James W. Halfhill
James W. Halfhill, one of the leading attorneys of Lima and the junior member of the prominent law firm of Ridenour & Halfhill, was born at Mercer, Mercer County, Ohio, March 1, 1861, and is a son of Moses and Eleanor (Wood) Halfhill.
Mr. Halfhill comes of Revolutionary stock and colonial ancestry. There are many interesting facts connected with the early history of his family, one of these being the naming of the Plains of Abraham, in the Province of Quebec, once a notable battle-ground, in honor of Abraham Wood, far-away ancestor. The family has been one distinguished in military life, members having been conspicuous in the War of 1812 and in the Civil War.
Mr. Halfhill youth was spent on his father's farm and his preliminary education secured in the common schools. Later he entered the Ohio Normal University at Ada, from which he was graduated with class honors in 1884. In 1885 he entered upon the study of the law at Bellefontaine, Ohio, with Judge West, later attended the Cincinnati College of Law, from which he was graduated in 1887. With a former classmate, now the well known attorney, Jacob C. Ridenour, he formed a law partnership, and they located at Lima where they have become justly eminent, each in his own way. They have offices located at No. 51 Public Square.
Mr. Halfhill is stanch in his adherence to the principles of the Republican Party, and is proud of the fact that he has attended every State convention since reaching his majority. He has been very active in party organization and management, and in 1889 and 1890 was a member of the republican State Central Committee. In latter year he was first elected city solicitor and was reelected in 1892, this being the only public office he has held. Mr. Halfhill is a man rich in scholarly attainments and he has the power to make these effective in his profession. As an orator and pleader before a jury he has a force of personality which sways his hearers and convinces them of the justice of his cause. For years he has been a prominent figure, as has his able partner, in almost all the important legal controversies of the courts.
Mr. Halfhill has always taken a great interest in military affairs and particularly in all the organizations connected with perpetuating the fame of the heroes of the Civil War. He has been elected an honorary member of the 46th Ohio Volunteer Infantry as a token of the esteem in which he is held by that and similar bodies. On numerous occasions he has been invited to deliver patriotic addresses and by word and pen has worked to bring about just legislation for every member of the veteran soldiery of the State.
On September 23, 1896, Mr. Halfhill was married to Cora A. Miller, the accomplished daughter of Rev. I. J. Miller, of Lima. Mr. Halfhill has a pleasant home and one son, James W. Halfhill, Jr.
Mr. Halfhill's efforts are always given to the support of worthy enterprises and , while not formally connected with any church of charitable body, he is liberal in his benefactions to all. Personally he is a man of winning address and his future is bright with promise.
From History of Allen County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Edited by Charles C. Miller. Richmond & Arnold, Publishers, Chicago, 1906