N. P. Westheimer, of the firm of Westheimer & Taylor, grocers, was born in Germany September 22, 1837, and at the tender age of three years was thrown upon the care of strangers by the loss of his parents.  At the age of nineteen years, he emigrated to America, and, after spending two years in the State of New York, he came to Ohio and settled in Logan County, where he embarked in the mercantile business, which he has since followed in different parts of the State.  He has been in business in Richwood since 1859, and is the oldest surviving business man of that place.  He has built several buildings in the village, and has aided very materially in the improvement of that place, having also built a handsome brick dwelling in which he resides.  In 1875, he was engaged in the dry goods and grocery trade, but is now dealing entirely in the latter.  He had his store burned to the ground at a very considerable loss to himself, but being a man of unusual energy and ability, he was soon enabled to overcome his reverses.  He is an earnest advocate of total abstinence and, though formerly a Republican, now supports the Prohibition party.  He is a member of the Odd Follows society, and a charter member of the lodge at Richwood.  In 1861, he married Sarah E. Irwin, a native of Union County, and a daughter of Richard M. and Eliza, B (Duckworth) Irwin.  By this union one child was born, viz., Ida May, who graduated from Delaware University in 1882.