Miami County, Ohio Genealogical Researchers -- Sponsored by the Computerized Heritage Association


    ELI M. TANNEHILL

    Eli M. Tannehill, of Troy, occupies the responsible position of foreman in the planing-mill department of the Troy Wagon Works, a position which he has acceptably filled for thirteen years. He was born in Knox county, Ohio, July 9, 1840, a son of William Tannehill, who resided near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, whence he removed to Knox county, Ohio, about 1836. There he located upon a farm. His father was a relative of Scotland and resided in the same locality where occurred the birth of the Scotch poet, Tannehill, to whose memory has been erected a beautiful monument, his countrymen thus paying tribute to his ability. His mother bore the maiden name of Eleanor McMillan and was a native of Pennsylvania. Her parents, however, were of Scotch descent and came to this country from county Cork, Ireland.

    His mother died when Eli Tannehill was seven years of age and he went to live with his brother, in Whitley county, Indiana, where he remained eight years, when he returned to Ohio and worked on a farm until 1858. In that year he began learning his trade at Elida, Ohio, and followed that pursuit until 1861, when, prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he put aside all personal considerations and joined the Twentieth Ohio Infantry for three months' service. On the expiration of that period he re-enlisted for three years' service, in the Ninety-ninth Ohio Infantry, and, with his regiment, aided in the defense of the Union in Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama. For some time he served on detached service in the commissary department, and when hostilities had ceased and the country no longer needed his aid he returned to the north, receiving his discharge June 26, 1865, at Salisbury, North Carolina, and arriving home on August 17th of the same year.

    In 1865 Mr. Tannehill took up his abode in Lima, Ohio, where he worked at his trade for two years, after which he began carriage- making on his own account in Delphos, Ohio, where he carried on business for ten years. On the expiration of that period, he went to New Carlisle, Ohio, where he operated a sawmill. The year 1887 witnessed his arrival in Troy. He was appointed superintendent of the planing-mill department of the Troy Wagon Works and has since been connected with that enterprise. The constantly growing business has greatly increased his labors and responsibilities, but he has kept his department equal to any in the works and is one of the most trustworthy, faithful and competent employes of the company.

    Mr. Tannehill was married, in Allen county, Ohio, to Miss Sarah H. Harley, of Putnam county, and to them have been born the following children: Charles, a resident of Troy; Mrs. Marcellus Smith, also living in Troy; Alonzo, a druggist of Mount Sterling, Ohio; Mrs. A. B. Sloan, of Warsaw, Indiana: Clarence H. and William Elmer, both now deceased. For his second wife Mr. Tannehill chose Miss Mary Smith, of Columbus, Ohio. He and his family are active members of the Methodist church, and in politics he is a Republican. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic lodge of Troy, and with the Grand Army of the Republic. His advancement in business has been continuous and creditable, owing to his well-directed efforts, his close application and his unflagging industry. He sustains an unassailable reputation in industrial circles and his qualities are such as to commend him to the public confidence in all walks of life.

    Return to the Biography Index


    Copyright © 2000 by Computerized Heritage Association.
    All Rights Reserved.