Lyman Hammel
Some of the most energetic and enterprising merchants of the go-ahead town of Circleville, Ohio, are identified with the grocery trade and prominent among those engaged in it is the firm of Hall & Hammel, which not only handles a full and complete stock of the choicest groceries, but agricultural implements as well. The members of this firm are enterprising and ambitious gentlemen, full of that push and perseverance that secure success in whatever is undertaken.
Mr. Hammel was born in the Buckeye State, Clear Creek Township, Fairfield County, on the 4th of March, 1846, and his father, Eli Hammel, was also a native of Clear Creek Township. The grandfather, George Hammel, was a native of Virginia, but an early settler of Clear Creek Township, Fairfield County, where he was engaged in tilling the soil for many years. The father of our subject continued the same occupation on the old homestead of eighty acres in that township for a number of years, after which he sold out and bought a farm of one hundred and seventeen acres in Amanda Township, that county. He was an industrious, thorough-going man, and by his industry and steady attention to business, acquired a handsome competency. He operated the farm until his death in 1888. He was a firm believer in the advantages of the platform held by the Democratic party, and was a public-spirited citizen. His wife was formerly Miss Matilda Barr, whose father, Thomas Barr, was a native of the Old Dominion, and one of the pioneer settlers of the Buckeye State. She was reared on the old farm, and received her education in the primitive log sclioolhouse of those days, and was a good and true woman, who had many friends.
Of the six children born to this worthy couple, our subject was second in order of birth. Until eighteen years of age, he remained in Clear Creek Township, and, like the majority of farmer lads, divided his time in youth in attending the district school and in assisting his father in the arduous duties on the farm. At the above-mentioned age, he removed with his parents to Amanda Township, Fairfield County, and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. After this, he worked on different farms until twenty-six years of age, and then came to the thriving city of Circleville, Pickaway County, where he remained for a short time. Later, he went on a farm in Washington Township, Pickaway County, remained on the same for four years, and then came to Circleville again. Two years later, he engaged in the coal, lime and cement business on Canal Street, and continued this until March, 1882, when he embarked in the grocery business by himself. One year later, Mr. Hall became a partner with Mr. Hammel under the firm name of Hall & Hammel, and since then tlie firm has carried on a large and extensive trade. Both gentlemen are capable, enterprising and wide-awake business men, and merit the large trade they have secured. In 1883, these pushing, energetic business men erected their fine, large store, 30x85 feet, and they have this tastily and nicely fitted up with a large stock of the best goods. This thriving business is situated on the corner of Court and High Streets.
Miss Samantha Heffner, whom our subject married in Clear Creek Township, Fairfield County, in 1873, is the daughter of Henry Heffner, who is a resident of this city. She was born in Circleville, and is a lady whose estimable qualities are well known. Mr. Hammel was a member of the City Council for two years, from 1881 until 1886, and was on different committees. Both hold membership in the Lutheran Church, and Mr. Hammel is a strong supporter of the principles of the Democratic party. He has been a delegate to the county conventions several times, and is active in all worthy enterprises.
From PORTRAIT & BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF FAYETTE, PICKAWAY AND MADISON COUNTIES, OHIO - Chapman Bros. [Chicago, 1892]