Walter H. Standish
Walter H. Standish, deceased, for many years a resident of Lima, closely identified with its business, public and social life, died April 15, 1904, a man sincerely mourned by the whole community. Mr. Standish was born in this city, January 4,1841, and was a son of Henry and Amanda (Beemus) Standish.
The parents of Mr. Standish were natives of New York and came to Allen County, Ohio, about the year 1821. Henry Standish secured a large body of land in Amanda Township where he lived a number of years but subsequently removed to Lima, where the remainder of his life was taken up in caring for his various investments. He was the father of eight children, seven of whom grew up to maturity. Of these, Walter H., Wallace, Mrs. Angeline Hadsell and Mrs. Malvina Malby are deceased, while Marion and Mrs. Jerome Shockey, of Lima, Ohio, and Mrs. Lemuel Carlisle, of Avoca, Iowa, are living.
The late Walter H. Standish spent almost his whole life in Lima. Here he was educated and from here , in 1861, he enlisted in the 20th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., and served faithfully through his full term, and was honorably discharged. He returned home but ere long was again in his country's service, this time enlisting in the navy and serving in the Mississippi squadron, under Admiral Porter. During the whole period of his service his duties were faithfully performed and he set an example of obedience as well as bravery. After his second return to Lima, he began to look about for a business location, finally deciding to visit Knoxville, Tennessee, where he spent two years in dry goods business. In 1865 he came home and followed the same line of business for a year and then engaged for five years in business at Toledo. In 1877 he returned to Lima and settled here permanently, engaging in an extensive mercantile business until 1885, when he established a cooperage manufacturing industry, operating factories in various parts of the State.
Mr. Sandish was married on February 12, 1872, to Florence Selfridge, Sr. They have two children, Harold S. and Miles W. Mrs. Standish still survives and resides at No. 512 West Market street.
In all that goes to make a good citizen, Mr. Standish was notable. He was honest and upright in business, was loyal and patriotic both during and following the war, was a sincere friend and a devoted husband and father. Not very active in politics, he still took enough interest to endeavor to bring about good legislation. He was for several terms president of the City Council and chairman of the Board of Equalization. The fraternal organizations to which he gave support were the Independent order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and the Masonic order; in the last mentioned order he held the office of junior warden of Shawnee Commandery, No. 14, K.T., of Lima.
From History of Allen County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Edited by Charles C. Miller. Richmond & Arnold, Publishers, Chicago, 1906