Prohibition Pledge

John Hanover, one of the best-known residents of Delaware, O., carries out a trait in the chain of relationship in his family which dates back many years, starting in the time of his greatgrandfather. The Hanovers are people of strong ideas, and when they settle en one point which is a matter that they regard as right, they adhere to it, regardless of the opinión of the public and even the consequences. This peculiarity, which has passed down f rom one generation to another, is the pledge that none of the male portion of the family shall ever cut their hair until the time arrivés when the United States shall have elected to the presiden tial chair a member of the prohibition party. John Hanover, the grandf ather, after whom the subject of the sketch was named, was one of the old-time Baptist ministers of Ohio, and was probably the most active member of that belief in his day. He preached to the people of that inclination in large assemblies, where Columbus, Newark, Johnstown Westerville, Worthington and Delaware now stand. He wore his hair in large braids until they reached his belt line. So has John Hanover, until age is depriving him of the pride of his life. He was bom on December 12, 1827, thus making him 70 years of age. His hair hangs in long waves to the second button of the Prince Albert coat which he generally wears. He lived in his home county until he was 13 years old, and then moved to Columbus, O., where he lived f or 16 years. He enlisted in the Second Ohio Montgomery guards, under Gen. llorgan, which was "raised" . by Capt. Walker, late of Mount Vernon, O. Off to the Mexican war he went and remained until six months later, when he was a survivor of a few at the time of the attack at Marine, Mex., when 96 teams and 300 wagons were captured and 1,500 men killed by the enemy. He i eenlisted and was in the fights, making a well-earned reputation as a soldier, brave and true to those above him in position. His gallantry on the field has sinee been rewarded by the government. He is very popular among the 17 survivors of his regiment, who are left in Ohio, and he has been elected to the highest positions at their reunions, which are held every year, the last oecurring in Columbus, O., in early May, this year under the guidanee of Capt. Smith, of Xewark. Mr. Hanover, says the Cineinnati Commercial, attracts attention v.herever he goes on account of his long hair. One is impresscd with his pride of it on sight, as the manner in which he wears it suggests the way he cares for it. It may be said that there is no lady who is prouder of her growth of hair than Mr. Hanover is of his, and none takes more care of it than he does. For a man 70 years of age his growth of hair is considered one of the most remarkable things known. He keeps the ends trimmed nicely, and says that he will have it cut off when there is a prohibition president elected in the United States - the same statement made in his family for generations past. He is a good citizen and an industrious, honest man. He is in the best of health and says he attributes his itrength to his growth of hair, and believes deroutly in tho Biblical story that Samson's strength lay in his hair.