BERNARD MATHEWS was one of the worthy old pioneers of Hardin County, and for forty-six years made his dwelling-place in Cessna Township.  At the time of his death, which occurred Aug. 23, 1891, he was the owner of two hundred and eighty acres of valuable land, and result of his years of well directed effort and industry.  In all public affairs he was greatly interested, and at all times did he manifest his devotion to the general welfare.
     Mr. Mathews was born in Dublin, Ireland, Apr. 14, 1801, being one of ten children whose parents were John and Mary Mathews.  Several of the sons were sailors.  In 1831 our subject married Ellen Clinton, who was born in Jamestown, Ireland, in 1812.  In this union the following children were born: Mary Ellen, who married James Garrity, a contractor; John, unmarried, and a resident of Washington; James C., who wedded Teresa Kennedy, and lives in Colorado; M. R., a ranchman of Colorado, and whose wife was formerly Lizzie Curtain; Cornelius M., also unmarried, of Colorado; Lucy P., a Sister of Charity; Joseph C.; Clotilda, wife of Daniel Flannigan, an editor at Kenton, Ohio; Alfred, who married Mary Brennen; and Jerome, who is unmarried and living in Colorado.
     In March, 1834, Bernard Mathews left his native isle, and, taking passage in a sailing-vessel, was tossed to and fro upon the Atlantic for seven weeks.  From New York City the young man proceeded direct to Columbus, Ohio.  Later he came to this locality, and as soon as possible purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Pleasant township.  After a year had passed he bought a farm on section 24, in Cessna Township.  He it was who cut the first stick of timber on the place, and when he had cleared a space put up a log cabin, 16x24 feet.  In 1882 he retired and went to make his home in Kenton, where his son had bought a house and lot for him, and here he spent his remaining days, dying in August, 1892.  He was buried in St. Mary's Cemetery at Kenton, by the side of his wife, who preceded him to the silent land by a few years, her demise having taken place Jan. 4, 1884.  In his political faith he was a Democrat, and in religious belief he was a Catholic.  A man of fine education, he helped to organize the schools in this township, and at various times was called upon to serve as Director, Township Clerk, etc., making a good record for himself and for his constituents.
     At Kenton, Ohio, Jan. 17, 1882, Joseph C. Mathews was united in marriage with Melinda, daughter of Louis and Henrietta (Neip) Apple, natives of Germany.  Mrs. Mathews was one of eight children, and was born July 12, 1857.  Her father, after accumulating a fortune in Harrisburg, Pa., returned to Germany on account of failing health, and while there she received a German education.  After a sojourn of three years in Germany, Mr. Apple, with his family, returned to America and settled in Kenton, Ohio.  Mrs. Mathews finished her education in the convent of Mt. Notre Dame, Reading, Hamilton County, Ohio.  She was a convert to the Catholic faith, and a lady whose noble character won the regard of her acquaintances, and whose charity to the poor was well known.  Possessing great attractions of face and manner, her heart was as humble as her face was handsome.  She died Jan. 19, 1891, and was buried in St. Mary's Cemetery at Kenton.  The happiness of her life had been centered in the welfare of her husband, to whom she was a devoted helpmate and wise counselor.  They were the parents of four sons, namely: John C., born Mar. 9, 1883; Francis X., Dec. 25, 1884; Bernard J., Feb. 9, 1887; and George A., Jan. 13, 1891.
     In May, 1870, Mr. Mathews went to Douglas County, Colo., where during a two years stay he was engaged in the cattle business.  He received a good education, first going to school in a log house near his home, and later attending a Cincinnati college for one term.  He taught successfully for a term or so in Colorado, and for seven terms in this county.   Since 1873 he has managed the old homestead with marked ability, doing a general farming and stock-raising business.  He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Catholic Church at Kenton.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Records of Marion & Hardin Counties, Ohio - 1895 - Page 313

THOMAS McCALL.     Numerous instances might be cited in Hardin County of Men who, by dint of persevering application and energy, have risen from an humble position to one of usefulness and influence.  They furnish proofs of cheerful, honest labor and a zealous determination to make the most of every advantage offered.  Among this class of successful men, mention belongs to the gentleman with whose name we introduce this sketch.  He was formerly one of the prominent farmers of the county, but departed this life June 30, 1893.
     Mr. McCall was born Dec. 10, 1811, in Washington County, Pa., and was one in a family of ten children born to his parents.  He remained in his native state until about seventeen years of age, when he made a trip to this state with his father and mother, who settled in Portage County.  He remained but a short time, however, when he returned to Pennsylvania and made his home with an aunt, who was residing on a farm.  He aided her in carrying on the estate, and lived there until attaining his majority.  He then joined the family in Portage County and, finding that they were not getting along very well, bought his father's claim, and remained there for four yeas, or until his marriage.
     The event above referred to occurred in 1837, and in the spring of 1839 Mr. McCall removed to Logan County, this state, where he was a renter for some two yers.  The next change which he made found him in Hardin County, where he invested his capital in two hundred acres of timber-land in Hale Township.  On this he built a log cabin and began the work of clearing the land.  He was prosperous from the very first, and after cultivating his farm for seven years sold it and purchased one hundred acres, to which he added from time to time until it aggregated two hundred and twelve acres.  He devoted his entire
time and attention to the improvement of his land, and at the time of his decease had made his estate one of the finest in the county.
     The maiden name of our subject’s wife was Miss Judith Bloomfield.  She was born Jan. 15, 1819, in Crawford County, Pa., to Louis and Susanna (Kirk) Bloomfield, who were the parents of ten children.  Her union with Mr. McCall resulted in the birth of fifteen children, of whom the eldest, Mary E., died at the age of eighteen years; Henry C. departed this life when a lad of fifteen years; Elmira was two years older than her brother at the time of her death; Melissa is the wife of Evan James, and lives in Kansas; Cynthia died at the age of twenty-one years; Lucinda is now Mrs. Eli Bowlen, of Michigan; Susan married Clark Burg, and they make their home in Union County, this state; Louis B. is a farmer in Indiana; William is an agriculturist of Logan County, this state; Thomas M. is a resident of Mt. Victory; Sarah died when twenty-one years old; Matilda became the wife of Daniel B. Willie, and at her death left four children; Chase is engaged in business at Mt. Victory; and the two youngest members of the family died in infancy.
     In early life Mr. McCall voted the Republican ticket, but later, finding that he had reason to change his views, cast a vote in favor of Prohibition candidates.  He served one term as Trustee of his township, and in many other ways took a prominent part in its affairs.  He had the honor of naming the town of Mt. Victory at the time it was laid out.  In the truest sense of the term he was self-made, and at the time of his death left a valuable and well improved estate, upon which his wife now resides.  He was a member of the Christian Church, and bore a high reputation in his. locality for his many worthy qualities and kindliness of heart.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Records of Marion & Hardin Counties, Ohio - 1895 - Page 477

WILLIAM J. McCLAREN, Roadmaster of the Toledo & Ohio Central Railroad, with headquarters at Kenton, was born near Mt. Gilead, Morrow Co., Ohio, Nov. 25, 1859.  He is the son of Robert and Martha McClaren, the former a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, and a farmer by occupation, though for some time he held the position of foreman on the Big Four and the Toledo & Ohio Central Railroads.  At the present time he makes his home in Hardin County, where he owns a large and well improved farm.
     The boyhood years of the subject of this sketch were passed in Morrow County, and after completing the studies of the common schools he entered a Presbyterian college in his native county, where he remained for a short time.  At the age of fifteen this railroad career commenced.  Entering the employ of the Big Four Railroad, he remained with that company until 1880, at which time he was made foreman on the Toledo & Ohio Central Railroad, his headquarters being at Edison, Ohio.  His superior ability being recognized by the officials of the road, he was promoted to the responsible position of Roadmaster of the entire division of the road, and in this capacity he has rendered efficient and successful service for the past six years.  His former headquarters were at Bowling Green, but in 1893 he removed to Kenton, where he has since made his home.  Though his residence here covers a comparatively short period only, he has already become well and favorably known to the people of the locality, and is recognized as a progressive and energetic man.
     In addition to his city property, Mr. McClaren is the owner of a fine farm situated five miles from Kenton, the cultivation of which he personally superintends.  His possessions are the result of his own unaided efforts, and prove his skillful management and business ability.  During his long railroad service he has accumulated a valuable property and is now well-to-do.  His first marriage, which has solemnized in 1884, resulted in the birth of two children, Mattie and Imo.  After the death of his first wife, he was united with Miss Lucy Barrown, of Kenton.
     To all measures calculated to promote the well-fare of the people Mr. McClaren gives his allegiance, and while advancing his personal interests has also promoted the prosperity of his city and county.  Socially he has fraternal relations with the Knights of Pythias.  When starting out for himself, at the age of fifteen, he had nothing but industry and energy to recommend him, but with these qualifications he has placed himself upon a solid financial footing and gained the confidence of his fellow citizens.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Records of Marion & Hardin Counties, Ohio - 1895 - Page 402

ELLSWORTH E. McCOPPIN is a Justice of the Peace and general insurance agent of Ada.  May 1, 1894, upon the resignation of J. W. Morrow he was elected Secretary of the Building and Loan Association, and in the following fall was elected to the Justiceship, an office formerly held by the same gentleman.  May 1, 1894, he also purchased Mr. Morrow's insurance business, which he has since conducted successfully.  He is a young man of ability, and is rapidly forging his way to the front.
     The paternal grandparents of our subject were married in Virginia.  The grandfather was born in 1791, and his wife four years later.  He was a soldier of the Mexican War, and was a shoemaker by trade, but followed an agricultural life after coming to Ohio.  In 1820 he took up land near Carmel, Ohio, and there his death occurred in 1859.  He was noted as a marksman, and took great delight in hunting.  Frequently he was employed by" neighbors to kill the squirrels that devastated their cornfields, and some days he would have one hundred of the little animals as trophies. His father was a native of Ireland and a pioneer in Virginia.  The paternal grandmother, Mary (Burfitt) McCoppin, came from an old Virginia slave-holding family, and on the wagon trip with her husband from that state to Ohio brought with them a little negro girl, who was sold before reaching this state.  Our subject’s parents were G. W. and Thirza M. (Huggins) McCoppin, whose marriage was celebrated at Sinking Springs, Ohio, April 10, 1859.  The father was born at Carmel, Ohio, Apr. 27, 1835, and still resides on a farm, in that locality, where he has served as Township Assessor and Constable for nine consecutive terms.  He is the youngest of twelve children, all of whom grew to maturity and became heads of families and members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  In politics G. W. MeCoppin has been a Republican since 1856.  His wife was born at Sinking Springs, Ohio, Oct. 22, 1837, being a daughter of Benjamin F. and Mary (Swayne) Huggins, who were married in that village four years previously.  Her father was born in 1812, not far from the Natural Bridge in Virginia, and when about twenty years of age walked across the Alleghany Mountains to Ohio, settling in Highland County.  He followed his trade of shoemaking until retiring from active life.  His death, which resulted from an accident, occurred when he was seventy-eight years of age, and though well along in years he was as straight as a man of fifty, and hardly had a gray hair.  Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  His father was a school teacher of unusual ability, and his descendants still preserve a manuscript arithmetic of which he was the author.  He was of English ancestry, and died in Virginia.  Mary (Swayne) Huggins, who came from a Pennsylvania-German family, was born in 1812, and became the mother of three children.
     E. E. McCoppin is a native of Carmel, Highland County, Ohio, and was born July 7, 1861.  He is one of nine children, the eldest of whom died at the age of three days, while the others were Thomas P., who died when in his eighth year; Frank, who is in the bank at Bainbridge, Ohio; Blanche; Lucy; Sherman; and Roscoe and Joseph, who are still in school.  Our subject attended the country schools until eighteen years of age, when he engaged in teaching in his home district and in adjoining counties, being thus engaged until 1884.  During the summers of 1887 and 1889 he attended the Ada Normal School, and for one term was a student at the Ohio Wesleyan University of Delaware.  The winters from 1886 to 1888, inclusive, he again taught school, and for several terms had charge of the township high school at South Solon, Madison County.  The following two years he conducted schools at Rainsboro, Ohio, in the capacity of Superintendent.  Next he took a business course in Eastman’s National Business College of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and Sept. 1, 1890, became a clerk in the Citizens’ Bank of Ada, holding the position until the failure of that institution in July, 1893.  The next winter he attended the Ohio Normal University at Ada, and in the following May engaged in his present line of business.
     Aug. 7, 1889, Mr. McCoppin and Zua Florence Cunningham were married in the Ada Methodist Church.  She died Dec. 12, 1890, leaving an infant son, George T., who was born Nov. 1, 1890.  The present wife of our subject, to whom he was married Dec. 25, 1892, is Margaret Mae, daughter of William T. and Mary M. (Wilson) Deming, of Kenton, Ohio.  Her father is now managing a family hotel, and is one of the respected citizens of Kenton.  Mrs. McCoppin received a good education in the schools of Kenton and Ada, graduating from the normal school of this city, and subsequently graduated from the Rusk School of Elocution in Cleveland.  She also attended the Boston School of Expression and Oratory and Genevieve Stebbins’ School of Expression in New York City.  In 1880 she was secured as a teacher of elocution in the Ohio Normal University, which position she has filled ever since.  On the maternal side she is a descendant of the same stock from which Oliver Wendell Holmes originated.  Her brother, J. Guy Deming, is a Lieutenant in Company G, Second Infantry of the Ohio National Guards, and her brother Cliffe is a Sergeant in the same company.  Mr. and Mrs. McCoppin are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as were all of their ancestors, with the exception of her maternal grandparents, who were Quakers.
     In politics our subject is a Republican, and has twice been elected Township Clerk while living in Highland County.  His surname is a corruption of McAlpine, a famous Highland Scotch family, from whom the American branch sprang.
Source:  Portrait & Biographical Records of Marion & Hardin Counties, Ohio - 1895 - Page

JAMES N. McCOY.   The record of the life of this gentleman will be read with interest, not only from the fact that he occupies a position of prominence among the business men of Kenton, but also because it illustrates the power of self-reliance and untiring perseverance.  Early obliged to become self-supporting, contact with the world developed in him the traits of energy, industry and determination, which are among his leading characteristics.  He is the senior member of the firm of J. N. McCoy & Son, proprietors of a large drug store in Kenton, the success of which enterprise is largely due to his ability and judicious management.
     The subject of this sketch is a member of a family of Scotch Covenanters, who left their native land and settled in the North of Ireland during the religious revolution.  His grandfather, Neal McCoy, was born in the latter place, but emigrated to America when a young man, and spent his remaining years in Pennsylvania.  The youngest of his six sons was Alexander, our subject's father, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1800, and came to Ohio in 1825, remaining in Wayne County until his death, in 1840.  In religious belief he was a member of the Associate Presbyterian Church.  He was a stanch advocate of anti-slavery, when the questions of slavery began to agitate the people, and though he died long before the Civil War, he foresaw its coming.
     Six months before the death of Alexander McCoy, his wife passed from earth.  She born the maiden name of Elizabeth Black, and was a native of Pennsylvania and of Scotch-Irish ancestry.  Her forefathers were prominent members of the Associate Presbyterian Church, and were people of great Piety and nobility of character.  She, too, was a devout Christian, and led a consistent life, her sweetness of disposition winning the friendship of all who knew her.
     Our subject was born in Wayne County, near Wooster, Ohio, Feb. 3, 1827.  Of six children, he was next to the eldest.  His bother, Robert, was a photographer at Brazil, Ind., where he died.  He had four sisters, of whom two survive, namely: Mrs. Mary McGaughey, of Mansfield, Ohio; and Mrs. Elizabeth McElroy, a widow residing in Scotland, Ind.  James N. was but thirteen years old when his parents died, and at that age he started out to make his own way in life.  Learning the cabinet-maker's trade, he worked at that occupation four years, but having had only limited educational advantages prior to that time, he decided to enter the schools of Wooster, which he did, conducting his studies there for a time.
     Upon leaving school, Mr. McCoy entered a drug store as clerk.  In 1850 he went to California, making the trip overland and suffering much hardship on the way.  Provisions being scarce, he was obliged to subsist for some time on parched corn, but finally reached his destination in safety.  He spent six years in the gold fields, meeting with fair success, after which he returned to Ohio, and in 1860 came to Kenton.  In this city, associated with Dr. A. W. Munson, he embarked in the drug business.  When the war broke out, Dr. Munson withdrew to enter the army, and Mr. McCoy associated with himself Dr. J. S. Pollock.  At the close of the Rebellion Dr. Munson again became his partner, and continued as such until 1868, when our subject became the sole proprietor.  A few years ago he took his son, R. H., into partnership, and the two continue the business which he started thirty-five years ago.
     Aside from this, Mr. McCoy has had other important interests.  For a number of years he has been extensively engaged in farming.  He was one of the original stockholders in the Water Works Company, and when it was sold to the city he was made one of the Trustees.  In the organization of the Scioto Gas Company he assisted and is now a Director in the concern.  He is also a Director of the Building and Loan Savings Company, and is a stockholder of the Smith Silk Machine Tool Company.  First this it will be seen that he is closely identified with many of the most important enterprises of the city.  Every measure having for its object the promotion of the welfare of the people receives his cordial support.  He has labored in every way possible to promote the growth of the city and advance its social, moral and commercial interests.  His life has been an exemplary one, and for many years he has been an Elder in the United Presbyterian Church.
     In 1856 occurred the union in marriage of J. N. McCoy and Miss Rebecca Black, of Wooster, Ohio.  Mrs. McCoy is a member of a pioneer family, of Wooster, and is a lady of refined character, whose happiness has centered in the welfare of her children.  Three sons survive, one son and a daughter having died in childhood.  The eldest son, Dr. C. D. McCoy, is a graduate of the Kenton High School and Monmouth College, at Monmouth, Ill., where he spent four years.  Later he was graduated from Rush Medical College of Chicago, and for the past five years has been a practicing physician of Kenton.  The second son, R. H., is a graduate of the College of Pharmacy in Chicago, and the National College of Pharmacy, of the same place, and is now in the drug business with his father.  The youngest son, W. E., is studying pharmacy in the Ohio Normal University at Ada.
     A life-long Republican in politics, Mr. McCoy has, however, never taken an active part in public affairs, preferring to give his attention to his business affairs.  He is well informed concerning the issues of the age, and is posted upon local and national questions.  To such citizens as he the city of Kenton owes its prosperity and the steady advance of its material interests.
Source:  Portrait and Biographical Record of Marion and Hardin Counties, Ohio - 1895 - Page 319

WILLIAM McKINLEY, an old settler in Jackson Township, has made his home on section 19 since 1862, occupying a tract of land which he improved from the brush.  The tract comprises eighty acres, and from its cultivation the owner reaps a comfortable competence. 
     Mr. McKinley was born in Champaign County, this state, Nov. 28, 1832, to William and Mary (McKinley) McKinley.  The father served as a soldier in the regular army and was stationed at Ft. Meigs, as was also his brother James, now deceased.  While out with his comrades scouting in that locality he met some of his wife's relatives who were then residing in Miami County.  William and Mary McKinley were married about 1818, and it is presumed that they were cousins.  Upon starting in life for himself after his marriage, the father purchased one hundred acres of land in Champaign County, seven miles from the home of his wife’s parents.  As his means were very limited and he had not the ready money to pay for his land, he worked out by the day splitting rails in order to raise the necessary funds.
     Grandfather Michael McKinley came to America from Scotland prior to the Revolutionary War, and made his home in Russell County, Ky., becoming one of the pioneers of the state.  On the outbreak of the conflict which soon followed his arrival here, he served on the side of the Colonists.
     The parents of Mrs. McKinley were well known in Champaign County, where her father died in 1844, aged fifty-six years.  His widow after many years obtained a pension from the Government through the influence of Hon. Israel Williams, of Hamilton.  That gentleman, who was well known to the family, was reared on a farm opposite the home of the McKinleys and was one of the playmates of our subject in his boyhood days.  Mrs. McKinley remained on the old homestead until within two years of her decease.  She passed away in 1887, at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. George White, of Miami County, at the age of eighty-seven years.  They had nine children, all of whom attained mature years, and six of the family are now living.  One sister married George M. Williams, father of Hon. Nelson Williams, of Hamilton.
     William McKinley of this sketch remained on the old farm until twenty-five years old, having had full charge of the management of the estate for many years.  Mar. 9, 1862, he came to Hardin County and purchased eighty acres of land, for which he paid $10 per acre.  His tract was covered with brush and timber, and he, being in poor health, found it uphill work to place it under cultivation.  The climate, too, was unhealthy, and in addition to the many other drawbacks he was unable to work for some time on account of sickness.  All the settlers in that locality desired to move elsewhere, but our subject, not being able to realize anything from his farm, remained, and has never regretted that he did not move.  He gave his attention wholly to mixed farming, and after placing the land under improvement found it to be rich and fertile.
     In politics our subject has always been a Republican and cast his first Presidential vote for John C. Fremont in 1856.  He has been Township Trustee altogether about fifteen years.  A member of the County Agricultural Board, he is always actively interested in county fairs.
     William McKinley and Miss Elizabeth Pence were married Oct. 2, 1856.  The lady was born Aug. 24, 1838, in Champaign County, and is tire daughter of Aaron and Rebecca (Runkle) Pence, the former a native of Ohio, and the bitter of Virginia, whence she was brought to this state when an infant by her parents.  To our subject and his wife there have been born the following children: Franklin Marion, who married Wilhelmina Vuess and lives on the farm adjoining the old place; Aaron Pence, who married Elizabeth Flowers, and also makes his home in the vicinity of the old homestead; Mary Theresa, now Mrs. L. L. Oates, a resident of Pleasant Township, Hardin County; Maria Rebecca, now Mrs. E. W. Zimmerman, of Wyandot County; Sarah Elnora, who married C. T. Zimmerman, of Wyandot County; and Louemma, Arlo and William Perry, at home.  Earl, the twin of Arlo, is deceased.  Our subject and wife are members in good standing of the Baptist Church.
Source:  Portrait and Biographical Record of Marion and Hardin Counties, Ohio - 1895 - Page 362

MORRIS MEYER.  The Hardin County Bank of Forest was established in March, 1888, by Z. T. Lewis, of Urbana, Ohio; J. W. Weil and C. M. Leon, of Columbus; and Morris Meyer, the latter becoming Cashier, which position he has since filled.  this is the only banking institution the village has ever had, and it has proved remunerative to its projectors.  In October, 1890, Mr. Meyer became the sole owner, and to its management he devotes his entire attention.  The correspondents of the bank are the Chase National, of New York; the Fourth National of Cincinnati; and the Merchants' & Manufacturers', of Columbus.
     The birth of Mr. Meyer occurred in the city of Memphis, Tenn., Dec. 19, 1865, his father, Jacob, being a merchant of that place.  In 1873 his parents and eldest brother fell victims to the yellow fever, all dying within two weeks of one another.  Orphaned at the early age of eight years, he and his brothers were obliged to become self-supporting at a time when boys are usually in school or at play.  Probably this fact, however, instead of proving detrimental, was on the other hand the secret of their success, fostering in them the habits of perseverance, determination and energy that were important factors in their business careers.  All are well-to-do, occupying positions of trust and responsibility.  His brother Samuel R. is a member of the firm of Meyer, Wise & Kaichen, wholesale dealers in motions in Cincinnati.  Another brother is foreman of the house of Laird, Schober & Mitchell, manufacturers of ladies' shoes, Philadelphia; his sister Amelia is stenographer for R. J. H. Smith & Co., of Cincinnati; and Leah is employed in the cloak department of the H. & S. Pogue Company, of Cincinnati.
     Shortly after the death of his parents our subject came with his sisters to Cleveland, Ohio.  At the age of thirteen he went to Cincinnati, where for three years he was a student in the high school.  He then entered the office of the wholesale dry-goods firm of Lewis Stix & Co., where from the position of errand boy he worked his way, within one and a half years, to that of assistant bookkeeper.  Later he held a similar position with the firm of Lewis Wald & Co.  During his vacation he spent a portion of one summer in Urbana, Ohio, with the local base-ball team.  He had signed a contract with a team in Chattanooga, Tenn., when the offer of the position of Teller in the Urbana Home Savings Bank caused a complete change in his plans.  He accepted the position, was soon promoted to Assistant Cashier and became Cashier before he was twenty-one.  His leisure evenings were devoted to the study of commercial law, in which he is thoroughly grounded.
     When the President of the bank established the Hardin County Bank at Forest, Mr. Meyer associated himself i the undertaking, and to him the success of concern is largely due.  In 1889, E. M. Leon, whose stock had previously been held by others (he being a minor), in connection with Mr. Meyer, bought the principal part of the stock, and the former became Assistant Cashier, remaining an employe of the bank until October, 1890, when our subject became sole proprietor.  During the great panic of 1893, when throughout the entire country banks were closing their doors, and concerns apparently the most reliable were forced into bankruptcy, the Hardin County Bank maintained its credit, honored every draft, and passed through the ordeal unscathed; this, too, when the nearest banks to the north, east and west (those of Upper Sandusky, Findlay and Ada) were unabled to meet the runs made upon them and were obliged to suspend business.
     Though his duties are many and his position one of great responsibility, Mr. Meyer is still devoted to athletic sports.  In base ball he is especially interested, and in 1894-95 served as Captain of the Kenton team.  He also takes a prominent part in local theatricals, and in that capacity his services are in demand in other towns.  He was made a mason in Senate Lodge No. 378, F. & A. M., and is serving his second term as Master.  He is a member of Scioto Chapter No. 119, R. A. M., at Kenton, and is also active in Kenton Council No. 65, R. & S. M.  In the Ohio Bankers' Association he takes an active part.  Such are his energy and judgment, as displayed in the management of his business affairs, that he has gained the confidence of the people, and is known and respected as a progressive young man, of the utmost integrity, great industry and far-seeing discrimination.
Source:  Portrait & Biographical Records of Marion & Hardin Counties, Ohio - 1895 - Page 340

Source:  Portrait & Biographical Records of Marion & Hardin Counties, Ohio - 1895 - Page 253

JOHN W. MORROW, the genial and popular Postmaster of Ada, Hardin County, is one of her native sons.  He received the appointment of this position of trust and honor, after a hard-fought battle for the preference, in April, 1894.  He is discharging his manifold duties in such a quiet and faithful manner that even his political opponents have only words of praise for him.  It seems almost needless to say that he is an uncompromising and ardent Democrat, because he was raised to his present post by the standard-bearer of the party, Grover Cleveland.  In 1886 young Morrow was elected Justice of the Peace, and served very acceptably in that capacity during eight years.
     The father of the above-named gentleman, James Morrow, was a native of Ireland, and emigrated to the United States in his early manhood, about 1834.  He settled in Tiffin, Ohio, where he dwelt some ten years.  In 1844 he moved to Ada, and from that time until his death, which event occurred in 1887, made his home there, His wife, who bore the maiden name of Ellen Sullivan, is also of Irish birth, and is now a resident of this village.  She has had three children, of whom our subject is the youngest.  Michael is in the insurance business at Tiffin, Ohio; and Anna is unmarried and living with her mother.
     J. W. Morrow was born Nov. 24, 1862, and passed Ids boyhood on his father’s farm, in the usual work and play common to that period of life.  In an educational way he fared much better than do many farmer lads, for after mastering the rudimentary branches of learning, he attended the Ohio Normal University of Ada, and there obtained practical instruction on all lines of general knowledge.  Upon completing his studies he taught school successfully for five years.  Subsequently he was in the insurance business several years, and in that venture was also prospered.  In 1889 he helped to organize the Ada Building and Loan Association, a most worthy enterprise, of which he was Secretary for four years.  Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
     Nov. 16, 1886, Mr. Morrow married Miss Ella Wright, a farmer’s daughter, formerly of Marseilles, Wyandot County, Ohio.  The union of this worthy couple has been blessed with four children, as follows: Ethel L. (who died in infancy), Gertrude, Mamie and Maude.  Mr. and Mrs. Morrow are great favorites in social circles, and enjoy the friendship of a large number of acquaintances.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Records of Marion & Hardin Counties, Ohio - 1895 - Page 551

AUGUSTUS W. MUNSON, M. D., of Kenton, was born in Chenango County, N. Y., Nov. 2, 1819, and is the eldest of a family of eight children.  The first of the name to come to America was Cap. Thomas Munson, who, about 1640, emigrated from the Highlands of Scotland and settled near the present limit is of the city of New Haven, Conn.  There Wilmot Munson, grandfather of the Doctor, was born in 1752, and thence, in 1774, he moved to the Wyoming Valley in Pennsylvania.  His family was among the few that escaped in the Indian massacre there in 1778.  He entered the Colonial army and gave his country valiant service during the Revolutionary War.
     In the Wyoming Valley Wilmont Munson, Jr., father of our subject, was born in 1797, being the youngest of four brothers, and he also had several sisters.  Rachel, the eldest, was born in 1781.  Mishael, born in 1783, was married in 1801 to Sarah Cone, and in 1806 moved to Marietta, Ohio, but three years later settled in Delaware County.  He died in the West in 1863.  For many years he was a minister of the Methodist Church.  Almira became the wife of Cephas Cone in 1803, moved to Marietta in 1806, and afterward went to Delaware County, here her husband died in 1852, leaving two children, Luther and John.  By her second marriage, which united her with Abraham Foust, she had two children, Almira and Wilson.  Her descendants still live in Delaware County.  The next in order of birth, Vasta, was born in 1789, and married William B. Tillotson, in Chenango County, N. Y.  She later moved to Fremont, Ohio, where she died in 1853.  She had several children, but little is known concerning their history.  Nicanor, the next member of the family circle, was born in 1791.  Catharine was born in 1793, but nothing is known concerning her.  In 1812 the father of Dr. Munson emigrated with his parents of Chenango County, N. Y., and at the age of fifteen entered the War of 1812 as a substitute for an older brother, serving until the close of the conflict.
     Oct. 6, 1818, Wilmot Munson married Elizabeth Salisbury, who was born in Brattleboro, Vt., about 1801, and about 1812 moved with her father's family to Chenango County, N. Y.  The Doctor was the eldest child born to her marriage.  Henry, the next younger, was born Feb. 13, 1821.  He came to Ohio with the family and engaged as a dealer in live-stock in the village of Wyandot, where he died.  Jonathan S. was born Oct. 18, 1823, went Wet, and has not been heard of since.  Ambrosia, born Feb. 22, 1825, married a Mr. Rockwell, and they lived in the West until his death, since which tie she has made her home in the northern part of Hardin County.  Christopher C. was born Apr. 17, 1829, and died in Waldo, Delaware County, Ohio.  Anna J., who was born June 13, 1831, in Delaware County, died in infancy.  Elizabeth, whose birth occurred Oct. 4, 1837, in Hardin County, married John Copeland, and is a resident of Hardin County.  Rachel, born May 4, 1840, was married to George Spracklin, and lives in Hepburn, Hardin County.
     In 1829 the family left Chenango County for the wilds of Ohio, making the trip in a two-horse wagon, and taking all of their household effects with them.  The Doctor was then ten years of age, and his brother Christopher was but a few months old.  On the evening of July 4, 1829, they pitched their camp in Sharon Township, Richland County, where they remained for two years.  The father then bought a small tract of land in the then wilderness, and after two years spent there he took the family to Newville, in the southern part of Richland County, where he taught school for one year in order to support them.  In 1832 he went to the little village of Waldo, Delaware (now Marion) County, where in a small way he engaged in the manufacture of potash, continuing thus engaged until 1838.  He then traded his village property for one hundred and twenty County.  To this unimproved tract, in the midst of the wilderness, he brought his family, moving into a log cabin.  The latter was without a floor, and had opening for a door and widow, and a place for a chimney, but no chimney.  In the fall of 1839 he taught the first school in the township.  Nov. 25, 1839, he was elected Justice of the Peace, being the second incumbent of that office in the township.
     A man of considerable natural ability and with an education superior to that of other pioneers of his section, Mr. Munson was looked upon not only as a leader, teacher and Justice, but also as a legal adviser, in which latter line he did an extensive business.  After improving the farm, he sold it and purchased a place near Kenton, but afterward settled on a valuable estate six miles north of this place, where he died May 9, 1887, at the age of ninety years.  His first wife, our subject's mother, died Apr. 3, 1864, and he afterward married Eliza Yauger, who is now living on the old home place.
     At the time of coming to Ohio, Dr. Munson was ten years old.  His early advantages for acquiring an education were very meager, being confined principally to the instruction received under his father's direction.  When fourteen he became clerk in a store at Newville, but after the removal fo the family to Waldo he made up his mind to follow them, and started out on foot, in which way he made the trip, a distance of forty-two miles, much of it through a dense forest.  On arriving at his destination, he assisted his father in the manufacture of potash, and also attended school.  Receiving a certificate in 1838, he taught one term of school, and in the winter of 1838-39 he assisted his father in clearing his newly purchased farm in Hardin County.
     In May, 1839, Dr. Munson left home on foot for Delaware County, where, with the assistance of his uncle, he purchased a scythe and snath, and proceeding to the northern part of Marion County, he was able to command seventy-five cents per day cutting hay.  In the fall of the same year he secured a school in that neighborhood, and taught during the winter of 1839-40.  There he met Miss Maria McMullen, a widow's daughter, whom he married in April, 1840, and who for more than fifty-four years was his devoted and cherished helpmate.  She was a most exemplary member of the Presbyterian church, and her death, Sept. 30, 1894, was mourned by all who knew her.
     Four children were born to Dr. and Mrs. Munson.  Amanda M., whose birth occurred Dec. 26, 1840, married Hale Salisbury, and died Apr. 6, 1888; her husband is also deceased.  Their only child, Carrie, was born Nov. 11, 1882, and makes her home with Dr. Munson.  Aura A., who was born in Marseilles, Dec. 27, 1843, died in Kenton, Aug. 14, 1863.  Henry C., who was born in Wyandot in December, 1846, died in infancy.  LeRoy D., born Dec. 30, 1854, is a graduate of Columbus Medical College and a practicing physician of West Mansfield, Ohio.  He married Miss Estella Hunt, of Cleveland, and they have two children, Wilmot and Clare.
     After his marriage, Dr. Munson cultivated his mother-in-law's farm for one season, and in the winter of 1840-41 taught a school near Bucyrus.  Meantime his spare moments were devoted to the study of medicine.  In the summer of 1841 he returned to Hardin County, built a cabin on his father's farm, and assisted in the cultivation of the home place, at the same time carrying on his studies.  In the winter of 1841-42 he taught school in Marion County, and in the spring of 1842 moved with his family to Marseilles.  There he studied with Dr. Ferris, and also taught a summer school.  He continued to teach and study until the summer of 1`844, when he entered the office of Dr. Leighton, in Kenton, and in the fall moved his family to the village of Wyandot, where he taught school and began the practice of his profession.  In the fall of 1849 he attended lectures at the Cleveland Medical College, and in the spring of 1850 he located at Kenton and engaged in the practice of medicine with his former preceptor, Dr. Leighton.  He was graduated from the Cleveland Medical College in 1853, and the following year opened an office in Kenton on his own account.  In 1859 he started a drug store, and in 1860 took in as partner J. N. McCoy.
     At the breaking out of the war, in 1861, Dr. Munson became Assistant Surgeon of the Eighty-second Ohio Infantry, and served in that capacity until 1863, when he became disabled and resigned, returning to Kenton and resuming practice.  In March, 1865, he again entered the military service, serving as Surgeon of the One Hundred and Eighty-eighth Ohio Infantry until the close of the war.  From that time until a recent date he has carried on an extensive practice, but is now retired from professional work.
     In 1850 Dr. Munson was instrumental in organizing the first medical society in Hardin County.  In 1857 he became a member of the Ohio Medical Society, and in the same year represented the local society in the state meeting.  In 1856 he joined the American Medical Association, and the same year represented the county society in the national convention in Detroit.  He performed a similar duty at Nashville in 1857, at Cincinnati in 1867, and at Philadelphia in 1872.  In 1870 he identified himself with the Northwestern Ohio Medical Society, and at its meeting at Kenton in 1870 he was selected to deliver the address of welcome.  Upon the subject of the practice of medicine he has written considerable.  In 1868 he aided in the organization of the Hardin County Pioneer Association, was its first Secretary, and with the exception of one year, when he was President, has been its Secretary since the date of its organization.
     In the politics of Hardin County the Doctor has been an important factor for many years.  As early as 1840, when but twenty-one years old, he took an active part in the Whig campaign, and cast his first Presidential ballot for William Henry Harrison.  In 1856 he cast in his lot with the new and then untried Republican party, and has been a stanch advocate of its principles ever since.  Under President Pierce he was Postmaster in Wyandot.  In 1882 he was elected Mayor of Kenton, being the second Republican elected to the office.  In 1873 he was chosen to represent this district in the Legislature, and in that position acquitted himself with credit, introducing several important bills that became laws, and otherwise promoting the welfare of his constituents.
     Though now past threescore and ten years of age, Dr. Munson retains the symmetry of figure characteristic of his youthful years.  He is tall and erect, of commanding appearance and stalwart frame, a man whose physique and mental capacity might well be envied by men twenty years his junior.
Source:  Portrait & Biographical Records of Marion & Hardin Counties, Ohio - 1895 - Page 141