Findlay City (part 20 of 28)

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 Ninetyeighth 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 who 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 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 during 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 KE. 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. Asa 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,

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 Blanchard, 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. Atthe 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. arly 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, serying 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 Carey 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; 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 suns 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 twentysecond year graduated from the Cleveland Homeopathic 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 publicspirited 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 voyagé 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 average from 400,000 to 500,000 bushels a year. He has paid out to merchants 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 in 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, 1804, son of Philip Doddridge and Harriet H. (Frisbie) Bigelow, natives of Vermont, the former of whom came to this county July 4, 1841, andsold 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: Ella 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. BOPH, 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. Bope 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 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 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 t: 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. Waryen 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 be 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, on 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 rie & Western Railway. After recuperating his health he returned to active professional work again.

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 jonrnalist; 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 Haneock Common Pleas, but has as often declined to be a candidate. He isa 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 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, 1887, 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-inlaw, 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, whereupon, by mutual agreement, the indentures were canceled. June 4, 1858, 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, 1862. On the 16th of that month he opened an office in Findlay, and September 7, of that year entered into partuership 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, 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 most 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 wag 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, 1833, 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 memee ber of the House in the sixty-sixth General Assembly of Ohio, and has just been re-elected to thesame. In politics Hon. Absalom P. Byal isa 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 td 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 buying 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 most 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 sefved 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 de parted this life August 11, 1881, and his remains are buried in Maple Grove Cemetery. peta pam,

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 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 atable 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, Vesta, 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, 1529, 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 non-extension 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, arid died. Job, our subject, attended the country schools, walking several miles distance. He was married, September 20, 1838, to Mary B. Hamilton, a native of Gallipolis, Ohio, and by her he has three children: Irvin $., Lucy (married first to Rey.

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, aud 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 Kebellion 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 reareda 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 1879 he retired from the "ring," and engaged in the liquor business. In the following year he came 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 8. 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 anda 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, van Oc-

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.

the grand old Revolutionary army, serving bravely and faithfully under Gen. Green. In 1796he 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 whereever 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 16, 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 was 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 electiou 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 preceded 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, directness and logical compactness, 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 truth 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 prfession, he found time 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 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.

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 Hanceck 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 isa 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 mill-dam at Blanchard'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 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 Goy. 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. 4 WILLIAM J. CREIGHTON, treasurer of Hancock County, Findlay, was horn 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 1875, when he moved here and served as clerk in Treasurer Hosler's office during that gentleman's incumbency. Mr. Crejghton was a prominent candidate before the convention which nom1- 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 meqsures tending to the public weal of his county, and kas 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 28, 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 born 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 8. & 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.

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 carried 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 Homeopathic 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 Homeopathic 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 an 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. DEeWOLFE, 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) De Wolfe, 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 he 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 Ohic 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,

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, leaying 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, Wurtemberg, 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 publicspirited 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 Wesley, 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 3 the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Duduit was a Repubican.

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 experi 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 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, 1865, 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 Chureh; 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 justice of the peace and collector of internal revenue. Of his family, so far back as they are known, it may be said that they have been honest, industrious, intelligent and generous. Never was one convicted of crime. They have not been distinguished, but along the vale of life have kept the even tenor of their 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 Dunns 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 'Dunn'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. Jobn 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, Md., 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 was 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. Boolman. Susanna, ; died August 7, 1802, in infancy. Jacob, born July

''Blizabeth 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: Catharine, 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, 1828; 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, 1865. 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

''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 digtinguishing 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 does 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.''

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 he 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, Twentyfirst 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,

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 Inprovement 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, WM. D., Findlay, late professor of gynecology in Fort Wayne Medical Collega, 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 Columbiana 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 isa scientist of considerable ability and has contributed leading articles to the Medical and Surgical Journal, of St. Louis, Mo., also to the Lancet and

Observer, of Cincinnati (now the Lancet and Clinic); the Medical and Surgical Journal, of Toledo, and others. He isa 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 isan 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 practice 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 Wood 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 Cox, 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. ae Na

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 isa descendant of Solomon De Firmin, who followed the fortunes of William the Conqueror from Normandy, and settled at Ipswich, England, in the eleventh century. His descendants number among them leading ecclesiastics and preserve the original crest and shield with the motto Firmus in Christo

(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 1778, and he of John, born in 1713, at Somers, Conn., where his father lived. Here there occurs a break in the genealogy, but cotemporaneous genealogy of its different branches traces the ancestry to John Firmin, of Watertown. Dr. 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 1862-68. 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 Kast 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 ©. 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 nochildren. Dr. Firmin has always been a publicspirited 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.

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. Rey. 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 Roberts, Henry Wagoner-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 Find. lay, 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), Addie M. (wife of Henry Byers), Bertha and Lulu.

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. ,