My Genealogy Hound

SAMUEL B. MINNICH, merchant, P. O. and residence, Castine; one of the firm of Minnich & Hamiel, dealers in general merchandise, Castine. This is the most important business firm of Butler Township. The subject of this sketch is a native of Pennsylvania, and an old resident of Darke Co.; was born Dec. 10, 1824; when about 7 years of age, he came with his parents to Montgomery Co., Ohio, where he remained till 1847, when he came to Castine and engaged in the lumber business; operated a saw-mill here twelve years. In 1859, he engaged in merchandising in connection with Mr. Hamiel, who had become a partner in the lumber business in 1850 and they have continued to do business together for thirty years; during this time, they have done a large business in the aggregate, and altogether quite successful. Mr. Minnich received only such education as the common schools of Montgomery Co. afforded during his youth; lived on a farm until 19 years of age, then learned the trade of millwright, and worked at that until he came to Castine and engaged in the saw-mill and lumber trade: he started the first merchant mill in Casting and during the twelve years following the firm distributed many thousands of dollars among the farmers in this vicinity in exchange for their timber, which stimulated improvements and furnished the means. Mr. Minnich’s marriage with Terressa Sinclair was celebrated in Castine Dec. 14, 1850; she is the daughter of John Sinclair, an early settler of Butler Township; her decease occurred Jan. 3, 1860; she had two sons— Joseph W., now a teacher, and John W., now a traveling salesman with Anderson & Maxton, boot and shoe dealers. Mr. Minnich’s marriage with Miss Evaline, daughter of Thomas Law, a resident of Butler Township, was celebrated Feb. 9, 1802. Mr. Minnich has been Postmaster at Castine continuously since 1861.