Ezekiel Hover
Ezekiel Hover, the veteran ice dealer of Lima, was born in this county in 1849 and has lived here all his life, having been reared and educated in Shawnee township. His father was Charles Adgate Hover, who came to this county in 1833 with his parents, Ezekiel and Sarah (Adgate) Hover, and followed agricultural pursuits throughout his life. Charles Adgate Hover married Adaline Smedley and to them were born eight children.
The subject of this sketch was reared on the farm and followed agricultural occupations until 1875, when he located in Lima and engaged in the ice business, which he has since conducted. For 28 years the company was known as Thomas & Hover, his partner being John Thomas, who retired in January, 1902, leaving Mr. Hover in sole possession of the business. In addition to his large ice business, which he has conducted so profitably, Mr. Hover is interested in various enterprises, and is an energetic, enthusiastic citizen whose influence is an inspiration to his community.
In 1872 Mr. Hover was married to Elizabeth A. Bresler, a daughter of the late Joseph Bresler, who was a pioneer citizen of Lima and was marshal of the city during the Civil War. Of the children born to this union, three are living, namely: C. A., manager of the Muncie (Indiana) Builders' Supply Company; Kathrine, wife of Charles Herbst, of Nelson & Herbst, merchant tailors of Lima; and Harriet. Mr. Hover is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He was reared a Presbyterian.