George D. Kanawl
George D. Kanawl, formerly a member of the Board of County Commissioners of Allen County, and now a retired resident of Lima, has been more of less actively identified with this city's interests for almost 30 years. He was born in 1849 in Juniata County, Pennsylvania, and there obtained the greater part of his education. In 1866 M. Kanawl came to Allen County, and after working on a farm for three years went into contracting and bridge-building. He was so employed in Allen County, for 25 years, and during that period he put in the foundations of almost all of the important business blocks on Main street, Lima, and built the foundation for the Solar Refinery. His careful and lasting work is seen in many of the finest residences all over the city. He did a large business all over the county in building bridge abutments and in bridge-work generally. He was well and favorably known in almost every branch of the building trade. For many years Mr. Kanawl has been connected with politics and public affairs in Allen County. Prior to his first election as county commissioner in 1897, he had been an official in Bath township and had served as supervisor, trustee and justice of the peace in German township. After serving most efficiently as a member of the Board of County Commissioners for three years, he was reelected in 1900 and served three years more. For the past three years he has lived without business care of official responsibility, on account of failing health, and has taken this opportunity to travel over a large part of the United States. He spent last winter in the genial climate of Southern California and Mexico. At every point he has made new acquaintances and left friends behind.
Mr. Kanawl has been thrice married. His first wife was Adeline Ransbottom, a member of one of the pioneer families of Allen County, and they had two children Charles and Fannie. The former is a commercial traveler and the latter is the wife of George Deimer, of Lima, who is foreman for The Lima Telephone & Telegraph Company. Mr. Kanawl married (second) Mary Murray, who was a daughter of John Murray, of German township, a member of one of the county's influential families. His third marriage took place September 6, 1905, to Mrs. Tina (Moore) Crossley, who was the widow of Elmer Crossley.
Mr. Kanawl is a member of the Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church which he assisted very materially while it was in course of construction. Fraternally he belongs to the Odd Fellows and the Elks.