Elder, Frank H., one of the retired farmers of Hamilton, and formerly extensively engaged in agricultural activities in this county, is a man widely known and universally respected. He was born in Ashland County Ohio, October 8, 1854, a son of James and Eliza Jane (Martin) Elder, natives of Pennsylvania. James Elder was born in 1824, and died in 1895, and his wife, who was born in 1826, died in 1896. In 1862, they moved from Ohio to Rock Island County, later coming to Hancock County, and buying 200 acres of land in Wythe Township. After improving this farm, they retired, moved to Hamilton, and there spent the remainder of their lives. Their children were as follows: Frank H.; Hugh M., who is a banker of Hamilton; Alonzo A., who is a retired farmer of Hamilton; and John, Albert O. and James, all of whom are deceased.

Frank H. Elder continued to live in a farm in Whythe Township until 1896, and still owns 160 acres of finely improved land in that township. In 1896 he went into agricultural implement business at Hamilton, and conducted it until 1916, when he sold his stock, and since then has been occupied in looking after his interests.

In November, 1881, Mr. Elder was married (first) to Josie Hurst, and they had three children, namely: Maxwell, who lived in Chicago, married Garnet Geer; Grace, who is Mrs. C. H. Walker, lives on a farm in Winnebago, Minn., and has a son, Franklin; and Robert, who is serving in the United States army, in overseas service. Mrs. Elder died in 1894. On April 7, 1896. Mr. Elder was married (second) to Mollie Kiser, a daughter of Wilson and Mary Ann (Johnson) Kiser, and they have two children, namely: Bernice, who was born October 5, 1898; and Mary, who was born August 15, 1900, both of whom are at home .... The family belongs to the Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. Elder is a Republican. During his long life, he has won and retained friends, and his family is a well known one in the county.

Elder, Hugh M., president of the First National Bank of Hamilton, and one of the heaviest property holders of Hancock County, is one of the leading financiers and business men of this part of the state. He was born in Pennsylvania, January 22, 1844, a son of James and Eliza J. (Martin) Elder, who had seven children. James Elder was engaged very extensively and profitably in farming, first in Pennsylvania, later in Ohio, to which state he migrated in 1852, and finally in Hancock County, where he permanently located in 1865. Here he passed the remaining days of his life.

Hugh M. Elder attended the public schools of Ashland County, Ohio, and after completing the high school course, began teaching school. For some years he was engaged in the educational fields of Ohio and Illinois, and then in 1889, coming to Hamilton, he organized the First National Bank of this city which he has since served as president, directing and shaping its policies.

On October 8, 1875, Mr. Elder was united in marriage with Miss Susan Reiter, a daughter of Louis Reiter. Mr. and Mrs. Elder have a daughter, Maude, who is the wife of B. L. Matthis of Hamilton. The family all belong to the Presbyterian Church.

While Mr. Elder takes the deepest interest in national matters and civic affairs, he has never been willing to permit the use of his name on the party ticket, being too much occupied with business affairs of grave import since coming to Hamilton to hold office, although prior to that he represented his township on the county board of supervisors, for five years. His fraternal connections are with the Masons, he having joined that order in 1866, the sound policies and thorough fitness for the responsibilities developing upon the shoulders of the chief executive of a bank of the importance of the First National, which characterize Mr. Elder, have been valuable assets to his institution, and through it he renders a very valuable service to the community, as well as to his stockholders and depositors. It is such men as Mr. Elder who establish the credit and financial soundness of their sections.