Findlay City (part 9 of 28)

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

DAVID JOY, of tlie ' 'Joy House, ' ' Findlay, comes of a long and worthy line of ancestors in this country. His paternal ancestor, Thomas Joy, is supposed to have come to our shores in the fleet with Gov. Winthrop of Massachusetts, in 1630. He was a member of the "Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company' ' of Boston, and owned two acres of land in the center of that city, and land adjoining, as his allotment from the Governor, received in 1634. He married Joan Gallop and reared five sons and three daughters and died at Hingham, Mass. , in 1678. Of his children Joseph (Sr. ) reared a large family of whom Joseph (Jr. ) had also a large family. Of his sons David, in turn, had a son David, who begat Abiather, who removed with his father fi'om Rehoboth, Mass., to Guilford, Vt., and who, later, settled in Herkimer County, N. Y. Abiather reared his family in Herkimer County, and, of his sons, David married Ann Hubbard, and they became the parents of our subject. David Joy was born in Herkimer Co\inty, N. Y. , October 1 0, 1834, and learned the business of his father (harness-making). He afterward engaged in hotel business there. Upon the breaking out of the late civil war he enlisted in Company I, Thirty-fifth New York Volunteers, and was assigned as musician, in which capacity he served till mustered out in 186'2 by special act of Congress. After peace had been proclaimed he joined his brother Abiather and engaged in the hotel business at Carey, Ohio, in 18(56, which they retired from in 1873 to give their entire attention to the present house, which thej had purchased in 1870. Mr. Joy has always taken an active part in the development of the public, social and industrial life of his locality and has contributed in no small degree to its advancement. He has been an able advocate of his party's interests, in recognition of which they have placed him before the people on different occasions to represent their interests in State and National affairs. In 1875 he was defeated in the convention for a seat in the Ohio House of Representatives. In 1876 he received the nomination and was elected, with Gen. J. B. Steadman, to represent the Thirty-third Senatorial District for 1878- 80. In 1882 Mr. Joy was the choice of the Hancock County Democracy to represent the Seventh Congressional District, but Hon. George E. Seney was the choice of the convention. Upon the organization of the Findlay Improvement Association he took a leading part and has since continued one of its board of directors and has given important aid to many other worthy local enterprises. He was married in his native State to Miss Hannah Knickerbocker, of worthy New York pioneer stock, and of a family of nine childi-en by this union, three daughters and two sons sm-vive: Julia, wife of Henry C. Stearns, a druggist, of Janesville, Wis. ; Alice A. , wife of E. B. Davis, of Marion Township, this county; Martha M., Frank K. and Orville are at home. Mr. Joy has been a worthy Odd Fellow for many years and has passed all the chairs in that society. He is of medium build, strong phisique, has indomitable will-power and carries his force of character into all his business connections. He is, however, of a genial nature and forms strong fi-iendships. In politics he is a Democrat.

JOSEPH R. KAGY, lawyer and farmer, ex auditor of Hancock County, Findlay, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, December 21, 1842, son of Samuel and Hannah (Baker) Kagy, natives of that county, the former of whom, a son of Christian Kagy, who located in that county in 1800. fi'om Shenandoah County, Va., comes of pioneer stock in Virginia and Pennsylvania. Hannah (Baker) Kagy was a daughter of Charles Baker, also a pioneer of Fairfield County. In 1847 Samuel Kagy settled in Allen Township, this county, where he cleared and improved land, and was a worthy citizen. He reared and educated his family well, and was altogether an active and energetic business man; he died May 7, 1884, in full communion with the Baptist Church, of which he had ever been a liberal supporter. Of his twelve children, four sons and four daughters survive: Joseph R. , Solomon D., a farmer in Waverly, Neb. ; Barbara E., wife of Samuel Swab, a farmer in this county; David B., a farmer and teacher; Samuel A., attorney at law, Findlay; Clara R. , a teacher; Alice C, wife of L. A. Heminger, a farmer and teacher in this county; and Frances E. Joseph R. , the eldest, obtained a good education and taught school for many years here. During this time he accumulated a nice competency and carried on farming, with which he is still identified. He has always taken an active part in public affairs, and has held many of the offices of the township. In 1871 he became a member of the board of school examiners for the county, and served in that incumbency for six years; in 1877 he was elected auditor of Hancock County, which position he creditably filled till November, 1888, when he retired fi'om public affairs, and is now pursuing the study of law in order to adopt it as a profession. He married in Van Buren, Ohio, January 21, 1804, Catharine M. , daughter of John and Mary (Bookman) Zarbaugh, pioneers of this county, fi-om Pennsylvania. They have a family of three sons and two daughters : Nora B. and Edith, the eldest two, are ladies of literary attainments aud teachers of excellent reputation; Earl C, David Dudley and J. Rodney are young lads yet attending school. Mrs. Kagy is a member of the Christian Church, to which Mr. Kagy is a liberal contributor. He is a worthy Odd Fellow and meinber of the Encampment. Since locating in Findlay Mr. Kagy has taken an active interest in the development of the social and industrial life of Findlay, and has always been a liberal contributor to measures tending to its welfare. He is of good p/i?/s/(/u6, strong constitution and vigorous nature, and bids fair to take rank in the line of long-lived citizens of this section of the county. In politics he is a Democrat.

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

FRANK KARST, grocer, Findlay, was born at Bingen-on-the-Rhine, in Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, March 29, 1.S27; son of Martin and Elizabeth (Bertram) Karst, who came to America in 1841), and settled in Findlay, Ohio, where Martin Karst died in 1880, at the age of ninety -three years and five months. His family consisted of Peter and John (twins); Susanna, now Mrs. Jacob Lau; Barbara, now Mrs. Joseph Fleck; Jacob, in Defiance, Ohio; Frank; Lizzie (deceased wife of Josiah Zoll). Our subject learned merchandising in his native land, and after coming to Findlay in 1849, embarked in same, which he has carried on successfully since. He was married, in 1852, to Anna Snyder, a native of Austria, who bore him five sons and three daughters (of whom but one son and two daughters survive) : Frank L. , Joseph P. , Kate, Adelina, Augustus, Amelia,' Juliiis and Martin. Of this family the mother, Joseph P. and Frank L. (he left three children, of whom two survive) died in 1881, and Julius and Martin died young. The family are communicants of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, to which Mr. Karst has always been a liberal contributor, and in which he has served as an active official. He is a worthy member of the Catholic Benevolent Society. Mr. Karst has always taken an active part in the development of Findlay' s social and industrial life, and has served in its councils for several years. In politics he is a Democrat.

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

J. A. KIMMEL, physician, Findlay, was born in CaiToll Co., Ohio, September 17, 1844, son of David and Christiana (Oakes) Kimmel, the former of York County, the latter of Bedford County, Penn. ,and of Holland and English pioneer ancestry in Pennsylvania. In 1851 David Kimmel settled in Marion Township, this county, where four sons apd three daughters grew up, viz. : George W. ; Ellen, died at five years of age; Kate; Samuel B. ; David J. ; Margaret J. ; Jacob A. and Tabitha E. ; and three daughters are buried: Ellen, who died at the age of five years; Henrietta and Samantha Ann. Our subject received a good common school education and attended Findlay High School. In February, 1803, he enlisted in defense of the Union, in Company A, Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and did active and honorable service till the end of the war, when he received his discharge. After the close of the struggle he read medicine in the office of Drs. Entrikin & Ballard, here, and graduated from Cleveland Medical College in 1867. He then located in Cannonsburg, where he carried on an active practice till 1872, when he came to Findlay. In 1875 he took a postgraduate course at Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York City, from which he received a creditable diploma. He married here, in 1869, Eliza Ellen, daughter of the late Hobert Bonham. She passed away this life May 28, 1873, in full communion with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is laid to rest in Maple Grove Cemetery. Dr. Kimmel was again married; this time in 1875, to Rosa E. , daughter of Ambrose Graber, Esq. , and by her has one son, Alfred Graber. Dr. Kimmel is a worthy F. &. A. M. and a member of the G. A. R. He is a clever professional man and a public-spirited, energetic citizen, contributing liberally to all measures conducive to the public weal. In politics he is a Republican.-

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

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

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

PETER KUNZ, hardware, stove and tinware dealer, Findlay, was born in Baumholder, Kingdom of Prussia, December 2, 1881 ; son of Frederick and Elizabeth (Maurer) Kunz. In 1849 our subject came to America, and settled in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, where he was connected with merchandising in groceries and provisions at Ragersville. He served Tuscarawas County as its clerk from 1864 till 1807, when, upon retiring from office, he came to Findlay and engaged in the grocery business with M. Henry Schwartz for five years, and three years on his own account; then embarked in the hardware, stove and tin business. He was married in Ragersville, in 1852, to Rosetta, daughter of Henry and Elizal^eth Gribble, natives of Bavaria, who came to this country in 1883 and settled in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Kunz have one son and five daughters: Elizabeth, wife of E. L. Kridler, carriage manufacturer, of Findlay; Louisa, wife of C. O. Parker, proprietor of restaurant here; Charles A., associated with his father in business, forming the firm of Peter Kunz & Son; Clara, Callie and Rosa, at home. The family attend service at St. John's Lvitheran Church, of which Mr. Kunz has geen a worthy official for several years. He is a member of the Masonic order and of the K. of P. ; has served the city as a member of its council. Upon the organization of the Findlay Natural Gas Company he became one of its stockholders, and is an active supporter of other interests of Findlay. In politics he is a Republican.

WILLIAM M. LOWTHER, deputy clerk of the court of common pleas, Findlay, was born in Washington County, Penn. . July 19, 1880, son of William and Eleanor (Farrar) Lowther, natives of that county, who settled in Holmes County, Ohio, in 1884, and who reared a family of five sons and four daughters, of whom three sons and one daughter survive. The Lowthers and Farrars were of old Irish pioneers in Maryland and Pennsylvania; of the former belongs Sir James Lowther, of the Irish peerage. Our subject is the grandson of Adam Lowther, one of three brothers of an old Irish family, two of whom, Adam (just mentioned) and William, came to this country, landing at Baltimore, Md. The sul^ject of this sketch married in Holmes County, Ohio, Delilah, daughter of George Uhl, a pioneer of Holmes County, fi'om Maryland, and sister to the Hon. D. S. Uhl, an attorney, of Holmes County. Mr. and Mrs. Lowther have one child, Mollie Cameron. Mrs. Lowther is a worthy member of the Lutheran Church. Our subject is a Royal Arch Mason. He is also Worthy Past Grand in the I. O. O. F. Since coming here, in 1871, he has been almost continuously in covmty work as deputy auditor, clerk, etc. In politics he is a Democrat.

LEMUEL McMANNESS, sherifP of Hancock County. Findlay, was born in Cumberland County, Penn. , October 1, 1846, son of John and Jane (Stubbs) McManness, natives of that county. In 1856 they moved to Findlay, Ohio, where John McManness died in 1866, preceded liy his wife a few days. They left one son, Lemuel, and two daughters: Anna C, wife of J. H. Deck- er and Mary (now deceased). The sul)ject of this sketcli, when a lad of eleven years, apprenticed himself to the grocery business here, in the store of Isaac Davis, and was prominently identified with that industry here, embarking in it in 1870 and retiring in 1888. In 1882 he had purchased an interest in the Findlay Linseed Oil Mills and latterly in the Eake Factory with both of which he is still connected. He has always been a hard-working, painstaking, business man and citizen, and has accumulated a handsome competence in his business. He is of fine physique, vigorous disposition and versatile nature, and this, coupled with his long experience of upright dealing with the people of Hancock County, have made him one of their most poj)ular men. Although often requested to accept offices in their gift, Mr. Mc Manness declined till, in 1884, he accepted the nomination to sheriff, as a Rei^ublican, and carried the ticket largely in a Democratic County. He had previously held the clerkship of the city. During the war of the Rebellion he offered his services in the ranks, but was too young; he however served fi'om 1802 till the end of the war in the medical department and the sutlers' corps in connection with the quartermaster's department of the Army of the Tennessee. Mr.McManness was married in Findlay, in 1875, to Amanda E., daughter of Jacob Kimmons. this union being blessed with one girl, Katie. Mrs. McManness is a worthy member of the Lutheran Church, to which her husband is a liberal contributor. He is a F. & A. M. and a member of the K. of P. Sheriff McManness has always been a liberal supporter of the social and industrial develoi)ment of Findlay and Hancock County, and is esteemed by all parties in this locality.

J. J. MILLER, manufacturer, superintendent of the Findlay stave and handle factory, Findlay, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, Feburary 1, 1853, son of the Rev. John Wesley Miller, who served for many years in eastern Ohio in connection with Baptist Church work. He died in 1855, leaving his widow, Ellen (Ellison) Miller, and a son and three daughters. The subject of this sketch was early educated to wood- working and manufacturing business in Findlay (coming here in 1802) and has been creditably connected with that industry here since. He was united in marriage in Findlay, in 1872, with Barbara, daughter of Theodore and Catharine Seibel, natives of Germany. They have two sons and two daughters : Albert, Maggie, Estella and John. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Church of God.

S. C. MOORE, lumber dealer and manufacturer of lumber, Findlay, was born in Jackson Township, this county, September 18, 1839, son of James B. and Hannah Moore, pioneers of Jackson Township. The Moores came of Irish stock in Virginia. The children of James B. Moore (by two maiTiages) were John, Armenia Euretta, and Rachel, Jackson (deceased), S. C, Adam, William, George and Mary E. The subject of our sketch was reared to mechanical work which he followed till the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion. He enlisted in 1802, in the Seventh Independent Ohio Volunteers Sharp Shooters and served in Sherman's body guard until the end of the struggle. A few years after the war he went to Missouri where he spent some four years and then returned to Findlay, this county, where he has since been prominently connected with manufacturing interests. Mr. Moore was married in this city to Sidney A. Winders, who died in 1873. He was married on second occasion to Sarah J. , daughter of John Povenmire, a pioneer of this county. He has afamily of five children: Elizabeth, by first wife, and Myrta N. , Addie M. , Alice and an infant by his second marriage.

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

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

GEORGE W. MYERS, judge of probate court, Findlay, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, March 14, 1838. son of Matthew and Barbara (Beck ) Myers, the former of whom, a native of Baden, came to America in 182 3 when a lad and settled in Fairfield County; the latter, a native of Wurtemberg, came to this county with her parents, who settled in Fairfield County in 1819. They reared one son and one daughter: George W. and Eliza, wife of Henry C. GraflPe, jeweler in Ft. W' ayne, Ind. The family removed here in 1848, when Mr. Myers carried on merchandising. The subject of this sketch received a good education, and at sixteen joined a party who made an overland trip to California, and, after an interesting journey of sixteen months, arrived at Weaverville, September 1, 1849. After spending a few years in the Golden State, Mr. Myers retui-ned, in 1852, and embarked in the jewelry business at Goshen, Ind. , which he retired from to accept a position in the postal department on the Lake Shore Railway. Retiring in 1859 he came here and bitilt the Lake Erie & Western Elevator and has been very prominently engaged in the grain trade here since, meanwhile serving as agent for that corporation here till 1881. Mr. Myers was married in Findlay, in 1855, to Sally W. C, daughter of Squire Carlin. They have two sons: Clark, in the grain business in Findlay, and Carlin, a farmer and stock raiser in Kosciusko, Ind. Judge Myers has always been an active business man and citizen, and has contributed in no small degree to the development of many of Findlay's important industries; he has been a worthy ofiicial in local matters and, in 1884, the people of this county testified their appreciation of him by electing him to his present incumbency.

A. H.NICHOLS, photographer, Findlay, was born in Eaton County, Mich. January 24, 1849, son of Hiram B. and Lemira L. (Cheney) Nichols, natives of New York State. After receiving a good education, our subject went into the studio of his uncle, A. M. Cheney, of Charlotte, Mich, with whom he completed his studies in photograph}' and afterward remained as a partner in the business for over throe years. In 187r3 Mr. Nichols established himself in his prof ession, in Findiay, where he has since been favorably known. He married in Findiay Clara C. Sheffield, and they have one son, Lynn Sheffield. Our sul)ject and wife attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has always given a cordial support to measures tending the city's development, and, although averse to holding public office, han served th'e city with credit in her councils. In politics he is a Democrat.

CHARLES OESTERLEN, physician, Findiay, was born in Weinsberg. Kingdom of Wurtemborg, October, 5, 1807, son of Rev. Frederick Oesterlen (a worthy minister of the Lutheran Church), and Louisa (Knab) Oesterlen. Our subject, when a lad, attended school at Lauf en on the Necker. At fourteen he entered the gymnasium at Stuttgart, from which he graduated at the ag(^ of eighteen in a thorough literary, scientific and classical course. He then went to Dubingen where he engaged in medical studies under an able professor. In 1832 he came to America, and after spending some considerable time in traveling through the country, located in Ashland, Ohio, in 1831. September 30, 1836, he came to Findiay, where he has since been connected with the practice of medicine very successfully. In 1846 he embarked in merchandising here, from which he retired in 1848; from 1848 to 1862 he served in the councils of the city; in 1871 he was elected (the first representative of the Republican party from Hancock County) to the Legislature of the State. In 1863 Mr. Oesterlen visited his native land, and again in 1876, when he was recalled by the loss of several thousands of dollars through the breaking of the Findiay Savings Bank Company. In June, 1885, along with his estimable wife, who has always accompanied him, he again started for his old home in the Fatherland, but got sick in New York and did not cross the ocean, Ijut came home. He was married in Findiay, in 1838, to Amelia, daughter of Leonard Tritch. They have no children of their own, but have reared a brother and sister of Mrs. Oesterlen, viz. : Harriet (deceased wife of Dr. Detwiler), and Parley C. Tritch, ex- sheriff of Hancock County. Dr. Oesterlen has ever been an ardent supporter of all measures tending to advance public interest. He was one of the first to advocate boring for natural gas here, and is one of the important stockholders of the Findiay Natural Gas Company. In politics he is a Repul^lican.

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

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

JONATHAN PARKEE, deceased, was born in Loiidoiin County, Va., April 21, 1808. About the year 1813 his father crossed the mountains, on horseback, to Morgan County, Ohio, where he purchased land. He returned home, sold his property in Virginia and the following spring brought his family, consisting then of his wife and six children, and began anew the life of a pioneer in the green woods of Morgan County, Our subject remained at home until he was fifteen years of age, when he began learning the carpenter' s trade, which he had mastered by the time he reached his majority. He then, with one suit of clothes and an extra shirt tied up in a cotton handkerchief, and 75 cents in money, started on a tramp in search of work. He received employment for two years in various places, from which he saved $200. In the summer of 1831 he became acquainted with Frederick Henderson, with whom he soon made arrangements to come to Findlay. On October 18, 1831, Frederick Henderson, wife and child, and Jonathan Parker, together with Henderson's brother, who was employed to move them, started for Blue Rock Township, Muskingum Co., Ohio, with four horses and an old wagon which broke down when they had journeyed some ten miles. This they replaced with another and came on to Upper Sandusky. From there they found the road very bad, and when at a place between the present site of Carey and the old Judge Brown farm, the ' ' bottom fell out of the road, ' ' and they were obliged to solicit aid. By securing ox teams from the neighbors they were hauled to Peter George' s, who lived at a place called ' ' Old Ashery, ' ' where they remained overnight, sleeping in Mr. George's cabin, 14x14 feet. The river was too high to cross with team the next morning, so they hired Mr. George and an assistant to bring them in a canoe to Findlay. As the little dug-out floated slowly down the river Mr. Parker meditated on the gloomy aspect of the surroundings, and occasionally gazed upon log cabins, located long distances apart, and interrogated Mr. George with such queries as whether a stranger was likely to get lost in the woods ? October 28, they landed above the old Brush Dam. The next morning they took pirogues and went back for their goods, and in the evening they moved into a log cabin located where the jail now stands. Mr. Parker's bedstead had but one post, the walls constituting the others, and the cord was lin bark. During the winter of 1882 Mr. Parker boarded with William Taylor at his inn, located near where Dr. Osterlen now lives. Jonathan Parker was married to Elizabeth Hamilton, resulting in one child, short-lived, and followed soon to its grave by the mother. Mr. Parker subsequently married Lucinda Workman, and was blessed with the following named childi'en: Joseph, deceased; Albert and John; Mrs. Parker died May 15, 1844, and Mr. Parker was again married; this time, February 18, 1846, with Nancy A. W^orkman, a sister to his second wife, who has borne him three children: W. F. , deceased; W. S. and C. O. For several years after coming to Findlay, Mr. Parker engaged at the carpenter's trade. He constructed the first steam-mill in the county and built and operated the saw-mill now owned by Mrs. Powell, and also erected a combined saw and grist mill - the Hancock Mills, now the property of his son John. Jonathan Parker was an active Whig and a stanch Republican; he united with the Methodist Church in 1842, and lived a devoted Christian life. He was very popular as president of the Hancock County Pioneer Association, and being one of the best known men in this county, he was one of the most respected. He died September -27, 1879. Elsewhere will be found a portrait of this worthy pioneer.

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

C. O. PARKER, son of Jonathan Parker, was born February 19, 1858. in this county, and was educated in the Findlay schools. He taught school two terms, and worked two years in the Jeffersonian office. He clerked for seven years for Charles Hall, in the restaurant business, and in 1880 opened his present excellent restaurant, where he is doing a fine business. He married, October 20, 1880, Louisa Kunz, and by her has one child. Myrtle R. Mr. Parker is a Republican in politics ; a member of the K. of P. He and his estimable wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JOHN PARKER, miller, proprietor of the Hancock Mills, Findlay, was born in Findlay, this county, January 31, 1842, son of Jonathan and Lucinda (Workman) Parker. Jonathan Parker was born near Martinsville, Va., and comes of pioneer stock in that State. When a lad he moved with his parents to Morgan County, Ohio, and from there to Findlay, this county, in 1831. He was a carpenter by trade and took leading rank in that profession here, he with W. Taylor and A. Daughenbaugh building the first steam saw-mill in the county. The present Hancock Mills (originally a planinamill) were erected by him. The subject of this sketch, who became apprenticed to carriage-making here in early life, at the age of twenty-two went AVest, and spent two years profitably in Montana; returning here in 1805 he took up milling and has since been connected with that industry in Findlav. In 1884 he engaged with others in the importation direct of fine-bred draft horses (Norman and Percheron). He has l)een identified with the development of some important interests and industries here; has served with credit in the councils of Findlay. He is a worthy Mason, and has attained to the degree of Knight Templar, Shawnee Commandery, at Lima, Ohio. In politics he is a Republican.

JOSEPH S. PATTERSON, merchant, dealer in dry goods, carpeting and house furnishing goods, Findlay, O. , was born in Bellefontaine, Logan Co. , O. , November 25, 1827; son of Robert and Eliza Patterson, the former of whom was l)orn in Bailee, County Down, Ireland, January 6. 1789; he spent the greater part of his life in merchandising - was one of the originators of the old Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad, now the Indiana, Bloomington & AVestern, and was for many years a director, and the secretary and treasurer of that company; after a successful life in business and in his social relations he passed away in 1807, leaving four sons and four daughters. Our subject, Mr. J. S. Patterson, came to Findlay fi'om his native town, Bellefontaine, in the spring of 1843, when still a boy. in the sixteenth year of his age, and for some years and until he entered into a home of his own, made his home with his brother- in-law. Rev. R. H. Hollyday. He had been connected in business with John Ewing, John S. Van Eman, Frederic Henderson and Milton Taylor, with the last two as a partner in' business. For many years Mr. Patterson has conducted a successful business, independent of any partnership until recently; now his two sons, Charles and Frank, are associated with him. In 1866 Mr. Patterson erected the imposing business block on the northwest corner of Main and Sandusky Streets, which he continues to occupy with his growing business. He has taken a leading part in the mercantile interests of Findlay, and is to-day the oldest merchant in active business in the place, and traces back a record of over forty-three years of successful business relations. In 1853 IMi-. Patterson was united in maiTiage with Minerva, daughter of AVilliam Taylor, one of the earliest settlers in Findlay. a merchant, and a representative of Hancock County in the earlier period of its history in the State Legislatm-e. Mr. Patterson united with the Presbyterian Church in Findlay. in the spring of 1850, during a season of special religious interest; in 'l866 he was elected and ordained a ruling elder in this church. He has served the church in this capacity for twenty years, during which time he has been called to represent the church in meetings of the Presbytery, and has served as a commissioner for the Presbytery in the General Assembly. He has been an active worker in the church, contributing liberally to Its support at home, as well as to all its benevolent enterprises at large, "and has given a liberal support to all measures tending to the development of the" industrial and social interests of the community in which he has so long resided. In politics Mr. Patterson is a Republican.

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

ALEXANDER PHILLIPS (deceased) was born in Harrison County, Ohio, August, 12, 1812, son of William Phillips, a prominent pioneer of Jefferson County, Ohio. Our subject married in Carrollton, Carroll Co., Ohio, September 1, 1885, Miss Catherine, daughter of Horace and Mary (Cunningham) Duvall, prominent pioneers of Carroll County, Ohio. Alexander Phillips came to this county in 1856. He reared a family of four sons and five daughters. Before coming to this county Mr. Phillips had carried on merchandising; here he was successfully engaged in farming and stock raising, accumulating a handsome competence which, upon his death, he left to his family. Mr. Phillips was an active church and temperance worker for many years. His clever business capacities and upright character made him a very acceptable official, and the people of this county elected him as their representative to the Legislative Assembly of Ohio. The fact that he was elected on the Republican ticket in a county largely Democratic, attests to his popularity with the people and to their appreciation of his worth. Hon. Alexander Phillips died September 22, 1876, during the session of the Legislature, and was buried in Maple Grove Cemetery with Masonic honors. The following resolutions of respect and condolence were passed by that branch of the Legislature of which he had been a member:

Alexander Phillips

Resolred. That it is witli unfeigned sorrow that we learn of the death of the Hon. Alexander Phillips, late a member of this House, suddenly cut down at his home at Findlay, Hancock County, Ohio, Friday, September 23, 1876.

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

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

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

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

ELI P. PHILLIPS, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Findlay, was born in Mifflin County, Penn., June J6, 1821, to Charles and Elizabeth (Powell) Phillips, who removed to Eagle Township, this coiinty, in 1 833, and there reared one son and three daughters: Elizabeth (deceased); Catherine, wife of Peter Fetters; Rebecca (deceased) and Eli P. Our subject learned the plasterer' s trade of his father and engaged in it for many years. He married Margaret, daughter of Henry and Levina (Searfoss) Folk, early settlers of Findlay Township, this county, and parents of the following named children : Susan. Harriet, Sarah, Elizabeth, Margaret, Henry and William. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips began, immediately after their marriage, improving their present farm which was then covered with timber. He cut cord-wood and rafted it down Eagle Creek to the old Eagle Mills and there sold it, at $1.25 per cord, to Benjamin Huber, who was then proprietor of the mills. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips have attended religious services when they were held at the homes of the pioneer families scattered over the country, and he has visited the Tiffin Mills for breadstuff. Mr. Phillips has not only improved many acres of land for himself, but has also cleared away the forest for others; he has opened up, in all, about 500 acres, and has probably done about as much hard work as any man in this county, and with as little fatigue. In his latter years Mr. Phillips has given considerable attention to mechanism and inventions; he invented a neat and cheap wooden grocery-scoop which is very useful. He also has a simple stone base for fencing posts which is unquestionably the finest thing of the kind in use; every farmer should have this kind of fence; it saves half their timber in posts; only foiir-feet posts are needed. His latest invention is a patent gate hinge, a long-hoped-for necessity. Having somewhat retired from actual labor, Mr. Phillips spends a large share of his time in constructing fine picture frames, etc. His marriage gave him four children: Sarah J. and Henry, who died young; Simon (who married and has one son and one daughter, Clement and Alverda); William Nelson, who married Sara Weber (they have one son and three daughters, Clara M., Eva V., Charles L. and Nellie E.). Mr. and Mrs. Phillips attend worship at the Evangelical Church. He is a public-spirited man and contributes liberally to all measures for the public welfare of his locality. Elsewhere will be found a portrait of Mr. Phillips.

WILLIAM T. PLATT, auditor of Hancock County, Findlay, was born at Cannon's Mill, Columbia Co., Ohio, March 19, 1853, son of George and Eve M. (Faulk) Piatt, the former a native of Oldham, England. George Piatt, a miller by occupation, came to America when a young man, and died at Findlay in 1867, leaving a family of three sons and five daughters as a care for his estimable widow, who deserves especial mention as a worthy woman, wife and mother, and who by dint of steady, persistent industry, reared aud educated her children and has lived to see them occupying important positions in life. William T. Piatt obtained a good common school education and, at the age of twenty, engaged in teaching. After spending two terms in the country he came to Findlay, where, after teaching in the B department of the grammar school he taught for four years in the A department. During this time he served for six years as a member of the board of school examiners of Hancock County (from 1876 to 1883), and as city clerk fi'om 1878 to 1883. In the latter year he was elected to his present official position, which he has creditably tilled since. He married, in Findlay, Arminda, daughter of Jacob and Susan (Weimer) Altman, pioneers of this county. They have one son and one daughter: Florence E. and Clarence E. Mr. and Mrs. Piatt are members of the English Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Democrat.

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

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

RICHARD PRESSNELL, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Fiiidlay, was born in the parish of Thurman, county of Kent, England, October 8, 1816, son of Richard and Ammy Riddle Pressnell, who were parents of fourteen children. Our su.bject came to America in 1850, and located in Bergen, N. Y. In 1858 he came to this county, where, by persistent industry, he has accumulated a handsome competence. He married, in the county of Kent, England, Miss Sarah Broomfield, and by her he had seventeen children, of whom two sons and five daughters died in youth ; the survivors are Thomas, in Iowa; William, in Findlay, Ohio; Mary Ann, wife of Alfred Larkins, in Iowa; Alice, wife of James Gibson, in Findlay, Ohio; Amy, wife of D. C. Wilson, in Findlay, Ohio; Richard F., in Findlay, Ohio; Susan, wife of Joseph Hollins, in Dakota; Sarah, wife of Oscar Mills, in Findlay, Ohio; Jane, wife of Andrew J. Smith, in Findlay, Ohio, and Stephen, at home. Oui' subject has twenty-eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren living. He began life in his adopted country with but little of this world' s goods, and has earned a handsome competence. He contributes to all measures for the advancement of his locality. In politics he is a Democrat.

WILLIAM PRESSNELL, contractor and builder, and quarryman, Findlay, was born near Elsford. in the county of Kent, England, July 28, 1845; son of Richard and Sarah (Broomfield) Pressnell, who came to America in 1852, settled in this county in 1854. and reared a family of ten children. Our subject was reared to the building business (in stone work) in which he has been actively engaged since. During the war of the Rebellion he served two years in the Union Army. He married, in Findlay, in November, 186(3, Mary Thomas, who bore him four children: Hardin T. , Alice May, Richard and William I. Mr. Pressnell has always been a hard working man, and has succeeded in building up a handsome business for himself and accumulating a nice competence. He is liberal, and contributes to all worthy measures. In politics he is a Democrat.

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

WILLIAM RAMSEY, farmer, P.O. Findlay, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, July 27, 1820, son of Albert and Catherine"(Herrod) Ramsey, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively, and pioneers of Fairfield County, Ohio. They came to this county in 1833 and settled in Marion Township, where they entered and cleared land on which they lived for many years. This farm they sold before moving to Findlay, this county, where they passed the remainder of their lives. They were parents of eight children of whom five are now living: James, William, Daniel, Calistie, wife of Lewis Thomas, and Elizabeth, wife of Isaac Johnson. William Ramsey, the subject of this sketch, was twice married; first, June 4, 1846, to Louisa Saben, who bore him four children: George (deceased), Harriet (deceased), Ellen (deceased), and Catherine, wife of Zachariah Fetters, residing in Wells County, Ind. Mr. Ramsey's second marriage was with Caroline M. Thomas; they have no children born to them but have an adopted child, "William H. Ramsey, whom they have reared since he was three years of age. The subject of this sketch removed to Indiana for a short time, but returned to this county and has lived for twenty years on his present farm, located on Blanchard River, in Marion Township. In politics he is a Republican.

BASS RAWSON, M. D., Findlay, was born April 17, 1799, in the town of Orange, Franklin Co., Mass., son of Lemuel Rawson, a tanner, who carried on his trade in Warwick, Mass., until about 1812, when he devoted his attention to agriculture for a number of years. In 1^3(3 he removed to Bath, Summit Co., Ohio, but subsequently died at the residence of his son, Dr. L. Q. Rawson, at Fremont, Ohio. Dr. Bass Rawson is one of live brothers who removed from Massachusetts at an early day, and settled in Ohio, four being physicians. He is a member of the sixth generation of the Rawson family, in direct descent from Edward Rawson, who left England in 1636, and became secretary of the Massachusetts Colony from 1650 to 1686. His mother, Sarah Rawson (whose maiden name was Barrows), of Warwick, Mass., was left an orphan at an early age. In his boyhood Dr. Rawson worked on a farm, and attended a country school. From the farm he went to learn the trade of hatter, which he worked at until he was about twenty years of age, but, his health somewhat failing him, he determined to relinquish it and engage in the study of medicine. To this end he entered an academy at New Salem, Mass. , which he attended several terms. In the meantime he taught school for the purpose of earning money to defray the necessary expense of his education. At the age of twenty-five he married, and immigrated to Ravenna, Ohio, where he remained a few months. He then removed to Otsego County, N. Y. , and located at Richfield. Here he again taught school. Previ.ous to his leaving Massachusetts he had studied medicine for a few months, but on his return to the East he took up the study seriously, with the intention of qualifying himself as a physician. Dr. Thomas, of Richfield, becoming his preceptor. In the winter of 1826-27 he attended medical lectures at Dartmouth College, New Hampshire, and at the close of the collegiate term returned to his father's house at New Salem, and continued the reading of medicine with Dr. Brooks, of Orange. In Jime, 1828, he removed to Ohio, and practiced a little more than a year with his brother, Dr. Secretary Rawson, who resided in Medina County, Ohio. In September, 1829, he removed to Findlay, where he settled permanently in the practice of his profession. He was the first practicing physician that had arrived in the town, and was cordially welcomed by its inhabitants. The place had been but recently settled, and the first sale of lots occurred about a week after his arrival. Only twelve white families resided within its limits, the Indians being moi-e numerous than the whites. Here the Doctor has practiced without cessation for over fifty years. Although he has virtually retired from actively following his profession, some of his old patients still desire his attendance upon them and his professional advice, consequently he visits and prescribes occasionally. Dr. Rawson for a long time enjoyed a large and successful practice, the result of which, together with judicious investments in real estate, is that he is in possession of a competency in his old age. He has been a member and supporter of the Presbyterian Church for more tliau lifty years. May 3, 1824, he was married to Amanda Blackmer, of Greenwich, Mass., who died in 1874, leaving an only daughter - Harriet E. Amanda - married to Dr. William D. Canlin, of Findlay, a surgeon in the army, and who died in the service of his country in 1862. Mrs. Canlin died in Findlay in 1870, leaving three children: Dr. Cass R., who was engaged in sheep raising in Montana, was accidentally shot and killed December 26, 1884, near his ranch; William L., residing in Findlay, member of the bar, and S. Amanda, married to C. T. Doudore. now living in Missouri. In politics Dr. Rawson is a Rei^ublican.

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

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

HERMAN ROGGE, grocer, Findlay, was born in Alberfeldt, Prussia, September 18, 1837, son of Ferdinand and Wilhelmina (Feting) Rogge, the former of whom died in 1862. Mrs. Rogge and a son reside in the old country. The subject of this sketch learned the manufacturing of chemicals in his native country, and upon attaining his majority entered the Prussian Army, with which he was connected for thirteen years, passing all through the Franco-Prussian war. Being wounded at the battle of Sedan his physicians advised his making a trip to America, and having a sister living in Findlay, Ohio, hither he came in 1872, the advantages of business proving the magnet which has held him in this place since. Mr. Rogge was married, in Findlay, to Caroline Hahn, who died in 1881, leaving one son and one daughter: William and Mena. Mr. Rogge' s second marriage was with Katie, daughter of Christopher Follweiler, Esq. , of Liberty Township, this county, a native of Baden, Germany, and by this marriage there are one son and one daughter: Nellie and Herman. Our subject and wife attend the German Reformed Church. He is an active member of the Harmonia Society and is its present secretary.

J. B. ROTHCHILD, wholesale dealer in liquors, Findlay, was born in Milhausen, Kingdom of Bavaria, August 6, 1832; son of Benjamin and Caroline (Kurtz) Rothchild. Our subject learned hat and cap making in his native land, and when but sixteen years old came to this country and to West Union, Ohio (where a sister, Mrs. Mary Oakes lived), and here spent a few years learning the habits and customs of his adopted country. He then worked at the tailoring business in Cincinnati and later commenced the clothing business at Bucyrns, Ohio. In 1853 he came to Findlay, this county, and opened a clothing store but soon after went to Janesville, Wis., where he remained till 1857, when he returned here. Upon the breaking out of the Rebellion he retired fi'om the clothing business and accepted the postmastership of Findlay, which he tilled from 18(31 to 1867; retiring fi'om this he engaged in merchandising. In 1870 he was appointed collector of internal revenue for the Fifth Ohio District, which position he held till 1875 when it was consolidated with the Fourth. He then, in 1877, received the appointment of special agent of the Treasury Department and traveled through the Southern States; this he i-esigned in 1878 and the following year embarked in his present business. He married, in 1854, Margaret, daughter of Samuel Jones, of Bucyrus, Ohio. They have three daughters and one son living: Fannie; Jennie, Avife of Charles J. Stern, a wholesale jeweler of Cincinnati, Ohio; Emma and Wilbui-. Mr. Rothchild, although oftentimes requested, has always held aloof fi'om allowing his name to be used as a candidate for any civic or county office. In politics he is an Independent.

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

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

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

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

Union Township, this county, where his six sons grew to manhood, all of whom became worthy merchants except Eli A. Snyder, M. D. , who died in Kansas City, Mo. ; Elijah is a grocer in Havana, 111. ; Augustus C. is a dry goods merchant in Santa Cruz, Cal. ; Delos D. is in dry goods business in Minneapolis, Kas. ; E. D. is a druggist in Kansas City, Mo. Our subject received a good schooling, and at fourteen became apprenticed to merchandising in the store of Henderson & Patterson, at Findlay. At twenty he embarked in business at McComb, with B. B. Barney (now of Toledo) ; in 1865 he came and established the present store, the " Old White Corner," with Mr. Barney, whose interest he purchased in 1872, since when he has carried on business alone (meanwhile continuing his store at McComb. ) He was married in Findlay to Sallie H. , daughter of Frederick and Helen (Gilruth) Dudxiit, pioneers in Hancock County. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have one son and one daughter: Reginald C. and Bernice Fredrika. Mr. Snyder is a self-made man. Beginning upon a small clerical salary he managed to save and eventually started in business. Here, by dint of steady purpose, persistent industry, coupled with able management, he accumulated property rapidly, and eventually placed himself in the lead of his business. From 1875 to 1881 he had, jointly with Gov. Foster, and his brother, D. D. Snyder, at Fostoria, a lucrative mercantile interest. Besides his extensive commercial trade he is also in possession of some very valuable farm property, consisting of three good farms, and owns besides a handsome residence and some of the most desirable business property in Findlay. He is a member of Shawnee Commandery of Knights Templar. Mr. Snyder has always been averse to holding public office, but has given a cordial support and taken active interest in partisan politics. He is a public-spirited and prosperous business man, a liberal citizen, contributing to all worthy objects. In personal appearance he is of mediiim stature, of good physique and of vigorous disposition. He is of a versatile nature, which has probably aided him in drawing around him an extensive and lucrative trade. In politics he is a Republican.

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

THOMAS J. STACKHOUSE, proprietor of the Sherman House, Findlay, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, February 14, 1835; son of Joshua and Martha Sinclair Stackhouse, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland, respectively. Our subject spent his early life in Seneca County, Ohio, whither his parents had removed, and when a lad he came to Findlay, where he learned the baking business, which he carried on successfnlly for many years, retiring from it in 1870. Mr. Stackhouse was united in marriage in Findlay, Ohio, with Fannie, daughter of Valentine Hine, and by her he has three sons and four daughters; Mary; Ella, wife of Dem. Marvin; Cora; Thomas; James; Rosa and Rolla. Mrs. Stackhouse is a worthy member of the Lutheran Church, to which our subject is a liberal contributor. Mr. Stackhouse is a member of the K. of P. He served in Company I One Hundred and Sixty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and is a member of Stoker Post Gr. A. R. He is a public-spirited and energetic business man, and has accumulated a nice competence ; is a liberal contributor to measures calculated to benefit the public.

ULYSSES KINSEY STRINGFELLOW, civil engineer and county surveyor, Findlay, was born in Union Township, this county, June 26, 1855, son of Benjamin and Catharine (Kinsey) Stringfellow, the former of Pennsylvania pioneer stock and the latter of New England pioneers. They removed fi'om Coshocton County, Ohio, to Union Township, this county, in 1854, and there four sons and three daughters grew up: Ulysses K. ; George, who died in Mexico, while j)rosecuting -his profession of civil engineer; Susie, wife of A. D. Whisler, a merchant of Bentou Ridge; Artensa, wife of Charles Hartman, engineer, in Rawson; Mary; Frank and Harry. Ulysses K. Stringfellow obtained a good common school training, and at eighteen taught school, in which profession he was creditably connected for eleven years, retiring fi'om it to accept his pi'esent position, to which he had been elected in 188-1. He is a graduate of the Northwestern University at Ada, Ohio. November 27, 1884, he married Zetta, daughter of William Thomas, of Findlay. Mr. Stringfellow is a member of the I. O. O. F. Upon the organization of the Findlay Natui-al Gas Company he became connected with it and served as its secretary. He is a publicspirited and progressive citizen and, although young, bids fair to take rank, in the near future, with Hancock County's most active citizens. In politics he is a Democrat.

JUDGE ROBERT L. STROTHER (deceased) was born in Pendleton County, Va. , in September, 1801. He received a common school education, and when about eighteen years of age removed with his parents to Licking County, Ohio, where he worked on a farm and for Col. Hollister, a manufactiu'er and prominent character. In 1828 our subject and a Mr. Cochley came to this county, and, having been informed by surveyors that Blanchard River was navigable for several miles above Findlay and via the Auglaize down to the Maumee, these gentlemen resolved to locate land along its beautiful banks, and our subject finally entered what has long been known as "The Isaac Comer farm" (now the property of a Mr. Wagner). He returned to Licking County, Ohio, and in 1829 again came out, this time locating eighty acres of land in Section 12, Findlay Township, and, returning home, gave a glowing description of the country along the Blanchard River, on which stream he confidently expected shortly to see steam boats plying. His description of the country induced Johnson Bonham, James Caton and Isaac Strother to come out with him on his return the following spring, together with one or two hired men. On their arrival our subject was greatly surprised and humiliated at finding Blanchard River almost dry. Bonham, Caton and Isaac Strother located farms along the river. Some timci after bis settlement in this coimty our subject sold the "Comer farm" and purchased land now in North Findlay, and this be subsequently traded for eighty acres adjoining bis original entry of eighty acres, on which bis bouse stood. Judge Strotber began bis labors in this county by clearing a three-acre lot and erecting a log cabin, and soon after bi'ought bis mother and sister (now Mrs. Joseph C. Shannon) from Licking County. His mother died at bis home in 1851. Judge Strotber was very systematic in all that be did. His farm was divided into twenty-acre fields; he i)lanted three acres of orchard, and beside every sixteenth panel of fence on the entire farm running north and south he planted a grafted apple tree, and likewise along each fence extending east and west be planted peach trees. Early and subsequent settlers well remember the vast amount of delicious fruit that grew on and was sold from Judge Strotber' s well-cultivated orchard. Judge Strotber was married, in 1847, to Elizabeth Todd, who bore him one daughter, Laura A., a teacher in the asylum for the blind at Columbus, Ohio. His second marriage was in 1851, with Sarah A. Merriam, a sister of the late Dr. William H. Baldwin (she bad married A. F. Merriam in 1837, and by him had three children: Sarah J., wife of J. H. Schell, of Ottawa, Ohio; Mrs. Emily C. Kemble, of Findlay, and William D. Mr. Merriam died in Kentucky, whither be bad gone to recover bis health. He was a cousin to the Hon. Stephen A. Douglas, and came with that distinguished statesman to Pennsylvania. Mr. Merriam was the second practicing attorney in Findlay). Judge Strotber' s man-iage with Mrs. Merriam gave him three children: Eva A., wife of J. C. Strickler, of Dakota; Mrs. John Shuck, wife of a worthy boot and shoe merchant of Findlay, and Nellie C. (latter deceased). Our subject lived on the farm until 1875, when be removed to Findlay, and about three weeks later, October 8, 1875, be died. His death has been an irreparable loss to bis numerous fi-iends. He had served as associate judge and county commissioner. In politics be was a Whig and Republican, and an active local politician. He united with the Methodist Church in 1852, and died triumphant in the faith. His widow resides with her daughter, Mrs. Kemble, the greater pai-t of her time when not engaged in her active temperance labors. She has been a delegate to various temperance conventions, and was selected as one of Ohio's seven delegates to the national temperance convention held in Philadelphia, Penn., October 30, 1885. She is president of the W. C. T. U. of this, the Fourteenth Congressional District of Ohio, and is an earnest, energetic advocate of the principles of temperance for the good of humanity.

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

H. M. VANCE, stock dealer, Findlay, was born in Findlay, this county, February 1, 1883; son of Wilson and Sarah (Wilson) Vance, pioneers of Hancock County, and nephew of Gov. Joseph Vance, of Ohio. He is the only survivor of a family of eight sons and four daughters. The Vances come of pioneer stock in the State, from Virginia. Wilson Vance was born in Mason County, Ky. , January 19, 1796, son of Joseph Colville and Sarah (Wilson) Vance, natives of Virginia (Loudoun County), and of Scotch -Irish ancestry. They removed to Kentucky in 1788, and to Ohio about 1800, settling in Greene County, and in 1804 moved to Urbana, Ohio. In the fall of 1821 Wilson and Sarah Vance came to Findlay, this county, where, besides serving as merchant, farmer, etc., he filled many important official positions. After a iiseful and honorable life he passed away September 30, 1862, respected by all who knew him. He was a strong Whig in politics, and never voted with either of the present parties. The subject of this sketch has spent the most of his life in Findlay, engaged in a variety of useful industries. He married, November 2, 1855, in Franklin County, Ohio, Flora, daughter of Alexander Shattuck, and by this union has one son and four daughters: Sally, wife of Walter G. Higgins, of Fremont, Neb. ; May, wife of Charles Bigelow, of Findlay Township, this county; Carrie, wife of Samuel S. Howard, a resident of Chicago, 111.; Mary J. and Cloys Wilson, at home. Mrs. Vance is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. Vance is a Democrat.

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

JOHN WESLEY WHITEHTJRST, proprietor of the Eagle Restam-ant, Findlay, was born in Rockingham County, Va. , August 17, 1838; son of John and Margaret (Showalter) Whitehurst, of English pioneer ancestry, in that State. In 1842 they settled in Fairfield County, Ohio, and there the subject of our sketch grew to manhood. In 1860 he came to Hancock County, and the following year enlisted his services, August 5, 1861, in defense of the Union in Company G, Ninty- ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and did active sen-vice for over three years, participating in all the battles of these campaigns, and was wounded at Stone River, Ga. After the war he carried on a restaurant business in Huntington, Ind., for two years, and afterward traveled in the interest of mercantile trade till 1871, when he retired fi'om that and engaged with a circus business for two years; coming hero he established his present business and has, by dint of good lousiness ability, secured a nice trade and accumulated a good competence. Mr. Whitehurst was married, June 1, 1865, in Indiana, to Emma Keam, of Huntington, and by her he has one daughter - Mollie - a young lady of estimable attainments. Mr. Whitehurst has always ci ntributed liberally to all worthy enterprises. He and his wife and daughter are regular attendants of the services of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the Stoker Post, Gr. A. R., and of the Findlay Improvement Society, and of the Findlav Natural Gas Company.

JAMES H. WILSON, P. O., Findlay, wasl^orn in York County, Penn., May 13, 1808, son of James and Eleanor Wilson, of Scotch ancestry, and early settlei's of Pennsylvania. Our subject was reared on the farm and obtained a common school education. In 1832 he came to Findlay, Ohio, and the day following his arrival he purchased a partially constructed frame building with a lot, the present site of the ' ' Commercial Hotel, ' ' for $700, paying part cash. He worked at the carpenter's trade for about one year and then engaged as a clerk for S. & P. Carlin, early merchants. In eighteen months he embai'ked in mercantile business in a frame building erected by himself on the lot where now stands the ' ' Carnahan Block." In 1848 he erected what was known as the " Melodeon Building," then the largest structure in Findlay, containing two store rooms on the first floor, offices on the second and a public hall on the third. This building was torn away to give place to the magnificent business block lately constructed by T. & W. R. Carnahan. On retiring from his mercantile interests Mr. Wilson turned his personal attention to farming and real estate transactions. In 1847 he laid out lots from an entire eighty-acre tract, now known as East Findlay, and buildings have been erected on a majority of the lots. For the last twenty-two years he has been connected with the First National Bank of Findlay as a director and stockholder and has retired from active labor. He united with the Seceder Church when about fifteen years of age, and has lived an active Christian life since, being now a member the United Presbsterians of Cannonsburg, it being the nearest organization of the church of his choice. He buried his first wife, Susan E. (Hutchison), who died July 8, 1880, and subsequently married Mrs. Lucretia A. Marsh. Mr. Wilson has seen Findlay and Hancock County " bud and blossom," having located here when the families of Bass Rawson, Squire and Parlee Carlin, Frederick Henderson, Wilson Vance, John W. Baldwin, Matthew Reighly, Jonathan Parker, W. L. Henderson. Christian Barnd and William Taylor .constituted the principal inhabitants of Findlay. He has experienced the hardships incident to the early settlers and merchants, such as making trips to New York by wagon, en route to Sandusky, by boat to BuflPalo, by stage to Lockport, by canal to Albany and down the Hudson River to New York, to purchase goods. It is enough to say that society, as well as everything tending to promote the welfare of Hancock County, has been benefitted by his relationship with the community; yet it can be added that he has taken special interest in helping to establish the first two railroad lines in this county, and has served the city as mayor and councilman with honor to himself and the satisfaction of his constituents. He cast his first presidential vote for Andrew Jackson, but left the Democratic party in 1838, and since the birth of the Republican party he has been a stanch advocate of its principles. During the transactions he has had with the public in the various avocations he has followed in this county, he is characterized as having been strictly honest, and his acquaintance, which extends all over the county, will take pleasure in seeing him perpetuated with a brief pen picture and portrait in this volume.

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