A figure who has represented the personification of the Yuletide spirit for hundreds of children departed from the Defiance scene when death today claimed Nathaniel N. (Sam) MARIHUGH, 76, at his residence, 116 Greer St.

Mr. MARIHUGH was the impersonator of Santa Claus in the Defiance business district during Christmas seasons for about 15 years until ill health prevented.

He had been afflicted with a heart ailment for a number of years During the past six weeks he had suffered more frequent attacks. His death at 1 p.m. today followed a severe seizure earlier in the day.

Mr. MARIHUGH was born in Adams tp., May 2, 1871, one of 12 children of the late Henry and Sarah MARIHUGH. In early life he helped run a threshing outfit operated by his father. Later for many years he was employed at the City sawmill in Defiance.

His first wife was Mary BROWN of Paulding county. She died in about 1906 In 1908 he married Katherine HAWK, of Defiance, who survives. He leaves also three children: Cyrus and Victor MARIHUGH, Defiance, Mrs. Lorena SMITH, Akron; two step-children: Mrs. Charles TITTLE, Akron, and Mrs. Finley WORKMAN, Barberton; a brother, Adam MARIHUGH, and sister, Mrs. Anna CORCELLIUS, Defiance.