USA > Ohio > Hancock County > History of Hancock County, Ohio : containing a history of the county, its townships, towns portraits of early settlers and prominent men, biographies, history of the Northwest Territory, history of Ohio, statistical and miscellaneous matter, etc > Part 87
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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
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
completed his studies in photography and afterward remained as a partner in the business for over three years. In 1876 Mr. Nichols established himself in his profession, in Findlay, where he has since been favorably known. He married in Findlay Clara C. Sheffield, and they have one son, Lynn Shef- field. Our subject and wife attend the services of the Methodist Episco. pal Church. He has always given a cordial support to measures tending the city's development, and, although averse to holding public office, has served the city with credit in her councils. In politics he is a Democrat.
CHARLES OESTERLEN, physician, Findlay, was born in Weinsberg, Kingdom of Wurtemberg. October, 5, 1807, son of Rev. Frederick Oesterlen (a worthy minister of the Lutheran Church), and Louisa (Knab) Oesterlen. Onr subject, when a lad, attended school at Laufen on the Neck- er. At fourteen he entered the gymnasium at Stuttgart. from which he grad- nated at the age of eighteen in a thorough literary, scientific and classical course. He then went to Dubingen where he engaged in medical studies under an able professor. In 1832 he came to America, and after spending some considerable time in traveling through the country, located in Ashland, Ohio, in 1834. September 30, 1836, he came to Findlay, where he has since been connected with the practice of medicine very successfully. In 1846 he embarked in merchandising here, from which he retired in 1848; from 1848 to 1862 he served in the councils of the city; in 1871 he was elected (the first representative of the Republican party from Hancock County) to the Legislature of the State. In 1863 Mr. Oesterlen visited his native land, and again in 1876, when he was recalled by the loss of several thousands of dollars through the breaking of the Findlay Savings Bank Company. In June, 1885, along with his estimable wife, who has always accompanied him, he again started for his old home in the Fatherland, but got sick in New York and did not cross the ocean, but came home. He was married in Findlay, in 1838, to Amelia, daughter of Leonard Tritch. They have no children of their own, but have reared a brother and sister of Mrs. Oesterlen, viz. : Harriet (deceased wife of Dr. Detwiler), and Parley C. Tritch, ex-sheriff of Hancock County. Dr. Oesterlen has ever been an ardent sup- porter of all measures tending to advance public interest. He was one of the first to advocate boring for natural gas here, and is one of the important stockholders of the Findlay Natural Gas Company. In politics he is a Re- publican.
CHARLES W. O'NEAL, deceased, was born in Middletown, Frederick Co., Md .. January 19, 1811. His father, Horatio G. O'Neal, was for many years employed in the auditor's office at Washington, D. C., and was distinguished as an efficient clerk, as well as one of the finest penmen ever employed as a government official. In 1833 Charles W. O'Neal came to Zanesville, Ohio, where, in 1834, he was married to Miss Amy J. Baldwin. In 1835 he came to Findlay, Ohio, studied law with Edson Goit and A. F. Merriam, and was admitted to the bar in August, 1838. When he came West he seemed pre- disposed to consumption, but, being a practical surveyor, his services were often called into requisition in surveying and locating roads, the principal one being the State road from Findlay, Ohio, to Fort Wayne, and this open air work contributed greatly to the restoration of his health. He also taught a number of terms in the Findlay school, and many of the business men, now in middle life, were formerly his pupils. He held the office of county and- itor one term, and. in 1844. was elected to and served one term in the State
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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 Kendal- ville and Elkhart, Ind., but when disease warned him of his approaching death he came back to die among his friends. He was converted at the age of sixteen years, and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which his attachment was strong and his interests great during his whole life. Filled as it was with duties and responsibilities of his various occupa- tions, 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 pow- erless 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 In- fantry, and held a commission as lieutenant, but was discharged on account of ill health and died in 1870, leaving a daughter, Mary F., who married J. E. Peirce, of Dayton, Ohio.) Our subject's second child was Mary E .; the third, Emma F., is married to Joseph O. Gregg, of Fargo, Dak .; Mr. O'Neal's fourth child was Charles S. Mrs. O'Neal died in 1880. In this volume will be found a portrait of the worthy Charles W. O'Neal, the subject of this sketch.
JONATHAN PARKER, deceased, was born in Loudoun County, Va., April 21, 1808. About the year 1813 his father crossed the moun- tains, 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 sub- ject remained at home until he was fifteen years of age, when he began learning the carpenter's trade, which he had mastered by the time he reached his majority. He then, with one suit of clothes and an extra shirt tied up in a cotton handkerchief, and 75 cents in money, started on a tramp in search of work. He received employment for two years in various places, from which he saved $200. In the summer of 1831 he became acquainted with Frederick Henderson, with whom he soon made arrangements to come to Findlay. On October 18, 1831, Frederick Henderson, wife and child, and Jonathan Parker, together with Henderson's brother, who was employed to move them, started for Blue Rock Township, Muskingum Co., Ohio, with four horses and an old wagon which broke down when they had jour- neyed some ten miles. This they replaced with another and came on to Up- per 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
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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 consti- tuting the others, and the cord was lin bark. During the winter of 1832 Mr. Parker boarded with William Taylor at his inn, located near where Dr. Osterlen now lives. Jonathan Parker was married to Elizabeth Hamilton, resulting in one child, short-lived, and followed soon to its grave by the moth- er. Mr. Parker subsequently married Lucinda Workman, and was blessed with the following named children: Joseph, deceased; Albert and John; Mrs. Parker died May 15, 1844, and Mr. Parker was again married; this time, February 18, 1846, with Nancy A. Workman, a sister to his second wife, who has borne him three children: W. F., deceased; W. S. and C. O. For several years after coming to Findlay, Mr. Parker engaged at the carpenter's trade. He constructed the first steam-mill in the county and built and operated the saw-mill now owned by Mrs. Powell, and also erected a combined saw and grist-mill-the Hancock Mills, now the property of his son John. Jonathan Parker was an active 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, Clara C., daughter of Miles W. Vance, and to them were born Mabel C., Percy P., Vance J. and Dean W. Mr. Parker began business for himself, in 1871, with his brother, John P., operating the old Parker Mills, from which he withdrew in January, 1883, and en- gaged with Shull & Fisher in the manufacture of doors, sash and blinds, and dealing in hard and soft lumber. He is also interested with his brother, Albert, in a herd of Holstein cattle, in Colorado. Mr. Parker is a member of the Masonic fraternity and is secretary in the lodge; is also a member of the Royal Arcanum; he is a member of the Findlay School Board; in poli- tics an earnest Republican. He and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
C. O. PARKER, son of Jonathan Parker, was born February 19, 1853. in this county, and was educated in the Findlay schools. He taught school two terms, and worked two years in the Jeffersonian office. He clerked for seven years for Charles Hall, in the restaurant business, and in 1880 opened his present excellent restaurant, where he is doing a fine business. He married, October 20. 1880, Louisa Kunz, and by her has one child, Myrtle R. Mr. Parker is a Republican in politics; a member of the K. of P. He and his estimable wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
JOHN PARKER, miller, proprietor of the Hancock Mills, Findlay, was born in Findlay, this county, January 31, 1842, son of Jonathan and Lucinda (Workman) Parker. Jonathan Parker was born near Martinsville, Va., and comes of pioneer stock in that State. When a lad he moved with his parents to Morgan County, Ohio, and from there to Findlay, this county, in 1831. He was a carpenter by trade and took leading rank in that profession
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here, he with W. Taylor and A. Daughenbaugh building the first steam saw-mill in the county. The present Hancock Mills (originally a planing- mill) were erected by him. The subject of this sketch, who became appren- ticed to carriage-making here in early life, at the age of twenty-two went West, and spent two years profitably in Montana; returning here in 1865 he took up milling and has since been connected with that industry in Findlay. In 1884 he engaged with others in the importation direct of fine-bred draft horses (Norman and Percheron). He has been identified with the de- velopment of some important interests and industries here; has served with credit in the councils of Findlay. He is a worthy Mason, and has attained to the degree of Knight Templar, Shawnee Commandery, at Lima, Ohio. In politics he is a Republican.
JOSEPH S. PATTERSON, merchant, dealer in dry goods, carpeting and house furnishing goods, Findlay, O., was born in Bellefontaine, Logan Co., O., November 25, 1827; son of Robert and Eliza Patterson, the former of whom was born in Ballee, County Down, Ireland, January 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 & Western, and was for many years a director, and the secretary and treasur- er of that company; after a successful life in business and in his social relations he passed away in 1867, leaving four sons and four daughters. Our subject, Mr. J. S. Patterson, came to Findlay from his native town, Belle- fontaine, 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, independ- ent of any partnership until recently; now his two sons, Charles and Frank, are associated with him. In 1866 Mr. Patterson erected the imposing busi- ness block on the northwest corner of Main and Sandusky Streets, which he continues to occupy with his growing business. He has taken a leading part in the mercantile interests of Findlay, and is to-day the oldest merchant in active business in the place, and traces back a record of over forty-three years of successful business relations. In 1853 Mr. Patterson was united in marriage with Minerva, daughter of William Taylor, one of the earliest settlers in Findlay, a merchant, and a representative of Hancock County in the earlier period of its history in the State Legislature. Mr. Patterson united with the Presbyterian Church in Findlay in the spring of 1850, dur- ing a season of special religious interest; in 1866 he was elected and or- dained a ruling elder in this church. He has served the church in this ca- pacity for twenty years, during which time he has been called to represent the church in meetings of the Presbytery, and has served as a com- missioner 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 whichi he has so long resided. In pol- itics Mr. Patterson is a Republican.
EMANUEL PHIFER, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Findlay, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, March 14, 1808, son of Jacob and Mary
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(Ellinger) Phifer, who came to Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1806, from Penn- sylvania. Of their family of five children only two survive: Catherine, now Mrs. Guseman, residing in Lancaster, Ohio, and Emanuel, the subject of this sketch. The deceased are Maria Snyder, who died in Greene County, Ohio; John, who died in Lafayette, Ind. ; and Eliza, wife of John Laughlin, Esq., and who died in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. Emanuel Phifer learned the tanning business of his father, in Fairfield County, Ohio, which he followed till 1834, when he came to this county and entered eighty acres of land and cut the first tree felled on his farm. By dint of steady, persistent industry, Mr. Phifer accumulated property and now owns 290 acres of valuable land (no town property), besides having settled nice prop-
erties on his children. Mr. Phifer married, in Fairfield County, Ohio, Emily Bowling, who departed this life in 1875, leaving three sons and three daughters, all highly respected members of society: John S., a farmer in Wood County, Ohio; George W., an active farmer and stock raiser, in Find- lay 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; Agnes (deceased wife of Richard Hawkins). She left two sons: Melville, now living with our subject, and Albert, residing with his uncle, George W. Phifer (our subject's son). The remaining grandchildren of Emanuel Phifer are Myrtie and Eugene Laverne, of John's family, and Farlan, Ebon and Faith, of Edwin's family. Emanuel Phifer is a public- spirited citizen and has always contributed to worthy enterprises.
ALEXANDER PHILLIPS (deceased) was born in Harrison County, Ohio, August, 12, 1812, son of William Phillips, a prominent pioneer of Jefferson County, Ohio. Our subject married in Carrollton, Carroll Co., Ohio, September 1, 1835, Miss Catherine, daughter of Horace and Mary (Cunningham) Duvall, prominent pioneers of Carroll County, Ohio. Alex- ander 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 charac- ter 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 Demo- cratic, attests to his popularity with the people and to their appreciation of his worth. Hon. Alexander Phillips died September 22, 1876, during the session of the Legislature, and was buried in Maple Grove Cemetery with Masonic honors. The following resolutions of respect and condolence were passed by that branch of the Legislature of which he had been a member:
IN MEMORIAM
ALEXANDER PHILLIPS.
Resolved, That it is with unfeigned sorrow that we learn of the death of the Hon. Alexander Phillips, late a member of this House, suddenly cut down at his home at Findlay, Hancock County. Obio, Friday, September 22, 1876.
Resolved, That Mr. Phillips, by his quiet, unassuming manner, constancy in attend- ance 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.
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Resolved, That the memory of such a man is, to the House of which he was a mem- ber, to his constituents and the State of Ohio, a loss most serious, while to the family of which he was the loved and honored head, it is irreparable.
Resolved, That to the family of the deceased we hereby extend our sincere sympathy, trusting that the Author of all good will kindly remember its members in this hour of affliction.
Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the journal of the House and that the speaker be requested to transmit a certified copy thereof to the family of the de- ceased.
C. H. GROSVENOR, Speaker.
Adopted January 24, 1877.
ELI P. PHILLIPS, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Findlay, was born in Mifflin County, Penn., June 16, 1821, to Charles and Elizabeth (Powell) Phillips, who removed to Eagle Township, this county, in 1833, and there reared one son and three daughters: Elizabeth (deceased): Catherine, wife of Peter Fetters; Rebecca (deceased) and Eli P. Our subject learned the plasterer's trade of his father and engaged in it for many years. He mar- ried 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 four-feet posts are needed. His latest invention is a patent gate hinge, a long-hoped-for necessity. Having somewhat retired from actual labor, Mr. Phillips spends a large share of his time in constructing fine picture frames, etc. His mar- riage gave him four children: Sarah J. and Henry, who died young; Simon (who married and has one son and one daughter, Clement and Alverda); Will- iam Nelson, who married Sara Weber (they have one son and three daugh- ters, 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) Platt, the former a native of Oldham, England. George Platt, a miller by occupation, came to America when a young man, and died at Findlay in 1867, leaving a family of three sons and five daughters as a care for his estimable widow, who deserves especial mention as a worthy woman, wife and mother, and who by dint of steady, persistent industry,
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reared and educated her children and has lived to see them occupying import- ant positions in life. William T. Platt obtained a good common school edu- cation 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 de- partment of the grammar school he taught for four years in the A depart- ment. During this time he served for six years as a member of the board of school examiners of Hancock County (from 1876 to 1883), and as city clerk from 1878 to 1883. In the latter year he was elected to his present official position, which he has creditably filled since. He married, in Find- lay, Arminda, daughter of Jacob and Susan (Weimer) Altman, pioneers of this county. They have one son and one daughter: Florence E. and Clar- ence E. Mr. and Mrs. Platt are members of the English Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Democrat.
GEORGE W. POWELL, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Findlay, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, January 11, 1826, son of Samuel and Sarah (Rabenalt) Powell, who settled in Liberty Township, this county, in 1834. He is one of a family of eight sons and five daughters, of whom five sons and three daughters survive. George W. Powell was born and raised on the farm, and from the age of twenty-one to twenty-eight occupied his time in the winter teaching school and the remainder of the year on the farm, and has been successfully connected with that industry in this county since. At the age of twenty-seven he married Mary Jane, daughter of Allen 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 short- horn cattle, merino sheep and Poland-China hogs. In public life he has held aloof from office-seeking; yet he has held township and county posi- tions 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 em- bark 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 ca- pacity for several years. He has also served, with credit, on the school board of his district, and in other local official positions. Mr. Powell is a worthy citizen, a kind husband and father, and an exemplary business man. He has sought to encourage a higher and more progressive state of affairs in the social and industrial life of his community.
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