Page:Women of Ohio; a record of their achievements in the history of the state (Vol. I).djvu/57

Rh two of the Kilbourne voters were mysteriously missing. Not so mysteriously at that—their cache was presently discovered. It was still bounteously supplied with wine and cards—and dice as well.

David and Betsy Green Deshler were married in Easton, Pa., June 17, 1817. They started immediately for the new capital. Betsy, it is said, held her favorite looking glass safely in her lap all the way. They decided on a lot on the north side of Broad St. at High Street. They agreed to give in exchange the following, to-wit—a gold watch, $200.00 in cash, $400.00 on April 1st, 1819 and $200.00 more on April 1, 1820.

Their friends in the East were appalled at the price, urged the young couple to take warning, told them, probably that these April 1st pledges were April foolishness. Yes, they did their best. But the young couple went ahead with their purchase and it was just as well they did so. Part of their lot is now occupied by the Deshler-Wallick Hotel.

Letters written by Betsy Deshler to her family at Pennsylvania are among the few such missives preserved to tell the story of the early scourge of malaria, the hard times and the general struggle undergone by early residents of Columbus. Also of the compensating progress made by the young city and its citizens.

ELIZA WHEELER SULLIVANT was the second wife of William Sullivant, eldest son of Sarah and Lucas Sullivant. In addition to the care of five children and of a handsome and hospitable home, Eliza Sullivant found time, it seems, to assist her husband in his scientific studies. She became an expert botanist, made drawings so accurate that some of them are included in the collections of the Gray Herbarium at Harvard University. In fact, a new variety of moss was named in her honor by a famous European expert in bryology.

HANNAH SCHWING NEIL was born June 3, 1794 in Franklin, Virginia and died March 18, 1865 in Columbus, long her home city and the home as well of literally hundreds of less fortunate men, women and children whose needs she relieved unceasingly.

But this does not tell the real story. Although William Neil, who came from Winchester, Va. and whom Hannah married when she was 22, became one of the richest men of the entire community, Mrs. Neil is said to have given away every dress she ever owned except one black “grosgrain.” One cold day she actually took off her quilted petticoat to add to the comfort of a poor woman, already the recipient of Hannah’s best featherbed. Even so, the Neils prospered. William erected a fine home on ground that is now the campus of Ohio State University. They became identified with many business enterprises as well as many great philanthrophies. These have been deservedly and often eulogized. But the finest tribute paid to Hannah Neil was undoubtedly her funeral, at which not only was the church filled to overflowing but the streets leading thereto packed with those who waited to pay honor to their friend and benefactress.