USA > Ohio > Hancock County > A centennial biographical history of Hancock County, Ohio > Part 20
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December 16, 1875, Mr. McManness was married at Findlay, to Amanda E. Kimmons, by whom he has two children: Katie and Frank. While the foregoing outline will give some notion of Mr. McManness's busy life and his contributions to the industrial growth of his community, it is no more than his due to add a word or two of general commendation. It is a com- mon remark at Findlay that he is the best known man in Hancock county, an acquaintance which naturally has grown out of his long residence and promi- nent connections both with business and politics. But what is more to the purpose is the fact that Mr. McManness, in spite of the friction inseparable
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from party politics and the rivalry of business, has shown singular tact in avoiding enmities and securing friendships, with the result that while the best known he is also one of the best liked men in the county.
HENRY E. WITMORE.
In this sketch we shall deal with several persons, for the Witmores are not only interesting in themselves but they are connected with some of the leading families in the county.
Rev. Jonathan Witmore was born near Emmetsburg, Maryland, in 1810. He was a shoemaker by trade, well versed in the Scriptures, a thorough German scholar and a profound thinker. The truth, as he saw it through the faith of the Dunkard church, inspired him. He put aside the last and awl to tell his fellow men what he believed, and the conviction made him elo- quent. He was a plain man of mental and bodily strength and spoke to plain people in a language that they could understand. He was an enthusiastic, active man, putting his principles into practice and living a useful life. The Rev. Mr. Witmore married three times. His first wife was a Miss Shatzer, by whom he had two children, one only growing to maturity. His second wife was Kate Coover, born near Monroe Falls, Pennsylvania, in 1813. She was the mother of eight of his children; six of the number are now living, among them Henry E. Witmore. The family was then living in Wood county, this state, where the father and husband bought at different times parcels of land-either forty or eighty acres in size-as chance directed. Mrs. Kate (Coover) Witmore died May 14, 1851. The third wife was Susan Smith, by whom he was the father of four children, all still living. Rev. Jonathan Witmore died July 1, 1880. He was of Irish and Dutch descent.
Captain Henry Witmore, brother of the preacher, was born in 1798, and served in the war of 1812, though only a boy at the time. His life was filled with excitement and adventure. He became one of the fiercest Indian hunters of the day and it was he who captured Robert Lewis. The Captain was a man of fine physique and great power. He was six feet two, and of sym- metrical build. He lived for many years in Pennsylvania and as sheriff of Adams county was considered one of the best men ever put into that office. His property was part of the battlefield at Gettysburg.
Henry E. Witmore, son of the preacher and nephew of the captain, was born near Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, October 16, 1842. In 1850, at the age of eight, the family came to Wood county, Ohio, and Henry con- sidered that his home until after the close of the Civil war, when he moved
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to Hancock county, where he now lives one a hundred and ten acres of fine farming land in Liberty township. There are twelve oil wells on this land, all flowing and bringing in a handsome revenue. Besides these possessions Mr. Witmore owns two hundred and sixty-three acres in Pleasant township and a four thousand dollar property in McComb.
December 29, 1870, he married Miss Etna I. Reed, who died March 22, 1892. Of this union were born two daughters: Eldora (deceased), on May 27, 1872; Alta M., on April 22, 1874, who has become the wife of Waldo Morehead. November 10, 1896, Mr. Witmore married again. This time he chose as wife Nancy Brown, who was born in Williams county, Ohio, in 1853. She was the daughter of Jacob and Catherine Brown, the former born in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1815; and the latter in 1816 in Wittenberg, Germany, where she remained until twelve years of age.
She came to America in 1828 and married Jacob Brown, September 10, 1837. Nine children were born to them, of whom three have passed away. One of the latter was killed in the battle of Atlanta, Georgia, while serv- ing as a member of the Thirty-eighth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Jacob Brown lived for ten years on a farm of his own near Fostoria. Mr. and Mrs. Witmore are members of the German Baptist church and the former is one of the trustees. In his younger years he had learned the car- penter's trade, and it was this that enabled him to enroll as member of the bridge building corps in the army of the Cumberland. As foreman of his gang, he came near meeting with death, and had many narrow escapes from the enemy. Once a bullet grazed his upper lip and another went through his hat. At the end of nine months' service he was honorably discharged, and returned to the quiet life of the farm. Mr. Witmore is still active, looking after his extensive interests and enjoying the good will and confidence of all who know him.
FRANCIS WILBER FIRMIN, M. D.
The gentleman above named, whose career it is the intention here to briefly outline, is at present the oldest practicing physician in point of years at Findlay. With the exception of the absence made necessary by his service as a soldier during the great Civil war, Dr. Firmin has been a constant resi- dent of the city for the last forty years, and during that time has been con- spicuous both in its social and business life, aside from his labors in the line of his profession. His connection with the various medical societies and fra- ternal organizations, including those devoted exclusively to the veterans of
P. H Firmin W. W.
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the Civil war, has brought him in contact with many persons in all the walks of life and few men are better known throughout his section of the state. The Firmin family boasts of a lineage both ancient and honorable, and traces its genealogy back to the distant period nearly a thousand years ago when William the Conqueror crossed the English channel and overthrew the liberties of the native people by the defeat of Harold, the last of the Saxon kings. With this conquering host, whose advent was destined to change the whole course of history, came Sir Solomon de Firmin, founder of the family of that name subsequently well known both in England and America. John Firmin, one of his descendants, was a member of that famous band which left England in the early part of the seventeenth century to escape religious persecution and founded the Puritan commonwealth in the western world. He was born at Ipswich, England, and had reached early manhood before making his adventurous voyage in 1630 to the shores of Massachusetts; in which colony he settled and became the progenitor of the American branch of the name. In after years descendants of this original emigrant found their way to various states of the Union, among them being the father of Dr. Firmin, who came to Ohio in the second quarter of the nineteenth century, and located in Summit county. 'In Richfield, one of the towns of that county, his son, Francis Wilber Firmin, was born july 15, 1842, and when only two years old was taken by his parents to Springfield, Massachusetts. After a residence there of about one year, the family removed to South Hadley Falls, Massachusett, where they remained until 1850, and then went to South Wil- braham, in the same state. At that place Francis Firmin spent his boyhood, receiving his preliminary education in the common schools, came to Findlay May 9, 1862, and in the fall of the same year entered Oberlin College, where he continued his studies until the following July. At that period college cir- cles, as well as every other branch of society, were profoundly stirred by the events then in progress and young Firmin shared fully the prevailing enthu- siasm for the Union cause. Determined to join the hosts battling for the coun- try, he went to Cleveland and enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until honorably discharged on the 10th of March, 1864. Returning to Find- lay immediately thereafter, he took up the study of medicine in the office of his uncle, Dr. Lorenzo Firmin, with whom he remained until his entrance into the Western Reserve College at Cleveland, in the medical department of which institution he received his degree February 18, 1867. As soon as he obtained his diploma, Dr. Firmin opened an office at Findlay, and his con- tinuance from that time on has made him the dean of his profession by reason
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of being the city's oldest physician in years of practice. As a member of the American Medical Association, the Ohio State Medical Society, the Northi- western Ohio Medical Society, and the Medical Society of Hancock county, Dr. Firmin is well known in his profession, not only over northern Ohio, but in other parts of the country. His activities, however, have not been confined exclusively to his own especial calling, but he has devoted a consider- able time to public duties, serving four years as member of the city council, and seven years on the board of education. Dr. Firmin has been especially active and conspicuous in Masonry, with which ancient and honorable order he has been connected for more than thirty years. In 1868 he was made a Master Mason in Findlay Lodge No. 227; in 1871 he became a member of Findlay Chapter, No. 58; and in 1880 he was initiated as a Knight Templar in Shawnee Commandery No. 9. In 1890 he was created a Scottish Rite Mason at Cleveland and in 1897 became a member of the Mystic Shrine at Dayton, Ohio. For several years he has served as worshipful master of Find- lay Lodge, No. 227, and was eminent commander of Findlay Commandery, No. 49, at the time of its organization, serving as such until December, 1891. Dr. Firmin is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Grand Army of the Republic. In 1872 he was appointed examining surgeon for pensions for Hancock county and with the exception of eight years, during the administrations of Grover Cleveland, has served contin- uously in that office, being at present president of the board.
In politics, Dr. Firmin is an earnest supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and has several times been elected as one of its representa- tives in the common council of Findlay.
May 6, 1869, Dr. Firmin was united in marriage with Miss Mary L. D., daughter of Rev. John A. Meeks, and as the result of this union there are four living children : Scott, Dr. John M., Frank Bope and Carl Giles. It is but proper to add that during his long, active and useful career at Findlay Dr. Firmin has made many friends and enjoys, as well as deserves, their es- teem and confidence.
COLLIN D. HAYWARD.
Collin D. Hayward is a representative of the commercial interests of Findlay, where he is engaged in dealing in lumber and coal, his operations in that direction being of a character that have won him a good patronage. Mr. Hayward is a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Conneaut, in the year 1859. His father, Samuel Hayward, was born in St. Lawrence
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county, New York, in the year 1826 and removed westward, establishing his home in Conneaut, where he resided for many years, as one of the most prominent and influential members of that community. Through a long period he was actively engaged in the banking business and was also a leader in political circles and was called to represent his district in the state legisla- ture. He died in the year 1885, when about fifty-nine years of age, respected by all who knew him.
In the place of his nativity Collin D. Hayward was reared and edu- cated and there remained until he was twenty years of age, at which time time he removed to Chicago, Illinois, where he continued for two years. During that time he was in the wholesale house of Marshall Field & Company. On the expiration of that period he came to Findlay, Ohio, in 1885 and here established a lumber yard, which he has since conducted. He carries a large line of lumber and building materials and also deals in coal, and his patronage bas constantly and steadily increased as the years have gone by, so that he has prospered in his business undertakings and is regarded as one of the suc- cessful men of the place. Fraternally he is a valued representative of the Odd Fellows society, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Hoo- Hoos. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, and while he believes firmly in its principles, he has never sought or desired office, preferring to give his entire attention to his business affairs, whereby he has won creditable success.
JAMES KELLEY.
The value of character is exemplified in every walk of life, no less fre- quently in the career of the farmer in a rural community than in that of a financier or professional man who makes his mark in the city. No where is sterling character more markedly in evidence nor in a broader sense a legacy of the people than in the busy and important farming regions of the middle west. There the sturdy character of the American farmer is as highly developed as anywhere in the United States. One of the best known repre- sentatives of this brand of Americanism in Hancock county is the promi- nent and prosperous citizen whose name supplies the title for this sketch.
James Kelley is one of the largest land owners in the county, the farm which he operates being a five hundred acre tract situated in Washington township, Hancock county, and part of it in Wood county. He is a practical farmer, as his environments indicate, and it is very evident by the appearance of things that he shapes and controls his environments. Mr. Kelley was born
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in Wayne county, Ohio, January 18, 1831. He is a son of Zekiel and Rachel (South) Kelley. These parents were natives of the same county of Wayne, were married there, and were prominent representatives of the agricultural class in that county during much of their lives. They removed to the newer county of Hancock in 1834, where they located in Washington township. Here they purchased eighty acres of land, and passed the rest of their ex- istence in the severe labor of carving a farm out of the primitive forests, a labor to which the younger generation are absolute strangers. Zekiel Kelley was a man of determined will, of great industry, of excellent business judg- inent. These qualities combined to make him a man of wealth and influ- ence in the latter part of his life, and he was extensively and intimately con- nected with the growth and development of the county. He was a large owner of real estate, and during his lifetime, much of the best real estate of the county at one time or another passed through his hands. He also engaged in banking to a considerable extent. In those days pioneers needed money. Those needs were supplied by Mr. Kelley. He was a shrewd, far seeing, but honest and honorable business man. He was prominently identified with the public interests of the county, was a strong supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, and was a firm believer in the tenets of the Baptist church. His birth occurred in 1793, and he died in 1880. His wife, Rachel Kelley, was born a year later, and outlived him by eleven years, dying at the remark- able age of ninety-six years. Their family consisted of eight children, one of whom, Sarah, was born in this county. The rest of the family were natives of Wayne county, Ohio. Of this number five are living. James and one sister are the only residents of the county.
James Kelley passed his boyhood on the farm, early becoming familiar with the labors of the field and meadow. He received what little education was current at that day in the district schools of Wood county, to which his parents moved when he was quite young. He remained a resident of Wood county up to 1855, at which time he purchased his present farm of his fa- ther, where he has resided as a successful farmer and loyal citizen up to the present time. In the year 1854 he took unto himself a life companion in the person of Emily M., the daughter of Reuben and Marian Bement, and by this union eight children have been born: Antoinett M., deceased; Dora R., deceased; Mary, deceased; Arthur B .; Albert A .; Ida M .; James and Frank. The eldest son, Arthur B., was united in marriage to Amanda Dicken. Albert A. married Josephine Lauterby. James led to the altar Lydia Fink, while Frank, the younger son, wooed and won Cora B. Balmer. The daughter, Ida M., was happily married to Charles Ernest, elsewhere represented in this
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volume. The family of Mrs. Kelley were early pioneers of Portage county, Ohio, where she was born in 1827. The Kelley family, from their settle- ment in the county up to the present time, have been leading spirits in agri- cultural pursuits, and influential in the social and public life of the county. They are people who merit and receive the good wishes of a large clientele of friends. Mr. Kelley is one of the most successful farmers of Hancock county and owns its model farm. His house and barns are complete in every respect and fine examples of agricultural architecture. The barn is supplied with stalls and hot and cold water for all kinds of stock. He himself is the planner of this model barn, which is superior to anything of its kind in the county. All his buildings contain slate roofs and every convenience that ingenuity can suggest. He is a Democrat in politics, but not a member of any church nor any of the secret societies, though at one time he held mem- bership in some of the latter.
JOHN W. SHOE.
This honorable and worthy citizen of Hancock county is an extensive fruit grower residing near the city of Fostoria, in Washington township. He was born September 17, 1839, in Montgomery township, Wood county, Ohio. His father was Fred Shoe, and his mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Kaiser. These parents were both natives of Stark county, Ohio, and were of Dutch descent. They grew to maturity in their native county, and after their marriage about 1835 removed to Wood county. Here the husband entered about eighty acres of government land, which he cleared and on which he made many ample and substantial improvements. He still lives at an ad- vanced age, but sold his original farm and now resides in Michigan. His wife died about 1877. Their family consisted of fifteen children and of this number nine are living.
John W. Shoe passed his boyhood on the home farm, and no event of any importance occurred during his early life to vary the usual routine. He remained dutifully at home during his minority, and gave his best efforts to the support of the family. In 1856 he came to Hancock county and en- gaged in farming for Joseph Beninger, remaining here up to 1861. When the war cloud gathered over the nation, feeling that his duty was to his country, he left the plow and took up the rifle. He enrolled as a member of Company E, Forty-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served with this command continuously until January, 1865. He was in all the battles in which the regiment participated until his capture by the enemy at
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the battle of Stone River, December 31, 1862. From that date until May, 1863, he experienced all the horrors of prison life in that noted institution known as Libby Prison. On returning to his command he was promoted to principal musician, and was detailed as regimental clerk, which office he held up to the close of the war in 1865. He received his discharge on No- vember 30, at Victoria, Texas. He returned home glad that the war was over, and conscious of the fact that he had nobly done his duty to the country which he loved. On his return to civil life Mr. Shoe began a connection with the dry-goods business, in which he occupied himself for the next thirty years. In 1896 he purchased his present beautiful home, where he is now enjoying the fruits of his former activity. His marriage was celebrated in 1869, the lady being Miss Sara, daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth Over- holt. By this marriage there were no children. Mrs. Shoe was born on the 15th of April, 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Shoe are prominent members of the society of Hancock county. He takes an active part in the local public life of his township, having served for two years as treasurer. He and Mrs. Shoe are both very earnest supporters of the United Brethren church, Mr. Shoe being especially active in support and attendance upon the Sunday- school, with which he has been connected since 1866. Indeed he has made the rather remarkable record during that time of having attended on an average fifty-one Sundays each year. Mr. Shoe also takes delight in furthering the interests of the G. A. R., and is a member of Norris Post, No. 27, being at the present time a trustee.
JAMES SHEA.
The appearance of the above name naturally suggests old Ireland, as it is seldom borne by any except natives of that interesting and historically fa- mous country. Few names are better known there than that of Shea, and it has been made familiar abroad as well as at home, by the worthy sons who have carried it with credit to every known land. It is associated with geniality and joviality, with wit and humor, with adaptability to all kinds of service and a remarkable aptitude of its owners for taking care of themselves under any kind of circumstances. Another soubriquet also not infrequently applied to them is that of the "fighting Sheas," which would leave the inference that in times of emergency these particular sons of Erin could be depended upon to hit hard blows for the cause they espoused.
James Shea, whose name suggested the foregoing preliminary remarks, has only been in America twenty-two years, during which time he has lived
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in many places, but it is safe to say that wherever he went he left friends and well-wishers behind him, and that no community was the worse for his sojourn therein. He was born in County Carlow, Ireland, in 1861, and left his native land for the shores of America when nineteen years old. When he reached the port of New York in 1880 he had "the whole world before him to choose from." He reached the Buckeye state and located first at the town of Delaware. The prospects there were not inviting, and a year and a half later found our courageous young man "trying his luck" at Sidney in the same state. At this point he wisely determined to learn a trade and selected that of stone-cutting, the details of which were mastered in due time and with this additional equipment Mr. Shea moved on four years later to Cincinnati. There he secured employment in a marble shop, which lasted for two years, after which he worked as a journeyman for a short period at Knoxville, Tennessee, and Mansfield, Ohio. The last two engagements con- sumed about two years, and in 1892 Mr. Shea found a permanent abode at Findlay, where he has ever since remained. In this thriving county seat he opened his marble works establishment and from that time on has been kept busy at his calling, usually finding all the work he can do.
In 1895 Mr. Shea was united in the bonds of wedlock with Miss Bridget E. Hanfin, a worthy young lady of Sidney, Ohio, and their home has been brightened by the birth of one son, whom they have christened Walter J. Mr. Shea is a devout member of the Roman Catholic church, and in politics supports the ticket of the Democratic party. His place of business is at 136 North Main street.
HENRY HEISTAND.
There have been few residents in this portion of Ohio who have en- joyed to a greater degree the esteem and friendship of a larger circle of acquaintances than Henry Heistand, now deceased. He was a man of sterling worth, of genial disposition and unfailing courtesy, and these qualities ren- dered him popular, while his sterling character enabled him to retain friend- ship when it was gained. He was among the pioneer settlers of Hancock county, having removed here as early as 1830. His father, Jacob Heistand, entered three hundred and twenty acres of land from the government, before his decease occurred in 1853, at which time his real estate fell to Henry by the payment of a specified sum to each of the heirs, and the conditions of which were embodied in Jacob's will. Jacob's wife was named Elizabeth. Henry Heistand grew to manhood in this county,
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and married Susanna Welch, both of them being natives of the Key- stone state. Their marriage occurred in 1843, and their family numbered ten children, eight of whom grew to maturity. Of the seven now living four are residents of Hancock county, namely :- Harriet; Morris O .; Charles B .; and Jeremiah. Henry Heistand was a man of true worth and of wide influ- ence. He was a consistent and active member of the Lutheran church, in which he was highly esteemed, and was honored with one of its offices. Po- litically he was a follower of Jefferson, and at one time served his township as treasurer. He died in March, 1878, his wife having passed away in 1872.
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