Mary (Chapin) Firmin, received a good education in Wilbraham, Mass. (whither his parents had removed), and at Oberlin, Ohio, in 1862-63. In 1862 he came to Ohio and engaged in the study of medicine with his uncle, Dr. Lorenzo Firmin, and in 1867 he graduated from the Cleveland Medical College. He located in Findlay, this county, and has been in very creditable professional work here since. He married here in 1869, Mary L. D., daughter of the Rev. John A. Meeks, a pioneer minister of the Presbyterian Church. They have four sons and one daughter: Alfred Scott, John Meeks, Clara H., Frank B. and Carl Giles. Dr. Firmin was made a Mason in 1868 and is a member of Findlay Lodge, Chapter and Council, and of Shawnee Commandery, at Lima, Ohio; is also a worthy Odd Fellow and a member of the Patriarchs Militant. The Doctor is a member of the American Medical Association, the Ohio State Medical Association, and of the Northwestern Ohio Medical- Association, and has been United States Examining Surgeon for pensions since 1872. During the late war of the Rebellion, July 15, 1863, he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and after doing service for eight months, was honorably discharged. He is a member of Stoker Post G. A. R. Dr. Firmin has always held himself aloof from public office, but has served with credit in the councils of the city. He holds high rank in his profession; is a liberal contributor to all measures tending to the development of the social and industrial life of this locality, and is a public-spirited citizen. In politics he is a Republican.

DR. LORENZO FIRMIN, retired physician, Findlay, was born March 31, 1808, in South Wilbraham, Mass., son of John Firmin. Our subject when a lad learned the trade of shoe-making With his father in South Wilbraham (now Hampden), Mass., with which he was connected in the East till 1834, when he came West to Richfield, Summit Co., Ohio, and entered into partnership with Dr. Secretary Rawson, in a tannery, which he continued in until 1841, when he sold out to O. M. Oviatt, of Richfield. In 1841 he came to Findlay, Ohio, read medicine with Dr. Bass Rawson and graduated in the profession. He practiced at Benton, this county, till 1847, when he returned to Findlay, where he has been favorably known since. He was married June 28, 1838, to Clara H., daughter of Dr. Secretary Rawson. They have no children. Dr. Firmin has always been a public spirited and liberal man. He is a clever financier and has accumulated a handsome competence. He and his lady are worthy members of ' society, esteemed by all who know them.

FINDLAY TOWNSHIP AND VILLAGE. - 747

REV. ANDREW J. FISH, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Findlay, was born near Springfield, Clark Co., Ohio, October 26, 1840, son of John and Justina (Myres) Fish, the former of whom, a native of Bremen, Germany, and a stone-cutter by trade, came to this country in 1834, he being then twenty-one years of age. He eventually settled near Springfield, Clark Co., Ohio, where he was favorably known in connection with important contracts for public road building, and prominently may be mentioned the National road between Springfield and Columbus, Ohio. His original name was "Fiersch," which for convenience he changed to "Fish." The Myres family come of a long line of German ancestry in Adams County, Penn. Rev. Andrew J. Fish, the subject of this sketch, is to a great extent self-made in his profession. In his earlier years he taught school and by this means furthered his education. At the age of twenty-three he entered the church, and when twenty-seven years., of age he took charge of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Quincy, Ohio, his successive charges being Elida, Delphos, Greenville, Defiance, Van Wert, Toledo, coming to Findlay, this county, in the fall of 1884. He married, in Springfield, Ohio, Lusetta, daughter of the late Philip and Mahalah (Shockey) Kiplinger, and they have three daughters. and two sons: Jessie May, Lou Anna, Samuel Rob erts, Henry W agoner and Aurelia Veda. Rev. Andrew J. Fish is an earnest and indefatigable church worker, and an ardent temperance advocate. During his pastorate in Ohio he has dedicated seventeen churches for his own and sister denominations. In connection with the Central Ohio Methodist Episcopal Conference he instituted the " Preacher's Aid Society," which has raised a fund of $22,000, has served as conference missionary treasurer for twelve years and has been usually accepted as a leader in his profession. He is a worthy member of the Masonic fraternity and of the United Order of Honor. Besides his very active professional works Rev. Andrew J. Fish has given some attention to accumulating a competency for the better rearing and education of his little family, and has been eminently successful in this particular. His musical attainments should be remarked, he being a graduate in composition, and he has produced some very fine arrangements in music.

D. C. FISHER (deceased) late manufacturer, was born in Greensborough, Penn., July 27, 1821, son of John and Esther (Smith) Fisher, of pioneer German ancestry, in that State. Jacob Smith, father of Mrs. Esther Fisher, served all through the Revolutionary war as a worthy officer under Washington. D. C. Fisher learned carpentering in his native place and was prominently identified with the building interests of that locality for many years. In 1861 he retired from business there and came to Findlay, this county, to engage in the lumber trade, with which industry he was successfully connected up to his death. He was one of Findlay's most active citizens, and assisted materially in the development of many of its important manufacturing interests. In 1865 he built and established an extensive planing-mill and sash, door and blind factory, and upon the organization of the Findlay Stave and Handle Factory he became a leading proprietor, as also of the Findlay Manufacturing Company, both of which interests he retired from with loss. He married, November 12, 1850; in his native place, Deborah Miller, who bore him two sons and five daughters, of whom one son and four daughters survive: Harry W., Annabel (wife of Newton McLure), Addle M. (wife of Henry Byers), Berths and Lulu.

748 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

March 13, 1884, Mrs. Fisher passed away from this life in full communion with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is laid to rest in Maple Grove Cemetery. Mr. Fisher died October 5, 1885, aged sixty-four years, two months, eight days. The family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Fisher had been worthily connected for many years, and officially, in Findlay, for over twenty years. He was a member of the I. O. O. F. He always held aloof from public office, but served his adopted city with good repute in her councils. He was a worthy citizen, a genial gentleman and a public-spirited progressive business man, and his loss was deeply felt. In politics he was a Republican.

JOHN B. FOLTZ, recorder of Hancock County, Findlay, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, July 22, 1844, son of Philip and Sarah (Hiestand) Foltz, natives of Virginia. Philip Foltz's father, Balthes Foltz, served in the war of 1812. They trace their ancestry in Virginia to 1796, the year of the advent of the first of the name from Germany in that State. Sarah Foltz was a daughter of the Rt. Rev. Samuel Hiestand, one of the first three bishops of the United Brethren Church in Virginia. The Hiestands belong to worthy German pioneers in that State. In 1823 Philip and Sarah Foltz settled in Fairfield County, Ohio, from Trumbull County, Va. (the home of many of the Foltzes and Hiestands), and in 1845 they removed to Van Buren Township, this county. They had ten children, of whom six sons and two daughters survive; the eldest son, a clever attorney, died at Ottawa, Ohio; a daughter is also deceased (neither of these two left issue). The family are all of good attainments, and occupy respectable positions in the social and industrial life of their respective localities. John B. Foltz spent his early life on the farm, and has been prominently identified with agriculture in Madison Township, this county, where he has held important official positions. He married, March 1, 1866, Elizabeth, daughter of Abram and Margaret Radabaugh, pioneers of Madison Township. Mr. and Mrs. Foltz have two sons and five daughters: Emma M., Abram J., Hattie A., Mollie M., Isabelle, Henry H. and Mends M. Our subject and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has served as trustee and in other official capacities. Mr. Foltz has always been a public-spirited and enterprising farmer, of which industry he has always taken an active part in advancing here. In October, 1884, his constituents acknowledged his abilities by electing him, with a nice majority, to the recordership of Hancock County. In politics he is a Democrat.

JACOB FOSTER, farmer, Findlay, settled in Findlay Township, this county, December 24, 1828, and cleared the farm on Section B. He has lived in town twenty years. He was united in marriage with Adeline De Witt, and they have eight children noW living: Sarah, wife of Sylvester Geyer; Ellen, wife of Walter Watson; Mary, wife of Samuel Fisher; John; Elson; Hester, wife of John Lynes; Charlie, and Luia, wife of William Sultner. Mr. and Mrs. Foster attend the services of the Church of God. In politics he is a red hot Republican.

SAMUEL DUNBAR FREY, retired druggist, Findlay, was born in Somerset Count, Penn., July 18, 1826; and comes of worthy German ancestry (on his father's side) in Maryland. His grandfather, Frey, settled in Baltimore, Md. (from Germany) where he was prominently connected with his profession of civil engineering and surveying, and did some important contracting and building, among which might be mentioned the Na-

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tional Road from Baltimore to Washington, D. C. He left a large family. Dr. William Frey, father of our subject, left a good practice in Pennsylvania and returned to Maryland, Where he represented Alleghany County on different occasions in the Legislature of that State. He died in 1865, aged sixty-five years, leaving a family of seven sons and one daughter. Three of the sons have worthily represented the father's profession. Our subject completed a good education at Uniontown Academy, graduating in a classical and scientific course of study, and read medicine for a few years. He, however, disliked the practice of medicine, and turned his attention to other pursuits. In 1851 he came West, and was connected with railway building for some time with headquarters at Bellefontaine, Ohio. In 1857 he came to Findlay, and subsequently embarked in the drug business. He was married, in Somerset County, Penn., in 1851, to Priscilla B., daughter of John Slicer, and by her he has one son, William, who carries on the drug business. Mr. Frey has always been a liberal supporter of measures tending to the growth of his adopted city. He is a worthy Mason of over twenty-three years' standing, a liberal supporter of the Methodist Church, and socially is an excellent gentleman.

JACOB W. GASSMAN, clerk, Findlay, was born in Eppingen, Baden, March 7, 1845, son of William and Catherine Haasinger Gassman, who came to this country in 1848, the former of whom, a baker by trade, left his native country in consequence of the Revolution there, that he might enjoy his liberty in free America. William Gassman removed from Seneca County, Ohio, to Findlay, where he at present resides. Of his three sons and two daughters, Elizabeth is the wife of M. B. Weaver, of Valley Falls, Kas. ; Emanuel and Daniel (twins) are invalids, and only Jacob W., who is the eldest, and Lena, the youngest, are now living at home. Upon the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion Jacob W. Gassman enlisted in Company A, Sixty-fifth Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry, and did active and honorable service for over three years. He was wounded at the battle near Petersburg, Va., and after receiving an honorable discharge returned home and enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Ninety-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving two months. Mr. Gassman is a worthy citizen and an exemplary son, and since his father's health failed has taken entire charge of the family's support, and has attended to the necessities of his invalid brothers. He is a member of Stoner Post, G. A. R.

LEWIS GLESSNER (deceased) was born in Somerset County, Penn., September 1, 1811, and when six years of age removed to Columbiana County, Ohio, with his parents, who settled in the woods, where he remained at farm worn (meantime learning a trade at New Lisbon) until 1833, when he located at Delaware, Ohio. In 1861 he came to Findlay, Ohio, and pur chased the Hancock Courier, which, in company with his son, W. L. Gless ner, he published till 1865. He then began publishing the Newark, Ohio, Advocate, which was continued by him for a year and a half, after which he returned to Findlay and again assumed control of the Hancock Courier, to which, from that time, he devoted his undivided energies. Thus for nearly eighteen years he was identified with the business interests of this section, as well as being the molder and expounder of the principles of the political party of his convictions and choice. He did not make the Hancock Courier "a stepping-stone to something else." He never sought nor claimed any other reward for his labor in behalf of his party, or in advocating the gen-

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eral good, than the approval of his own conscience and the knowledge that his efforts were appreciated. While at any time the people would gladly have called him to the councils of the State and Nation, they knew his ambi tion was to serve in the sphere he had chosen. Rarely do we find such singleness of purpose as displayed by him. Acting from the highest motives the editor of the Hancock Courier was thus able to take a fearless independent position, that gave his utterances weight in the councils of his party, and won for him the respect of those whose principles he opposed. Not a great while before his death, which occurred March 13, 1879, he constructed a handsome brick building, the "Courier Block," and at the dedication of the building a large gathering of friends of the paper and personal friends of Mr. Glessner took place, and congratulatory addresses were made, which gave evidence of the high esteem in which the publisher was held. In Mr. Glessner's reply to these addresses, he said, among other things: "In purchasing the Courier and locating here, I did so with the purpose of becoming identified with the interests, improvements, growth and prosperity of Findlay and Hancock County, and if the course pursued by the Courier has been such as to foster and encourage a spirit of substantial public improvement of streets, sewerage, public and private buildings, or otherwise improving and beautifying our thriving town, to the greater health and comfort of its people; if, by precept or example it has induced the planting of one more shade tree, or ornamental shrub, or bed of flowers, to cheer some weary mortal on life's journey, than would otherwise have been planted, its aim, as a local paper, has been partially accomplished and the labors of its editors have not been altogether in vain." Lewis Glessner was married, April 8, 1838, in Delaware, Ohio, to Georgians Cowles, by whom he was blessed with a large family. A writer says, relative to Mr. Glessner's death, " he was well thought of and respected abroad, as well as in Hancock County, where he had hosts of friends. A life of integrity and purity, such as he lived, is an unspeakable blessing. It is something to live such a life, it is much for a community to lose it. "Mr. Glessner was a kind husband, and was blessed in having a wife ready to sympathize with him in all his trials, and rejoice with him in all his successes.

F. H. GLESSNER, editor of the Hancock Courier, Findlay, was born in Delaware, Ohio; son of Lewis and Georgians (Cowles) Glessner, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. In 1861 Lewis Glessner came to Findlay with his family from Delaware County and purchased the Hancock Courier, which he ably carried on till his death in 1879. He had learned the chairmaking business, and later engaged in farming and stock raising in Delaware County, which he carried on till coming to Findlay. He reared a family of five sons and four daughters, of whom William L. is publisher of the Recorder at Americus, Ga. ; Leonard C. is publisher of The Earth at Sedalia, Mo. ; Douglas is publisher of the News at Griffin, Ga. ; Fred H. is editor and publisher of the Hancock Courier. Edward, the second son, a member of the Fifty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, died of wounds received at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain. The mother is living with her daughters and is proprietor of the Hancock Courier; she is a worthy woman and mother, and an ardent worker for the Ladies' Benevolent Society in Findlay. Fred H., our subject, was reared to the profession of journalism, and after his father's death took charge of the paper, which he has ably conducted since. He has always been a public spirited and progressive citizen,

FINDLAY TOWNSHIP AND VILLAGE.- 751

and has contributed in no small degree to the advancement of the social and industrial life of his locality. He assisted in the organization of the Findlay Natural Gas Company, and served as its secretary, and upon the second year of its existence as its president. Mr. Glessner is an active member and secretary of the Findlay Improvement Company. He was united in marriage at Findlay, in 1872, with Ara A., daughter of Henry Isham, Esq., of Findlay.

CAPT. JOSEPH F. GUTZWILLER, United States Messenger, House of Congress, Washington, Ds C., Findlay, was born in Pittsburg, Penn., April 30, 1842, son of Victor and Catherine (Monk) Gutzwiller, natives of Switzerland and Alsace, France (now Germany), respectively. Victor Gutzwiller who was born in Basel, in the Canton of Basel, Switzerland, came to this country when a lad, and learned harness-making in Pittsburgh, where he married. In 1857 he removed to Mansfield, Ohio, where he now resides. He reared eight children-five sons and three daughters-of whom the following survive: Joseph F., Victor (an attorney at law in Cleveland, Ohio), Henry (in railroad business in Mansfield, Ohio), Mary (wife of Frank Jonas, cigar manufacturer in Upper: Sandusky, Ohio), Lizzie (wife of W William Epke, also a cigar manufacturer in Upper Sandusky) and Rosa P. (wife of Edward Christian, of Lima). The subject of this sketch, after receiving a good rudimentary education at the Rornan Catholic Schools of Pittsburgh, completed it at Mansfield. In 1861 he entered the military service in Company H, Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, upon the first call doing honorable duty for the term of service. He then re-enlisted in Company F, Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry; was wounded at the battle of Bull Run, and was promoted for gallant service to the second lieutenancy of Company F. He soon after received promotion to first lieutenancy: at Chancellorsville he was taken prisoner in May, 1863; was exchanged just before the battle of Gettysburg, and received promotion to the captaincy of Company D, at Gettysburg, in which rank he served till the close of the war. After that he returned to Mansfield, Ohio, and in 1865 came to Findlay, this county, where he has been favorably known since. For three years he served as assistant sergeant-at-arms of the Ohio Legislature, and for two years as such of the Constitutional Convention. In 1877 he was elected recorder of Hancock County, which incumbency he honorably filled for six consecutive years. December 11, 1883, Captain Gutzwiller was appointed messenger in the House of Representatives at Washington, which position he ably holds. He married, in Findlay, May 7, 1867, Delia S., daughter of Jacob and Delia (Grate) Rosenberg, pioneers of this county, the former having held several important official positions in the early history of the county, being sheriff for several years. Mr. and Mrs. Gutzwiller have one son and one daughter: Francis Joseph and Lula M. The family are regular com municants of the Roman Catholic Church. Our subject is a member of St. Michael's Benevolent Society and of Stoker Post, G. A. R.

JOSEPH HAGERMAN, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Findlay, was born in New Jersey, in 1815, son of Joseph and Susan Hagerman, who removed to Northampton County, Penn., where Joseph, Jr., was reared. In 1863 our subject came W est, and after spending a few years in Wood County, Ohio, settled in Findlay Township, this county, in 1867. He married in Pennsylvania, Miss Catherine Zlisloft, and they have four sons and three daughters: Corson, a farmer, in Portage Township, this county; Susan,

752 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

wife of Noah Spitler, in Portage Township, this county; Addison, in Findlay, Ohio; Mary, wife of Lewis Chamberlain; Sarah, wife of William Stewart, of Seneca County, Ohio; Sandford and Daniel. Mr. and Mrs. Hagerman attended the services of the English Lutheran Church. He has accumulated a nice property, the result of his own unaided labor, and has reared his family well.

W. S. HAMMAKER, present postmaster of Findlay, was born at Tiffin, Ohio, December 28, 1851, and was left an orphan at the age of three pears by the death of his father. He received his schooling at a country school near Tiffin, and at the age of fifteen entered the office of the Seneca Advertiser, the Democratic organ of Seneca County. Remaining here two years he went to New York to join the sympathizers with Cuba (in her struggle for freedom from the parent country, Spain), who were prevented from sailing by the United States authorities. He then proceeded to New Bedford Mass., where he joined a whaling expedition to the Indian Ocean, and spent four years off the coast of Australia and among the East India Islands, serving on board the bark "Mermaid." In 1874 he returned to Tiffin and entered the Tiffin Star office as foreman, but was soon after promoted to city editor, which position he relinquished several months later for a similar place on the Wyandot Union, a paper published at Upper Sandusky, Ohio. Here he remained nearly two years, when he again accepted the city editorship of the Tiffin Daily and Weekly Star; but in a few months, the proprietors having made an assignment, Mr. Hammaker went back to the Wyandot Union and continued in service there until early in 1877, when he purchased the Bloomville Banner, running it about a year, but becoming dissatisfied with the narrow field, closed the office and returned to Tiffin, where he assisted in founding the Gazette, the best paper that city ever had, acting as its local editor, solicitor and collector. In January, 1879, Mr. Hammaker came to Findlay, having accepted the position of local editor of the Jeffersonian, which place he continued to hold about five years, and assisted in establishing the Daily Jeffersonian, a paper that has been on a paying basis from the start. He worked for the Jeffersonian at different periods, left that paper in 1882 and started the Daily Star, continuing its publication twenty-one months, doing very well, from a financial standpoint, but finally sold the office, together with the good-will of the paper, to the proprietor of the Jeffersonian, and returned to his old position on that journal, where he remained until appointed postmaster by President Cleveland, in November, 1885. The subject of this sketch has always been an unswerving Democrat, but never sought any office except the one he now occupies, to which he was twice elected by its Democratic patrons. He was married in 1874 to Miss Emma Six, of Tiffin, the ceremony taking place at Put-in-Bay. The union has been blessed with six children-three sons and three daughters-all of whom are living.

JOHN F. HASTINGS, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Findlay, was born in Richland County, Ohio, September 14, 1850, son of Joseph and Mary (Alexander) Hastings, the former of Merrimack County, N. H., the latter of Richland County, Ohio, and the daughter of Peter Alexander, Esq., of Maryland stock. in 1875 Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hastings, with their family of one son and two daughters, removed to this county, where Joseph Hastings now owns 420 acres of land, and in February, 1876, he buried his wife; his family are John F., the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth Jane,

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and Mary leaders, wife of Philip J. Reimund, of Liberty Township, this county. Joseph Hastings died February 12, 1886, deeply regretted by a large number of relatives and friends. While in Richland County, Ohio, he served with credit in many public offices, but after coming to this county he has held aloof from public office and has given his attention to his farming interests. As a worthy citizen he was highly respected everywhere. John F. Hastings married, in Richland County, Ohio, Miss Nancy Jane, daughter of Melzar and Abigail (Crawford) Coulter, and by her he has three sons and two daughters: Alpheus Melvin, Mary Abigail, Jane Lyadell, John Laverne and Charles.

W. H. HAVEN; druggist, Findlay, was born in Colombiana County, Ohio, November 12, 1841; son of Dr. P. L. and Maria (Swindler) Haven, the former descended from worthy pioneers of Massachusetts; the latter of Pennsylvania pioneers. Dr. P. L. Haven located at New Lisbon, Ohio, from Pittsburgh, Penn., about 1839 and died at Mansfield, Ohio, in 1849, leav ing three sons and two daughters (of whom two sons and a daughter survive) John P., clerking for W. H. ; Amelia H., widow of the late C. N. Locks, of the Tiffin Tribune, a resident of Findlay; James L., who died in the United States Military Service, in the Big Sandy Campaign, in 1862, in Kentucky; Mary E. (deceased wife of E. S. Kimber, of Kansas City, Mo.) and W. H. In 1850 our subject became apprenticed to merchandising here in the store of Hugh Newell. He afterward took up the drug trade, and in 1859 embarked in it on his own account at Ottawa, Ohio. In 1861 he sold his interest there, enlisting his services in the army, and was with the Ninety-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in the commissary department, till 1864, when he joined the Mississippi and West Gulf Squadron, with which he remained till the close of the war, retiring at that time from the charge of the United States steamer " Peri." After the war he traveled in the interest of the drug trade and read medicine. He subsequently practiced his profession, but, in 1868, engaged in manufacturing, which he followed for several years. In 1876 he purchased his present business which he has raised to a leading prominence here. He was married, in Michigan, to Nancy J. Rawson, niece of Dr. Bass Rawson. To this union were born five children: Clarence, Ruth (deceased), Emma, Mary and Elsie. Mrs. Haven is a member of the Presbyterian Church, to which her husband is a liberal contributor. Mr. Haven is a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council, Findlay, and Shawnee Commandery, F. & A. M. at Lima. He is also a member of K. of P., Royal Arcanum, and Stoker Post, G. A. R. He is a member of the Ohio State Pharmaceutical Association, and was one of the original committee who drafted the bill for the new pharmaceutical law of Ohio. He is also a member of the Traders' and Travelers' Association of New York City. He has worked his way up in business, and, through his own indefatigable exertions has accumulated a nice competency.

EDWIN R. HAY, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Findlay, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, March 15, 1830, son of Peter and Christians (Platter) Hay, both of whom are of direct descent from German people. Our subject was reared to farming, with which he was successfully connected in Fairfield County, Ohio, until 1870, when he came to this county and subsequently took up his present property in Findlay Township, which he has very handsomely improved. Mr. Hay married, in this county, Angelicia, second daughter of Amos and Abigail (Bigelow) Frisbie, who settled in this

754 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

county in 1865. Airs. Hay departed this life in 1879, leaving two children: Abigail and Charles. Of the remaining family of Mr. Frisbie only one daughter survives-Celestia-who has hover married; she assists her brother-in-law, our subject, in the charge of her sister's family. Edwin R. Hay is a public-spirited citizen and a clever business man. He has always held aloof from public office, but has done his share for the public good when called upon. At the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company A, Sixty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he held a lieutenancy during his term of service. Mr. Hay is a liberal contributor to measures advancing the public welfare. He is a kind and indulgent father and a worthy gentleman. In politics he is a Democrat.

PRESLEY E. HAY, clerk of the court of common pleas, and county clerk of Hancock County, Findlay, was born in Girard Township, Erie Co., Penn., December 16, 1844; son of John and Nancy Laughlin) Hay, pioneers there. He was reared to farming, which he followed, together with lumber milling. In 1880 he came to this county, and engaged in lumber milling here, with which industry he has been actively connected since. He had meanwhile become favorably known to the people of this county, and in October, 1884, they acknowledged their appreciation of him by electing him as their clerk, a deserving compliment to him as a Republican, in a Democratic county. He married in his native township Martha, daughter of Giles B. Cole, and by her he has one son and two daughters: William Clinton, Carrie and Lottie. Mr. Hay is a member of the A. O. U. W., K. of P. and I. O. O. F. societies. He is an active, energetic business man, and a worthy official, and has by his upright conduct drawn around him warm friends from all political circles.

JOHN HECK, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Findlay, was born in York County, Penn., October 11, 1836, son of George and Martha (Maish) Heck, who settled in this county in 1844. Our subject spent his early life in farming, and, with the exception of a few intermissions, has been actively connected with that industry since. He married, December 18, 1856, Miss Lydia, daughter of Peter Sherick, Esq., of Wayne County, Ohio, and by her he has two sons and a daughter: Barbara Etta, wife of Saxon C. Shoupe, of Wyandot County, Ohio; David and William, worthy, young farmers of Findlay Township, this county . Mr. Heck has always been active and energetic. and has accumulated a handsome fortune, the reward of his industry, owning now 280 acres of valuable land and some valuable town property in Findlay, Ohio. He is public-spirited, and contributes freely to worthy measures. He is an active member of the Church of God, and an honored official in that body. Upon the building of the beautiful college in Findlay, this county, Mr. Heck donated $500 in cash, and assisted in many other ways toward the completion of that noble edifice. In politics he is a Republican.

ANDERSON C. HECK, dealer in lumber, lath, shingles and all kinds of building material, Findlay, was born in Findlay, Ohio, October 11, 1854, son of George and Martha (Maish) Heck, natives of Cumberland County, Penn., of German pioneer ancestry, and who settled in Findlay in 1844; both are still in active life; their family consists of the following named children: Catherine, wife of David Sherk; John; Sarah, wife of Joseph Lytle; William; Mary, wife of Frank Gardner; George; Anderson C., Joseph and Bird, widow of Willis Kimmel. Of these George and Mary reside in Alle-

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gan County, Mich., all the others being residents of this county. The deceased are Susan, wife of William Watson; Harry, Jacob and an infant. Anderson C. Heck spent his early life in mercantile pursuits, and was connected with the hardware trade in Findlay, Ohio, for ten years, but retired from same recently to engage in his present business. He married, in 1879, Miss Jennie E. Livingston, and to them have been born two children: Birdie Marie and Clare Gerald (the latter deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Heck attend the services of the Presbyterian Church, of which she is a worthy member, and to which he is a liberal contributor. Upon the organization of the board appointed to conduct the building of Findlay College, Mr. Heck became an active member, and served with credit until the completion of that work. Our subject is vice-president of the Findlay Natural Gas Company, and was lessee and manager of the Opera House in Findlay, Ohio, for two years. He is at present building a large sash and blind factory in Findlay. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.

MARTIN HIRSHER, proprietor of pottery works and stone quarry, Findlay, was born in Thengen, in Baden, August 17, 1829, son of John George and Mary (Marter) Hirsher, the former a maker of brick. He came to America in 1852, and remained in Dayton, Ohio, until 1854, in which year he moved to Xenia, Ohio, where he resided until 1857. He then spent two years in Bellefontaine, Ohio, and came to this county in 1859. Mr. Hirsher was united in marriage, at Xenia, Ohio, with Elizabeth Enz, a native of Gimildingen, Bavaria, who bore him ten children: Louisa, Charlie, George, John, Henry, Benjamin, Willie, Fred, Nellie and Flora. Our subject learned pottery-making in his native country. He has been successful in his several enterprises, and has accumulated a nice competency. His ostensible business is pottery-making, but he also carries on an extensive stone quarry. He is an energetic business man and an esteemed citizen; is public-spirited, and contributes his share to all worthy public enterprises. The family attend the German Reformed Church. Mr. Hirsher is a worthy member of the I. O. O. F.

PETER HOSLER, president of the Farmers' Bank of Findlay, was born in York County, Penn., May 14, 1821, son of Christian and Mary (Gander) Holler, natives of that county, and of Swiss pioneer descent. His parents moved to Stark County, Ohio, in 1823, with a family of five sons and two daughters, five sons and three daughters being born to them after their arrival in the State. Christian Holler was a cooper by trade, and was connected with it and farming in different parts of Ohio, moving from Stark to Wayne, and from Wayne to Seneca Counties. He died in Bloom Township, latter county, in 1865, where his wife had also departed this life, in 1862. Our subject completed learning the carpenter's trade in Stark and Wayne Counties, and at the age of twenty-two years came to Hancock County, where he was prominently identified with the building industry for several years. In 1850 he engaged in farming and stock raising, and has been one of the most successful men in that connection in this portion of the State. He has ever been a leader in the development of social and industrial matters in this locality, and has served his (Washington) township as treasurer and in other official positions. In 1874 he was elected treasurer of Hancock County, which position he creditably filled until 1880, when, upon retiring, he established the present bank, which he has since ably presided over. He had, however, been a stockholder and supporter in

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banking and railroad interests here for several years. Mr. Hosler was married, in Stark County, in 1842, to Susan, daughter of Conrad Sherman, and a native of Maryland, and estimable lady and worthy help-mate to him, who has blessed him with a large family-eight sons and four daughters: Jeremiah, Thomas Benton, Morrison and David are all able farmers in Washington Township, this county; Sarah Ellen is the wife of Frederick Manicke, of Fostoria, Ohio; William F. (youngest son) is assistant cashier in the Farmers Bank at Findlay. The deceased are Mary Catharine, Frances Adelia. Cora Bell, George Henry, Marcus Peter and Huston (the latter died in W Washington Township, leaving a widow and two sons: Charles, with the mother on the farm, and Peter, a bright young lad, with his grandparents here). Mr. and Mrs. Holler have. been worthy members of the Lutheran Church for many years. They are highly esteemed citizens of Findlay and Hancock County, and have the pleasure of seeing their children taking an important part in the interests of this county. Mr. Hosler is a man of strong constitution and vigorous disposition (he stands about six feet, and is compactly built), and bids fair to "serve his time and place" in the rank of Hancock County's leading pioneers. In politics he is a Democrat.

SAMUEL D. HOUPT, dealer in dry goods, clothing, etc., Findlay, was born in Melmore, Seneca Co., Ohio, May 12, 1841, son of Henry and Julia Ann (Gehringer) Houpt, natives of Pennsylvania, and of pioneer people in that State. Henry Houpt located in Seneca County in 1836. He was a carriage builder by profession, and carried on his business at Melmore and at McCutchenville. At the latter place he completed the contract for building the National Coach Line (a large contract in those days), and stood contemporaneous in his business with the late Peter Van Nest, of Tiffin, Ohio. He died at McCutchenville in 1880, leaving two sons and one daughter: Samuel D., Thomas and Mary, now the wife of M. V. Gibson, of Upper Sandusky, Ohio. The subject of this sketch, at the age of fourteen, was apprenticed in the store of M. Brockley, merchant, of McCutchenville. In 1860 he came to Findlay, and after selling goods for two years went as sutler in the Second Missouri Regiment. After the war of the Rebellion he sold goods for a few years, and in 1866 embarked in the business of merchant tailoring on his own account, being joined the following year by Henry Byal, his father-in-law, in general merchandise. After about two years Mr. Byal retired from the business, since which time Mr. Houpt has carried it on alone. He was married, in 1864, to Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Byal, Esq. They have no children. Our subject has ever been a liberal contributor to the social and industrial interests of his city and county, and, although adverse to holding office, he has served for six years with credit in the councils of the city; as a member of the board of trustees of the Ohio Institute for the Blind, and for two years on the board of trus tees for the Ohio Industrial School at Lancaster. In 1884 he was elected delegate from this district to the Democratic National Convention; and aided materially in the nomination of Grover Cleveland. Latterly he has paid some considerable attention to experimental inventions, and has in his " Carbon Transmitter, or Microphone," one of the most important advantages in telephoning. He has added very materially to the use of natural gas by his " Natural Gas Burner," an invention deserving of important notice in the consumption of that production here. He has always been a progressive business man and has accumulated a handsome competency.

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Upon the organization of the Findlay Natural Gas Company he took an active part, and has since served as one of the board of directors. He and wife attend services at the Presbyterian Church.

CAPT. SAMUEL HOWARD, ex treasurer of Hancock County, Findlay, was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., December 7, 1814, son of John and Abigail (Simpson) Howard, natives of that county. The grandfather of John Howard, a native of Ireland, settled in Maryland. The grandfather of Abigail (Simpson) Howard, a Welshman, was a pioneer settler in Maryland. In 1815 John Howard removed to Richland County, Ohio, where he had previously been, having served under Gen. Harmon in the war of 1812-14, and assisted in building Fort Meigs. In 1833 he came here and entered land in Portage Township, and died in 1875 or 1876. Our subject, when a lad, assisted his father in clearing land here, and eventually became interested in farming and stock raising, in which he has been uniformly successful. He was married in Wood County, Ohio, in 1837, to Elizabeth, daughter of George and Amy Carrel, Pennsylvania pioneers, and also of Wood County, Ohio. Capt. and Mrs. Howard have had eleven children, six of whom are living-two sons and four daughters: Nancy (wife of William Adrain, merchant, of Mansfield, Ohio), Mary (wife of J. R. McLeod, physician, of Benton, Ohio), Dallas (farming in this county), Margaret (wife of Joseph Goodwin, of Findlay), Isabel (wife of Thomas Clifford, of Findlay) and John L. (a farmer). Capt. Howard raised Company G of the One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in 1862, and did active and honorable service for two years, when, upon breaking his leg, he was compelled to resign his commission. He served for four terms altogether as treasurer of this county, and has filled other important public official positions. He is a worthy Mason and Odd Fellow; is prominent among the leading public-spirited men of Hancock County, and is a liberal supporter of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Democrat.

BENJAMIN HUBER (deceased) was born in Lancaster County. Penn., in February, 1807, and removed to Fairfield County, Ohio, with his father's family, in 1819, where he, in 1829, was married to Mary Macklin, who bore him five children: E. A. (deceased), J. M., Samuel, Mrs. Phoebe Burns and Mrs. Lydia Shipman. Mrs. Huber died in 1839, and our subject subsequently married Margaret A. Paden, of Fairfield County, Ohio, who bore him three children: J. P. (deceased), Mrs. D. D. Snyder and Mrs. David Callahan. Benjamin Huber came to Findlay, Ohio, in 1845; and engaged in flour-milling business, buying the Eagle Mills of his brother, Martin Huber, who had pur chased the mills and operated them for a few years prior. This was one of the few mills of any importance in the county at that time, and consequently was largely patronized by the settlers many miles around it. In 1865 he withdrew from this business, and took an interest in the drug store with his sons, J. M. and Samuel, remaining connected therewith until 1873, when he withdrew from it. Benjamin Huber's dealings with the public during his early residence in Findlay, as well as each succeeding year up to the time of his demise, September 10, 1884, were such as to make plain his honesty, ability and integrity, and he was put forward as a candidate for treasurer of this county by the Know-nothing party, in 1854, and, although the Democracy was largely in the ascendancy of all the combined organizations of the county, yet he was elected over the worthy Joel Pendleton, and two years later defeated Robert S. Mungen by a majority of three votes for the same

758 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

office, and, in 1862 was again elected. In 1870 he defeated Henry Bowers, and in 1872, after the great Wall defalcation, he was elected over Samuel Howard by a majority of thirty-four votes, and at the end of this last term he retired, having faithfully and honestly served his county as treasurer for four terms. Benjamin Huber's death cast a gloom over the community, and this county will look long for a miller, a neighbor, an officer or a man who can fill the place of " honest" Benjamin Huber, whose portrait will be found elsewhere in this volume.

JACOB MACKLIN HUBER, druggist, Findlay, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, December 14, 1835, son of Benjamin and Mary (Macklin) Huber. Upon attaining his majority our subject embarked in the drug business here, which he has carried on uninterruptedly since. He was married, in Fremont, Ohio, in 1862, to Julia, daughter of Martin Royce, of that city, and by her has two daughters: Fannie E. and Hattie, young ladies of fine attainments. Mrs. Huber and daughters are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which Mr. Huber is a liberal contributor. He is a worthy Mason of several years standing, and a Knight of Shawnee Commandery, Lima, Ohio. He is also a member of the Legion of Honor and of Stoker Post, No. 54, G. A. R. Mr. Huber served with credit in Company F, Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the late civil war. In politics he is a Republican.

SAMUEL HUBER, druggist, Findlay, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, October 13, 1837, son of Benjamin and Mary (Macklin) Huber, worthy pioneers here. Benjamin Huber was a native of Pennsylvania and came from that State when a lad with his father, Jacob Huber, who settled in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1819. He was twice married, and by his first wife had three sons and two daughters. He was married on second occasion to Margaret Ann Paden, who bore him one son and two daughters. Benjamin Huber, who was among the early flour-millers, owned the first Eagle Mills here. He died in Findlay in September, 1884, in his seventy-eighth year. He served his county as its treasurer for four terms and was a worthy public-spirited official in several other capacities. Samuel Huber, when a lad, became apprenticed to the drug trade. Upon the breaking out of the late civil war he enlisted his services in defense of the Union and served as an officer of Company G, Eighty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. After the war he returned to the drug business and has been actively identified with that industry here since. He was married here to Amanda C., daughter of Eli S. Reed. They have one child: Emma, now the wife of Mr. Markle, Mr. Huber's partner in the drug business. Col. Huber has been a worthy Mason for many years, is also a member of the K. of P. He has always been public-spirited and liberal in the support of measures contributing to the growth and development of this locality. In politics he is a Republican.

JASPER G. HULL, cashier of the Farmers' Bank, and president of the Findlay Gas-Light Company, Findlay, was born in Delaware County, Ohio, November 20, 1846, son of George W., and Artamesia (Scribner) Hull, of New Jersey and Connecticut ancestry, respectively. Benjamin Hull, blacksmith, father of George W., located in Crawford County, Ohio, at an early period of its history, and reared ten children (three sons and seven daughters) in that and Delaware Counties. In 1856 George W. Hull removed to Morrow County, Ohio, where the subject of our sketch received a good literary education and embarked in farming; being possessed of financial abil-

FINDLAY TOWNSHIP AND VILLAGE. - 759

ides, he succeeded well. In the fall of 1879 he sold his interest there and cams to Findlay. January 1, 1880, Mr. Hull united with Mr. Peter Hosler, the present president, in the Farmer's Bank, of Findlay. In 1882 he purchased a half interest in the Findlay Gas-Light Company, completing the entire purchase the following year. In 1884 he "put down" a "gas well," and the enterprise being successful, he has enlarged upon it, and now has ten wells in active operation. Mr. Hull is an energetic, clever business man, and has been an important acquisition to the business interests of Findlay. He is a liberal contributor to measures tending to the development of his locality, and gives with a willing hand to charitable institutions. Mr. Hull was married in Morrow County, Ohio, in 1867, to Mary J., daughter of Abraham and Catharine (Brougher) Monnett. They have five daughters: Attic C., Amina May, Imogene, Leona Blanche, and Bessie Leonore. He and his wife are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Hull is an active worker in the temperance cause. In politics he is a Prohibitionist.

ANSON HURD, M. D., Findlay, comes of a worthy line of Connecticut pioneers in Ohio. He was born in Twinsburg, Summit Co., Ohio, December 27, 1824, son of Robert and Mary (Brainerd) Hurd, whose ancestry in Connecticut dates back to the first settlements in that State as a colony, and numbers many of the important provincial families, as the Brookses, of Saybrook, the Hurds and Brainerds. In 1820 Dr. Hurd's father removed from Connecticut with his family, and settled in Twinsburg, Ohio, as agent of the twin brothers, Moses and Aaron Wilcox (after whom the township was named), whose extensive land interests he managed there for many years, and served as an active official (viz. : justice of the peace) for eighteen years in the early times. In 1839 he removed here, and was prominent before the people many years as a leader in the development of Hancock County's interests, among which may be mentioned the laying out and platting of the village of Arlington, in 1844. He died in 1860, at the age of seventy-six, leaving a large family (who had become scattered considerably through the West), viz. : William Brainerd, Lorenzo Wellington, Brooks, Jared, Anson, Evaline, Mary Ann, Betsy, Huldah and Cordelia. He had buried three sons: Harlow, Phineas and Edwin. Our subject was reared in Twinsburg, Ohio, and in 1839, with his brother, Jared, came to this county, and at Arlington cleared the land and built the cabin occupied by their father on his arrival. Upon attaining his twentieth year, Anson, being anxious to obtain means for his education, etc„ presented his father with $50 for his time, and returned to Twinsburg, where he remained for three years under the instruction of the Rev. Samuel Bissell, D.D., president of Twinsburg Institute. He then taught school in Pike County, where, becoming acquainted with the Hon. J. I. Van Meter, of that county, he obtained a scholarship in Delaware College. After spending three years in that institution he engaged in the study of medicine with Dr. William Blackstone, of Athens, and after a year repaired to Columbus and read in the office of Prof. Samuel M. Smith, graduating from Starling Medical College in March, 1852. He then located in Oxford, Ind., where he remained in popular professional connection for many years. In 1861 he represented the counties of White and Benton in the Legislature of Indiana, in both the regular and extra sessions, and the same year (after the firing upon Fort Sumter) he was invited by Gov. Morton, of Indiana, to accept the post

760 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

of assistant surgeon of the Twentieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which he accepted, serving through the first campaign to Hatteras. Returning to Fortress Monroe he resigned his commission in the Twentieth, and accepted that of surgeon of the Fourteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served in all the battles of the campaign of 1862. In January, 1863, he resigned his commission, and in April moved to Findlay, where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the State Medical Society and the Northwestern Ohio Medical Society, of which he has been President and a prominent and active member. In 1876 he served as delegate from the Tenth Congressional District to the International Medical Congress, held at Philadelphia, Penn. He is a professional scientist of no mean note, and has for many years contributed to the pages of many leading medical journals of this country, among which may be mentioned the Medical and Surgical Reporter, of Philadelphia; The Clinic (late the Lancet and Clinic), of Cincinnati; Medical Record, of New York; the Detroit Lancet, Columbus Medical Journal, Toledo Medical Journal; Therapeutical Gazette of Detroit, and medical works of Philadelphia, and has frequently read papers on scientific work before medical meetings throughout the State. Dr. Hurd was married, in 1853, in Oxford, Ind., to Amanda V. Cell (originally Zell), of pioneer German ancestry in Pennsylvania., She is a daughter of the Rev. David Cell, a worthy deceased minister of the Baptist Church. They have a daughter, Huldah, wife of N . F. Hardman, of Findlay. Mrs. Hurd and daughter are worthy members of the Presbyterian Church, to which the Doctor is a liberal contributor. He is also an Odd Fellow. Dr. Hurd has always been a liberal supporter of measures tending to the growth of the social and industrial life of his community, and has taken a leading position with many. He is at present president of the Findlay Improvement Association. The Doctor is of fine physique, vigorous nature, and bids fair to hold his place in the front rank of active professional work for many years to come. In politics he is a Republican, and takes a deep interest in the success of that party.

BENJAMIN F. HYATT, post-trader at Ft. Defiance, Arizona Territory, P. O., Findlay, Ohio, was born in Findlay, this county, March 18, 1840, son of A. H. and Eleanor (Baldwin) Hyatt, pioneers of this county. The former descended from early Pennsylvania stock, came to this county and was among the early settlers of Findlay; he engaged in merchandising, at which he was very successful, and by his upright dealings won the confidence of a very large circle of patrons; he died in 1859, leaving his business to his son, Benjamin F., who has placed his father's portrait in this history. He had four children-two boys and two girls-our subject being the only one living. Benjamin F. Hyatt spent his early life in his father's store, and upon the tatter's death conducted the business till 1860. He, however, was actively connected with merchandising in Findlay till November, 1879. June 3, 1881, he received the appointment to his present position, which he has held continuously since. He was for some time connected with banking at Caret'; afterward spent some time traveling in commercial trade of Eastern houses, and retiring from this, returned to Findlay intending to locate in the insurance business. His interests have always been prominent here and he has been one of the liberal contributors to leading projects for the development of the social and industrial life of the city.

FINDLAY TOWNSHIP AND VILLAGE. - 761

He is a prominent Mason and Knight of the Shawnee Commandery at Lima. He served in Company G, Fifty-seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry for six months. Mr. Hyatt married, December 18, 1861, Mary Keeler, a native of Vermont. He and his worthy wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican.

ELIJAH P. JONES, banker, Findlay, was born March B, 1820, at Rochester, N. Y. The family came originally from England. His grandfather on the paternal side conducted a very large business in the tanning and manufacturing of leather in Connecticut. His father, Elijah Jones, was born in New Milford, Conn., but immigrated to central Pennsylvania, where be engaged in shipping lumber to Baltimore and other points; thence he went to Rochester, N. Y., where he engaged in general merchandising and in the manufacture of pearl ash for foreign shipment. Hannah (Pelton) Jones, subject's mother, though of Scotch ancestry, was a native of Connecticut. Three Pelton brothers immigrated to America-one settled in Boston, one in Connecticut and one in Long Island, N. Y. From the Connecticut branch the mother of Mr. Jones sprang. The Peltons were a family of considerable distinction in Connecticut. Ebenezer Pelton served in the commissary department of the Revolutionary Army. In 1826 the family of the subject of our sketch came to Ohio and settled in Willoughby, seventeen miles east of Cleveland, at which place Elijah P., Jr., remained until the age of fourteen years, when he spent four years on a farm. In the meantime he improved his mind by private study, and in the winter engaged in teaching. W hen eighteen he secured a situation in the Cleveland postoffice as clerk, and remained there three years. He afterward attended the academy at Norwalk, under the tuition of Dr. Thompson (who eventually became bishop). He spent one summer as general agent for the Sandusky & Mansfield (now Baltimore & Ohio Railroad). When twenty-three years old he went to Sandusky City and entered the service as general agent for the Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad (afterward the Cincinnati, Sandusky & Cleveland). In the fall of 1849, the branch from Caret' to Findlay having been completed, Mr. Jones leased it for two and a half years, the company furnishing the motive power and cars. When this contract aspired he renewed the lease for five years. In 1852 he formed a copartnership with E. N. Cook and George H. Jones, of Salem, Oreg., to carry on a general merchandise and trading business. This partnership continued five years, and was then dissolved, after which Mr. Jones spent five years in New York engaged in the money brokerage business between New York and the Pacific Coast. In the spring of 1863, upon the passage of the National Bank act, Mr. Jones applied in person for a national bank charter, the bank to be established at Findlay, Ohio; but he was informed by Secretary Chase that his was the first application, and that the Treasury Department was not prepared to receive and receipt for the bonds as the Bank Department of the Treasury was not fully organized. Thereupon, depositing his bonds in the Park Bank, New York, he proceeded to Findlay, and on his return to Washington, subsequently, he found a number of banks chartered before him and he had to take a lower number. The bank was immediately organized at Findlay and he became its president and principal stockholder. He still acts as president and is owner of more than two thirds of its capital stock. He is conservative in his ideas of banking, as he believes the banker should hold

762 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

himself aloof from speculation. Mr. Jones owns considerable real estate both in Findlay and vicinity. He has always been a prominent citizen; is public spirited and has ever been in advance in forwarding measures that would benefit the town. Careful in his business affairs he does not lack that boldness which frequently insures success. He married, January 9, 1862, Miss Mellie E. Johnston, of Piqua, Ohio, a graduate of the Ohio Wesleyan Female College, and they have three children: Cornelia Frances, Mary Gertrude and G George Pelton, and the daughters are graduates of Vassar College. In politics Mr. Jones is a Republican.

CHARLES ECKELS JORDAN, retired farmer, Findlay, a leading pioneer of Hancock County, was born on Indian Run, upon the present site of Bellaire, Ohio, May 23, 1800, son of Charles and Jane (Eckels) Jordan, natives of Pennsylvania, who settled in what is now Richland Township, Belmont Co., Ohio, in 1793. Our subject, at the age of fifteen, learned the trade of boot and shoe-making, which he followed for a few years, retiring from it at Wheeling, Va., in 1822, and then returning to his native State; where he carried on farming. After securing a little money he pushed westward, and in November, 1830, came to what is now Arcadia, and entered land. October 2, 1833, he removed there with his family, where he engaged successfully in farming and stock rearing till September, 1875, when he retired from it and camp to Findlay. He was married in Alexandria, Penn., in 1827, to Margaret Moore, who died in 1871 and is buried in Arcadia. Their family consisted of six sons and three daughters, viz.: Daniel S., farming in Missouri; Martha, widow of David Miller, re siding in Findlay; William, farming in this county; John, who died of wounds received in the late war (leaving five orphan children of whom Mr. Jordan is guardian); James B., killed in action at the battle of Dallas, a member of the Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Charles Wesley (deceased); Nancy Jane, wife of Steele Smith (on the old homestead); Mary (deceased), and Robert D., farming in Jewell County, Kas. Mr. Jordan married, on second occasion, Mrs. Elizabeth Winders, whom he survives. He always took an active interest in public affairs and served Washington Township as an official for many years. He attended the first election held therein when the enrolment showed but fourteen votes. Although not having attended public school more than two months his keen natural abilities placed him as a leader and besides serving as justice of the peace for several years he was among the first to organize the schools and other social interests of that township. He assisted in organizing the first Lutheran society in Washington Township and has remained a worthy member of that church for over fifty years. Upon the breaking out of the late civil war he united his interests with the war party of the Democracy, and although too old to serve in the ranks he did good service in other ways. Five of his sons entered the army and did honorable and creditable service (two of them sacrificing their lives). During this time Mr. Jordan made several trips to the headquarters of Sherman's army and gave encouragement by act and deed as best he could for the sustenance of the Union. He has been a voter for over three score years; upon National matters has always given his pronounced support to the Democratic party. He is still active and vigorous, and enjoys the happy retrospect of a life well and honorably spent, esteemed by all who know him.

FINDLAY TOWNSHIP AND VILLAGE. - 763

DAVID JOY, of the "Joy House," Findlay, comes of a long and worthy line of ancestors in this country. His paternal ancestor, Thomas Joy, is supposed to have come to our shores in the fleet with Gov. Winthrop of Massachusetts, in 1630. He was a member of the "Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company" of Boston, and owned two acres of land in the center of that city, and land adjoining, as his allotment from the Governor, received in 1634. He married Joan Gallop and reared five sons and three daughters and died at Hingham, Mass., in 1678. Of his children Joseph (Sr.) reared a large family of whom Joseph (Jr. ) had also a large family. Of his sons David, in turn, had a son David, who begat Abiather, who removed with his father from Rehoboth, Mass., to Guilford, Vt., and who, later, settled in Herkimer County, N. Y. Abiather reared his family in Herkimer County, and, of his sons, David married Ann Hubbard, and they became the parents of our subject. David Joy was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., October 10, 1834, and learned the business of his father (harness-making). He afterward engaged in hotel business there. Upon the breaking out of the late civil war he enlisted in Company I, Thirty-fifth New York Volunteers, and was assigned as musician, in which capacity he served till mustered out in 1862 by special act of Congress. After peace had been proclaimed he joined his brother Abiather and engaged in the hotel business at Carey, Ohio, in 1866, which they retired from in 1873 to give their entire attention to the present house, which the, had purchased in 1870. Mr. Joy has always taken an active part in the development of the public, social and industrial life of his locality and has contributed in no small degree to its advancement. He has been an able advocate of his party' e interests, in recognition of which they have placed him before the people on different occasions to represent their interests in State and National affairs. In 1875 he was defeated in the convention for a seat in the Ohio House of Representatives. In 1876 he received the nomination and was elected, with Gen. J. B. Steadman, to represent the Thirty-third Senatorial District for 1878-80. In 1882 Mr. Joy was the choice of the Hancock County Democracy to represent the Seventh Congressional District, but Hon. George E. Seney was the choice of the convention. Upon the organization of the Findlay Improvement Association he took a leading part sad has since continued one of its board of directors and has given important aid to many other worthy local enterprises. He was married in his native State to Miss Hannah Knickerbocker, of worthy New York pioneer stock, and of a family of nine children by this union, three daughters and two sons survive: Julia, wife of Henry C. Steams, a druggist, of Janesville, Wis.; Alice A., wife of E. B. Davis, of Marion Township, this county; Martha M., Frank K. and Orville are at home. Mr. Joy has been a worthy Odd Fellow for many years and has passed all the chairs in that society. He is of medium build, strong physique, has indomitable will-power and carries his force of character into all his business connections. He is, however, of a genial nature and forms strong friendships. In politics he is a Democrat.

JOSEPH R. KAGY, lawyer and farmer, exauditor of Hancock County, Findlay, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, December 21, 1842, son of Samuel and Hannah (Baker) Kagy, natives of that county, the former of whom, a son of Christian Kagy, who located in that county in 1800, from Shenandoah County, Va., comes of pioneer stock in Virginia and Pennsylvania. Hannah (Baker) Kagy was a daughter of Charles Baker, also a

764 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

pioneer of Fairfield County. In 1847 Samuel Kagy settled in Allen Township, this county, where he cleared and improved land, and was a worthy citizen. He reared and educated his family well, and was altogether an active and energetic business man; he died May 7, 1884, in full communion with the Baptist Church, of which he had ever been a liberal supporter. Of his twelve children, four sons and four daughters survive: Joseph R., Solomon D., a farmer in Waverly, Neb. ; Barbara E., wife of Samuel Swab, a farmer in this county; David B., a farmer and teacher; Samuel A., attorney at law, Findlay; Clara R., a teacher; Alice C., wife of L. A. Heminger, a farmer and teacher in this county; and Frances E. Joseph R., the eldest, obtained a good education and taught school for many years here. Daring this time he accumulated a nice competency and carried on farming, with which he is still identified. He has always taken an active part in public affairs, and has held many of the offices of the township. In 1871 he became a member of the board of school examiners for the county, and served in that incumbency for six years; in 1877 he was elected auditor of Hancock County, which position he creditably filled till November, 1883, when he retired from public affairs, and is now pursuing the study of law in order to adopt it as a profession. He married in Van Buren, Ohio, January 21, 1864, Catharine M., daughter of John and Mary (Bookman) Zarbaugh, pioneers of this county, from Pennsylvania. They have a family of three sons and two daughters: Nora B. and Edith, the eldest two, are ladies of literary attainments and teachers of excellent reputation; Earl C., David Dudley and J. Rodney are young lads yet attending school. Mrs. Kagy is a member of the Christian Church, to which Mr. Kagy is a liberal contributor. He is a worthy Odd Fellow and member of the Encampment. Since locating in Findlay Mr. Kagy has taken an active interest in the development of the social and industrial life of Findlay, and has always been a liberal contributor to measures tending to its welfare. He is of good physique, strong constitution and vigorous nature, and bids fair to take rank in the line of long-lived citizens of this section of the county. In politics he is a Democrat.

KARL AUGUST EMANUEL KARG (formerly Karch), meat market, Findlay, was born at Boennigheim, in the Kingdom of Wurtemburg, Germany, March 8, 1829; son of Jacob Friederich and Regina (Zimmerman) Karch, whose family of three sons and one daughter came to America, viz. Wilhelmina, wife of Edward Dietsch, a furniture manufacturer; Lewis, a butcher and farmer; Frederick, who died in Findlay in the spring of 1885, leaving a family, and K. A. E. Karg. In 1850 our subject came to America and spent two years in New York City, coming to Findlay in 1852. While in New York he married Margaret Young, who was born in Auerbach, Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, January 4, 1827, and came to America (to New York City) in 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Karg have a bright, intelligent family of five sons and two daughters: Eliza, wife of John Klentchy, residing in Findlay; Jacob Frederick, in meat market business; August, in meatmarket business; Charles, in meat market business; Minnie, wife of William M. Hull, a harness maker in Silver City, N. Mex. ; Albert, in meat market business, and William, too young as yet for business. Mr. Karg learned his father's trade (meat business) in his native land, has taken an important rank in that industry here, and has accumulated a handsome competency, He is also a taxidermist of considerable skill, to which, in his later years, he

FINDLAY TOWNSHIP AND VILLAGE. - 765

has paid considerable attention. He is a worthy gentlemen, an excellent citizen and a thorough-going business man. He has served in the councils of his adopted city. Mr. and Mrs. Karg and family attend the services of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Republican.

FRANK KARST, grocer, Findlay, was born at Bingen-on-the-Rhine, in Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, March 29, 1827; son of Marlin and Elizabeth (Bertram) Karst, who came to America in 1849, and settled in Findlay, Ohio, where Martin Karst died in 1880, at the age of ninety-three years and five months. His family consisted of Peter and John (twins); Susanna, now Mrs. Jacob Lau; Barbara, now Mrs. Joseph Fleck; Jacob, in Defiance, Ohio; Frank; Lizzie (deceased wife of Josiah Zoll). Our subject learned merchandising in his native land, and after coming to Findlay in 1849, embarked in same, which he has carried on successfully since. He was married, in 182, to Anna Snyder, a native of Austria, who bore him five sons and three daughters (of whom but one son and two daughters survive): Frank L., Joseph P., Kate, Adelina, Augustus, Amelia, Julius and Martin. Of this family the mother, Joseph P. and Frank L. (he left three children, of whom two survive) died in 1881, and Julius and Martin died young. The family are communicants of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, to which Mr. Karst has always been a liberal contributor, and in which he has served as an active official. He is a worthy member of the Catholic Benevolent Society. Mr. Karst has always taken an active part in the development of Findlay's social and industrial life, and has served in its councils for several years. In politics he is a Democrat.

FRANK J. KARST, proprietor of saloon and restaurant, Findlay, was born at Bingen-on-the-Rhine, Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, February 28, 1845; son of John and Barbara (Roskopf) Karst, who came to America in 1852 and settled in Findlay, Ohio. They had two sons and three daughters Frank J. ; Kate (deceased wife of Jacob Fleck); John, in the express business; Isabel, all residing in Findlay; and Mary, wife of Martin Kunemire, a blacksmith in Defiance, Ohio. Our subject spent several years at the car pentering in Findlay and in 1873 embarked in his present business. He was married, in 1869, by the Rev. Father W atman, of St. Michael's Church, to Lucy, daughter of John G. Kissberth, Esq., of Gilboa, Ohio. They have two sons and one daughter; Charles, William and Lulu. Mr. Karst is a regular communicant of St. Michael's Church, and a member of St. Michael's Benevolent Society. He has rather held aloof from public office, but has served his county as coroner and deputy sheriff. He is a thorough going, public-spirited business man and citizen, and has accumulated a very respectable competency.

J. A. KIMMEL, physician, Findlay, was born in Carroll Co., Ohio, September 17, 1844, son of David and Christiana (Oakes) Kimmel, the former of York County, the latter of Bedford County, Penn. , and of Holland and English pioneer ancestry in Pennsylvania. In 1851 David Kimmel settled in Marion Township, this county, where four sons and three daughters grew up, viz; George W. ; Ellen, died at five years of age; Kate; Samuel B. ; David J. ; Margaret J. ; Jacob A. and Tabitha E. ; and three daughters are buried Ellen, who died at the age of five years; Henrietta and Samantha Ann. Our subject received a good common school education and attended Find lay High School. In February, 1863, he enlisted in defense of the Union, in Company A, Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and did active

706 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

and honorable service till the cud of the war, when he received his discharge. After the close of the struggle he read medicine in the office of Drs. Entrikin & Ballard, here, and graduated from Cleveland Medical College in 1867. He then located in Cannonsburg, where he carried on an active practice till 1872, when he came to Findlay. In 1875 he took a post-graduate course at Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York City, from which he received a creditable diploma. He married here, in 1869, Eliza Ellen, daughter of the late Robert Bonham. She passed away this life May 28, 1873, in full communion with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is laid to rest in Maple Grove Cemetery. Dr. Kimmel was again married; this time in 18 75, to Rosa E. , daughter of Ambrose Graber, Esq. , and by her has one son, Alfred Graber. Dr. Kimmel is a worthy F. & A. M. and a member of the G. A. R. He is a clever professional man and a public-spirited, energetic citizen, contributing liberally to all measures conducive to the public weal. In politics he is a Republican.

DAVID KIRK, proprietor of the Eagle Flouring-Mills, Findlay, was born in Dumfermline, Fifeshire, Scotland, May 5, 1849, son of James and Margaret (Swan) Kirk, of that country, who reared three sons and three daughters, of whom the sons came to this country. James is a miller at Akron, Ohio; David and John are in this county. Our subject was reared to milling in his native land. In 1869 he came to America and followed his trade at Akron, Ohio, for ten years. In 1879 he came to Findlay, this county, and united with W. W. McConnel (now of Toledo) in the present mill, and in January, 1885, he purchased Mr. McConnel's interest. Mr. Kirk was married, February 28, 1872, in Akron, Ohio, to Margaret White, of Loch Galey, Fifeshire. Scotland, daughter of Robert and Mary (Watson) White. To Mr. and Mrs. Kirk were born three sons and three daughters: James, Robert, Mary, Margaret, David and Bessie B. (latter deceased). Mrs. Margaret Kirk died August 12, 1884. Mr. Kirk is a hardworking, painstaking and industrious business man, and has, by his own exertions, built up his present extensive business and his large trade is the result of first-class work. On December 3, 1885, a gas well was drilled on the mill property, by D. Kirk, to the depth of 1,171 feet, and a large and inexhaustible vein of natural gas was found and same was immediately applied to his mill for manufacturing flour and also domestic uses.

ELMER L. KRIDLER, carriage manufacturer, Findlay, comes of worthy pioneer families of Seneca County, Ohio, son of Frederick and Elenora (Creeger) Kridler, latter of whom died when our subject was but four years old, and some years after Frederick Kridler married Miss Mary Leper, of Kenton, Hardin Co. , Ohio, and they now live in Wood County, Ohio. Elmer L. Kridler was born in Tiffin, Ohio, October 20, 1847, and in early life became apprenticed to carriage painting in the shop of Peter Van Nest, in his native town. After completing his trade he came to Findlay, this county (in 1870), and here worked at same till 1879 when he embarked in business on his own account, and has been promptly identified with the carriage manufacturing interests of this city since. He was married here, in 1876, to Elizabeth, daughter of Peter Kuntz, and by her he has one daughter and one son: Leora Louise and Earl. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. During the late war of the Rebellion Mr. Kridler did service in Company C,

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One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He is a member of Stoker Post, G. A. R, Royal Arcanum and American National Union Societies. Mr. Kridler is a careful and painstaking workman, a clever business man and a genial gentleman, characteristics which have added materially to the building up of the large trade that he now enjoys in his line of manufacture. In politics he is a Republican.

PETER KUNZ, hardware. stove and tinware dealer, Findlay, was born in Baumholder, Kingdom of Prussia, December 2, 1831; son of Frederick and Elizabeth (Maurer) Kunz. In 1849 our subject came to America, and settled in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, where he was connected with mer chandising in groceries and provisions at Ragersville. He served Tuscarawas County as its clerk from 1864 till 1867, when, upon retiring from office, he came to Findlay and engaged in the grocery business with M. Henry Schwartz for five years, and three years on his own account; then embarked in the hardware, stove and tin business. He was married in Ragersville, in 1852, to Rosetta, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Dribble, natives of Bavaria, who came to this country in 1833 and settled in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Kunz have one son and five daughters: Elizabeth, wife of E. L. Kridler, carriage manufacturer, of Findlay; Louisa, wife of C. O. Parker, proprietor of restaurant here; Chases A., associated with his father in business, forming the firm of Peter Kunz & Son; Clara, Callie and Rosa, at home. The family attend service at St. John's Lutheran Church, of which Mr. Kunz has gees a worthy official for several years. He is a member of the Masonic order and of the K. of P. ; has served the city as a member of its council. Upon the organization of the Findlay Natural Gas Company he became one of its stock holders, and is an active supporter of other interests of Findlay. In politics he is a Republican.

WILLIAM M. LOWTHER, deputy clerk of the court of common pleas, Findlay, was born in Washington County, Penn., July 19, 1830, son of William and Eleanor (Farrar) Lowther, natives of that county, who settled in Holmes County, Ohio in 1834, and who reared a family of five sons and four daughters, of whom three sons and one daughter survive. The Lowthers and Farrars were of old Irish pioneers in Maryland and Pennsylvania; of the former belongs Sir James Lowther, of the Irish peerage. Our subject is the grandson of Adam Lowther, one of three brothers of an old Irish family, two of whom, Adam (just mentioned) and William, came to this country, landing at Baltimore, Md. The subject of this sketch married in Holmes County, Ohio, Delilah, daughter of George Uhl, a pioneer of Holmes County, from Maryland, and sister to the Hon. D. S. Uhl, an attorney, of Holmes County. Mr. and Mrs. Lowther have one child, Mollie Cameron. Mrs. Lowther is a worthy member of the Lutheran Church. Our subject is a Royal Arch Mason. He is also Worthy Past Grand in the I. O. O. F. Since coming here, in 1811, he has been almost continuously in county work as deputy auditor, clerk, etc. In politics he is a Democrat.

LEMUEL McMANNESS, sheriff of Hancock County, Findlay, was born in Cumberland County, Penn., October 1,1846, son of John and Jane (Stubbs) McManness, natives of that county. In 1856 they moved to Findlay, Ohio, where John McManness died in 1866, preceded by his wife a few days. They left one son, Lemuel, and two daughters: Anna C., wife of J. H. Deck-

768 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

er and Mary (now deceased). The subject of this sketch, when a lad- of eleven years, apprenticed himself to the grocery business here, in the store of Isaac Davis, and was prominently identified with that industry here, embarking in it in 1870 and retiring in 1883. In 1882 he had purchased an interest in the Findlay Linseed Oil Mills and latterly in the Rake Factory with both of which he is still connected. He has always been a hardworking, painstaking, business man and citizen, and has accumulated a handsome competence in his business. He is of fine physique, vigorous disposition and versatile nature, and this, coupled with his long experience of upright dealing with the people of Hancock County, have made him one of their most popular men. Although often requested to accept offices in their gift, Mr. Mc Manners declined till, in 1884, he accepted the nomination to sheriff, as a Republican, and carried the ticket largely in a Democratic County. He had previously held the clerkship of the city. During the war of the Rebellion he offered his services in the ranks, but was too young; he however served from 1862 till the end of the war in the medical department and the sutlers' corps in connection with the quartermaster's department of the Army of the Tennessee. Mr. McManness was married in Findlay, in 1875, to Amanda E. , daughter of Jacob Kimmons, this union being blessed with one girl, Katie. Mrs. McManness is a worthy member of the Lutheran Church, to which her husband is a liberal contributor. He is a F. & A. M. and a member of the K. of P. Sheriff McManness has always been a liberal supporter of the social and industrial development of Findlay and Hancock County, and is esteemed by all parties in this locality.

J. J. MILLER, manufacturer, superintendent of the Findlay stave and handle factory, Findlay, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, February 1, 1853, son of the Rev. John Wesley Miller, who served for many years in eastern Ohio in connection with Baptist Church work. He died in 1855, leaving his widow, Ellen (Ellison) Miller, and a son and three daughters. The subject of this sketch was early educated to wood-working and manufacturing business in Findlay (coming here in 1862) and has been creditably connected with that industry here since. He was united in marriage in Findlay, in 1872, with Barbara, daughter of Theodore , and Catharine Seibel, natives of Germany. They have two sons and two daughters: Albert, Maggie, Estella and John. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Church of God.

S. C. MOORE, lumber dealer and manufacturer of lumber, Findlay, was born in Jackson Township, this county, September 18, 1839, son of James B. and Hannah Moore, pioneers of Jackson Township. The Moores came of Irish stock in Virginia. The children of James B. Moore (by two marriages) were John, Armenia Euretta, and Rachel, Jackson (deceased), S. C., Adam, William, George and Mary E. The subject of our sketch was reared to mechanical work which he followed till l the break ing out of the war of the Rebel lion. He enlisted in 1862, in the Seventh Independent Ohio Volunteers Sharp Shooters and served in Sherman's body guard until the end of the struggle. A few years after the war he went to Missouri where he spent some four years and then returned to Findlay, this county, where he has since been prominently connected with manufacturing interests. Mr. Moore was married in this city to Sidney A. Winders, who died in 1873. He was married on second occasion to Sarah J., daughter of John Povenmire, a pioneer of this county. He has a family of five children: Elizabeth, by first wife, and Myna N. , Addis M., Alice and an infant by his second marriage.

FINDLAY TOWNSHIP AND VILLAGE. - 769

The family attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Moore is a member of Stoker Post, G. A. R. and of the I. O. O. F. He is one of Findlay's public-spirited citizens, and has contributed in no small degree to its material advancement, not only in manufacturing but in the development of the social and public life.

SOLOMON MORE, of the firm of S. & I. S. More, proprietors of lumber mills, Findlay, was born in Carroll County, Ohio, October 25, 1827, son of John and Elizabeth (Kleckner) More, the former a son of Andrew More, a na tive of Germany; the latter a daughter of Frederick Kleckner, also a native of Germany. The families of More and Kleckner came from Washington County, Penn., to Carroll County, Ohio. John More settled in Big Lick Township, this county, in 1834, where eleven sons and three daughters were reared. Solomon More, our subject, took up milling some twenty-eight years ago and has since been successfully connected with it. He married, December 14, 1854, Margaret, daughter of Jonathan Fenstenmaker, who settled in Amanda Township, this county, in 1838. They have one son, Isaac Stoker, who married Lida, daughter of William Casteel, of Marion Township, this county, and by this union has one son and one daughter: Otto Harry and Eva Blanche. The family attend the services of the United Brethren Church. Solomon More is a strong temperance man, and has always advocated Prohibition principles in good strong terms. He and his son are enterprising business men and do a nice trade in lumber milling here.

GEORGE W. MYERS, judge of probate court, Findlay, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, March 14; 1833. son of Matthew and Barbara (Beck) Myers, the former of whom, a native of Baden, came to America in 1823 when a lad and settled in Fairfield County; the latter, a native of Wurtemberg, came to this county with her parents, who settled in Fairfield County in 1819. They reared one son and one daughter: George W. and Eliza, wife of Henry C. Graffe, jeweler in Ft. Wayne, Ind. The family removed here in 1848, when Mr. Myers carried on merchandising. The subject of this sketch received a good education, and at sixteen joined a party who made an overland trip to California, and, after an interesting journey of sixteen months, arrived at Weaverville, September 1, 1849. After spending a few years in the Golden State, Mr. Myers returned, in 1852, and embarked in the jewelry business at Goshen, Ind., which he retired from to accept a position in the postal department on the Lake Shore Rail way. Retiring in 1859 he came here and built the Lake Erie & Western Elevator and has been very prominently engaged in the grain trade here since, meanwhile serving as agent for that corporation here till 1881. Mr. Myers was married in Findlay, in 1855, to Sally W. C., daughter of Squire Carlin. They have two sons: Clark, in the grain business in Findlay, and Carlin, a farmer and stock raiser in Kosciusko, Ind. Judge Myers has always been an active business man and citizen, and has contributed in no small degree to the development of many of Findlay's important industries; he has been a worthy official in local matters and, in 1884, the people of this county testified their appreciation of him by electing him to his present incumbency.

A. H. NICHOLS, photographer, Findlay, was born in Eaton County, Mich. January 24, 1849, son of Hiram B. and Lemira L. (Cheney) Nichols, natives of New York State. After receiving a good education, our subject went into the studio of his uncle, A. M. Cheney, of Charlotte, Mich, with whom he

770 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

completed his studies in photography and afterward remained as a partner in the business for over three years. In 1876 Mr. Nichols established himself in his profession, in Findlay, where he has since been favorably known. He married in Findlay Clara C. Sheffield, and they have one son, Lynn Sheffield. Our subject and wife attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has always given a cordial support to measures tending the city's development, and although averse to holding public office, has served the city with credit in her councils. In politics he is a Democrat.

CHARLES OESTERLEN, physician, Findlay, was born in Weinsberg, Kingdom of Wurtemberg, October, 5, 1807 son of Rev. Frederick Oesterlen (a worthy minister of the Lutheran Church) and Louisa (Knab) Oesterlen. Our subject, when a lad, attended school at Laufen on the Necker. At fourteen he entered the gymnasium at Stuttgart, from which he graduated at the age of eighteen in a thorough literary, scientific and classical course. He then went to Dubingen where he engaged in medical studies under an able professor. In 1832 he came to America, and after spending some considerable time in traveling through the country, located in Ashland, Ohio, in 1834. September 30, 1836, he came to Findlay, where he has since been connected with the practice of medicine very successfully. In 1846 he embarked in merchandising here, from which he retired in 1848; from 1848 to 1862 he served in the councils of the city; in 1871 he was elected (the first representative of the Republican party from Hancock County) to the Legislature of the State. In 1863 Mr. Oesterlen visited his native land, and again in 1876, when he was recalled by the loss of several thousands of dollars through the breaking of the Findlay Savings Bank Company. In June, 1885, along with his estimable wife, who has always accompanied him, he again started for his old home in the Fatherland, but got sick in New York and did not cross the ocean, but came home. He was married in Findlay, in 1838, to Amelia, daughter of Leonard Tritch. They have no children of their own, but have reared a brother and sister of Mrs. Oesterlen, viz. : Harriet (deceased wife of Dr. Detwiler), and Parley C. Truth. ex-sheriff of Hancock County. Dr, Oesterlen has ever been an ardent supporter of all measures tending to advance public interest. He was one of the first to advocate boring for natural gas here, and is one of the important stockholders of the Findlay Natural Gas Company. In politics he is a Republican.

CHARLES W. O' NEAL, deceased, was born in Middletown. Frederick Co. , Md. , January 19, 1811. His father, Horatio G. O' Neal, was for many years employed in the auditor's office at Washington, D. C., and was distinguished as an efficient clerk, as well as one of the finest penmen ever employed as a government official. In 1833 Charles W, O' Neal came to Zanesville, Ohio, where, in 1834, he was married to Miss Amy J. Baldwin. In 1835 he came to Findlay. Ohio, studied law with Edson Goit and A. F. Merriam, and was admitted to the bar in August, 1838. When he came West he seemed predisposed to consumption, but, being a practical surveyor, his services were often called into requisition in surveying and locating roads, the principal one being the State road from Findlay, Ohio, to Fort Wayne, and this open air work contributed greatly to the restoration of his health. He also taught a number of terms in the Findlay school, and many of the business men, now in middle life, were formerly his pupils. He held the office of county auditor one term, and, in 1844, was elected to and served one term in the State

FINDLAY TOWNSHIP AND VILLAGE. - 771

Senate. He was prudent, diligent, methodical to a remarkable degree in all his pursuits, and some time prior to his death, December 20, 1879, he partially retired from business life and spent a part of his time in Kendalville and Elkhart, Ind. , but when disease warned him of his approaching death he came back to die among his friends, He was converted at the age of sixteen years, and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which his attachment was strong and his interests great during his whole life. Filled as it was with duties and responsibilities of his various occupations, he never forgot his fealty to God; and the religion of Christ, which he embraced when a mere youth, cheered and sustained him when " heart and flesh failed," and the kindly ministrations of loving hearts were powerless to comfort. His marriage gave him four children, of whom Josephine V, was married to James Harsh, of Massillon, Ohio, who practiced law some ten years in Findlay. (He read law with O' Neal. Blackford & Whiteley, at Findlay. He enlisted in the Ninety-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and held a commission as lieutenant, but was discharged on account of ill health and died in 1870, leaving a daughter, Mary F., who married J, E. Peirce, of Dayton. Ohio.) Our subject's second child was Mary E. ; the third, Emma F., is married to Joseph O. Gregg, of Fargo, Dak. ; Mr. O'Neal's fourth child was Charles S. Mrs. O'Neal died in 1880, In this volume will be found a portrait of the worthy Charles W. O' Neal, the subject of this sketch,

JONATHAN PARKER, deceased, was born in Loudoun County, Va., April 21, 1808. About the year 1813 his father crossed the mountains, on horseback, to Morgan County, Ohio, where he purchased land. He returned home, sold his property in Virginia and the following spring brought his family, consisting then of his wife and six children, and began anew the life of a pioneer in the green woods of Morgan County, Our subject remained at home until he was fifteen years of age, when he began learning the carpenter' s trade, which he had mastered by the time he reached his majority. He then, with one suit of clothes and an extra shirt tied up in a cotton handkerchief, and 75 cents in money, started on a tramp in search of work. He received employment for two years in various places, from which he saved $200. In the summer of 1831 he became acquainted with Frederick Henderson, with whom he soon made arrangements to come to Findlay. On October 18, 1831., Frederick Henderson, wife and child, and Jonathan Parker, together with Henderson's brother, who was employed to move them, started for Blue Rock Township, Muskingum . Co., Ohio, with four horses and an old wagon which broke down when they had jour neyed some ten miles. This they replaced with another and came on to Upper Sandusky. From there they found the road very bad, and when at a place between the present site of Caret' and the old Judge Brown farm, the "bottom fell out of the road," and they were obliged to solicit aid. By securing ox teams from the neighbors they were hauled to Peter George's, who lived at a place called "Old Ashery," where they remained overnight, sleeping in Mr. George's cabin, 14x14 feet. The river was too high to cross with team the next morning, so they hired Mr. George and an assistant to bring them in a canoe to Findlay. As the little dug-out floated slowly down the river Mr. Parker meditated on the gloomy aspect of the surroundings, and occasionally gazed upon log cabins, located long distances apart, and interrogated Mr. George with such queries as whether a stranger was likely

772 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

to get lost in the woods? October 28, they landed above the old Brush Dam. The next morning they took pirogues and went back for their goods, and in the evening they moved into a log cabin located where the jail now stands. Mr. Parker's bedstead had but one post, the walls constituting the others, and the cord was lin bark. During the winter of 1832 Mr. Parker boarded with William Taylor at his inn, located near where Dr, Osterlen now lives. Jonathan Parker was married to Elizabeth Hamilton, resulting in one child, short-lived, and followed soon to its grave by the mother. Mr, Parker subsequently married Lucinda Workman, and was blessed with the following named children: Joseph, deceased; Albert and John; Mrs. Parker died May 15, 1844, and Mr. Parker was again married; this time, February 18, 1846, with Nancy A. Workman, a sister to his second wife, who has borne him three children: W. F., deceased; W, S. and C. O. For several years after coming to Findlay, Mr. Parker engaged at the carpenter's trade. He constructed the first steam-mill in the county and built and operated the saw-mill now owned by Mrs. Powell, and also erected a combined saw and grist-mill-the Hancock Mills, now the property of his son John. Jonathan Parker was an active W Whig and a stanch Republican; he united with the Methodist Church in 1842, and lived a devoted Chris+ran life. He was very popular as president of the Hancock County Pioneer Association, and being one of the best known men in this county, he was one of the most respected. He died September 27, 1879. Elsewhere will be found a portrait of this worthy pioneer.

W. S. PARKER, son of Jonathan Parker, was born February 14, 1849, and educated in Findlay schools and Cleveland Commercial College. He married, February 14, 1872, Clara C., daughter of Miles W. Vance, and to them were born Mabel C., Percy P,, Vance J. and Dean W. Mr, Parker began business for himself, in 1871, with his brother, John P. , operating the old Parker Mills, from which he withdrew in January, 1883, and engaged with Shull & Fisher in the manufacture of doors, sash and blinds, and dealing in hard and soft lumber, He is also interested with his brother, Albert, in a herd of Holstein cattle, in Colorado, Mr. Parker is a member of the Masonic fraternity and is secretary in the lodge; is also a member of the Royal Arcanum; he is a member of the Findlay School Board; in politics an earnest Republican, He and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

C. O. PARKER, son of Jonathan Parker, was born February 19, 1853, in this county, and was educated in the Findlay schools. He taught school two terms, and worked two years in the Jeffersonian office. He clerked for seven years for Charles Hall, in the restaurant business, and in 1880 opened his present excellent restaurant, where he is doing a fine business. He married, October 20, 1880, Louisa Kunz, and by her has one child, Myrtle R. Mr. Parker is a Republican in politics; a member of the K. of P. He and his estimable wife are members of the Methodist. Episcopal Church,

JOHN PARKER, miller, proprietor of the Hancock Mills, Findlay, was born in Findlay, this county, January 31, 1842, son of Jonathan and Lucinda (Workman) Parker, Jonathan Parker was born near Martinsville, Va., and comes of pioneer stock in that State. When a lad he moved with his parents to Morgan County, Ohio, and from there to Findlay, this county, in 1831. He was a carpenter by trade and took leading rank in that profession

FINDLAY TOWNSHIP AND VILLAGE. - 773

here, he with W. Taylor and A. Daughenbaugh building the first steam saw-mill in the county. The present Hancock Mills (originally a planing-mill) were erected by him. The subject of this sketch, who became apprenticed to carriage-making here in early life, at the age of twenty-two went West, and spent two years profitably in Montana; returning here in 1805 he took up milling and has since been connected with that industry in Findlay. In 1884 he engaged with others in the importation direct of fine-bred draft horses (Norman and Percheron). He has been identified with the development of some important interests and industries here; has served with credit in the councils of Findlay. He is a worthy Mason, and has attained to the degree of Knight Templar, Shawnee Commandery, at Lima, Ohio. In politics he is a Republican.

JOSEPH S. PATTERSON, merchant, dealer in dry goods, carpeting and house furnishing goods, Findlay, O., was born in Bellefontaine, Logan Co., O., November 25, 1827; son of Robert and Eliza Patterson, the former of whom was born in Ballee, County Down, Ireland, January B, 1780; he spent the greater part of his life in merchandising-was one of the originators of the old Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad, now the Indiana, Bloomington & Western, and was for many years a director, and the secretary and treasurer of that company; after a successful life in business and in his social relations he passed away in 1867, leaving four sons and four daughters. Our subject, Mr. J, S, Patterson, came to Findlay from his native town, Bellefontaine, in the spring of 1843, when still a boy, in the sixteenth year of his age, and for some years and until he entered into a home of his own, made his home with his brother-in-law; Rev, R. H. Hollyday. He had been connected in business with John Ewing, John S, Van Eman, Frederic Henderson and Milton Taylor, with the last two as a partner in business. For many years Mr. Patterson has conducted a successful business, independent of any partnership until recently; now his two sons, Charles and Frank, are associated with him. In 1856 Mr. Patterson erected the imposing business block on the northwest corner of Main and Sandusky Streets, which he continues to occupy with his growing business. He has taken a leading part in the mercantile interests of Findlay, and is to-day the oldest merchant in active business in the place, and traces back a record of over forty-three years of successful business relations. In 1853 Mr. Patterson was united in marriage with Minerva, daughter of William Taylor, one of the earliest settlers in Findlay, a merchant, and a representative of Hancock County in the earlier period of its history in the State Legislature. Mr. Patterson united with the Presbyterian Church in Findlay in the spring of 1850, during a season of special religious interest; in 1866 he was elected and ordained a ruling elder in this church. He has served the church in this capacity for twenty years, during which time he has been called to represent the church in meetings of the Presbytery, and has served as a commissioner for the Presbytery in the General Assembly. He has been an active worker in the church, contributing liberally to its support at home, as well as to all its benevolent enterprises at large, and has given a liberal support to all measures tending to the development of the industrial and social interests of the community in which he has so long resided. In politics Mr. Patterson is a Republican.

EMANUEL PHIFER, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Findlay, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, March 14, 1808, son of Jacob and Mary

774 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

(Ellinger) Phifer, who came to Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1806, from Pennsylvania. Of their family of five children only two survive: Catherine, now Mrs. Guseman, residing in Lancaster, Ohio, and Emanuel, the subject of this sketch, The deceased are Maria Snyder, who died in Greene County, Ohio; John, who died in Lafayette, Ind. ; and Eliza, wife of John Laughlin, Esq., and who died in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. Emanuel Phifer learned the tanning business of his father, in Fairfield County, Ohio, which he followed till 1834, when he came to this county and entered eighty acres of land and cut the first tree felled on his farm. By dint of steady, persistent industry, Mr. Phifer accumulated property and now owns 290 acres of valuable land (no town property), besides having settled nice properties on his children. Mr. Phifer married, in Fairfield County, Ohio, Emily Bowling, who departed this life in 1875, leaving three sons and three daughters, all highly respected members of society: John S., a farmer in Wood County, Ohio; George W., an active farmer and stock raiser, in Findlay Township, this county; Edwin, residing in Findlay, Ohio; Sarah E. and Annie, the only surviving daughters, live at home and cheer our subject's fireside; Agues (deceased wife of Richard Hawkins). She left two sons: Melville, now living with our subject, and Albert, residing with his uncle, George W. Phifer (our subject's son). The remaining grandchildren of Emanuel Phifer are Myrtie and Eugene Laverne, of John's family, and Farlan, Ebon and Faith, of Edwin's family. Emanuel Phifer is a public spirited citizen and has always contributed to worthy enterprises.

ALEXANDER PHILLIPS (deceased) was born in Harrison County, Ohio, August, 12, 1812, son of William Phillips, a prominent pioneer of Jefferson County, Ohio: Our subject married in Carrollton, Carroll Co., Ohio, September 1, 1835, Miss Catherine, daughter of Horace and Mary (Cunningham) Duvall, prominent pioneers of Carroll County, Ohio. Alexander Phillips came to this county in 1856. He reared a family of four sons and five daughters, Before coming to this county Mr. Phillips had carried on merchandising; here he was successfully engaged in farming and stock raising, accumulating a handsome competence which, upon his death, he left to his family. Mr. Phillips was an active church and temperance worker for many years. His clever business capacities and upright character made him a very acceptable official, and the people of this county elected him as their representative to the Legislative Assembly of Ohio. The fact that he was elected on the Republican ticket in a county largely Democratic, attests to his popularity with the people and to their appreciation of his worth. Hon. Alexander Phillips died September 22, 1876. during the session of the Legislature, and was buried in Maple Grove Cemetery with Masonic honors. The following resolutions of respect and condolence were passed by that branch of the Legislature of which he had been a member:

IN MEMORIAM

ALEXANDER PHILLIPS.

Resolved. That it is with unfeigned sorrow that we learn of the death of the Hon. Alexander Phillips, late a member of this House, suddenly cut down at his home at Findlay, Hancock County, Ohio, Friday, September 22, 1878.

Resolved That fir, Phillips, by his quiet, unassuming manner, constancy in attendance upon the sessions of the House and close attention to its business, not only made friends of those associated with him but impressed all as an honest and faithful public servant.

FINDLAY TOWNSHIP AND VILLAGE. - 775

Resolved, That the memory of such a man is, to the House of which he was a member, to his constituents and the State of Ohio, a loss most serious, while to the family of which he was the loved and honored head, it is irreparable.

Resolved. That to the family of the deceased we hereby extend our sincere sympathy, trusting that the Author of all good will kindly remember its members in this hour of affliction.

Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the journal of the House and that the speaker be requested to transmit a certified copy thereof to the family of the deceased.

C. H. GROSVENOR, Speaker.

Adopted January 24, 1877.

ELI P. PHILLIPS, farmer and stock raiser, P, O. Findlay, was born in Mifflin County, Penn., June 16, 1821, to Charles and Elizabeth (Powell) Phillips, who removed to Eagle Township, this county, in 1833, and there reared one son and three daughters: Elizabeth (deceased); Catherine, wife of Peter Fetters; Rebecca (deceased) and Eli P. Our subject learned the plasterer's trade of his father and engaged in it for many years. He married Margaret, daughter of Henry and Levina (Searfoss) Folk, early settlers of Findlay Township, this county, and parents of the following named children: Susan, Harriet, Sarah, Elizabeth, Margaret, Henry and William, Mr, and Mrs. Phillips began, immediately after their marriage, improving their present farm which was then covered with timber. He cut cord-wood and rafted it down Eagle Creek to the old Eagle Mills and there sold it, at $1.25 per cord, to Benjamin Huber, who was then proprietor of the mils. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips have attended religious services when they were held at the homes of the pioneer families scattered over the country, and he has visited the Tiffin Mills for breadstuff. Mr. Phillips has not only improved many acres of land for himself, but has also cleared away the forest for others; he has opened up, in all, about 500 acres, and has probably done about as much hard work as any man in this county, and with as little fatigue. In his latter years Mr. Phillips has given considerable attention to mechanism and inventions; he invented a neat and cheap wooden grocery-scoop which is very useful. He also has a simple stone base for fencing posts which is unquestionably the finest thing of the kind in use; every farmer should have this kind of fence; it saves half their timber in posts; only four-feet posts are needed. His latest invention is a patent gate hinge, a long-hoped-for necessity. Having somewhat retired from actual labor, Mr. Phillips spends a large share of his time in constructing fine picture frames, etc. His marriage gave him four children: Sarah J. and Henry, who died young; Simon (who mauled and has one son and one daughter, Clement and Alverda); William Nelson, who married Sara Weber (they have one son and three daughters, Clare M, , Eva V. , Charles L. and Nellie E. ). Mr. and Mrs. Phillips attend worship at the Evangelical Church. He is a public-spirited man and contributes liberally to all measures for the public welfare of his locality, Elsewhere will be found a portrait of Mr. Phillips.

WILLIAM T. PLATT, auditor of Hancock County, Findlay, was born at Cannon's Mill, Columbia Co., Ohio, March 19, 1853, son of George and Eve M. (Faulk) Platt, the former a native of Oldham, England. George Platt, a miller by occupation, came to America when a young man, and died at Findlay in 1867, leaving a family of three sons and five daughters as a care for his estimable widow, who deserves especial mention asa worthy woman, wife and mother, and who by dint of steady, persistent industry,

776 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

reared and educated her children en and has lived to see them occupying important positions in life. William T. Platt obtained a good common school education and, at the age of twenty; engaged in teaching, After spending two terms in the country he came to Findlay, where, after teaching in the B department of the grammar school he taught for four years in the A department. During this time he served for six years as a member of the board of school examiners of Hancock County (from 1876 to 1883), and as city clerk from 1878 to 1883. In the latter year he was elected to his present official position, which he has creditably filled since. He married, in Findlay, Arminda, daughter of Jacob and Susan (Weimer) Altman, pioneers of this county. They have one son and one daughter: Florence E, and Clarence E. Mr. and Mrs. Platt are members of the English Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Democrat.

GEORGE W. POWELL, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Findlay, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, January 11, 1826, son of Samuel and Sarah (Rabenalt) Powell, who settled in Liberty Township, this county, in 1834. He is one of a family of eight sons and five daughters, of whom five sons and three daughters survive. George W. Powell was born and raised on the farm, and from the age of twenty-one to twenty-eight occupied his time in the winter teaching school and the remainder of the year on the farm, and has been successfully connected with that industry in this county since. At the age of twenty-seven he married Mary Jane, daughter of Allen McCahan, Esq,, and they have two sons and five daughters: Solon, Pearce (a teacher in Findlay, this county), Zela Jane, Alice Melissa, Florence Etna (wife of Charles N. Isham), Beecher W orth, Patience Eugenia and Mary Lucretia. The family attend worship at the church of the Evangelical Association. George W. Powell is a hard-working, industrious farmer, and has secured a handsome competency. He pays considerable attention to the rearing and breeding of fine stock, among which may be mentioned short horn cattle, merino sheep and Poland-China hogs. In public life he has held aloof from office-seeking; yet he has held township and county positions of trust. In politics he is a Prohibition Republican.

SOLOMON POWELL, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Findlay, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, October 11, 1832, son of Samuel and Sarah Rabinalt Powell, who came to this county in 1834. When a lad he received the rudiments of an education in the primitive schools of his day, and while working on the farm he applied himself during his leisure hours to study, and at the age of twenty-one years taught school, which, in connection With his receipts for his farm work, enabled him to purchase property and embark in farming for himself. He has been successful, and now owns 240 acres of valuable land, well stocked. Mr. Powell married, in this county, Hannah Thomas, and by her he has one son and three daughters: Flory, wife of Harrison Foltz; Effie, wife of James Browneller; Junius and Tina (the latter two being at home). Our subject and wife are worthy members of the United Brethren Church, which he has served in an official capacity for several years: He has also served, with credit, on the school board of his district, and in other local official positions. Mr. Powell is a . worthy citizen, a kind husband and father, and an exemplary business man. He has sought to encourage a higher and more progressive state of affairs in the social and industrial life of his community.

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RICHARD PRESSNELL, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Findlay, was born in the parish of Thurman, county of Kent, England, October 8, 1816, son of Richard and Ammy Riddle Pressnell, who were parents of fourteen children. Our subject came to America in 1850, and located in Bergen, N. Y. In 1853 he came to this county, where, by persistent industry, he has accumulated a handsome competence. He married, in the county of Kent, England, Miss Sarah Broomfield, and by her he had seventeen children, of whom two sons and five daughters died in youth; the survivors are Thomas, in Iowa; William, in Findlay, Ohio; Mary Ann, wife of Alfred Larkins, in Iowa; Alice, wife of James Gibson, in Findlay, Ohio; Amy, wife of D. C. Wilson, in Findlay, Ohio; Richard F., in Findlay, Ohio; Susan, wife of Joseph Hollins, in Dakota; Sarah, wife of Oscar Mills, in Findlay, Ohio; Jane, wife of Andrew J, Smith, in Findlay, Ohio, and Stephen, at home, Our subject has twenty-eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren living. He began life in his adopted country with but little of this world's goods, and has earned a handsome competence. He contributes to all meas ures for the advancement of his locality. In politics he is a Democrat,

WILLIAM PRESSNELL, contractor and builder, and quarryman, Findlay, was born near Elsford, in the county of Kent, England, July 28, 1845; son of Richard and Sarah (Broomfield) Pressnell, who came to America in 1852, settled in this county in 1854, and reared-a family of ten children. Our subject was reared to the building business (in stone work) in which he has been actively engaged since. During the War of the Rebellion he served two years in the Union Army. He married, in Findlay, in November, 1866, Mary Thomas, who bore him four children : Hardin T, , Alice May, Richard and William I. Mr. Pressnell has always been a hard working man, and has succeeded in building up a handsome business for himself and accumulating a nice competence. He is liberal, and contributes to all worthy measures. In politics he is a Democrat.

A. RADEBAUGH, dealer in general merchandise, and wholesale and retail dealer in pictures, frames and moldings, Findlay, was born in Liberty Township, this county, November 19, 1857; son of John Radebaugh, Esq., a native of Ohio, of German descent, At the age of twenty-one our subject left the farm and traveled in the interest of commercial trade for two years; then embarked in business, in Findlay, Ohio, where he carries in his bazar of notions a fine trade. Mr. Radebaugh was married in Findlay, to Mollie, daughter of William Bowman, Esq., and to this marriage two sons were born: Harry H. and Clarence W, Mr. Radebaugh and family attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a worthy member of the I. O. O. F., and a member of the Findlay Improvement Company. In politics he is a Democrat,

WILLIAM RAMSEY, farmer, P.O. Findlay, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, July 27, 1820, son of Albert and Catherine (Herrod) Ramsey, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively, and pioneers of Fairfield County, Ohio. They came to this county in 1833 and settled in Marion Township, where they entered and cleared land on which they lived for many years. This farm they sold before moving to Findlay, this county, where they passed the remainder of their lives. They were parents of eight children of whom five are now living: James, William, Daniel, Calistie, wife of Lewis Thomas, and Elizabeth, Wife of Isaac Johnson. William Ramsey, the subject of this sketch, Was twice married; first, June 4, 1846, to Louisa Saben,

778 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

who bore him four children: George (deceased), Harriet (deceased), Ellen (deceased), and Catherine, wife of Zachariah Fetters, residing in Wells County, Ind, Mr. Ramsey's second marriage was with Caroline M. Thomas; they have no children born to them but have an adopted child, William H. Ramsey, whom they have reared since he was three years of age. The subject of this sketch removed to Indiana for a short time, but returned to this county and has lived for twenty years on his present farm, located on Blanchard River, in Marion Township. In politics he is a Republican.

BASS RAWSON, M. D., Findlay, was born April 17, 1799, in the town of Orange, Franklin Co., Mass,, son of Lemuel Rawson, a tanner, who carried on his trade in Warwick, Mass., until about 1812, when he devoted his attention to agriculture for a number of years. In 1836 he removed to Bath, Summit Co., Ohio, but subsequently died at the residence of his son, Dr. L. Q. Rawson, at Fremont, Ohio. Dr. Bass Rawson is one of five brothers who removed from Massachusetts at an early day, and settled in Ohio, four being physicians. He is a member of the sixth generation of the Rawson family, in direct descent from Edward Rawson, who left England in 1836, and became secretary of the Massachusetts Colony from 1650 to 1686. His mother, Sarah Rawson (whose maiden name was Barrows), of Warwick, Mass,, was left an orphan at an early age. In his boyhood Dr. Rawson worked on a farm, and attended a country school, From the farm he went to learn the trade of hatter, which he worked at until he was about twenty years of age, but his health somewhat failing him, he determined to relinquish it and engage in the study of medicine. To this end he entered an academy at New Salem, Mass., which he attended several terms. In the meantime he taught school for the purpose of earning money to defray the necessary expense of his education. At the age of twenty-five he married, and immigrated to Ravenna, Ohio, where he remained a few months. He then removed to Otsego County, N, Y. , and located at Richfield. Here he again taught school. Previous to his leaving Massachusetts he had studied medicine for a few months, but on his return to the East he took up the study seriously, with the intention of qualifying himself as a physician, Dr, Thomas, of Richfield, becoming his preceptor. In the winter of 1826-27 he attended medical lectures at Dartmouth College, New Hampshire, and at the close of the collegiate term returned to his father's house at New Salem, and continued the reading of medicine with Dr. Brooks, of Orange. In June, 1828, he removed to Ohio, and practiced a little more than a year with his brother, Dr. Secretary Rawson, who resided in Medina County, Ohio. In September, 1829, he removed to Findlay, where he settled permanently in the practice of his profession. He was the first practicing physician that had arrived in the town, and was cordially welcomed by its inhabitants. The place had been but recently settled, and the first sale of lots occurred about a Week after his arrival. Only twelve white families resided within its limits, the Indians being more numerous than the whites. Here the Doctor has practiced without cessation for over fifty years. Although he has virtually retired from actively following his profession, some of his old patients still desire his attendance upon them and his professional advice, consequently he visits and prescribes occasionally. Dr. Rawson for a long time enjoyed a large and successful practice, the result of Which, together with judicious investments in real estate, is that he is in possession of a competency in his old age. He has been a member and supporter of the Presbyterian Church

FINDLAY TOWNSHIP AND VILLAGE. - 779

for more than fifty years. May 3, 1824, he was married to Amanda Blackmer, of Greenwich, Mass., who died in 1874, leaving an only daughter - Harriet E. Amanda-married to Dr. William D. Canlin, of Findlay, a sur geon in the army, and who died in the service of his country in 1862. Mrs. Canlin died in Findlay in 1870, leaving three children: Dr. Cass R., who was engaged in sheep raising in Montana, was accidentally shot and killed December 26, 1884, near his ranch; William L., residing in Findlay, member of the bar, and S. Amanda, married to C. T. Doudore, now living in Missouri. In politics Dr. Rawson is a Republican.

CONRAD RENNINGER, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Findlay, was born in Cumberland County, Penn., May 22,1809; son of Conrad and Catherine (Switzer) Renninger, natives of Pennsylvania. In 1854 the subject of this sketch, having previously been connected with the commission and forwarding business in the East, came to this county, engaged in farming and improved 160 acres of land in Liberty Township. He had married in his native place Miss Christians Atticks, who died in this county December 11, 1874, and is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery. Of their family William occupies the old farm in Liberty Township, this county, and has two sons and three daughters: Catherine, was married to William Lytle (she and her daughter are both deceased), Elizabeth died while young, Henry is a farmer (he has a son and a daughter), Jane, wife of Dr. T. G. Barnhill (they have one son, Samuel, who carries on the home farm and, by his marriage with Ada, daughter of August and Dora Polz Armbrecht, has one son and one daughter: Reginald and Carrie). August Ambrecht, a native of Berlin, Germany, died in Andersonville prison, Georgia, during the war of the Rebellion. Mrs. Ambrecht was a native of Hanover, Germany, The subject of this sketch has always held a modest position in public affairs, but has served with credit on the school board of his district, and on Findlay Township Board; was also infirmary director for three terms. He is public-spirited and progressive. and contributes liberally to all worthy projects.

SAMUEL RENNINGER, capitalist, Findlay, was born in Cumberland County, Penn., May 14, 1816, son of Conrad and Catherine (Switzer) Renninger, natives of Pennsylvania. Our subject's grandfathers were Conrad Renninger, a native of Germany, and Frederick Switzer, a native of Switzerland. Samuel Renninger learned carpentering, but after following it four years he was compelled to abandon the trade for lighter work, and finally took up hotel keeping. In 1853 he came to Findlay, this county, and here kept hotel for several years. In 1873, upon the death of his wife, Mr. Renninger retired from business and has since given his attention to the collection of his rents, etc., etc. He has two children: John S., a prominent physician in Marshall, Minn,, and Lillie, a lady of fine attainments, now residing with friends in Pennsylvania. Samuel Renninger is a clever business man and has succeeded in accumulating a handsome competence in the hotel business. He is liberal in his contributions to all Worthy public enterprises, and gives with a willing hand,

HERMAN ROGGE, grocer, Findlay, was born in Alberfeldt, Prussia, September 18, 1837, son of Ferdinand and Wilhelmina (Feting) Rogge, the former of whom died in 1862. Mrs, Rogge and a son reside in the old country. The subject of this sketch learned the manufacturing of chemicals in his native country, and upon attaining his majority entered the Prussian Army. With which he was connected for thirteen years, passing all through

780 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY .

the Franco-Prussian war. Being wounded at the battle of Sedan his physicians advised his making a trip to America, and having a sister living in Findlay, Ohio, hither he came in 1872, the advantages of business proving the magnet which has held him in this place since. Mr. Rogge was married, in Findlay, to Caroline Hahn, who died in 1881, leaving one son and one daughter: William and Mena. Mr, Rogge's second marriage was with Katie, daughter of Christopher Follweiler, Esq,, of Liberty Township, this county, a native of Baden, Germany, and by this marriage there are one son and one daughter: Nellie and Herman. Our subject and wife attend the German Reformed Church. He is an active member of the Harmonic Society and is its present secretary.

J. B. ROTHCHILD, wholesale dealer in liquors, Findlay, was born in Milhausen, Kingdom of Bavaria, August 6, 1832; son of Benjamin and Caroline (Kurtz) Rothchild. Our subject learned hat and cap making in his native land, and when but sixteen years old came to this country and to West Union, Ohio (where a sister, Mrs, Mary Oakes lived), and here spent a few years learning the habits and customs of his adopted country, He then worked at the tailoring business in Cincinnati and later commenced the clothing business at Bucyrus, Ohio. In 1853 he came to Findlay, this county, and opened a clothing store but soon after went to Janesville, Wis., where he remained till 1857, when he returned here. Upon the breaking out of the Rebellion he retired from the clothing business and accepted the post-mastership of Findlay, which he filled from 1861 to 1867 ; retiring from this he engaged in merchandising. In 1870 he Was appointed collector of internal revenue for the Fifth Ohio District, which position he held till 1875 when it was consolidated with the Fourth. He then, in 1877, received the appointment of special agent of the Treasury Department and traveled through the Southern States; this he resigned in 1878 and the following year embarked in his present business. He married, in 1854, Margaret, daughter of Samuel Jones, of Bucyrus, Ohio. They have three daughters and one son living: Fannies Jennie, wife of Charles J. Stern, a wholesale jeweler of Cincinnati, Ohio; Emma and Wilbur. Mr. Rothchild, although oftentimes requested, has always held aloof from allowing his name to be used as a candidate for any civic or county office. In politics he is an Independent.

HENRY SCHWARTZ, retired grocer, Findlay, was born in Bavaria, Germany, August 8, 1818, son of Jacob and Margaret (Winters) Schwartz, who died there in 1848, leaving three sons and two daughters. Our subject learned merchant tailoring in his native land. In 1840 he came to America, and after spending some time in business in Massilon and Magnolia, Stark County, Ohio, came to Findlay in 1855, and embarked in the grocery business, which he successfully carried on for many years, retiring from it in 1877 and turning it over to his son, Edward. He married in Stark County, Ohio, in 1844, Margaret Dribble, who was born near his native town and who came to America in 1833, with her people, who settled in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs, Schwartz have a family of three sons and three daughters: Phebe, wife of William B. Richards (Miller) of Allen County, Ohio; Caroline, wife of B. T. Winders, of the firm of Schwartz & Winders, grocers, Findlay; Edward, Grocer, Findlay, married October 25, 1881, to Miss Olivia Huffman; Charles, a grocer in Wauseon, Ohio; and Frank and Hattie at home. The family attend the services of the Lutheran church of which Mr. Schwartz is a liberal supporter. He has held responsible positions in his municipality. In politics he is a Democrat.

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DANIEL SHEETS, farmer and stock raiser, P. O,, Findlay, was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., September 14, 1850, son of Michael and Sarah (Dillinger) Sheets, who settled in this county in 1853. Our subject's father was a soldier in Company A, Twenty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and did active service until captured by the enemy. He died in Andersonville prison, Georgia, in 1865, leaving two sons and two daughters: Daniel, the eldest; Charlotte, wife of James Mason; Elias, a baker, and Mary, wife of Henry Umbrick; all residents of Findlay Township, this county. Daniel Sheets was reared on a farm, and has been connected with agriculture all his life. He also pays considerable attention to dealing in fat cattle. He was married in Findlay, Ohio. to Sarah A., daughter of John and Sarah (Light) Stover, and by her has one son and two daughters: Myrtle L., Harry E. and Inez. In 1879 Mrs. Sheets died, and was buried in the Findlay Cemetery. Mr. Sheets is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which he is a liberal contributor. He is a mem ber of the K. of P. society.

JOHN H. SHULL, manufacturer, Findlay, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, February 13, 1841, son of Benjamin and Christenia (Kitsmiller) Shull, natives of Franklin County, Ohio. Solomon Shull, father of Benjamin Shull, served in the war of 1812 in Ohio, and remained here after its termination. He was a native of Northumberland County, Penn., the father of nineteen children by two marriages. Benjamin Shull (father of our subject) came to this county in 1845, and located on a farm in Amanda Township. John H. Shull learned carpentering at the age of eighteen, which he followed for eleven years, erecting several important buildings in Findlay and vicinity. BELL C. SHULL was born in Albany County, N. Y., August 28, 1842, daughter of Joel and Hannah (Dunbar) Cheselrough, both natives of the State of New York. Beriah, father of Joel Cheselrough, came to the State of Ohio in 1840, and Joel Cheselrough some years later, and located on a farm in Ridge Township, Wyandot County. Bell Cheselrough acquired an education by which she was granted certificates in Wyandot, Hancock and Seneca Counties to teach school at the age of sixteen, and followed teaching (and went to school at intervals) for seven years. December 21, 1865, John H. Shull and Bell Cheselrough were married, agreeing to make their interests one and equal, which has continued to the present, John H, Shull entered into partnership with D, C. Fisher and C. E. Seymour in the planing-mill and lumber business in 1870, in which he has been successful and the principal in the manufacturing department. January 1, 1880, he decided to manufacture on an extensive scale his Champion Ironing Table, an invention he has perfected, and which is finding a ready sale, and gives employment at present to ten men, besides several salesmen. John H. and Bell C. Shull have had four children-two promising daughters living: Ella R. and Metta. They are all members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Shull has been an official in the church; also is a member of the school board. In politics Mr. and Mrs, Shull have always been Democratic, and they believe in the theory of a government by the whole people-woman as much as man.

W. E. SNYDER, dealer in dry goods, etc., Findlay, Was born in West Greenville, Penn., January 4, 1836, son of Simon A. and Elizabeth (Couldron) Snyder, natives of Snyder County, Penn. , so named after the Snyders, who were prominent pioneers there. In 1849 Simon Snyder settled in

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Union Township, this county, where his six sons grew to manhood, all of whom became worthy merchants except Eli A. Snyder, M. D., who died in Kansas City, Mo.; Elijah is a grocer in Havana, Ill. ; Augustus C. is a dry goods merchant in Santa Cruz, Cal. ; Delos D. is in dry goods business in Minneapolis, Kas. ; E. D. is a druggist in Kansas City, Mo. Our subject received a good schooling, and at fourteen became apprenticed to merchandising in the store of Henderson & Patterson, at Findlay. At twenty he embarked in business at McComb, with B. B. Barney (now of Toledo); in 1865 he came and established the present store, the " Old White Corner," with Mr. Barney, whose interest he purchased in 1872, since when he has carried on business alone (meanwhile continuing his store at McComb. ) He was married in Findlay to Sallie H. , daughter of Frederick and Helen (Gilruth) Duduit, pioneers in Hancock County. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have one son and one daughter: Reginald C. and Bernice Fredrika. Mr. Snyder is a self-made man. Beginning upon a small clerical salary he managed to save and eventually started in business. Here, by dint of steady purpose, persistent industry, coupled with able management, he accumulated property rapidly, and eventually placed himself in the lead of his business. From 1875 to 1881 he had, jointly with Gov. Foster, and his brother, D. D. Snyder, at Fostoria, a lucrative mercantile interest. Besides his extensive commercial trade he is also in possession of some very valuable farm property, consisting of three good farms, and owns besides a handsome residence and some of the most desirable business property in Findlay. He is a member of Shawnee Commandery of Knights Templar. Mr. Snyder has always been averse to holding public office, but has given a cordial support and taken active interest in partisan politics. He is a public-spirited and prosperous business man, a liberal citizen, contributing to all worthy objects. In personal appearance he is of medium stature, of good physique and of vigorous disposition. He is of a versatile nature, which has probably aided him in drawing around him an extensive and lucrative trade. In politics he is a Republican.

FRED SPAITH, proprietor of the City Meat Market, Findlay, was born in Findlay, this county, November 22, 1857, son of John and Elizabeth (Steinbacher) Spaith, natives of Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, former a shoe-maker born in Brennaheim, latter in Laudenheim. They came to America in 1851, settled in Findlay, this county, and reared a family of six sons and three daughters. Fred Spaith, the subject of this sketch, engaged in his present business when a lad and has been successfully connected with same since. He married, in Findlay, Mary Weber, daughter of Louis and Mary Weber, natives of Alsace, from near Weisberg. Our subject and wife are parents of one son and two daughters; Carrie Maud, Edith May and Cloys Frederick. Mrs. Spaith is a member of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Spaith is a member of the National Union. He is a thoroughgoing business man and a public-spirited citizen, contributing liberally to all measures tending to the welfare of his city and county; he has a good trade in his line of business and has accumulated a fair share of worldly goods. In politics he is a Democrat.

THOMAS J. STACKHOUSE, proprietor of the Sherman House, Findlay, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, February 14, 1835; son of Joshua and Martha Sinclair Stackhouse, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland, respectively. Our subject spent his early life in Seneca County, Ohio, whither his

FINDLAY TOWNSHIP AND VILLAGE. - 783

parents had removed, and when a lad he came to Findlay, where he learned the baking business, which he carried on successfully for many years, retiring from it in 1870. Mr. Stackhouse was united in marriage in Findlay, Ohio, with Fannie, daughter of Valentine Hine, and by her he has three sons and four daughters; Mary; Ella, wife of Dem. Marvin; Cora; Thomas; James; Rosa and Rolla. Mrs. Stackhouse is a worthy mem . ber of the Lutheran Church, to which our subject is a liberal contributor. Mr. Stackhouse is a member of the K. 'of P. He served in Company I One Hundred and Sixty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and is a member of Stoker Post G. A. R. He is a public-spirited and energetic business man, and has accumulated a nice competence; is a liberal contributor to measures calculated to benefit the public.

ULYSSES KINSEY STRINGFELLOW, civil engineer and county surveyor, Findlay, was born in Union Township, this county, June 26, 1855, son of Benjamin and Catharine (Kinsey) Stringfellow, the former of Pennsylvania pioneer stock and the latter of New England pioneers. They removed from Coshocton County, Ohio, to Union Township, this county, in 1854, and there four sons and three daughters grew up: Ulysses K. ; George, who died in Mexico, while prosecuting his profession of civil engineer; Susie, wife of A. D. Whisler, a merchant of Benton Ridge; Artensa. wife of Charles Hartman, engineer, in Rawson; Mary; Frank and Harry. Ulysses K. Stringfellow obtained a good common school training, and at eighteen taught school, in which profession he was creditably connected for eleven years, retiring from it to accept his present position, to which he had been elected in 1884. He is a graduate of the Northwestern University at Ada, Ohio. November 27, 1884, he married Zetta, daughter of William Thomas, of Findlay. Mr. Stringfellow is a member of the I. O. O. F. Upon the organization of the Findlay Natural Gas Company he became connected with it and served as its secretary. He is a public spirited and progressive citizen and, although young, bids fair to take rank, in the near future, with Hancock County's most active citizens. In politics he is a Democrat.

JUDGE ROBERT L. STHOTHER (deceased) was born in Pendleton County, Va., in September, 1801. He received a common school education, and when abort eighteen years of age removed with his parents to Licking County, Ohio, where he worked on a farm and for Col. Hollister, a manufacturer and prominent character. In 1828 our subject and a Mr. Cochley came to this county, and, having been informed by surveyors that Blanchard River was navigable for several miles above Findlay and via the Auglaize down to the Maumee, these gentlemen resolved to locate land along its beautiful banks, and our subject finally entered what has long been known as "The Isaac Comer farm" (now the property of a Mr. Wagner). He returned to Licking County, Ohio, and in 1829 again came out, this time locating eighty acres of land in Section 12, Findlay Township, and, returning home, gave a glowing description of the country along the Blanchard River, on which stream he confidently expected shortly to see steam-boats plying. His description of the country induced Johnson Bonham, James Caton and Isaac Strother to come out with him on his return the following spring, together with one or two hired men. On their arrival our subject was greatly surprised and humiliated at finding Blanchard River almost dry. Bonham, Caton and Isaac Strother located farms along the river. Some

784 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

time after his settlement in this county our subject sold the "Comer farm" and purchased land now in North Findlay, and this he subsequently traded for eighty acres adjoining his original entry of eighty acres, on which his house stood. Judge Strother began his labors in this county by clearing a three-acre lot and erecting a log cabin, and soon after brought his mother and sister (now Mrs. Joseph C. Shannon) from Licking County. His mother died at his home in 1851. Judge Strother was very systematic in all that he did. His farm was divided into twenty-acre fields; he planted three acres of orchard, and beside every sixteenth panel of fence on the entire farm running north and south he planted a grafted apple tree, and likewise along each fence extending east and west he planted peach trees. Early and subsequent settlers well remember the vast amount of delicious fruit that grew on and was sold from Judge Strother's well-cultivated orchard. Judge Strother was married, in 1847, to Elizabeth Todd, who bore him one daughter, Laura A., a teacher in the asylum for the blind at Columbus, Ohio. His second marriage was in 1851, with Sarah A. Merriam, a sister of the late Dr. William H. Baldwin (she had married A. F. Merriam in 1837, and by him had three children: Sarah J., wife of J. H. Schell, of Ottawa, Ohio; Mrs. Emily C. Kemble, of Findlay, and William D. Mr. Merriam died in Kentucky, whither he had gone to recover his health. He was a cousin to the Hon. Stephen A. Douglas, and came with that distinguished statesman to Pennsylvania. Mr. Merriam was the second practicing attorney in Findlay). Judge Strother's marriage with Mrs. Merriam gave him three children: Eva A., wife of J. C. Strickler, of Dakota; Mrs. John Shuck, wife of a worthy boot and shoe merchant of Findlay, and Nellie C. (latter deceased). Our subject lived on the farm until 1875, when he removed to Findlay, and about three weeks later, October 8, 1875, he died. His death has been an irreparable loss to his numerous friends. He had served as associate judge and county commissioner. In politics he was a Whig and Republican, and an active local politician. He united with the Methodist Church in 1852, and died triumphant in the faith. His widow resides with her daughter, Mrs. Kemble, the greater part of her time when not engaged in her active temperance labors. She has been a delegate to various temperance conventions, and was selected as one of Ohio's seven delegates to the national temperance convention held in Philadelphia, Penn., October 30, 1885. She is president of the W. C. T. U. of this, the Fourteenth Congressional District of Ohio, and is an earnest, energetic advocate of the principles of temperance for the good of humanity.

ROLAND G. STROTHER, proprietor of the "People's Meat Market," Findlay, was born in Findlay Township, this county, June 1, 1854; youngest child in the family of Anthony W. and Mary J. (McRill) Strother, who settled in Findlay Township, this county, in an early day, and reared four sons and two daughters. Anthony W. Strother was born in Licking County, Ohio, in 1812, son of Benjamin Strother, a native of Virginia. The McRills come of prominent people of Baltimore, Md., and were also early settlers in this county. Roland G. Strother, the subject of this sketch, was reared a farmer and followed agricultural pursuits until the spring of 1885, when he embarked in his present business. He was united in marriage, in 1879, with Mary, daughter of Samuel Hill, Esq., and by her he has one daughter, Mary Gladdis. Mr. Strother is an energetic and public-spir-

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ited business man and citizen, and contributes liberally toward all measures for the public welfare.

H. M. VANCE, stock dealer, Findlay, was born in Findlay, this county, February 1, 1833; son of Wilson and Sarah (Wilson) Vance, pioneers of Hancock County, and nephew of Gov. Joseph Vance, of Ohio. He is the only survivor of a family of eight sons and four daughters. The Vances come of pioneer stock in the State, from Virginia. Wilson Vance was born in Mason County, Ky., January 10, 1796, son of Joseph Colville and Sarah (Wilson) Vance, natives of Virginia (Loudoun County), and of Scotch-Irish ancestry. They removed to Kentucky in 1788, and to Ohio about 1800, settling in Greene County, and in 1804 moved to Urbana, Ohio. In the fall of 1821 Wilson and Sarah Vance came to Findlay, this county, where, besides serving as merchant, farmer, etc., he filled many important official positions. After a useful and honorable life he passed away September 30, 1862, respected by all who knew him. He was a strong Whig in politics, and never voted with either of the present parties. The subject of this sketch has spent the most of his life in Findlay, engaged in a variety of useful industries. He married, November 2, 1855, in Franklin County, Ohio, Flora, daughter of Alexander Shattuck, and by this union has one son and four daughters: Sally, wife of Walter G. Higgins, of Fremont, Neb. ; May, wife of Charles Bigelow, of Findlay Township, this county; Carrie, wife of Samuel S. Howard, a resident of Chicago, Ill.; Mary J. and Cloys Wilson, at home. Mrs. Vance is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. Vance is a Democrat.

DAVID WALTER, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Findlay, was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., in 1820; son of John and Catherine (Roup) Walter, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, the former born in Lancaster County, and the latter in Allegheny County; they died in Stark County, Ohio, whither they had removed in early times. They left five sons and three daughters, J Jonas, John, Abigail, Barbara and Elizabeth are in Stark County, Ohio; George, in California; Nicholas, in Defiance County, Ohio; and David. All have families except one of the sons and one daughter. In 1849 the subject of this sketch came to this county and settled upon his present farm in Findlay Township, where he has succeeded in amassing a fine property and has a beautiful home. He married, in this county, Miss Amanda, daughter of Henry Bear, Esq., and they have five daughters living: Harriet Ann, wife of Charles Thomas; Emily E., wife of John Schwab, and Sarah A., Barbara A. and Amanda B. at home. Mr. Walter and family attend the services of the English Lutheran Church. . He has always been a worthy, hardworking and painstaking farmer, and has reared and educated his family well. He has served his district with credit as a member of the school board. In politics he is a Republican.

JOHN WESLEY WHITEHURST, proprietor of the Eagle Restaurant, Findlay, was born in Rockingham County, Va., August 17, 1838; son of John and Margaret (Showalter) Whitehurst, of English pioneer ancestry, in that State. In 1842 they settled in Fairfield County, Ohio, and there the subject of our sketch grew to manhood. In 1860 he came to Hancock County, and the following year enlisted his services, August 5, 1861, in defense of the Union in Company G, Ninty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and did active service for over three years, participating in all the battles of these campaigns, and was wounded at Stone River. Ga. After the war he

786 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

carried on a restaurant business in Huntington, Ind., for two years, and afterward traveled in the interest of mercantile trade till 1871, when he retired from that and engaged with a circus business for two years; coming here he established his present business and has, by dint of good business ability. secured a nice trade and accumulated a good competence. Mr. Whitehurst, was married, June 1, 1865, in Indiana, to Emma Ream, of Huntington and by her he has one daughter- Mollie-a. young lady of estimable attainments. Mr. Whitehurst has always contributed liberally to all worthy enterprises. He and his wife and daughter are regular attendants of the services of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the. Stoker Post G. A. R., and of the Findlay Improvement Society, and of the Findlay Natural Gas Company.

JAMES H. WILSON, P. O., Findlay, was born in York County, Penn., May 13, 1803, sun of James and Eleanor Wilson, of Scotch ancestry, and early settlers of Pennsylvania. Our subject was reared on the farm and obtained a common school education. In 1832 he came to Findlay, Ohio, and the clay following his arrival he purchased a partially constructed frame building with a lot, the present site of the "Commercial Hotel," for $700, paying part cash. He worked at the carpenter's trade for about one year and then engaged as a clerk for S. & P. Carlin, early merchants. In eighteen months he embarked in mercantile business in a frame building erected by himself on the lot where now stands the " Carnahan Block." In 1848 he erected what was known as the "Melodeon Building," then the largest structure in Findlay, containing two store rooms on the first floor, offices on the second and a public hall on the third. This building was torn away to give place to the magnificent business block lately constructed by T. & W. R. Carnahan. On retiring from his mercantile interests Mr. Wilson turned his personal attention to farming and real estate transactions. In 1847 he laid out lots from an entire eighty-acre tract, now known as East Findlay, and buildings have been erected on a majority of the lots. For the last twenty-two years he has been connected with the First National Bank of Findlay as a director and stockholder and has retired from active labor. He united with the Seceder Church when about fifteen years of age and has lived an active Christian life since, being now a member the United Presbyterians of Cannonsburg, it being the nearest. organization of the church of his choice. He buried his first wife, Susan E. (Hutchison). who died July 8, 1880, and subsequently married Mrs. Lucretia A. Marsh. Mr. Wilson has seen Findlay and Hancock County " bud and blossom," having located here when the families of Bass Rawson, Squire and Parlee Carlin, Frederick Henderson, Wilson Vance, John W. Baldwin, Matthew Reighly, Jonathan Parker, W. L. Henderson. Christian Barnd and William Taylor constituted the principal inhabitants of Findlay. He has experienced the hardships incident to the early settlers and merchants, such as making trips to New York by wagon, en route to Sandusky, by boat to Buffalo, by stage to Lockport, by canal to Albany and down the Hudson River to New York, to purchase goods. It is enough to say that society, as well as everything tending to promote the welfare of Hancock County, has been benefitted by his relationship with the community; yet it can be added that he has taken special interest in helping to establish the first two railroad lines in this county, and has served the city as mayor and councilman with honor to himself and the satisfaction of his constituents. He cast his first

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presidential vote for Andrew Jackson, but left the Democratic party in 1838, and since the birth of the Republican party he has been a stanch advocate of its principles. During the transactions he has had with the public in the various avocations he has followed in this county, he is characterized as having been strictly honest, and his acquaintance, which extends all over the county, will take pleasure in seeing him perpetuated with a brief pen picture and portrait in this volume.

HENRY F. WINDERS, dry goods merchant, Findlay, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, May 2, 1831, son of John and Elizabeth (Paden) Winders, the former a native of Shenandoah County, Va., and of pioneer stock of that State; the latter, a daughter of John and Sidney Paden, natives of Ireland who came to this country in 1815, settling in Fairfield County. The subject of this sketch, when a lad, was apprenticed to merchandising in the store of his uncle, T. B. C. Paden, of New Salem, Ohio. At twenty-one he embarked in the dry goods business there in which he continued till 1859, when he retired to farming. In 1861 he came to Findlay, this county, and sold goods for Patterson & Taylor for four years, then embarked in business on his own account with which he has been successfully connected here since. He was married, June 22, 1854, in Fairfield County, Ohio, to Araminta S., daughter of the late Judge Wiseman, of Perry County, Ohio, and by this union has one daughter and one son: Susie, the wife of Thomas Frazer, a druggist in Findlay, and John, associated with his father (he has a son, Henry, by his marriage with Miss Ella Crooks, of Massillon, Ohio). Mr. Winders has held membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church since his fifteenth year; has served as an official in same and has been Sabbath-school superintendent for over twenty-three years. He is a worthy Mason of over thirty years' standing. Though he has always avoided public office he has served with credit in the council and upon the school board of Findlay. Besides his extensive mercantile connections he has also been connected with many of the important industries in Findlay, and has contributed toward the development of many of the city's important manufacturing and other interests. In politics he is a Republican.

JACOB YATES, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Findlay, was born in Franklin County, Penn., April 24, 1825, son of Samuel and Margaret Swisher Yates, latter a native of Franklin County, Penn., and former of Virginia, just across the line; they come of a long line of worthy ancestry in their respective States. In 1833 they came to this county and settled in Eagle Township, where they both died, she departing this life in 1876, and he in 1877; they were parents of twelve children. Jacob Yates, the subject of this sketch, embarked in business for himself at the age of twenty-one years, and has, by his own exertions, accumulated a handsome competence, owning at present 256 acres of valuable land and several head of valuable fine stock. Of late years he has engaged in stock dealing and has done extensive business in shipments of cattle, etc., from Findlay. Mr. Yates married, in 1848, Barbara Foreman, who departed this life September 22, 1860, leaving two sons and four daughters: Melissa Ann, wife of Joseph Cheesebrough, of Findlay, Ohio; Cordelia, wife of Henry Shank, Esq. ; Sarah, wife of William Black, Esq., of Findlay, Ohio; Ellen, wife of Jacob Oman, of Eagle Township, this county; Newton, a farmer of Jackson Township, this county; and Joseph (deceased). Mr. Yates' second marriage was with Mary, daughter of George Hook, Esq., and by her he had

788 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

four sons and two daughters: George A., B. B. Barney, Jay T., Carrie Blanche (deceased), Fannie May and Charles Jacob. The subject of this sketch has always given liberally to all measures for the good of the public welfare of his locality, and takes a leading position in his business interests. He is a thorough-going business roan and is indebted to his own unaided exertions for his large accumulations. He is an exemplary husband and father. In politics he is a Republican.

ABRAHAM YERGER, farmer and stock raiser, Findlay, was born in Blair County, Penn. , in 1824, son of Abraham and Catherine (Groves) Yerger, also natives of Blair County, of German descent. April 5, 1841, our subject came West and has led an active and useful life in this county since. He carried on his trade of farmer and carrier and followed moving buildings, etc., for many years after, meanwhile acquiring a fine farm just outside of Findlay. He married, in this county, Miss Jane, daughter of Henry Jumper, Esq. She departed this life December 29, 1873, leaving two sons: Charles L., married and residing in Bluffton, Ohio, and Albert F., married and residing on and working his father's farm in Findlay Township, this county. Mr. Verger's second marriage was with Mrs. S. J. Hancock (nee Smith). There are no children by this marriage. Abraham Verger has often been chosen by the people of this county to official positions within then gift and has also served his township in many official positions; his services as sheriff and deputy sheriff extended over a period of twelve or fifteen years, and, as coroner, over a period of four years. He and his family attended services at the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Democrat.